The First Date Part II
A/N: I seem to be having problems with scene break formatting over here. I'm sorry for the inconvenience this might cause!
Allie was pacing back and forth nervously. Where was he? It had been ages! What could be taking so long? Scout looked at her as if she'd gone crazy. Heaving a sigh of frustration, Allie dropped to the floor in an unladylike fashion. She inattentively petted the quirky shaggy dog.
As soon as she heard the door squeak open, she was back up on her feet in record time. "Dad, how did it go? Are you going out with Mrs. Thornton tonight? I've been desperately waiting for you to return!"
Dealing with a rambunctious teenager was an adventure all its own, Nathan couldn't help but think. He grinned, walked over to his daughter, and enveloped her in a big hug. Allie's nervous energy subsided somewhat, but it only lasted three seconds before she became a livewire again.
"You haven't answered any of my questions, Dad!" She exclaimed as she untangled herself from her father's long arms.
"It went well. Yes, we're having our first official date tonight. And yes, you can help me plan it."
Allie's eyes shone brightly. She was elated to say the least.
"I already talked to Minnie and reserved the café for the two of us tonight," he added.
"That's brilliant! Did you discuss the food?" Allie asked, interested in all the details.
"I wholly trust Minnie and her cooking abilities. But I did mention I wanted a special dessert." Nathan said, whilst shrugging off his serge and making himself comfortable.
"That sounds great! Have you considered what you're going to wear? I think you look amazing in blue."
"You do?" Nathan asked, his expression blank. He never really thought much about his looks, although he wanted to look his best for Elizabeth tonight.
Allie gave him her best teenage smirk and side-eye. "You do realize I have the best-looking dad in the entire town?"
"Is that so?" He wondered if Elizabeth saw him that way.
"You're off in neverland again." Allie noticed the moment Nathan's eyes got that faraway look. "We need to focus!"
"Right…" he said, shaking off his thoughts and concentrating on his daughter.
"You must give her flowers."
"Taken care of, kiddo. Already placed a rush order for a bouquet of pink roses. I will pick them up from Mr. Yost before heading over to Elizabeth's. Do I have your approval?" he asked, attempting to control his amusement over his daughter's efforts to take over his date.
"Oohhh… yes! Pink roses suit Mrs. Thornton," Allie said dreamily, but immediately snapped back to a business-like tone. "You also must compliment her on her appearance when you give her the flowers."
Suppressing a smirk, Nathan murmured, "Of course." He had been waiting for Elizabeth for so long he wasn't going to waste any more time. He fully intended to lavish her with all the compliments and endearments he'd held at bay for so long.
"Will you let me decorate the café? I could talk to Mrs. Coulter. She always has amazing ideas. And maybe Angela can help me pick out the music?"
"Sure Allie, go ahead," he knew that trying to thwart any of her efforts would be unfruitful. Plus, it made him happy to see his daughter so delighted. "I meant to ask, can you babysit little Jack tonight? I told Elizabeth I would pick her up by seven. Maybe you can be there a few minutes before?"
"Of course! I would love to see you both off on your date!"
"Try to keep a lid on the exuberance, Allie… or maybe just reign it in a bit in front of Elizabeth?" He worried his daughter's overzealousness might make her skittish.
"Totally understood, Dad! Don't worry, I'll keep it all inside as much as I can. I'm gonna go see Angela and Mrs. Coulter. See you later!" Allie cried out behind her as she ran out the door, leaving her father with a doting smile on his face. It always amazed him how much he loved that sprite of a girl.
There simply was no time to waste. Allie needed to rally the troops so her father and Mrs. Thornton could have the most beautiful first date in the history of first dates ever.
"Mrs. Canfield!" Allie cried out.
"Mom!" Angela followed suit.
A startled Minnie looked up from where she was mixing dough for her infamous pies. Faith, Fiona, and Mei, who had been sharing a pot of tea and nibbling on Joseph's gooey butter cake, wondered what the hubbub was all about.
"What is this commotion? What's going on?" Minnie asked in her usual serene voice.
"My dad and Mrs. Thornton have a dinner date tonight!"
"Yes, Nathan stopped by and reserved the café for their exclusive use," Minnie replied.
Fiona, Mei, and Faith looked at each other, their eyes widening in interest.
Allie continued talking in a rush. "I thought maybe Angela could help me with the music, and Mrs. Coulter and I wanted to decorate the café for them this evening. Of course, as long as we have your approval, Mrs. Canfield."
Minnie agreed, and a euphoric Allie rushed off to gather wildflowers, taking Angela with her.
Meanwhile, Fiona gushed. "Nathan and Elizabethgot together?!"
"Finally!" Mei and Faith exclaimed in unison.
The ladies shared knowing glances. After Faith broke off things with Nathan, she had a heart-to-heart with Fiona and Mei. She was so pleased she and Nathan were friends again. Things just hadn't felt right between them, and it was obvious he never fully let go of Elizabeth. At least it had been obvious to Faith back then, if not to Nathan.
Mei shared while she had been ignorant of Nathan's past when she initially got to know him, she always felt a sense that something held him back. She learned in due time it was someone instead of something! Like Faith, Mei wanted Nathan to find his heart's desire. The trio agreed he was such an upstanding, noble, selfless and steadfast man, they wished him and Elizabeth, whom they loved dearly, all the happiness in the world.
Faith broke off the momentary silence that had taken over the trio. "Who made the first move?" She asked, intrigued.
"I have no idea, but didn't you see them last night at the ball? The dance they shared was not for the faint of heart." Fiona mentioned.
"I was only paying attention to Mike," Mei said, smiling dreamily.
"Ladies!" Rosemary interrupted, making her grand entrance. "We need to figure this out. Allie wants perfection, and with me helping out, that's how it's going to be!" Approaching Minnie she asked, "Did Nathan discuss the menu with you?"
Minnie hid her smile. She would never get used to Rosemary's exuberant ways. "He said he trusted my judgement and cooking skills, but he wanted a special dessert," she replied placidly as she fluted dough over the edge of the pie tins.
"Well…Thank goodness I'm here! Allie recruited me!" While Minnie continued to work, they pondered over menu choices, ultimately agreeing on "refined comfort food". Most importantly, according to Rosemary, was dessert should be the ultimate sensory experience and it absolutely must be shareable. There was nothing more romantic than one dessert served with two spoons!
She then started directing Fiona, Mei, and Faith into the creation of a candle map for proper mood lighting. When Lee came in looking for his wife, the bewildered trio scurried out of the café and headed in the direction of the haven that was Fiona's salon,
"You're stuck with the candle map Lee! I need to find Allie and Angela and start working on the flower arrangements! I will be back to check on this, so don't dally. I expect your best work."
When Mike came in looking for Mei, he found himself swept up in the maelstrom that was Rosemary Coulter, and he was immediately roped in to help Lee. His look of dismay might have been comical to any passerby, but like everyone in town, he was fond of Elizabeth and Nathan, and ended up doing his part. Lord knew he would need the help when he proposed to Mei!
As Nathan reached up to knock, Elizabeth opened the door. Initially startled, and immediately dumbstruck, he couldn't articulate a single word. He had seen Elizabeth dolled up countless times, but it had never been for him, nor had he the privilege of seeing her first. Pastels were her colors, but he favored the light blues, creamy whites, and pale pinks on her. He didn't know much about women's fashions… was that a ruffle, or was it lace?... The delicate white blouse she wore, along with the blue skirt that accented her waist made her look absolutely stunning.
Finally finding his voice he uttered, "You're beautiful," forgetting to give her the bouquet of roses he was carrying. For a few seconds they stared at each other. Elizabeth was having a hard time hiding the fact her pulse was racing as Nathan fixed his quiet yet smoldering gaze on her.
"Goodness gracious, Dad. Why are you still holding the flowers? Didn't we talk about how you're supposed to hand them to her after complimenting Mrs. Thornton on her appearance?" Allie said, interrupting the moment.
Elizabeth had to avert her eyes to smother her need to burst out laughing. After all the awkwardness they were finally here! It was their first date, and she wouldn't change this moment for anything. After composing herself, she graciously accepted the bouquet, which she practically had to rip from his grasp. Could he be that nervous? She wondered. After putting the flowers in a vase, she said, "Little Jack wants to play hide-and-seek, Allie, so be mindful of his favorite hiding places," Elizabeth chuckled, remembering the first day the sprightly girl had babysat her son.
"I will never forget that day! Now, run along you two, and don't hurry back!" Allie ordered as she closed the door behind her.
Nathan smiled, shaking his head, wondering if there would be a time when he wouldn't feel slightly overwhelmed by Allie's enthusiasm. The only thing he knew was he couldn't resist it, and his life was better because of that. He was about to say something when Elizabeth spoke.
"You look quite handsome, Nathan," she said softly, her words barely a whisper.
"You think I'm handsome?" he asked, not quite believing his ears.
"Of course. Even more so today. You are impressive in your Mountie uniform, but you clean up quite nicely when you wear a tie." Elizabeth's eyes shone like sapphires. "And would you look at us… we match!"
It was true. They did match, Nathan noticed. His light gray pants and vest, along with his best blue dress shirt, complemented Elizabeth's clothing.
Nathan lifted his hand, and very gently cupped Elizabeth's face. He could get used to caressing her cheek. The feel of her tender skin under his callused thumb gave him an inexplicable pleasure he couldn't put into words. Elizabeth gingerly met his eyes and within a second, she was lost. She was lost in the sensation of his hand against her cheek. She fell, and she fell hard, when she not only saw his heart, but his pure essence in the depths of his soulful blue eyes.
Meanwhile, Allie couldn't suppress the urge to look out the window. Had they finally left? Were they still there? They were! Her heart leapt as she witnessed the beautiful picture her father and her favorite teacher made. She knew it. She had known forever. They were meant to be! That's why her dad had been alone for so long. He had never gotten over Mrs. Thornton. Allie sighed happily, but immediately scowled. They needed to stop mooning over each other and get themselves to the café!
Allie rapped on the window, trying to get her father's attention. At Nathan's disoriented look, she gestured they needed to go. When Elizabeth looked back and noticed Allie's gesticulations, she promptly looked at Nathan and immediately burst out laughing. Following the spunky teenager's instructions, they started walking towards town, unable to control their laughter as they did so.
The evening was clear, and the weather was perfect. It was natural that the citizens of Hope Valley would take at least a moment outside to enjoy some conversation and camaraderie with friends and neighbors. Those who didn't know, finally found out their revered Mountie and adored teacher appeared to be together. While a few might have raised an eyebrow regarding this too sudden coupling after a broken engagement, those loyal to Elizabeth and Nathan defended and protected them with admonishing wordless looks.
However, they were oblivious to what was going on around them. It was just as well, since neither one wanted to burst the blissful bubble they found themselves in.
When they walked into the café, the amazement coloring their facial expressions was a work of art. "Oh my goodness, this is too beautiful for words! Did you do this?" Elizabeth asked.
"This must be Allie's contribution to the evening," Nathan smiled endearingly.
"It's as if fairies took over the space and spread their magic." Elizabeth was charmed by the table set-up, the bouquets of wildflowers, and the strategically placed candles. The café almost looked like an enchanted meadow by candlelight.
Elizabeth recognized the piano concerto playing on the victrola. She grinned. Whoever chose the music did an exemplary job with the Chopin record. As she walked toward the table set for two, she noticed a folded piece of paper.
"What's this?" Elizabeth asked.
"Your guess is as good as mine," Nathan said, looking over her shoulder as Elizabeth unfolded the beautiful piece of stationery. He immediately recognized Allie's careful penmanship.
Dearest Dad & Mrs. Thornton,
I hope you have a wonderful time tonight. Here's a small gift from me to the two of you.
The past brings the present forth,
To a future where my heart's forged a lyrical bond,
With no cracks like a porcelain vase.
As flowers bloom by the light of the shimmering moon, *
So does my soul along with you.
With love, Allie
Elizabeth was having a hard time holding back the tears that burned the back of her throat. Everything that she was feeling was reflected on her face. It was a magnificent mix of emotions where love and gratitude reigned supreme.
His heart swelling with pride, Nathan was the first to get his bearings. "I never knew Allie could write like this. This is your influence on her, 'Lizbeth."
"I'm merely a guide. This is all her, and it's positively sublime," Elizabeth murmured. "All of this… the flowers, the music, the poem… I think she's forgiven me."
"Knowing my daughter, she forgave you a long time ago. The simple truth, 'Lizbeth, is that she loves you."
"And I love her." It was inevitable, her voice was shaky. The acute depth of feeling within her threatened to wreak havoc, but she wouldn't change how she felt for anything. Looking at Nathan didn't help matters, the whirl of emotions whipping a frenzy around her heart.
"Why don't we sit and have something to drink? I think we both need to decompress. Allie has certainly made this evening very emotional," Nathan suggested and Elizabeth, after exhaling softly, agreed.
There was a bottle of red wine on the table that had been uncorked and left to breathe. Nathan poured the ruby colored liquid into crystal goblets and handed one to Elizabeth.
"Thank you, 'Lizbeth." Nathan said, lightly clinking his wine glass against hers.
"Whatever for?"
"For taking a chance on us. For loving me and Allie. For being you," he said, his eyes never leaving hers.
"I could say the same, Nathan. Thank you… for forgiving me. For loving me and protecting me and little Jack. For being you."
The words hung heavy, but light at the same time. So much more needed to be said, to be shared. Nathan reached out and took Elizabeth's hand in his own, lightly brushing his lips against her knuckles. He immediately noticed her breath caught over his gentlemanly affectation, and a slow smile of pure masculine appreciation spread over his face. "Why don't we continue this conversation after dinner? I'm starving,"
Elizabeth agreed, admitting she was starving as well. Minnie had outdone herself with the offerings. There was a roast that was as tender as it was flavorful. The potatoes were savory, creamy, and downright perfect. There was a side dish of roasted vegetables with crispy asparagus spears and caramelized carrots. Minnie had also made the most scrumptious buttery rolls this side of heaven. They were so tender and billowy when broken into, it was difficult to suppress the sighs of satisfaction.
"This is almost as good as the muffins you make, 'Lizbeth."
"I doubt it… these rolls are in a class of their own," Elizabeth chuckled, remembering when Nathan had wrangled a couple of muffins from a batch she'd baked after baby Goldie's birth.
"You do owe me some banana bread."
Elizabeth blinked. "I do?"
"Yes. Didn't you keep one of the tins that day Bill and I were gathering supplies for the cabin?"
"That's correct, and you said if I baked banana bread you knew someone who might take it off my hands."
"I meant me, of course."
"Right," she said with a laugh.
"I'm sure you didn't know I have somewhat of a sweet tooth."
Elizabeth's eyes shone bright. "You don't say? I seem to remember a handsome fellow snacking on my son's cookies a sunny morning not too long ago."
"That too might have been me."
"Might have been… sure, whatever you say, Constable Grant." Elizabeth was barely able to suppress her mirth, enjoying their flirtatious banter. "Well, it seems like today is your lucky day."
"It is?" Nathan asked, very interested indeed.
"Yes, since I couldn't sleep after last night's ball and the subsequent happenstances, I was up baking at the crack of dawn."
"Please tell me it was muffins and banana bread."
"Corn muffins and banana bread, with walnuts."
"Be still my heart." The devastating smile that lit up his face made Elizabeth's heart flip.
Nathan was fully enjoying the lighthearted repartee, but all the talk of sweets had him thinking about dessert. He was not disappointed. The apple pie was warm, and Minnie had prepared a vanilla laced cream to spoon over the top of it.
Elizabeth had an idea about Nathan's sweet tooth, but now in the open she found it completely adorable. Also, his idea of sharing the dessert was incredibly romantic, and she immediately told him so.
Nathan was over the moon with the delectable taste of the flaky crust and tender apples. Also, the combination of the toasty earthiness of cinnamon and the cool cream topping was an unbeatable feast for the senses. However, he was more excited over the fact they were getting along so splendidly, and their date was turning out to be the romantic interlude he had envisioned. That they were able to laugh together as well was the proverbial icing on the cake.
Nathan leaned back in his chair. He had never felt happier and already wanted to plan for the next day. "What do you want to do tomorrow with Allie and little Jack?"
"Could we go to church and then maybe horseback riding? We could stop along the way, let the children play, and I can bring those muffins and banana bread that you like so much," Elizabeth suggested.
"That sounds perfect," Nathan replied, his heart swelling over the image she created with her proposed outing. It was the perfect Sunday to spend as a family and he fervently hoped she could finally see the four of them together that way.
Elizabeth grew pensive for a couple of seconds. Nathan wondered what was behind her sudden faraway expression.
"It's lovely outside. Would you like to go for a walk?" Elizabeth asked, as she stood up from her chair.
"Of course," he responded, taking her hand, and lacing his fingers with hers. Her hand felt small and dainty within his grasp, but she held on firmly, showing the strength behind her delicate features. Elizabeth glanced fleetingly at their joined hands, and felt her chest hammering in a slow, but steadily rising beat. You could learn so much about a person just by their hands… She felt Nathan's warmth and reassuring strength. She felt protected, loved… and dare she even think it? Did she actually feel safe with him? Had it just been a question of owning up to her feelings, and everything was falling seamlessly into place?
"I would love to stroll by the pond, but we will have to wait until daylight. Long way to the rowhouses again?" he asked with a grin on his face, effectively interrupting her mind's meanderings.
"Yes," was Elizabeth's breathless reply, and all she could manage at the moment.
They left the café and walked for a few minutes in comfortable silence. As they reached the clearing by the school premises, Elizabeth took a deep breath and said, "I've been meaning to tell you something."
She fixed her gaze on his and realized he was encouraging her wordlessly to continue.
"I just needed to say… well, I feel like I have to share…" Elizabeth's words trailed off.
Nathan had never witnessed her at a loss for words before. Was it the situation? Was it him? Taking a chance, he stepped closer to her, and lifted her chin with his forefinger.
"I hope you know you can share whatever you feel with me. I'm here for you," he said.
In a rush Elizabeth's words spilled forth. "My heart had been telling me for a while it was always you."
Taking a second to measure his reply, Nathan said gently, "Maybe one day you can share with me how your change of heart happened."
"I don't know if the conversation is in the tenor of this evening…" her voice trailed off.
"If you're ready to talk about it, I'm ready to listen," he replied, looking at her intently.
After a pregnant pause, she said with conviction, "I'm ready, Nathan."
A/N: I hope I've done justice with the couple of lines I added to Allie's poem. The lines in bold are the actual lines from the poem Allie recites to Angela during the camping trip on S10.