Chapter 131: The Honeymoon Hotel

On Friday morning, Nathan woke early. He was excited about their trip up to the hotel. He'd wanted to stay at The Glenbow Manor Hotel ever since he was a kid, for one reason or another. Over the years, it had become a popular honeymoon destination and had a reputation for wonderful, romantic getaways. Not only that, but the hotel was known for having impeccable service and a spectacular view of the Canadian Rockies, from each and every room.

When Julia had made it clear that she wished to spend their honeymoon in Airdrie, Nathan had jumped at the chance - he'd called The Glenbow as soon as they'd fixed their dates. The hotel was reputed for dazzling honeymooners, and going above and beyond to make the stay unforgettable. And that's what he wanted for his honeymoon with Julia, even if he was quite sure that he wouldn't forget a single moment of their honeymoon, hotel or not.

He looked down at Julia cuddled into the spoon of his body, even laying down she fit there perfectly - her bare back curved just right against his chest. He loved the lines of her neck, and her delicate shoulder with that dusting of freckles. She was so inherently feminine, and beautiful, and her hair fell back in waves behind her. From this angle, he could make out the silhouette of her cute nose and perfect lips.

He placed a few soft kisses on her shoulder, then her neck, breathing in the scent of her skin, as he did. Then he slowly but gently rolled away from her, without waking her.

Nathan managed to slide off the bed and stand up. Then he moved to his suitcase and found some simple things to put on. And he headed downstairs, to make breakfast for his bride.

As he walked down the hallway, and then the stairs, Nathan reflected on the last six days. He was overwhelmed by how much had changed in that short time. He and Julia had gone from being engaged, to being married, to becoming one. It was thrilling how much the intimacy of marriage could change a relationship. He had thought his love deep before, but it was so much deeper now; he had thought he knew Julia before, but there was no comparison, now. They had both grown by leaps and bounds, and their relationship too. It was incredible the difference six short days made.

At the same time, he couldn't believe six days of their honeymoon were already over. Where had the time gone? Why was it that good times went by so fast? Nathan had tried to commit as much as possible to memory, but it was just impossible to remember everything. Perhaps Julia was right, maybe capturing the moments that he wanted to treasure, in his sketchbook, was the best way to keep it forever. He would have the images to look back on, souvenirs of a sort.

Once in the kitchen, Nathan put on an apron, and focused as he began washing and peeling potatoes. A hearty breakfast was in order, and he wanted to be the one to make it…for his wife.

Later on, when the potatoes were in the pan cooking, and nearly ready, he started cracking eggs. He scrambled them in a bowl, got them ready to cook. Then, he walked over to the breadbox, retrieved the leftover bread and set it by the stove for toasting. He set the table, and put out the butter and jam. And he was just walking back to stir the potatoes, when he happened to glance up.

He was so focused on what he was doing, he almost missed her the first time. But then, it registered, and he did a double take - a stop-cold-double-take.

Julia had come down the stairs wearing one of his shirts, and from this angle, perhaps only his shirt. She walked toward him, and as she did, she had ALL of his attention. She arrived just in front of him, and he looked her over - her legs seemed to go on forever, her hair was loose and messy, it cascaded down and across her shoulders. And her bare skin peeked out here and there, from behind a gap in the shirt. She had only managed to button one sole button, and it held the shirt closed low on her chest.

He looked down at her and tried to swallow. It didn't work, and now, his mouth was dry like the dessert.

She seemed completely oblivious as she looked up at him sweetly and drawled, "Good morning, my love." That endearment added an extra layer to his lack of speech. And he fought again to swallow.

Finally he managed to rasp, "Hi…wife." Though she seemed to understand now and she smiled.

"Is it okay that I borrowed your shirt? It smells like you, and I just love...the smell of your cologne." She pulled one side of the collar up to smell it, and that shifted the entire shirt. It became even shorter, and the opening between the shirt tail revealed that she actually was wearing something underneath - lacy white panties. That knocked the wind out of him again, and he tried that swallow one more time. It still didn't work. Did she not even realize?

She didn't seem to, as she let go the collar and the shirt fell back to place. Nathan tried to make his voice work, but it just wouldn't. He looked on the counter next to him, where his coffee cup was in reach. So, he took a sip and then tried again. "It's aftershave." Was all that he managed to croak out.

But she wasn't put off by his sudden loss for words. It hadn't happened very often with her, and even now, it was purely because of the intense attraction that had seized him, as soon as she'd appeared dressed like this. She rolled with the punches. "Well, whatever it is…" She lifted the collar one more time, revealing her belly button this time, and one of the slender lines that only he knew, was on each side of it, "it smells like home to me."

That was the last straw. She was home to him, too, and hearing her say it made his insides melt. Nathan couldn't help himself, and he reached out, cupped her face, and kissed her. Tender and sweet. Though, the emotions between them were intense, especially from Nathan's side, so the kiss also became intense. He backed her up a little to the table behind her, and then, he picked her up and sat her on it. He stepped even closer, and kissed her on his level.

Then, he let his lips wander from hers - they blazed a trail across her cheek and down her neck. A soft moan escaped from her lips that only made his blood boil hotter. Nathan reached and snapped that one button open, easy as pie, and a gasp escaped her lips. Then he brought his hands around her back, and pulled her closer, all the while marveling at the softness of her skin.

His lips sought out hers again, tender but hungry now, and she matched his intensity. Then all of a sudden, she pulled back just a little, to tell him against his lips. "Something's burning."

Nathan stayed close, smiled at her, and rasped. "It's me." And he came forward to kiss her again.

But the smell hit him about the same time her hands reached out to his chest, to put the tiniest amount of space between them, so she could giggle and tell him. "No, really, something's burning…" She turned her head and pointed towards the stove. "Over there!"

And Nathan jumped into action. He ran over, grabbed a hot pad, and yanked the pan off the stove. Set it to the side, on the cooling rack. Then he waved his hand over it, as dark smoke lofted into the air.

When the crisis was averted and under control, he let his eyes slowly come back to hers. She was still sitting on the table, watching him, in his shirt, still slightly open.

He took a step toward her, cocked one hip, and leaned on the counter. He folded his arms across his chest, making all the muscles more pronounced. Then he drawled slow. "For all the times you've run me out of the kitchen, stating that l was distracting you, what did you come and do?"

She tilted her head at him, and laughed out loud. And he laughed with her. Then, he just watched her, calculating, as their laughter died down. "What should I do about this?" He shifted his weight and just looked at her.

"What should you do about what?" She asked, playful.

"You. Distracting me?" He asked with a mischievous smile, as he took a step forward. His face took on a playful look, like he was going to catch her. So, she slid off the table and took a step back.

Just next to her, a dish towel sat on the counter. So, she picked it up, balled it up and tossed it at him. It hit his chest and fell to the floor. He didn't even flinch, his gaze was fixed and determined now, as he took a step forward. "I'm sorry." She offered with a giggle, and another step back. "I didn't mean to…distract you."

Nathan nodded and laughed. "Didn't mean to distract me? Coming down here in my shirt, with only one button done up?" He lunged to grab her, but she moved quick and put more distance between them.

He lunged again, much closer this time, and nearly caught her. Julia screamed, and let the laughter bubble over, as she turned and made a bee-line up the stairs. And he, cackling quite hard himself, went up right after her, two steps at a time, hot on her heels.

Nathan let his fingertips trace up and down her back a few more times. He knew he needed to get up, but it was hard to leave the comfort of their togetherness. Plus, she was sprawled across his chest, and her hair smelled so good as it softly tumbled down his arm and shoulder. The way she cuddled into his side made it hard for him to make any decision, let alone one to let go of her. But if they were going to make their way up to The Glenbow, he needed to get the ball rolling.

"Jules?" He said softly.

"Mmmhmm?" She hummed into his chest.

"We might need to get up soon." Nathan told her with a kiss on her forehead.

She turned a little, propped her chin on her hand, and looked at him. "Our time has run out?"

He told her softly. "Not run out. It's just…about to begin again, somewhere else." He smiled with anticipation, for what was to come. "But, I'd like to arrive at the hotel on time."

Julia knew that Nathan was excited about this part of their honeymoon, and she didn't want to disappoint him. "I'm sorry if I made us late."

Nathan shifted a bit, and looked at her. "What do you mean?" He asked softly.

"You know, if I made us late…by distracting you." She said with a playful smile and a giggle.

Nathan laughed from his gut, which shook her whole body, too, since she was laying on his chest. "Jules, don't apologize. That's just about the best distraction a man could ask for." He bent down and kissed her forehead again. "You can distract me anytime."

"I'll remember you said that." Julia told him, with a giggle, and somehow, he knew she would.

"I'm going downstairs to try and salvage what I can of our breakfast." He told her. "We should try to get on the trail by 10 o'clock."

Julia rolled backwards a little bit, onto her side, ready to get up. "I can come and help." She offered.

Nathan chuckled and moved towards her. He rolled his whole body in her direction, onto his side facing her, and looked her in the eye. "Oh, no." He smiled and gave her a peck on the lips. "You stay right here. I don't need another distraction." She laughed, and he kissed her over that laugh.

Then he rolled back onto his side of the bed and stood up. He pulled on his trousers. "Feel free to run a bath, get ready, pack." He told her. "I'll try to have our breakfast ready in about twenty minutes." He pulled on a Henley, and she watched every muscle flash, as he did. Then he threw up his suspenders, one at a time.

She brought her hand up to her forehead and gave him a cute mock salute as she said, "Yes, sir!"

He put one knee on the bed and leaned down right over her. As he did, she laid back on the pillow. Her hair was spread out around her, framing her face, and the covers barely covered anything - her knee was bent and stuck out, bare. He gazed down at her, and gently took her hand. He pulled it up towards her forehead again, but this time, he angled her hand a little different, placing the back of her hand a little more flush against her forehead. "Like this." He whispered softly. And he watched her closely as she tried the Mountie salute again.

Nathan smiled above her, and told her. "That's it." She tried it one more time, and he nodded his approval.

Julia just gazed up at him leaning down over her, hair falling down his forehead, and so handsome. She reached up, grabbed his suspenders, and pulled them down towards her. They were elastic so his body didn't follow right away, but he realized what she was doing. So, he bent his elbow, and he let her pull him down - and she pulled his lips right down to hers. The kiss was tender and sweet. Then, he raised himself back up, and pushed from his knee. That brought him back to standing, though he looked down at her one more time. "You and your distractions." He teased with a crooked smile, as he started to back up.

She chortled low and said, "I could say the same thing about you." And she propped herself up on one elbow, still watching him.

He walked toward the bedroom door but looked back at her, and pointed. "Breakfast in 30 minutes."

She tried the salute one more time, and gave him an emphatic, "Yes, sir!"

But Nathan just shook his head at her, and disappeared down the hall, wearing a smile.

Nathan was able to salvage most of the potatoes. He hadn't cooked the eggs yet, so they were fine. Nor had he put any bread in the oven for toasting, when she'd appeared. So, save for a few potatoes, their breakfast was saved.

When Julia came down the second time, all washed and ready, they ate that breakfast. The potatoes did have a smoky sort of flavor, but neither seemed to care. Julia's mind just kept wandering - to the way he'd chased her upstairs, grabbed her around the waist, and kissed her senseless. Somehow that made her like the smoky flavor, even if her tastebuds tried to tell her otherwise.

After breakfast, Julia insisted on doing the clean up, so Nathan could get ready. Though when she returned upstairs, Nathan wasn't in their bedroom, so she ventured down the hall to the bathroom. And there he was - wearing nothing but a towel around his waist, and shaving in front of the wash basin. Julia came closer and watched him as he made the last few strokes. He glanced at her through the mirror and asked her playful. "Are you trying to distract me again? While I'm holding a razor?"

"No." Julia said softly, and she picked up the warm, wet hand towel he'd set to the side. She scooted herself between him and the wash basin, and unfolded the towel just enough, between her two hands. "May I?" She asked, holding it up, ready to apply it to his face.

He amusedly nodded yes, so she cupped his face tenderly, making sure to apply the towel to all the skin that had met the razor. He watched her, as she focused on the task at hand. Her eyes finally came up to meet his, and he held her gaze. He raised his eyebrows cutely and mumbled something behind that towel. Julia giggled, embarrassed, and began wiping all the white away, making sure not to miss anything. She went close by his ears on both sides, bent to look under his chin, and she even got his upper lip. She made one final sweep across his mouth, and her eyes stopped right there, fixated, on his lips.

She finally managed to tear her eyes away and she let them wander back up to meet his gaze, which she realized had, all the time, been inherently on her. She asked softly, "What did you say?"

He looked down at her and rasped softly. "I said: I love you, Julia Grant."

Something in the way he said it made her mouth go dry. "I love you, too, Lawman." Her answer was full of emotion, as her eyes searched his face.

He kept going, his voice rough and tender. "And my love runs deep. Deeper than the blue of your eyes, which really is my favorite color."

"Mmmm." She drawled long, and his eyes were drawn to the hum of her lips. "My poetic Mountie." She breathed softly, searching his eyes now. "Just when I think I couldn't possibly love you any more…"

And he leaned down and kissed her. Slow and tender and emotional. So much feeling was in that kiss, and Julia made sure he felt all of her love, too. It was breathtaking. Not because of passion or desire, but because of the deep, honest emotions that passed between them. It was the love that took her breath away.

When Nathan finally pulled back just a little, he stayed close and gazed at her. That intense gaze that communicated so much. Julia placed one hand on his cheek, made so very soft by the razor and the towel. She searched his face again, and committed every handsome line to memory.

She asked him softly. "What comes after the towel?"

He picked up a fine glass bottle. Lotion Après-Rasage. "How do you apply it?" She asked.

Without saying a word, he opened the bottle and held her hand, palm up. He poured out just a little of the milky white substance, which smelled strong of alcohol and antiseptic. She rubbed it between her fingers and applied to to his face, careful to put it everywhere the razor had been.

He watched her again, as she focused on what she was doing. She rubbed it in gently until all the white was gone. It smelled strong at first, but as the alcohol evaporated and the antiseptic soaked in, what came out was the fragrance of jasmin, leather, and cedar. She brought her eyes up to his again, and drawled slow. "You smell so good, like…fresh mountain air."

He smiled coyly at her. "You think so?" He suddenly couldn't wait to spend three uninterrupted days with her at a hotel. "We'll soon find out, as we ride toward the Rockies."

Julia was excited, too - about three days with Nathan at a hotel, about the fresh mountain air, and about discovering more about this region, where her Nathan was from. She tilted her head and asked. "We should get going, shouldn't we?"

And he agreed, placing the last of his toiletry items into his travel bag. "Yes, we should." He looked up and smiled at her. "If ever you would stop distracting me."

And she let out a good long laugh.

When they finally got on their way, they were not too far behind schedule. They rode toward the Canadian Rockies, following a trail they joined on the west side of the ranch property. And they made up time along the way, with some fun little chases, instigated mostly by Nathan, who claimed he was getting even for all the times she had distracted him.

Each time he mentioned that word, he did it in a way that earned a hearty laugh from Julia. In fact, the whole way, he was coy and flirtatious and adorable. Julia didn't think she'd ever seen him act so charming, she enjoyed herself immensely. Each time he called out the countdown to race, he playfully challenged her, but then almost always let her win. Buttercup was a good horse, and she and Julia had established a certain rapport, but they were still no match for Nathan and Domino. The stallion was nearly a head taller, and made every use of the strength that extra height afforded him. Julia knew Nathan was holding back, but Domino didn't seem to mind. He followed Nathan's orders emphatically and to the letter.

Julia heard Nathan's stomach growl about two hours in, but he seemed determined to reach a certain point, or something specific. So, he kept riding, and she kept following.

Finally, about half an hour later, they reached a beautiful overlook, and Julia understood why he'd waited. They dismounted and Nathan led the horses over to the side and tethered them. He took out a big silver bowl and filled it with water from a large canteen, and let them drink. Then they both went to grazing nearby.

Julia looked out at the view and walked right up to the edge. Nathan had been watching her out of the corner of his eye, as he tended the horses, and gasped when she went too close. He came up quickly behind her, intending to pull her back, but she'd stepped back on her own, by the time he got there.

Julia looked out at the beautiful view and was immediately struck by the green. Nathan was right, she'd never seen green like that before. It painted every hill for as far as the eye could see. A river was visible at the bottom of a valley, and Julia could surmise, based on where they were, that it was likely the same river that ran across the ranch, the one they called Snake River. And the sky- WOW. It seemed so big, and was a particular shade of blue that made her think of only one equitable match: Nathan's eyes.

He stepped up right next to her, and slipped his hand in hers. He intertwined their fingers, and held on tight. That made her look up at him curiously, and she realized his cool, fun demeanor had completely changed. Now, he was almost…solemn. A shadow had fallen across his face, and he was quiet now, introspective, even closed off. And his eyes were no longer that bright blue she had just seen in the sky, but a darker, sadder color.

Julia turned a half turn, and looked at him, concerned. "Nathan, are you okay? What's happened?" She asked gently.

He swallowed, looked down at his feet, and took a few minutes to answer. When he did, it came out all rough and barely audible. "This was my place." He squinted and looked out at the view. "Remember, you asked me if I had a place? Of escape? When I was younger?"

Oh, she remembered. Of course, she remembered. Though he'd said he hadn't been allowed the luxury of escape - whether he'd not been allowed by others, or perhaps, not by himself. But she knew exactly what he was referring to.

Her mouth fell slightly open, and she took a look around. This was the place her Nathan would go to think, and get away from his problems, the problems that had been thrust on him, by the careless and thoughtless actions of others.

"Whenever the world felt like it was crashing down on me…" he breathed softly, but couldn't find enough sound to finish. He shifted his weight, then looked down at his feet again.

Julia asked very tenderly, "Was that often?"

"When we lived at the ranch, yes." He answered quietly, still looking at his feet.

"You didn't always live at the ranch?" She asked gently, and took a step closer, wanted to be nearer.

He looked out at the view. "No." He answered. "It was…off and on." He swallowed hard. He didn't seem to want to say more, but she could see he'd exposed something raw, a hurt so deep, and she didn't want him to leave it that way.

She stepped closer and laid her other hand on his chest, close to his heart. That brought his eyes down to her's. She softly implored, not a demand, but an invitation. "Tell me, Nathan."

He looked out at the view again. "As soon as mom and Archie were married, they ventured out on their own. Dad was trained as a carpenter, and worked hard. Things were good then, I think." Nathan told her. "Then, after Colleen was born, he just wasn't advancing fast enough, in his business, in his estimation." He fixed his gaze on something far in the distance. "Mom thinks he saw everything Grandpa Sully built, and felt…inadequate."

Julia held his hand tighter and stayed close.

"We came to "visit", as Mom called it, for the first time, when I was about two, though I don't remember." He looked down at her with tears in his eyes. "Archie was locked up for petty theft. I think we stayed about a year."

Julia swallowed. He looked back at the focal point he'd found somewhere out there, in the distance. "When he got out, he and Mom reconciled. That started a pattern. When we were with Archie, we moved around a lot. When Archie was locked up, we came home to the ranch." Julia brought her free hand from his chest up to his shoulder, and she cuddled in closer. She just wanted to comfort him, but didn't quite know how. He seemed so vulnerable and she didn't want to make a wrong move. So she leaned in close and kissed him two times on the shoulder, through his shirt, right next to her hand. And a tear or two escaped, ran down, and soaked right into the soft fabric of his light-blue striped shirt.

He continued. "I don't think Sully would have let us leave each time, if he'd realized the places we'd be living." He grimaced without meaning to. "And so it went, till I was about nine."

Julia remembered that when he'd been about nine, his mother had put her foot down. Thank God for that foot. She also remembered that Rebecca and Colleen had shielded Nathan from a lot of it, so he'd probably found all of this out, or at least pieced it together, much later.

He'd also once mentioned that his last good memory was that family trip to the Okanagan Valley when he was about 7 or 8. That must've taken place during a season when Archie was doing better, or Nathan had been either oblivious, or in denial, of all that was going on. He had only been a child back then, after all.

"When you were nine, that's when your mother forbade Archie to come home?" She asked.

Nathan nodded, still focused afar off. "We lived at the ranch, from then on." He turned his head and finally made eye contact again. "Then, we only got reports of him, which each time, started rumors at school." Thus, more shame. Julia thought he was the absolute most resilient person she had ever met. All of this, and he had still managed to make sure things turned out good- for himself, for Allie, for his family.

"So this was your safe place?" She rasped in a whisper, looking around now.

"Couldn't hear the snickers, or the names they called us, from up here." He said softly, and a tear escaped - it made a long slow trail down his freshly shaven face. How simple a child's mind worked. Find a way to get away from the noise, when you couldn't turn it off.

She looked out at the green and the beauty that was all around them. "You found a great place, my love." She brought her gaze back to him. "This place is so…vast and beautiful." She told him. "Makes our problems seem so small."

He looked at her, with tilted head, and nodded. That was exactly it. "I haven't been here since Colleen…" And the sound stopped coming. Then, Julia noticed the slightest jolt of his shoulders, and realized - a sob had escaped. Nathan had tried to contain it, but just wasn't able. She turned completely towards him now, met him face to face. And there it was again - it was most definitely a sob.

And then, she saw it coming. Julia rushed to hold him - wrapped her arms around him, and pulled him close. And something he'd been holding onto for far too long, gave way - something akin to a dam, broke in a rush, and he began to weep. Not a few simple tears, like she'd seen here and there, for one reason or another. No, now he wept. Like he'd wept over Colleen. Huge, jolting sobs racked his body. And she held him - she held him so tight.

At a certain point, his legs gave way, and she held on to him, as he sunk to his knees. And then, he wrapped his arms around her waist and buried his face in her abdomen. And she held him around the shoulders, and the back of his head, and laid her cheek on the top of his hair. She cradled him close and wept with him.

So many times, Julia had prayed for healing, prayed for him to let go a little bit more. Perhaps this was the answer to her prayers. His vulnerability and raw honesty, and the fact that he was letting it out, could only bring a new measure of healing. She chose to believe nothing less.

Julia didn't move, didn't let up one bit, but held him as the sobs finally tapered, and he became still. And even then, she hung on until he made the first move. He relaxed slightly, and then slowly, more and more, until he pulled back just enough to look up at her.

He started to apologize, but there was no way she would let him. Not for a second. "Jules, I'm sor…" But she stopped him. Julia placed her fingers gently over his lips and stilled them.

"No apologies." She whispered, barely audible. His arms were still tight and firm around her waist. And the crook of her left arm now cradled the back of his head. His face was red and tear streaked, and his eyes swollen. So Julia reached into her brassiere and pulled out her handkerchief. She gazed down at him and gently wiped his eye, all the way down one side of his face. Then she slowly wiped the other side. The most tender of gestures, and he just gazed up at her as she did it.

She managed a compassionate, tear-filled smile, and she rasped. "That better?"

And he managed the slightest of smiles, up at her, though he didn't breathe a word. So she looked down into the depths of those troubled eyes and reassured him. "Nothing could ever change my love for you. Nothing." Julia just thought he needed to know. For him, she was a safe place, and always would be.

And he turned his head and hugged her again. Close-eyed, cheek to her chest. Close to her heart, he pressed in, and she pulled him close again. Her right hand came around to his neck and her fingers went into his hair. And she held him a while longer.

When he finally moved again, he did so mostly in silence. The only words he uttered were just before they remounted. He hugged her one more time, held her a full minute or two, and whispered next to her ear. "Thanks, Jules."

She responded softly. "I love you, Nathan."

And as he pulled back out of the hug, he replied softly. "And I love you, Julia Grant."

And they continued on their way.

By the time they rode up to the Glenbow Manor Hotel, Julia's stomach was growling. They hadn't touched the sandwiches that Nathan had packed for them. And the ride, ever since they left Nathan's boyhood overlook, had been quiet and somber, a lot less fun that this morning's ride. This morning had been a whole other Nathan - fun and charming and enthusiastic. The Nathan she'd ridden with in the afternoon had been despondent, distant, elsewhere. She knew what it meant to open yourself like he'd just done, and it wasn't easy. So she gave him space but followed closely.

At first view of the hotel, from a distance, Julia could understand why Nathan wanted to come here. It was beautiful. The huge thick logs that had been used in the bulk of its construction, gave it a woodsy feel, but it also emitted class and charm. Splotches of green, and iron, added accent. Brass shone here and there. And the windows were giant - she'd never seen windows so large anywhere else.

They rode straight up to the front and dismounted, and were met by two porters. They looked at Nathan, then at Julia, and this time, weren't sure. So, Julia told them with a kind smile. "We're Nathan and Julia Grant."

The big jolly one gave them an enthusiastic smile. "The honeymooners."

Julia laughed and he felt immediately at ease. "That's us!" She sang happily, and threaded her arm through her husband's. Nathan looked down at her and managed a half smile, and Julia took it as a win.

The younger, skinnier one asked Nathan. "These your only bags, sir?" Referring to the bags Nathan had tied behind the horses' saddles.

Julia piped in again. "I filled my saddlebags pretty full." She smiled guilty at the younger man, who nodded a happy smile back at her. "It is my honeymoon, after all."

"We'll get them for you, ma'am. And monsieur's." The jolly porter assured her. "We'll send it all up for 'ya." He told them with a nod. "And Douglas here'll take care of the horses."

Julia smiled at the younger man. "Well, thank you, Douglas." She told him.

Nathan looked at them both and finally spoke. "Thank you both kindly."

And Nathan and Julia turned towards the hotel. Together, they climbed the fancy staircase that spilled out the front. Intricate iron handrails were accented with brass, and the stairs, a beautiful stone. As they approached the front doors, a doorman opened for them, before they even got there.

They walked inside, and found themselves in a very large hall. Windows made up most of the southern wall, and what wasn't glass, was made of wood. Brass shone out abundant. A grand staircase was the centerpiece and a huge chandelier hung above it. Nathan and Julia both took a turn around, almost in a circle, taking it all in. It was grand, with a capital G - accented with class and style.

"Inspector Grant?" A clerk asked, walking out from behind the front desk. He was dressed to the nines in a fancy suit.

Nathan answered with a smile. "Yes, sir."

The clerk looked at them both. "Welcome to the Glenbow." He smiled. "We're so glad you came to honeymoon here."

Julia replied. "Thank you, sir."

"We've got your room all ready. Would you like to take some refreshment in our tea room, before going up?" The clerk asked kindly.

Julia looked up at Nathan and could see he forced that smile he was giving her. "I think we'd like to take tea in our room. Is that possible?" She inquired, with a glance back in the clerk's direction.

"Why, of course it is, Mrs. Grant." He said with a nod. He walked behind his desk and retrieved their key. "I'll show you to your room, and have tea sent right up."

"Thank you, sir." She told him.

"Right this way." And he led them up the big grand staircase to the second floor. Julia couldn't help but turn and look at that chandelier as they passed underneath it. She looked at Nathan and realized he was doing the same thing. When they got to the top, they turned back and looked over the lobby. It was beautiful, and the windows behind it filled it with abundant light.

The hotel clerk had stopped to let them take a look, and when they turned back, he continued. "Make sure to take the time to explore the hotel, walk around the grounds." He smiled at Julia. "It really is a lovely hotel."

Julia looked up at Nathan and smiled, she liked this place.

They walked all the way down the hallway, to a door on the very end. As the clerk put the key in the lock, Julia finally caught sight of his name tag. Mr. James.

He turned the key and opened to reveal a very beautiful room. A large stone fireplace, which was already lit and burning nicely, took up one wall. Huge, impressive windows took up the large part of two other walls. And a large, elegant bed, dressed with fancy cream colored bed linens, sat in the middle. A small two person settee faced the fireplace, Julia could already imagine cuddling up with Nathan and reading there.

Mr. James spoke up. "This room is special. It's one of my favorites." He told them with a smile. "From here you have a view of the Rockies." He motioned to a balcony, and showed them how to access it. "But in this room, you also get a spectacular view of the sunset, every evening." He motioned to one particular window. "From here."

He motioned behind them. "Water closet is there. If you need anything, please just pull this cord." He motioned to a cord hanging near the door. "Your luggage should arrive shortly."

Mr. James sort of stood at attention. "If there isn't anything else, I'll leave you, and have your tea sent up." He told them.

Nathan looked him in the eye, and told him. "Thank you, sir."

Julia stepped forward, though. "I'm sorry, Mr. James. Could I just change one small thing?" She asked timidly. And he seemed pleased that she'd actually used his name.

"Why certainly, Ma'am." Mr. James stood still to signal he was listening.

"Instead of tea, could you send up coffee for us, please?" Nathan bit his lip, to keep from smiling at her. It was just so adorable the way she asked it. But he was glad she did. They weren't tea drinkers, after all. They both preferred coffee.

"Why, certainly, ma'am. I would be happy to order coffee for you instead." Mr. James told her and she looked relieved. He smiled at her down-to-earth-ness.

"Thank you, Mr. James." She told him, with a kind smile.

"Well, I'll leave you, then. Please don't hesitate if you need anything else." And he reminded them one more time, of the cord to pull.

He turned and opened the door to exit, but when he did, the bellmen were coming down the hall, with the Grant's luggage. So, he held the door open for them. They came in, and placed Nathan and Julia's luggage on the luggage racks, hung their saddlebags in the closet.

Then, they turned to go. Nathan fished in his pocket for a moment. How could he forget? "Wait, please." He told them, and he handed them both, and Mr. James, a handsome tip.

"Thank you, sir." They said with a nod, one by one, and exited the door.

When it was closed behind them, Julia walked up and stood right in front of the window. She looked out over the landscape and the sky. "Wow, this place. Nathan, it's so beautiful."

He watched her, as she took it in. Then he joined her, stood next to her, and looked out at the view. It was something else. He reached out and took her hand.

Julia glanced up at her husband. She could see the lines were still there, and the shadows. What was he still fighting? She turned a half turn and looked at him now. He turned to face her. "Are you okay, my love?"

He looked down her and swallowed. "I'm…sorry, Julia. I've been such a downer since…"

"Nathan, please don't apologize. Not for what you shared with me, or for letting it out, or crying, or for being real and honest about the way you feel." She spoke softly but confidently. She put on a cute smile, "Now, I'm sure there will be plenty to apologize for over the course of our marriage. From both sides, though probably a lot more from mine than yours." That got a little smile out of her Nathan.

But she looked him in the eye to say. "But this is not one of those times. You never have to apologize for sharing things, for baring your broken places, and being real. Nathan, I have those broken places, too. God knows, I have them." Julia told him with tears in her eyes. "But, you can be honest and real with me. I want you to always be honest with me."

He smiled and took her other hand, too. Now he held both her hands, as they faced each other, in front of that big window.

"What you experienced was deep and emotional. And now, you probably feel raw." She gazed up at him. "But between the two of us…" She motioned back and forth between them, then she put her hand back where it belonged, in his. "This is a safe place. I am a safe place for you, Nathan. Because I love you and I'm committed to you. And I'm always here for you." She reminded him. "So you never have to feel sorry about anything you share, or any emotions that you express in front of me."

Nathan moved to her and hugged her. He cuddled in close and held her tight. And next to her ear, he whispered. "Thank you, Jules."

She giggled light and replied softly. "You don't need to thank me either."

He laughed softly as he held her. But he held on tight. She didn't want him to apologize, or thank her. So, he asked jokingly, close to her ear. "What should I tell you, then?"

Julia rasped out a whisper. "Just tell me you love me."

Nathan snuggled in close to her neck and kissed her there a few tender times. Then he told her, against her cheek, just by her ear. "I love you."

Julia brought one hand up and ran her fingers through his hair in the back. And she turned and planted a few kisses on his cheek and neck. She saw him start each time her lips made contact, and she too whispered against his skin. "I love you, Nathan."

He cradled her back and leaned her backward just slightly so he could place kisses more easily. He trailed them down her neck and back up. Her fingers dug into his shoulder and he heard her say his name, though it was barely audible. "Nathan." That made his blood run hot, so he came back up and sought out her lips.

He kissed her long and tender, and the passion quickly built. Nathan was just about to pull her towards the bed, when a knock sounded at the door.

They both pulled back and looked at each other, surprised. "Coffee." Julia whispered and Nathan laughed as he looked her over. Julia's shirt was tugged open at the top, her chest flushed and her lips rosy. Nathan really, really didn't want to answer the door, but he knew he needed to. He took one step back and let her go. "I'll get it."

Julia held his gaze, though, and rasped, "While you do that, I'll just be in the bathroom." Nathan nodded and went towards the door. He didn't answer till she grabbed something from her suitcase and had safely closed the door behind her.

"Coming!" He called out. Nathan straightened his shirt, and opened the door. A bright young man wheeled in a small cart with a coffee pot, two cups and saucers, a milk pitcher, sugar bowl, and a plate of cookies. "Your coffee, sir." He announced cheerily.

"Thank you." Nathan told him, as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a bill, and gave it to the boy as tip.

"Just pull twice on the cord, when you're finished, and I'll come back to collect it." The young man told him as he motioned toward the calling cord.

"Will do." Nathan told him. "Thank you."

And the young man let himself out.

Nathan walked over and inspected the tray. The cookies looked delicious and the china beautiful. It made for a nice display. If this was any indication of how the next three days would go, Nathan was excited. He couldn't wait to experience it all with Julia.

Nathan remembered something, though. He stepped to the door of the water closet, and told her. "You can come out, now, darling. Our coffee is here." And he wheeled the cart over closer to the settee so they could sit together.

When he heard the door open, he casually glanced up, from his knee, but then went right on, trying to fix the wheel of the cart. But then it registered. He brought his eyes back up to her and slowly unfolded himself to standing. There she stood, his beautiful wife, in a lacy lavender chemise. She had let her hair down and it was flowing all around her shoulders.

His mouth went dry, and he tried to swallow.

She stepped forward shyly and told him. "We didn't get to finish what we started…so I thought…"

Nathan didn't wait for her to finish, but he went to her. And it only took a determined man two strides to get there. He rushed right up, cupped her face and kissed her. He brought one arm around her back and pulled her in close, and she melted against him.

He let his lips leave hers, to trail towards her neck again. And when she whispered his name just as she'd done before, he lost all rational thought. And could only think of one thing - the love he felt for this woman, in his arms.

And he pulled her gently, just as he'd wanted to do before, towards that big beautiful bed.

Later on, when Nathan got hungry, he looked at his pocket watch. It was nearly 7 pm. He looked down at his wife, curled up next to him reading and asked. "Jules, are you hungry?"

She was laying not far from his stomach and had already noticed it growling. "Yes." She turned over and propped up on an elbow next to him. "But do we have to get all dressed up?" She asked with a curled up nose. She kinda liked wearing her new silk robe and lounging with her husband.

Nathan turned toward her and smiled crooked. He didn't feel like getting dressed up either. "Well, not if we don't want to." He raised one eyebrow. "We could order room service."

Julia smiled. "I like that idea. Plus, we don't want to miss the sunset." He looked behind her, the sun was sinking but they still had a little while before the color show started.

Nathan rolled over, pulled the covers back, and exited the bed, in his pajama pants. He walked to the bathroom, donned a robe, and walked to the cord and pulled.

Within five minutes, there was a knock on the door, and when Nathan answered, it was the same young man who had brought their coffee earlier. Julia took refuge in the bathroom, while Nathan placed their order.

When their dinner arrived, it arrived on a rolling cart, and Peter, which Nathan had learned was the young man's name, rolled that dinner cart right up in front of that big picture window. After he left, Julia came out of the bathroom and helped Nathan move the settee right up to the dinner cart. And just like that, they had a front row seat to the evening sunset, complete with dinner.

And wow, was it beautiful. The colors started making their presence known just after Nathan and Julia sat down. And as they ate, they enjoyed every minute of that sunset - not one color was missed or overlooked. And when they were finished eating, they sat back - Julia leaned into Nathan, and Nathan's arm stayed firm around her; and they watched to the very end, until the last vestige of color faded from the sky.