Chapter 91. The Goulash and The Flour

On Tuesday morning, Julia woke early and got ready for the day. She glanced over at her little notepad on the table, where she had taken so many notes last night during their first premarital meeting with Joseph and Minnie. There were so many things her and Nathan needed to discuss before they got married. Though, to be honest, many things on the list seemed so trivial and small compared to the blessing of becoming husband and wife.

But, Julia knew they would cover it all though, because Nathan was meticulous, in a good way. When he did something, he always did it right, and all the way. That was just the kind of man he was. So, she looked forward to those discussions and learning more about each other in the process. The thought made her happy.

As she crossed over to the infirmary, Julia imagined that Nathan and Allie were probably halfway up to their favorite fishing spot by now, and having a great time. That thought also made her happy.

When Julia got to her desk, she opened her top drawer and found her wedding planning lists. She still had a lot to do on these lists, and intended to take the next few days to get a lot of things checked off.

At lunch, Julia met Rosemary, and they talked about so many things wedding. Julia wasn't sure if it helped, or added more things to her lists. But either way, she was happy for the quality time spent with Rosemary.

There was one thing in particular that Rosemary offered, and Julia was already grateful for it. She offered to have a very private discussion on another occasion with Julia, related to the wedding night. And since she and Nathan had just had an awkward encounter, when he had just accidentally mentioned the marriage bed, she accepted. This was a subject not often spoken about in their day, and Julia didn't have her mother to ask. It might help calm Julia's nerves to have some invaluable input from a married woman, who would let her ask questions and not be embarrassed to talk about such a subject.

On Tuesday evening, Jake came over for dinner. Julia had invited him first off, because she wanted some good sibling time with her big brother. It was important to take advantage of the fact that he now lived so close. But she also invited him because she thought Jake could use a little love.

When he entered her apartment, Jake was drawn straight away to the large painting Julia was working on. She had nearly finished it, and would return to it tonight after he left, to add the final touches. Then it would finally be completed.

Jake walked straight over and stood in front of the impressive canvas. Julia had become an excellent painter, and he wondered if she hadn't surpassed their father. "It's superb, Jules."

She came and stood next to him. "Do you think he will like it?" Julia asked, timid. She was always shy to hear a critique of her art.

"Like it? He's going to love it." Jake told her, confident. It would certainly go well with the decor Nathan had planned for their new house. In fact, Jake thought it would go perfectly above the mantel of the big fireplace. Nathan had, of course, shown Jake the plans long ago; he had been so excited and wanted to get Jake's opinion before showing Julia.

She looked over the painting slowly, from one corner to the other. Julia was intently focused on an inspection of her very own work, taking note of what areas needed touching up, as she answered. "I hope so."

Jake liked the brilliant colors. "I know so." He told her with a confident smile. She was actively working on a few other paintings for the big house, though they weren't finished yet. She had chosen to focus on this one, since it was meant to be a birthday present, and she wanted it done on time.

Finally, after a long gaze at this piece that she had painted very carefully and so vulnerably, she took a deep breath. If she was honest with herself, she was quite shy about showing Nathan. It would be the very first time he laid eyes on her work, or at least, anything she had painted solo. On top of that, she would unveil it and present it to him in front of their closest friends, at his party. This made her very nervous. Nervous like she couldn't remember ever being before. Nathan was the most important person in the world to her, and the whole thing made her feel terribly vulnerable.

Julia started to second guess herself. When she had come up with this crazy idea of painting again, she had only thought of Nathan. Of wanting to bless him and make him happy. Of wanting to see that happy smile that went all the way up into his eyes, and made those little crinkles at their corners. But now, she wasn't sure. It felt like such a risk, she wasn't sure it was such a good idea anymore.

Jake could read her like a book. Knew she was going inward and second guessing. So, he put his arm around her and reassured her. "Often...the artist's pitfall is thinking too much." Jake told her gently. He had seen it a thousand times with his father. When you paint your heart onto canvas and let someone else see it, there is a vulnerability and a risk. But, Julia was talented, and Nathan loved her deeply. The risk was worth it, and her effort would not go unrewarded. He was going to love it. That much was sure.

"I feel when he sees this...it's going to be like...he's seeing straight inside of me." Julia confessed.

"I understand. But Jules, he's going to love looking through that window." Jake told her, confident that the words he spoke were true.

Julia nodded softly, "I…" It was hard to be vulnerable. "I want to let him see."

Jake was proud of her. There was a depth and an intimacy that she shared with Nathan, that he longed for. She had opened herself and Nathan had returned in kind. And with this painting, would come a new level. A new depth of intimacy and knowing each other. That would be their reward. Jake was jealous for the same.

"You are amazing…and brave, sister." He told her, with all the admiration he felt, which was a lot.

She looked at Jake and swallowed hard. For most of her life, only two people had truly known her. Her father and Jake. And when her Dad died, that only left Jake. Until now. Now there was Nathan. And she would let him know her more truly and more deeply than anyone else. And, this painting was the next part of that knowing…of opening…of learning more of each other.

Somehow, Jake seemed to understand all that, and she loved that about him.

Julia also knew that they had been talking about something serious for far too long now, and all without eating. And knowing Jake, he was probably starving. So, she let him off the hook, for now. Though she would come back to something serious, before the night was through.

"Big brother, are you hungry?" Julia asked him.

Jake smiled at her. "Do you even need to ask?"

"Well, let's eat." She told him, and she moved to the kitchen and stirred a pot.

"What'd you make me?" He followed her and looked over her shoulder. Though he recognized the smell as soon as he got close.

"Dad's goulash." It was an old recipe given to the family by a close friend, that had been adapted and changed so many times, it was probably nothing like real goulash anymore. But, their dad had made it often, and it had become a sort of comfort food for both of them.

Jake made a happy dance as he grabbed the bowls and brought them over. Julia laughed at him and served each bowl, pleased that he was excited. They sat together at her little table and Jake prayed. Then they began to eat.

"Do you remember that time Dad took us sailing and we stayed out on the boat for three days, sleeping under the stars?" Julia asked.

"You mean the time he let us sleep out on the deck?" Jake asked.

Julia nodded, nostalgic.

Jake remembered, of course. "Though, only on one condition. He made me tie a rope around your waist, tethered to mine. Remember?" He chuckled. Jake had turned 16 that year and was an excellent swimmer. He had already obtained his lifeguard certificate, and won several swimming competitions. So, that was their dad's way of letting them have a little freedom while keeping Julia safe.

She laughed out loud at the memory of that rope tied round her waist. "That was one of my favorite trips on that boat." She replied, wistful at the memory. "What was the name of that island where we anchored the second night?"

"Little Hope Island." Jake reminded her. It had been such a tiny island, definitely not a misnomer.

"Yes! And I remember that as we passed Coffin Island, we asked Dad to get close enough to let us see what was on it." Julia laughed. "In case..."

"You were so relieved there weren't any coffins." He told her.

She chuckled. "I was very concerned that was how it got its name."

"And on that trip, he burnt the goulash." Jake remembered, it was probably the one and only time. "Is that what made you think of that trip?"

"Yea. I think of him every time I make this recipe." Julia told him. "And I remember how much he laughed when he realized the goulash had scorched." Julia looked down in her plate. "I kind of expected him to be upset about it, but he only laughed."

"But do you remember how it got burned?" Jake asked her.

Julia shook her head no.

"He was swimming with you. He never wanted to miss those important moments." Jake told her. "He'd turned down the stove, far as it'd go, and told me to keep an eye on it." Julia didn't remember that part. "But you guys were having so much fun. And well, Dad saw me watching the two of you, and could tell I was dying to come in, too. So, he called me in, assured me that his goulash would be fine." Jake chuckled low at the memory. "I think he knew it wouldn't be. But he just didn't want me to miss out."

Julia could see that was a fond memory for Jake. "He never wanted to miss those important moments." She repeated, exactly as Jake had said it before. It was a moment in time, however simple, that had left a mark on Jake.

"I wish I had more memories of Mom." Julia told him, as she took a sip of water.

"Me, too. The older I get, the farther away those memories seem." Jake told her sadly.

Julia looked down into her bowl and wished she could remember her mother's face. Jake read her contemplation and thought it better to change the subject, move on to happier topics.

"How are the wedding plans coming along?" Jake asked her.

Julia welcomed the change of subject. "I'm meeting with Alex and Gustave tomorrow, regarding the reception. I can't decide, should we do a full dinner or just heavy hors d'oeuvres?" Julia asked his opinion.

He looked at her, "Will there be dancing?"

"Of course. That's why I'm leaning towards the hors d'oeuvres. Nobody wants to dance after a heavy meal." She explained.

Jake's bowl was empty, so Julia rose to refill it, she didn't even ask. When she brought it back, he smiled, pleased.

"As long as there's plenty on the buffet, hors d'oeuvres are definitely better." Jake told her. "More time to socialize and dance. Dinners always take so long, and then people don't want to get back up again."

Julia agreed completely. "Exactly my thoughts. Nathan agreed with me as well. Now I just have to see what Gustave can do."

"I'm sure it will be nice, Jules." Jake reassured her.

Julia looked at him, ready to attempt to broach a subject that had her worried. "How are you doing, Jake?"

Jake grinned even at her. "I'm good, Jules." He told her honestly.

Julia studied him a long moment. "Should I ask you about your love life?"

"What do you want to know?" He finished the second bowl. He sat back in his chair and she studied him a minute.

Then, she stood and put the tea kettle on. She brought over a plate of chocolate cookies, Jake's favorite. It felt a little bit like bribery, but there was nothing that worked better to get Jake to open up.

Julia ventured. "Are you ready to tell me about Fiona?"

Jake took a cookie and bit into it. He kept his eyes on the plate as he chewed a moment. "What's to tell, Julia? I realized shortly after I met her that there was something there, at least from my side. But she has no idea."

Julia was a little bit shocked. "Wait. I thought you liked Faith at first. Now you are telling me that it was always Fiona?"

Jake nodded. "Well...yes. The first time I came, she seemed to be with Mike and I was only here a short time anyway, so I didn't talk to her very much. I let it go, shrugged it off. And well, Faith needed the attention."

Julia challenged him. "But you flirted with Faith."

Jake met her challenge. "Think back Julia, did I flirt with her or she flirted with me?"

Julia thought back, and except for that very first interaction in the infirmary, he was right. The flirtations were certainly more from Faith's side. Most of the time, Jake was just being Jake.

Julia surmised. "You were perhaps a little bit flirty with her at the very beginning. Before you met Fiona."

"Perhaps. But that was only because she was flirty with me first, and I was feeling it out, seeing if there could be something there." Jake was honest. "But, she warned me the first moment I met her in the infirmary, about her recent break up. And, she was so friendly and easy to talk to. And easy to approach because I knew she was not really available. So, we built an easy friendship."

"And the dinner?" Julia asked, curious now.

"I just wanted to make her feel better. Honest." Jake explained.

"And, Fiona?" Julia inquired.

Jake looked down into his tea cup. "I've liked and respected her from the moment I met her." Jake explained. He didn't say anything for a long moment, he seemed to be trying to phrase it. "But she wasn't available." He shrugged, and looked at Julia. "Once I got here, it became more difficult. Fiona and I, we have…, there's a…"

"Spark?" Julia knew just what he was trying to say.

Jake looked up at her and nodded slowly. "Yes. And, I find myself avoiding her because the more we are around each other, the harder it becomes."

Julia knew first-hand, that when you like someone, they are seldom easy to talk to, in the beginning.

"And now? What happens with Fiona?" Julia asked him.

Jake ran his fingers through his hair. "Well, absolutely nothing. I'm living with Mike, and Mike likes her. I would never move in, even if I thought she wanted me to. And I don't think… " He stood and turned, restless. He paced over to Julia's dressing table. He kept his back turned, but rested his hands there, his shoulders slumped. Though he didn't realize it, Julia could see the side of his face in the mirror, and he looked…defeated.

He told her low, "It's impossible."

Julia stood and moved next to him. She placed her hand gently on his back and rubbed comfort. "Don't give up hope, brother. If it's meant to be, God will find a way."

Jake's gaze was fixed on her perfume bottle, though he didn't even seem to see it. His mind was elsewhere as he rubbed his hand back and forth over the wood of her dressing table.

He finally turned his head and looked at her. "I hope you're right, sis."

"I know I'm right, Jacob." She told him with a reassuring smile.

Jake nodded, hopeful, and straightened up. "Thanks, Jules."

On Wednesday afternoon, there was a huge commotion in town, down at the saloon. A crew was working, and was changing the sign. Julia was content to see the old sign come down. It was the last vestige of the saloon, the last remnant of the Queen of Hearts, and it was removed and disposed of, simple as that.

Alex was out front, directing the men and telling them just how Gustave wanted the new sign. A lot of townsfolk were gathered there to watch and see what new sign was going up. And well, those that walked by, rubber-necked as they passed. Julia laughed at the way this simple thing had suddenly become the most interesting action in all of Hope Valley.

When the new sign was unveiled, there were audible oohs and aahs. And, rightly so. It was new and exciting, and it said:

...

Hope Valley Hotel

featuring

Gustave's Restaurant

...

The block lettering on the hotel sign coupled with the cursive lettering on the restaurant sign, looked very classy.

When the sign was in place and Alex was satisfied, the commotion was over, just as quickly as it had begun.

A little after 6 p.m., Julia had just entered her apartment from the infirmary, and was looking through her icebox for something to eat, when she heard three light taps on her door. Her heart stopped. Nathan. He must be home.

She sauntered over to the door and opened. When Nathan laid eyes on her, his heart skipped a beat. And a happy, crooked smile spread across his face.

"Hi." He drawled long. She was a sight for sore eyes.

Julia smiled back in a way that brought out her dimples just right. "Hi." She answered.

"Would you like to come in, Nathan?" She asked as she opened the door wide.

He slowly entered and glanced around. He'd hoped to see an easel or one of her oeuvres set up and in progress. He was a little bit disappointed there was nothing in view.

Julia closed the door and turned to face him. "You're home." She had put away all her painting supplies just in the nick of time. And his gift was safely wrapped and hidden away.

"Yea. We just got back." Nathan told her, beaming. "We had a great time, and Allie loved it."

"I knew she would. Fishing and camping, two things she adores. Plus, you all to herself for 48 hours. What's not to love?" She teased him cutely.

Nathan took a step closer. "So, you would like having me all to yourself?" Another step closer. The way he was looking at her was making her heart do funny things.

She titled her head at him and said low. "Do I even need to answer that?"

Nathan brought his hand up to her cheek and with his thumb, lightly traced her freckles. "I missed you, Jules." Her breath caught at his tender touch.

"And me, you." Julia said softly. He went the last step to reach her and kissed her. When their lips met, she melted against him. He had filled the room the moment he'd entered. And she had been defenseless, drawn in…to him. As the kiss deepened, he pulled her in closer. Then as the kiss ebbed, Nathan pulled back only a little, just enough to look at her.

"I missed this." He told her, staying close and enjoying her nearness; their faces only inches apart. "Being close to you."

"Me, too." She replied in a whisper.

"38 days." Nathan was keeping her countdown.

The corners of her mouth turned up, in a playful grin. "The days aren't ticking off fast enough."

"I completely agree." He replied, "Shall we move up the date?" He teased.

"I'm not sure, there is still so much to do." She gave him an even grin. "I was just working on the invitations today." She got a mischievous look on her face. "But, tell me quick before I send them out."

"Are they already printed?" Nathan asked, trying to see how far she would let the little joke go.

"No, not yet. Ned can have them in 3 days time, once we give him our order. I actually have a proof to show you." She told him. She had been planning to show him tomorrow.

Much to her surprise, he stepped back, eager to look over the proof. "Can I see?"

She reluctantly let go and walked over to the table. "We have three choices. What do you think?"

Julia handed him the samples. He looked over the first one. No. The second was nice. And the third was too formal. He came back to the second one and gave it another look. He liked the color, texture, and the wording. The font was cursive and classy.

Nathan held it out to her. "I like this one." She smiled at him. It was exactly the one she had picked.

"The printer will add a small design of flowers, at the top there." She told him, pointing. "And, a Bible verse from 1 Corinthians 13 at the bottom, there." She showed him.

"Which verse?" He asked her, curious.

"The one we talked about. Verse 7 and the first part of verse 8." Julia shared.

"I can't wait to see it when it's ready." Nathan told her. It would be very nice.

"Me, either. I'll drop it off to Ned and have him place the order, first chance I get." She said happily, glad that was done and she could mark it off her list. "Oh…but wait. What date should I put, Lawman?" Was their little joke really over?

"Maybe we should stick to the one we've got. I'll just try to be patient." He told her, amused.

Julia nodded with a little grin. "I met with Gustave and Alex today. They would like to do a sampling for us, to let us try out different finger foods for the reception. Would there be a time next week that's good for you? In the evening?" She asked.

"Any evening next week is fine, Jules." He told her. "I might have some overnights with the trainees the second week. But, first week is all in the classroom."

"Okay, I'll book something with them and let you know." She said, content.

"Jules, there was a reason that I stopped by." Nathan had sort of forgotten.

"Other than to kiss me?" She asked playfully.

"Yes, ma'am." He said cutely. "I came by to ask if you'd like to come to dinner tonight at my house?" He asked. "Allie and I caught more than we can eat. Are you interested in fresh fish for dinner?"

"Inspector Grant, you know just how to tempt a girl who grew up by the sea." She said with a soft smile.

He looked so delighted. "Should we also invite Jake?"

"Oh, he would probably be thrilled to join us, especially if you mention fresh fish." Julia told him.

"Perhaps I will go and invite him." Nathan told her.

"I'll come with you." She said, and he was pleased about that. Julia stepped to the back door and locked it tight. Together, they walked out the infirmary's front door and locked it, too. As soon as they were out on the porch, Nathan took her hand and interlocked their fingers together, just the way she liked.

"Did you see the new sign at the Hope Valley Hotel?" Julia asked, as she pointed. It looked very nice.

"Wait, no more Queen of Hearts?" Nathan asked. That irony wasn't lost on him.

"Nope." She replied. "The end of one season means the beginning of another."

"That makes it official." He paused. "Do you know if Lucas left yet?"

"I don't think so. I saw Joseph coming down from the second floor balcony twice this week, and most recently, yesterday." Julia told him, and Nathan was glad to hear that.

They turned towards the back of the mercantile and headed up the stairs to Mike's apartment.

By the time the trio got to Nathan's, Allie and Archie had the trout all cleaned and ready for cooking. Nathan kicked Archie out of the kitchen, and he and Allie got to work, just the two of them.

Julia was delighted to see that Archie had set up the chessboard exactly as they had left it, some weeks back. She and Archie had abandoned their game when Nathan had been arrested. And Archie had so thoughtfully brought the chessboard to the jail to sit and play with Nathan, in order to pass the time. But what Julia hadn't realized, was that Archie had taken note of the exact placement of each and every piece on the board, so they could pick their game back up later.

Archie asked Julia, "Shall we finish our game?" She looked the board over thoroughly, fairly certain that he had positioned everything exactly right.

"Are you sure, ole man?" She teased.

Archie chuckled at her and drawled slow, "I'm sure, young lady." She pulled up a chair and sat opposite him. Jake inspected the board and watched them for a few minutes.

Then, Jake went to the bookshelves and looked through the many titles. Nathan and Allie had a pretty good home library. Jake found a good book and pulled it out. Hope Is The Thing With Feathers by Emily Dickinson. He sat on the sofa and read, and every once in a while, he glanced over to follow the intense chess game going on.

A little while later, Archie called out check-mate. Jake took one look at Julia's face and knew she was cooked. And so, Archie rose victorious.

"Good game, Archie." Julia told him with a broad smile, extending her hand. He was a very good chess player.

Archie shook and then glanced over at Jake, whose interest was peaked, "You up next, young man?"

"Sure," and Jake closed the book.

Julia left them to it, and went to see how things were going in the kitchen. The scene that met her there, was an adorable sight. Nathan was wearing a flowery apron, and looked absolutely dashing. The contrast of his tall, masculine frame, against the soft flowers made for a very handsome oxymoron. Allie stood just next to him, breading the fish with flour and wearing a ruffled apron. They looked like two peas in a pod, and were absolutely adorable.

"Nice apron, Lawman." Julia said with an amused smile.

"They never make them for men, you know. At least not in the mercantile in Hope Valley." Nathan told her, amused and shrugging his shoulders. Julia laughed. He would be handsome in anything he put on, flowered or pink or any other color. But it was a little bit sad that there weren't aprons for men available. What did that say about social norms in their day?

"Well, you make that apron look good, Nathan Grant." She told him with a playful smile. "And that's coming from me, who normally doesn't really like flowers." She said with a playful, sarcastic tone, one-hundred-percent facetious.

Nathan playfully walked over and tipped the end of her nose with his finger full of flour, leaving a cute little white spot behind. Allie laughed out loud; Nathan just smiled naughtily at her. Julia's mouth fell open in playful shock, and her eyes crossed as she looked down at her dotted nose. Her cute little move brought more laughter from Allie. Nathan couldn't help it, and chuckled too.

Though, this wasn't over. Julia moved around him quick as lightning and grabbed a handful of flour. She placed her hand gently on his right cheek, leaving a cute little hand mark behind. What didn't stick fell down in a soft dusting of flour that trailed all the way down his open collar, shirt and apron. Allie's mouth fell open. In a flash of an arm movement, before she could escape, Nathan grabbed Julia around the waist and pulled her in close. He snuggled her neck, making sure to rub that flour-dusted cheek all over, playfully transferring all the flour she had just placed on his cheek, back to her - to her neck, cheek, and shoulder. Julia giggled uncontrollably as he did, and Nathan chuckled gleefully.

Allie was in stitches just watching them. She grabbed her own fistful of flour and came to Julia's aid, giving him a good dusting on the other cheek. Though Nathan quickly caught Allie with his other arm and drug them both over closer to the bowl of flour.

"No! No!" They both protested and fought hard to get loose, but he was too strong and too fast. Once he got to the bowl though, there was only one problem - his hands were already full - of his two giggling girls. And he would have to let go of one of them to get a hand into the flour. So, Nathan playfully pinned Julia up against the counter with one hip, while he picked up a fistful of flour with that hand. He got Allie good. But, Julia was fast, too. She grabbed the entire bowl, turned it up, and planted it gently across his chest. As the bowl hit its mark, they were immediately engulfed in a cloud of flour dust. They all three erupted into laughter, and they were still laughing when the dust finally settled. And when it did, they were all three covered in a soft layer of white. But no one minded, it had been too much fun.

Nathan now had a heaping pile of flour strewn all across his chest, even inside his shirt and apron. As Julia pulled the bowl off of his chest, she let it fall carefully back, trying to keep as much flour as possible inside. Even so, flour still softly trailed all the way down the torso and waist of Nathan's apron, and landed softly at his feet. And, it made its way down to Julia's waist and skirt as well, since he was still holding her close. Only Allie was spared, well protected by her apron.

The kitchen was a mess. And to lessen the mess, Nathan and Julia stepped outside to the back yard, to shake off the flour. Both were still giggling pretty hard. Once outside, Julia helped Nathan remove his apron, and heaps of flour fell to the ground from between his apron and shirt. Next, he took down his suspenders, and untucked his shirt. He pulled it out a bit from his chest and shook it, and big clumps of flour fell from the inside of his shirt. However, there was still a lot of flour inside there.

Allie was still laughing at them when she brought them a wet towel. Julia took it gratefully and brought it over, Nathan was still quite covered in flour.

"Allie, since you are not too messy, could you run up and get me another shirt, please?" Nathan asked.

"Sure, Dad." And she was gone.

Julia turned back towards Nathan not sure how this was going to work. She felt her insides go into knots at the prospect of him removing his shirt. But instead, to her surprise, he took the wet towel from her and stepped close. Nathan slowly, gently began to wipe her clean. He started on her nose where he'd placed that first dollop of flour, the one that had started it all. Then he moved over to her cheek and wiped away a little there. Julia's eyes followed his every move as he tended to her. Her heart pounded loudly and she was sure he could hear it.

Nathan stepped even closer and with his other hand, he tenderly turned her face. He gently wiped away flour from her neck. When he moved down to her chest and shoulder, Julia brought her head back around and fixed her eyes on him again. He was so intent and focused as he wiped so gently. It was such an intense moment and it slowly dawned on him that she was watching him. Nathan's eyes met hers and suddenly she couldn't catch her breath.

"Right as rain." He whispered huskily.

Julia held his intense gaze and whispered back. "Yes, it is." And, he knew she wasn't talking about the flour.

Julia took the damp towel from him, and started to gently wipe his cheek. She started exactly where she'd first placed her hand, before he'd spread that flour all over her neck. It had gone all over him too, in the process, so she tried to wipe that all away now.

As Julia wiped so gently, her feather-like care started a fire deep in his belly. He tried to control his heart rate and his breathing, but it was no use. She moved to his neck, and gently turned his face one way and then the other, as she softly cleaned away the flour. His breathing had become shallow and raspy. Fire lingered on his skin, having penetrated the towel, at every point her hand had touched.

Nathan's gaze was fixed on her as she worked, and when she bit her bottom lip in concentration, it took all the restraint he could muster not to kiss her breathless. If he hadn't known Allie would be back any moment, he would have.

Julia draped the towel over her shoulder, and raised her hands to his torso and started to brush off his shirt. As her hands drifted over his chest he couldn't breathe. Did she not even realize? Finally, when her hands went to his buttons, her eyes came up to his. When their eyes met, he absolutely couldn't take anymore. He gently placed one hand over hers to stop her. He was a man desperately in love with this woman, and he was barely holding onto his restraint already, by the thinnest of threads.

"Please." He whispered to her, and she understood. His eyes were dark and blue, his pupils dilated. And there, in his eyes, a storm waited just on the horizon, and it was the good kind of storm. The intensity of the feelings they shared hit her hard. Right there in that moment, they were thick and palpable.

It was at that same moment that Allie came back, and found them, like that. Julia was standing so close, holding the top of his shirt, with her Dad's large hand overtop. They were both so fixed on each other, and speechless. Allie smiled to herself, seeing the deep emotion so evident between them. She hung the shirt just outside the door and went back inside.

Julia finally blinked and glanced over towards the back door. She saw his shirt hanging there and brought her gaze back to him. "Perhaps I should go in."

Nathan followed where her eyes had just been and noticed his clean shirt. He looked at her. "Perhaps." He breathed, though it was raspy and just barely audible.

Julia looked into his eyes and gave a tiny nod. She let her hands fall from his buttons and stepped back slowly. He wanted to kiss her so badly, but knew it was not wise at this moment. There was too much longing and desire hanging between them. So, he took a step back, too. Hard as it was.

Chemistry was not an issue between them. Nor was desire or longing or depth of emotion. She had no idea how she had ever been worried about their wedding night. He had a powerful effect on her with just his eyes, not to mention when he touched her. And, she wondered if it wasn't the same for him. She guessed so, by his reaction when she'd tried to undo his top button.

Julia took another slow step back and stepped up on the porch. She brushed off the rest of her shirt, and skirt. Nathan watched intently as the flour made a cloud around her, lower this time, and floated slowly down, down, down and settled around her feet. His heart skip a beat or two, and though unsuccessful, he tried to tear his eyes away.

Julia looked at him one more time before she turned and went inside. He stood there for a long moment, staring at the outline of flour she'd left on the porch. A void she had left behind, a silhouette of where she had been standing only moments before.

When his heart rate finally returned to normal, and his senses calmed, and his storm of emotions quieted, Nathan moved. He changed his shirt and dusted off the flour as he did. By the time he came back in, Julia and Allie were finishing up the flour clean-up in the kitchen.

Allie thought the whole thing was excellent fun and absolutely hilarious. "Dad, that was so much fun." She told him. "We got you good." Allie looked back and forth between her dad and Julia, convinced life would never be boring with these two.

Nathan smiled happily at her. "Yes, you guys got me." His gaze turned to Julia who looked very timid, though she wore a sweet smile.

Nathan donned his apron once again, and stepped close to Julia. He would never be able to get anything done with her in close proximity. So with his mischievous crooked smile, he put his finger lightly on her shoulder and backed her out of the kitchen. He spoke to her low and playful, "You, Miss Matthews, are banned from this kitchen. Until further notice."

And just like that, the butterflies were back in motion in her belly. But, she obeyed. Julia nodded playfully back at him and turned on her heels. She looked over her shoulder and held his gaze, as she sashayed over to the living room. He watched her all the way, still wearing that crooked smile.

Archie and Jake were focused on their intense game, they didn't even notice she was there. So, she picked up the book that Jake had been reading and plopped down into a seat. How she longed for a fan to cool down the heat that had overtaken her, the moment Nathan had given her that crooked smile.

Meanwhile in the kitchen, Allie and Nathan went back to work, side by side, shoulder to shoulder, so effortlessly. And soon, wonderful smells started to drift over from the kitchen. Julia could almost hear Jake's stomach rumbling. Finally, the table was set and all ready, and Allie called everyone over to the table.

Nathan, Allie, Julia, Jake, and Archie enjoyed a beautiful meal together. Once again, Julia was convinced that Nathan had been holding out on her, when they'd talked up at the cabin, and he'd told her he couldn't cook. He could cook just fine. Everything he made was well cooked and delicious.

After dinner, Nathan made coffee and tea. Then Allie brought out cookies that she'd made. Jake and Archie returned to their game, which didn't show any sign of ending, anytime soon.

When the coffees and teas were done, Allie said good night and went up to bed. Nathan and Julia sat on the couch together, reading. Nathan had put his arm around her and she had snuggled into his side, as she read Emily Dickinson. Julia started to get tired, but was enjoying her place at Nathan's side and was reluctant to leave it.

Julia was a little bit disappointed when she heard Jake say, "check-mate." Archie looked disappointed too, but he took his time, thoroughly weighing every move on the board. Finally, he sat back in his chair, resolved that he had been beaten.

"You got me, Jake." Archie drawled slow, "Good game, young man."

"You were a competent opponent, sir." Jake said, shaking hands with the older man.

"I'll expect a rematch next time you're over." Archie told him.

"You bet, sir." Jake told him happily.

Jake helped Archie put everything away, and then stood and looked at Julia. That was her cue, an unspoken message that he was ready to walk her home. Nathan stood, eager to walk her home too, but Julia found all that walking silly, when Jake was already headed in the same direction.

"Jake can walk me home, Nathan. That way you can get to bed." Julia paused and looked at him, excited. "You have a big day tomorrow." Tomorrow was his birthday.

Nathan wanted to walk her home, wanted to kiss her one more time. But, he remembered they had an early date together in the morning. "I don't mind walking you, Jules." He told her.

"It's okay, Nathan. I'll see you early in the morning, remember?" She reminded him.

Archie said good night and headed upstairs. Then the trio that was left moved towards Nathan's front door. Jake said good night and stepped outside, to wait for Julia. So, in the end, Nathan got his chance to kiss her one more time.

And, he did. Nathan pulled her close and kissed her sweetly. And, Julia kissed him back, long and tender. After the intense emotions shared earlier, they relished the kiss and the sweetness of the other. And, they lingered. Long.

When Julia pulled back, she tilted her head and asked him. "Until it be morrow, my love?"

"See you in the morning, my darling." He promised. And he slowly opened the door.