Saturday was a bright and clear day. Elizabeth finished packing some sandwiches into a bag for her ride with Nathan. They'd decided to have a picnic by a lake about an hour's ride from Hope Valley. The morning had been warm and mild, perfect weather for riding. Elizabeth was a little surprised at how much she was looking forward to their outing, almost as surprised as she was to have heard herself suggesting it to Nathan after their dinner. All she knew was that she wanted to get to know him better, to spend time with him and explore the possibilities in their relationship.
Her heart was opening again. Or more accurately, it was expanding. Jack would always have a place in her heart, but room was slowly being made for Nathan. Every day it seemed he claimed a bigger piece of her heart than he had the previous day. It scared her a little to be falling for another man, another Mountie at that, but she knew she couldn't live in fear. If she did, she could miss out on a beautiful life. She squared her shoulders. No, she wouldn't let her fears win. She would let this play out how it would, and she would allow Nathan into her heart, whatever that ended up looking like. Maybe they would only ever be good friends, but she wasn't going to shut the door to loving him. She planned to leave it wide open. She was as committed as he was to making this marriage work.
The man at the center of her thoughts walked through the door, holding her son. Both looked happy. Nathan had taken Jack and Allie with him to the mercantile to pick up a few items for Elizabeth, and then he'd dropped Allie off at Emily's for a tea party with some of their classmates.
"Hi, Elizabeth," Nathan said, a boyish smile crossing his face. Moments like this, when he seemed so carefree and relaxed, made her realize just how attractive to her he was. She felt her heart turning somersaults in her chest as his smile lingered, his eyes glued to hers. "Ready for our adventure?"
Goodness, when had his eyes become that blue? She floundered in her mind for a moment, trying to remember the question. Say something, Elizabeth!
"Um, yes!" she said finally, a brightness in her voice she couldn't hide. His smile widened, and Elizabeth's mouth dropped. He could tell she was flustered! And he was enjoying it! Her eyes narrowed at him, and he turned his attention to little Jack.
"Well, buddy, why don't we go see your Aunt Rosemary and Uncle Lee? I'm sure they're excited to play with you today." He gave Elizabeth another grin and brought Jack to her. She took the boy in her arms and gave him a hug and a kiss.
"You be good for the Coulters, okay?" she said, rubbing his nose with hers.
"'Kay!" he said sweetly, giving her a kiss on the cheek.
"That's my boy," Elizabeth said with a grin. Nathan smiled impishly and took Jack back from her, then headed out the door to drop him off with Lee and Rosemary. Elizabeth laughed to herself. She'd had no idea Nathan had a playful side to him. She was going to have to keep that in mind. Still chuckling, she finished packing their lunch, wrapping it well to prevent it being squashed in the saddlebags.
"What's so funny?" Nathan asked as he came back into the house. His eyes were twinkling.
"You," Elizabeth said. "I sense a bit of impishness in you, Nathan Grant, which you have managed to keep well hidden until this moment."
He chuckled. "My secret is out. Though I'm sure Allie could give you an earful about that."
"I'll have to ask her all about it," Elizabeth said, tilting her head slightly and grinning at him.
"On second thought, maybe you shouldn't," Nathan said with mock seriousness. "My reputation as a reserved, quiet Mountie would go right out the window."
"Oh, well we can't have that, now can we?" Elizabeth said, mimicking his serious tone. "Your secret is safe with me." She winked. "For now."
Nathan put a hand to his chest. "What a relief!" A smirk broke though, and they both laughed together. Nathan held out his arm. "Shall we get going?"
The butterflies returned in full force as Elizabeth slipped her arm through his. "We shall. Lead the way."
They walked to the stables and saddled their horses. Within minutes they were riding out of Hope Valley at a leisurely pace.
Elizabeth breathed in the warm air. Wildflowers were growing again, and the smell was heavenly. She sighed happily. "Is there anything better than the scent of wildflowers in spring?"
Nathan smiled. "I can think of a few things. But it is a lovely smell."
An open field stretched out before them, full of flowers and sunshine. Elizabeth glanced at Nathan. "Do you want to race?"
He raised his brows in surprise. "You want to race?"
"Unless you think you can't beat me, of course," Elizabeth said sweetly.
Nathan laughed. "You're on. Yah!" he cried, urging his horse into a run. Elizabeth did the same with her horse. They flew across the field, laughing. They slowed their horses at the same time, looking at each other with matching smiles.
"That was exhilarating!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "I can't remember the last time I galloped in a field!"
"It certainly lets you know that you're alive," Nathan agreed. "It's an amazing feeling." He grinned. "And I totally beat you."
Elizabeth's mouth dropped. "You did not!" she protested. "You slowed down first. I was clearly the winner."
Nathan grinned. "I'll concede defeat this time. But only this time. And only because I like you."
Their lighthearted banter continued for the rest of the ride. By the time they reached the lake, they were both more relaxed than they'd been in a while. They crested a hill, and Elizabeth stopped her horse, her breath catching in her throat. "Oh, Nathan," she said in awe. "This is beautiful!"
The lake was large and surrounded by a forest on one side and fields of flowers on the other. The water was still and clear, reflecting the blue of the sky. A gentle breeze blew, and the branches of the trees swayed softly.
"I thought you might like it," Nathan said with a gentle smile. "I found it soon after I came to Hope Valley, completely by accident. I got a little turned around headed for Union City, and came upon this place." He looked out at the view, looking awestruck himself. "It's one of the most peaceful places I've ever been." He jumped down from his horse, then came to Elizabeth to help her off hers. Placing his hands on her waist, he easily lifted her and carefully set her on her feet. His hands remained at her waist for a few moments, and their eyes locked. Elizabeth felt the now-familiar stomach butterflies as their gaze lengthened. Nathan cleared his throat and took the reins for both horses, leading them to a tree to secure them. Making sure they had plenty of room to move, he watched as Elizabeth pulled the picnic items from the saddlebags.
"We have lots of food," Elizabeth said lightly, her tone hiding the emotion she was feeling. "Where should we set this up?"
Nathan pulled a picnic blanket from a bag. "Follow me. I have the perfect spot." He led her to a grassy spot at the water's edge, with a panoramic view of everything. "How's this?"
Elizabeth smiled. "You're right, it's the perfect spot." Nathan grinned and spread the blanket on the grass. Elizabeth unwrapped the food and placed it on some sturdy cloth towels she'd brought with them. After saying grace, they started eating.
"These sandwiches are delicious, Elizabeth," Nathan said, starting on his second one. "Thank you for making us lunch."
"You're welcome," she said. She held her half-eaten sandwich in her hands, just looking around. "I can't get over how amazing this place is. It's so beautiful."
"Yes it is," Nathan said. But he wasn't looking at the view. He was looking at her.
Elizabeth blushed and resumed eating her sandwich. She glanced back at Nathan. He hadn't taken his eyes off of her. "What?" she asked, wondering if she had something on her face.
He shook his head, a little smile playing on his lips. "You really are beautiful, Elizabeth. Inside and out."
Elizabeth's cheeks deepened in color. Nathan laughed softly. "I didn't mean to embarrass you, Elizabeth. I'm just speaking the truth."
"Thank you, Nathan. That's sweet of you." Elizabeth looked down, realizing she was unconsciously playing with Nathan's ring on her left hand. A sudden realization hit her. "You had these rings on our wedding day, even though it was extremely short notice. Where did they come from?"
Nathan looked at the ring on his own hand. His eyes took on a look that told Elizabeth he was remembering something from long ago. "They were my grandparents' rings," he said. "My mom's parents. My grandmother and I were very close as I was growing up. I didn't know my grandfather well because he died when I was young, but I heard the story of their love many times. It was something of a legend in our family. They were childhood sweethearts, and always knew they were meant to be together. They ended up separated for a time when my grandfather had to go to work in a mine to start saving money. They didn't see each other for three years. Then one day my grandfather came back and got down on a knee, asking my grandmother to marry him. Even though she hadn't seen him in those three years, she said yes right away. They had a very happy marriage. After my grandfather died, my grandmother came to live with us. When I turned twenty, she gave me these rings. She said she wanted me to have them for my future wife. She told me to find a special woman to give her ring to someday." He smiled at Elizabeth, taking her hand and looking deep into her eyes. "I think she would be happy to know you're wearing her ring." With a gentle squeeze, he let her hand go.
Elizabeth felt tears spring to her eyes. "That's a lovely story, Nathan." She looked at the ring he had given her. "I'm honored to know you gave me something so special."
"I wouldn't want to give it to anyone else. There's only one woman I've ever loved." The look in his eyes told her he meant it, though she could tell from his expression that he hadn't meant to mention love. The significance of the moment hung between them. Elizabeth could hardly breathe. His heart was laid bare before her, and she didn't quite know how to respond.
Nathan must have read her mind. "You don't need to respond, Elizabeth. I didn't mean to say that, not yet."
"I think I've known for a while that you feel that way, Nathan," Elizabeth revealed. "It's obvious in your actions."
"I'm sorry," he said. "I hope you know that I don't expect anything from you. We entered into this marriage for Allie, and I want you to know that I will never pressure you to feel for me what I feel for you."
"I know that," Elizabeth said gently. "You're a perfect gentleman, Nathan." She smiled, moving the conversation to more light-hearted territory. "Even if you do snore."
Nathan blinked, momentarily confused by the turn in conversation. Then he smiled. "Snoring? I don't snore." He matched her easy and teasing tone.
"Oh, believe me, you do," Elizabeth said, trying to stay serious but failing. She laughed lightly. "Okay, so you don't snore. But that doesn't mean you never will."
Nathan shot her a look with a smirk. "Maybe you're the one snoring."
"I do not!"
He laughed. "And how would you know that?"
He had her there. "Well...I wouldn't...but I can assure you that I don't!"
"You're right, you don't," Nathan said, his eyes sparkling. "Would you mind passing me an apple, please?"
Elizabeth took one out of the bag. "You mean this apple?" she asked, holding it just out of reach. An impish impulse came over her, and she sprang to her feet. "If you want it, you'll have to catch it first!" With that, she took off running.
Nathan sat immobile for a split second, surprised by Elizabeth's antics. Then he laughed and jumped to his feet, racing after her. Elizabeth squealed and tried to go faster, but Nathan was too quick. One arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her firmly against him. Elizabeth held the apple high in the air, but Nathan's long arm allowed him to easily pull the fruit from her grasp. They were both laughing hard, and the apple slipped from Nathan's hand in his fit of laughter. As their laughter died away, Elizabeth became very aware of Nathan's presence and their close proximity. Nathan must have been aware of it also, because his breathing slowed and he looked at Elizabeth with an emotion she couldn't read. His free hand slowly raised to cup her cheek, and he brought his forehead down to hers, closing his eyes.
Elizabeth felt simultaneously safe and scared in his arms. Her heart was pounding and she felt dizzy, her senses filled with him. In that moment, all she wanted was to kiss him. She raised her face toward his, hoping he would read her intent there.
He did. His eyes dropped to her lips, and she could see that he wanted to kiss her. Elizabeth closed her eyes, waiting.
"No."
At Nathan's quiet words, Elizabeth's eyes flew open again. "No?" she questioned.
He shook his head, his hand still cupping her cheek. "I love you, Elizabeth. I love you more than I thought possible. I want more than anything to kiss you right now." He took a deep breath. "But I promised you I wouldn't kiss you again until you were ready. I don't think you're ready yet."
Elizabeth started to protest, but Nathan brought a finger to her lips, effectively quieting her. "Are you in love with me, Elizabeth?"
Tell him yes, a voice in her heart said. But was she? Or was she just caught up in the moment?
She took a steadying breath. "I'm getting there, Nathan. But I can't say the words you want to hear yet."
He nodded. "That's what I thought. And that's fine, Elizabeth. Truly." He ran his hand down her hair, smoothing it gently. "Maybe someday you'll be able to tell me you love me too, or maybe you'll never be able to. Either way, I'll be here. Thank you for being honest with me."
Elizabeth felt a tear slip from her eye and make its way down her cheek. Nathan gently brushed it away with his hand, then leaned forward and kissed her forehead, lingering there for a few moments. Elizabeth closed her eyes, trying to figure out the emotion she was feeling.
Nathan pulled away, but kept his arm around Elizabeth's waist as they walked back to their picnic spot.
As they sat down and resumed their lunch, an easy conversation sprang up between them. Elizabeth was grateful. Grateful that they could be honest with each other. Grateful that Nathan didn't push her for more than she could give. Grateful to just be here with him, getting to know him better and having the opportunity to strengthen their friendship.
As they packed up and started back toward Hope Valley, Elizabeth finally identified what it was she felt around Nathan, how he made her feel.
Cherished.