AN: Not quite the dinner date you guys wanted yet, but I thought you might enjoy this little scene.
Elizabeth watched the reflection in the mirror in front of her as Rosemary did her hair. Elizabeth had asked her friend to come help her decide what to wear for her date with Nathan. She had finally settled on the dress she had worn for the graduation ceremony last spring. As she had started to dress though, Elizabeth found her hands were trembling. Rosemary had helped her with the fastenings of the dress and was now doing her hair.
"I do not ever remember being this nervous about a date," Elizabeth commented to her friend.
"You and Nathan have already had some up and downs in your relationship," Rosemary commented. "I think it is perfectly fine to feel nervous depending on the reason."
"What do you mean?"
"Well," Rosemary continued as she reached for a hair pin from the dresser in front of Elizabeth. "Are you nervous because you are having doubts about your choice or are you nervous because you do not want anything to interfere with tonight or something else?"
Elizabeth thought it over as Rosemary finished pinning her hair.
"I think I am nervous because I want this to work, Rosemary. I think Nathan might be the love that Jack wanted me to find. Only a deep love would keep someone holding onto a hope that things might still work out after what I have put Nathan through."
"Then just relax and let yourself enjoy Nathan's company," Rosemary told her as she put in the last pin. "All done."
"Thank you," Elizabeth said, turning to face her friend.
"Any time," Rosemary said as a knock sounded on the door. "And just in time too."
Elizabeth nodded. Taking a deep breath, Elizabeth let it out slowly trying to calm the butterflies. It did not help much. Part of her wanted to flee like she had that day beside the pond. To run from the idea that anyone could love her as much as Jack had and that she could return those feelings. It was a feeling that had never presented itself while she had been spending time with Lucas. That realization was a very telling one for her.
"Go, answer the door," Rosemary told her. "I will stay up here and then take Jack over to my place after you leave."
Elizabeth nodded but did not move. Reaching out, Rosemary gave her a little push forward. Finally Elizabeth left the room and headed downstairs. Reaching the door, Elizabeth opened it to find Nathan standing there, hand raised as if ready to knock again.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," Elizabeth said.
"It is all right," Nathan replied easily. "You look beautiful."
Elizabeth felt the heat rise in her cheeks. "Thank you," she murmured, forcing herself to make eye contact with Nathan. She could see the care and admiration in his eyes.
"These are for you," Nathan said holding out a bouquet of lovely fall flowers.
"Thank-you," Elizabeth said again, reaching for the flowers. Her hands trembled and though she hoped Nathan wouldn't notice, she knew he would. Being observant was a key skill for a Mountie.
"Your hands are shaking," Nathan commented, his hands enclosing hers as she held the bouquet. "Are you sure you are up for this?" he asked quietly, looking down at Elizabeth with concern.
Nathan's concern for her touched Elizabeth deeply. There was a sincerity to it. Like he had not questioned her not feeling good at their aborted group dinner, Elizabeth knew she had only to answer no and there would be no questions asked tonight.
It made her want this to work even more.
"Yes," Elizabeth said without hesitation. The butterflies still fluttered within her but she knew she wanted to have this evening with just Nathan. She wanted to get to know him for who he was and not as a Mountie or the father of one of her children. "Let me get my coat," Elizabeth said.
Releasing her hands, Nathan reached for her coat. As he held it for her, Elizabeth slipped her arms into it. She was not sure what the evening held but she knew it was important for her to be open to letting herself enjoy it.