Elizabeth rested against Nathan, feeling comforted within the circle of his arms. Her cheeks warmed slightly as she thought about how passionately she had just kissed him. She knew it had been in reaction to her fear of losing him, but when his lips had touched hers, all her feelings released in a flood and she hadn't been able to control her emotions. Nathan had remained gentle with her, responding to her kiss but not taking advantage of her emotional state. Now he held her close to his heart, and the steady rhythm of its beating comforted her more than anything else could have in that moment. His hand ran slowly through her hair over and over, the motion soothing. She couldn't remember ever feeling more loved.

Finally feeling calm again, Elizabeth pushed back a little so she could look up at him. "You know, for a man who doesn't say much, you sure know how to make a girl feel better."

A sweet smile crept across Nathan's face. "So you're feeling better?"

She nodded. "Yes. Thank you, Nathan."

He took her head, tucking it into the crook of his arm. "Are you ready to go to the children's recital?"

Elizabeth's brow raised. "Is that the surprise you were talking about?"

Nathan simply nodded with a wide grin, leading her to the field with the makeshift outdoor theater. Many people were gathered, either sitting in chairs or standing in clusters. Nathan led Elizabeth to a chair, then took the seat next to her. Elizabeth quickly realized they hadn't missed anything as Lillian stepped up to the stage and welcomed everyone gathered.

"Thank you all for coming!" Lillian said. "We have a fun program planned for you today. The children will be singing songs and reciting poetry and reading selections from literature. I hope you enjoy it. To begin, we will be singing When Irish Eyes Are Smiling."

Elizabeth smiled. "I love that song!" she said quietly to Nathan as the children gathered on the stage. Nathan wrapped an arm around her shoulders as the children started to sing the sweet Irish folk song. The crowd joined in for the chorus. Elizabeth sang along, and she realized Nathan was singing too. He had a melodic voice with a hint of a country twang. She smiled at him as the song ended and leaned close. "Your voice is wonderful, Nathan."

He looked surprised, but he smiled, his cheeks reddening for the second time that day. "Thank you," he said, looking a little shy. Elizabeth loved that he could blush from receiving a simple compliment. She placed a hand gently on his cheek for a moment, then turned her attention back to the stage.

Several of the children read from different works of literature: Pride and Prejudice, Little Women, Treasure Island. Elizabeth was delighted. The children were clearly well-read and enjoyed sharing their literary knowledge with others. Her teacher's heart was happy for them.

A young girl stepped up and announced that she would be reciting a poem. "'My Wish For You' by Ralph Waldo Emerson," she said.

Elizabeth gasped in delight as her eyes widened. She looked at Nathan, who was looking at her with a smile. "Surprise," he whispered, winking at her.

A slow smile spread over her face. "This is why you brought me here to Brookfield today, isn't it?" she asked. "You knew they were having a recital, and you knew they were going to recite Emerson."

Nathan shrugged. "I might have heard something to that effect from someone."

Elizabeth looked over at Gabe, who was seated close to Lillian. "Gabe?"

"Maybe," Nathan said with a laugh. "He might have tipped me off."

The girl started her recitation:

"This is my wish for you:

Comfort on difficult days,

Smiles when sadness intrudes,

Rainbows to follow the clouds,

Laughter to kiss your lips,

Sunsets to warm your heart,

Hugs when spirits sag,

Beauty for your eyes to see,

Friendships to brighten your being,

Faith so that you can believe,

Confidence for when you doubt,

Courage to know yourself,

Patience to accept the truth,

Love to complete your life."

As she finished, everyone clapped. Elizabeth felt a tear fall on her cheek, but before she could wipe it away, Nathan gently brushed it with his knuckle. "I take it you like that one?" he asked, his crooked smile firmly in place.

"Yes," Elizabeth said, sighing. "Wasn't it just beautiful?"

"It was," Nathan said, nodding. "That was a lovely poem, and it had a lot of sweet sentiments in it." He looked at her, taking in the look on her face. "It's your favorite Emerson poem, isn't it?"

Elizabeth was surprised. "How could you tell?"

Nathan chuckled. "It moved you so much, it brought you to tears. And I couldn't stop watching your face as she was reciting the poem. You were lit up like a Christmas tree."

"I guess I am an open book when it comes to my favorite things," Elizabeth said. "I've always been a big fan of Emerson. But you knew that." She smiled at him. "That plaque you gave me is still one of my favorite gifts ever."

"I'm glad you like it," Nathan said. "Have I ever told you that I like where you have it hanging in the library? It helped me to move forward with you when I was still doubting if it was a good idea."

"I'm glad," Elizabeth said, taking his hand in hers. "We haven't been courting long, but I already can't imagine my life without you." Her cheeks turned pink as she realized what she just said. Nathan looked down at her, his blue eyes piercing hers.

"Neither can I," he said softly, running a knuckle softly down her cheek. They were interrupted by another child beginning a recital.

"'To Laugh Often and Much' by Ralph Waldo Emerson," the boy announced.

"Oh, this is a good one too!" Elizabeth exclaimed quietly.

"To laugh often and much;

to win the respect of the intelligent people

and the affection of children;

to earn the appreciation of honest critics

and endure the betrayal of false friends;

to appreciate beauty;

to find the beauty in others;

to leave the world a bit better

whether by a healthy child,

a garden patch,

or a redeemed social condition;

to know that one life

has breathed easier

because you lived here.

This is to have succeeded."

The poem was met with applause. The boy bowed with a grin, and hurried back to his place with the others. The recital continued for another half hour, and then Grace stepped onto the stage, her wide grin captivating the crowd. "Thank you all so much for supporting us today!" she said. "We have one more song for you, and then it will be time to enjoy more festivities in town. For our final piece, we will be singing Red, Red Rose."

The children started singing, and the crowd once again joined in. At the end, everyone stood and clapped. Elizabeth and Nathan made their way to the stage as people started meandering toward the town. Elizabeth found Lillian and wrapped her in a hug. "That was fantastic!"

Lillian wore a big smile. "It's good to see you, Elizabeth! The children were wonderful, weren't they?"

"Absolutely," Elizabeth said. "I especially loved the recitation of Emerson. He's my favorite poet."

"Mine as well," Lillian said. "He has such a way with words."

Gabe walked up to join them. Elizabeth smiled at him. He nodded, looking apologetic. "I'm sorry if what I said earlier upset you, Elizabeth."

She touched his arm. "Don't worry about it, Gabe." She looked at Nathan with a soft smile. "It led to a good conversation."

Gabe's face showed his relief. "I'm glad." He turned his attention to Lillian, and Elizabeth could see his admiration for her in his eyes. "I can help you clean up if you like, Lillian."

"That would be lovely," she said, smiling at Gabe.

"I can help too," said another voice. Elizabeth turned to see an attractive young man with blond hair and blue eyes, the one Gabe had pointed out earlier as Sam. Elizabeth could see Gabe's face harden while Lillian smiled. "Thank you, Sam," she said. "That would be nice."

Elizabeth could feel the unspoken tension between the three of them, and apparently Nathan could feel it too. He cleared his throat. "We're just going to go take a walk through town and check out the festival," he said, taking Elizabeth's arm. "We'll see you later."

Once they were out of earshot, Elizabeth let out a breath. "Was it just me, or was that awkward?" she asked, glancing back to see Gabe and Sam involved in a stare off.

"Very awkward," Nathan agreed. "It reminded me…" He trailed off.

Elizabeth glanced at him, knowing what he had been about to say. "It reminded you of the times you, me, and Lucas would be involved in something like that?"

Nathan smiled wryly. "Yes. Those were not fun times. I don't envy Gabe. I know he cares a great deal for Lillian, but he doesn't know where she stands. I told him to just ask her out."

"Oh, did you?" Elizabeth said with a chuckle. "You gave him that advice?"

"What?" he said, grinning back. "I know how to give good advice. Doesn't necessarily mean I can take my own advice, but I can still give it."

Elizabeth laughed. "You asked me when the time was right," she said. "I don't think I could have given you an answer if you had asked sooner."

"You couldn't give me an answer when I did ask," Nathan reminded her. "But it all worked out."

"It did," Elizabeth agreed. "Though I wish it hadn't taken me thinking I had lost you for me to know my own heart."

"'To everything there is a season,'" Nathan quoted. "It might have taken a while, but we found our way together." He gave her a heart-stopping smile. "And I have no intention of letting you go."

"Nathan, it was good to see you," Gabe said after their dinner together, giving him a firm handshake. "Don't be a stranger. We like having you in Brookfield."

Nathan laughed, clapping Gabe on the back. "How many times have I been to your town now? I think it's high time you come visit Hope Valley. You would love it."

"Oh, yes, you must come visit!" Elizabeth said enthusiastically. "We would love to have you."

"Thanks, Elizabeth," he said, giving her a hug. "I'll see if I can come sometime in the near future."

"And maybe you can bring Lillian with you," Elizabeth said innocently, though Nathan could see the sly look in her eyes. "She hasn't been back to Hope Valley since she and Grace came through the Christmas my son was born."

Gabe raised a brow. "I see what you did there," he said, not one to be clueless. Nathan hid a smile. His friend had it bad for Lillian. Gabe let out a sigh. "I just don't know where she stands."

Elizabeth took a step forward, putting a hand on his arm. "Gabe, you'll never know if you don't ask. Why don't you just ask Lillian to dinner? That's a step in the right direction." She shot a smile at Nathan. "And that's how your friend here first asked me out."

"Oh, really?" Gabe asked, glancing at Nathan. "You actually managed to ask her out? I seem to recall that wasn't a strong suit of yours."

Nathan chuckled. "It took me a while, and I kept getting interrupted for the longest time, but yes, I finally asked her. Not that she gave me an answer right away," he said, nudging Elizabeth gently with his elbow.

Elizabeth nudged him back. "I was conflicted. Besides, I thought I had plenty of time to answer." At Gabe's questioning look, she shook her head. "Long story. The point is, even if Lillian doesn't give you the answer you want right away, be patient. The heart wants what the heart wants." She looked up at Nathan, and he almost melted at the look in her eyes. "And sometimes it just needs a little time to wake up to what it wants."

Nathan couldn't help himself; he bent down and gave her a gentle kiss right in front of Gabe, who politely averted his eyes. When they broke apart, Nathan smiled at her, caressing her face with his eyes.

Gabe cleared his throat pointedly, reminding them that he was still standing there. They turned their attention to him, seeing that he had a huge grin on his face. "You two," he said, shaking his head. "I don't know if I've ever seen a couple more compatible for each other."

"That's what Grace said earlier," Elizabeth said, a light blush gracing her cheeks. Nathan thought she looked adorable.

He put his arm around her, hugging her to his side. "Love doesn't come around everyday," he said quietly, then fixed Gabe with a pointed look. "Don't let your chance at love pass you by, Gabe. If Lillian's the right woman for you, you owe it to yourself to give it a chance." He smiled. "I've seen the way she looks at you. There's something there for her too."

"Really?" Gabe asked, hope lighting in his eyes.

"Really," Nathan said. He nodded toward the street. "In fact, here she comes now. No time like the present, my friend."

Gabe's eyes widened. "Right now?"

Nathan nodded, opening the car door for Elizabeth. "We have to get going, and the woman of your dreams is walking toward you. Now seems like the perfect time."

Lillian stopped beside them. "I'm so glad I caught you before you left!" she said, enveloping Elizabeth in a hug. "It was so nice seeing you again."

"You too," Elizabeth said. A smile formed on her face, a smile Nathan recognized as coy. "We were just telling Gabe that he should visit Hope Valley sometime soon. Maybe you could come as well."

Gabe's mouth dropped as Elizabeth slid into the car. Nathan tried to stifle the laugh that wanted to escape. He nodded at Gabe and then at Lillian. "Hopefully we'll see you soon," he said. Looking at Gabe with raised brows, he said, "Wasn't there something you wanted to ask Lillian, Gabe?"

His friend shot him a look, but Nathan ignored it and climbed into the car. "Bye!" he called as Elizabeth waved. They started off down the street. Elizabeth craned her neck to watch Gabe and Lilllian.

"They're talking," she said, and Nathan could hear the amusement in her tone. "Do you think he will actually ask her?"

"Time will tell," Nathan said as they turned a corner, effectively putting Gabe and Lillian out of sight. "But I hope he does." He smiled at Elizabeth. "I can only wish I'd had the courage to speak my feelings for you sooner." He snorted. "Preferably before Lucas started his charmer routine."

Elizabeth slapped his arm. "Lucas isn't a charmer, Nathan. He's a nice guy who happens to show his interest differently than you do." She eyed him from her seat. "You know, I think you and Lucas could be really good friends someday."

Nathan laughed in surprise. "I don't know why you would think that. Lee said the same thing earlier this week. I don't see it happening."

"Just remember what I said about me and Rosemary becoming friends," Elizabeth said in a sing-song voice. "If someone had told me a year or two into us knowing each other that we would become best friends, I would have had the same reaction you just did. And now look at us."

"Hmm," Nathan said. "I'm not sure I believe things were that bad between you and Rosemary."

"Oh trust me, they were!" Elizabeth said, chuckling. "If you don't believe me, you can ask Bill or Molly or Florence. Or ask Rosemary herself. She would tell the story with a lot of flair and gesturing."

"Lucas and I have absolutely nothing in common," Nathan stated, chuckling at Elizabeth's description of Rosemary's antics. "Friendship requires some kind of common ground."

"You both love Hope Valley and you're both good men," Elizabeth said, eyebrows raised in challenge. "You can start there."

"Not exactly a promising start," Nathan mumbled.

"I have faith it will happen," Elizabeth said calmly. "And when it does, remember this conversation."

Nathan laughed incredulously. "If it happens, I will gladly eat humble pie. But, my dear Elizabeth, it would take a miracle for me and Lucas to become friends."

Elizabeth grinned. "Careful with your words, Nathan. Hope Valley is known for its miracles."