The next morning, Elizabeth woke early. She slipped quietly from Nathan's arms and headed to the kitchen. The ordeal last night still plagued her, but the unconditional love from her husband warmed her heart. She knew most men wouldn't be nearly as understanding as he was. As she prepared muffins for breakfast, she silently prayed, asking for the strength to overcome her fears and asking for Nathan to be blessed for his patience and love.

She finished mixing the ingredients for cranberry orange muffins, then slid them into the oven. A pair of strong, warm arms encircled her from behind. She smiled, smelling Nathan's familiar scent. Leaning into him, she glanced up over her shoulder. "Good morning."

He kissed her cheek. "Good morning. Were those muffins I saw?"

She nodded. "They were. I thought a Sunday treat would be nice."

"Mmm." He rested his head against hers. "You won't get any argument from me."

They stood together for several minutes, just enjoying each other's company. Elizabeth felt protected in his arms, but she also knew he intended to help her past her triggers today. She shuddered slightly at the thought.

He felt her body shake. Slowly, he turned her around. "What is it?"

She pressed her lips together. "I was just thinking about the fact that there is something we need to do today, and I'm afraid to do it."

Nathan ran a hand through her hair. "I know you're scared," he said, his eyes full of understanding. "But maybe if we face this together, you'll come through sooner rather than later."

"I hope so," she replied, her voice shaking. "When do you want to work on these triggers?"

"What would you prefer?" Nathan asked, giving her the choice. "Maybe we can pick a time to be consistent each day, so you can get used to it."

"I think morning would be best," Elizabeth said after thinking for a moment. "That will get it out of the way each day, so it won't be hanging over my head." She steeled herself. "In fact, I think we should do it right now."

Nathan searched her eyes, his hands coming to rest on her shoulders. "Are you sure?"

She nodded.

Her husband's eyes softened. "Why don't we start with your hips?" he suggested. "I'll massage my way to them. Maybe that will help a little bit, if something that feels good comes before the part that scares you. Then we'll work on your neck."

Elizabeth nodded, though her heart began pounding heavily. "I trust you," she whispered, wrapping her arms around his waist.

Nathan began working slow circles on her shoulders. Though her nerves were high, Elizabeth had to admit the massage felt heavenly on her tired body. She relaxed, resting against Nathan's chest as his hands slid to her upper back, soothing the muscles there. He made his way ever lower, until finally his palms cradled her hips as his fingers continued to massage her back.

Elizabeth automatically tensed at the touch. She clenched her eyes shut, fisting Nathan's shirt in her hands.

"Breathe, Elizabeth," Nathan whispered. One of his hands left her hip and reached up to press firmly against her back, pulling her closer to him. "You're safe, my love. I promise."

She hadn't realized she was holding her breath. Letting out an exhale, she gulped in a breath and held it before releasing it once more. At Nathan's gentle encouragement, she continued to inhale and exhale until finally her body was able to relax slightly. Her head never lifted from Nathan's chest. It was strange feeling both comforted and anxious in his arms.

His second hand moved back to her hip. This time, he gently caressed them both, his hands moving in slow circles. Elizabeth closed her eyes again, fighting her reaction. Her panic threatened to take hold, but she also knew that Nathan's touch felt good. The dichotomy made no sense to her. She burrowed into him, beginning to shake. Thankfully, no memories flashed before her eyes. This time, her body was simply reacting to a touch that was gentle and loving by her husband, but had been cruel and pain-filled months ago by another man.

After what felt like several long, excruciating minutes, Nathan's hands slid to her back again. Elizabeth gave an involuntary sigh of relief, the anxiety instantly vanishing. Nathan didn't say anything, just rubbed her back and held her close. When they finally did pull back slightly, Elizabeth remembered that they weren't finished. She bit her lip, wondering what her reaction would be to Nathan's kiss with the knowledge that it was coming.

He reached up, cradling her cheeks in his hands. As she stared into his eyes, all she could see was his love and his determination to help her overcome her pain and trauma. Her heart hammered in her chest, and for the thousandth time, she offered a prayer of the heart straight to heaven, thanking God for the gift Nathan was to her.

One of her husband's hands gently slid the hair back from her face while the other came to rest on her waist. "Are you ready?" he asked quietly, his fingers brushing her neck.

She swallowed hard, bobbing her head nervously. "As ready as I can be." Her voice was breathy and tight, but she knew this was an important part of her healing. She knew a little bit about psychology, and she knew that exposure to something scary or unpleasant over time had the power to make that something less fear-inducing.

Slowly, Nathan dipped his head. Elizabeth felt her throat tighten even before his lips softly brushed her neck. She couldn't stop the whimper that escaped, but she didn't try to pull away. Nathan reached up to cup her cheek once more, this time depositing a kiss on her free cheek. "I love you," he murmured. "You're safe, Elizabeth."

His words calmed her slightly, but the next press of his lips to her neck felt like the tip of the knife. She cried out. Nathan immediately stopped and gathered her fully into his arms. Shaking hard, Elizabeth clung to him, tears stinging her eyes. He rubbed soothing circles on her back again, his touch calming her as the minutes wore on.

"I think that's enough for now," he said. He pulled back, smiling at her. "You did good, Elizabeth."

She let out a surprised laugh. "Good? I was reduced to trembling and fear, Nathan. I don't think…"

He placed a finger over her lips, stopping her words. "You faced your fear, my love," he said, the tenderness in his voice taking her breath away. "You faced your fear, and you began chipping away at its strength." He smiled. "I'd say that is good."

Elizabeth smiled, secure in his arms. "I guess you're right."

The baby moved between them. Nathan reached down, cupping her bump in his hands. "I've been thinking," he said slowly. "Maybe it's time we announce your pregnancy. You can tell your students, and from there the word will spread."

Elizabeth looked up at him. "I think you're right," she said quietly. "It's time. I'll tell them tomorrow."

Nathan's hands gently caressed her stomach where their unborn child rested. "Are you ready to face the gossiping biddies?"

She laughed at his description. "I suppose so. We've already been subject to talk and stares. Might as well let people know the truth." She framed his face in her hands. "As long as you are by my side, I don't care what others think. We know the truth, and that's what matters."

Nathan gave her a gentle kiss. She could feel his restrained passion, and though she longed to unleash it, she knew he was being prudent, protecting both of their hearts. He broke the kiss, and then the two of them set about preparing a simple breakfast to go with the muffins.

After eating, they got ready for church. They met Allie and Jack there with the Coulters, as well as her father and Julie. During the service, Elizabeth saw people glancing her way. She had deliberately chosen an outfit that revealed her baby bump. She was done hiding. Whispers abounded throughout the sermon. The hairs on the back of Elizabeth's neck stood up, but she kept her eyes fixed on Joseph as he delivered his Sunday message. She saw his eyes sweep the church, and she knew he saw the whispers.

When the service ended, Elizabeth and Nathan greeted Joseph together at the door. His eyes were blazing with a righteous fire. "It's beginning," he murmured, giving them a knowing look. "I already have my sermon for next week picked out. We're going to be having that little chat about judging others."

Elizabeth smiled, giving him a hug. "Thank you for your support, Joseph," she whispered. "We appreciate it."

He hugged her back, his hold telling her he wanted to shield her from the coming judgement. "Keep your eyes on God," he said once he pulled back, encompassing her and Nathan in his gaze. "He knows the truth. His opinion is the one that matters, while the opinions of imperfect people do not."

Nathan shook Joseph's hand. "Thank you, my friend. Why don't you, Minnie, and the children come for dinner this week? We would love to have you."

Joseph grinned. "We would be delighted. Just let us know the day."

They said their goodbyes, then the couple joined William, Julie, and the children in the yard. Allie launched herself toward her parents, her eyes shining with excitement.

"Grandpa said he wants to take us on a day trip!" she exclaimed. "Can we go? Please?"

Elizabeth looked at her father. He was holding Jack on his hip and smiling. "I thought the six of us could go to Union City," he said. "It's a relatively short drive by car, and it would provide some fun while allowing me a chance to spoil my grandchildren. What do you think?"

Elizabeth and Nathan looked at each other, a silent communication passing between them. She smiled at her father. "I think that sounds perfect."

It would be a blessed distraction. A place where no one knew them or their circumstances. A chance to walk through the streets without whispers or judgement. A place where people would simply assume they were a typical family on a Sunday outing.

It sounded heavenly.

Elizabeth studied the items in the store. It had been so long since she was in a shop this size. Though Union City was nothing compared to Hamilton, there was a large selection of gifts and items that were beautifully handcrafted.

Her father and Julie had taken Allie and Jack to an ice cream parlor, leaving Nathan and Elizabeth time to themselves. They were in a woodshop, one with beautiful carvings, trinkets, and mementos. Nathan was on the other side of the shop, looking at carving tools. Elizabeth was examining some plaques. The craftsmanship was good, but nothing compared to Nathan's. She knew he could sell his work one day if he so chose.

A row of small plaques caught her eye. Bending down, she saw that names were written in large cursive letters, with the name meaning carved beneath it in smaller letters. They were lovely. Elizabeth smiled. She hadn't bought anything yet, but she had a sudden desire to find a plaque with the name meaning for each person in their family. They could easily make a little family tree in their living room with the names.

She found Allie's first, but it was the full version of her name. Allison meant noble and kind. Elizabeth smiled, thinking how appropriate that was for her daughter. It fit her perfectly. Not far from Allie's name was her own. Consecrated to God. She'd long known the meaning of her name, and she sent up a silent prayer, thanking God for the gift of His love.

She quickly realized the names were in alphabetical order. Jack's came next, and another smile tugged at her lips. His name meant "God is gracious". It felt appropriate as well. He was her reminder of her first husband, a gracious gift from the Lord of that love she had shared with him. She would always be thankful for that.

When she came to Nathan's name, she had to pause before placing the plaque in the basket. She traced the letters, awed at his name's meaning

Gift of God.

How many times had she thought of him as exactly that? Through all her pain and suffering, Nathan was the gift she hadn't known she needed. Now she didn't think she could live without him.

As if summoned by her thoughts, Nathan materialized at her side. "Find something you like?"

She nodded, showing him the plaque. "I think these would look great in our living room." She grinned at him. "I particularly like your name. Did you know it means gift of God?"

Nathan laughed. "I do. I used to think Nathan was such a boring name. I wanted something exciting and noble like Alexander or Cornelius or even Constantine."

Chuckling, Elizabeth shook her head. "Your name is perfect." She placed a hand on Nathan's cheek. "As is the meaning. You are my gift from God."

He blushed. Elizabeth smiled, the sight more endearing than she would have thought.

They were interrupted by a sales clerk. "Are you finding everything you need?"

Elizabeth turned her attention from her blushing husband. "We are, thank you. We found name plaques for everyone in our family."

"Wonderful," the young woman said. Her eyes took in Elizabeth's rounded belly. "Oh, you're expecting!" she exclaimed. "How exciting. When is the baby coming?"

Elizabeth rested her hand on her stomach. "We're due in three months." She felt Nathan's arm around her, sensed his pride in his family.

The clerk smiled. "A baby is a wonderful blessing. Do you have a name picked out?"

"Not yet," Elizabeth admitted. "We do believe this baby is a girl, though."

The clerk's eyes lit up. "We had some new name plaques come in this morning," she said. "There was a unique name that I haven't put out yet. Maybe you would like to be the first to see it?"

"Certainly," Elizabeth said politely. She wasn't sure about unique names, but it couldn't hurt to look. The clerk hurried away, and Elizabeth looked at Nathan. "I'm surprised we haven't talked about baby names yet," she commented.

Nathan was suddenly very interested in the names in front of them. Elizabeth tilted her head, studying his reaction. "Nathan?"

He cleared his throat, the sound nervous. Elizabeth frowned. "What's wrong, sweetheart?"

"Nothing," he said. The word came out too quickly. Elizabeth raised a brow at him and placed a hand on her hip.

"Nothing?" she repeated. Her tone made it clear she didn't believe him.

He fiddled with a trinket before meeting her eyes. "I have a suggestion, but I wasn't sure if it was my place." His voice sounded hesitant.

Elizabeth placed a hand on his arm. "Nathan, you're my husband. I love you. I want to hear what you have to say."

He faced her fully, taking her hands in his. "I admit I haven't thought about a first name for the baby," he began. "But I have given some thought to her middle name." He took a breath, the vulnerability in his eyes obvious. "What would you think if we gave her my sister's name?"

Elizabeth's lips parted in surprise. She stared at Nathan as tears welled in her eyes. "Really?" she asked, her voice choked.

Nathan misread her emotion. "You don't like the idea," he said, biting his lip. "That's fine. We can…"

She placed a hand over his lips. "I love the idea, Nathan. It touches my heart that you would be willing to give this baby your sister's name. But are you sure? What if we have another daughter someday, one that is Colleen's flesh-and-blood niece? Wouldn't you want her to have Colleen's name?"

Nathan smiled, squeezing her hand. "Your baby is mine, Elizabeth," he said softly. "In every way that matters, she is as much my daughter as she is yours. So yes, I want her to have Colleen's name."

Overwhelmed with love and gratitude, Elizabeth embraced Nathan, heedless of the other customers in the store. "You are a good man, Nathan Grant."

The clerk chose that moment to return. Elizabeth reluctantly pulled back, though she was happy to feel Nathan's arm resting around her shoulders. The clerk had a plaque matching the others in Elizabeth's basket, which was still sitting on the counter.

"Here it is," she announced, handing the plaque to Elizabeth. Nathan peered at it over her shoulder.

Elizabeth caught her breath. The name itself was pretty, but the name meaning struck her as providential. She smiled up at Nathan. His eyes were wide, telling her he caught the significance immediately.

Aurora. Latin for dawn.

"Aurora," Elizabeth said softly. "It's a lovely name."

"Indeed it is," Nathan agreed, a smile lighting his eyes. "Our promise of a new dawn." The Emerson quote had taken on a special meaning for them both. Now it would be applied to their daughter as well.

The clerk, oblivious to the significance of the moment for the couple before her, beamed. "Shall I ring it up with the others?"

Elizabeth and Nathan nodded. His hand slid to her stomach as the clerk headed to the checkout counter. "Our little girl has a name."

"Aurora Colleen Grant." Elizabeth smiled and leaned her head against her husband.

She couldn't think of a more perfect name.