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Chapter Ten

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Dining and Dancing

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Having declined any wine, they placed their orders with Claude, their waiter, and Nathan asked to see the dessert menu. Surprised, the waiter assured them he would return shortly.

"My goodness, Nathan. Allie was right, you take dessert very seriously!" Faith grinned as Nathan reached across the table with open hands. Offering hers to him, they held each other's gaze as they gave each other a squeeze.

"Oh, I take a lot of things seriously, although I try not to be somber. Serious? Fine, Somber? No." Nathan grinned. "Joyful? Yes. Sorrowful? No longer than necessary."

"I don't think many in Hope Valley truly know you, Nathan. I had no idea you were so talkative or humorous or thought-provoking or charming! I guess I am glad that you kept these parts of yourself hidden and reserved just for me." Faith chuckled and, with a tilt of her head, looked up through her eyelashes. "Especially the flirty part!"

"I confess I am not certain what flirty is, but you do bring out comments I have never said to anyone else. That I absolutely know."

"Then I am privileged and grateful, Nathan. Thank you for your friendship and companionship over this year since Carson departed. You have been my rock and I have enjoyed every moment with you, even the tearful ones."

"Me too. I…" Nathan looked up at the waiter who held out the dessert menu. "Ah, thank you, Claude. I like to be prepared!"

"Shall I bring your appetizers now or give you some time before we begin service?"

"Please give us some time? We are not in any hurry this evening and want our time together to last as long as possible. Oh, and we hope to dance as well?"

"Of course. The pianist and cellist will be arriving soon and you may feel free to enjoy dancing whenever you wish."

"Thank you, Claude. We appreciate your understanding." As the waiter departed, Nathan nodded and placed the menu on the back side of the table, taking Faith's hand again.

"What were we saying?" Nathan remembered. "Oh, I was starting to tell you what a blessing you have been to me over this past year. Because of you, my eyes have been opened to how one-sided my relationship with Elizabeth truly was. She tantalized and teased but showed little genuine interest, concern or awareness of my feelings. I was blinded by my attraction to her, but now I recognize my interest was to who I thought she was, not her true self. I confess I do not get a good feeling about Elizabeth and Lucas, but have to turn them over to the Lord in prayer. They will only be my concern if laws are broken or there is a safety issue."

Nathan looked at their joined hands. "With you, Faith, I have grown to know you and respond to your interest in and concern for me. I confess it is a heady experience to know your thoughtfulness and care. Thank you. And thank you for your interest in and inclusion of Allie. You have blessed me as well as Allie with your kindness to her. She adores you! And I agree with her!"

"You and your sweet daughter are a delight, Nathan, a joy-filled delight, for which I am increasingly grateful every day."

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Soft music began to fill the room and they paused, silently listening to the beautiful melody for several moments.

"Faith? My feelings for you run deep. They are not superficial, in spite of the laughter and fun we have together. I cannot imagine facing my tomorrows without you now. Mine is not a casual flirtation. I believe I can be as free and open with you because I am devoted to you and I believe you are interested in me too."

Nathan briefly broke his gaze and contemplated their joined hands. Lifting his eyes to hers again he quietly asked a question that had been on his mind throughout this past week of serving together. "Forgive me if this is too early, but may I court you?"

With tears filling her eyes, Faith whispered. "I would love nothing better than to court, Nathan. Some might say this is early, but I think you and I know it is not. Our relationship has been building over many months already. We just needed to serve together to have our eyes opened to how well we fit and work together. We share goals and concerns for others. We value family and honesty and openness and our faith. We enjoy so many of the same things as well; music and books and home and children. With the Sterk children we were on the same page without any long discussion and I admire the ease with which you engaged each one of them. You showed them that they are important. You blessed each of them and Allie is a wonderful example of your wise parenting."

"Thank you, Faith, for noticing, although I didn't do those things intentionally. I am glad God led me to be a blessing and allowed us the privilege of working side-by-side. I have never had such support and encouragement." Nathan chuckled. "Well, except for Mom!"

"So, to whom do I address the question of courting?" Nathan paused uncertain of how to proceed. "Do I ask your father's permission when he doesn't know anything about me? Or…"

"Oh, Nathan…" Faith laughed softly. "My father knows a great deal about you. I've shared things with him for months now so if we call and you ask, he'll know who you are. His answer will be yes, by the way. He already told me!"

Chuckling, Nathan responded. "In that case, let's call him tomorrow! Don't want your father to think I am dragging my heels!" He squeezed her hand. "We need to talk to my parents also, and to Allie. Actually, I'd like her to be the first to know. After the family knows, we can make it official, okay?"

"Oh, yes. Will Allie be happy?" Faith held Nathan's gaze searching for any uncertainty. "We had a wonderful afternoon together, but we didn't discuss any future for you and me."

"Allie will be elated!" Nathan smiled at this beautiful woman before him. "She has been asking me pointed questions since she knows we've met for lunch and ice cream and taken some walks together. Remember, I live with a teenaged young lady? As we mentioned, she is aware of all the 'like-likes' in town!" Nathan chuckled. "I don't get away with anything when the heart is involved."

Giggling, Faith questioned. "Get away with anything, Nathan?"

"Well, she was always watching me with her teacher and mentioned a few other options in town when Elizabeth began to take up with Lucas. Allie has wanted my happiness for as long as I have wanted hers!"

"Of course, Nathan. She loves you." Faith paused thoughtfully, enjoying that Nathan was caressing her hands with his thumbs. Shyly she asked, "Was I one of the options?"

Nathan laughed. "Allie thought God's entire reason for the car accident was so that we could 'like-like' each other and then date. You were the most frequently-mentioned option!"

"Glad to hear it." Faith smiled and loved that girl a little bit more. "Good for Allie!"

"This is new territory though. You realize I have never courted anyone?"

"I do and I recognize the privilege I have to be your first, and hopefully your only." She squeezed his hand. "You know doctoring you was difficult? One of my most difficult cases…"

"Excuse me? I didn't think my injury was that serious."

"It wasn't just your injury, Nathan. It was you. I was so worried and I couldn't imagine losing you even though I couldn't admit how much I cared."

"I'm sorry you had to go through that, but maybe Allie is right? We've been growing closer over this past year, but I saw your loving care after the accident as I never had before."

"When did you first take an interest in me?" Faith whispered her question.

Glancing at their hands again, Nathan considered his answer. "I have often watched you, Faith." He looked up and opened his heart a little more. "I always thought you were beautiful and smart and sweet, but the night you took the key out of your pocket and wanted to prolong our conversation over ice cream? That was the moment. Ever since then I didn't want any of our conversations to end."

"Oh? So it wasn't just the dessert you wanted that night?" Faith smiled teasingly.

"The ice cream was definitely a big part of it…" He grinned, eyes twinkling with mirth.

At that moment the waiter arrived with two small plates on which scallop shells rested, containing three tiny scallops set in a bed of a thick, bright green sauce and sprinkled with chopped walnuts. "May I, Sir?"

"Thank you, yes you may." Nathan responded releasing Faith's hands as they were served.

"Oh! How delightful! Please thank the chef for us." Faith exclaimed as she smiled at the server. "Please tell me, what is the dollop of green?"

"The chef prepared his famous Pesto Sauce, Ma'am, I hope you enjoy it."

"It looks like a treat. Thank you and you may begin serving our meal at any time now, Sir." Nathan instructed. As Claude departed, Nathan reached across the table once more. "Shall I pray?"

As Faith nodded, Nathan quietly gave thanks.

"Heavenly Father,
We have so much to be grateful for! You have brought us together, making our friendship deeper due to shared sorrows. You have grown us through honest conversations and shared service. You have blessed us, Lord. I believe you are smiling on us now, and much of our past can be recognized as ordained by you for your purposes in our lives and those around us. I thank you, Lord, for dear Faith. Thank you for this special evening and the food we will enjoy. Bless it to our use and us to your service.
We rejoice together! Amen."

"And Amen." Faith whispered, happily aware that Nathan would be her prayer partner from this moment forward.

"…A tantalizing taste that leaves me wanting more!" Nathan commented before confessing, "Rosemary told me they might serve an amuse-bouche! I have not dined anywhere that was quite this elegant! Wouldn't this make a delicious entrée?"

"It would! I need to ask about the sauce, but I believe we could get creative if Ned can acquire a shipment of fresh scallops that is!" Faith laughed. "In Hope Valley our menu options are oft limited!"

Soon after, their waiter arrived with two bowls of chilled cucumber dill soup. "Did you enjoy your special treat?"

"We did indeed. Thank you. The sauce was basil, correct? I confess I want to try to replicate that at home because Benson Hills is too far to travel for one flavor!" Faith gave a light laugh.

"Yes, ma'am. Pesto sauce contains basil, nuts, olive oil and parmesan cheese. I admit, Pesto is one of my favorites. Of course, almost everything on the menu here is a favorite! Please enjoy."

"We will. Thank you." Nathan wiggled his eyebrows at Faith. "This date may be memorable for more than being together tonight! We must thank Rosemary," Nathan lifted his soup spoon, "And, wait until we tell Allie!"

A shared bowl of shrimp cocktail with a spicy sauce was their appetizer, followed by a house salad and dinner rolls. Nathan and Faith enjoyed their selections while discussing favorite foods, places they had traveled, music, and books they loved. Discovering that Faith loved classical music, cellos and pianos, Nathan made note while Faith filed away his love of the guitar, poetry, and long walks or rides in nature.

"Plus," He added, "I love fishing!"

As Nathan waxed eloquent about fishing, he suddenly stopped. "You know I don't know when Allie and I went fishing last! It has been a busy summer. Maybe we should go after church tomorrow. We often catch dinner and I fry it when we return home. Would you like to accompany us? We have a favorite spot out near Bill's land."

"I have never been fishing, but I'd love to spend time with you. Would you be insulted if I bring a book or some embroidery to work on? Fishermen like to remain quiet, right?"

"I would not be insulted, but would like you to just give fishing a try? It is one of my favorite activities and I get a lot of deep thinking and praying done in the silence." Nathan set down his salad fork and continued. "Fishing is often solitary yet Allie and I have precious conversations before and after. Sometimes if the fish aren't biting, we'll just sit and talk."

"I wil…."

Faith's comment was interrupted as the waiter approached with two orders of Coquille St. Jacque overflowing with bubbling cheese. "These dishes are extremely hot, so please be careful?" The waiter admonished. "May I refill your pot of tea?"

"Yes, please and thank you, Claude. This looks wonderful!"

After spooning a few scallops from her dish to Nathan's, Faith knew she could now allow room for dessert. Tonight, she and Nathan were planning to indulge! Searching the menu they had both chosen a Pavlova with summer fruits, at once light and sweet and something they would not prepare at home. However, once they had enjoyed their entrée, Nathan had a suggestion to postpone their sweet ending for something equally special.

"Shall we dance and let our meal settle somewhat? I confess I have been looking forward to this part of our evening."

"I would love that!" Faith chose not to confess that ever since she had cared for Nathan after the accident, she had daydreamed of being held in his arms. She had helped him stand and walk to be sure he wasn't dizzy and was hesitant to let him walk on his own even after she knew he was capable of doing so. Blushing, Faith placed her hand in Nathan's and he led her to the dance floor.

Twirling her into his arms, Faith was amazed. 'I shouldn't be surprised as this impressive chap mounts Newton so gracefully, but for his height he is a smooth dancer and he has rhythm! This is fun…'

Nathan was thinking how delicate and graceful Faith felt, and so right in his arms. She waltzed across the floor perfectly in sync and the word that came to him was 'Enchanting!'

When Faith looked up into his expressive blue eyes, she melted, wondering if he was actually holding her up. What she saw in him was devotion, peace, and pure joy. Faith hoped her expression reflected the same back to him.

Bringing her hand to rest against his heart, Nathan held it gently as he leaned his face against her soft hair, inhaling the sweet scent of honeysuckle. Momentarily, Nathan was transported back to when he laid in the Infirmary bed and awakened to this elusive fragrance. Honeysuckle. He had known it was Faith, even before he opened his eyes, and the sweetness had enveloped him with happiness. Overcome, Nathan was compelled to mark this moment, to express his heart. He pulled her closer, and whispered, "I love you, My Sweet Faie."

Nathan felt her breath catch as she realized what he had said. She slipped her hand from his and reached to touch his cheek. As he leaned into her caress their eyes locked and Faith spoke softly, "And I love you."

Smiling his half-smile, Nathan covered her hand with his and moved it to his lips so he could kiss her palm.

Sighing with contentment, Nathan and Faith knew their lives would never be the same.

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