Chapter 63. Her Birthday

On Sunday morning, Julia slept in. It was her birthday, and after last night's fun, she enjoyed a nice long morning in bed, to rest and reflect. Her mind drifted back to all the fun that was had the night before, during the Social Club. Particularly, the Dogs and Cats game, with all the barking and the meowing, which had been a hoot. And, Gustave had her in stitches when she and Nathan had hidden in the kitchen. And, those kisses…wow, those kisses. Had she really done something as bold as pull him in the kitchen to steal away and kiss?

Her mind went next to Mike's thoughtful game, and all the wonderful things her sweet friends had said about her. Were all those things really true? Did everyone really think her strong? She didn't feel strong, most of the time, but their words were very encouraging.

And then, her mind went to Nathan. What he had shared, about her being the one to fill his life with flowers? It was quite possibly the most romantic thing she had ever heard in her life. Julia snuggled under her covers, and smiled, feeling once again so very blessed to be loved by him.

Then out of nowhere, as she was laying in her bed, she heard a light tap on her door. She sat stark upright in bed, she knew that tap. Julia timidly stood up, half of her embarrassed because she was not dressed nor ready to see anyone, and the other half of her excited because that tap could only mean one person. Nathan.

Julia found her robe and put it on, gave her hair a little once over, and slowly went to open the door. When she did, no one was there. She looked right and left, but no Nathan. Disappointed, she looked down, and realized that he had left something on her doorstep. A surprise.

She found a small white box, a bouquet of wildflowers, and a card. Once again, Julia searched for Nathan, out there somewhere, possibly watching to see if she found his gifts. But sadly, she didn't see him anywhere. So she gathered up the gifts, and carried them inside.

Julia set everything on her table, and sat down. She gazed at the flowers for a full minute, taking in their beauty. They genuinely touched her heart because of the care and thought that went into them. Nathan could have easily gone to the mercantile, and bought her flowers. And, It certainly wasn't a matter of money, that he didn't. He was smart and careful with his money. More than that, he was part owner of a ranch, and Julia half suspected that even though he would never let anyone know, money was not a problem for him.

No, Nathan didn't buy her flowers at the mercantile, because that would have been too easy. Instead, Nathan had made the effort to go and pick these flowers, and made her the bouquet, himself. He was thoughtful and romantic. And his thoughtfulness touched her heart, and made her feel his love.

Julia rose and set the bouquet of wildflowers right next to her bed. Then she came back to the table and opened the little white box. Inside was a blueberry muffin from the café. Her favorite. Then, she picked up the card, and opened it.

My Darling,

Here are a few of your favorite things, to start your birthday out right. I hope you will have a day as wonderful and as beautiful as you are. I can't wait to see you, and hold you in my arms, right where you belong.

All my love,

Nathan

Julia got up and made coffee, wishing somehow, that she was on Nathan's porch across the street, drinking it with him. But it was Sunday. So she sat and drank her coffee with her lovely muffin, and thought of him, instead. She would never forget the words he had spoken last night, as long as she lived. They were words to hide in her heart, and she would always keep them there. And, the kind words her friends had shared, that were deeply touching, she tucked them in there, too.

Julia thought of the wish she had made, just before blowing out her candles. When she saw Nathan sitting there next to her, looking so perfectly handsome, she couldn't help herself. He was the most amazing man she had ever met, and the most important person in her life. He was the one person she didn't want to live without. Julia wanted nothing more than to make a life with him and spend all her days by his side. So she wished for it…she wished for a forever with him.

And now, here he was being wonderful all over again. She suddenly couldn't wait to see him.

She finished her coffee and her muffin, then she drew a hot bath and got ready for church.

When Julia arrived at church, there was already quite a crowd gathered outside. Nathan was standing with his mother, and spotted her from afar. Rebecca was the first to approach Julia, draw her into a warm hug, and say, "Happy Birthday, Julia."

Julia relished the warm embrace and acceptance of Nathan's sweet mother. She was thankful for the easy rapport and wonderful friendship that had developed between them. Julia already knew that she was going to miss Rebecca when she returned home. "Thank you, Rebecca." Julia told her, with a genuine smile.

When Allie saw Julia, she immediately came over to greet her. Emily, Opal, Angela, and Anna came too. Allie went into Julia's arms and said, "Happy Birthday!" Her friends also gathered around and wished Julia a Happy Birthday.

"Thank you, Allie. And, thank you, girls! " Julia told them, and then she went around and gave hugs to each one of Allie's friends. That made each one of them feel special.

Over the top of Allie's head, Julia saw the Coulters walking up with Jake. Though, she didn't say anything. She just let Allie and the group of girls, notice on their own. And, it took a few minutes.

First, Allie noticed the Coulters walking up, and greeted them. Then, out of the corner of her eye, Allie saw someone walking up behind them. And, Nathan spoke up just at the right moment. "Hey girls, Allie, did you meet the new Mountie yet?"

Allie's jaw dropped open as she looked at Jake. A smile slowly spread across her face as it registered. Finally, she said, "What? It's Jake? Jake, I mean, sorry.…Mr. Matthew's is the new Mountie?" She asked. Allie's friends all stared, also with their mouths gaping open.

Julia giggled and said, "Yes he is. Best birthday surprise ever!"

Allie stepped to Jake and gave him a little side hug. And, the girls all shook his hand, each one looking a bit shy and tongue-tied. Then, Allie asked. "Wait. Julia, you didn't know he was coming?"

"I sure didn't. I had no idea! Your Dad and Jake conspired to make it a complete surprise." Julia told her.

"My Dad did that?" Allie asked, proud of him for pulling it off.

Rosemary piped in with a broad smile and told her, "Yes he did. And, the two of them executed it perfectly. Jake walked in for the Social Club last night, and surprise!"

"Wow, that is a great surprise! Good job, Dad." Allie told Nathan. "Good job, Mr. Matthews. Oh, and, welcome to Hope Valley." Allie told Jake. The rest of the girls also gave him a warm greeting of welcome.

Jake looked down at Allie, and each of her friends, and said, "Thank you, girls. It's good to be here."

Then Allie, and the group of girls, giggling and excited, ran off together. As they went, they all looked back over their shoulder a few times, gossiping and talking among themselves. Julia and Rosemary looked at each other, and just laughed at them, remembering what it was like to be a young teenage girl.

Everyone started to file into the church, so they all did the same. Jake sat on one side of Julia, and Nathan the other. Allie went and sat with her friends, and Grams sat on the other side of Nathan. The Coulters sat behind them.

The service was very nice, as usual. Joseph spoke about exercising our faith and standing strong in the face of difficulties. He said that we have the power do both, because God is always with us, and working everything out for our good. He shared a verse from Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans I have for you," declared the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.

At the end of the service, Minnie joined Joseph up front. She told the congregation, "I've been told that today is a special day, for one of our congregants. It's our town nurse's birthday! Won't you join me in singing Happy Birthday to Julia?" And, Joseph and Minnie led the whole group in singing to Julia. Her face was bright red when they finished, but she nodded and thanked everyone.

As everyone filed outside, Nathan held Julia's hand, and excused himself, "I have a meeting with Joseph, so I need to say good-bye to you here, Jules."

"Sure, Nathan. I'll see you at 6 at your house?" She asked him.

"I'll be waiting." He told her as he gave her hand a gentle kiss, before releasing it, so she could walk out with Jake.

Outside, many people approached Julia to wish her a happy birthday, and she thanked them all. When they could finally break away, she and Jake headed to the café.

They sat a table for two in the corner, ate together and got caught up on each other.

When they were done, Julia invited Jake back to her apartment, for coffee. She had a little surprise of her own - their Dad's paintings, hanging on the wall.

When they were finally back in her apartment, Jake admired the paintings as Julia tended the coffee pot on the stove.

"I can't believe you finally hung them." He told her. Jake was mesmerized by the painting of the boat, in the harbor, with the two little blond kids poised on the deck. He had forgotten how much he loved that boat. Before Julia was born, they had taken it out as a family of three, very often. And, he had many proud memories of working the sails with his father.

Wow, the painting of his mother. Julia couldn't really remember her, but Jake did. He had been nine when she passed away, so he had vivid, clear, wonderful memories of her. She had been tender, and kind, and loving. Her arms were always open and always warm. He would run into them whenever something was wrong, and she would make it alright again. He still missed her every day.

The portrait of his mother on horseback was still as breathtaking as the first day he had seen it. She seemed so young and free, in that painting. And, healthy. Like Julia, she had loved flowers and his father had thought of the perfect way to paint her. On horseback, in a field of flowers. Two things that she loved, commemorated in one painting. Now, that she was gone, it felt almost like a memorial. But, when her dad had painted it, it had been a celebration of who she was. A way for him to show her how much he loved her, and that he appreciated the things she also loved.

And, those two passions had passed onto Julia. Sometimes it was uncanny how much Julia reminded him of their mother. Not only did she look a lot like her mother, but even her character was similar. Only, Julia was more practical about life, perhaps because of the loss she had endured. And, she was more independent, and a little more headstrong when it came to standing up for herself.

When the coffee was ready, the two sat down together at Julia's little table. It was a hot day, so the windows were open to let the afternoon breeze blow in, though there really wasn't one.

"If it's too hot in here, we can sit on my back porch." Julia told him.

"No, it's just fine." Jake said as she rolled up his shirt sleeves. He looked at the paintings once again and told her, "I'm so glad you finally hung them all."

"Did you also pack yours' up and bring them with you?" Julia asked him.

"I have two in my trunks, which will arrive tomorrow." Jake told her. "But, the rest I left back in the big house."

"So, which paintings then, are in your trunk?" She asked him.

"The painting of Mom and Dad on the front steps of the big house, and the painting of you and I in the Johnboat, in the tidal creek." Jake told her.

"More of my favorites." Julia told him. "You didn't bring the Niagara Falls painting?"

"I left that one safely packed up at home. You know we Mounties move around too much, and I was just so concerned that it would get damaged. It's much too precious to me, so I left it closed up in the big house, for safe-keeping. At least until I settle in somewhere in a more permanent capacity." Jake explained. Julia couldn't blame him. If she were in his line of work, she would have done the same.

Jake looked at her, and wanted to know more about her relationship with Nathan. "It seems as though things have gotten pretty serious with a certain Inspector, Jules?"

Julia swallowed hard. That was one way to put it, serious. She was seriously in love, and knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was the one. How much more serious could it get? "Yes, I guess it has gotten serious. But, I wrote plenty in my letters about him. You should be up to date."

"Yes, but seeing it in real life and reading about it in a letter, is quite different. And Jules, you seem to have omitted a lot in your letters." He told her.

"Like what?" She asked him.

"Ok, I noticed the way he looked at you the first time I was here. Like someone had just handed him a big wrapped package on Christmas morning. But, now. The way you both look at each other, it's well…seriously serious. Have you discussed marriage?" Jake asked her.

"Well, not really. We are courting. But, you knew that. Nathan told me that he considers courting to mean that we are moving towards marriage. So, I know that's his intention." Julia told him. "It's all just moved so fast." She paused. "I'm ready, but I don't really know where he stands, on the subject."

"He looks ready from where I was standing last night." Jake told her. He noticed how in love Nathan and Julia seemed, in their interactions last night. Nathan lit up just mentioning Julia. And, she looked so certain and so in love when she talked about him. It was hard to miss.

"He's the one, Jake." Julia said simply.

"That's all I need to know, Sis." Jake told her. "I thought so already, but hearing it from you just confirms it." Jake looked at her and smiled, "I'm happy for you, Sis. And, I'm looking forward to working with him, and getting to know him better. Everything I hear about Nathan from the Mounties, is impeccable. But, I can't wait to get to know him as a friend."

"I think you two will get along great. At least, I hope so." Julia told him.

"I'm sure we will." Jake told her. "How's work going?"

Julia took a sip of coffee. "It's going great, actually. We just got a big donation, which we are going to use to run some free clinics, in the poor settlements, on the outskirts of Hope Valley. So, that's exciting." Julia shared, "Faith has been doing some morning clinics out at the saw mill, for some of the guys out there, though that's paid for. And, Mike mentioned that Gowen would like to do the same, for the guys that work out at the oil rig. So, Faith and I might do some of those together, in the future." Julia explained.

"So, you are keeping busy. And, you still like it?" Jake asked her.

"I love it, Jake. It's fulfilling and rewarding, unlike my previous work at the hospital. We are making an actual difference, and that makes it all worth it." Julia told him. "You'll see. You will feel the same way about your Mountie work, in a few months time. Hope Valley has that effect on people."

"Well, I'm very happy about my decision, so far. I'm sure I will like it here." Jake told her. He finished his coffee and looked at the clock.

"I'm sorry, Sis, but I have to go soon. I have a meeting with the Inspector at the livery at 2:30 p.m., to do my first rounds, as Constable. He's showing me the route, and I need to get dressed in my uniform." Jake told her.

"You're going riding with Nathan? I'm so jealous." Julia told him with a brilliant smile. But, she totally understood, Jake had a lot to learn. He had big shoes to fill.

They both stood, and Julia walked him to the door. "Happy Birthday, Sis. I'll see you at 6, at Nathan's?" Jake asked her.

"You sure will. Have fun, and please give him this from me." Julia said, as she stood on her tiptoes and kissed her brother on the cheek.

"Sorry, Sis. But, I'm keeping that one for me." Jake chuckled. "And, well, you can kiss Nathan yourself. He probably would like it a lot better coming from you." They both laughed out loud at that joke, but Jake was probably right.

"See you at 6, Jules." Jake said, just before he disappeared out her back door.

At 6 p.m., Julia knocked on Nathan's door. She could already smell something lovely lofting from inside, through the open windows, as she approached the house. She was sure she recognized what they were making for her, and well, she sure hoped she was right.

Allie opened the door wide, and excitedly led Julia inside. Allie had made some beautiful decorations and hung them. Jake was there already, sitting with Rebecca in the living room. Julia greeted them. And, much to her surprise, it was Nathan who was in the kitchen.

When he saw Julia, Nathan looked up from a pot on the stove, and said his usual, "Hi."

Julia's mouth dropped open at the sight of Nathan in an apron. He looked so…attractive. "Nathan, you are cooking?"

"Maybe. If I say yes, will you still be willing to eat it?" He asked her, with his crooked smile.

Julia came close and looked up at him. "I will always adore anything you do or make for me, Nathan."

Nathan stepped close to her too, slowly leaned down, and kissed her on the cheek. Julia felt the butterflies all the way to her toes. He quietly told her, "Well, I hope that will still be true when you taste it."

Julia kept her eyes fixed on him, and stayed close as she told him. "If it's made with love, then I'm sure I will love it."

Nathan gazed down at her intensely, and whispered, "Love is the thing, of which there is no shortage, between us."

Julia swallowed hard, and had to agree. Suddenly, a pot on the stove started to boil over and hiss. Julia gasped, and Nathan jumped and quickly went to stir it.

Julia giggled, as she watched him work. From where he stood stirring, he looked cutely back at her. "Out of the kitchen, Miss Matthews!" He playfully directed her, with his wooden spoon. "You are distracting me." And, he shoo'ed her out.

Julia giggled and slowly moved back to the living room. She passed the table, which was set and looked just beautiful. There were different hues of blue, and lovely flowers scattered around.

Julia found a seat next to Allie, on the couch. "The table looks beautiful ladies, did he have some help with that?"

"Maybe." Allie said, "Though he really did insist to do most of the cooking himself." Allie added in a whisper, "Grams even gave him lessons."

"Really?" Julia asked, clearly touched.

"Yes. But, the table was me and Grams, all the way. He just told us to use blue, that it was your favorite color." Allie told her.

Jake chuckled to himself and looked at his sister, thoughtfully. Julia turned to him and asked, "How did rounds go, big bro? Are you going to enjoy the ride everyday?"

Jake answered her. "It's beautiful territory. I'm going to like it just fine. And, it's a nice ride for Ranger, too." Ranger was Jake's horse, a big beautiful bay horse, a lot like Newton. Though, Ranger had a lighter mane and a little white between his eyes.

Nathan came and invited everyone to the table. Rebecca hurried to the kitchen to help him carry everything over. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and salad. And homemade bread, though Rebecca admitted that she had made it.

When they sat, Nathan took Julia's hand, and everyone followed suit around the table. Nathan said a little blessing over the food, and he added a sweet little blessing for Julia, for her birthday.

Julia looked over the table, and couldn't believe Nathan had done all this. And, it was all delicious. When she tasted the fried chicken, she gave him a brilliant smile.

"Inspector Grant, I do think you told me a fib." Julia teased him.

"What fib?" He asked her, playful.

"When we were up at the cabin, I asked you if there was anything you couldn't do, and you told me: cook. And, well, you have just proved yourself wrong about that. For the second time." Julia told him. "Your fried chicken might be even better than mine."

Nathan chuckled and smiled at her. "Oh, I doubt that. I'm still waiting to taste your family recipe, but I doubt mine would be better."

"Well, I didn't forget. I would love to make it for you sometime. I'm supposed to teach Allie the recipe, remember?" Julia said glancing at Allie.

Allie nodded and said, "Oh, I didn't forget, Julia. I'm ready when you are."

"Ok. How about on Friday? Could I come here, and you and I cook together, for dinner?" Julia asked.

Allie looked at her dad, who nodded happily. "It's a date, Julia." Allie told her.

Julia remembered something from this morning, and decided to ask her about it, "Allie, your friends seemed pretty excited about the surprise this morning before church, about the new Mountie in Hope Valley? What was all that giggling about?"

Allie laughed and said, "Oh, yes. It is exciting that we are going to have two Mounties in town now." Allie giggled, looking at her dad who had his mouth full. "And…my friends all decided that Hope Valley has the two most handsome Mounties in all of Canada." When she said that, Nathan made a choking sound and coughed, nearly spitting out his food. Somehow, he managed to recover, though his face was a little red.

Everyone burst out laughing, and it was good to hear a hearty laugh fill the room.

"Well, I am inclined to agree, Allie. You tell your friends I think they are absolutely right." Julia said with a big broad smile, at both Nathan and her brother.

"I also concur." Rebecca said with a big chuckle. "You tell them your Grams said it's important to know what handsome looks like." Allie rolled her eyes and laughed at Grams.

But, then Allie made her awkward tomboy face and admitted, "I actually agreed with them, too." And, her face broke into a huge smile.

Nathan and Jake both looked at each other and chuckled, their faces sporting a little blush. But, the group just laughed at the cute deduction of Allie and her teenage friends. It was cute. And, in Julia's opinion, they were both very handsome.

The group continued to eat, and everything Nathan had made was delicious. Julia was impressed by his cooking. And, it was so thoughtful of Nathan to learn some recipes from his mother, just for her.

When they were all finished, Allie and Rebecca cleared the plates, and took them to the kitchen. Allie came back with a chocolate cake, made just for Julia. She lit a candle and everyone sang Happy Birthday. Julia felt so blessed. And, Jake thought they made a beautiful little family.

"Make a wish!" Allie told her. And, Julia was stumped again, with the wish making. She looked at this sweet little group that was assembled, and couldn't think of anything lacking. Only one thing could make it better, so she wished for that, again. Then, she blew out her candle.

Allie cut the cake and served everyone, Rebecca made coffee and tea, and they all enjoyed dessert together.

When that was done, Allie went upstairs to her room, and carried gifts back down. Julia gasped when she saw how many there were. She started to protest already, until Nathan put his hand on her shoulder. Julia saw his face, and knew already what he would say. That she deserved it, and that they loved her and wanted to celebrate her. So, she closed her mouth, and didn't say anything more.

Allie sat back down beside Julia, and handed her the first gift. "This one is from Grams."

Julia looked up at Rebecca and smiled shyly. She opened the small rectangular package and found a beautiful bracelet. Already attached, was one small charm, in the shape of a horse. Julia absolutely loved it, and insisted that Allie put it on her right away. Then she rose from the table and went over and said thank you to Rebecca, giving her a hug.

Rebecca told her, "Julia, I wanted to put two ornaments on your bracelet, but had to order the second one. They were out of the one I wanted. So, next week, when Nathan goes to Benson Hills, he will pick it up for you. And, they have an entire collection, if you'd like to add any more."

"Wow, that's so sweet of you, Rebecca. I'm touched." Julia told her. "And, I really love it. Thank you."

When Julia sat back down, Allie gave her another gift. "This one is from me."

Julia opened the wrapping around a flat rectangle, to find a lovely photo frame. Inside the frame was the extra portrait of Nathan, taken years ago as he graduated from his Mountie training. There had been two copies of that photo, at the end of their family photo album, and Allie had noticed how Julia had admired it. Julia loved this photo. Nathan looked so young and fresh, and handsome. She knew just where she would put this one, next to the flowers on her bedside table.

Julia hugged Allie, "Thank you so much, Allie." She asked her quiet and close to her ear, "You knew I wanted that one, didn't you?"

Allie said, "Yes. I saw your face when you realized there were two. I hope you like the frame I picked."

"I love it, Allie. It's very thoughtful of you." Julia told her.

Allie gave her two more boxes and told her, "These are from my Dad." Julia looked over at Nathan, and smiled, sure she would love whatever was inside.

In the first box, was an exquisite, handmade jewelry box. Julia remembered seeing one that he had just started, when she was with Allie in the workshop, searching for the outdoor chairs, all those weeks ago.

Julia lifted the lid, to look inside. In the bottom he had neatly etched, in his beautiful handwriting, the ending of one of her very favorite bible verses. 1 Corinthians 13, verses 7 and 8:

Love bears all things,

believes all things,

hopes all things,

endures all things.

Love never ends.

"Wow, Nathan, it's so beautiful and exquisite." Julia smiled at him. "Thank you." She took so long looking at his handiwork, that he finally chuckled, took it from her and handed her the next box.

Julia removed the wrapping paper, and then opened a square box. Inside the box, wrapped in newspaper, was a beautiful carving. Julia gasped as she brought it out from the paper. It was the lighthouse at Peggy's Point. Nathan had carved the lighthouse from her father's painting. For her. And, it was just perfect. True to form and correct in every way. Julia's voice was faint as she asked, "Nathan, you did this?"

He nodded. She was rendered speechless as she turned it around in her hands, and admired it. It was breathtaking. The craftsmanship was incredible, and the time it must have taken. He had added some paint with a wash technique, here and there, so that the wood would still show through, but it would have a little color. And, the rest was treated and the wood so very beautiful. Tears came to her eyes as she admired it. And then, she turned it over.

On the bottom, it was signed in the middle, NSG. But, he had gently etched a quote into the wood, in a circle, all along the edge of the base. A quote that he knew she would know, because she loved poetry from Christina Rosetti.

"For all night long I dreamed of you"

Julia was overcome, and she looked at him. If anyone had dreamed of the other, it was she who had dreamed of he. Without even knowing him yet. Yes, she had dreamt of him. How wonderful and thoughtful and romantic and deep he was. It was she who had dreamt, and she who was the lucky one.

Julia set down the lighthouse and went to Nathan. When he stood, she hugged him. "I love it, Nathan. I love it dearly." She told him, not trusting her voice. There were others in the room, so she quickly stepped back and sat back in her chair.

Julia passed the lighthouse carving to Allie, who wanted to see it more closely.

Allie admired it and asked, "So that's why you wouldn't let anyone in your workshop recently?"

Nathan chuckled and said, "Precisely."

Julia smiled and remembered the other day when he had invited her over to show her something, and Julia had thought he meant the workshop. He had corrected her very quickly, which had been curious, and now she understood why.

Allie passed the lighthouse onto her Grams, who also wanted to see it close up.

Jake broke in and passed Allie another gift. Allie passed it onto Julia. "This one's from me." Jake told her.

Julia opened a tiny little box, to find a beautiful locket. Julia pulled it out and opened it. And, inside were two tiny photos. One was her father, and the other was her mother. Julia let out a deep breath as she gazed admiringly at this sweet gift.

"The locket is only from Edmonton, but the photos are really old." Jake told everyone. Julia passed it around so everyone could see.

"Those were our parents." She told them, as a little tear trickled down. She quickly wiped it, and smiled at Nathan.

"Mrs. Grant, could I also see the lighthouse, please? When you are done looking at it, of course." Jake asked, and Grams gladly passed it to him.

Jake inspected it a good long while. "Wow, you did a great job with the likeness, Nathan." Jake told him. "All that from my Dad's painting?"

Nathan smiled a little and said, "Well, yes. I hope it's true to the real one."

"It's pretty accurate. And, very intricate work, Nathan. You are really gifted with your hands." Jake told him.

"Thanks, Jake." Nathan told him. "Do you like woodworking?"

"I've never really tried, but maybe one day." He said with a shrug.

"Well, if you ever want to build anything, or try your hand at it, I've got lots of tools out in my workshop." Nathan told him. "I could give you a lesson or two."

"Ok. Thanks, Nathan, I might take you up on that sometime." Jake told him.

When the locket got around to Nathan, and he'd had a good look at it, he stood behind Julia, and put it on her. "It's beautiful, Jules." He told her.

"I know." She said, as she turned and looked up at him. "I'm exceptionally spoiled this year." She said softly, with a broad smile.

"Would anyone like more cake, coffee, or tea?" Rebecca asked. No one did, so they all moved to start cleaning up. Julia helped in the kitchen with the dishes until Rebecca kicked her out, stating that it was her birthday and she wasn't allowed to clean up.

So, Julia packed up the paper and rubbish instead, from her gifts. And, she set the lighthouse, the picture, and the jewelry box safely in the box with the newspaper wrapping, to protect them.

When everything was done, it was rather late. So, Nathan offered to walk Julia home. Julia said good-bye and thank you to both Rebecca and Allie.

"Julia, I really didn't want to bring it up, on your birthday. But, it seems it can't wait any longer. I'm sorry to tell you that I'm planning to leave on Wednesday, to head back home to the ranch. But, I would love to have lunch with you this week, before I leave. How about Tuesday?" Rebecca asked.

"I will be sad to see you go, Rebecca. But, I would love to meet for lunch." Julia told her. "Tuesday is perfect."

"Okay, I'll come by the infirmary, then." Rebecca said, and Julia gave her a hug. It was sad to think of Rebecca leaving.

Julia hugged Allie one more time. And, she, Nathan, and Jake started out towards town.

At the Coulter's house, Julia said bye to Jake, with a big emotional hug. "Thanks, Jake, for the locket. I absolutely love it." She told him.

"Love you, Sis." Jake told her.

"Love you, too." Julia answered him. And, he headed up the stairs at Rosemary and Lee's row house.

Nathan took her hand, and interlocked their fingers, as they walked on. He carried her box under his other arm. The night had turned cool already, and it felt so nice outside. The moon was completely absent and the sky was clear, so the stars looked absolutely radiant.

"I think I could reach out and touch the stars, tonight. They are so big and bright." Julia told him, as they slowly strolled along.

"It's a new moon." Nathan told her. "Making the stars that much brighter."

"I'll say." She told him. "It's so beautiful." Nathan looked down at her and watched her as she gazed at the stars. Finally, she realized he was watching her and smiled up at him. "What is it, my love?"

"I'm just trying to imagine my life without you in it. And, I can't." Nathan told her. "You make everything more. More fun, more romantic, more beautiful. More interesting."

Julia chuckled and said, "I do not do that."

"Yes, you do. Like right now. It's just a walk. But, somehow you make it more that that." He told her. "Now I'm star-gazing while I hold your hand and try to keep these butterflies under control."

"Butterflies?" She asked him.

Nathan leaned down close to her and said, "The butterflies I feel every time I look at you." She knew what he meant. She could feel them too, especially now that he was looking at her like that.

She stopped and turned her body toward him. His hands were full, between her box and her hand. So, she let his hand go, and gently cupped his face. She stepped close and went up on her tiptoes, and kissed him. His free arm came strong around her waist, and he pulled her in close. Very close. They were in the middle of the path to the row houses, but she didn't care. He was so wonderfully sweet, that she couldn't help herself. And, well, he didn't seem to mind.

She pulled back just enough to tease him, and ask, just above a whisper. "How are those butterflies now?"

Nathan chuckled low, and shook his head at her. Then he softly flirted back, "dare you ask?"

She smiled cutely at him, as she set back on her heels. He let out a deep breath, took her hand again, and interlocked their fingers. They walked on until they were at her door.

Nathan set her box down on the little stoop to her back door. He turned toward Julia and interlocked his fingers behind the small of her back, keeping her close.

"You, Nathan. You make my life richer, too." She told him.

"Really?" Nathan asked her, smiling at her. "How do I do that?"

"My birthday, for example." Her eyes got misty as she looked up at him. "This was the best birthday I have had in a very long time. Probably ever. You spoiled me and went above and beyond, over and over. I feel so…blessed." He could see that she meant it. "I can't remember the last time I had friends or family around me on my birthday." She looked very sad about that. "I have been alone, Nathan. For a long time. Sometimes lost in a sea of people. But, alone." She smiled as she looked up at him, "Until you."

Julia continued, "You make my life richer. I went from being all alone, to being yours. And, I just happen to think that being yours is the best thing on earth." She told him, with a shaky voice. He liked that she liked being his.

Nathan responded, "Me too, Julia. Even once I got Allie, I still felt alone. Raising her, trying to figure out was best for her, I often felt very alone." He paused and looked earnestly at her. "And, here in Hope Valley, that first year, I was terribly alone. I hoped for someone to make my life complete." He told her. Then he got a playful look as he asked her, "What took you so long? Where have you been, all my life?" He teased her. "Where were you when I was 20?"

Julia did the math and giggled. "Well, I was busy with other things when you were 20. I would have been only 14!" She told him with a laugh. "Just a year older than Allie is now." That got a belly laugh from Nathan, and Julia giggled too. It was funny to imagine.

Julia continued, "And, you would not have found me attractive back then. I was so lanky!"

Nathan chuckled. "I don't believe that for a second. I would like to see photographic proof. I bet you were always beautiful." He was sure of it.

"Well, I have photos to prove otherwise." She told him, smiling playfully at him. "Come over for dinner tomorrow night, here, at my place. And, I'll prove it to you. I'll pull out my old photos. And, you can see for yourself."

Nathan loved that idea. "It's a date, Miss Matthews. And, I already can't wait." He told her, happy as a clam.

Julia's face turned serious. "Nathan, yet again, thank you doesn't seem to suffice." She told him. "For all of your thoughtfulness for my birthday. You are too much. Really. The muffin, the flowers, the lovely card." She couldn't even begin to say thank you for everything. "For learning to cook my favorite meal, and then cooking it for me." She told him. "The jewelry box and the lighthouse are just beautiful. And, I cannot imagine all the time and work you put into them. It's so very thoughtful. Thank you. I will treasure them, so very much." Julia smiled up at him. Then she added as an afterthought, half-teasing. "Who does that? Goes to all that trouble for little ole' me?"

"I do." Nathan said simply, but with conviction. "I'm crazy about you, Julia. In case you forgot." He leaned in close to her. His lips were almost there as he told her, once again, simple as could be, "I love you."

Julia answered him back, against his lips. "I love you, too." And, then he kissed her. Long and slow and simmering. The fire was strong and swept them up, into each other, into the deep. Julia let her hand go to the back of his neck to play in his soft curls there. And, he let his hand go up to her cheek, and then farther back into her hair. When he slowly pulled back, he stayed close and caught his breath. Julia slowly kissed his cheek, first one and then the other. Then she kissed the handsome dimple on his chin. Then she kissed him one more time on the lips. He liked it and smiled when she set back down on her feet.

"Will I see you tomorrow morning for coffee?" Nathan asked her.

"There's nowhere I'd rather be." Julia told him.

"Ok. Until then, Jules. Sweet dreams." And, he picked up the box and handed to her. She headed towards the door, put her key in the lock, but turned back and smiled at him one more time before opening.

"Good night, my love." She told him.

"Good night, my darling." And, Nathan turned and headed home. When he was out of sight, Julia turned the knob and went in.

Julia carried the box over to her table, and set it down. She pulled out the photograph of Nathan, and placed it by her bed, next to his wildflowers.

She took out the jewelry box and gently put it on her dressing table. Julia removed her lovely new locket and bracelet, and carefully placed both of them inside, on top of Nathan's beautiful etching.

Then, she pulled out the lighthouse that Nathan had carved. It was just beautiful. She turned it over one more time and read the beautiful inscription that he had etched into the bottom. For all night long I dreamed of you.

Julia walked over and placed the lighthouse on top of the bookshelf that Nathan had given her, and right next to the dried flower bouquet from Allie. The lighthouse was just perfect there.

Then, Julia got ready for bed and laid down. As she closed her eyes, she was sure that all night long, she would indeed dream of him.