Chapter 125. Honeymoon Train

The next morning, Nathan woke up early. He could still hardly believe the night before, and woke up groggy - like a man who had slept deep and peaceful. Satisfied.

He blinked as he came to, and found Julia still wrapped in his arms, on her side too, and facing him, breathing softly against his chest. In fact, her breath was so soft it was tickling the few curly hairs at his sternum.

He pulled back just a little and looked her over. She was just so…beautiful. Her heart-shaped lips were just slightly open and her cheeks rosy. Her face peaceful. In fact, he was convinced had never seen her look more beautiful.

He couldn't help himself, but, he let his eyes go lower. Like him, she was still not wearing a stitch of clothing. Her skin was soft and creamy and her shoulders had that dusting of freckles that he adored. He let his hand come up and brush back a few stray strands of hair, from her face and neck. He gently pushed them back over her shoulder, and let his hand linger as he did. He traced over a few of those freckles and knew he'd never touched skin so soft.

Then, Nathan let his eyes go lower still, like a man in love, who was holding that true love in his arms. He took her in, all of her. And he took his time as he admired her- every inch of her.

When his practicality finally got the better of him, he reached back over to his nightstand, and grabbed his pocket watch. It was not as early as he'd hoped, but they still had time before their train.

So, he woke his wife with a kiss. A single tender kiss.

Julia slowly blinked open her eyes, to find herself completely entangled with Nathan, and him gazing at her adoringly.

"Good morning, wife." He whispered softly.

"Mmmm." She breathed softly, still blinking her eyes awake. "Is it morning already?"

"Mmhmm." He followed her lead of answering without words.

"Well then. Good morning, love." She managed to halfway focus on his crystal blue eyes. "How did you sleep?"

His gaze was fixed on her, as he enjoyed discovering her waking state. "How do you think?"

Julia giggled soft and let her eyes close again, as she snuggled back in close to his chest. "Like a baby." She guessed breathlessly. That's how she had obviously slept.

Nathan answered simply. "Like a man whose dreams just all came true." Julia's eyes came open again, and she tilted her face up to gaze at him. Nathan looked at her, he obviously meant what he said. And Nathan tipped her chin, and kissed her a second time.

She smiled against his lips and confessed, "I could say the very same thing." He liked that.

He reminisced about last night. "I never thought…" and it was true. Whatever he'd imagined physical love would be like, last night completely blew it out of the water. All preconceived ideas or even the few things he'd been told as a teenager or a younger man, were cooked. Toast. Total rubbish compared to what was.

He had already discovered the connection of heart, had felt that for a long time, with Julia. But last night had been a connection of body and soul. And it had been more wonderful than he could've ever imagined.

She swallowed hard, knew exactly what he meant, there, too. Felt exactly the same. "Me either." She admitted.

And so, he kissed her again. They were still in the bliss of last night, so it didn't take much to light that fire again. And so, they let it burn. Like two people who were absolutely crazy about each other, they let it burn - for the second time.

When their love-making was done, they held tightly onto each other, as the trembling gave way to that wonderful calm.

Then, Nathan gently rolled onto his back. And Julia lay close at Nathan's side, her head on his chest, her hair cascading down his shoulder. And they enjoyed the moment - and the gift of knowing each other.

Finally, when he knew he shouldn't wait any longer, Nathan reached over and glanced at his pocket watch again.

"Time to get moving, Inspector?" Julia asked playfully, letting her fingers roam and lightly trace over his bare chest. Her fingers stopped to play in the few soft hairs at his sternum.

Why was it so hard to breathe when her hands were touching him? "Soon." Nathan told her, as he watched her, so beautifully sprawled across his side.

She planted a few soft kisses on his chest, and watched him start, and inhale, each time she did. She liked the way his body responded to her.

Finally, she rose. As hard as it was to get up, she knew she must, if she was to be ready on time.

Nathan turned slightly and propped up on one elbow. He watched her walk over to the suitcases he had opened for her, just next to her dressing table. It was quite impossible to take his eyes off her, in her beautiful, natural form. So, he watched, unashamed - as she searched and found a pretty silk robe that Rosemary had given her, and put it on.

By the time Lee came down to drive them to the train station, the car was already loaded, and Nathan and Julia all ready.

Nathan had made Julia coffee and they'd eaten muffins from the basket that Rosemary had left for them.

Then Julia had taken her time getting ready. She'd washed up and dressed in one of the dresses hanging in their closet. It had seemed strange, for about half a second, to see her things hanging in there. And she'd sat at her lovely dressing table to finish her preparations. She'd brushed and styled her hair, applied her cosmetics and perfume. Then she'd packed the last minute things into her honeymoon suitcase.

And then, on the counter downstairs, she'd left a note for Rebecca. A letter thanking her for lending Colleen's bracelet, and for so many other things. Keeping Allie, for one, and for all the other little, selfless things Rebecca had done to make their wedding special. Just beside the letter, she left the tiny rectangle box, with Colleen's bracelet safely tucked inside.

She and Nathan had also left a note for Allie. Telling her that they'd miss her and that they loved her. That they'd see her soon and then, they'd all go fishing, together. Nathan had even drawn a heart to dot the i, when he'd written Allie on the envelope.

So when Lee came, they were all ready, and happily climbed into the car with him. As they rode through town, they waved at the people they passed. Joseph was walking toward the church, saw them, and waved back. Jake was on the front porch of his office drinking coffee, and he waved back, too. And Florence was just on her way up the Mercantile steps, as they motored by, and she returned their wave.

When they arrived at the train station, Nathan gave a porter their tickets, and he took their suitcases.

Julia turned to Lee. "Lee, thank you so much for everything." She told him earnestly.

"It was nothing, Julia. Really. Rosie and I are happy for you, and Nathan. You know how we feel about love, and the both of you." He reminded her.

"Yes, but all the same. Thank you." She told him. "And Lee, you know we are pretty fond of you guys, too. I'm looking forward to spending more time together, now that we'll both be living just a few houses down." She told him. He smiled, liked that. Julia continued. "Please thank Rosemary and Clara, and whoever else helped bring my things to Nathan's house. And… thank them for all the sweet things they did: the basket, the flower petals, everything for our first night." She added, rambling a bit, but wanting to cover it all.

"Consider it done." Lee replied.

Julia started to move to the side so Nathan could say his good byes, but then she thought of one more thing. "Oh! And thank you for having Rebecca and Allie over to spend the night last night, so we could have the house." She told him shyly.

"It was no problem. You know how Rosie loves to host." He reminded her.

"Yes. I'm sure Allie and Rebecca had a wonderful time." Julia surmised. "Please thank Rosemary for me." She told him.

"I will." Lee told her. The porter came back ready to escort her and Nathan to their sleeper compartment.

Nathan said his thank you's and good-byes, and shook hands with Lee, his friend. Then they watched him walk out of the depot. Before he got to the exit, they waved at him one more time.

Then, Nathan took Julia's hand, and the porter escorted them to their train car. On the way there, the older gentleman explained the way to the dining car, for breakfast or lunch, or even drinks, in between meal services. But once they arrived at the door of their sleeping compartment, the porter looked back and forth between Nathan and Julia. "Though, honeymooners can also feel free to ring me for anything they need." He told them with a smile. "Feel free to order your meals "dine-in". And I'll bring them right to your room. If you'd like."

Nathan smiled at the man, who was slightly older. "Thank you," But then Nathan glanced down at his name tag, "Mr. Adler."

Mr. Adler opened the door and showed them their room. He explained where he'd stored their luggage and how to pull the bed out. Their roomette even had its own small water closet.

When Nathan and Julia seemed satisfied, he asked. "Inspector Grant, can I get you anything before our departure?"

Nathan looked at Julia who shook her head no. So, Nathan replied. "Not at the moment, thank you." Then he added. "Though, Mr. Adler, you don't have to call me Inspector. I'm on my honeymoon, remember? Please, just call me Nathan."

"As you wish, sir." Mr. Adler told him. And he left them.

Julia looked around the room. It was small but more than adequate. And they would arrive in Edmonton by late evening, and stay in a hotel there overnight.

Nathan smiled at her and moved close. He let his hands come around her waist. "What would you like to do, darling? Shall we take a walk and see all the train cars? Or would you like to rest?"

Julia gazed up at him and contemplated. As she did, the train whistled and jostled into motion.

Julia moved to the window, and sort of pulled him along with her. They looked out as the Hope Valley train depot moved slowly out of sight. Nathan stood behind her and laid one hand on her shoulder. She leaned back into him and watched, as, now, trees sped past. And suddenly, she didn't want to be anywhere but right here. She reached up and touched his hand. "I like it right here." She told him.

Nathan brought his other hand to her left one and threaded their fingers together - as intertwined as two hands could be. And they stood just like that for a long while, enjoying the closeness and the scenery. Out the window, trees slowly gave way to hills and valleys, as they sped away on honeymoon.

At lunchtime, Nathan hooked Julia's hand over his arm, and led her down to the dining car. Mr. Adler saw them coming, and met them as they entered. He led them to a very special table, where a small but pretty bouquet sat in the middle. Julia looked up at the older gentleman. "For the beautiful bride." He told her with a nod.

"Thank you, Mr. Adler." Julia told him, with a kind smile. He stepped behind her and pulled out her chair.

"Yes, thank you." Nathan told him, as they sat down.

Mr. Adler gave them menus and a few minutes later, a waiter came by with two glasses of champagne. He handed one to the lady, and one to Nathan. "Congratulations on your nuptials." He told them.

"Thank you." Julia told him with a big smile.

Nathan thanked the waiter as well, then looked across the room at Mr. Adler, and nodded his thanks there, too.

Then, the waiter took their order. When he left, Nathan raised his glass and looked at his bride. She met him with her own glass and smiled. "Care to make a toast, my love?"

He smiled crooked. "To my beautiful wife." He said simply. It sounded so good to say it, and somehow, was…just enough.

Julia smiled shy and returned, "To my handsome husband." And they clanked their glasses together.

The newlyweds enjoyed a nice lunch together, talking about many things. There was still so much to discuss about the wedding, things they had forgotten to tell each other, or share with the other. They also discussed the ranch, Julia asked about a hundred questions. She was anxious to be there, and to discover more about Nathan, and his family.

After lunch, they returned to their train compartment. Nathan looked ready for a nap, so Julia set down her bouquet of flowers by the window, and helped him out of his suit jacket. She opened the luggage closet, and hung it up.

While he pulled out the bed, Julia opened her suitcase, retrieved a package, and handed it to him.

Nathan looked at his wife, curious. "What's this?"

"A gift. Not related to the wedding at all. Just something that Allie said you needed." Julia told him.

He sat on the bed, which now didn't quite seem large enough for his tall stature, to open the package. He pulled back the tissue, to reveal a pair of light blue pajamas. "Allie told you I needed pajamas?" He asked with a chuckle, looking up at her curiously.

"Yes, when we were in Benson Hills shopping." Julia shrugged. "I thought maybe they would be nice for lounging on a train." She told him. "At nap time."

He pulled them out of the box, they were soft and cozy. They would indeed be very nice for a nap, on a train. He stood and gave Julia a soft peck on the cheek. "Thank you." He told her. "I love them." He thought of something. "How did you know I would want to nap on the train?"

"Well, what else is there to do in a sleeper car?" She asked with a shrug.

And Nathan got a very playful look on his face. "Well, I can think of one other thing." He waited for her reaction.

She only laughed, shook her head, and smiled flirtatiously back at him. "Just put on your pajamas, Lawman."

And so, he did as he was told. Julia did the same, though behind him. But when he turned around, he stopped in his tracks. He hadn't yet buttoned the pajama top, and gave up on doing so, once he saw her. Julia had removed her traveling suit, and slipped into a chemise in dark purple lace. His mouth went dry…completely dry. His eyes wandered straight down to her long legs, and he felt his pulse quicken.

In that small sleeper compartment, it only took him one stride to get there - and he leaned down and kissed her tenderly. His arms came around her back and pulled her in close. And a memory flashed back to him - of the night he'd come to her door, and asked her to court. That night, when he'd kissed her and pulled her close, she'd been dressed in bedclothes under her coat. And he hadn't been prepared for the feeling of her body against his.

But today, he wasn't caught off guard. On the contrary. Now that he knew the feel of her, he was spoiled for anything less- he needed, longed to feel every gentle curve, and the softness of her skin.

Nathan shrugged out of the pajama top that he was only half wearing, and it fell to the ground. As his lips left her mouth, and made a trail toward her neck, his hands gently explored her back. And he felt her body pressing in, ever closer. When it was too much, Nathan picked her up and carried her to the bed. He laid her down gently. Then he pulled at the silky thin material and worked it slowly up her body, and over her head. He managed to free her arms and tossed it to the side.

And then, he loved his wife. And she met him...a mirror of all the love he lavished on her.

In the afterglow, they held each other, enjoying the oneness, stilled by the gentle motion of the train.

Then, Nathan propped up on one elbow, and looked her over. He let his finger trace all the way down her body, to a beauty mark on her abdomen. "Alberta." He rasped.

Julia watched him, laughed softly, and asked. "What?"

He traced around it with his fingertip. "This beauty mark is the perfect outline of the province of Alberta."

Julia sucked in breath at his tender touch, and chortled softly. She brought her hand up to his left arm, and turned it just slightly, so his scar was visible. The scar from when he'd been stabbed, as a rookie. She traced it gently. "And your scar looks exactly like Nova Scotia."

He looked down at it, and tilted his head. "You're right." He paused and smiled down at her. He gave her a sweet peck on the lips, and then glanced again toward her abdomen. "That beauty mark is evidence that you were meant to marry someone from Alberta."

She chuckled low and then applied his same logic. "And that scar." She let her fingers lightly rest there. "With a scar like that, you were surely meant to marry someone from Nova Scotia."

"Just another reason." He told her, as he kissed her gently.

"Add it to the list." She suggested, against his lips.

Nathan pulled back just enough to tell her cutely. "We're meant to be."

"Yes, we certainly are." She agreed, and she brought her lips to his once more.

When the train finally pulled into Edmonton, it was late in the evening. Mr. Adler, their porter, helped Nathan with the luggage. The hotel had sent a car for the honeymooners, so the driver quickly stowed the luggage on the back.

Nathan thanked Mr. Adler and gave him a generous tip. "Hopefully we'll see you again on our return trip."

"I hope so." Mr. Adler told them. "It was very nice to meet you both. You make a lovely couple." He smiled at Julia and then at Nathan. "Have a wonderful honeymoon."

And Nathan shook his hand one last time. "Thank you, sir." Then Nathan helped Julia into the car.

The drive to the hotel was short; Nathan had chosen a nice one, not far from the train station. They wouldn't be there very long, after all. The stop over was mainly to allow them to change trains - from one moving west-to-east, to one that traveled north-to-south. Tomorrow morning, they would catch the train south to Airdrie. And by nightfall, they would be at the ranch.

When the car pulled up in front of the hotel, Nathan helped Julia out. The driver sent them on inside, with the promise that their luggage would be delivered to their room. So, Nathan proudly hooked Julia's hand over his arm, and led his bride inside. For their arrival at the hotel, she had dressed in a pretty medium-blue dress, and well, she just looked radiant. Her hair was half up and half down, a look that Nathan loved on her. And her smile just sparkled.

Nathan thought perhaps that glow was just a side effect of wedding bliss, because he himself had been fighting that "perma-grin syndrome", the one that Allie sometimes mentioned, since the moment they'd left Hope Valley. Perhaps ever since Julia had said "I do." He wasn't sure. But, the bottom line: He was finding it very hard not to smile. And well, she was glowing.

So when the front desk clerk looked up and saw them arrive, with that smile and that glow, he didn't have to guess. He knew. "You must be Inspector and Mrs. Grant?"

Nathan nodded and answered. "Yes, sir."

"Your room is all ready." He placed a slip of paper on the counter, and Nathan signed. Then he handed Nathan a key. "Room 12. Top of the stairs, to the right." He pointed towards the grand staircase. "But would you like to dine before going to your room?" It was getting quite late already.

Nathan glanced at Julia and she could tell. He was hungry. And, she was certainly hungry,too. She had dressed up nice, just in case, and he was already in his suit, for traveling. So, why not? "It would be nice. Don't you agree, my love?" She answered quietly.

So Nathan smiled and answered the clerk. "Yes, we would prefer to dine first. Can we go directly?"

The clerk looked them over, they were already clean and dressed properly. "Why, of course, Inspector." He told them. "Follow me."

The hotel clerk led them to the dining room, and put them into the care of the Maître'D, who showed them to their table. Two glasses of champagne arrived just after, on the house, for the RNWMP Inspector and his new wife, on honeymoon.

Julia raised her glass and giggled low. "Is this how it's going to be, everywhere we go?"

Nathan smiled at her. "Probably. It is our honeymoon, after all." He surmised. "And we only get two weeks, so we should make the most of it."

Then he gazed at her just a moment, as a realization hit him. He was quite sure he knew the bulk of the reason everyone was so nice to them. "Though…" He paused and smiled. "I think I know what gets everyone's attention. And it isn't me." He had noticed the way Mr. Adler had admired her, and how even the clerk and the driver of this hotel's car had noticed. Nathan was serious now. "It's you, Julia. You are…beautiful. People can't help but notice us, because of you."

Julia swallowed hard, as she took in his affirmation. But, if she was beautiful, it was only because of him. "If that's true, it's only because of you, Nathan. Because of your love, shining on me." Now it was Nathan's turn to look shy. And Julia told him. "And Lawman, love looks good on you, too." And it was true, she had never seen him look more handsome than he did in his suit, looking at her the way he was, right now. She raised her glass. "To our love, that makes us both…better."

Nathan nodded in agreement and clanked glasses with her. And they both drank. Then he reached across the table. When she placed her hand in his, he brought it up to his lips, and kissed it softly. Tenderly. And he lingered there - lips close to her hand. She fought to steady her breathing, and he couldn't help but notice.

The waiter came back by, was sorry to interrupt, but needed to get their order in. Both Nathan and Julia took the special, not really even sure what it was. When their dinner plates arrived, they were pleasantly surprised, and ate together, chatting all the while. More pleasant conversation about the wedding, and the ranch.

After their nice dinner, Nathan led her upstairs to their room. Inside, waiting for them, was a rather large bathtub filled with hot, steaming water. And their luggage lay open on the racks beside.

"That's some service." Julia told him with a giggle under her breath.

"I completely forgot about the bath. They asked me when I made the reservations." Nathan tried to explain. "The lady said it's something they do, that their patrons appreciate, after a long day of travel." He looked at her, rather shy now. "I was thinking of you. That you might like to soak…after the long bumpy train ride." Nathan, always thinking of others, and taking care of her.

Julia pulled him inside the room, closer to the tub. She loved the idea. She looked up at him and smiled. "Oh, Nathan, it's a wonderful idea. It would feel so nice on our sore muscles."

He looked down at her. "Our?"

She started by removing his jacket. "Yes, our. I'm not getting in there without you." She hung his jacket by the door. Then she walked around behind him, looked at the tub, all steamy and inviting, and told him. "It's big enough for two."

His jaw fell slightly open, and he couldn't take his eyes off of her now. She lowered one of his suspenders, and then the other, and went to work on his buttons. She got them mostly open.

Then she turned and pulled her hair to the side, just as she'd done last night, with her wedding dress. She asked cutely over her shoulder. "Lawman, how about my zipper?"

He reached up and humored her, lowered her zipper, though he knew full well she could do it on her own. Was she enticing him? Being flirtatious? Either way, he liked the idea of a bath for two, and wasn't going to protest. He pushed the dress over her shoulders, and she shrugged on out of it. She carried it over to the closet and hung it up. Then she walked back over slowly. Her long, gorgeous legs were enough to command all of his attention.

Now, standing before him, she was wearing only a chemise, that dark purple one, and a corset, which she promptly removed and tossed onto her suitcase. He pulled his shirt off his shoulders, and tossed it into his own luggage.

But then Julia did something completely unexpected.

For some reason, Nathan's scar had caught her eye, the one from the injury on his left shoulder, the one that she had sown up, with her own two hands. And as she stood before him, it had her attention now.

Julia stepped forward, and came close. Nathan put one hand out to her waist, but she was fixed on that scar. She let her hand trace ever-so-gently over it, and then, she went up on her tip toes, and her lips blazed the same path. Nathan was caught completely off-guard and sucked in breath as first her fingertips, and then her lips, made contact with his bare skin. As a reflex, his other arm came around her waist, and when she set back on her heels, he tried to keep her close. But she moved with purpose now - she gently took his arms, removed them from around her, and set them down by his sides. She obviously wanted freedom of movement, and he had no idea why.

But she knew. She sought out that other scar, the one on his left arm. She took a deliberate step and turned his arm to expose it. She leaned in and kissed that scar too - first her fingers traced it, and then her lips. Nathan's heart raced and his breath became ragged at her touch; and when her lips met his skin, his insides went to mush.

Then she coyly but confidently walked around behind him, looking for any other markings. Any other injury that he had sustained, while protecting or taking care of others. Any other area to put her lips. She let her hand trace across his back as she slowly went by, leaving a trail of fire on his skin. Nathan picked up her gaze on the other side, as soon as she appeared. And he watched her as she moved back around, in front of him.

"Any other scars...of sacrifice?" She breathed raspy. "Injuries in the line of duty?"

Nathan opened his mouth and tried to answer, but no sound came. So he shook his head no.

Julia laid her hands on his chest, and again, Nathan sucked in breath. He watched her intently as she placed a few light kisses here and there on his chest. She held his gaze as she did, and kept her body close. She whispered against his skin. "I've always wanted to do that. Ever since…" And she placed a few more kisses.

Nathan couldn't take it anymore, so he gently took hold of her, and he kissed her. With all the passion she had caused to well up inside. And as they kissed, their desire built, and he pulled at the chemise, until it was bunched up at her sides. He leaned back just enough to pull it over her head, and to free her from it. And he pulled her into him. Ever closer.

Without disconnecting their lips, Nathan stepped toward the bed, pulling her with him. And when they got there, he laid her down. And he loved her as a husband loves a wife. They gave themselves to each other, just as they had in the train. The union of two souls, crashing in a wave of passion and love.

Afterward, as they held each other, Julia marveled at this part of marriage. An expression of love that was so unexpectedly wonderful.

And as she lay across his chest, she propped up on her chin. "What about our bath, Lawman?"

His fingertips traced slow and gentle lines up and down her back. He didn't want to move, but the bath did sound nice. He picked his head up and had a look - the water was still steaming.

So he moved to the edge of the bed, gathered his wife up in his arms, and carried her over. He set her feet down in the water and climbed in behind her. And together, they sat down in the warmth of the bath. Julia leaned her back against his chest, and he held her. And they extended their long legs as much as possible, out into the warmth of the water.

"Ahhhhh." He drawled into her ear.

"Feels nice." She agreed.

And Julia snuggled back even more against him, laid her head back, right next to his chin.

Together, they enjoyed the newness, the closeness, the oneness, and the connection. And they stayed just like that, for a long time. In fact, they stayed in the bath until they were wrinkled and pruned, and the water had lost every last bit of its warmth.