"Thanks for the lift, Lee; we appreciate it." Nathan reached inside the back of the car, picking up his and Quinn's bags and other things they had brought.

"Anytime, you two, just make sure you enjoy yourselves." Lee winked at Nathan, laughing as he blushed.

Nathan glanced to where Quinn stood, taking in the building before her; it was much larger than he had expected, and he assumed Quinn was thinking the same. He was glad she hadn't heard Lee's comments; he didn't want her to feel uncomfortable. He was nervous enough for both of them.

As Lee drove away, Nathan joined Quinn, and she spoke softly, "the view is just lovely, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is. Speaking of lovely, have I told you how beautiful you look today, Quinn?"

"Yes, you have. Did I mention my heart almost beat out of my chest when I saw you in your dress uniform," Quinn teased? "But then you have that reaction on me whatever you wear."

Nathan kissed her forehead and then stood beside her, admiring the view. Mr Lewis was right; the view was amazing. Could he see his family living here? Yes, he could, and he hadn't even been inside.

"What do you think of the place? It's bigger than I thought," Nathan admitted.

"I am pleasantly surprised, I was thinking it was going to be little more than a shack, but it's a proper house."

"Let's go inside so we can settle in." Instead of picking the bags up, Nathan walked to Quinn and lifted her into his arms instead.

"Nathan!" Quinn squealed, "What are you doing?"

"Carrying my bride over the threshold," he explained, his tone implying she should have guessed.

"But that's when they are at their home?" Quinn said, draping her arms around his neck, she might be protesting, but anything that got her closer to Nathan was fine with her.

"What if this turns out to be our home?" he said, unlatching the door and pushing it open.

Quinn didn't argue with him; they both knew Mr Lewis hoped they would fall in love with the house and buy it.

Nathan stepped through the doorway, Quinn in his arms and stopped, looking around. He kissed her quickly before sliding her down to stand next to him.

Holding hands, they surveyed the cabin before them; it was gorgeous and much nicer than Quinn had anticipated. As they looked around the cabin, they could see an ample open space to their right where the lounge room and huge fireplace were. In the back right corner of the open space was a dining table, then the kitchen, opposite them against the back wall. Down the left side of the cabin were several bedrooms and a storage room. Next to the kitchen was a washroom and laundry room.

The great room contained cosy-looking furniture, which Quinn imagined had been built especially for the rooms as it fit the dimensions perfectly. The kitchen was well equipped with lots of storage.

Natural light spilled into the rooms from the many windows and combined with the high ceilings, made the space seem even more extensive than it was.

"Oh Nathan, it's lovely," whispered Quinn. She was in awe of the large cabin, and when Nathan started looking into the bedrooms for the master, she grabbed his outstretched hand and eagerly followed him. There were three large bedrooms, and Quinn knew Allie would fall in love with the one at the front of the house. It had a large canopy bed and rustic bookshelf along one wall. The second bedroom was equally lovely. However, it didn't have the bookshelves Allie would love.

The master bedroom was in the back corner of the house. It was a large airy room that overlooked the barn on one side and the back Verandah from the other window. There was a fireplace on one wall; opposite it, a door led to a small space that could double as a nursery or storage area.

Nathan placed their bags on the bed and looked around. The room was perfect, and he already felt at home in the cabin. Glancing at Quinn, he saw her staring at the bed; he had felt her tense beside him when they entered the room. Squeezing her hand reassuringly, he smiled at her when she turned to face him.

"Quinn, you know there is no need to be nervous. I want you to know that I have no expectations other than to spend time with you, nothing else."

"Sorry to hear that. I have very high expectations for more than spending time with you." Quinn joked, trying to lighten the mood. "I'm just not sure what happens." Quinn resisted the urge to fan her blazing cheeks. "I have no experience in how these things...happen."

Nathan looked at Quinn aghast. "You know what happens, right?"

"Of course, I know what happens; it's more about the how, and when. Is there an expectation that it will happen right now or later? Is it up to you or me?" Quinn was talking fast, trying to get through what she wanted to ask before she was too embarrassed.

"Quinn, it will happen when it happens and feels right." Nathan kissed the back of her hand. "And not right now. Why don't we go and see the horses?"

Quinn breathed a sigh of relief, "that sounds wonderful."

Quinn and Nathan took the time to explore the property surrounding the house. Mr Lewis was right; the shape would make additions easy if necessary. The view from the Verandah surrounding the house was breathtaking, their elevation allowing them to look over the trees and mountains. It would be wonderful to experience the different seasons here.

Quinn was pleased to see the stables had the capacity for at least four horses. Misty and Newton were happy to see them, and after petting them, Nathan opened their stalls and allowed them access to the large corral attached to the barn. Quinn cleaned the stalls and refilled food and water alongside Nathan as the horses stretched their legs. The barn was well built, and the horses would be warm in winter and should stay cool in the warmer months. Mr Lewis had thought of everything when he planned the layout for the buildings on the property.

After settling the horses back into their stalls, Nathan suggested they return to the house. It was getting late, and he was getting hungry. As they strolled back slowly, Quinn asked the question that had been bugging her.

"Why does Mr Lewis have this house? Why is it set up ready for someone to move in?"

Nathan hesitated, not sure he wanted to tell Quinn about the reason, worried her soft heart wouldn't allow her to live here.

"Please, Nathan, I can tell you know."

"Mr Lewis built the house for his daughter and her children. Her husband was a Mountie in Union City, and, after he died, she was to move closer to her father.'

"But she isn't here? How did he die?"

"He was killed while trying to apprehend a gang that robbed a train. Mr Lewis' daughter and granddaughter died in a wagon accident on the way here."

Tears welled in Quinn's eyes as she heard the tragic story. Her heart hurt for Mr Lewis; she could tell how much he had loved them from the care he had put into the home he created for them.

"Oh."

"Could you still live here knowing that?"

"I don't know Nathan; I don't want to profit from his loss."

"I agree, but right now, a house built with love is sitting rotting away. We could fill this house with the love it was meant to have."

The two stood, staring at the house, lost in their own thoughts. Nathan and Quinn both loved the house and could imagine themselves living there, they just needed to decide if it was the right thing to do.

"I think Allie should see it before we make the final decision. Let's wait until then." Quinn knew Allie needed to see the house before they made any decision, and she needed time to decide, maybe she should talk to Mr Lewis too.

The two walked inside, and Quinn looked around, she had thought it might feel different now she knew the history. She was pleased to find it didn't; while there was a lingering sadness, there was also a sense of homecoming.

"How about I light the fire?" Nathan suggested as he rubbed his hand over her back.

"That sounds nice; I will put together a snack. I think it would be nice to eat near the fire; what do you think?"

After Nathan agreed with her suggestion and went to the fireplace, Quinn explored the kitchen. She and Nathan had brought some things with them this afternoon, but Bill had brought other things and stored them in the icebox that morning.

Once, Nathan had the fire blazing and Quinn had put together a mini feast, they sat close together on the lounge, talking about their wedding. It had been an eventful day and they were content to sit chatting quietly. Nathan proposed a horse ride the following day so they could explore more of the area, to which Quinn readily agreed. As each ate their full, they relaxed back into the lounge, mesmerised by the flames.

Nathan had set water to boil in the fireplace rather than lighting the stove. When it reached the correct temperature, Quinn gathered their plates and took them to the kitchen to wash.

Nathan carried the water and filled the sink with one of the buckets.

"I boiled extra water; why don't you let me wash those, and you take some time to freshen up? I can follow you."

"That sounds wonderful, Nathan," Quinn agreed, following him to the washroom. "I will go and get my things to change into."

Quinn hurried into the bedroom and stared at her bag on the bed next to her husband's. Her husband's, she repeated, smiling at how it sounded. Quinn opened her case and quickly unpacked her things as she located her nightgown and robe. She bit her lip. Should she unpack Nathan's things? It seemed mean to do her things and ignore his.

Hastily she opened his bag and carefully pulled out his things; not wanting to mess them up given they were packed so neatly. She placed his things in the drawers, not having hangers available, but left out his pyjamas, laying those on the bed, wondering if she should put them on his pillow. Wait, which was his pillow? What if they both liked to sleep on the same side of the bed?

"The water is getting cold, Quinn?" Nathan called.

Quinn broke out of her thoughts, 'another part of getting to know each other,' she thought.

By the time Quinn reached the kitchen, Nathan had finished washing the dishes and started drying them. "I'm sorry, you shouldn't have to wash and dry," she apologised.

"I don't mind; when Allie was little, I had to do everything around the house. I got used to doing it and never even thought about it. Of course, she helps me out now."

"Well, I promise I won't take long so you can have the washroom; I won't let your water get too cold."

Quinn hurried away and, true to her word, washed and dressed quickly. The problem was when it came to leaving the room. She had never worn so little around a man, and while her gown was modest, it was a first for her.

"It's all yours, Nathan," she called before she opened the door and stepped out into the living area, hurrying to sit by the fire.

Nathan didn't turn around as he heard the door open, and Quinn call out. He guessed from the high pitch of her voice she was feeling vulnerable, so he wanted to give her a chance at privacy before turning. He was about to experience the same thing, so he knew how she felt.

Nathan hurried through washing, delighted to see Quinn had placed his pyjamas on the pillow. He had been telling the truth earlier; he wasn't used to anyone helping him, especially not with intimate things; it made a nice change. Changing quickly, Nathan hurried out to find Quinn.

Nathan frowned as he approached the lounge, expecting to see Quinn sitting there, but she was missing. He glanced around the room and couldn't see her. A noise caught his attention, and he stepped closer to the lounge, laughing as he found his wife spreading blankets on the rug in front of the fire.

"I hope you don't mind, but I love to lie in front of the fire; I had a special rug at my father's home to do that. I couldn't do it in my room at the cafe, so I missed it."

"I don't mind at all but let me go and get some more blankets and pillows. If we are going to do this, let's be comfortable."

Nathan returned with an armful of blankets and pillows from their room and helped Quinn lay them out. Their shared activity helped overcome Quinn's awkwardness, and when they were done, they stood close together, comfortable when they finished laying out their blankets.

"Thank you for indulging me, Nathan."

"Always." He reached out a hand guiding her down on the blankets, sitting next to her, their backs resting on the couch. As they sat, he wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close.

Quinn sighed and placed a hand on his leg as she settled comfortably.

Nathan blinked; he could feel the warmth from Quinn's body and smell the fragrance of the soap on her skin. He had touched Quinn before, they had sat this close to each other, but this time was different. Tentatively, he reached out to touch her, his fingers caressing the side of her neck and jaw.

Quinn felt a jolt of electricity at his intimate touch. Nathan had touched her before, but not like this, not when they were alone, and he didn't need to stop.

Nathan reached out his other hand and touched her soft curls, gently pushing the loose tresses back off her neck. He noticed his hands were shaking; his stomach was full of butterflies caused by her nearness.

"Your hair is so soft, Quinn, and it smells so good," Nathan whispered.

Quinn shivered at his words, his warm breath against her neck raising goosebumps on her skin.

"Are you cold?"

"No," Quinn turned to face him again, her eyes full of desire and no hesitation.

Nathan lifted a hand, trailing it down her arm; his fingers felt rough against her softness. Nathan inhaled sharply, his hand around her waist, pulling her onto his lap, confident knowing Quinn's desire matched his own. His head dropped forward, and he kissed the soft skin on her neck, his lips and breath warm as they trailed down to her shoulder.

Quinn tilted her head to the side as she placed her arms around Nathan's neck, holding tightly to him as he lifted her, then lowered them to the lay on the nest of blankets they had created.

Quinn had thought there would be a sense of urgency after denying themselves for so long; instead, they took the time to explore each other, wondering at the new sensations uncovered.

Quinn marvelled at the feel of Nathan's hard muscles beneath her hands, running her fingers over his ridged stomach, sliding her hands over his back, raking her nails lightly over his skin. She arched her back as his hands explored her body, heart beating faster at his gentle touch.

Nathan stared in awe as the firelight played over his wife's skin, the flickering light turning her pale skin a gleaming bronze, the shadows playing over her curves. He worshipped the feel of her in his arms, almost unable to believe she was real.

The crackling of the fire competed with the whisper of clothing being removed, of their sweet sighs and soft moans as they rejoiced in discovering each other. Quinn and Nathan touched and tasted, delighting in learning what gave the other pleasure.

Nathan heard Quinn breathe his name, her voice thick with passion and knew she was feeling the same longing as him. He hesitated, needed to know if she was sure - that she was ready; when Quinn reached out, touched his face, and repeated his name, he knew.

Quinn gasped at their connection, the beauty of the moment taking her breath away. They moved together gracefully, finding their rhythm easily for this new wonder they were experiencing. Nathan watched Quinn, saw her desire building and felt it when she came apart in his arms. As Quinn called out his name, Nathan found his own release and followed her over the edge, overwhelmed by the love between them.

As they lay together afterwards, Quinn stared into the fire, watching the flames leap and dance around the wood, her fingers lazily tracing a pattern on Nathan's arm where it lay on her stomach.

"Are you okay? You've been quiet?" Nathan murmured.

"More than okay, Nathan." Quinn sighed quietly as she snuggled closer, loving the deep rich sound of his voice in her ear. "I think I am still shocked at how amazing I feel, how wonderful that was."

Nathan grinned, "It was pretty amazing."

Quinn reached up and touched his lips. "I think this is my favourite of all your smiles."

"How many do I have?"

"Several, the one you usually save for Allie, the same one you gave me today in the church; it lights up your whole face." Tracing his mouth with her fingers, "and this one, the crooked one that gives me butterflies."

"Butterflies, huh."

Quinn laughed at Nathan as he blushed, "yes, and now I know where those butterflies lead..." she trailed off. Her hand dropped from his face to his chest, drifting slowly down his side, sliding over his hip.

"Quinn," Nathan groaned, "I ...you know what will happen if you keep doing that."

"Yes," she said quietly, continuing her exploration until Nathan caught her hand in his, kissing her hard on the lips.

There was a sense of urgency this time, and they rushed toward the peak of pleasure, reaching it together again.

Quinn woke as Nathan lifted her in his arms. Sighing, she snuggled into him, realising she had fallen asleep in front of the fire, and he was carrying her to bed.

"mmmhh," she mumbled sleepily, "Sorry if I fell asleep."

"I did too. It's been an eventful day."

"Yes, it has been the best day of my life. I can't wait for tomorrow to start the next best day."

They reached their bedroom, and Quinn slid out of Nathan's arms.

"Which side do you like to sleep on?" Quinn asked, shy again.

"Side?" Nathan asked, his brows knitting together.

"Yes, which side of the bed?"

"The side next to yours." He reached out and held her, kissing her forehead, "I don't have a side; I guess I was waiting for someone to choose theirs and want me next to them."

Quinn pressed her lips together, tears in her eyes. "I love you, Nathan."

"I love you too, Mrs Grant," he whispered, delighted when her face lit up.

Quinn lifted the covers and slid into the bed, holding them up so he could join her.

"So that you know, Nathan. My side of any bed is the side next to yours; what a lucky coincidence."

Nathan slid into the bed next to his wife and cradled her in his arms.

"I certainly do feel lucky, Quinn."