A/N:
First, I would like to apologize for the long delay between the last epilogue and this one. The holidays were just too busy, and I needed time (and quiet) to get it right.
I hope you enjoy this next installment in the lives of the Grants, Jake and Fiona, and their friends in Hope Valley. In this epilogue, there is quite a lot of "head-hopping" going on, but I wanted to give you a first-hand look into where certain characters are now. I hope you enjoy the ride!
I still have at least two more epilogues in my head, so, I will try to keep them coming. I am very excited about Nathan and Julia's journey, and Allie's too. So, thank you for journeying with them, and me. I really appreciate all your support and feedback.
XO, Sarno
Epilogue Four
Another Lifetime Begins
May 16, 1920
Fiona inhaled a deep breath and let it out. Slowly. Then she smiled up at her big brother, signaling that she was ready. Henry held her gaze, nodded proudly, and led her out, from behind the make-shift curtain hung between two trees.
Fiona, though strong and fearless, never really liked being the center of attention - and wow, was she ever, as soon as they stepped out into the open. In fact, everyone stood and turned her way. Some smiled, others gasped, and many looked to the front, curious to see Jake's reaction.
But Fiona, committed to living in the moment, determined to take in everything and anything about this day, let her eyes go around the gathering, to all of their friends and family. She took in every face, reflecting love and friendship, and she filed it away in her mind, into her deep tank of thankfulness. For there was much to be thankful for.
Jake's love, for starters. As she started down the outdoor aisle, she wondered at it - how pure and solid, and never-ending, his love. Would she be able to love that like? All the way into eternity? Could she match the bar he set? And return his love, in his way, so deep and wonderful. Like he deserved?
Finally, she raised her eyes to meet his.
She'd avoided looking at him until now, worried her heart would burst. But as her eyes finally found him, and saw the love so clearly written on his face, the devotion evident in the sparkle of his green eyes, she calmed. She'd never been so certain of anything in her entire life.
Yes, his love was a marvel. But a marvel she would do her best to emulate, and return, in earnest, as long as there was breath in her lungs. With all that was in her, she would give it her all, for he mattered that much.
As she walked toward him, her heart fluttered incessantly, something that she'd grown accustomed to, now; and then, a soft trail of tears meandered down to her lips. She'd promised herself, asked her brothers and even made her mother vow, that not one tear would fall. But now, looking at Jake, she lost all control of her emotions. The feelings he invoked in her were unlike any other.
Why did her strong and steady demeanor, the sure-of-herself facade she displayed to the world, always crumble the moment he looked at her? No one could see right into her heart, like Jacob Matthews. And he was privy to it all, the good and the bad, yet he still looked at her like she was the only woman in the room. Even now, his eyes were hooked, and confessed that she was his ever fixed mark.
And he was her anchor, stilling her in the midst of waves, steadying her, when billows rolled.
Somewhere in a far off place, she heard Joseph ask a question, and her brother speak an answer, but the words couldn't quite break through her focus, that was now, solely Jake.
Only when he reached up with one hand, and then the other, to cup her face and tenderly wipe her cheeks, did she break that focus. After he brushed away the tears, he held her face a moment longer, and whispered, "Hello there, Sweets." He leaned just an inch closer and spoke even lower. "Don't cry, now."
Fiona smiled, couldn't help that her lip curved up, as she answered. "They're happy tears, Tommy."
And his breath caught. Visibly. She'd only recently called him that, tried out the new endearment, but the smile that followed, let her know that he liked it. Fiona had toyed with using it after she'd learned his middle name. Thomas. She'd already been searching for a nickname, one reserved only for her, and after she tried it, she learned that it was the very name Jake's mother had called his father.
Jake had never seen anyone look as beautiful as Fiona, as she walked down the aisle, toward him. Her dress was very similar to what he'd dreamed, when he'd been hit on the head with that rifle butt. But in real life, the dress was made even more beautiful as it hung to every curve, when Fiona moved in real time. Her face was radiant and her eyes shone. Soft tendrils tumbled from her loose romantic updo, which had tiny white flowers interspersed throughout. Fiona held tight to her big brother's arm, as she walked. And somehow, in his head, Jake heard Nathan's voice, jokingly telling him to remember to breathe. And so he did. In and out, over and over, until she was standing just before him.
Was she crying? He raised hands on both side of her face and wiped the tracks of those tears. He'd done so well, had managed to avoid being overcome, until he saw the emotion so clearly written on her face. His chin began to quiver and he swallowed hard. "Hello, there, Sweets." His voice sounded funny in his ears, thick with sentiment. Oh, how he wanted to comfort her, to make it easier on her. "Don't cry, now." He encouraged.
When she smiled at him like that, his insides went to mush, every single time. Her lips really were the sexiest lips he'd ever seen. "They're happy tears, Tommy." She whispered, her words trapping the air in his lungs. Luckily, Nathan's voice resounded in his head again, reminding him what to do.
And so, he breathed. In and out, in and out. How he loved that endearment. Tommy. She'd only used it twice, but each time, it just did something to him. Memories of his mother, calling his father that name, one she alone used, came flooding back, bringing with it a young nine-year-old boy's perspective and his innocent dreams of love. His hope for how beautiful it could be. He had never forgotten, had tucked those memories away, safe and sound, and kept them as a measuring rod, a standard, for love one day. Now, his true love was finally here, standing before him, on their wedding day. And this day marked only the beginning, day one of their happily ever after, the first chapter of their lifetime together.
Henry answered a question that Joseph asked, and placed Fiona's hands in his. Then Jake turned his bride toward the altar that had been set up on the side of the hill, overlooking the valley, on the land he had purchased, right next to the Grant's Aisling II.
"Dearly beloved." Joseph belted to the crowd that was gathered and sitting on benches. They were the same benches that had been used for Nathan and Julia's wedding, only this time, they'd been hauled up here to Jake's land, arranged in nice neat rows, and decorated with Fiona's favorite flowers. Nathan and Jake had built another arbor, similar to the one that was now in Julia's garden next door, though Jake had opted to paint it white, knowing that Fiona would like that best. She did. When she'd first seen it, she raised her hands to her mouth, and nearly cried.
Originally, she'd been a little apprehensive about an outdoor wedding, even if she had let it slip, that was what she'd always dreamed of. Jake had insisted, from the moment he'd heard her say that, even if the weather could be a little finicky in May. It was a risk that was worth it, he'd told her, sure that they'd be blessed with a sunny day. And then, once she'd seen the land Jake had bought just next to Nathan's, and the viewpoint that had inspired the purchase, she'd agreed it was right. Yes, it was risky, he'd told her, but wasn't love itself somewhat of a risk? For he'd been trying to show her, since the first day he'd met her, that sometimes risk brought great reward. A lesson she'd learned many times in business, but had been reluctant to apply to her heart.
"We are gathered here today, on this beautiful spring day, to join two hearts together in holy matrimony." Joseph continued in his deep, commanding voice. He looked at Jake and then at Fiona. The backdrop behind him was breathtaking, the idyllic view down over the valley, magnificent. "Up until this point, Jacob and Fiona have walked the journey of life separately, but today, they have come here, to stand before God and each other, to make a solemn vow, that from here on out, they will journey together." He paused and looked over the crowd. "The merging of two lives is a beautiful thing, and I cannot think of a more beautiful place to do it, than right here…" Joseph turned a little and motioned out over the valley, "On the land where they will build their future. Together."
After the vows and rings, when Joseph finally made the announcement that Jake and Fiona were husband and wife, the groom picked up his bride, and twirled her around and around, in a blur of pretty lace, silky satin, and happiness. All their friends and family laughed at his antics. From the back, all his Mountie brothers cheered, an entire crew was in town, had just recently finished the tracking program, but stayed on for the wedding.
And then, when he finally set her back down, Joseph said the long-awaited words. "Jacob, you may now kiss your bride."
Jake touched Fiona's cheek, and gently tipped up her face. And he planted a tender, sweet, and emotional kiss, the most beautiful that Hope Valley had seen in a while, since perhaps Nathan and Julia's wedding. And when he pulled back just a little, Jake stayed close and told her. "Hello there, wife."
She gave him a sweet smile, as she looked over his face. She memorized ever happy line and every handsome feature.
Then Joseph finished. "I now present to all of you, for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Thomas Matthews." And the crowd went wild. Hoops and hollers rang out from all the Mountie brothers towards the back, not to mention all the family, excited friends, and townspeople gathered from Hope Valley.
Jake's face broke into that happy smile that she loved. The one that took over his entire face and was contagious. Her heart always melted when he smiled like that. Especially today. He took her hand and led her slowly down the aisle, eyes fixed on her the entire way.
And he led her straight past the trees, along the path that he and Nathan had built together, for the occasion. Though the path would remain, and serve as a thoroughfare connecting the two properties. For the two families to go back and forth, visit each other, and do life together.
The end of the pathway opened out onto Nathan and Julia's property. And a flower garland marked the way to the Grant's front yard, where the reception would take place. There, tables were set up with crisp white tablecloths, lined with flowers. And in the middle, a dance floor had been constructed. And over it all, hung long suspended garlands of hanging lanterns that would be lit at dusk. It was all so romantic, and beautiful, that Fiona couldn't help but look up at Jake.
"You like it?" He asked, as he led her right past. It was the first time she'd seen it, he'd insisted it be a surprise.
"The reception of my dreams." She told him. Though what did she expect from the man of her dreams?
He took her right up the front steps and inside the Grant's house, just as Clara had instructed. Today, she served as photographer, though she'd also helped Julia and Faith with some of the organization.
Jake led Fiona right into the library, and then, turned to face her. "No turning back now, Sweets." He teased with that playful lopsided smile. As if she would ever want to.
She laughed. "Ha! It is I who finally managed to trap you." She shot right back, in her most mischievous tone. "No escape, Mr. Matthews. You're mine now." She teased, as she slid her arms around his waist.
He lowered his lips towards hers and replied. "Right where I want to be."
"And I'll never let you go." She answered softly against his lips. Then he kissed her. This time, a private kiss, where they were free to express all the love and emotion of their connection. And it ran deep, on the heels of their vows of devotion. And deeper still, in light of the promise of a future lived out as one. Jake kissed her slow and tender, and Fiona pulled herself in closer. The kiss deepened, long and slow, and they took their time discovering all the feelings mounting between them, calling them closer. Fiona brought a hand around the back of his neck and played with the hair at the nape of his neck. And he pulled her in, pressed her body to his, as he kissed her.
And then, he pulled back just enough to breathe, though he kept that hand on her cheek, and rested his forehead on hers. "I love you, Sweets." He rasped against her cheek.
"I love you, Tommy." She answered against the crease of his mouth.
"Forever." He whispered.
"Forever." She answered back.
Two soft knocks on the door told them that Clara was ready to take their photograph, out back, in Julia's garden. Jake placed one more soft kiss, and then asked her. "Ready for the crowd, Mrs. Matthews?"
"I'm ready for anything, with you." She told him softly. "And that might be the very best name you have ever called me."
Jake laughed low and replied. "It's my very favorite too."
Nathan stood tall on his big front porch and waited until the crowd quieted down. Mike Hickman whistled a second time and that seemed to get everyone's attention.
Clara gave him a nod, so Nathan turned and spoke loud. "Good afternoon, everyone. Friends and family. Brothers. I would like to introduce to you, once again: Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Matthews!"
The crowd stood and clapped as Jake led his bride out the front door, down the steps, and to the reception area. When they got there, he raised a thankful hand, and the applause slowly faded. Then he kept a proud hold on Fiona, as they moved from table to table, greeting guests and happily accepting congratulations.
The front yard set-up was exceptionally lovely. Had turned out even better than Nathan imagined, when Julia approached him with the idea. Outdoors was what Fiona wanted, and Julia, Faith, and Clara had pulled it off beautifully. Rosemary had helped too, in between her mothering duties.
Tables were scattered throughout the yard, surrounding a central dance floor. Garlands of lanterns hung overhead and would be lit at dusk. How beautiful it would be then.
Buffet tables were set up on one side. Gustave and Alex had gone all out and the food looked fantastic. Tables were piled high with fare from the region, as well as specialties from San Francisco and Nova Scotia. Sarah and Lily, from Gustave's Restaurant, carried plates to a third table, which was being loaded with festive desserts and sweets, around a large central wedding cake.
Now that his job was done, Nathan let his eyes comb the crowd, until he found her. His beautiful wife. His Julia. She looked incredible in the midnight blue that Fiona had chosen. His breath caught, and his heart skipped a beat or even three, as he stopped and watched her. And he admired her, for a moment, from across the busy crowd. Holding baby Ellie, laughing with Allie and Rosemary, discussing something the adorable infant had done. She had a natural way with babies, and he hoped beyond hope, that they would soon be blessed with one of their own. She deserved that much. And he longed to be a father again.
And then a sweet thing happened. As if she somehow felt his eyes on her, she turned and searched the crowd. Until she found him too. And when their eyes connected, across the distance, she smiled. That beautiful, happy smile that showed her dimples. And his heart did another pitter-pat.
He raised a shy hand and gave her a little wave. And in response, Julia juggled the baby, lifted her fingers to her lips, and sent a kiss across the meadow, on a soft blow of wind.
Julia stood next to the phonograph and wistfully watched her brother and Fiona. Jake had chosen a slow song for their first dance as husband and wife, and they were breathtaking, as they moved across the floor. Jake had tucked his wife in close, and she melted against him, as they swayed under the lantern light. Their bodies moved as one, in unison, all melded together. It was beautiful, and brought back memories of her own wedding.
Julia had never seen her brother so happy. Not that he wasn't usually happy, for he was a relatively positive person. But this, this was a whole new level. As he gazed down at Fiona, his face glowed, his eyes danced, and raw emotion was written on his face. He was more handsome than ever; happiness looked good on him.
And Fiona. She was by far the most beautiful bride that Julia had ever seen, but not because her dress was elegant and romantic, and fit perfectly. And it wasn't the wistful updo either. It was the look on her face, as she gazed up at Jake. Like her happiness began and ended with him; like he held her very heart in his hands. Julia smiled to herself, knew just how that felt. And that prompted her to look out over the crowd and search out her own sweet husband. When her eyes met his, he was already looking at her. She could do nothing but smile at her Nathan, so handsome he looked in that gray suit, from across the way. And he smiled back at her, even added a little wink. How could he do that? Make her knees go weak, from all the way across the meadow?
Julia suddenly realized the music was changing, so she cranked the phonograph again. As the next song took off in a more lively rhythm, more couples entered the floor, eager to take a turn under the softly lit lanterns that hung overhead. The scene was beautiful, and wistful, and perfectly romantic.
Ben danced with Faith, who looked fantastic in the midnight blue they'd worn together, as Fiona's two bridesmaids. Ben had just very recently proposed, and they were discussing a wedding in the fall.
Mike entered the dance floor with Alex. He had stood up with Nathan, as one of Jake's two groomsmen, and also looked very nice in gray. He and Alex seemed very serious in their relationship now; Julia had never seen him look at anyone quite the way he looked at Alex. And she seemed to return his sentiments, tick for tack, even if she wasn't as obvious. Though, no one could ever be as obvious as Mike Hickam, now could they?
Lee led Rosemary around the floor, looking more in love than ever. Julia looked over the crowd and found Allie holding baby Ellie, and chatting happily with Emily and Opal and a few more of her friends. She often babysat for the Coulters and had grown quite attached to their little bundle of joy.
Surprise, surprise. Bill danced with Molly. Julia had the impression that they were, likewise, moving forward in their attachment. Every once in a while, Bill still feigned indifference, though the sightings of the old, grumpy Bill were becoming less and less frequent. Molly was good for him, and made him happy, even if he did his best to avoid admitting it.
Robert led Mrs. Thornton onto the dance floor. He was taller than her now, and she even had to look up a little. Julia noticed that Allie watched them closely, and even smiled, as she obviously took note of how sweet Robert was with his former teacher.
Ned and Florence were cute, as always, as they took a turn about the floor.
And then, another surprise. Out of nowhere, Jimmy McIntosh entered the dance floor with Sarah. Julia had thought, for a little while now, that Jimmy was sweet on the pretty, young waitress from Gustave's. And seeing how nervous he was, as he held her and danced with her, only confirmed her suspicions. Jimmy McIntosh's heart hung in the balance, and from the look on Sarah's face, her's did too. Julia sought out her husband again, across the way talking to one of his Mountie trainees. That smile on his face, as her eyes met his, told her that he was thinking the very same thing. Good for Jimmy.
Clara and Jesse were adorable too. Her belly was big and round now. Her baby was due any minute, though Faith examined her on Friday, and had concluded it would be at least another week. Clara waddled to and fro, but was quite cute in the dress she'd chosen. In truth, Fiona had wanted Clara to be a bridesmaid too, but had respected her request to sit this one out, when she'd realized how close her wedding day would be to Clara's due date.
Minnie and Joseph were sweet as they went around the dance floor. If ever there was a good example, for all the young or soon-to-be married couples, it was the Canfields. Julia's heart swelled with gratefulness for their pastor and his wife.
Henry Gowen danced with Auntie Elle, who had happily returned to Hope Valley. She'd been the very first guest to christen the Grant's guest room, and Julia fully intended to keep her as long as she would stay.
Fiona's brother Henry danced with his wife, Marie. Her brother Daniel danced with his wife, Jenny. And her youngest brother, Timothy danced with their mother.
And then, as if the universe had heard the wish in her heart, Julia felt a presence behind her. A welcome, well-known presence, one that always felt like home. Soft, gentle hands went around her middle, as a familiar voice rasped quietly in her ear. "Hi." His customary greeting made her heart skip a beat. Or was it his presence? Or his closeness? Oh, it was a toss up.
"Hi, husband." She rasped right back, as she leaned back against him, put her own hands over his, intertwined her fingers with his.
"Dance with me?" He breathed across her ear.
"Yes." Her lips accepted, but the rest of her quite simply didn't want to move. She liked when he surprised her with his closeness and held her like this. It felt intimate and cozy. Right where she wanted to be.
He leaned over and cranked the phonograph a few times. Then with the hand that was still interwoven with his, Nathan led her onto the dance floor, just in time for the next song, which was slow. Her favorite way to dance with him. He pulled her close, and tucked her hand into his chest.
"Do you remember our first dance?" He rasped, as he gazed down at her.
"Every second of it." She assured him.
"It was a perfect day, wasn't it?" And by his face, she could tell, for him, it truly was.
It was for her too. "Yes, indeed. Perfect." She told him with a smile.
He let his eyes go around to all the couples dancing near them. "I'm the luckiest guy here, you know."
She giggled softly. "I'd be quite inclined to fight you for that title, Mr. Grant. I'm quite lucky myself." She mused playfully.
"Maybe we'll make a contest of it later." He teased with raised eyebrows. "A kissing contest, to settle the debate."
Julia laughed out loud. "Anytime, husband. Anytime. Bring it on." She told him with both dimples. He really was the most charming man on earth. And she would kiss him anytime, till her breath gave out.
He gazed down at her with that crooked smile. "I'll consider my challenge accepted." He said softly, as his eyes went over her.
"You better." She rasped up at him.
And they stayed just like that, glued to each other, gazing at each other, until the very last note of the song. But when a new melody started, Nathan took her hand, led her off the dance floor, and walked her out into the meadow.
"Where are you taking me, Lawman?" She asked with a chuckle, as she followed along behind. He had a good hold on her hand, and obviously had a particular destination in mind.
He didn't stop until they were directly in front of the heart-shaped tree. Their tree. It had been a while since she'd been there, or seen the inscription he'd carved inside a heart. Nathan + Julia 4ever. She looked it over. The letters were still distinctly visible, though the edges had darkened somewhat. She reached out and let her fingers trace over.
"It still looks as beautiful as the day you first showed me." The day he proposed to her. Julia smiled, then let her eyes come back to his.
Nathan smiled down at her, and lifted a hand to her cheek. "So about that kissing contest?" He whispered, on the way to her mouth.
And when their lips met, that fire was there instantly. Just like it had been, since almost the first day. And he kissed her tender, so tender, she had to grab onto him to steady herself. He must've realized, because he brought his arms around and pulled her in close. Was that on purpose, all part of his plan?
The kiss lingered long, neither wanted to let it end. But when Nathan finally pulled back he rasped softly. "I win." Though she couldn't even remember what the contest had originally been about.
Julia giggled softly, as she gazed up into his eyes, dark and dilated in the moonlight. "I think we both win."
He asked shyly. "Do you remember…our first night?" She didn't even have to ask to what he was referring, he was obviously thinking of it now, after that kiss.
"Every second." She admitted.
He liked that. "Jake and Fiona don't even realize what's in store."
Julia smiled. "I didn't."
"Neither did I." He touched her face again, caressed her cheek.
She confessed. "I have to admit. I'm a little jealous, on one point, in regards to their honeymoon." Nathan's eyebrows went up. "He gets to show her Peggy's Cove."
"Well it won't be long now, we'll be on our way there too, in a little over a month." He reminded her.
"I can't wait to show you, to share it all…with you." She told him wistfully.
He assured her. "I can't wait to see it, and to experience it all…with you."
"Allie's going to love it too." She said softly, sure of her words.
He leaned down and kissed her again. And when neither wanted to separate from the other, again, he teased against her lips. "What do you think our chances are, of sneaking into the house, undetected?"
Julia giggled, but stayed close. "Mr. Grant!" She scolded cutely, but then, she went right back to kissing him.
When Jake stopped the car in front of their row house, the house he would now share with Fiona, he took a deep breath. It had been an absolutely perfect day. Better than he could've imagined, for his wedding day. The location, the ceremony, the reception, the food, the dancing. The lanterns hanging overhead were exceptionally beautiful and set the mood for a wonderful evening of dancing. And dance they did. He whisked Fiona around until their feet couldn't take anymore. Last week, she'd reminded him to enjoy every minute, and so, they did.
When it was time to throw the bouquet, Faith caught it. Of course, Jake was pretty sure his dear wife had peaked and aimed that way on purpose.
And then, when it was time to see the bride and groom off, the crowd had lit more lanterns and formed two lines with them. It had been just beautiful as he and Fiona walked through the middle, to Nathan's car. And after they'd waved bye to everyone, the drive had been beautiful too, under the light of a million stars.
Now, as he glanced over at his wife, he felt a nervous ball settle into his stomach. She looked so beautiful as she sat there next to him, holding his hand. "Ready to go home, Mrs. Matthews?"
She smiled and tilted her head cutely. "I already told you. I'm ready for anything, with you."
So he came around her side of the car, and opened. When she stepped down, he took her hand and led her up the front steps. And when they reached the top, he scooped her right up into his arms. It might be a silly tradition to carry the bride across the threshold, but now he knew why men did it. A simple sign of honor and commitment and protection. He met her gaze as she nuzzled against his chest. One hand played in the curls at the back of his neck, clouding all reasonable thought. And he told her one more time. "Welcome home, Sweets."
And she replied words that went straight to his heart. "I've been home, with you, for a long time now." And she kissed him. She conveyed every sentiment wrapped up in that statement, with tenderness and passion. How could she make it so tender and so passionate at the very same time? And why did it feel like joy would soon burst right outta him?
When she pulled back, one hand rested on his jaw, and the other was still in his hair. And he smiled. Though, he realized something kinda funny. In his haste to pick her up, and hold her in his arms, he'd forgotten one very important step. "Sweets." He told her softly, as he closed one eye. "Any chance you can reach the door knob?"
And Fiona snorted a giggle, she tried to stifle the sound, but to no avail. And the result was just so cute, it sent them both into stitches. And they had a good laugh right there on the threshold. And it felt good to laugh, dispelled the nerves and chased away any apprehension. When she could hold a straight face again, Fiona reached down and turned the knob. And Jake kicked it open. Teamwork. He liked that.
"Thanks, Sweets." Her hands went across his shoulders to hold him tight, and she leaned her forehead against his cheek.
And Jake carried her across the threshold. He set her down on the other side, in a pile of rose petals. She looked down and giggled. "Julia." Jake was fairly sure she was right.
But then, at the very same time, Fiona and Jake's eyes both followed the rose petals. They made a trail, right up the stairs. He looked at her shyly, but she didn't miss a beat. Fiona planted a finger right in his chest and told him on a breathy exhale. "Stay right here, Tommy." The way she said it made his blood run hot, so he did. He didn't move a muscle except to put his hand in his pockets as she followed the trail right up the stairs, the train of her dress kicking up rose petals on her way.
Jake took a deep breath. Hoped their room was to her liking and that he'd put everything in the right place. Another few breaths and he managed to shed his gray suit jacket and hang it on the coat rack next to him. And then, he stood still until he heard the soft patter of bare feet on the stairs.
Good thing he'd taken those deep breaths because there was no breathing now, as her form appeared at the bottom of the stairs. His Fiona. She walked toward him in a soft lavender blur, the silky fabric of her nightgown and robe, flowing out behind her, kicking up those rose petals again. He wanted to pinch himself to see if she was real. But when she stopped just in front of him, with her hair cascading down all around her shoulders, her beautiful scent hit him, and he knew. His dream girl was indeed, real.
And she now belonged to him, and he, to her.
He took a step in her direction, cupped her beautiful face in his hands. Then he bent and kissed her. He tried to match her tenderness and her passion. Her hands came around his back, to pull in closer.
Then her hands came over his shoulders and trailed down his chest, to the buttons of his vest. It went up and off his shoulders. And then, when her hands made their way up to his collar, and started working on his buttons, he pulled back from the kiss just enough to tell her. "I love you, Fiona. With my whole heart." He wanted her to hear it one more time…before whatever came next.
She answered back on an airy whisper. "I love you, too. With all that I am."
And Jake bent a little further, picked her up in his arms, and carried her right up to their room. Where they would become one with each other; where they would begin all of their tomorrows.
Fiona woke to the feel of soft kisses on the back of her neck and shoulder. Again. He'd already done that once, in the night, and it had ended pretty much the same way it had last night. With them, awestruck and trembling in each other's arms. Amazed at how wonderful love could be. Connected and melded together.
Fiona let out a soft moan, and then leaned back against her husband's warmth. "Is it time to get up already?"
He nibbled her ear and told her in a rasp. "I'm afraid so." His arms came tighter around her, pulled her closer. Making it even harder to move. No way was he getting her out of this perfect place, tucked in to the muscled curve of his body, folded into him. No way.
When she leaned back more, he placed a few more kisses on the curve of her neck. Near her pulse, which was throbbing now. "We really should get up." He sounded about as motivated as she was. They were doomed to be late, no matter what she did now. And well, there was nothing that sounded better than staying right here, tucked into the warmth of his embrace, until the last possible minute.
But then he placed one more kiss, long and tender, right on that place below her ear. That place that he now knew was….sensitive. The action sent her pulse racing. And that was the last straw.
Fiona turned and faced Jake for a moment. Her husband. The love of her life. Laying entangled with her, holding her, without a single stitch of clothing. Just him. And nothing else. Raw and natural. And he…looked her over too. Was he enjoying this part of the discovery as much as she was? His hand on her cheek told her he was. He caressed gently with his thumb, for just a moment, before his fingers traced a slow, tender trail down her neck, through the middle of her chest, down around her waist, and over, to the small of her back. And then he used that hand, to ever so gently pull her into him. And he kissed her.
And she knew right then, two things were so very, very true. One: this man was meant to love her. Purposed to be one with her. Destined to belong to her, and she, to him. As sure as the sun rose in the morning.
And two: they were going to be late. Very, very late, indeed.
Julia woke reluctantly, put her hand out and felt for her husband, though she knew without reaching, that he wasn't there. He'd held her all night long, and somehow, her body just knew he was gone, felt the void of his warmth and presence, before she even stirred.
She opened her eyes and realized it was still early enough, though. The sunlight was just barely streaming in the windows. He must've let her sleep in a little, she'd been so tired lately, with all the wedding preparations.
Even now, she didn't want to get up. She was nice and warm snuggled under the covers, right where he'd left her. She snuggled into the pillow too, and his scent met her, reminded her of the night before. The incredible night they'd spent together, practically reliving their own wedding night. Julia's breath caught just thinking about it, and him, and the deep connection they shared. So honest and true, and emotional.
Thinking of him threw her over the edge, made her miss him. So she decided to get up, and go in search of this man that held her heart.
She threw back the covers, picked up her nightgown from where it lay crumpled on the floor. Found her robe too, near his side of the bed. And then, she slid her feet into her slippers.
When she got downstairs to the kitchen, a lovely smell met her, as did the voices of happy breakfast preparations. Nathan and Allie worked together, moved in sync, in their homey family kitchen - one pouring pancakes, the other scrambling eggs. And Julia picked up plates and started setting the table.
Though, as soon as Nathan saw her, he stopped scrambling and came to greet her. And he did so by wrapping his hands around her waist, from the back, and placing a kiss on her neck. "Good morning, Mrs. Grant." He whispered into her hair. That would never get old.
"Good morning, my love." She whispered back, as she let her hand rest on his arm. She closed her eyes, and remembered once again, his kiss from last night. The one that had started it all. Even the thought of it, so many hours later, took the breath right outta her lungs.
"Okay, you two!" Allie called out from her post at the stove. She waved her pancake-flipping spatula at them.
Nathan cleared his throat and took a step back. "Sorry, Allie."
Allie looked out the front window, where the lanterns still hung from garlands, and tables, as well as chairs, were still scattered randomly throughout the yard. "It's like love is in the air, or something." She said with a giggle.
Julia walked over and hugged her from the side. "Or something." She kissed her daughter on the side of her forehead. "Weddings will do that to ya, I guess."
Allie looked up at her. "Jake looked so happy, didn't he? And so handsome."
"Yes he did." Julia agreed.
"And Fiona. Wow, that dress. It was so beautiful." Allie said with emphasis.
"Yes, it was." Julia asked her. "They are a great match aren't they?"
"Yep. Just like you two." She said with that funny drawl to her voice, and her classic eye roll.
Tsssssstttt. Nathan's eggs hit the hot skillet, and he started to stir them as they cooked. And Julia went back to setting the table. Then it was Nathan and Allie and Julia that moved around the kitchen, in sync, until everything was ready. Then they sat at the table together.
Towards the end of the meal though, he spoke up. "Jules, you didn't like my coffee this morning?" She looked at her full cup, the one he'd poured her, but she'd not touched. That made the second day in a row, though he'd not noticed yesterday.
"No, no, no. It's not that." She assured him. "I think it's just the excitement of yesterday, all of the emotions. Somehow, I just forgot to drink it." She smiled and picked up the cup. Though, when she brought it close to her nose, she realized there was no way she could even take a sip. What was wrong with her?
Nathan eyed her suspiciously for a moment, as she set the cup back down. But Allie chimed in. "Dad, aren't you supposed to be gone already?"
Nathan started and glanced up at the clock. "Oh yes!" He couldn't be late to drive Jake and Fiona to their train. He quickly stood and took his plate to the wash basin.
Then he turned and charged his daughter. "Allie girl, will you look after Auntie Elle, when she comes down? So that Julia can rest?" Their guest was still not up yet, though Auntie Elle was never one to have much for breakfast.
Allie looked excited at the prospect. "No problem, Dad. I'll take care of her. It'll be fun!"
Then he came and knelt right down next to Julia's chair, on her level. He looked her over attentively and kissed her softly on the lips. "Get some rest, love. And as soon as Jake and Fiona are off on the train, I'll be back to take care of you."
Julia looked him over, so handsome and sweet. She couldn't say anything but the obvious, and she said it quietly. "Okay, Lawman. I'll follow your orders, but only if you'll join me soon." He must be even more tired than she, for he'd been going nonstop for more than a month, with the training program, all those field exercises up in the mountains, and then the wedding. He, too, needed some rest. And today was the perfect opportunity, since they were both off work.
"You've got yourself a deal, Mrs. Grant." He told her with his crooked smile. Then he stood and headed out the door, to see Jake and Fiona off on the train, for their honeymoon in Peggy's Cove.
