Chapter 128: A Beautiful Day

A noise downstairs startled Nathan awake. Those Mountie instincts were hard to turn off, and he knew every creak and sound of this old house. And that noise was not a natural noise, but was made by something or someone putting their weight on that one stair. He knew that sound like he knew breathing, and no one should be in the house but them.

He went into protective Mountie mode, and thought of only one person. Julia. His wife, the one who meant so much to him, who he certainly could not live without. He felt around for her, but she was no longer safely tucked into the shelter of his body. He let his arms go out on either side in search of her, but they only came back empty. He sat up and let his eyes adjust to the light, begged them to adjust faster. He looked around and didn't see her anywhere. Julia was nowhere to be found.

So, he threw back the covers and went in search of her. On his way out the door, he breathed a sigh of relief, when he stumbled across his trousers. He tucked his long legs inside, did up the button on his way down the hall, and threw up his suspenders without thought. He moved quick and hugged the wall, a Mountie instinct, hard to forget. Where was the old revolver his mother always kept in the house? He tried to remember it's last known hiding place, but abandoned the idea when he saw candlelight streaming up the stairs.

He quietly made his way down the stairs, making not a sound in his bare feet. He knew just where to place his weight to keep the silence. He followed the candlelight, that became brighter the more he descended. Then, he first glanced, then came the rest of the way around the corner. And there she was. Julia. Holding the candle. She didn't see him at first, and he didn't want to startle her, but he was so glad to see her. He stopped in his tracks and took a deep breath. A breath of relief. Deep relief.

And then, he took her in. There she stood, beautiful and barefoot on the stairs, blanket over her shoulders, hair falling all around. And she was holding a candle up to look at the pictures on the wall. Photographs and portraits of Grandpa Sully and Grandma Rose, and Colleen, and Allie, and his mother. His family - all of them. Her candle moved slowly as she examined each one, with care and genuine interest. He watched her as she smiled, almost laughed, even, then bit her lip happily.

Seeing her fascination, and her interest in his family's old photos, made something move deep inside of him. Julia was genuinely interested in his story. And though it served only as a reminder, it was a profound one, that touched him deeply. Nathan loved the way Julia loved him - she left no room for doubt, but loved him completely, flaws and all.

Nathan finally moved towards her, though slowly; he could no longer resist the urge to know exactly what she was looking at. But he didn't want to startle her, not the way she'd startled him. So he spoke low. "What are you doing up?"

Julia jumped just slightly, in surprise, but then smiled the second she saw him. She exhaled with a hand to her chest. "I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep." She tilted her head at him. "I came down to get a drink of water." Thumb over her shoulder, to indicate the lone glass of water sitting on the table behind her. "But, then…I couldn't resist." She motioned to the photos on the wall.

He stepped close to her, wanted to know which photo she'd been looking at, when she'd gotten that look on her face.

Julia pointed and he got his answer. "This one. Wow." She drawled out long. The photo she indicated was an old one - of him, young, wearing his Mountie serge, holding Allie as a newborn. He remembered that day like it was yesterday - Allie had been so little, and he'd had absolutely no idea how to hold a newborn baby. So he'd just wrapped her in his arms and held her tight. In the photograph, Allie looked so tiny cradled against his chest. "That might be just about the sexiest photo I have ever seen."

When she said it, his mouth fell completely open. He had been just about to tell her how sorry he was that he looked so awkward holding a baby. Had she really just used the word sexy? And in relation to him?

"What?" He asked.

She looked at him with raised eyebrows, and then back at the photo. She'd never seen a photograph so attractive, not even in those fancy fashion magazines. He looked so tall and strong, impressive even, with his red serge pulled tight across his chest; and Allie looked so tiny and helpless, in his arms. The way he cradled that baby, with such deliberate care, such thoughtful attention, was endearing, and tender. Handsome. On his face was that crooked smile, but there was also humility, awe, and sheer love, for the infant he was holding. Yes, it was sexy. Terribly sexy.

She let her gaze wander back to him, standing before her, in the flesh. "You heard me. It's sexy." She pointed at the photo again.

He chuckled under his breath and took one more look at the photograph. He didn't think it was the least bit sexy, but if she thought so, it was all that mattered. "Thank you?" He mumbled as a question.

She looked at him and giggled. "Is that too modern for you? Using that word?"

He held her gaze and shook his head no. "You have no idea how many times I've wanted to employ that word in relation to you." He confessed with a very long exhale.

She laughed again. "Well, look at us. Moving into 1920 with a new vocabulary." She teased him with a smile.

He chuckled out loud, and she pointed to another photo. Nathan quite young, and already on horseback. "I like this one." She told him. "You were so adorable."

He looked at his feet and let his head hang there a minute. "Another adjective I have rarely been called."

Julia looked over at him and smiled sideways. "You can't be serious!" She laughed under her breath. "I am really concerned about the female populace of our day."

Nathan laughed again and tilted his head at her. "Well I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Neither would I." She smiled as she leaned the candle forward to show him another one. She pointed at it, too. "This one is also nice." A photo of Nathan with his mother. He'd been about eleven or twelve, entering that awkward phase. Limbs too long for the rest of his body, and all clumsy-like.

Nathan scoffed. "That one is horrible!"

"Nonsense. I think you look…sweet and…" she titled her head. "almost handsome."

"That's a nice way to say awkward and unappealing." He teased.

"No, it's sweet." She assured him. "Besides, look how you turned out." She motioned with one hand and turned the candle on him with the other. She looked him over and didn't have a single reservation doing it. His hair was a mess and falling over his forehead, and his rippled chest bare, except for those pesky suspenders. His waist tapered just right, before giving way to those trousers. He was the picture of everything attractive about a man. And he was all hers.

She brought her eyes back up to meet his.

But, as she turned that candle on him, the way she extended her arm revealed something that Nathan couldn't help but notice. The candlelight entered a gap where the two sides of her blanket met in the middle, and well, it was unmistakable. In fact, now that he knew what he knew, he couldn't think of anything else. Especially with the way she was looking at him.

You see, when that blanket had opened just slightly, the candlelight had flickered on bare skin, revealing to Nathan, that she wasn't wearing a darn thing under there. And once he'd caught sight of her bare skin, it became impossible to focus on anything else.

There was only one thing to do, he was completely caught up now. He stepped close and gazed into those deep blue eyes, and instinctively, a hand came up to touch the softness of her cheek.

And then, without taking his eyes off of her's, he turned his head just so, and blew out her candle. She started to say something in protest but his lips interrupted her. In fact, once his lips met hers, whatever she'd been about to say was completely forgotten. Never, ever to be spoken. His hands ventured inside her blanket - made their way to the soft skin, at the curve of her back. And when they did, in the depth of their kiss, she gasped, though only for a second. In the very next second, she dropped the candle and grabbed onto him - then she let her arms, still holding each side of the blanket, envelope him, wrap him inside the blanket with her.

Nathan finally picked up his wife, gathered her up in his arms, and carried her back to bed.

And for the second time, in that big four-poster bed, they let the wave of love rise high and break over them. And then, they let that wave carry them, drift them, into the bliss of honest connection and deeper love.

In the morning, the sun was bright in the sky before Julia awoke. Sunlight streamed in through the giant window, and she had to blink awhile to get her eyes open. And when she did, she looked for Nathan. He was no longer next to her, though she'd known that long before she opened her eyes. His body heat had been gone for some time, and somehow, her body just knew. The bed was warm, the covers sufficient, but he was missing.

Another thing Julia realized as she awakened, was that in his absence, she must've commandeered his pillow. The one she was clutching smelled suspiciously like him, and his side of the bed was empty. She buried her cheek into his scent, and laid there another minute or two. And then, she decided to get up and find the real thing.

He had brought their luggage up, and had thoughtfully opened her suitcase, on the bench at the foot of the bed. And he'd apparently picked up the different pieces of clothing, the ones they had randomly discarded, the night before. Her dress was hung in the closet, her corset, chemise, and other undergarments were draped over the bench next to her suitcase.

But Julia looked to the left, where one of Nathan's Henleys was neatly folded on the top of his open suitcase. Somehow, that piece of clothing held more appeal, so she slid it over her head, and snuggled into his scent once again. She ruffled through her suitcase and pulled out that silk robe. She put it on too, and tied it loosely. Then she made her way down the long hallway to the stairs.

The stairs brought her into the kitchen again, where the smell of coffee met her. She smiled happily, made her way to the cupboard, and pulled out a coffee cup. She served herself from the coffee pot on the stove, and added a little bit of milk from the ice box.

She took a big sip and smiled - he made good coffee.

Then Julia walked over and looked out the window. Nathan had been right, the back garden was impressive. Plants and shrubs, flowers, and small trees, were plentiful and made for a beautiful view. She couldn't wait to take a turn out there, and have a look. There was so much to discover, and she wanted to see it all. But first, she wanted to find her husband.

She walked back the way they had come last night, out into the big hall, left under the stairs, and straight toward the entryway. Then she looked out the front windows.

And there he was, sitting on the front porch swing. Julia opened the big front door and walked outside into the morning air. It was crisp but refreshing.

As she approached, he looked up from the book he was reading, and smiled. And then, he watched her all the way - her legs peeped out from under her robe, as she moved. "Good morning." He said as she sat down next to him.

"Good morning, my love." She answered, and he extended his arm out so she could cuddle right into his side. As she leaned against him and laid her head on his shoulder, he kissed her on the forehead. And after she put her legs up, he put the swing into motion.

She sipped her coffee, and looked out at the landscape. Nathan's childhood home was beautiful. Rolling hills, in that deep green Nathan had described, extended as far as the eye could see. The top of the barn and stables were just barely visible down, to the right. A horse trail led straight there, from the house, though a car needed to take the road back the way they'd come last night, and make a left somewhere out there.

Julia whispered. "You were right about the green."

Nathan smiled, glad she had noticed, and agreed. She glanced down at the book on his lap. Holy Bible.

"What are you reading?" She asked him simply.

"Our wedding passage." He replied.

Julia recited from memory. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. True love never fails." She finished by looking up at him.

"That's the one." He told her. "You're doing better than me if you have it memorized." He said softly. "Though, I don't remember that true being in there."

Julia giggled softly. "You noticed my little addition, did you?" She smiled at him. "And what do you mean I'm doing better than you?" She inquired. "Just because I have it memorized?"

"Exactly." He told her, with one hand upturned.

She laughed. "I only memorized it as part of a contest, from our Sunday School teacher a million years ago." She told him. "It doesn't mean I know how to put it into practice."

He looked down at the Bible in his lap. And she understood. She sat up a little straighter. "Wait, is that why you are reading it?" She asked.

He looked out at the landscape, and then at her. "I just want to make sure, I love you well."

Julia swallowed hard. Wow. She didn't know what to say. She set down her empty coffee cup.

He explained his logic. "Joseph said the verse would serve as a guide, on how to be a husband."

She sat up straighter still, turned and looked into the deep ocean in his eyes. "Nathan, first of all, you do love me well." She told him the honest truth. "I know you are the kind of man who always wants to do better, strives to do everything, to the best of your ability." She sighed, couldn't believe the thoughtfulness of this man sitting before her. But at the same time, wanted to assuage any worry, dispel any doubt. "And there is certainly no guide book, better than this one…" She let her hand fall gently on the Bible in his lap. "for so many things in life." She loved that he was reading it. It had served her well in so many moments of her journey.

She looked him over, and continued. "But Nathan, on this one thing, please don't put pressure on yourself. We are both bound to make mistakes, and you're right, that verse will help guide us both." She nodded slowly for emphasis. "But, you are a wonderful husband. You love me exactly right, for today, and the rest, we will learn together, one day at a time." She reached up and touched his jaw, let her hand discover that softness mixed together with the stubble. The rough mixed in with the smooth. She could appreciate both, at the same time. And hoped he could, too. She whispered her affirmation, to assure him. Pressure off. "You do a good job. And I love the honest way you love me."

Nathan loved how well she knew him. He searched her face and eyes, and saw her realness, her acceptance, without reservation. And there was only one response, in fact, it was bubbling up out of him. Plus, it had been too long since he'd told her. Audibly. So he did. "And I do…I love you, Julia. Deeply." He held that intense gaze to let her know just how deeply. "I just want you to hear me say it."

Julia brought her other hand up to cup his face too, and matched his intensity. "And I love you." She smiled sincere. "I'm so grateful for you, and who you are." She let that sink in.

Then she asked him with a curious brow. "Where is all this coming from?" As she let one hand drop to her lap.

Nathan told her. "I just woke up feeling grateful. For you, and all that we have." He admitted. "And I just wanted to start the day right here, reading this." He said as he set his hand down on Sully's old Bible.

Julia smiled back at him. "I like that, Nathan." She let her other hand drop and she cuddled back into his side, right into her place. "I like that a lot." She softly implored. "Read me something."

Nathan sat back and relaxed. He flipped open the book and read one of his favorites. Though, he didn't even have to look at the text. This one, he knew by heart. "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." And as they looked out at that view, the next part took on a whole new meaning. "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul…"

After a quick breakfast, Nathan and Julia got dressed, and set out for the rest of the tour.

First, Nathan showed her the formal dining room, which was indeed formal, but at the same time, maintained a cozy and comfortable feel. It was lovely, not at all arrogant or showy, but the exact opposite. A formal chandelier hung in the middle of the room, classy and elegant, not stuffy or extravagant. The walls, in lightly stained wood, kept the atmosphere cozy, while the leather seats of the wooden chairs, made it feel comfortable. Julia had never seen a formal room look so inviting. She could easily picture any one of the family, Rebecca, or Nathan, or even her, hosting in there, without needing to put on airs.

After the formal dining room, he showed her the guest rooms. There were four. Yes, four. Nathan told her that when Grandpa Sullivan and Grandma Rose originally built the house, it was much smaller. So, those rooms were the family bedrooms. The original house consisted of the kitchen, the formal dining room, which back then was also the sitting room, and those four bedrooms. The second floor, the landing, the sitting room, and the library - basically the entire upstairs, and anything to the left of, and including, the big staircase - were all added on later.

Those four guests rooms were beautiful, but smaller and simpler than the ones upstairs. Though, Sully had added on a water closet at the end of the hall, which probably matched up plumbing with the one directly above it, on the second floor.

Next, Nathan led her by the hand out to the garden. He took her outside by the kitchen door, mainly because he loved that way the best. It was the way his Grandmother always went, and the way she preferred them to exit, when they were kids. Mainly because there was a little closet on the way back in, to remove muddy or dirty boots, if the ground was wet. And Nathan and Colleen's shoes had often been muddy, though not because of the soft, fertile ground, but mostly because of the trails they blazed in their play out there. Hide and seek required hiding, which meant they had been off the path, and in the dirt.

Nathan led her through the pantry, past the little closet, out the back door, and onto the cobblestone path. He knew where he wanted to take her first, so he kept her hand in his, and led her there. And, it was just where she wanted to go, too - to the rose bush.

When they got there, he extended his hand to show her.

She looked at that old rose bush and back at him. "The middle." She said happily. And he nodded.

To the naked eye, it wasn't beautiful, nothing at all to write home about. There wasn't a single rose, and the green leaves were so few and far between that any decent gardener would have long since removed it, thrown it out, and replaced it. But, this rose bush was special. And those who knew the story, who had eyes to see, wondered at its beauty. And Nathan and Julia were such as these - they stood for a long time, facing that bush, his arm around her, she all leaned into him. Together, they just appreciated it.

And when she'd had her fill of that rose bush, Julia turned around one way, and then the other, taking in her surroundings - the whole garden, as far as she could see. "I love it." She told him, matter of fact, with her hands raised up at her sides. "Show me more."

So he did. Nathan led her up one side of the garden and down the other, until they had covered every square inch. He explained the plants he knew, some of them he didn't, but she recognized. But most importantly, they just enjoyed each other, walking through that beautiful garden. And they laughed a fair amount. It seemed to be something that was par for the course in their marriage: laughter. Something Nathan had been deprived of for far too long, save for Allie, and felt free to make up for now.

Nathan picked up a watering can and watered a few things. Julia helped, until he was satisfied that everything was well taken care of. Part of the joy of staying here, included watering and tending, and he enjoyed doing it.

When they were done with his tour, and Julia had seen all of the house, it was time to see the rest.

So Nathan led her back into the kitchen, where he packed a picnic. Then, they set out on foot for the stables.

Nathan, as was common with most of his descriptions, had been modest in his explanation of the stables. They were a lot more substantial than he'd let on, and the barn was much bigger in real life than it had seemed in Colleen's painting.

Danni was working with a colt in one corral, when they walked up. Nathan went right up and leaned casually on the fence. He let his long arms just hang over, and Julia followed his lead. She did the same, like she'd been doing it all her life. Danni looked over at the two of them and chuckled to herself. She came close to greet them, and joked. "Nate, it's like you never left, but just found a partner in crime."

Nathan looked at Julia and smiled. She did fit the part. "I guess I did meet my match." He told Danni, as he still gazed at Julia.

Danni shot right back. "You won't get any argument outta me." And she smiled at Julia, thinking them a pretty perfect pair.

He looked at the colt Danni was working with. "He giving you trouble?" Nathan asked. The colt was still pretty green.

"Nothing I can't handle." Danni told him. That was for sure. If anyone could set him straight it was Danni. "You guys find everything alright up at the house?" She asked them.

Julia replied, "It's perfect, Daanis." And Daani's eyebrow raised at Julia's use of her real moniker.

Nathan nodded his agreement. "Everything's just fine." He smiled. "Thank you." He told her.

"And thanks for the stew." Julia told her. "It was delicious. I had two huge bowls."

Danni nodded her pleasure at hearing that. "Glad you liked it, Jules. It's an old family recipe." She told her.

"Well, it's a good one." Julia said with a smile.

Nathan looked at Danni. "We were thinking about a ride."

Danni looked at the sky. "Well, it is a beautiful day for a ride."

Nathan smiled. It was a beautiful day. "Any preferences on which horses we take?"

Danni thought for a moment. "Domino, I'm sure, misses you. So you could take him." She looked at Julia and paused. She was dressed in riding pants and boots, and looked the part, but somehow Danni didn't take her for an expert. "What about Buttercup for Julia?"

Julia's head snapped around to Nathan as soon as she heard that name. They had a horse named Buttercup? That was the nickname her father used to call her.

Nathan nodded at Danni. "Buttercup is perfect. Thanks, Daanis." He replied with a wave. He took Julia by the hand and led her to the stable. She just looked up at him, still trying to make sure she'd heard right.

"Buttercup? You have a horse named Buttercup?" She wondered. "Since when?"

"She's new." Nathan simply admitted. "But she's very seasoned. A great horse."

"Wait a minute. She's new?" Julia tried to keep up and still take in everything about her surroundings.

He led her into the stable, and to the horse's stall. The name was written there plain as day. Buttercup. And Buttercup was a tall and very beautiful palomino horse - she was literally the color of butter.

"Nathan, you can't possibly think I won't ask?" Julia wanted to know. "How long have you had her?"

He looked at the name plate. "Well, Mom had been looking at her before my accident, before she came to Hope Valley, to take care of Allie and me." He confessed. "As you know, she and I often discuss these things, happenings and business at the ranch. She keeps me up to date, and asks my opinion." He motioned with his hand to the horse. "And so, while Mom was taking care of me, we had one of those discussions, which included…Buttercup. The horse had already been given that name, you see." Nathan motioned with his hand to the nameplate. Then he brought his eyes back to Julia. "That discussion took place about the same time you and I were playing One Question." He slowly shrugged. "And when you mentioned that nickname…I just…had a hunch. And, it was a good one. I suggested Mom move ahead with the purchase. And, she did."

Julia looked at Buttercup. She was a beautiful horse, no two ways about it. A smart purchase either way.

"It was just a simple coincidence, but one that I believe happened for a reason." He smiled shyly. "She's a great horse, Jules. You are going to love her."

Julia loved her already. "I know I will." She whispered softly, with misty eyes.

"She was very nearly your wedding gift." When he said that, she brought her eyes back to his. "But, you told me once that you liked paint horses the best, and given the fact that owning a horse had been a dream of yours for a long time, I wanted to make that dream come true…to the fullest." Nathan told her. Her jaw dropped slightly open. And he continued. "Plus, Mom thought Sierra was a little more spirited, like you. And she's younger. A more perfect fit." He smiled at her. And then he shrugged and added. "She also wanted Daanis to work with Buttercup a while longer, just to make sure she was ready, before letting us have her." He finished, and looked down at Julia's hand in his. When had she slipped her hand in his?

"But, she may very well make her way to Hope Valley one day soon." Nathan told her with that charming smile.

Julia just gazed at him, and for the second time today, didn't quite know what to say.

He cleared his throat and asked. "Can I show you the rest of the stables before we go?"

She wanted to see it all. "And the barn, too?"

"Yes, ma'am." He answered, with that cowboy drawl.

After they'd finished the tour of the stables, the corrals, the barn, and all the surrounding pins, it was time to get on horseback. So, Nathan and Julia saddled both Domino and Buttercup.

"Oh, I almost forgot something." He told her and he quickly disappeared into the tack room. He came back with two cowboy hats. Yes, two.

He put the first on Julia's head, and it fit perfectly. Luckily, she'd braided her hair for their ride today.

The second, Nathan put on his own head and Julia had to take a deep breath when he did. Just when she thought he couldn't possibly get any better looking, he put a cowboy hat on his head. Hadn't she very nearly wished for this? Wondered if he had a cowboy hat to go with that cowboy drawl? Yes indeed she had, but she also needed to stay safely poised on the back of a horse, for crying out loud, with him looking so good, and none the wiser. If he started to talk in that cowboy drawl while wearing that hat on his head, she was afraid she might very nearly pass out.

He looked at her from just underneath that hat and asked her, "You ready, darlin'?"

"Mmhmm." Was about all she could muster, plus an emphatic nod.

As they rode, Julia kept her eyes on the trail, and tried to ignore the fact that he rode just in front of her. And she tried not to notice his strong shoulders, and his frequent glances right and left, out from under that cowboy hat. She did her best to enjoy the view - of the landscape, that is.

Though once she loosened up and started to really connect with Buttercup, she realized Nathan was right, she was a great horse. She was eager to please, liked to run when given the command, and was fast. Not like Lucy who was heavy in the hips. Buttercup was lean and light footed, an easy and comfortable ride, even at a trot. And she wasn't sluggish to turn, but in control and strong.

Domino was impressive too, a beautiful horse. He was strong and loyal. Did whatever Nathan asked within half a second of being given the command. And it was easy to see their bond, and Domino's affection for Nathan.

When they crested a hill, Julia recognized where they were headed. She spotted a river at the bottom of the valley, and since she knew Nathan, she knew he would want to visit Colleen's stream first, of the three. As they got closer she was sure of it, could almost recognize it from the painting.

When they got down to the spot, Nathan dismounted and held the bridle while Julia did the same. He let the horses drink a while, then he tethered them where they could graze. And he laid out a blanket, and placed his hat on top of his saddlebags.

Julia angled her seat on the blanket so her view was the stream. "I see why this was Colleen's favorite place." She told him softly.

Nathan leaned back on his elbows, next to Julia, and watched the water gently meander past. "It's nice isn't it?" He asked, almost into the air. He himself had almost forgotten how beautiful this spot was.

Julia replied. "It really is." She agreed. "Colleen came here a lot?"

Nathan nodded and let his whole head turn to look at Julia. "It was her place of escape, when Archie would disappear, or was in trouble, or when the world was…unkind."

Julia laid back a little on her elbows, too. "And where was your place of escape, Nathan?" She asked him, curious.

He looked up at the sky and squinted one eye. "I didn't really get that luxury very often." He told her honest.

Julia could see how Nathan would have stood in the gap and tried to make things better for others. He wasn't a runner, but faced problems head on. He just had a sense of duty that went against any temptation to run.

"You never wanted to just get away?" She asked.

"Yes. And I did. It just wasn't…to escape. But, more so, to…get away and think." He told her.

That sounded so much more like Nathan. "And where did you go then?" She asked him. "Did you have a particular place?"

He laid on his back and looked up at the sky. "I can show you." He told her. "If you really want to see."

Julia laid back too, though she angled her body so she could lay her head on his chest, at a T. And she looked up at the sky. "I would like that." She told him.

They laid there a while, enjoying the sky. But then, Julia sat up, looked at the stream, and started working on Nathan's shoes. He chuckled at her, as he came up to sitting, and he watched her, as she unlaced his boots. She pulled one off, and then the other, and his socks too. She even rolled up his pant legs.

Then she sat next to him and removed her own boots and socks, and rolled up her pant legs. She stood up, right in front of him, and extended her hand. "Come on, Lawman. You know what comes next." She told him with that stellar smile he couldn't resist.

He let her pull him up to standing, and then he kept her hand, interwove their fingers, and led her to the water. The water was fresh, but they waded towards the middle. The bottom of Nathan's pants were getting quite wet, not that he minded, so they didn't go any further. When they stopped, he turned and looked down at her, took her other hand too.

"Did Colleen do this much?" She asked him.

"Yes. She did." He admitted. "Though she'd some back completely soaked. So I'm pretty sure she shed her romper and went all the way in." He motioned just past them where there was some semblance of a pool. It wasn't that deep, but could possibly serve as a place to get good and wet, if someone was determined enough.

She looked around behind them and to the right, and scanned the landscape. Somehow he knew what she was doing. He grabbed her around the waist. "No, no, no Julia." He said with a chuckle. "Don't even think about it." He told her. "I'll take you to a good place, a proper swimming hole, another day." He promised. "If you'd like."

She looked up at him and smiled big. "I would love to swim with you."

Nathan reached up and touched her cheek, let his fingers rest there and caress that softness. "Somehow, you always manage to get me in the water." He told her softly. "How do you do that?"

She placed her hand on top of his. "I'm only trying to remind you to live a little bit."

He chuckled soft and smiled crooked. "Well, you have certainly done that."

Julia smiled and held his gaze. But then, she reached down just slightly and gave him a little splash. Nathan reacted surprised, then pulled back one pace, and splashed her back. Julia laughed and splashed him again, and got him good this time. Nathan lunged for her, but she rolled and got away, and splashed him yet again. And that began the chase.

She took off towards the bank, but he was quick. Just as she exited the water he managed to catch her. He grabbed her around the waist and spun her around back towards the water. Both were laughing uncontrollably, and Julia begged for mercy. "No! Nathan! No!" She just managed to yell out, between the laughter, when she could. She fought hard to get free, but he kept that tight grasp and chuckled, too.

He pretended to lower her into the water, but in the end he didn't. Instead, he came back out of the stream, made his way to the blanket, and gently set her back on her bare feet. Julia looked him over, and laughed shyly - he was a little more wet than she'd intended. She let her hands brush over the wet spots and apologized. "I'm sorry, Lawman. I didn't mean to get you that wet." She told him earnestly.

He took one of her hands and chuckled with her. "Now we're even - for that time I dunked you."

Julia nodded. "If I remember correctly, you had to keep me warm after that." She said with a playful tone.

Nathan gently pulled her to him. "Now, you'll just have to do the same." His tone hinted a challenge.

"I can do that." She answered without pause.

Nathan looked, though, at his saddlebags. "Are you hungry?" He asked. "Shall we eat first, and then, maybe…" he looked at her shyly. "we can nap in the sun?"

Julia liked that. She tilted her head and told him. "You've got yourself a date, Lawman."

So, Nathan pulled out the sandwiches he'd prepared, and some fruit, and a canteen. And they ate together on the blanket - with a spectacular view - that beautiful stream, the rolling hills, and mountains far in the distance.

And when they were done, Julia unrolled his pant legs, and hers, so they would dry. And they laid down together on the blanket. Nathan laid on his back, and put his arm around her, and Julia curled up next to him. She laid her head on his chest and snuggled into his side, she even hooked one leg over his. And Nathan just smiled, loved how comfortable she made herself, at his side, and in his arms.

He cocked that hat of his, to shade his eyes just right, and that's how they fell asleep. Right in the gentle warmth of the September sun.

When he woke, Nathan was turned toward her, and Julia had snuggled into the curve of his body. His arms were holding her close as she breathed softly on the bare skin at the v of his open buttons.

He pulled back a little and gazed at her - so peaceful. Part of him wanted to watch her sleep a little longer, and the other part, couldn't wait to wake her up.

Finally, he placed a tender kiss on her forehead, then another on her temple. Still another on her cheek. Julia started to rouse, and blinked as she willed her eyes to open. As she felt his sweet kisses, her eyes fluttered faster and her hand came up to his cheek. And then she was determined. The next kiss he aimed, she corrected for, so that it landed smack on her lips. And she kissed him back.

The kiss was sweet and tender, and conveyed all of the feelings they had expressed earlier, on the swing. Nathan moved still closer and relished the moment, laying on a blanket, in the sunshine, kissing his wife. He pulled her body into his and kissed her long.

When the kiss finally waned, they laid there a little while longer holding each other.

Then the sky started to change, to signal late afternoon, and Nathan turned over just slightly. He pulled Julia up with him and glanced at the horses who were grazing happily. "We should probably head back soon." He told her.

Julia nodded but leaned on his shoulder and watched the stream a moment longer. "I like this place, Nathan." She told him honestly.

"I'm glad." He replied, as he took it in one more time, too. Then he pulled on his socks and boots, Julia did the same. Then she packed up while Nathan tended the horses.

When they rode on, they took the long way home, and crossed so many lush bright hills of green.

And when they finally rode back into the ranch, the sun was setting, and the sky was filled with color. One beautiful hue gave way to another, as far as the eye could see. And Julia longed for a palette of paint, a brush, and a canvas. Nathan seemed to sense her desire, when they stopped to take it in. He watched her, as she admired the many vibrant colors, and committed every one to memory.

When they finally arrived at the stables, they took care of the horses. Then, they walked hand in hand, back up to the house. By the time they got there it was already dark, so they headed straight into the kitchen to find something to eat.

Julia rifled through the cabinets and found some bread and cheese, and Nathan heated up the rest of the venison stew. They placed everything on the table and sat and ate together.

Afterwards, as they washed dishes side by side, Nathan noticed Julia grimace once or twice, when she straightened. So, as soon as they were done, he took her hand and led her upstairs to their room. "I'll be right back." Was the only explanation he gave, before disappearing down the hall.

When he came back a few minutes later, Julia was in the process of undressing, so Nathan held up her robe for her. She looked at him curiously, so he explained. "Your bath awaits, my lady." Julia turned just slightly and Nathan slid the robe up her arms and onto shoulders. "I noticed your sore muscles." He told her. "So I ran you a bath." She did feel sore from the long ride, and a hot bath did sound wonderful. How thoughtful that he'd noticed.

Nathan led her down the hall, to the bathroom, and started to leave. But Julia kept ahold of his hand and told him. "You don't want to join me?"

Nathan glanced at the small tub, which was not really big enough for two. "You go first, and I'll go after you."

So, Julia slowly shrugged out of her robe and hung it up. Then she slid into the tub, and put out her hand to thank him, before Nathan returned to their bedroom.

Julia slowly relaxed as the hot water eased her soreness - it had been too long since she'd ridden. So, she soaked a long time.

And when she finally returned to her husband, Julia found him sprawled out on the bed, fast asleep. He hadn't even buttoned up his pajama top. While waiting for her, he must've laid back on his pillow and just drifted off.

Julia sat down on the bed right next to him, and watched him for a moment - Nathan looked so peaceful and relaxed. The rise and fall of his chest was regular and rhythmic, a few soft curls had fallen over his forehead. So, Julia leaned over him, pushed his hair back in place, and planted a tender kiss on his forehead. Then, she gently covered him, for the night.

Once she was satisfied that Nathan was comfortable and cared for, Julia quietly went to her suitcase. She searched the contents until she found a new chemise and put it on.

Then she cuddled up beside her husband, heart full and satisfied.

It had been a beautiful day.