Chapter 94. Those Pesky Buttons

On Monday morning, Julia came early for coffee with Nathan. The day was especially hot already, and Nathan was inside making coffee, with the top buttons of his Henley all undone.

She smiled playfully as Nathan scooped the coffee and placed the coffeemaker on the little stove. It was a big day for him, the classroom phase of his training course would start today. And, he was surprisingly calm. He glanced over at Julia and realized she was watching him. He playfully turned, suddenly very interested to know what she was thinking.

"What's so amusing, Jules?" Nathan asked her with a teasing tone.

"You." She smiled, amused. "Just going about your day, like it's any other day…" Julia said. And then, she motioned to his Henley, "and all with your shirt unbuttoned."

It was something in the way she said it. He took a small step closer. "Unbuttoned?" He asked her, curious and playful. "What does that have to do with anything? It's hot outside."

He watched her closely. "Yes, I know it's hot. But, do you have any idea…" She trailed off and tilted her head to the side. He obviously didn't have any idea. "Oh, never mind." Julia told him, as she tried to step back and escape.

But Nathan wasn't letting her escape. He gently, playfully grabbed hold of her around the waist. "Wait a minute." Nathan drawled slow, teasing her and holding her fast. It was quite amusing to see her flustered. "What does that mean? Do I have any idea…what?"

Julia couldn't believe she'd ended up here. She had only meant to point out that it was a big day for him. But, somehow they had gotten completely off topic. "Okay, so like I suspected, you don't have any idea." She realized she was never going to explain this well, at least not in a way that wouldn't leave her flustered. Maybe he'd just let it go.

"Julia." He looked at her playfully, and teased. "I'm not letting you go until you tell me. I don't have any idea…what?"

So he wasn't going to let it go. Julia cleared her throat and tilted her head again. "Well…when you leave your buttons open, your attractiveness…it's…amplified." She practically spit it out, trying her best to get it out quick and keep it modest.

"Amplified? What do you mean amplified?" Nathan knew exactly what she meant, he just wanted to see her squirm. And, he was still holding her tight so she had no where to go. And he was terribly amused.

"Amplified. You know what that word means, Nathan. You are just teasing me now." Julia giggled at his coy smile. He chuckled mischievously, he was definitely teasing her.

Nathan decided to state the obvious, "Of one thing I am certain, Miss Matthews, there is a lot of chemistry and energy between us."

"Indeed there is, Lawman. And that energy has the tendency to land on me, whenever you leave those buttons open." Julia motioned with her hand cutely, and tried to get loose, before he teased her any more.

Nathan leaned in close. "And do you realize that energy hits me too, every single time I lay eyes on you?" He asked her, with his crooked smile. Speaking of energy, it was thick between them as he looked down at her, with desire and longing.

Then slowly, his smile changed back to playful, "Though I might have to warn you, my darling. You might have to get used to it…my buttons being open, that is..." He said with a mischievous tone. "Because…summer's not over yet, Miss Matthews."

Julia laughed at him, and he joined her, and it was evident just how much he was enjoying teasing her. How did they ever end up on this topic of conversation? She leaned close and said, "To make it fair, you will just have to tell me one thing that I do, that drives you crazy."

Nathan leaned close to her ear and whispered, "Everything. I love everything about you." Her heart raced as he pulled back and looked at her.

Julia smiled but wasn't taking that for an answer. She laid her hand on his chest and rasped, "There must be something, Lawman. Anything in particular?"

Nathan leaned close and told her, "Your perfume. I love roses and I love lilies. And on you…they smell even better." He placed a featherlight kiss on her cheek, and rasped across her cheekbone. "Gets me every time."

Julia felt her mouth go dry and she willed her throat to swallow. "Okay, Lawman."

Nathan's eyes went absentmindedly to her lips. He couldn't help it, he hadn't kissed her since his birthday and that was almost four days ago. And he missed the softness of her lips, and the sweetness of her mouth. Holding her now, even under a playful context, was tugging at his heart, especially considering what she had just shared about her attraction. The knowledge that Julia found him attractive, made him feel handsome.

He started to lean down, to claim her lips, when he was abruptly and ever so painfully interrupted by the gurgle of the coffee pot. He'd never been so disappointed to hear that pleasant sound. The sound that meant only one thing…coffee was ready. Normally he loved that sound, but not today, this morning it was harsh and cruel. As Nathan reached over and lifted the pot off the stove, Julia read the disappointment on his face. He glanced once more at her lips, his longing evident, before he reluctantly turned. He served two cups, and added a splash of milk, before he handed Julia her cup.

Though, she didn't want Nathan to start this day disappointed, but wanted him to feel confident and fulfilled, in every aspect. So, Julia gingerly took both coffee cups away from him and set them down. He looked confused for the span of a moment, until Julia moved close and wrapped her arms around his waist. She took one from his play book. "It's funny. Right now, I'm hearing Colleen's voice." She whispered low. His eyes returned to her lips as she spoke.

A big amused smile washed across his face. Memories rushed through his mind, of an almost kiss in Rosemary and Lee's kitchen, and Nathan saw exactly where this was headed. "Really?" He asked. "And what does Colleen say?"

"She says I should tell you something." Julia said playful.

Nathan knew, could almost hear Colleen himself, could guess what she would say. "Kiss her, you fool?"

Julia nodded slowly, and that was all he needed. He claimed her lips in a kiss. Sweet and gentle at first, but the fire was strong after days of missing the taste of each other. The kiss deepened and they dove farther as they expressed their love. Julia felt the deep emotions that passed between them - the real, honest, profound sentiments that were so difficult to express with words, but were better expressed by loving. And well, this was the loving they were perfecting at the moment, and it was perfect. Deep, and real, and it touched her to the core.

When she pulled back a little to catch her breath, she realized that his hands were in her hair, and hers were clutching the collar of his Henley. Nathan rested his cheek next to hers and whispered in her ear. "33 days." Julia smiled and snuggled in closer to him.

Nathan slowly withdrew his hands from her hair, and let them trail along to her cheeks. He looked deep into her eyes. "I love you, Jules." Nathan slowly kissed her on the cheek, on the forehead, on the other cheek, and on the end of her nose.

"I love you, too." Julia replied. She wanted him to carry that declaration with him all day long, as he started his new position in the classroom. She tugged lightly on his Henley, which she was still clutching, and brought his lips to hers once more. She kissed him tender and sweet.

And when the kiss waned, Julia told him with a soft smile. "That should hold you till the afternoon."

But he flipped her cute little statement into a challenge. "So I can come get a refill in the afternoon?"

Julia giggled and wrangled out of his arms. She picked up her coffee cup and headed toward the front porch, to her chair. Though, just before the door, she playfully looked back over her shoulder, "You know where to find me."

Nathan ran his hand raggedly through his hair and tried to calm his racing heart. Then he picked up his coffee cup, and with a giddy smile, followed her to the porch.

When Jake showed up a short time later, Nathan said good bye to both of them, and headed upstairs to make sure he was ready for the day. Julia had been right, it was a big day. And, Nathan was excited. He had to admit, her confession this morning, and their kisses, had only served to boost his confidence. Not that his confidence needed a boost, not in the least. He had been riding on a cloud for a few months now, and only had to look at his beautiful fiancé to stay in the clouds. Low self esteem was a thing of the past, even if it was still a mystery how on earth Julia had chosen him. At some point along the way, Nathan had stopped questioning and just accepted the rightness of it. And, confidence and courage had been a byproduct.

By the time his trainees arrived, Nathan had everything ready. He had an exceptional first day, as did all the class. They soaked it all up, as Nathan moved through the material exactly as planned.

That evening, Nathan and Jake went to Gustave's again, to hang out with all the guys. Dinner was very nice, and everyone appreciated the time spent together.

Later, on his way home, Nathan stopped by Julia's. He just couldn't wait to tell her all about his first day. Julia made herbal tea, and they sat outside under the moonlight, and talked late into the night.

On Tuesday morning, when Julia arrived for coffee, Nathan met her on the front porch with two cups. Julia took one look at him and had to cover her mouth to stifle a giggle.

Nathan had his buttons all done up. His Henley was buttoned clear to the top. And, he looked uncomfortable. Julia walked right up to him and went to work on those buttons. And, well…he was defenseless to stop her, because he still held those two coffee cups.

Nathan just stared down at her, amused, as she unbuttoned each and every button. She even pulled the two sides of his collar open and folded them down, patting his chest on either side. "That's better." Julia told him with a soft smile. "That's more…you."

Nathan just chuckled at her, and held her cup out. He slighted his eyes at her, playful. "Are you gonna be one of those wives that tells her husband what to wear?"

Julia laughed from her belly. "Oh, heaven's no, Nathan. Never!" She stepped close and teased him, with a soft playful tone. "But…I will always be willing to help with your buttons." She placed her hand on his chest just next to his open collar, and the muscles of his chest tensed beneath her touch. She added just above a whisper, "Whether to button or unbutton." And she quietly took her coffee cup.

It was now next to impossible to take his eyes off her, and his mouth went dry - completely dry. Dry like the desert, at her mention of undoing his buttons. Though, technically, she'd already done that, just now - she'd stepped close and unbuttoned all three buttons on his Henley. He took a sip of his coffee, which was still too hot, but he was desperate for something…anything…to wet and relieve the sudden dryness in his mouth.

Before she could get away, Nathan gently hooked her around the waist and pulled her in close. He couldn't help himself but just needed her near, after such a statement. He leaned in, "You, Miss Matthews, are dangerously close to being locked in the jail cell again."

That statement brought back a memory - of intense kisses shared in that jail cell. Oh, how she liked that jail cell, and wouldn't mind going in there again, with him. "Would that be such a bad thing?" Julia challenged.

Nathan looked at her for a full five seconds, without blinking, debating how to handle her challenge. If it hadn't been for Jake riding by on Ranger, and the stark reality that he would be back at any moment, and would walk into his office, Nathan would have set down their coffee cups and pulled her in there straightaway.

"Saved by the Constable." Nathan drawled coyly, and Julia giggled hard as she sat in her chair. He sunk down in the other chair and they drank their coffee together. By the time Jake got back from the livery, Nathan and Julia's coffee cups were empty, and it was time for Nathan to head upstairs. Though before he did, Julia planted a big sloppy kiss on his cheek.

On Tuesday evening, the guys all hung out at Gustave's again. A big group was gathered there and were enjoying dinner when Julia, Faith, and Fiona walked in. They had made a dinner date with Alex, who had the evening off. Thanks to all the red coats in town, she was not really having to do very much to keep order, anyway.

Alex had saved them a table over to the side and she waved when they entered. And it was kind of comical how many Mounties turned their heads and took notice when three beautiful ladies walked in. And, quite a few heads followed them as they walked over to the table.

Faith giggled when she felt so many eyes on them. When she approached the table she asked, "Are you still having to keep order, Alex?"

"Ah, these guys are harmless." Alex smiled. "They've just forgotten how to behave in the presence of beautiful ladies."

They all four laughed. "And don't forget you too, Alex." Fiona said, always the encourager. "So they've been behaving?"

"Oh, yes. I haven't had to lift a finger to get onto anyone since they got here." Alex told them. "They are just loud."

Sarah came over and informed them of the specials for the evening. As soon as she left, a group of young men bravely walked up to their table. They were, of course, still wearing their serges, and clearly enamored with this table of women.

"How are you ladies this fine evening?" The blond one asked.

"Just fine, thank you." Alex responded.

A dark haired one spoke up. "We're just wondering what a table full of lovely ladies, such as yourselves, are doing here, all alone?"

Fiona spoke up, "How do you know we are alone? That we aren't meeting someone?" She challenged. "A big group of handsome men?"

The blond made a cute little show of looking around the room, and since he didn't see anyone coming in, "Well, we could keep you ladies safe until they get here." He offered.

Julia giggled, "That would be very kind of you. But you know, the constable in this town is quite capable."

Fiona added, "And the Inspector also keeps order here quite well."

The dark-haired one started to open his mouth, but Nathan's voice boomed kindly from behind them. "Yes, that's true. I keep order here quite well, boys." The four younger men turned around, and looked quite sheepish when they realized who'd addressed them.

"You fellas heard the ladies, they don't need your...extra protection." Jake sounded off, strong and deep, and all four ladies gave a hearty chuckle. Faith covered her mouth with her hand.

The blond Mountie understood. "These are the guys you ladies are meeting?"

Well no, not really. They had not planned to meet the guys at all. These four ladies were simply supposed to have dinner together. But now that Jake and Nathan were here, maybe they should all hang out together.

Julia smiled, and let her gaze go to her very handsome fiancé. And his gaze naturally went to her. And anyone who noticed the way these two looked at each other, understood very clearly. They were very much in love.

"You ladies might've mentioned that." The dark headed one stated, with a lopsided grin.

Fiona teased them, "And what fun would that have been?" And, Alex and Faith and Fiona all three giggled softly.

Julia spied Pendergrass watching the whole exchange with amusement. She spoke up loud enough for him to hear. "Pendergrass over there could have warned you."

His voice boomed laughter from two tables over. "Now, what fun would that be?" And that statement, repeated without him even knowing it, elicited more laughter.

Ben Davis walked up. "What'd I miss?" He asked, curious to know what was so funny.

"Nothing." Nathan answered, shaking his head with a chuckle.

Nathan addressed his guys now, "It's okay, fellas. I can't blame you for trying to meet the prettiest girls in town." The trainees all smiled sheepishly and headed back to their respective tables, in good humor.

"Is it okay if we join you ladies?" Jake asked, and the ladies agreed. Mike appeared out of nowhere, and helped Jake pull up a table.

"Davis, why don't you join us?" Nathan asked and they all took a new seat. Julia sat next to Nathan. Jake took the seat on the other side of her, and next to him, surprisingly, Fiona took the seat.

"Sure, sir." Ben answered. With the addition of Davis, the group made eight.

Nathan told Davis low, as they sat next to each other, "You don't have to call me sir, in this context, Ben."

"Okay…Thanks, Grant." Ben told him. He wasn't quite comfortable enough to call him Nathan yet.

Sarah came back and repeated the specials again, and everyone placed their order.

Nathan introduced Ben, "Ben, you know Julia and Jake. I believe you already met Fiona. Next to her is the manager of Gustave's and the hotel, Alex Taylor. Next to Alex over there is Mike Hickam. And there next to you, is our town doctor, Faith Carter." He paused. "Everyone, this is my friend, Ben Davis. He's posted in Benson Hills and came for the tracking course."

Everyone greeted him, and he smiled kindly around the group.

Faith asked him, "Are you originally from Benson Hills or just posted there?"

Ben smiled and told her, "I'm from a small town outside of Winnipeg. But, I've been posted in Benson Hills for about six years now, and I really like this region."

"It's nice, isn't it?" Faith asked him.

"Yes it is. Where are you from, Dr. Carter?" He asked her, curious.

"Hamilton. Though, I've also been here in Hope Valley for a while now - going on six years, just like you." She told Ben.

Julia glanced up at Nathan and asked quietly, "How did it go today?"

Nathan spoke soft, to keep it between them. "Very well, actually. Like I mentioned before, Commander Collins hand-picked these guys to be the first training class. So, it's a good group. And today was a very good day." He told her with a proud smile. "They are very eager and we covered a lot." Then he added. "Sorry that we crashed your girl time."

Julia giggled. "I don't mind a bit. It will be fun." She told him. "And maybe, some new friendships will be made." Nathan followed her eyes, as Julia made an intentional glance over at Ben and Faith, who were now deep in conversation.

Sarah arrived with their dinner plates and everyone began to eat dinner. Gustave's special tonight was Beef Bourguignon, which was becoming a regular favorite in Hope Valley.

Friendly conversation flowed easily over the course of the meal. And when everyone was done with their dinner, Mike suggested a friendly dart tournament. Jake was about to object when Fiona and Faith both spoke up and affirmed the idea. Ben and Alex agreed, and it seemed to be decided. Everyone stood and slowly headed over to the dart boards.

When they got there though, Fiona asked how they should do the teams.

"We should have one guy and one girl on each team." Faith said, "To make it fair."

Mike agreed, "That does sound fair."

Nobody said anything more about teams, so Ben spoke up to move it along, "Well then, how about Nathan and Julia form a team, that's an easy one." Nathan and Julia smiled at each other, happy with that.

Ben paused and looked at Jake and Fiona, assuming. "Jake and Fiona, you guys are…" He quickly discerned from the look on their faces, that they weren't, so he tried to cover his mistake, "…willing to play together?" Jake and Fiona looked at each other, both a little unsure how to answer. But, Fiona nodded ever so slightly.

Mike was taken aback by Ben's mistake, about Jake and Fiona, and made a strange, confused face. He started to open his mouth, but Ben spoke again before he could get a word out. "Who would like to play with Mike?"

To everyone's surprise, Alex spoke up. "I will." She said it almost happily, but as soon as she realized how it had sounded, she sent a shy glance over at Mike. His face softened and became…smitten…all over again. And a lopsided, goofy grin took over his whole face.

"Okay," was all Mike managed to get out. So that team was settled.

Ben looked shyly at Faith. "I guess that leaves you and me, Dr. Carter. If you are willing to play with a plain ole Mountie." Though, he didn't seem like a plain guy at all. Faith thought he was about her age and quite easy on the eyes, with his silky dark hair and striking light brown eyes. Ben's strong jawline and thick eyelashes didn't hurt either.

Faith smiled back at him, and to Julia's surprise, seemed absolutely content to play with Ben Davis. "I accept, on one condition, Ben." She called him by his first name. "That you call me Faith."

Ben nodded at her, and answered, "You've got yourself a deal, Faith."

Julia looked around the group. It seemed the teams were set. And, for the first time in a long time, everyone seemed pleased about their partnerships. Except maybe for one couple in particular, though Julia wasn't quite sure…perhaps Fiona and Jake just weren't letting on about their contentment…yet. Julia smiled at her brother, convinced that Fiona was starting to open her eyes.

Mike pulled the darts out of the board and brought them over to the line. "Shall we let Nathan and Julia play Faith and Ben over here." He pointed to the first dartboard. "And Alex and I can play Jake and Fiona here?" Signaling to the second dartboard.

Fiona spoke up. "Sure, Mike."

Nathan distributed the darts for their dartboard, and they threw to determine the turn order. Faith would throw first, then Julia, then Ben, then Nathan.

Nathan was genuinely happy to play with Julia. For once they were able to team up, and what a good team they made. She took it easy and didn't hit too many bullseyes at first, to ease into it. And he played even better than normal, feeding off the positive energy that she carried. And Julia was supportive and attentive. A look here, a touch there, and he could feel her cheering him on, even when it wasn't voiced. Just a glance and he understood, knew exactly what she was communicating, with her eyes and smile. And when she would pass by him, she would give the slightest touch or just barely brush his shoulder with hers, in a way that communicated all the right things. He could feel her unwavering companionship. He relished it. And, it made him better. It gave him a little window into the rest of his life, walking through life with Julia, together, a perfect team. And, he was blessed.

Ben and Faith became more and more comfortable and borderline flirty as the game progressed. And they also played off of each other well. Ben was attentive and read Faith aptly, even though he barely knew her. And Faith, usually reserved and guarded since her break up, was open. Ben was a nice guy and didn't know Faith or her history at all. That made for a clean slate for Faith, and vice versa.

Towards the end of their match, Julia turned it up a little bit to ensure the win, and Ben was impressed by both his boss and Julia, at the dartboard.

Jake and Fiona were victorious on the other dartboard. So, the second match would feature Ben and Faith versus Mike and Alex on one dartboard, while Nathan and Julia played Jake and Fiona on the other.

During the second match, Nathan and Julia had a great time playing their opponents, even if Jake and Fiona were still rather guarded around each other. But a few isolated times throughout the game, they accidentally let their guard down and allowed themselves to enjoy playing together. There were some real laughs, some real triumphs, and a few high fives that lingered a little too long. And it became obvious to both Nathan and Julia, that Jake and Fiona were actually really good together. It was like a little window into what they could be.

When the score was counted between Nathan and Julia, and Jake and Fiona, neither team really cared who won, because they'd had such a great time playing together. But, there was a tie, and well, the rest of the group didn't want to leave it there. So, a tie-breaker round of three turns was proposed to break the tie.

Fiona was up first and she did quite well. Julia was up next and also threw well. Then Jake hit one good shot and finally a bullseye. The little group erupted in applause when he hit the middle mark, and drew the attention of the rest of the dining room. Nathan was up next and he hit two good shots and a bullseye, which garnered more applause, and more attention. Out in the open, for all to see, Nathan gave Julia a huge double five and let it linger flirtatiously, and then he stepped close and kissed her on the forehead.

The next turn didn't go so well for Fiona, though she did score one point. Julia stepped up, and hit one good shot. Then on the third one, a bullseye. Some of Nathan's trainees were sort of half watching them now, and saw Julia's great shot. They applauded with the rest of the group, and stepped closer to watch the interesting match up. Jake hit a bullseye too, and the heat was on. As he walked back to Fiona, Jake gave her a double five and she gave him one of her big, beautiful, signature smiles. The one he particularly liked, where her top lip curled up cutely and her dimples showed.

Next up was Nathan, and he had the opportunity to pull ahead with the score. He hit three good shots, which did indeed, put them ahead.

After Nathan's turn, when Julia turned around, she noticed that Jake had been over to the side coaching Fiona, standing close and patiently giving her pointers. Fiona finally stepped to the line and threw the first two darts, and did fairly well. She had one dart left. Jake stepped just next to her again, whispered something close, and she relaxed and adjusted. After he stepped back, Fiona took a deep breath, held it, and threw. Bullseye. The room erupted, including most of the Mountie trainees who had come over to watch now. Fiona threw her hands high into the air in excitement, and laughed happily. She stepped to Jake and gave him a huge high five. She didn't let go of his hands right away but said something that elicited a big smile and a nod from from Jake. In fact, Julia hadn't seen that particular big smile from Jake in a very long time.

Julia was up next. Nathan leaned down, with a sweet, encouraging smile. "You got this, Jules." She returned Nathan's smile, and stepped up to the line. Julia looked back one more time at Nathan, drew a deep breath, and threw. Bullseye. The crowd went wild, she'd hit a bullseye on the first throw! Then, on the second throw, she nearly had a second bullseye, but her dart hit the first one and bounced off onto the floor. A big awww of disappointment came from the crowd, but Nathan just smiled at her reassuringly. She threw the third dart and hit a great shot, giving them a strong score, putting them even farther in the lead. The room was really charged now.

Jake was up next, but before he moved into position, Fiona leaned over and whispered something. Jake smiled at her and nodded, looking about as content as he could be. He came to the line and hit two great shots and a bullseye. The crowd applauded after each one of his shots, which were impressive and spot-on.

The last turn was Nathan. And he only needed a mediocre score to maintain their lead. Julia smiled up at him as she laid her hand gently on his forearm, a touch of encouragement and assurance. But the way he looked down at her hand with contentment, and then beamed at her happily, caught her off-guard. Julia realized in that moment, just how much a simple touch meant to Nathan. He was touched by her touch. So, she let her hand linger there, as long as he wanted, until he was ready to step up to the line.

Nathan took his turn and scored well. He didn't hit a bullseye but made three excellent shots. The room was filled with excitement. And after each shot, like with Jake, the crowd applauded. And everyone was, quite frankly, sad to see the exciting game end. When the score was counted, Julia and Nathan had maintained their lead and won the tie-breaker match. Jake and Fiona shook hands with their apt competitors. Then Nathan turned to Julia and gave her another cute high-five, but then used it to pull her in to him, and give her a hug of victory.

When the game finally ended, it was late. So, everyone paid their check and decided to call it a night. Nathan held Julia's hand in the crook of his elbow as they made their rounds and said good night to their friends. On the way out, Nathan said good night to his trainees, that were still all about the restaurant.

Once outside, Nathan and Julia took their time walking, chatting and catching up about the day. When they arrived at Julia's back door, Nathan slowly turned and looked at his beautiful fiancé. Oh, how he was proud to have her on his arm, each and every time he got the opportunity. Julia was someone who lifted others up and made them feel significant, even in the midst of a crowd. And, she did that most of all for Nathan, and he relished it. Even the smallest touches and tender attentions went straight to his heart.

"I had fun playing with you tonight, Julia." He told her.

"Me, too. Ben really knows how to make teams, huh?" She asked.

"He sure does. And, he had no idea about the others. I don't know if he picked up on something or it was just a fortuitous accident?" Nathan wondered.

"Probably the latter. But, it was interesting to see the interaction between my brother and Fiona, wasn't it?" Julia asked him.

"Very interesting. I'll be happy for them if they make their way together." Nathan told her with a smile.

"Me, too." Julia smiled at him. She was suddenly struck by how handsome Nathan looked in the moonlight. His eyes were so dark and blue…and deep. And he seemed contemplative and pensive this evening. She wanted so badly to know what was going on inside that head of his.

"You seem…deep in thought, my love." She ventured.

"I just enjoyed being your partner, Jules, and I was contemplating…imagining." Nathan told her. "What it will be like to be your partner in everything…in life."

"Wow, that's such a beautiful thought. Your partner in life." Julia had never heard anything more wonderful. Nathan's partner in everything…in life. She placed her hand every so gently on his jawline. "I choose you, Nathan. There is no one else on earth I would want to walk through life with."

Nathan placed his hand overtop hers, and leaned his cheek into her soft touch. His pulse raced. "And I choose you, Julia." He had never been more certain. "I always will."

He slowly let go of her hand, and leaned forward and kissed her sweetly. He let all of the proclamations of the last thirty seconds guide him as he poured out his love to her, in the form of a kiss. He let his mouth convey the message of his tender devotion, and just as their love was deep, the kiss deepened. Julia responded in kind, conveying all of her deep emotions and feelings. His arms pulled her closer, and she melted into him. She pulled back to catch her breath and let her hands move up behind his neck as she kissed him again. Her mouth seeking more as she relished the closeness and sweetness of him. Julia conveyed her deep sentiments, all that she could muster in the simple act of a kiss. When it waned, Julia let her hands go on each side of Nathan's neck and glide up to his jaw. When she finally opened her eyes, he was already gazing at her, with that intense gaze of his.

"I love you, Mr. Grant." Julia confessed in a whisper.

Nathan pulled her into his arms, and whispered huskily against the soft skin just under her ear. "I love you, future Mrs. Grant." Julia felt her whole body hum at his sweet confession, that soaked into her skin, right there where he had breathed it. He placed a featherlight kiss there too, and Julia raggedly sucked in breath.

Julia laid her cheek close to his collar and breathed in the scent of him once more, before he slowly, reluctantly pulled back.

"Good night, my darling." He told Julia.

"Sweet dreams, my love." Julia answered. And, he slowly backed up. He gazed at her as he walked backwards a few steps. And then, he turned and was gone into the night.