Nathan looked down at his and Quinn's entwined fingers, the engagement ring on her hand sparkling in the moonlight. Raising their joined hands, he kissed the back of her hand, his eyes glowing as they caught hers. Quinn smiled back at him, then snuggled into his side, softly sighing.
"Are you okay?" he questioned softly.
"Very okay; I didn't know it was possible to be this happy, Nathan." Quinn stopped on the steps leading into his row house, placing herself closer to his much taller height. She leaned forward and put her arms around his neck, and after glancing around quickly to ensure they were alone, she kissed his lips softly.
"I am torn between wanting time to slow down so I can enjoy every moment and wishing it would hurry up, so I was already your wife."
Nathan smiled as he rested his head on her forehead, "I know what you mean. I am so glad we agreed on a short engagement. Can you imagine what it would feel like if we decided to wait? Besides, that would only give Rosemary time to make even bigger plans for us." Curious, he asked, "how did you stop Rosemary so easily?"
Laughing, Quinn said, "Distraction. I asked her about the Mayoral election, and she started to tell everyone about her last-minute plans to promote Lee for Mayor. I am sure Lee was glad to be at the Saloon with you."
Nodding in agreement, Nathan stepped beside her and led her inside the house. "I am sure he will be hearing about it now. Are you disappointed we decided not to join them for dinner at the Cafe?"
Nathan and Quinn had planned to announce their engagement and celebrate at the Cafe before returning to his home for dinner. As others had gathered at the Cafe to help celebrate, it turned into a dinner invitation, but they declined. Lee encouraged the Wiess' to have dinner with him and Rosemary at the Cafe, which naturally led to an invitation for Allie to join them, allowing Nathan and Quinn a quiet dinner. While Nathan and Quinn agreed Allie could stay for dinner at the Cafe, they would have enjoyed her company for the quiet dinner at home.
Quinn considered offering to cook their evening meal; she had realised that it was something she had never done and wanted to do. She hesitated before offering because when she imagined cooking that first meal, Allie was always with them.
After taking off their coats and hanging them near the door, Nathan took her hand and drew her into the sitting area. "I am not hungry yet, are you?"
Quinn shook her head, "Maybe we have something small later." Grinning at him, she said, "for now, all I want to do is sit and think about how happy I am, especially when only a short time ago I didn't think I would ever be happy again."
Nathan and Quinn sat on the settee, and he drew her close to him, enjoying the feeling of having her head resting on his shoulder. He was pleased they could sit without words, comfortable with their thoughts. "What does Rosemary have planned for Lee?" Nathan asked.
Quinn chuckled, "it's more what doesn't she have planned. Poor Lee will be out visiting every person in Hope Valley if Rosemary gets her way. There won't be a baby left unkissed or a hand unshaken."
Nathan chuckled at the thought, "I agree, poor Lee. Did you tell her you're voting for Bill?"
"I think it goes without saying, so I didn't say," she said, wrinkling her nose. "I will be glad when it is finally over, and the Mayor is elected. I feel torn between all the candidates. Once there is a new Mayor, things can settle down for two weeks before our wedding. I am so happy I convinced Rosemary that we only needed simple after the excitement of the past few months."
"You know we could still have the big wedding if you want; we will only do this once." Nathan didn't care if he had to stand up in front of the whole world if it meant he got to have this woman as his wife.
"No, I don't need that, I only need you and Allie, and according to Rosemary, a Matron of Honour, bridesmaids, flower girls, page boy..." she trailed off breathlessly. "Have you thought of who you will ask to stand with you?"
"I was thinking Gabe and Bill? You?" Nathan replied. Worried she would be upset at not having her father or family with her. Her only relatives, who she wasn't even close to, lived too far away to travel to the wedding.
"Besides Allie as junior Bridesmaid, I thought Faith and Fiona," she explained. Quinn was closest to them, although Rosemary had also proved to be a dear friend.
Hesitating, he asked softly, "and to walk you down the aisle, to give you away?"
"I don't believe in being 'given away' to your husband; I think it's more about joining two people who love each other." Reaching out to hold his hand, she asked, interested in his response, "do you ever imagine you will want to give Allie away?"
"I guess I hadn't thought about the words meaning that, and you're right; I will never want to give her away. Let me ask again," he said, squeezing her hand gently. "Is there someone special who you want there with you on that day, besides me, of course?"
Shaking her head at his silliness, she said, "Sam." Her voice was husky with emotion as she continued. "When I think of someone who has seen me through the best and worst times of my life, I think of Sam. And you, of course," she finished, teasing him back. "If I can't have my father there to see me join my life with yours and Allie's, I want Sam to be that person."
Nathan tilted her head so he could see her face, worried when he saw the tears shining in her eyes. He would do anything to take that pain from her, "I am sorry I didn't get to meet your father; he must have been an amazing man to raise a daughter as wonderful as you. I think Sam is a perfect choice." Kissing her lightly on the lips, he said, "I love you, Quinn, thank you for choosing Allie and me."
"I love you too, and as if I had a choice, my heart was lost to you the moment I met you." Quinn reached up to wipe the tears from her eyes, "I didn't mean to get maudlin on such an exciting day," she laughed.
"Feel however you like but promise always to tell me how you are feeling," Nathan said. He stared into her eyes, his heart rate speeding up at the love he saw there. He couldn't resist capturing her lips with his own; despite the promise he had made himself the last time they had been alone together, he couldn't keep his head around her.
The moment his lips touched hers, Quinn felt fire explode inside her; his kisses and touch caused that reaction every single time. She knew they should pull back and slow down but right now, all she wanted to do was feel. She leaned into him, put her arms around his neck and ran one hand through his hair. She heard his groan and felt it vibrate against her lips pressed to his.
Nathan's arms tightened around Quinn, 'one more moment' he thought, then I will stop. One more taste of her lips, one more moment to relish the feel of her in his arms.
Quinn and Nathan jumped, the sound of a car horn startling them apart. Quinn looked at Nathan, dazed, trying to make sense of the noise. As she started to speak, she heard Lee say loudly, "Congratulate your Dad and Quinn again for us, won't you, Allie."
"I sure will, Mr Coulter; thank you for the lift. I love travelling in the car; I can't wait until I am old enough to start driving. Goodnight, Mrs Coulter, goodnight, Jack."
Quinn and Nathan hastily pulled apart, saying nothing until Quinn broke the silence, giggling, "I feel like we have been in this same place not too long ago, promising we wouldn't do this again."
"I blame you," Nathan said, joking with her, "you are captivating, Miss Standing." Nathan took a moment to tame his hair, messed up by Quinn's fingers. He would have to thank Lee for the warning the next time he saw him.
"While I am glad you think so, Mr Grant, we must be careful; I can't afford to lose my head around you, and you are hard to resist," Quinn said, loving the blush which spread across his cheeks. Standing and walking to the kitchen, she called over her shoulder, "now, how about that snack."
Allie entered the row house talking a mile a minute about what they had missed at dinner, not noticing their flushed faces. She surprised them with a large slice of chocolate cake, so they stopped preparing their snack, eating it instead as they listened to Allie's stories about her evening and her ideas for their wedding.
Elizabeth stayed after everyone left the Cafe, asking Rosemary and Lee if they could take Jack home with them for a while. Rosemary had given her friend a concerned look, knowing she wanted to talk to Lucas. Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders, glad of her concern, but it was necessary to speak to Lucas, and there was no time like the present. She would tell Rosemary about it later when she talked to her about the plans she had made.
Elizabeth walked into the Saloon, noticing people scattered around various tables. Approaching Lucas, who stood talking to Gustav, his Chef, she waited until he saw her before asking, "do you have a moment, Lucas?"
"Of course, excuse me, Gustav," he said as he walked with Elizabeth into his office. Once she sat on the loveseat, and he stood, leaning against his desk, he asked, "is everything alright?"
"Everything is fine, Lucas, but I didn't like the way we left things; I feel there was too much left unresolved."
"I agree," he said shortly but didn't elaborate. Lucas admired the fact she had come to him wanting to resolve things between them. It was what he asked of her, but part of him had doubted she would.
"I haven't been fair to you or anyone Lucas. I have been selfish. I wanted to have everything my way without considering those around me. I have hurt many people and have become someone I hardly recognise anymore. Someone I don't like." Tears welled in Elizabeth's eyes, and she could see they moved Lucas. She swiped them away angrily; she refused to cry and be an object of pity to him. "I need to make amends and apologise to everyone, and I have started to do that. I wanted to apologise now...to you."
"What are you apologising for?" Lucas asked curiously. He wanted to understand what she thought she had done to him, what required her to say sorry.
"I am sorry for expecting you to give all of yourself to my son and me when I wouldn't do the same for you." Elizabeth put her head down then, the tears falling too fast for her to stop them. She paused, her throat clogged with emotion.
"I made everything about me, my loss of Jack, my fear of losing another husband, the expectation my grief excused all my bad behaviour," she said once her sobs eased. "I am not the only person to lose a husband." She laughed harshly, "in this town, most women are widows, but I assumed my pain was worse than anyone else's who had lost someone."
Elizabeth stood and started pacing, too agitated to sit. "I chose you, rejecting Nathan and Allie, two people who had shown me nothing but love and kindness. I expected nothing to change and was angry when it did; I took my anger out on Quinn, almost ruining her life."
Lucas listened to Elizabeth, his own emotions bubbling to the surface. He knew he wasn't blameless in the poor treatment of Nathan; he had enjoyed the rivalry between them and rejoiced when he won. Once he had, he found winning wasn't as sweet as imagined. Lucas had watched as Elizabeth pretended nothing had changed between Nathan and her as she tried to remain a part of his and Allie's lives. He had to watch Jack, her son, as he ran to Nathan repeatedly, his adoration evident to everyone. He knew those close to Elizabeth had believed she had chosen poorly, that she should have chosen Nathan. Lucas knew he had won a hollow victory, and his relationship with Elizabeth had little support.
He had held back from Elizabeth, unwilling to trust her feelings for him. He knew she was angry when he didn't include Jack in their time together, but he had no experience with children and didn't want to be rejected by him, to be the second choice behind Nathan.
"I am sorry also, Elizabeth. I pushed you to make a decision you weren't ready to make. That is why I suggested you take some time and think about what you truly want, what will make you happy."
Elizabeth sniffed back her final tears, and when he leaned forward, she took the handkerchief he offered, grateful for it, wiping her face. "I know, and that is why I have decided I am going home to Hamilton." Elizabeth watched the shock register on his face and continued quickly, "It isn't permanent. It's just for a few weeks."
"Is it to avoid Nathan and Quinn's wedding?" he asked, although he wasn't sure he wanted to hear the answer, wasn't sure how he would feel if she said yes. He admitted he had worried about Elizabeth's true feelings for Nathan, and now his engagement coincided with her sudden visit to her family.
"No, it isn't. I intend to be back for it," Elizabeth said firmly. "I am going home because I am ashamed of my behaviour Lucas. I am not the person I used to be, and I need to find out who I am now." She looked at him, her tear-stained face softer for her admissions. "I may not be able to find out in a few weeks, but it will be a start."
"When will you leave?" Lucas realised he didn't want her to go. If Elizabeth were willing to try, he would wait for her to decide she was ready. Despite everything, even with his doubts about her feelings, he loved her and wanted to see if they could have the type of relationship he envied in others.
"I need to make several more apologies," she said with a sad smile, "which I hope won't take too long. Jack and I are booked on the train the day after tomorrow."
"Will you let me take you to the train, and may I contact you while you are in Hamilton?" he asked, tentatively, unsure of her response.
"You would do that?" she asked, astonished, "you want to do that?" Her heart was beating faster at the thought she may not have lost him after all, and she smiled hesitantly.
"Yes." Lucas stepped forward and took her hand, smiling back at her. "Yes, I want to, and I will be waiting for your return."
After dinner, Nathan walked Quinn home, although neither of them was eager for the night to finish. Allie had once again asked to wait at home while Nathan walked Quinn home, catching up on some reading. Although Nathan didn't see it, he was sure she rolled her eyes at him when he made her promise to lock the door until he returned.
Nathan and Quinn walked through the empty streets of Hope Valley, savouring the time spent together, murmuring to each other.
"Thank you again for getting a telephone installed in your home. It was lovely to be able to tell Sam my news tonight." Quinn smiled as she remembered her friend's excitement for her. "I am also glad she agreed to be here for the wedding and agreed to support me on the day."
"How hard are you going to try to talk her into staying?" Nathan asked, knowing Quinn would love it if her friend decided to relocate to Hope Valley.
"Very hard, and I count on you to help me," Quinn said, nudging him with her hip. "Although my job should be easy, Hope Valley was easy to fall in love with."
"Just Hope Valley?" Nathan questioned her, laughing as she rolled her eyes at him. He wondered what it would be like to be outnumbered by the women living in his home, both of whom felt comfortable teasing him.
As they reached the kitchen door of the Cafe, Quinn turned and held out both hands for Nathan to take. "Thank you for walking me home, Nathan, even though I teased you about it earlier."
"Even if I only got to walk you around the block or across the street, I promise to walk you home," Nathan said. Leaning forward, kissing her cheek, he whispered, "I intend to spend every second I can with you for the rest of my life."
"I agree; we shouldn't waste one moment." Quinn smiled at his words, pleased that this shy man could open up to her and tell her his feelings. She grinned, remembering the first night he walked her home; it had been just across the street. Quinn turned her face toward him, resting her cheek against his. Quinn felt him release her hands, his arms sliding around her waist, holding her close to him.
"You are going to keep your head, aren't you, Mr Grant?" she asked cheekily.
"Probably not," Nathan admitted honestly as his lips trailed from her cheek to her ear.
They laughed together at his honest response, "It sounds as though I have to be the sensible one then," Quinn said. Unfortunately, for their self-control, her words didn't match her actions, and she slid her arms up his chest and around his neck. Turning her face, she captured his lips with hers, her kiss soft but firm.
Nathan's response to her kiss was instantaneous. He held Quinn tighter, his arms holding her in place while his mouth covered hers in a passionate kiss.
Reluctantly, they pulled away at the same time. "See, that wasn't too bad; we both managed to keep our heads," Quinn said breathlessly.
"You might have," Nathan said, chuckling and shaking his head. His arms, still around her, tightened before he reached up and cupped her face in his hands.
"I need to get home to Allie, but before I go, I want to say, "I love you, Quinn Standing. Thank you for saying yes to being my wife and making me the happiest man alive. I cannot wait until I can carry you over the threshold of our home." Nathan kissed her softly, sealing his commitment.
"Thank you for allowing me to become part of your and Allie's family. Having lost one, I know how precious being a part of a family is." Quinn laid her head against Nathan's chest, wanting to listen to his heartbeat, for that to be the sound she took with her into her dreams.
Lucas walked out onto the balcony of the Saloon, drinking his final cup of tea before retiring for the night. He saw Nathan and Quinn standing together, her head on his chest. Smiling, he turned away, walking back inside, giving them privacy. One day, he would find what they had and hoped it would be with Elizabeth. Time would tell, he thought, and he hoped she could find what she needed in Hamilton and return, soon to Hope Valley and to him.