Chapter 135. Honeymoon Bliss
On Sunday morning, Julia woke first in that big fluffy bed. That was a bit unusual, for it was typically Nathan who woke first. But today he slept so peacefully, like a baby, that she didn't move, but let him slumber. In fact, she laid there and watched him a little while. The rhythmic rise and fall of his strong chest, the gentle way his eyelids rested, eyelashes full and dark, the way his hair, rich and curly, fell across his forehead. He looked so serene, it made her wonder what peaceful dream he might be having.
She leaned forward, placed a featherlight kiss on his temple, and got up. She went to their suitcases, and, as was becoming her habit, she grabbed one of Nathan's Henleys, preferring it to any offering from her own bag. She added her robe on top, and walked out onto the balcony.
The sky was clear and blue and the sun shone bright. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, and she could see all the way to the Rockies. It was a breathtaking view. Those beautiful white caps far in the distance were impressive, no matter how near or far. They were spectacular, as were all the lower mountains in between. Rolling hills of green led to rocky mountains, and then behind, loomed those splendid snow-capped peaks. Looking out over the landscape, she decided that this was one view that could never get old. Just like the view of her handsome husband first thing in the morning.
Julia stood there a long while, taking it all in. And then suddenly, she felt soft hands come around her middle, and tender lips nuzzle into her neck. "Good morning, wife." He rasped against the skin just under her ear.
Julia leaned back, no longer trusting her legs. She crossed her arms over his and cuddled fully into his body, strong and stable, behind her. "Hi, husband." She breathed. Who was left searching for words now?
"You smell so good." He breathed against her skin. It was hard to even think straight.
She teased low. "Did you even notice the view?"
"What view?" He asked, as he continued to place kisses along her neck.
Julia giggled soft. "That one." She said with a clumsy and shaky pointer finger.
He finally lifted his head and took it in, but he stayed right there, cuddled in close. He loved the feel of her body against his, without her stays or corset. Just her thin robe and his pajama pants separated them, and he liked that. Holding her like this felt intimate and special, one of the benefits of marriage, another thing he relished.
"It's spectacular." He told her, as he let his eyes roam over the impressive landscape. This was why he had wanted to come here, because this view made for another souvenir they would never forget.
A knock sounded at the door, interrupting their moment of connection. Slightly disappointed, Julia straightened and turned, heading toward the inside. But she took his hand, on her way. "It's here." She said raspy. And then, she pulled him along, her robe coming just slightly open, as she did.
The playful smile on her face, the way her hair fell over her shoulder as she turned, and the flash of bare leg as she moved, had Nathan captivated. What was here? He didn't know, but he followed, drawn to her, by sheer magnetic attraction. No way he was letting go of her now.
When they got inside, Nathan pulled gently on her hand, slowing her down just enough to catch her around the waist. He went after her, instead of the door, which caused a soft giggle to escape from her lips. He snuck his other hand inside her robe and pulled her close. Then, he kissed her good.
When he finally pulled back, he gazed down at her a moment, trying unsuccessfully to put two words together. And in the silence between them, a knock sounded again, louder this time.
They both laughed and then glanced at the door. Julia took a step back, obviously reluctant to let go of him. Before she opened, she closed her robe, and then, took shelter behind the door.
Mr. James rolled in their breakfast cart, with a bright and cheery, "Good morning."
Nathan returned his greeting with an awkward wave. "Good morning."
Mr. James asked. "Is there anything else?"
Nathan smiled happy, as he looked over their breakfast. It looked wonderful, and he was hungry. Nathan shook his head, "No, thank you, sir."
Mr. James turned and headed back out the way he came. As he did, he pretended not to notice a rather striking Mrs. Grant hidden behind the door, rather hard to miss, in her silken robe.
Julia pushed the door closed, and stood there, hair down and beautiful. Nathan looked her over and took a deep breath. "I think you just made his day, the same way you're making mine."
Julia chuckled, walked purposely to the cart, reached down, and poured a mug of coffee. Then she walked right up to her handsome husband and offered it to him.
Later on, when they were dressed, Julia returned Nathan's neatly folded Henley. He looked at her. "So, that's where all my shirts have been disappearing?" He teased with a wide grin.
She just smiled at him, looking rather guilty. "I always put them back, Mr. Grant."
"Even so. That's at least the third time I've caught you in my clothes, Mrs. Grant." His gaze turned playful. "What do I get to wear of yours?" He asked with a challenge.
Julia laughed, walked to her suitcase and fished something out. She came back and handed it to him.
Nathan laughed hard, as he looked down at what she'd put in his hand. Her corset.
"No, thank you." Nathan told her with a deep, rich chuckle. "Plus, I told you a long time ago that even you don't have to wear that thing anymore. Remember?"
When Nathan and Julia were dressed for the day, they took a nice long walk around the property of the hotel. They visited the terrace, the stables, the gardens, and even the barn, which was also open to visitors.
Nathan enjoyed leading her around by the arm, and discovering the wonderful hotel. And even more so, he enjoyed it because of the conversation, and the time spent with his beautiful wife.
For lunch, they dined at the hotel's cafe, seated outside, on the terrace. It was a lovely day, and they made the most of their time, outside in the sunshine. It reminded Julia of the many times she and Nathan had picnicked together and taken a nap in the warmth of the sun. He must have been thinking the same, because after their lunch, he wasn't in a hurry to return indoors.
In fact, Nathan led her to the stables, where the horses were waiting, already saddled. He took Julia for a little ride - they returned to the waterfall. The trip was made quicker by the horses, who liked to run and race, all the way up. Not to mention their riders, who were thoroughly enjoying the playful chase.
The second trip to the waterfall felt almost like redemption. Although it had been beautiful the first time, it was so much better the second, when as a couple, they were in harmony with each other. Nathan and Julia both relished every minute.
At the bottom of the roaring falls, they ventured out over the rocks, near the mist, just as they had done when Teddy took their picture. But this time, Nathan kissed her long and tender in the very same spot. And then he pulled her into his arms, and held her close, for a very long time, as the mist rose all around them.
When they got back down to the hotel, Nathan led her up to their room, and pulled two chairs out on the balcony. He sat them right next to each other, so that Julia could cuddle into his side, just like she did on the swing at home. And that's how they spent the rest of the afternoon.
Julia was curious about something though, and finally asked. "When will your sketches be ready, my love?"
Nathan knew she'd seen a glimpse last night, at least the one he'd been working on when he'd fallen asleep. He knew because he'd found the book in the chair this morning, safely closed. "You didn't peak a little last night?" He wondered amusedly.
Julia smiled sideways at him and shook her head no. "You told me you'd show me when you were ready. So, no, I didn't look."
He eyed her cutely for a moment, but recognized the truth. So he rose, entered their room, and came back with his book. As he sat back beside her, he felt a welling apprehension, an awkwardness and fear. Now he knew just how she felt before she'd shown him her paintings.
He took a deep, steadying breath, and handed her the leather-bound book. She slowly took it, but glanced up at him one more time, to be sure. His slight little nod told her she could proceed.
Slowly, Julia opened the book. There on the first page, was a drawing of Julia, wearing her cowboy hat, astride Buttercup. Her heart-shaped lips were turned up into a grand smile, and her dimples were pronounced. Her eyes shone with pride and her back straight. It was a perfect likeness, to both her and the beautiful palomino mare. "This is very good, Nathan." She told him with an impressed smile.
She turned the page. Next was the drawing of her, laying in the big four-poster bed at Aisling. Julia's lips parted as she looked it over. She may have been his muse, but he was an excellent artist. The way the covers wrinkled around her, the light and the shadows, from the sunlight steaming in the window, were all fantastic, and brought a depth and realness to his work. "This is incredible." She told him as she angled it a bit to one side. A lot of her body was actually exposed in the drawing, but curiously, it didn't look the least bit improper. Instead, it was artistic and interesting.
"That one's only for me." Nathan whispered softly.
She looked up at him and nodded. Julia remembered that morning very vividly, she'd woken to him sketching, his eyes intent and focused. How could he draw a woman's body so beautifully, and without leaving her feeling the least bit self-conscious?
Julia turned the page, and next, was a drawing of Allie. She looked exactly as they'd last seen her, when they said goodbye at the wedding reception. Julia let her fingers trace lightly over her daughter's face. She exhaled, "I miss her."
"Me, too." Nathan said softly, as he smiled. There was a certain look that took over Nathan's whole face, when he thought about, or spoke of Allie, and Julia adored it. He had that look now.
Julia turned the page. Next was the sketch she'd seen last night, of the waterfall, and her perched in front of it. Her long loose braid was falling across her shoulder, and the first angles of Nathan's male form were just barely traced in, next to her. It would be a beautiful sketch when he was done, one she might even like to paint one day. Or perhaps, she could add color to this, his sketch, as Colleen had done.
She much preferred today's visit to the waterfall, over Saturday's. Today, Nathan had kissed her breathless, and then held her, standing close together, in the mist. He seemed to know what she was thinking. "Should I draw us as we were Saturday, or today?" He asked with that crooked smile.
Her eyebrows shot up. "You mean…?" She asked, not willing to finish, as the thought of that kiss made heat rise into her cheeks.
"Casual or kissing?" He asked, just like that.
Julia smiled sideways at him, and laughed softly. "You decide, my love." Both were memories she would treasure forever.
And that was the last page of drawings, in Nathan's sketchbook. So she slowly closed it and held it on her lap. She traced over the front with her hand, and looked up at him. "Thank you for showing me, for sharing your talent with me."
He looked suddenly awkward, embarrassed. "They're not all finished yet."
"They will be wonderful when they are." She encouraged.
Nathan's eyes were still nervous as he told her. "Now I know how you felt."
"You are a talented artist, Nathan." She told him softly. "You should be proud of your work."
"Thank you." He breathed softly, as he looked at her, sweetly tucked under his arm.
Julia snuggled in even closer. They sat a while, enjoying the view and the togetherness, until Nathan glanced at his watch.
Julia suddenly remembered their reservations at the hotel's restaurant again this evening. So, she slowly rose, went to the bathroom and started filling the tub.
After a long, hot soak, Julia wrapped her hair in a towel, and donned her robe. She went back to her suitcase and began to make preparations for the evening out. And Nathan entered the bathroom.
When she was nearly ready, though still in her robe, she snuck into the bathroom to retrieve her hairbrush. Nathan was standing in front of the wash basin shaving, so Julia walked up next to him and watched. He held his mouth funny as he ran the razor down his upper lip, which made Julia smile. He paused and looked at her in the mirror.
"Here to distract me again?" He asked with that mischievous smile.
Julia laughed and shook her head no. She took note of the warm towel he had set to the side. Then she continued watching him as he finished the last few strokes across his chin, and set down the razor.
Julia picked up the towel, squeezed between him and the wash basin cabinet, set her bottom right up on it, and scooted back. Her legs dangled from the knee, one on each side of him, as she held his towel, open and ready. Nathan placed his hands on either side of her knees, and gazed down at her, amused.
He took one step closer, hips against the cabinet, and leaned down so she could reach his face. She carefully applied the warm towel, and their eyes met again, as she held it there. The amusement in his crystal blue eyes made her cheeks pink.
She returned to the task at hand, and took her time, inspecting his face, taking care to wipe away all the white shaving cream. When she was done, she set the towel to the side, and searched for his glass bottle of Lotion Après-Rasage. He pulled it out of his shaving kit, even more amused now, and handed to her. And she applied that too, taking care to put it on all the skin that he'd just shaved.
When she was satisfied, she brought her eyes back up to his. He rasped out softly. "Thank you, Mrs. Grant."
She shyly held his gaze. "Anytime, Mr. Grant."
He tipped his chin one happy time, bent down, and kissed her. One slow, tender time. Like last night, it was so sweet, and honest, it rendered her breathless.
When he pulled back, he gazed at her. Then he drawled slow, in that cowboy accent. "You're one welcome distraction, my darling."
That didn't help Julia catch her breath one bit. Nor did his bare chest, nor the curl that was still wet, not yet tamed and fallen over his forehead. Nor those blue eyes all clear and true. Julia just took her time admiring everything about him, and didn't have any qualms doing it.
"So are you." She breathed on a whisper.
He smiled at her, heart full, loving how her perusal made him feel. Loved and wanted, and desirable. All the feelings a man wanted and needed to feel, from his significant other. Once again cementing the attraction between them, which was thick and palpable, and electric. Perfectly all that he needed.
He leaned down one more time and kissed her. Tender and loving, leaving no doubt of the gravity of the love and desire between them. As his lips moved over hers, he brought one hand up, and let his thumb gently caress her cheek.
Then he pulled back, but stayed close. "Now the lady will need to wait until the end of the evening for the gentleman's kiss." He told her with his crooked smile.
Julia looked slightly disappointed as she let one hand fall gently on his chest. She tried to catch her breath but it was impossible with him standing so close.
"I'll just go finish my preparations, then." She finally managed softly. So, Nathan stepped back a little, held out his hand, and helped her down.
That evening, Julia dressed in a fancy, wine-colored dress. She looked incredible as Nathan led her down the stairs again, through the lobby, and to dinner. Heads turned in their direction, as Nathan complimented her perfectly in a dark brown suit. They made a handsome couple.
The newlyweds enjoyed another spectacular dinner together, from the champagne at the beginning, to the fancy dessert at the end. It was wonderful, but even more wonderful to share it together.
They talked about so many things over dinner. Their wedding, today's events, plans when they returned to the ranch, and the ride back there, tomorrow. Then they imagined what might be going on in Hope Valley. And they talked about Allie. They both missed Allie, and wondered what she was up to, and how school was going. Julia mentioned the fishing trip with Jake, which should've taken place yesterday.
Then, when dinner was well past over, Nathan led her back upstairs. Tonight, the ballroom was closed, but it was just as well, as Nathan had other plans. And he had seen to everything while she'd been in the bath, none the wiser.
When they got to the door, Nathan put the key in the lock. He led Julia inside, as usual, but when she noticed, she slowed to a halt.
There, in front of the fireplace, which was blazing now, a perfect pallet had been laid. It consisted of several blankets, which had been spread one on top of the other, and pillows all the way around. Just next to it stood a small cart, and as Julia approached, she saw a coffee pot, tea pot, milk pitcher, sugar bowl, and a generous plate of cookies.
Julia glanced at him. "Nathan, it's lovely."
"It's our last night here." He explained. "I thought we might talk by the fire."
Julia lifted the lid of the tea pot, and the rich aroma of something strong and herbal filled her nose. It smelled delicious.
"What a wonderful idea." She told him, then she asked, curious. "When did you do this?"
"I had some help." He admitted with a sideways glance towards the service cord. "Young Mr. James was all too eager to help me surprise you."
Julia walked right up to him, and placed a casual hand on his chest, just as she'd done in the bathroom earlier. He drew a ragged breath at her nearness. She looked up at him, with those ocean eyes. "Thank you, my love."
Julia started to step back, but Nathan caught her around the waist. He didn't let her get more than a step away, before he pulled her in close and kissed her. It was a kiss that caught her by surprise, but made her melt against him, for it was long and passionate.
As the emotions built, right along with the passion, Nathan thought maybe the talking could wait, just until a little later. When he took Julia's hand and gently pulled her toward the pallet, she followed. Nathan sought out her lips again, and as they kissed, he reached around and fumbled with her buttons. Julia tried to help him, but he interrupted her attempt, and whispered, "Let me."
Slowly and attentively, Nathan proceeded to undress her, with love and care. And he showered her with kisses, along the way. Where his hands touched, his lips followed, until he finally scooped her up in his arms, and laid her by the fire. And then, the intimacy they shared was beautiful. And it was made deeper by the anticipation of the evening, and Nathan's care.
Later on, after Nathan had fetched their robes, they sat reclined by the fire, drank coffee and herbal tea, and talked. Nathan asked Julia more about her growing up years, and she shared openly. And Julia asked Nathan about Colleen, and he shared too.
And when they were tired, they laid on the pillows facing each other, and talked some more. Late into the night. Nathan held her hand between them, and didn't let her sleep until all his questions had been answered - about her mother, her father, Peggy's Cove, the cafe, and her grandparents. She shared a lot, and he listened, ever attentive.
And when Julia finally did fall asleep, Nathan gathered her up in his arms, and transferred her to the bed. He gently tucked her into the spoon of his body, safe and warm, and closed his eyes.