"A gift for Ally's favorite teacher."

Elizabeth looked up from the book she was reading and smiled. Nathan Grant, dressed in his red serge, was coming into the classroom, apple extended from his hand.

They had been through this scene once before. Elizabeth flirtatiously decided to see if Nathan remembered how it went.

"Bribing a city official Constable?"

"Well," Nathan chuckled. "If you eat the evidence, no one finds out."

Clearly Nathan did remember the exchange.

"Thank you," Elizabeth took the apple and immediately took a bite.

Nathan's eyes grew wide. He didn't think Elizabeth was actually going to eat it right then and there. "Um…."

Elizabeth swallowed. "I was so engrossed in my book, I honestly have forgotten to eat. You, with your apple, reminded me just how hungry I was. So thank you for that."

"It's my job—looking out for the citizens of Hope Valley."

"Is that all it is?" Elizabeth took another bite of the apple. It was perfectly ripe. Autumn definitely was upon Hope Valley.

"No," Nathan shook his head. "I have a very vested interest in the teacher of Hope Valley."

"Oh you do," Elizabeth had to admit, she was enjoying this flirtier, more playful side of Nathan. It was as if the hug—only given a few days ago—had set off a new series of emotions. It was as if they could trust each other with their heart; as a result, they both were able to take walls down. And actually keep them down.

"I do," Nathan stepped nearer to her, conscious of the fact that soon, Elizabeth would be calling the class in from recess. Affection wasn't appropriate at this point in time. Besides, he hadn't even held her hand yet. This, however, was a fact he planned to remedy very soon.

"I know I thanked you yesterday," Elizabeth spoke up. "But thank you again, so much, for dinner last night. The fish fry was delicious and the company was even better. I haven't laughed that hard in such a long time."

Nathan thought back on the previous night. While Elizabeth and Lucas had been having their discussion, Nathan and Ally had gone fishing per their plan. After catching more than enough fish to feed a small army, Nathan had worked on frying up the fish and potato wedges. Rosemary and Lee came, bringing over one of Rosemary's delicious cakes, and Elizabeth had made lemonade. The six of them, Little Jack included, ate until bellies were full. Stories were told and card games were played. The evening could have gone forever had it not been Jack's bedtime.

"I had a nice time too." Nathan paused. These times spent with others had indeed been wonderful. But he also was guilty of wanting time just the two of them. To talk about the past, their present, and a possible future.

"Honestly, Lizabeth," Nathan looked deep into her eyes. "I had another reason for coming by right now. Beyond bribing a city official of course."

Elizabeth laughed. She didn't think she would ever tire of hearing how Nathan said her name. "And what might that be?"

"Would you have dinner with me? Tonight?"

Elizabeth realized that only a few days ago, Nathan Grant had asked her this very same question. At the time, the question had thrilled her and scared her. It had made everything—Nathan's attention, Lucas's attention, needing to make a decision about which one, if either, had her heart—very real. Elizabeth realized that now being asked that question, she had no reservations, no hang ups.

"I asked Lee and Rosemary if they wouldn't mind watching Little Jack."

"Then," Elizabeth approached Nathan this time. "My answer is yes."

"Great." Nathan tried his best not to act like a kid in a candy store. "Meet me here, right here, at 6:30."

Elizabeth nodded.

"It's a date then," There. Nathan had said it; Ally would have been so proud. As wonderful as dinner had been the last two nights, both had involved other people. It wasn't a date. But tonight was different.

"Yes, it's a date." Elizabeth wanted nothing more than to have dinner with Constable Nathan Grant. And this time, she was more than happy to call it a date.