Chapter 130: A Kiss in the Rain

When Julia woke on Thursday morning, she was still wrapped in Nathan's arms. Not like the previous mornings when he had awakened before her. This morning, when she awoke, his warmth was still behind her, and his arms were still around her. She loved the feeling of the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest as he held her, so she snuggled in closer.

She felt him rouse just slightly, so she froze; hoping he wouldn't wake quite yet, but would stay like this, just a little while longer. But soon, she felt tender kisses - soft but sure - trailing along her neck, out toward her shoulder. Each one caused an ever increasing response in her body, however involuntary, until every hair on her body stood on end. She sucked in a ragged breath, and turned slowly towards him.

He smiled when their eyes met, and he whispered softly. "Good morning."

She smiled and answered back. "Good morning, husband." He liked that moniker, knew he would never tire of hearing it.

Julia snuggled in closer, from this angle now. And Nathan cherished the feeling of holding her like this. He let his fingertips trace up and down her back. He loved the feel of her skin, so soft and feminine. And her scent, of wild roses, had invaded all his senses now. He laid there captivated, unwilling to be anywhere else, but right here.

How many times had Colleen told him to live in the moment? Now he understood what she'd meant. In fact, he'd understood the second Julia had been visible at the end of the aisle. Some moments of life were too important and too beautiful to let go rushing by. The human heart wanted, longed for, a way to stretch them out - to make the minutes tick slower, and cause those moments to last longer. This was one of those moments.

Two people, intertwined - heart, soul, and body.

Nathan leaned down and placed a tender kiss right at Julia's hairline. But then, he began to feel random kisses on his chest - and every place her lips touched, a little bit of fire was left behind. He took several deep breaths and steadied his emotions, as finally, she laid her head down again. And they stayed close like that a little bit longer - another moment he could live in.

Finally, Julia angled her head back just enough to look up at him. "What do you have planned for us today, Lawman?"

Nathan answered thoughtfully. "I was thinking we could ride towards the west."

Julia liked that. "Sounds great to me." Then she told him with a cute smile. "I follow you, Cowboy." Especially in that hat, she thought to herself.

He leaned down and gave her a little peck on the lips. It was tame but tender. For he was afraid if he kissed her the way he really wanted to, they would never get out of bed. At least, not at a decent enough hour, to fit in a nice long ride.

Though once they'd cleaned up from last night, eaten breakfast, and gotten dressed, Nathan was no longer sure about that nice long ride. He realized, on the way to the stables, that the air was heavy and the sky had a certain look. He wondered if rain wasn't headed their way.

Near the barn, Charlie was working on the fence in one of the outdoor corrals. He looked up when they approached, and smiled.

Julia was happy to see him. "Hi, Charlie. Good to see you." Of course, Julia had already inquired, and Nathan had already told her, that Charlie had had an easy trip back from Hope Valley. "Glad you had a good trip home."

Charlie nodded and removed his hat as he greeted them. "Hi, Julia. Nathan. Yes. It was…uneventful." He drawled kindly. "That's how I like to travel." Julia wasn't sure if he was kidding or not, but she smiled, because either way, he had a point.

Nathan chuckled, and that brought a smile to Charlie's face, so Julia understood it was his slow way of making a joke. "Mornin", Charlie." Nathan replied, with that cowboy drawl, that sounded like butter.

Charlie looked them both over. "Everything okay up there?" He asked slow and easy, with a glance and a head tilt up toward the house.

Nathan answered. "Great." He looked toward the cottage and then back at Charlie. "Thanks." Nathan told him.

Charlie shrugged and smiled. "Iz' your house, Nathan." He reminded him.

Nathan nodded, again. Knew that was just Charlie's way. He looked up at the sky and the clouds, wanted to get Charlie's advice. "We're thinkin' bout a ride."

Charlie looked up at the sky, too. "Might not wanna go far." He looked at Nathan, saw he sensed it too. Maybe Nathan's rancher instincts weren't that rusty after all. "Looks like rain."

Nathan looked at the sky in all directions, mildly disappointed, but nodded.

Charlie could read that disappointment and encouraged. "Might get a couple hours in before, though."

More surveying of the clouds and sky from Nathan, and another nod. "Thanks, Charlie."

Julia just stood back and watched these two, amused. How could two men, that said so little, understand each other? They used more nods and head gestures, than words. But somehow, there was a rapport there, probably had been built in those hard years, when Nathan had stuck close to Charlie. Or maybe it was just simply the meeting of two minds that were similar? Two men who preferred to use words only when necessary, and just knew what the other was saying?

"Always, Nathan." Charlie answered, with a grin this time.

And another thing Julia could see, was the easy affection between the two men. Father-son kind of affection. From a man who didn't have a son, to a man who'd, at one time or another, needed a father.

Nathan reached down and took her hand, and Julia waved bye to Charlie. "Hope to see you later." She told him. Charlie replaced his hat and gave her a tip.

Nathan led her into the stable, right to Buttercup's stall. They got her saddled and ready quickly, and then did the same for Domino. And soon, they were soon off, riding towards the center of the property. Though, on Charlie's advice, Nathan changed his plan, they wouldn't ride as far.

They rode about two hours, along the banks of the Snake River. They saw some lovely scenery and found some deer tracks.

But then, Nathan made the decision to turn back. The sky changed quickly and rain was evident. The weather was still warm, so it wouldn't be a cold rain, nor was their indication of a storm, but neither Nathan nor Julia had come prepared. So, they rode back towards the stables.

Nathan rode fast and hard to get them back as quickly as possible, taking care for Julia who rode at his side. She tucked into the saddle and followed Nathan exactly. She liked riding fast, and Buttercup was the perfect horse for it.

And when they were about half an hour out, big thick drops began to fall. She felt them tap her shoulders and land hard on the cowboy hat Nathan had put on her head. She noticed how Nathan tilted his hat down a little to keep the drops from hitting him in the face, so she did the same. But pretty soon, as the rain picked up, it became impossible to avoid them.

Soon, the ground was wet and the horses kicked up mud, behind them.

By the time they rode into the stables, the horses and riders were soaked through. Nathan dismounted, and Julia followed suit.

He let his hands go out to his sides and told her. "Sorry, Jules."

Julia just laughed and looked him over. His clothes clung to his body, his white shirt was now nearly transparent. His lashes were wet and curly, and his eyes dark, under that cowboy hat. "It's okay, my love! You can't predict the weather." She said with a chuckle.

They stalled the horses and walked to the door of the stables. The rain was coming down hard, and the house still a distance away. So they waited there a moment, just inside the door.

Nathan let his eyes move over his wife. Her hair had come undone under the hat, so she'd shed it, hung the hat up to dry in its place. Now, her wet hair was curly and loose around her face, had fallen across her shoulders, and down her back. Her eyes were blue - bright and captivating - and they drew him in.

Nathan noticed her shudder, so he pulled her into his embrace. He rubbed his hands over her back, and tried to produce heat to warm her. "Are you cold?" He asked just next to her ear.

Julia wrapped her arms around him and rubbed his back, too, tried to do the same for him. Then, she answered softly. "I'll be okay, Nathan."

He felt her shiver a few more times and became determined to keep her warm. He looked around, from his vantage point, for a blanket, but there was nothing visible that wasn't already being used for a horse. So, he just held her tighter, rubbed a bit more, and let their body heat do the work.

He looked down at her again, and took in the situation. She was soaking wet and in his arms. And she was…what was the word she had used the other night?…Sexy. Yes, she was sexy when she was all wet. Her clothes clung to every curve - and her curves were beautiful, gentle and slight. And they brought only one image to mind. One he knew he'd never forget as long as he lived: the image of her, on their wedding night, when she'd let that chemise loft to the floor. He knew that image would be one to keep him warm, on any night spent on the cold hard ground, out on assignment. That image was burned into his heart and mind forever.

He asked her softly. "Is that better?" He wanted to know if he was doing any good, not that he was ready to let go of her.

She looked up at him, tall and beautiful under that cowboy hat, and she rasped. "Yes. Though I'd say yes no matter what, just so you won't let go."

Nathan liked that. He leaned down just enough to kiss her, but his hat was in the way. Julia noticed and didn't miss a beat. She reached up and removed it, and held onto that hat, just over his shoulder, as he kissed her.

And he kissed her good. That image of her was just too fresh in his mind for it to be any other way. She brought her other hand from behind his back, and wrapped it around his neck too. And they kissed long and sweet and tender.

He pulled her in close, could feel every curve of her body, pressed into his. There was just something about being separated by only those wet clothes, that was enticing.

But then, he felt another shiver from Julia's body. He felt an urgency to get her back to the house, and warm. Nathan pulled back just enough to look out at the weather. It seemed to be letting up just slightly, so he told her. "I think we should make a run for it."

Nathan was all flushed now, along his neck and chest, near his open buttons. His eyes were dark and dilated, and his lashes all curly. "I follow you, Lawman. Remember?" She told him, and he smiled.

He held her hand securely and they took off towards the house. They ran through the rain together, Nathan regularly looking back at her, impressed that she ran so fast, and she, following him closely. And every time he looked back, Julia smiled, just to let him know she was doing fine.

When they were about halfway, Nathan suddenly remembered how much he loved the rain. In fact, he had always loved the rain in Airdrie. It was soft and gentle, and this time of year, never too cold. Just right and refreshing, after a ride.

He looked back at her, and couldn't help himself. She just looked so beautiful running beside him, and the memory of a certain kiss in the rain, came flooding back. One when their love had been new - for that kiss had only been the second time his lips had met her's. But, it had been a moment - one of those moments, that he had just been reflecting on this morning. One of those moments for the books, that he would never forget. And suddenly, he was overcome with desire to kiss her, all over again, in the rain.

Nathan slowed to a stop. Then, he turned and tipped his hat up just a smidge. She looked at him, out of breath and curious, but he pulled her in close, under the brim of that hat. "Why are we stop…" she started to ask. But her question was interrupted by his lips, and his tender kiss. His hand came up to her neck, and cradled her head in the back. Kept her close, as the rain was redirected, and ran off of his hat down her back. But she was made warm against him, and sheltered under that hat.

Nathan kissed her long in the rain, and he didn't hold back. He made the most of the moment, filled it up, and sealed it as another memory made, one that wouldn't be soon forgotten. And when he pulled back just slightly, to his surprise, an out-of-the-blue thought crossed his mind: Colleen would be proud of him. Because he had lived this moment to the fullest.

He bent one more time, to kiss her lightly, and let his hand caress her cheek.

"A kiss in the rain." She whispered, winded from his kiss, now.

"Live in the moment." He offered, a sort of explanation. She liked it, and showed him she did, with both dimples.

Though the rain was falling harder by the minute, they were oblivious and sheltered under that sexy hat. So, Julia just stayed there, gazing at him, while her breathing returned to normal. And he just gazed back at her. No words needed, just them. Two people adoring each other - stretching out the moment.

Finally, he told her quietly, "I better get you inside." And holding her hand, he took off running again. Side by side, they ran happily, with a little laughter here or there, all the way back to the cottage. Nathan held her hand tight, as they climbed the steps, rushed through the door, to the safety of the inside.

"We made it." She said in between ragged breaths.

Nathan bent over for just a moment, to catch his breath. Then he stood, and led her up the big staircase. When they got into their room, he went directly over to the fireplace and started stacking kindling.

He looked back at her, over his shoulder, saw she was shivering now. So he abandoned the fire, and came to her. Nathan rubbed his hands up and down her arms, and told her. "You should get out of these wet clothes." He thought only of getting her warm now. "Here, I'll help you." Then he started working on the buttons of her riding blouse. As soon as he had a few undone, he lifted it clean over her head.

He wanted to work on her riding pants, but realized she was still wearing her boots. So he pulled her over to the bench at the end of the bed, and sat her down. Her teeth were chattering now, and her lips turning slightly purple. Nathan knelt before her and started working on her laces. She tried to work on the other boot, but fumbled, so she sat back and grasped her arms tight around her. Her teeth were louder now, though she tried to control them.

Nathan got one boot open and pulled it off. Then he unlaced the other boot, and got it off, too. Then her socks - they too, were wet, and had to go. From his knees, he pulled her up to standing just in front of him, and got the button on her riding pants in one go. He pulled them down, lifted one of her legs out of them, then the other. The bow on the corset was next, and it fell to the floor. While she gasped, he even removed her undergarments, since they were also wet.

And he scooped her up, as he always did. He pulled the covers back with one swoop, laid her in the bed at his place, and covered her up. He pressed the covers in tight around her and smiled. He really was an expert at tucking someone in the bed, all those years with Allie had made him so.

But Julia was worried about him. "Aren't you coming, too?" She asked, trying to wrangle her hand out to pull him in the warm bed with her.

"I just want to get the fire lit." He told her. "Then I'll join you."

That appeased her, so she stopped trying to get her hands out. He stepped back and finished his work in the fireplace. He lit the kindling, then set on more pieces, progressively bigger, till it was roaring quite well. He warmed his hands a minute, and then turned. Julia was cuddled on her side now, laying on his pillow, watching him.

He knelt close to her, just next to the bed. "I think I'll go run you a hot bath."

Julia's arm came out quick, and she caught him by the collar, which was still wet and cold. "No, Nathan." She told him. "I'm warm now." She lifted the blanket and showed him the place she was keeping for him. Right next to her body that was warm and ready to receive him. "Join me." She whispered.

Nathan took one look at those legs, and abandoned the idea of the bath. He started working on his buttons instead. Julia watched his every move, as he undressed in front of her. And it didn't take him long. Record time, in fact. When he was finally free of all those wet clothes, she lifted the covers again and he slid inside. Right up to her warmth. She looked so beautiful on his pillow, her wet hair framed her face, and her eyes were deep and blue. And, he kissed her.

Nathan kissed her tenderly, then tenderness gave way to passion, and that passion built quickly.

And so, they made their own heat. These two lovers made that beautiful kind of heat, an expression of two hearts, who loved each other deeply.

It rained all afternoon, so Julia and Nathan did what any newly married couple would do, they spent the afternoon in bed, in front of the fire. They kept each other warm under that blanket and enjoyed being together.

Julia sat up slightly and read awhile, and Nathan laid his head on the blanket, high on her tummy. She held her book with one hand, while her other hand played in his hair - and it didn't take long before he was fast asleep. Julia just smiled down at him, so peacefully handsome.

After a little while, Julia looked at Nathan's pocket watch, which sat on his nightstand, just next to her. She wanted to cook something special tonight, and it was time to get started. So, she carefully wiggled out from under Nathan, managed to get free, without waking him.

Julia walked over to her suitcase and looked through it for something to wear. First, she pulled out undergarments and put them on - including a new cami-bloomer, another gift from Rosemary, which according to her, was now "all the rage" in ladies' fashion. But then, Julia glanced next to her suitcase, where Nathan's lay open. Just on top was the Henley he'd worn the day before. That seemed so much more comfortable than any of her suitcase's offerings. So, she pulled it on over her head, grabbed a folded up piece of paper from a pocket in her suitcase, and made her way down to the kitchen.

Once there, she found an apron hanging on the back of the door and put it on. Then she tied her hair up high on her head, and got to work. She laid out the recipe from Archie, and started assembling all the ingredients. To her delight, the kitchen and pantry had everything she needed.

Nathan woke to an empty bed and a fire burning low. He rolled over and glanced around the room, but Julia was nowhere to be found. Through the curtains he could see the daylight fading now, signaling it was nearly evening. So, he moved to the edge of the bed and stood up. He quickly stoked the fire and laid on a few more logs. Then he looked toward the door of their room. Where was his wife? He had woken to her scent still lingering on his pillow, but he wanted to find her in the flesh.

So, he walked to the end of the bed and rifled through his suitcase. He got dressed in trousers and a fresh Henley, and threw up his suspenders as he headed out the door. And as soon as he did, a lovely smell met him in the hallway. A very lovely smell - one he knew quite well, and recognized very easily. He hoped that smell indicated what they were having for dinner, as he followed that marvelous scent, to the end of the hall, and down the stairs.

As soon as he hit the last stair, down in the kitchen, he slowed his pace. There was Julia, standing in front of the stove, stirring a pot, with her hair tied up in a loose, messy bun. As he approached her from the side, he figured out quick where his other Henley had gone. She was wearing it, under the apron that only partially covered her legs. In the back, they were mostly exposed - that Henley was long on her, but not long enough. Nathan could just barely make out some long lacy knickers sticking out from under that Henley. And then it was all legs, all the way down to her bare feet.

Nathan stood there just a minute, taking her in. She tapped one of those bare feet, as if in rhythm to a song, as she stirred the pot on the stove. But then she stiffened just slightly, sensing he was there, and looked his way. She didn't miss a beat, but sat down her spoon, and came over to greet him.

She stopped just in front of him and asked softly, "My love, did you sleep well?"

Nathan looked her over up close. Tendrils of sandy hair were falling down from that messy bun, she'd tucked a few wayward curls behind one ear. His Henley was much too big for her, and she hadn't bothered to button it up, so it was sliding dangerously down one of her shoulders, leaving those freckles exposed. And she was wearing his mother's frilly apron, tight around her small waist.

He shifted his weight a little closer and answered. "Very well." He leaned down and placed a kiss right on her bare shoulder. "Though, something was missing when I woke up…" He smiled playfully at her. "My wife."

Her eyes followed him as he pulled back just slightly. "Your wife only came down to cook you dinner."

He looked at the stove and then back at her. "Really?" He raised his eyebrows. "What did you make me?"

She titled her head and smiled. "Wanna guess?" She could already tell he had a pretty good idea, from the aroma. "If you get it right I'll let you set the table." She challenged.

He glanced down at the recipe on the table, and recognized Archie's handwriting. Though, she quickly covered it with her hand. "That's cheating." She told him with a coy smile.

He stepped closer and planted a kiss on her neck. She sucked in air and he let his fingers trace over the freckles on her bare shoulder. She melted slightly where she stood, and leaned against the counter. Her eyes followed him again as he straightened. "Are you trying to distract me?"

He smiled crooked. "Why? Is it working?"

Julia got a mischievous smile and pointed her finger towards the door. Just like she had when he'd threatened to start another flour fight. "Out!" She told him playfully "Go read a book and relax, or take a hot bath." She took a deep breath to steady her voice. How could two kisses and one touch have such an affect on her? "But don't come in here to distract me."

Nathan laughed out loud but didn't move. So she started to shoo him out. "Go, go, go, go, go." She managed to push him almost to the door. Then he relented, with a deep chuckle, and a playful look back at her, he went the rest of the way on his own.

Nathan took her advice and went for a hot bath. When he was done, as he came down the stairs, the smell lofting up, was even more enticing. He made his second appearance in the kitchen, like a man who was hungry and had been reeled in, by smell memory.

Julia was just taking a loaf of bread out of the oven when he walked in. He came over and flirtatiously inspected, over her shoulder. She spun around on her heel, faced him, and protected her bread.

Nathan smiled down at her. "I was only looking." He said cutely, with his hands in surrender. Then he shifted his weight, cocked his hip to the right, folded his arms, and leaned on the counter.

Julia tilted her head and giggled low. And she took him in. He had obviously just come from the bath, the scent of his cedar soap was evident, even over the odor of the fresh bread. His hair was wet and barely combed back, his Henley completely open, and when he folded his arms like that, his chest became all rippled, his arms, too.

"It's almost ready." She admitted, trying to keep her eyes on that cute, crooked smile he wore.

He managed to slide around her and he stuck his nose in her pot of stew. He took a big whiff. "Smells scrumptious." He said with one eye brow raised.

And she shoo'ed him out a second time. Julia pulled his arm and sent him into the big central hallway.

So, while he was waiting, he went into the sitting room and built another fire. He had the fire going well, and was reading a book of poetry, when Julia waltzed in.

She stood before him still wearing his Henley, though the apron was missing, now. Nathan didn't even try to mask the fact that he liked seeing her legs. And, he could tell she needed his help, so he teased her. "Does the chef…need something?"

Julia cocked one hip, just exactly the way he had done earlier, and put her hands on her hips, inadvertently making that Henley just a little bit shorter. Nathan noticed. "I was wondering if you could keep an eye on my stew, assure me that you won't let it burn, for just a few minutes? Please?"

He lowered his book, squinted his eyes suspiciously, and teased. "How long?" He wondered where she was going, and what she was going to do.

She held his curious gaze, and raised him some cuteness. "Just long enough for me to take a bath."

His mischievous look remained, but he committed. "Sure. I can keep an eye on your stew."

Then she added sternly, with one pointer finger. "But NO tasting!" Though, as soon as she said it, she could already see, by the look on his face, it was a lost cause. He was surely going to taste her stew. However, she really wanted a bath. She looked back towards the kitchen, then down at her legs, and decided on the bath. She headed toward the stairs and told him over her shoulder. "Okay, Lawman! One taste, but only one." He smiled at the cute way she relented. "Be back soon." She added, from halfway up the stairs.

When Julia came back down a short time later, she was dressed in a shirtwaist and skirt. She was still barefoot, and her hair was down and wet, but she was dressed. Nathan met her in front of the stove. She peeked in and saw that he'd done a good job of keeping an eye on things. And now, Archie's Irish stew seemed perfectly cooked. "Are you ready to eat, Lawman?"

He looked at her and tilted his head, as if to remind her that she didn't even need to ask. Julia realized that he was wearing the suspenders that she'd given him, so she playfully pulled on one and told him. "Then, I'll just go get some bowls."

But Nathan caught her hand and smiled. "That's not necessary." She searched his face. "Come with me, my lady." And he led her to the formal dining room, where he'd already set the table. He had even laid out the bread and butter, and the water pitcher.

Nathan pulled out her chair and Julia sat. He went to the kitchen, served two fancy bowls, and brought them back.

Then Nathan and Julia enjoyed a nice dinner together. And Nathan loved Julia's rendition of his father's Irish stew. It was perfectly cooked and delicious, but most of all, Nathan was touched by her thoughtfulness to make it, simply because she knew it was his favorite food.

They both enjoyed a second generous helping. And then, when they were all done, Nathan washed the dishes. He insisted, since she'd done the cooking.

And then, he took her by the hand and led her outside, to the porch. They sat on the swing and listened to the rain softly falling. And every once in a while, in a far off place, a flash of lightning lit up the sky.

"Must be storming east of us." He told her as he cuddled her in close to his side.

They watched the light show in the sky for a little while. Then, when Nathan felt a soft shudder beside him, he led his wife inside, to the sitting room, where the fire was blazing now. He'd come in and added more logs while she'd been upstairs.

Nathan and Julia sat on the settee together, just in front of the fire. The flames danced in the big stone fireplace and the firelight cast a warm glow all over the room. Nathan lit a lamp next to them. "Would you like to read?"

Julia thought it a splendid idea - an evening of reading by the fire. "Yes. I'll just go get my book." She told him, as she headed upstairs to retrieve it. When she came back, Nathan had a book sitting next to him.

Nathan laid his arm across the back of the settee, and Julia cuddled into Nathan's side, made herself at home right next to him. Then he placed a blanket across their laps.

And with the sounds of the storm in the distance, and the rain falling softly on the roof, they finished the day cuddled up, as they read together.