Drawing Elizabeth closer, the world around them disappeared as Nathan rested his chin on her head. He was still alive, but another Mountie was dead. Was it his fault? No. He had done everything he was trained to do in order to diffuse a dangerous situation. If only the other Constable hadn't raised his gun…

Elizabeth clung to him trembling, neither of them caring that everyone in town was staring. Out of the corner of his eye, Nathan saw Lucas rush back into the Saloon with a look of shock and hurt on his face. "You're alright, you're alright…" Elizabeth repeated against his chest. Suddenly, Nathan heard a twig snap and looked around to find the culprit.

Waking with a start, Nathan's eyes flashed open and surveyed his surroundings while clutching his rifle. He pointed the gun in the direction he heard the sound coming from and saw movement. "Mounted Police!" he barked. "Come out with your hands up!" What came into the light of the fire was a pathetic looking mutt who whimpered and limped toward him. With a sigh of relief, Nathan cautiously approached the animal and saw his left front paw was bleeding. "That doesn't look good. Stay there and I'll get my medical kit and some food for both of us." Truth be told, Nathan was a sucker for kids and animals. He strongly believed in defending the most vulnerable.

Newton shot Nathan a sulky look when he grabbed the saddle bag. "Look, I can't just let this dog die out here alone. Don't give me that look; you're my number one, Newt." To his surprise, the dog didn't try to run away or flinch when he wrapped the cut with a bandage. He pulled out his final dinner rations and shared a bit with the resting canine as they both warmed up by the fire. Nathan was grateful he had packed his extra coat for the cold Canadian Autumn nights on the trail.

He leaned against a log and poked at the fire, his eyes getting lost in the glowing embers as he analyzed his recurring dream of "the hug". He hadn't been home for nearly three weeks since the shooting. When Elizabeth finally let go of him that day, Allie appeared and nearly crushed him with an embrace of her own. Everything happened so fast, and he had no time to find Elizabeth before having to help take the Constable's body to Union City for his proper burial and the trial of the criminal siblings. Nightmares about the shooting were keeping Nathan up most nights, and he hadn't gotten a good night's sleep since that day. Between that and his recurring dream about Elizabeth's hug kept him up both day and night. Maybe once he was safe and sound in his own bed with Allie under the same roof, he could actually breathe and sleep again.

While he had been thinking and playing with coals in the campfire he had built for his last night in the wilderness, a dirty ball of fur had crawled up beside him and laid its head in Nathan's lap. Getting a closer look, Nathan was surprised to see what looked to be a Golden Retriever somewhere beneath the grime. He wondered if the dog was just lost from its owners, or if it was a stray. It was very well behaved and friendly to have never been a part of a real family. Nathan discovered that it was a female dog and began petting her as she relaxed even more against him. He finally drifted off, with both Newton and the new shaggy animal by his side.

Drinking her morning tea on the front porch had become a ritual since Nathan left for Union City following his harrowing near-death moment that shook Elizabeth to her core. After Jack died at Fort Clay, the last thing she planned on was falling for his replacement. Nathan was so different from her late husband, but she had also changed since losing Jack. Right before the incident that nearly took another man and Mountie out of her life, he had asked her on a date. She had been prepared to say yes when he got back from the prisoner transfer, but now…

Allie had been by the night before to let Elizabeth know that Nathan would be returning home the next day. So, there she sat on her porch, needing to see the red serge ride into town safe and sound. Her mind returned to the moment she ran into his arms and stayed there for likely longer than anyone would have found appropriate. She'd endured three torturous weeks, analyzing her feelings for Nathan Grant while he was away with no way to see or touch him to make sure he was safe. Logic told her it would be impossible to love another Mountie who she could lose in the line of duty at any time but matters of the heart tended to defy all reason.

Then there was Lucas, ever present and pressuring her to spend more time with him on "unofficial dates". However, she had been purposely avoiding him since Nathan left town so she could sort things out in her mind without any outside influences. Rosemary kept a low profile, but Elizabeth knew her friend was chomping at the bit to find out what was really going on with both men. As if she read her mind, Rosemary opened her door to see her still sipping tea on her porch. Not saying a word, she walked over and took a seat next to her dearest friend.

"Good morning, Rosemary. Can I go inside and get you some tea?" As Elizabeth tried to get up, Rosemary touched her arm to keep her seated.

Looking compassionately at Elizabeth, Rosemary gathered her thoughts before opening her mouth to speak. "I've been trying to let you process things these past few weeks; but from what I hear, Nathan is coming home today. I know you have a lot of emotions to work through. I'm here if you need to talk."

As tears started flowing down Elizabeth's face, Rosemary gathered her friend into her arms so she could sob freely. Lee had come out to check on the two women, but when he saw the scene in front of him, he quietly went back inside. Once Elizabeth was calm enough to finally voice what she felt, it all spilled out like a dam bursting.

"When I heard a Constable was dead and thought it was Nathan, my entire world felt like it was going to come crashing down…again, like it did when I lost Jack. That hug was a combination of so many things. Yes, in a way it was a reaction to what had happened to Jack and experiencing the deepest pain and anguish of losing someone so close to you. But Rosemary, when I was in Nathan Grant's arms, something ignited inside of me. I realized my feelings for him were stronger than I originally thought. I just don't know if I could handle ever losing him the way I lost Jack. Right before the prison transfer, Nathan came to my house and told me that I mattered to him. All of my instincts were telling me to give him and us a chance. But how do I do that now? He asked me to dinner as the other Mounties arrived and he was preparing to leave, but I don't know if I can say yes to him when he gets home. Then there's Lucas."

Rosemary's eyes widened. "Oh, you haven't heard?"

"Heard what?" Elizabeth asked, confused.

Biting her lip, Rosemary wondered if it was her place to say anything, but determined Elizabeth had a right to know. "He left town the other day saying he was going on a business trip to New Orleans; but according to reliable sources, he saw the hug with Nathan and was extremely upset."

Groaning loudly, Elizabeth covered her face with her hands. "I've made a mess of things, haven't I? I should have never led Lucas on for so long. I tried to tell him we were just friends, but he kept pushing for more."

"Would you like my advice?" Rosemary questioned. Elizabeth nodded, and she continued. "Follow your heart and those instincts God gave you. Don't let fear guide your choices. What did that plaque say that Nathan made you for the library?"

Struck by her message, Elizabeth envisioned the beautifully hand-carved Emerson quote: Always do what you are afraid to do. "But how?" she wondered.

Rolling over and opening his eyes, Nathan spotted the sun just peaking over the eastern skyline, which told him he had slept more hours in a night than he had since leaving home in mid-October. To his surprise, the injured pup had been sleeping right next to him all night long and only stirred when he stood to stretch and began gathering his things. Only a few more hours until he could take a nice warm bath and sleep in his own bed again. Seeing Allie gave him great motivation as he quickly made himself some coffee over the fire, then made sure it was properly put out so he could pack, saddle Newton, and begin his journey home. He heard whining and turned to see the sad face of the dog who came out of nowhere the night before. Unsure of what exactly he should do, Nathan gave him a couple of his last pieces of jerky and tried to shoo her away. But her eyes just stared at Nathan, making a connection that he hadn't felt since his dad had brought home a golden retriever who looked very similar to this one when he was only seven years old. Sadly, his dog Sally disappeared after only a few months. He always wondered if his dad lost him gambling or gave him away to save money, since they could barely afford to feed themselves.

Mounting Newton and heading in the direction of Hope Valley, Nathan had gone quite a distance when he noticed the straggly animal keeping pace with them, his leg obviously showing vast improvement since Nathan wrapped it the night before. He stopped and dismounted, waiting to be jumped on and licked by the excited stray. "Ok, girl. I guess if you are coming home with me for now, I better give you a name. How about Goldie? Pretty generic, right? All you need is a little washing and I bet that pretty golden fur will shine." He looked at Newton who grunted in annoyance. "And you," he chided, scratching his mighty steed's neck before hoisting himself onto his back. "Don't be jealous of her. She's not sticking around permanently."

Because of the good rest he had gotten, they were able to push through and get home in a decent amount of time. He wanted to see Allie before taking Newton to the livery and going home to clean up and rest. As he rounded the corner that led to the row houses, Nathan's heart began to race as he saw little Jack playing in front of their house while Elizabeth sat on the steps laughing as she watched him. He was unprepared to see her again, but their eyes locked as she looked up and saw him suddenly appear right in front of her. Before either of them could say a word, little Jack stood and pointed at Newton babbling and making horse sounds.

Quickly grabbing her son so he wouldn't get hurt, Elizabeth found herself right next to Newton and Nathan who had slipped off of him and was standing way too close for her to keep a clear head. She tried to step back but ended up slipping. Nathan effortlessly grabbed and steadied her, keeping his arms around both her and little Jack for longer than was warranted. She could feel his heavy breath on the top of her head; then, just when she started feeling comfortable in his arms, he released them and backed away. "Well, that was quite a welcome back Jack. You are pretty quick on your feet now, aren't you?"

Grateful the attention had shifted to her toddler son, Elizabeth responded, "I thought a tiny baby was work, but trying to keep this little guy safe and out of things is a real challenge!"

"I remember Allie at that age when my sister was still alive, and I would visit. Not that she isn't still a handful," he joked. "I'm just heading to see her at Opal's house before I take this guy back to his stall. Then a bath and nap are necessary for me to feel alive again."

Little Jack started squealing and trying to wriggle out of his mother's arms. "Doggie! Woof!" he called over and over again until Elizabeth noticed why he was going crazy.

"Is that your dog?" she asked Nathan, pointing at the limping pooch. "I thought I lost her outside of town, but it seems like this little lady doesn't give up quite so easily. Say hello to Goldie."

Elizabeth smirked. "Came up with that yourself, did you? My dad always said Golden Retrievers make some of the best pets. Where did Goldie come from?" Jack was trying to pet her, and both Elizabeth and Nathan instinctively knelt down to help him, so he didn't spook her.

Surprised by the soothing effect this dingy little animal had on him, Nathan was impressed with how well she was tolerating Jack's antics. "Last night Goldie just showed up in my camp and scared the daylights out of me. She had an injured paw, so I patched her up, and for some reason she stuck around and followed me home."

"Allie's going to be thrilled for a new pet," Elizabeth teased.

Shaking his head, Nathan firmly stated, "No way! I'm making some calls to see if anyone is missing her. I don't have time to care for a dog." He shook Jack's little hand then stood up and grabbed Newton's reins. "I better get going. Take care of your mother, little buddy."

Without thinking, Elizabeth grabbed Nathan's arm. "I'm so glad you're back safely."

He put his hand over hers and felt the familiar jolt of electricity between them. "We have this unfinished business of dinner at the cafe, but I think we should talk first. Do you have time for a walk later, say 4:00?"

Nodding to avoid having to speak, Elizabeth felt her heart fighting with her head. Surely, he felt the spark between them too, but how could she be brave enough to care for a Mountie when her fears of something happening to Jack were in fact realized. She watched him walk down the row of houses and stop at Opal's house where Allie rushed out the door and into Nathan's arms. If anything could help her overcome fear, it would be the promise of a complete family for her and Jack with Nathan and Allie. She helped her little boy gather his toys and took him inside to warm up, since her reason for being on the porch had returned.

Fortunately for Nathan, Allie had made plans with a group of her friends that afternoon. After returning Newton to the livery and getting him settled, Nathan walked home and took a long warm bath, then slipped into his bed for a much-needed nap. After a few hours of fitful rest, Nathan got up and dressed in navy pants with suspenders and a striped button-down shirt with a few top buttons left undone. He combed his hair, then put on his shoes and jacket. Right before 4:00, he walked the short distance to the Thornton home. Elizabeth answered immediately after he knocked, and they casually began walking away from the houses toward the pond.

Both were quiet for several minutes, but Elizabeth finally broke the silence as they approached the dock. "How did things go in Union City? I hope they put those criminals away for life."

When they reached the spot Nathan had often ridden by while Elizabeth was there with her son, he cleared his throat and tried to vocalize his thoughts. "Yes, those two will never know life outside of prison again; but I still keep questioning if I did everything right." They sat on a large log near the pond as he continued. "Facing death really makes a person reevaluate their lives. Elizabeth, I would still very much like to take you to dinner and see where things go with us; however, there is something I need to tell you before you give me a final answer. Once I tell you this, you might not ever speak to me again. You deserve all of the facts to really know me."

"Nathan, before you go on, I need to explain my actions in the street that day." Her mind tried to process what she wanted to explain. "I'll be honest that my mind flashed back to finding out Jack had been killed, but that was only part of it. You and Allie have become so important to me. After the storm on the mountain and the cabin, you told me I mattered to you. Well, you matter to me too. But Nathan, I don't know if I could ever bear losing you the way I lost Jack." Tears splashed down her face and instinctively, Nathan pulled her into his chest and let her cry. Again, he rested his chin on her head and stroked her long curls while closing his eyes and praying for the strength to tell her what he had come to confess. Finally settling down, she wiped furiously at her tear-stained cheeks. "I'm so sorry, Nathan. You were about to tell me something, and I just got you all wet. Go on."

Not sure he could tell her something this big while sitting down he stood and started pacing back and forth. Gaining courage, he stopped and sat back down next to her, his piercing blue eyes staring directly into hers. "This is something I've been wanting to say for a while, but never quite knew how. When I was almost killed, it was the first thing that entered my mind. I told myself if I made it out alive, you deserve to know the truth regardless of how it affects our relationship." He saw confusion and a little bit of fear in her eyes, but he pressed onward. "What you don't know about me is that I was stationed at Fort Clay three years ago."

Elizabeth blinked and stood up, "Wait, you were at Fort Clay when Jack was there? Did you know him?"

Standing up with her, Nathan tried to touch her arm, but she immediately pulled it away. "No, Elizabeth, I never met Jack. In fact, I wasn't even there when he led the training mission. My mom was so ill that they thought she was going to die, so I took Allie to visit her. She ended up pulling through, but what I'm trying to say is that I was supposed to lead that training mission. Because I took emergency family leave, Jack was asked to replace me." Tears stung Nathan's eyes, especially seeing the pain Elizabeth was clearly in. She stood, too numb to even move. "That's not all. When I got back and heard about what happened, I felt guilty that another man had died in my place; even though I don't know what would have happened to Allie had I been the one killed. I started digging and found out Jack left a widow. I was transferred to a different fort, and eventually heard Jack had a son. Feeling it my duty and obligation to watch after his family, I requested a transfer to Hope Valley even though I was close to getting a promotion."

"What?" Elizabeth gasped, putting a hand over her mouth and backing away from him. "You came here out of some sense of duty, and you think you can just replace Jack yourself here?

"I know this all comes as a shock," he admitted. "It was hard knowing if telling you would help or hurt you in the healing process. I swear, Elizabeth; the last thing I ever wanted was to develop feelings for you and little Jack. Not only did I experience guilt for Jack's death, but I thought it was dishonoring his memory for me to feel these things. Elizabeth, please say something."

He put both hands on her shoulders, but she looked up at him with tear-stained eyes and shook her head. "I can't," she muttered, turning around and running as fast as she could back home.

Sunday at church, Elizabeth and Jack weren't sitting in their normal pew. Nathan was in no mood to be there, but for Allie's sake he put on a smile and joined the community members in listening to another traveling preacher. Everyone was looking forward to the day they had their own pastor again, but all Nathan could think about during the service was how upset Elizabeth had been the prior afternoon. He concluded it would be best to give her space and wondered if telling her was the right decision.

As they walked home, he noticed Rosemary looking at him with an expression he couldn't quite decipher. She waved and he returned the gesture. Arriving at their home, the Grants found Goldie enjoying the sunshine on the front porch while resting her leg. To say Allie was excited for their new "temporary" pet was an understatement. Nathan insisted they keep her outside, but after Allie went to bed, he let Goldie on his bed. Much to his surprise and delight, he slept as good as the night they spent together in the woods. He wondered if the dog really was what helped take away anxious feelings and allowed him to get the sleep he needed. Since it had suddenly turned unusually warm for November, Allie packed them a picnic lunch and they headed for the river to get a fishing trip in before snow started flying. They took Goldie along, and she seemed to be right at home chasing sticks and playing in the water.

Nathan was thrilled to spend time with Allie and finally brought up something he had been thinking about the entire time he had been away. When she sat next to him on the edge of the river and leaned her head on his shoulder, he thought it was the perfect moment. "Allie, I've been thinking about talking to Bill tomorrow about finally filing adoption paperwork…if you'll still have me as your legal father. But only if that's what you want."

A loud screech in his ear and a strong embrace told him her answer. "Yes, yes, yes," she squealed. "Can I tell all my friends at school tomorrow?"

"I guess, but it won't be finalized for a while." He made sure she was looking at him before he continued. "I love you, Allie girl; I hope you know that. I want to give you the world." A feeling of dread spread through him as he considered how he may have ruined their chances at a family with Elizabeth and little Jack. Bringing up Fort Clay might have been a death sentence to any chance of their relationship moving forward. He knew it was a risk, but knew he had to be honest. Elizabeth deserved that much.

As dusk neared, Nathan and Allie returned home and prepared for bed after washing Goldie until she really did look golden. He read a few chapters of Little Women to her, then after she was sound asleep, he went to his room where he tried to distract himself with the paperwork he needed to complete before going back to work on Tuesday. They had given Nathan Monday off to compensate for the extra hours he spent at trial the week before, so he planned to buy groceries and complete household chores while Allie was at school. But his focus remained on just one thing, and even petting Goldie wasn't helping take the hurt away this time.

Elizabeth felt good being back in the classroom Monday morning, which was a welcome distraction from revisiting her grief from Jack's death that Nathan's revelation had invoked. Rosemary had been her shoulder to cry on, but also a level head to remind her that it wasn't Nathan's fault Jack had been killed in the training accident. "It sounds like Nathan coming here to watch over you and your son is very noble and selfless," Rosemary reminded her friend over the weekend. "Not to mention the survivor's guilt he's had to endure, just like Jack did when his friend Doug died in the Northern Territories after replacing him." Those reminders really helped Elizabeth put things in perspective, but she still wasn't ready to face him yet.

As Nathan was dropping Allie off at school, Elizabeth politely waved in hopes it would help the awkwardness. "Mrs. Thornton, Uncle Nathan is going to adopt me! Isn't that great?" Allie shouted as she ran up the school steps. "I'm going to tell all my friends."

"That's wonderful!" Elizabeth exclaimed, but before she could catch Nathan to ask about it, he was already walking toward the Mercantile.

After school, Elizabeth noticed Allie going home with Emily. She wasn't sure if Nathan was working, since he wasn't in his serge when he dropped off Allie; but she stopped at the Mountie office to check just in case. She opened the door, halfway expecting to see him at his desk. Empty. She felt a twinge of disappointment. As she was leaving, Elizabeth was so distracted she ran right into Bill Avery.

"Whoa there, Elizabeth." Bill made sure she stayed upright from their collision. "Are you looking for Nathan? He was given the day off after working so much at the trial last week. I bet he's at home."

Taking a seat in Nathan's chair outside of his office, Elizabeth sighed. "Bill, did you know Jack replaced Nathan at Fort Clay because of a family emergency?"

"Yes. He told me in Union City at the trial. He asked me not to say anything to you until he was able to tell you about it when he got back home. Elizabeth, you know how much I loved Jack; but this is something you cannot hold against Nathan. This was something completely out of his control and in God's hands. He has given up promotions to be here for you, and for Jack and Allie. Please don't let this ruin something good." Bill squeezed her shoulder and walked across the street to the cafe.

With greater resolve, Elizabeth stood and walked quickly home, explaining to Laura that she needed a few minutes before she could pay and send her home. Jack was still napping, so she promised it wasn't a problem. Smoothing her hair and skirt, Elizabeth nervously walked the short distance to the Grant home. But before she walked up the steps to knock on the door, she heard the familiar sound of cracking wood from behind the house. She approached quietly, her first glimpse of Nathan swinging the ax methodically immediately inducing a strong reaction in her. His hair was a mess, and he ran his fingers through the unruly locks between grabbing logs and chopping. Sweat glistened on his face and neck, his muscular chest and arms flexing through the white Henley he wore with his suspenders hanging down past his waist. When he looked her way, she turned a deep shade of crimson, embarrassed to have been caught appreciating his attractive physique.

Nathan had been working all day to catch up from being gone. His last task before making dinner was chopping enough wood for the next week or two. When he saw Elizabeth watching him, Nathan was unsure how to react. A blush spreading across her cheeks piqued his curiosity. He threw down the ax and tentatively moved toward her. Realizing how he must look, he tried to tame his hair and pulled up his suspenders. "Sorry, I wasn't expecting company," he finally rasped. "Is everything alright?"

She slowly advanced forward to meet him and resisted the urge to run her hands up his strong and loving arms; the arms she felt so safe in when they hugged and never wanted to let go. "Nathan, first of all, let me apologize for running away the other day when all you were doing was being open and honest with me. I just wasn't expecting to hear that. You have nothing to feel guilty about. I'm so sorry you have been carrying this burden for so long. It's time for you to let it go, Nathan."

A feeling of relief washed over him, and Nathan grabbed both of her hands while looking deeply into her eyes. "Thank you, Elizabeth. I was so worried you hated me. I want you to know that I believe love is worth fighting for, but you need to move at your own pace. I'll wait however long it takes. My dinner invitation is open, but it is up to you to let me know if or when you want to go."

Squeezing his hands, Elizabeth finally felt ready to open up to someone again. "I spent so much time being angry with Jack for leaving me so soon after our wedding, pregnant and alone. I guess I've been so busy trying to be a mother and teacher, that I really hadn't found a way to let Jack go. Nathan, I also believe the same way you do; love IS always worth fighting for. As for dinner, I'm available Friday night. But right now, I need to get home to my son, and you have wood to chop. Please let me know what time you'll be picking me up for dinner." Elizabeth turned and walked away, glancing back once to see Nathan looking overjoyed with his endearing crooked smile plastered on his face.

Bill and Nathan worked together to prepare a delicious first date meal after Nathan finished afternoon rounds on Friday. Allie was excited to spend the evening with Laura and Jack and couldn't believe her soon-to-be dad was finally getting a real date with her favorite teacher. When everything was set up, Bill sent Nathan home to clean up and change while he put the finishing touches on dinner with Clara. After taking a bath, Nathan dressed in the outfit Allie had helped him pick out: gray pants, light blue shirt to bring out his eyes, and a gray vest to dress it up just a little. He combed his hair and looked at himself in the mirror, wondering if this could be the beginning of happiness in his life after all of the struggles he had been through.

Nodding her approval when he came down the stairs, Allie grabbed his hand and pulled him out the door and a few houses down the street. When Laura opened the door Allie rushed inside and picked up little Jack, immediately taking him over to play with his toys. "Mrs. Thornton will be down in a minute," Laura informed Nathan.

"Thank you, Laura." Nathan nervously paced the room, stopping to look at an official picture of Jack Thornton in his serge, and a wedding photo of Jack and Elizabeth with many of their closest friends. He turned his attention back to Laura. "I appreciate you allowing Allie to come stay here while we are at dinner. She is really looking forward to spending time with you and Jack."

Before Laura could respond, their attention shifted to Elizabeth coming down the stairs. She looked radiant in a light pink blouse and slightly darker shade of pink skirt, with her hair done up the way he had only seen it at baby Jack's Christening. His heart nearly pounded through his chest as he admired her beauty. His throat instantly went dry, and he couldn't form words.

Butterflies were swarming in Elizabeth's stomach when she saw Nathan dressed up for their dinner date. As she had been getting ready for her first official date since she lost her husband and had her son, she couldn't help but reflect on her feelings for both Jack and Nathan. Even though they shared the same profession, that is mostly where the similarities ended. Jack was her first love. They had a somewhat young and idealistic relationship that had given her joy for a season and the greatest gift of all: Little Jack Jr.

Her attraction to Nathan had taken Elizabeth by surprise. When their hands touched in the library shortly after they first met, she knew they had a physical spark; then as she got to know him as a father to Allie, she saw a selfless and giving side to him. He always made sure everyone was safe and protected, and his gifts came straight from his heart. Although she was flattered by the attention Lucas constantly poured on her with grand gestures, it was the little things Nathan did that truly captured her attention. Excitement for what was ahead filled her as she walked toward him. "Good evening," she greeted him timidly.

"Hi," he muttered, clearing his throat to try and get more volume. "Are you ready to go?" She nodded as he helped her slip into her coat, then she quickly kissed little Jack's head and squeezed Allie's shoulder before they stepped outside into the chilly evening air. Elizabeth slipped her arm through Nathan's as they walked from the row houses into town. She got curious when they passed the cafe and kept walking to the Mountie office.

"I thought we were going to dinner," she remarked. "I know your prisoners get three square meals a day here; but I promise I haven't broken the law, Constable." Flashing a mischievous smile, she giggled until he opened the door and she saw a beautiful little dinner setup right in the middle of the room.

Watching Elizabeth take in the scene Bill and Clara had helped him create earlier, put a smile on Nathan's face. "I hope you like it. I wanted something more intimate and less busy than the cafe so we can focus on each other. Let me take your coat, and then I'll help you get seated." He hung her coat on the office coat rack, along with his own. He scooted her into her chair at the table, then took a seat across from her. In the middle of the table was a bouquet of yellow and orange flowers to match the season, with a single lit candlestick. Nathan pulled the covers off the food, revealing a beautiful meal consisting of a side salad, roast chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, and a wheat roll.

"Bon Appétit!" Nathan instructed. "I even helped Bill and Clara make most of this food, so let's hope it's edible."

Elizabeth's eyes widened a bit. "Wow, I had no idea cooking was another one of your impeccable talents. It looks delicious." While eating, they broached an array of topics. Sharing the struggles of single parenting was a regular subject they discussed, reminiscing about the times they were able to help each other. "Honestly, when you held Jack as a baby at his Christening, I was impressed by your skill at handling such a small child. I don't know why I was surprised, because you are such a great father to Allie. How is the adoption coming along?"

"I'm not sure how good of a father I am when I can't even handle a bunch of girls at a sleepover," he joked. "I appreciated your help that night, and all of the many times you've shown how much you care for my girl. Those things all contributed to my dilemma of trying not to develop feelings for you. As far as the adoption goes, Bill says it could take a while to finalize; but I won't quit trying until it is official."

Following her instincts again, Elizabeth put her hand over Nathan's, savoring the chemistry that flowed through them as their eyes met and they drew closer together. Nathan's eyes dropped to Elizabeth's lips, but he scolded himself from even thinking that kissing on the first date was the proper thing to do. Before he had a chance to change his mind, the door flew open, and Allie rushed inside.

"Sorry to interrupt," she yelped. "Jack fell and bumped his head. Laura took him to the Infirmary because he won't stop crying, and he keeps calling for his mommy." Before Allie even stopped talking, Nathan had their coats in hand as they rushed to meet Laura and a screaming Jack inside with Carson. As soon as he saw Elizabeth, little Jack motioned for her to pick him up. She held him on the examination table, while Carson checked him out; eventually his sobs calming to soft whimpers.

After finishing his examination, Carson placed his hand on Elizabeth's shoulder. "He doesn't have any signs of a concussion. These things happen all the time at his age, now that he tries to climb and isn't always stead on his feet. Just watch him. If there are any more concerns, come get me."

Hugging her son close, Elizabeth kissed his head and thanked Dr. Shepherd. Nathan paid Laura and sent her home, assuring her she wasn't to blame for the mishap. When the rest of them arrived back at Elizabeth's house, Allie offered to read a book to Jack. She did all the voices just like Nathan taught her to, which made the little boy giggle. Nathan excused himself and promised to return soon. He hurried back to his office and cleared the plates of their mostly eaten dinner. When he took the tray of dishes back to the cafe, Nathan explained to Bill what had cut their first date short. Together they finished cleaning the Mountie office, then packed up the apple pie Clara had baked for their dessert. He carried both the pie and the flowers to his house first to get one more thing he thought might cheer up everyone.

A knock at the door turned all three heads, and Elizabeth answered it with Jack on her hip. Nathan entered with her flowers and the pie with Goldie by his side. "Doggie!" Jack yelled, squirming out his mother's arms. She let him down and reminded him to be gentle as he started to pet the friendly dog. Allie and Jack took their new friend to the rug near his toys and scratched her belly until she was completely content.

"Bill sent dessert. I thought the kids would like some too." Nathan and Elizabeth dished up the apple pie, and they all enjoyed it together. When Jack and Allie started yawning, they decided it was time to call it a night.

"Book! Awee!" Jack insisted.

Allie looked at both adults with pleading eyes. "Can I please go read him a couple more books in his room?" Elizabeth motioned for them to go, and they bounded up the stairs with Goldie following closely behind them. They both began clearing the dessert plates and washed them together in a reflective silence.

"Thank you," Elizabeth whispered, grabbing Nathan's hand after he had folded the dish towel and set it on the counter. "This was the most perfectly imperfect first date I could have imagined." She rested her free hand on his chest and felt his heart racing at an accelerated rate just like her own.

Throwing caution to the wind, Nathan put his arms around her waist and pulled her close. "Did I tell you how amazingly beautiful you look tonight? And for the record, I'm not sorry about how tonight went. We are both parents, and that means something like this will always come up; but family comes first."

"Oh, Nathan," she murmured with tears glistening in her eyes. "You have been so good to me. I'm not sure I have told you how incredibly handsome you look tonight. What did I do to deserve this?" Looking into his shining blue eyes, she surprised herself when she glanced down at his mouth and felt a longing to feel his lips on hers. Even though it was their first official date, their bond had been growing stronger for nearly two years while experiencing daily life side by side as friends and neighbors. But both of them longed for something more and had finally broken down the barriers that existed before.

Letting instincts guide them both, Nathan moved a stray lock of hair from her face as he placed his large hand behind her neck and drew her head closer to his, their lips finally meeting in a sweet and tender kiss that was just a taste of what could be ahead for them in the future. It wasn't overly long or passionate, but just right for their first real physical expression of the affection they felt for one another. Elizabeth wrapped her arms around Nathan in a warm embrace, much the same as she had done after he survived the shooting; but this time it wasn't frantic or out of fear, but full of love and hope for their future.