Chapter 45. First Date, Take Two
On Saturday, Allie came to Julia's apartment at 10 a.m., as planned. Julia had already unpacked her easel and painting supplies, and prepared everything they would need to get started on her painting for Father's Day.
They worked together, Allie asking questions and trying to learn as much as possible, and Julia patiently teaching and explaining very thoroughly. Allie was a quick study and by noon they had made a lot of progress. When they were both hungry, Julia suggested they go to lunch together, and Allie happily accepted.
When they came into the café, which was busy on a Saturday, Bill managed to get them a table for two, near the back.
As they sat, Allie asked him, clearly teasing, "Uncle Bill, did you see that nice photo of you in the Valley Voice?" Referring to the photo of Bill and Molly at the Founders' Day dance.
Bill pursed his lips together, and answered, teasing her back, "Hey kiddo, you know I can refuse service to anyone I want?"
Both Allie and Julia broke into giggles, and Allie said between chuckles, "It was my favorite photo in the whole issue!"
"Save it, kid. You want something to eat or not?" Bill tried to look stern but couldn't help himself when it came to Allie. He messed up her hair and chuckled with her.
She tried to look upset about her mussed hair. "Uncle Bill, I'm not 10 anymore." Allie told him, but still smiling.
"Don't remind me. You are growing up too fast, if you ask me." Bill said, amused.
Julia smiled at their sweet friendship. And decided to tease him a little too, "But Bill, it was a nice photo."
Bill pretended like he was going to mess Julia's hair up too and they all laughed. Finally, Julia and Allie ordered quickly and the two chatted while they waited for their food.
"One thing was for certain, there were some very nice photos in the Valley Voice this week. Wouldn't you agree, Miss Matthews?" Allie asked, looking at her with a coy smile.
"Yes, there were." Julia replied, trying to keep an even tone.
"Which one was your favorite?" Allie asked.
"That's a hard question. Fiona has such a gift in photography, they were all so good." Julia paused and looked at Allie, "I especially love the one of us painting, with Emily and Opal."
"That one came out very nice. It perfectly captured how much fun we had painting together." Allie stated. Then she looked at Julia, serious, "But the one of you and my Dad dancing, on the back page. It was beautiful."
Julia swallowed hard just thinking about that photo, just thinking about that dance. Nathan had held her so close and strong in his arms, and looked at her with that intense gaze of his. That intense gaze that seemed to convey all the very same feelings that were all welled up inside of her.
"It was a beautiful photo, wasn't it?" Julia said. There was no denying it, they were a handsome couple. Julia found Nathan so striking in black and white, she was convinced he could make anyone look good. But what added to the beauty of the photo were the emotions so clearly conveyed between them, the emotions that were now so openly on display for everyone to discern. Julia still felt embarrassed about it. But, no one else seemed to mind.
"Don't tell Bill, but the photo of you and my Dad was really my favorite." Allie confessed, with a little giggle.
"Your secret is safe with me, Allie." Julia said with her own cute little giggle.
Clara came by and dropped off their plates, and filled their water glasses. Clara was so happy to see these two together. "Lovely photos in the Valley Voice, huh, ladies?" She said smiling at them.
Julia and Allie both looked at each other with raised eyebrows and gave a little light giggle. Julia guessed she and Nathan might be the talk of the town again. Julia answered sensibly, "yes, this week's whole edition was really nice."
Clara answered, "Yes, it really was." And she smiled at them and headed over to the next table.
Julia decided to change the subject to something much more important. She knew Allie had a lot of exams and studying to do right now, and that next week was her last week of school. "Allie, how was school this week, and your exams?" Julia asked.
"The week went well, I guess. I did have a lot of exams, and still have a few more this coming week. But I'm excited that it's the last week of school!" Allie said, excited to be finished.
"And the exams have not been too hard?" Julia asked.
"No, they are not too bad. I had a little trouble with the advanced math, but I think I did alright in the end." Allie stated.
Then Allie looked at Julia with a timid smile. "Miss Matthews, you remember the things I shared with you when my Dad had the fever?" Julia nodded yes, and Allie continued, "Well, yesterday I had a long talk with Mrs. Thornton."
"You did, Allie? How did it go?" Julia asked.
"I think she was trying to make peace over everything that happened with my Dad." Allie said. "I've never seen her so humble before. She cried a lot. I think she really meant everything she said."
"Were you able to forgive her, Allie?" Julia asked.
"For the first time in a long time, I felt like she was really speaking from her heart. I saw a glimpse of the Mrs. Thornton I met when I first got here." Allie explained. "So, I forgave her."
"And, how do you feel now?" Julia asked.
"I feel much better, even if I'm not sure we can ever go back to the way we used to be." Allie stated.
"And, that's okay, Allie. You need to forgive her, for you. So that you can move past it, and let go of the hurts." Julia stated, "But, for the rest, you have to be true to your heart. Just because you forgive her doesn't mean you have to be friends with her."
"Thanks for saying that, Miss Matthews. My Dad said the exact same thing." Allie said, with an even grin. "And, I'm still not sure she's really changed for good."
"Well, whatever helped her make it right with you, Allie, I'm very happy about it. For you. Not for her, but for you." Julia paused and looked Allie in the eye, "You are an amazing girl, Allie. And, you deserve to be treated with love and kindness. And anyone who treats you any other way is not worth your time nor your worry. Ok?"
"Ok. I'll try to remember that. Thanks, Miss Matthews." Allie said. They soon finished their lunch and ordered pie for dessert. Today it was rhubarb. Julia also ordered a coffee with milk.
"Miss Matthews, I'm glad I have you, now." Allie stated.
Julia smiled and replied, "You sure do, Allie. And I'm always here for you. No matter what." Julia paused, "But that doesn't mean you can't be friends with Mrs. Thornton if one day you feel like you want to be. Your friendship with her won't change how I feel about you. Ok?"
"Ok, Miss Matthews." Allie said, content to leave it there for now.
"Allie, did you ever figure out what you are going to call that beautiful horse of yours?" Julia asked as Clara brought them their pies and coffee.
"No, I'm still not sure. But my Dad said you might have a good name for me?" Allie asked.
"Allie it's up to you to name her." Julia stated.
"Won't you at least share your idea with me? Please, Miss Matthews?" Allie asked.
"Ok, I guess so." Julia paused, and then shared, "She's a very beautiful horse. I particularly love her coloring and thought she reminded me of a certain spice called Ginger."
"Ginger. I like that name." Allie said, eating her pie. "I'll have to try it out on her."
"But, like I said Allie, feel free. It's your choice what to name her." Julia told her.
Bill came by the table and talked with them a little while, as they finished their pies. The lunch rush was over and all was calm now. So finally, he grabbed a coffee and sat with them a minute. When they were all done, Julia paid their bill and they both said good bye to Bill and Clara.
Julia and Allie returned to her apartment to work another hour or two on the painting. They had gotten a lot done and it looked nice so far. Allie had a natural aptitude for painting, and was a joy to work with. She was eager and attentive and interested in progressing. When they couldn't do anymore today, they decided to call it a day.
Allie and Julia walked outside arm in arm and down the street towards the row houses.
"Miss Matthews, when can we work again on my painting?" Allie asked her.
"How about you come by after school this week? I think we'll need two or three more sessions to finish it." Julia told her.
"I'll talk to my Grams and see when she can help cover for me, and I'll stop by on Monday and tell you what days I can come. Is that ok?" Allie asked.
"Fine with me, Allie. You just let me know and I'll be there." Julia said.
Allie gave Julia a big hug and thanked her for today. As they were saying good bye, Elizabeth walked by with Little Jack. They exchanged greetings and Julia was glad to see that things really did seem to be a little better between Allie and her teacher.
As Allie walked home, Julia kept an eye on her until she went up her front porch steps.
Then Julia hurried home, to start getting ready for her dinner date with Nathan. As she thought about what the evening might have in store for just the two of them, she already felt the familiar butterflies.
At 6 p.m., when Nathan knocked on Julia's door, his stomach was already in knots. She opened, looking radiant in a burgundy dress. The color was beautiful on her and brought out her eyes, making them look bright like the sky. Her hair was down in soft, cascading waves and her lips glimmered a light mauve. She was stunning.
Julia's breath caught when she saw Nathan standing at her door with flowers. He was wearing the same navy blue suit he had worn to the Founder's Day dance, although this time, without a tie. He had instead left the collar of his crisp white shirt open a few buttons, and she realized how very much she had always liked that look on him. All the time he had been injured, and couldn't button his shirt up all the way, he had always left a few buttons open at the collar. And, it had been very hard for her not to swoon. It had been a long time since she'd thought of that, but seeing him on her stoop with his top buttons open, now made it hard to forget. He looked so very handsome standing there, and Julia felt the familiar flutter of butterflies all the way to her toes.
When Nathan finally managed to get his voice to work, he said, "Good evening, Jules. You look…very beautiful." And as he held a bouquet of red roses for her, he said, "These are for you."
Julia finally cleared her throat and managed to say, "Wow, they are so lovely, Nathan. Please come in." And, she motioned him inside. She took the flowers from him and realized her only vase was already in use, for the daisies he had brought her on Tuesday. And, since they were still doing well, she didn't want to take them out. So, she used her water pitcher as a vase. She put the lovely roses in the water and set them on the middle of her table. She stood back admiring them, as they were very beautiful. "Thank you so much, Nathan." And then she said, playfully, as she turned back toward him, "Though, I'm running out of vases."
Nathan smiled, happy that she was overflowing with flowers. She deserved to be. "You're welcome, Jules." He replied. "Next time I bring you flowers, I'll bring them with a vase." He softly teased her.
Now that he was inside her apartment, Julia was glad she had thought to hide Allie's painting and all the art supplies. He came over to see the bookshelf and noticed that she had kept his letter on top, next to Allie's bouquet. And there was yesterday's issue of the Valley Voice, with the photo of the two of them dancing together, on display. When he saw the newspaper folded open and propped up on her shelf, he smiled. He had done the exact same thing on his own desk. Though he had put two photos on display- the one of the two of them dancing, as well as the photo of Julia and Allie together, painting with their team.
Julia gently touched the bookshelf and rubbed her hand over the wood. "This bookcase is the nicest thing I own, Nathan." He thought it couldn't have found a better home.
"It belongs here, Jules." He said, happy that she appreciated it so much.
"Promise me that you will make another one for Allie?" Julia asked him, staring intently to make sure he promised.
"I promise, Jules." He said with a timid smile. He already had the wood to start another one for Allie.
Jules was happy to hear that. She let her hand fall slowly from the shelf as she looked shyly at him. "I don't know where you are taking me, Lawman. Should we go out the front or the back door?" She asked him, trying to get a clue of where they might be going.
He looked at the adjoining door and then at her back door and then back to the front again, teasing her, playing like he couldn't decide. He saw her tilt her head and smile timidly at his teasing. Finally, he smiled his crooked smile back at her and said, "Front door."
She grabbed her keys, locked her back door, and then came back and stood in front of him.
"Shall we?" He said, extending his elbow to her. She took it and they walked out the front of the infirmary.
Nathan walked her around the back of the café, where much to her surprise, a private table was set up. It had a beautiful tablecloth with napkins folded nicely, and a bright red rose in a vase in the middle with two candles.
Julia looked up at him, surprised, and softly said, "Nathan, the table looks so beautiful. You did all this?"
He stepped closer to her and gently touched her cheek as he said, "Yes…I did it for you. And I intend to keep doing things for you, as long as you'll let me."
Julia's gaze was fixed on him, as she said just above a whisper, "Be mindful, Lawman. That might be a very long time."
He softly answered her, with his intense gaze. "That's what I'm hoping for." Nathan finally led her over to her chair, and pulled it out for her. Julia sat and he scooted her in. Then he sat across from her. Bill poked his head out and realized they had arrived. He came out and lit the candles and poured water in their glasses. Then he went back in, to give them privacy.
Nathan put his hand across the table, and she took it. "Miss Matthews, welcome to the second try of our first date."
She lightly giggled at his witty little statement. "Let's hope this try doesn't end with any blood shed or stitches."
"I second that." He said with his crooked smile.
Bill came out carrying plates and set one in front of each of them. The first course was a lovely salad with a cheese tart.
Julia said, "Wow, thank you, Bill." Then she looked happily back at Nathan. He kept her hand and said a little blessing. Then they began to eat.
Julia remembered something she had been wanting to tell him. "Nathan, yesterday in Benson Hills, I ran into some of your colleagues."
"You did? Who?" Nathan wondered.
"Constables Davis and Pendergrass. They asked about you. They wanted to know how you're doing since your injury." Julia reported. "And, Davis sends you his greetings and well wishes."
"How on earth did you run into them?" Nathan asked.
"Well, Fiona and I were walking to the bookstore, and passed in front of the Mountie office." Julia paused, and he knew exactly where she was talking about. "There was a group of Mounties there outside, about 4 or 5 guys in red. I guess they noticed Fiona and I walking, and either Davis or Pendergrass recognized me. Davis came right over, and was very polite." Nathan imagined Julia and Fiona walking together in Benson Hills, and figured they would certainly turn heads. Especially the heads of young men, in fact, he could completely picture the group of Mounties noticing two beautiful young women walking past.
But something she had said made him ask, "And Pendergrass?" He knew Pendergrass was a little more of a trouble maker.
She gave a cute little giggle and said, "Well, Pendergrass wanted to settle a bet among that group of Mounties."
Nathan raised an eyebrow and asked, "And, just what was the bet?"
A playful grin spread across her face as she answered, "Whether or not I was your girl."
"You're kidding. What did you say?" Nathan asked.
"I hope it's okay with you, but I told them I was your girl." Julia said with a shy smile. "I wanted you to win the bet, in a matter of speaking."
When she said that, a huge smile washed across his face. He put his hand out across the table again, and she put her hand in his. "Jules, I think your response was perfect." She smiled, glad that he was happy about the response she had given them.
Bill came out and collected their plates, and disappeared back inside.
"I can't believe those guys, though." Nathan chuckled.
"Well, Pendergrass was nice about it when he asked me. I think they were just being, well, Mounties. Teasing each other, daring the other to do something, building camaraderie. It was all in good fun." She paused, "And, Davis came and apologized, and excused them all."
Nathan really liked Davis. "Davis is a good guy with a good head on his shoulders."
"I didn't really recognize any of the other guys. They could have been on your detail for that assignment, but I really only remember the two that brought you into the infirmary." Julia stated.
Bill came out with the next course. He set the plates down and tried to sound fancy as he said, "Tonight I have prepared for you a coq au vin, a rooster slow cooked in wine, with vegetables and new potatoes. Bon appétit."
Julia said, "Thank you, Bill. It sounds lovely."
When he left, Nathan smiled, "Have you had it before, Jules?"
"Yes, but only once and I really liked it. I always wanted to try it again." She told him.
"I thought maybe you had seen the recipe in your French cookbook." He said, obviously having put thought into the menu for tonight.
"I have seen the recipe in there. And I always wanted to try making it. But, never got the chance. So, you picked well, dear Nathan." She encouraged him.
The sauce was delicious and the vegetables were perfectly cooked. She was very happy with Nathan's thoughtful choice.
They ate in silence for a little while until Nathan asked, "How do you like it, Jules?"
"It's very delicious, Nathan. Is it also one of your favorites?" Julia asked.
"It's my first time having it, but it's delicious." Nathan stated.
They ate in silence for a few minutes and then Julia looked up to say, "I can't believe there's only one more week of school for Allie."
"It will be so nice to have her home. And to be rid of the math homework for a little while." He said, with a light chuckle.
"And, maybe soon you will be cleared to ride. Imagine all the fishing trips you two can make." Julia stated.
"Well, I do still have to work, but as the days get longer we can go after work." He said, content. "And, I can take you on an occasional evening horse ride."
"I would really love that." Julia stated, smiling at the idea. "Anytime."
After they were all done with the second course, Bill came and cleared the plates. They sat for a while longer talking about their day, although Julia talked mostly about yesterday, and her time in Benson Hills. She wanted to avoid any talk of today that might make her accidentally slip up and mention Allie.
After a little while, Bill brought out two more plates. For dessert, he served a lovely individual chocolate tart. He brought out a cup of coffee for Nathan and an herbal tea for Julia.
"I thought we should change it up a little bit, from chocolate cake." Nathan stated.
"Well, you can't go wrong with chocolate. And, it looks so nice I almost don't want to cut into it." She said, happily.
They sipped their hot drinks and enjoyed the dessert together. The tart was very delicious. When they were all done, Nathan noticed how beautiful she looked in the early evening light. He was having a hard time taking his eyes off of her.
"Jules, will you take a walk with me?" He asked.
"That sounds lovely, Nathan." Julia replied. Nathan came over and extended his hand. She placed her hand in his and stood. He gently placed her hand in the crook of his elbow, and he started walking them toward the pond.
As they strolled along, Nathan put his free hand on top of her hand hooked on his elbow. They walked around the pond, enjoying the coolness of the evening. When they arrived at the little dock, there was a blanket already spread out there and an unlit lantern. She realized he had planned this.
Nathan stood in front of her, and explained, "I thought this might be a nice vantage point to watch the sunset." Julia thought it a wonderful and terribly romantic idea.
They sat down on the blanket together, and Nathan rested his back against the railing. He helped Julia get comfortable as she sat down, pulling her gently toward him so that she could lean back on him, and he could hold her in his arms. They snuggled up together just in time to see the beautiful colors start to light the sky. Julia realized how wonderfully she fit in Nathan's arms even from this angle. It felt so…right.
Nathan's breath was at her ear, making her heart beat loud in her chest. She could feel his heartbeat strong on her back and relished the closeness. They stayed there enjoying each other and all the many colors of the sky. The sunset was exceptional this evening, so many wonderful hues, just for them.
Nathan couldn't get over how incredible she smelled, as he held her. The side of his face was resting against her hair, and his stomach was all butterflies. He just let himself fall deeper into the well of emotion he was feeling, as his heartbeat came in tune with hers. She fit perfectly in his arms and he knew this was right where she belonged. He knew he had to tell her how he felt about her, his heart couldn't contain it any longer.
When it got dark, Nathan lit the lantern and pulled her even closer. His arms went strong around her and she snuggled in closer. "Are you warm enough Jules?" He asked her.
"Yes. You are doing a fine job of keeping me warm." She said, with her head leaned back just enough so that the side of their faces were resting together. "Part of your survival skills training?" She teased.
He let out a soft chuckle at her cute little comment. "Something like that." He teased, "Maybe I should bring you out in the cool of the evening more often."
She whispered, "I could never say no to more sunsets with you."
At that statement, Nathan turned his head into her cheek and placed a featherlight kiss there. She felt it all the way to her toes.
They stayed a good while longer enjoying the closeness. Then finally, when Nathan realized the time, he said softly, "I should get you home soon, Jules."
She slowly and reluctantly started to move, and he stood. He took her hands in his and helped her up. When she stood and looked up at him, he decided that now was the time. He looked into her eyes, and he knew. He wanted to share his heart with her, right here. In this very spot where weeks ago, he had been so very vulnerable and confessed that he missed her, that he wanted to know where things would go between them. Now, he wanted…he needed be vulnerable again.
Nathan kept her hand in his and stepped closer to her, leaving just mere inches separating them. He was suddenly very nervous, but took a deep breath to calm his rushing heart. He realized how stunning she looked in the lantern light, and he didn't break his intense gaze. He looked deeply into her eyes and said, "Jules, I have already told you that I'm sweet on you, that I care about you, and that you have my heart. But it's become even deeper than that, for me." He paused and looked down at their hands so perfectly intertwined. He took a deep breath and fixed his gaze back on her. "The truth is, I have fallen completely…deeply in love with you. And, I can only hope that you feel the same way about me." She looked at him so lovingly, he was sure he could continue. "Eleanor Julia Matthews, I love you."
Julia lifted her free hand to his cheek, and placed her palm so softly and gently on his face. She was amazed by the softness of his skin, and the softness of his eyes, so full of emotion. "My dear Nathan, I have also fallen absolutely in love with you. I have never known love like this before. And…I love you with all of my heart." She answered with a shy smile. She couldn't take her eyes off of him, her emotions so strong under the weight of his intense gaze.
He let go of her hand then, to slowly lift his hands up and gently cup her face in his large, strong hands. Her heart started to race and her eyes went to his lips, as he bent down to her. When their lips met, she felt a fire in her chest. Any doubt, if there had ever even been one, was consumed by the fire that overtook her. His lips were soft and gentle as he searched and tasted her own. He deepened the kiss, and she responded in kind, as they explored and delighted in each other's kiss. When they pulled back just a little, Nathan looked at her with such love she felt weak in the knees. He whispered, "Julia, my darling, you have stolen my heart completely."
At that, her hands came up behind his neck, and he bent to meet her as she lifted her lips up to his again. Their lips met gentle and loving, and they searched and delighted in the sweetness of each other. His arms came strong around her back and pulled her closer. He loved the feeling of her fingers in the hair at the nape of his neck. It was if every nerve ending in his body had been struck like a match. And, the fire that was in his chest, since his lips had met hers, was unrelenting. When they pulled back from that long, simmering kiss, she went completely into his arms. Into her place, close to his heart, where she fit perfect. His arms were firm around her, and hers came tight around his back. They held each other for a long time, and enjoyed the closeness, the wonderful togetherness.
Finally, after a very long time, Nathan whispered into her hair. "Jules, my darling, I really should get you home. As hard as it is to let go."
He felt her nod into his chest, and she eventually pulled back. He picked the blanket up and shook it out well, and then gently placed it across Julia's shoulders. He took her hand in his and picked up the lantern. As they walked, they were both smiling. Ridiculously smiling, unable to stop smiling.
In fact, every time Julia would get that silly smile under control, all it took was one look from him and she would feel…giddy all over again. She was pretty sure he was feeling exactly the same way.
When they arrived at her door, he gently cupped her cheek in one palm, leaned down and gave her one more soft, gentle kiss. She felt her insides melt completely, and whispered, "My sweet Nathan, thief of my heart."
Nathan finally said, in another kiss, against her lips, "Good night, my true love."
Reluctantly and slowly, Julia pulled back and stepped up on her little porch. She pulled the keys from her pocket and opened her door. She turned back, and pulled the blanket tight around herself.
"Nathan, thank you for the perfect evening." Julia said with a happy smile.
"Thank you for being so wonderful." Nathan said, also smiling happily.
He found it nearly impossible to leave. He stepped up on her porch and came close all over again. He gently tucked a hair behind her ear and softy touched her face, realizing once again, how beautiful and soft her skin. He whispered, "I love you."
She looked up at him as she leaned into his touch. She whispered back, "I love you, too."
He slowly and reluctantly turned to go. And one more time, before he was out of sight, he looked back at her and smiled a crooked smile.
When she entered her apartment, she closed the door behind her and leaned back against it, for fear of her legs giving way. The back of her head rested against the door and she looked up to heaven, and let out a long slow breath. She closed her eyes and stayed just like that until her breathing and heart rate finally returned to normal. And that, took a very long time.