The First Date Part IV
Elizabeth woke up Sunday morning with such a bright smile on her face it would've put the sun to shame. The whole evening had been nothing short of perfection. She blissfully stretched out in her bed, thinking as far as first dates went, this one with Nathan had been breathtakingly marvelous.
Bits and pieces of their date flickered through Elizabeth's mind like a motion picture. Her noble Mountie, looking so handsome in blue, holding on to the flowers he'd brought her while standing speechless at her doorstep. Her wonder at how beautifully the café was decorated and how emotional she'd gotten over Allie's poem. How they'd flirted over his penchant for sweets… and those romantic, indubitably exciting, heart-stopping, earth-shattering kisses.
Those kisses.
Elizabeth felt an unmistakable warmth flush her cheeks as she recollected those tender and reverent, yet undeniably passionate kisses they shared. Kissing Nathan felt so…so different, but so unequivocally right. She felt…treasured. It was as if he'd waited a lifetime to hold her in his arms and treated her accordingly. Elizabeth knew comparisons were not fair to any of the men who'd been in her life, but she couldn't help thinking that nothing had prepared her for this. Her feelings when she was with Nathan were unlike any she'd experienced before. She still couldn't quite understand them. She only knew she wanted to love him, make up for all the hurt she'd caused him, and she couldn't wait for this new day to begin so she could see him again.
Jumping out of bed, Elizabeth threw on a robe and padded downstairs to the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. Little Jack could sleep in for a bit before they had to start getting ready for church. Elizabeth wanted to start the day immediately. Maybe time would fly by faster if she made herself busy straight away! Nathan's plan, or the second part of last night's date, as he liked to call it, involved going to church with their children, and horseback riding afterwards. Elizabeth grinned, thinking how much Little Jack was going to love spending the afternoon with Nathan and Allie.
That unquestionable warmth crept up her neck again, as she wondered when they'd be able to sneak in another kiss. She felt all aflutter at the thought of Nathan leaning in and softly touching her lips with his, intoxicating her with his sweet breath and earthy masculine scent.
She needed to think about something else and quickly, good heavens!
As she boiled water for coffee, Elizabeth decided to think about safer subjects, like the conversation they'd had the night before. Truly, there was freedom on the other side of fear. She felt lighter and completely at ease loving Nathan now that they had both unburdened themselves. Taking a bite of one of the muffins she baked the previous morning, she excitedly wondered what today's sunrise would bring. The prospect of spending the day with their children pleased her in ways she hadn't expected.
A light knock on the door startled Elizabeth. Who could it be this early? Tightening her robe, she walked towards the door and opened it. There stood Allie, smiling timidly.
"Sweetheart, good morning!" Seeing Allie was always a treat. She had a soft spot for the spunky girl. Noticing concern in her eyes, she asked worriedly, "Is everything okay? Did something happen to Nathan?"
A shadow of a smile curved the girl's lips, but it was so fleeting Elizabeth thought she'd imagined it.
"Dad's fine. He rose early and went to his office to take care of some Mountie business before church. He does not know I'm here."
A light frown furrowed Elizabeth's brow. "Is something on your mind? Do you need to talk?"
"Yes… maybe… I just…" It was obvious the girl was distressed about something.
"Allie, you've never been so nervous nor so shy around me."
"No, Mrs. Thornton, but things have changed. Don't get me wrong. I am so happy that you and my dad are finally together."
"I feel like there's a 'but' there."
Allie looked at Elizabeth with weary eyes. She loved her teacher, and this was all she had always wanted, but she had to make sure.
"Mrs. Thornton… you're not going to break my dad's heart again, are you?" Allie blurted. She looked down at her hands, which were fiddling with the skirt of her taupe-colored dress.
"Oh Allie!" Elizabeth's voice broke as she pulled the young girl into a tight hug.
In a small voice, she attempted to control the sobs that threatened to erupt. Then she said, "I don't think I could get over that happening again."
Elizabeth pulled back and cradled her delicate face between her palms. "If you had any idea how much I love your father, and how much I love you…. Allie, I promise you, I treasure your hearts more than you could ever fathom."
"Please know I couldn't be happier for you both, but I needed to know."
"You don't have to explain, my darling girl. I understand completely," Elizabeth's eyes watered. "Allie, I need to ask your forgiveness too."
Wiping her eyes on her sleeve, she replied, "I don't have anything to forgive of you, Mrs. Thornton. Just love my dad the way he deserves to be loved."
"I will," Elizabeth whispered, as she continued to cradle Allie in her arms. In response, the girl circled her arms around her teacher's waist and hugged her fiercely.
As she looked upon her tenderly, she said, "I was thinking, why don't you call me Elizabeth? When we're alone, of course. We'd have to maintain the formality of Mrs. Thornton while at school."
"May I call you Elizabeth when we're with Dad, and Little Jack?" Allie asked with bright eyes.
"Of course." She laid a hand on her cheek and softly rubbed away the trace of a tear.
"Elizabeth… I… I love you so much. I hope maybe one day I can call you mama, like Little Jack does."
Those words filled her with an inexplicable thrill, but she dared not say another word. She dared not hope anything along those lines… at least not yet.
The creak of the front door startled them both. They noticed Nathan standing in the doorway.
"So sorry to barge in, 'Lizbeth, but I noticed the door was slightly open. Since it's early, I wanted to make sure everything was alright."
He looked so darned handsome in his checkered shirt and suspenders, a bit of a breath caught in her throat. Allie noticed and heaved a small sigh tinged with both appreciation and relief.
"Everything's perfect," Elizabeth said, a radiant smile lighting up her face.
There was confusion on Nathan's face as he gazed upon the two loves of his life. They were both teary-eyed and Allie's face was blotchy. The tip of Elizabeth's nose was rosy pink. It was clear they'd both been crying.
Nathan measured his words, whilst he looked at them intently. "Should I be worried?" he asked seriously.
Elizabeth lightly touched Allie's chin in an affectionate gesture. "I just told Allie she could call me Elizabeth, and we got a bit weepy." There was no need to worry him about his daughter's concerns. She couldn't be more certain of her feelings for Nathan this time around.
Nathan looked at the two women, knowing something more was going on. He wasn't going to insist, as he understood when he had to back off. They were both smiling, and Allie was holding on to Elizabeth's waist.
"Want to stay for coffee and maybe a muffin?" She asked.
Nathan tilted his head and smiled that half-smile that turned her knees into mush. "Allie can stay. I'll take the muffin on the road and see you later."
"But…," Elizabeth stood flustered.
"I think you've forgotten, 'Lizbeth, you're still in your nightgown." Nathan drawled out the words, not able to help himself. He grabbed a muffin from the breadbasket on the table and headed out of the door.
My goodness, did he just wink at her? Elizabeth wondered as she turned a furious shade of pink. She leaned back on the kitchen counter for support. The look, the smile, the husky voice, and now the wink… she almost felt her legs buckling under her!
Allie noticed Elizabeth's reaction, and while the nuances of a couple in the throes of their newfound love eluded her, she was savvy enough to know her teacher was indeed in love with her dad. All her concerns and misgivings lifted from her heart.
Both snapped back to reality as the hellion that was Little Jack raced down the stairs.
"Allie, you're here!" The boisterous boy threw himself at his babysitter, almost toppling her over. "Mama, are we going to church with Allie and Mountie Nathan?"
"Yes, we are, my darling."
"And we're going riding afterwards!" Allie added.
"Oh boy! Could we go by the pond?"
Elizabeth chuckled, "I'm sure that can be arranged."
"Can I wear my daddy's hat? So, I can be like Mountie Nathan?"
Allie's eyes widened in surprise over Jack's turn of phrase.
"Will you take good care of it?" she asked her son.
"Yes, mama."
"Well then, you can take it on our outing this afternoon," she said affectionately. Seeing her boy's face light up like that was all Elizabeth needed in life.
After breakfast, during which she rejoiced in Jack and Allie's camaraderie, the plucky girl went back home to get herself ready. They had agreed upon a time to meet and walk over to the church for Sunday services. Elizabeth was a bit nervous as to how everyone would react seeing the four of them together. Nevertheless, she decided not to fret.
Another knock signaled someone at the door. It was turning out to be quite a busy morning! When Elizabeth saw it was Rosemary, she immediately threw herself at her friend and enveloped her in a huge hug.
"Oh, my goodness, what on earth is this for? Although, I'm not complaining!" Rosemary exclaimed in her typically cheery voice.
"I know I've been a pill, a basket case, and a general nuisance for Lord knows how long. Thank you for putting up with me."
The sincerity and genuineness behind Elizabeth's earnest blue eyes made Rosemary smile. Her friend had finally found her center and that was all that mattered. "It's really something when things fall into place, isn't it?" Elizabeth's brilliant smile was all the answer she needed. "I guess I don't have to ask how last night went," she said teasingly.
"I don't know how you've kept yourself in check for five whole minutes. I thought it'd be the first thing you'd ask once you stepped inside!"
"My dear friend, I can tell this is right just by looking at you. You look even happier than you did with-"
Ever since she'd met Rosemary, Elizabeth had never seen her at a loss for words. She clearly knew her friend had meant to say her deceased husband's name.
"Can I share something with you?" Elizabeth asked.
"Anything," Rosemary answered softly.
"I sometimes go visit Jack at his grave. Talking to him from time to time just makes sense to me." She twisted her lips in an awkward smile.
"You don't have to explain yourself, Elizabeth," Rosemary said gently.
Elizabeth took a deep, soothing breath. "I know…but I want to share this with you. The last time I went to see Jack was after Lucas won the governorship. Talking to him it finally dawned on me. We all deserve a great love."
Rosemary responded quietly. "You're right. I know that all Jack would've wanted is for you to be happy."
"It's one thing to know it in your head, and another for your heart and soul to accept it. It's been quite the journey… healing after Jack's death."
"It's completely understandable. It takes time, and like you saw when Goldie was born, grief is sneaky and can come back to haunt you when you least expect it," Rosemary shared, as she remembered grieving her long-dead mother after her daughter was born.
"Do you think that maybe Lucas was meant to be part of this healing process?" Elizabeth asked intrigued, but self-conscious at the same time.
"It could very well be. I understand you might be having a lot of thoughts and maybe regrets about your courtship and engagement to Lucas. I do think you have to keep in mind things happen how they must. We must learn our lessons with every life experience and eventually move on," Rosemary reflected out loud.
Elizabeth pondered her friend's words. After a couple of seconds that seemed to stretch out into infinity, she finally asked, "Could it be that my path to Nathan was through Lucas?"
"Sometimes life has a providential way of working out. Those two arrived in town at the same time, set their intentions for you at the same time. It stands to reason there was a higher power at play because you've been intertwined with Nathan for so long; even when you were engaged to Lucas."
"Was it that obvious?" Elizabeth asked, visibly mortified.
"You always behaved properly, so you don't need to worry. However, there has always been a connection between you and Nathan, even just as friends. That's what it always seemed like to me." Rosemary's words trailed off, as she fell captive to her thoughts. After meditating for a few seconds, she said resolutely, "Remember how we talked about Jack being a glorious season in your life? It might just be that Lucas had to play a part in your life for a reason. You learned to love again Elizabeth. For Lucas, being with you led to his actual calling. I think you both had to be in each other's lives to find your paths. Not all love stories have the ending we expect. I do believe with my entire being, the course you and Lucas walked together leads to a brilliant future for you both."
"I've gone over and over everything in my head and you might be right. However, Rosemary, there's something I still don't dare voice out loud on this whole subject of seasons and reasons." Elizabeth looked upwards, attempting to gather some strength.
"You don't want to let yourself believe that Nathan might be your lifetime." Rosemary bluntly expressed the words that Elizabeth didn't dare think or utter.
"Rosemary," she said in a low voice. "How could I hope for that so fervently all of a sudden?"
"Elizabeth," she said patiently, "It's not. You and Nathan have known each other for over five years. For the better part of three years, you stifled the true calling of your heart."
The two friends looked at each other, both knowing Rosemary had spoken nothing but the truth. Elizabeth let out a shaky breath and stood up from the sofa. She wished they could talk more, but it was getting late.
"I need to get dressed and get Jack ready as well. Nathan and Allie will be here soon." Her demeanor was a bit nervous, but exuded excitement.
Rosemary smiled widely. "Lee and Goldie are already dressed and ready to go. Let me help you with Little Jack. Take the extra time to pamper yourself. You deserve it."
With a cheerful grin and a squeeze of her friend's hand, Elizabeth dashed off to bathe and dress. She had no doubt it was going to be another special day.
As per usual, the church was packed for Pastor Joseph's Sunday service. Elizabeth, Nathan, Allie, and Jack arrived with a few minutes to spare along with Lee, Rosemary, and baby Goldie. Seeing them together brought smiles to the congregation. Nathan, Elizabeth, and the kids did make a striking and beautiful family.
"Heck, that makes sense," Bill uttered as he took a seat next to Molly, Florence, and Ned.
"I wonder how we didn't see it before," Molly whispered to Florence.
"Timing is everything… it wasn't their time before," Florence said sagely in a quiet voice. Her words had an impact on Bill, Molly, and Ned. Taking his wife's hand, Ned held it warmly as they settled in. The service was about to begin.
Joseph decided to take inspiration from 1 Corinthians 13:13 for his discourse that day: "Now faith, hope, and love remain — these three things — and the greatest of these is love." He proceeded to explain faith and hope only exist within the realm of love. Without love there is nothing else. He talked about how Hope Valley's congregation was always full of love and acceptance. The reason why they were such an amazing community was because love was their solid foundation. He followed by stating that was the reason why people found their calling in Hope Valley. It's within the space of love, faith, and hope that human beings can truly flourish and find their heart's calling.
After a moment of reflection, the choir, featuring a duet by Mike and Mei, performed an uplifting song for the congregation. Finally, it was time to conclude services and spend a leisurely Sunday with friends and family.
Elizabeth and Nathan declined invitations from several friends to spend the day with the community. Nobody pressured them nor insisted, fully knowing they needed time alone. Even Bill smiled at Nathan in commiseration, laying a supportive hand on his shoulder. He fully respected Nathan as a Mountie and as a man, and all he wanted was for Elizabeth and Little Jack to be happy. He also trusted no one else other than Nathan to take care of them like he did.
After a quick change of clothing and saddling up the horses, Elizabeth, Nathan, Allie, and Jack rode towards the countryside, enjoying the breathtaking scenery of Hope Valley. The young boy had insisted on riding with Nathan. Elizabeth felt a pang in her chest. For once she could clearly see someone taking on the role of her son's father, someone other than Jack senior. Nathan was so good with him. She knew he'd care for and protect her son with his life.
"Mountie Nathan, was my daddy like you?" Little Jack surprised them with his question. Kids do indeed throw unexpected curveballs sometimes. Elizabeth swallowed and her eyes met Nathan's for a quick second.
He quirked his lips into an indulgent smile. "I never met him, Little Jack, but I know he was quite the Mountie. He had a stellar reputation, and he was a hero."
"He was?" Little Jack asked eagerly.
"He was, my darling boy," Elizabeth couldn't help but be part of the conversation.
"Mama, I want to be like my daddy, and Mountie Nathan."
"Jack, you already are, in the best ways," Elizabeth's eyes misted over as they locked with Nathan's. He was visibly overcome by the conversation.
They stopped at a clearing by a small pond. Elizabeth laid a couple of blankets on the grass while Nathan led the horses off to the side so they could pasture and cool down. The kids were already running around playing tag.
"Dad!" Allie cried out. "Come join us. Little Jack's IT!" She excitedly encouraged Nathan to play along with them.
Shooting Elizabeth a quick grin, he gracefully ran off towards the children. They shrieked with glee as he effortlessly grabbed both of them, tumbling all of them to the ground. He let Jack and Allie topple over him, breaking their fall. Always the fearless protector, Elizabeth thought, her insides melting just a little bit. She grinned a breathless smile, taking in the sight of the people she loved the most. Elizabeth realized this moment was very reminiscent of that time at the community garden. Back then she didn't know, but now she did. This was all she had ever wanted: her own blessed family in the little piece of heaven that was Hope Valley.
Nathan, Little Jack, Allie. They all were her great loves. She recognized it in her son and the part of Jack that lived within him. It was in Allie, the lively, spunky, bright sprite of a girl whom she'd instinctively mothered over the years. And it was also present in Nathan, who despite her shortcomings, failings, and flaws, loved her from the moment he'd declared himself years ago. He never gave up on her, even if it meant just having her in his life as a friend. She only hoped to have the chance to prove to him her love could be as steadfast as his.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Nathan plopped down on the blanket next to her, bending one knee and throwing one arm over it.
Would she ever stop blushing? She felt that unquestionable and now familiar warmth creep up from her chest to her face.
"Those must be some good thoughts," Nathan said, chuckling, noticing how her delicate skin turned such a captivating shade of pink.
"I just… I was watching you with Allie and Little Jack…"
Nathan couldn't help but interrupt her. He didn't want to be impetuous nor hasty, but he couldn't keep the words to himself any longer. "'Lizbeth…do you see it? Do you see how it could be?"
"I do see it, Nathan."
He breathed, "I do love you so, 'Lizbeth."
"And I love you! I love you and Allie, so very much…"
After a moment's pause, Nathan spoke with such fervor, Elizabeth's heart quivered. "Joseph talked about people finding their calling in Hope Valley. I've found mine here, and it has nothing to do with being a Mountie."
Perplexed, Elizabeth stared at him, and uttered a simple, "What do you mean?"
"I came to Hope Valley as a Mountie, with a very personal mission to watch over Jack Thornton's widow and young son. Allie came along… I always felt duty bound to take care of her after my sister died. As we spent more time in Hope Valley, and made this space our home, I became a father. That's my calling 'Lizbeth, to be a father, to take care of my family. I love being a Mountie. It's a noble calling to serve and protect, which I do humbly, but first and foremost my calling is to be a father to my family."
"Is this what you meant on that fortuitous day, when you said you'd quit the Mounties?" Elizabeth's voice caught in her throat as she articulated the question.
"Yes," Nathan replied simply, "but I don't think either of us understood those words then as we do right now."
Silence covered them for a few moments before Elizabeth fixed her gaze with Nathan's and said, "I finally feel at peace."
"And full of love, I hope?"
"And full of love, Nathan Grant."
She looked at him in a way she'd never looked at him before. He saw understanding, along with peace, and a love that was more than just kisses and affectionate words. It was a transcendent love, the one that called you home every day. Nathan wanted nothing more than to tenderly kiss her at that moment, but the fiend who was his daughter and the mischief-maker who was Little Jack descended on them to take respite from their running around. They also begged for snacks.
Laughing, Elizabeth pulled out the banana bread she'd baked the day before, much to everyone's delight, especially Nathan's.
"How about I cook us a meal over at my house when we return?" Nathan suggested.
"You cook?" Elizabeth couldn't believe it.
"Allie helps," he grinned, "but I learned with the Mounties. Survival training, you know."
"It seems there is still a lot to learn about you, Constable Grant," Elizabeth said cheekily.
"You'd better believe it, 'Lizbeth," he said, his eyes glimmering with love, with just a little hint of mirth.
The afternoon flew by way too fast for Elizabeth's taste. However, she guessed time does fly when you're having fun and when you're with the right people. She couldn't believe the weekend was almost over, nor how her life had changed since the celebration ball on Friday night. In just three days she'd confessed her true feelings to Nathan, they'd kissed for the first time, and had their first official date. Yet, it was this outing with their children that filled her with the utmost joy. She yearned for a lifetime like this, but she didn't want to say anything. She'd take the blessings she'd been handed in such a short amount of time and relish them for everything they were worth.
After a simple dinner of chicken stew with carrots and potatoes, Allie suggested she could take little Jack home and put him to bed. Poor little thing was tired but struggling to stay awake. It had been a red-letter day, and he didn't want to miss a second of it. Instinctively Allie knew it was also a good opportunity for her dad and Elizabeth to have some time alone.
Elizabeth and Nathan stood after their children left, and in a very domestic fashion took care of the kitchen cleanup together. They did so in companionable silence, but it wasn't lost on them that this was yet another example of how a future together could look.
After drying her hands and taking a final glance around to ensure everything was in order, Elizabeth realized that as much as it pained her to do so, it was time to go back to her house. Funny, it wasn't lost on her how she now thought of it as her house, instead of her home.
"Elizabeth."
Her gaze immediately sought his. Whenever he enunciated her name in its proper fashion, she knew he meant business.
"Yes, Nathan," she said primly, treating him in kind by properly enunciating his name.
He noticed her quid pro quo and grinned that adorably crooked smile of his. "I haven't kissed you today."
"You haven't?" Her lashes fluttered. "I don't believe I noticed."
"I fail to believe that is the case," he responded quickly, but then hesitated and looked at her shrewdly. "'Lizbeth, are you flirting with me?"
"Could be," was her coy reply. She tried to hide her grin but failed miserably.
"You are indeed flirting with me," he said, as he stealthily closed the gap between them. Instinctively Elizabeth walked backwards.
"'Lizbeth, you're going to bump into the door," Nathan said matter-of-factly.
"No, I'm not," she replied as she clumsily collided with the door behind her.
"You do know you can be quite stubborn, Elizabeth Thornton." he said, as he leaned in with one hand on the doorframe. Nathan knew he was crowding her. His height and long arms gave him quite an advantage. He could get used to flustering Elizabeth on a regular basis. Her cheeks were flushed, her clear blue eyes glimmered, and her quickening breath parted her lips. She looked thoroughly delectable.
He swooped in, quickly taking those enticing parted lips with his. They clung to each other, delighting in their newfound intimacy. The kiss took a swift sensual turn and Elizabeth's subtle moan was almost Nathan's undoing.
Abruptly breaking off contact he asked, "Do you feel it? Do you feel the same way I do? I can't be imagining the passion I'm feeling between us, 'Lizbeth," he said breathlessly, his forehead touching hers.
Elizabeth swallowed and the words tumbled from her mouth. "Yes, to your first question. I do feel the same way. And no. You're not imagining it."
Nathan sank into the depths of her blue eyes, fully knowing she spoke the truth.
Touching her chin, relishing the contact between his fingers and her silky skin, he asked, "What are we going to do about it?"
"Ahhh…" Elizabeth tried to form words but couldn't. The intensity of his scrutiny made her speechless.
"'Lizbeth… I won't pressure you. Ever. I realize when I told you I loved you so many years ago, I was hurried in my pursuit. I need you to be comfortable and at ease with every step we take together from now on. If it were up to me, I'd marry you tomorrow. I think you know how it could be between the two of us. We understand each other, we challenge each other, we make each other better. I love your son, you love my daughter, and they adore each other. We make sense, and we are already a family. You saw it today… you saw how it could be. You only have to say yes. However, I won't ask you, not until you tell me you're ready."
Nathan smoothed her hair, tucked a curl behind her ear, and trailed a finger down her cheek. He traced the full line of her lips with that same finger, and he felt the shaky breath that escaped her mouth as her lashes fluttered and landed softly on her cheeks.
Elizabeth's heart twisted, turned, flipped, tumbled, and soared. Her heart wanted to break free from her chest. It wanted to bask in the sun, relish the moonlight, and cherish all the spaces in-between the lights and shadows. Her heart, finally finding redemption, whispered: "Yes."
With that one word, with that one syllable sound, Nathan's heart rivaled Elizabeth's in its acrobatics. Motionless, he asked, "Did I hear correctly?"
"Yes."
