A/N - Thank you so much for all of your supportive feedback! I appreciate it!

Elizabeth felt a pull to stop by the pond. She found it so peaceful and serene. A memory of this very spot lived constantly in her head. She cringed at how she ran off from Nathan three years ago when he declared his love for her. She instantly felt so much regret. How could she ever ask him to come back to her? She had made such a mess of things. She didn't know how to tread lightly, knowing she couldn't be in a relationship with him at that very moment. She had just broken off an engagement! What would people think if she ran right to Nathan?

Lost in her thoughts, she heard someone approaching. She looked up and as she did, it was almost as if the wind were knocked out of her. It was Nathan. No way! She thought to herself. She had just prayed that she would run into him naturally. She was clearly stunned. She rose to greet him. He had such a hopeful look in his eye. It took her breath away.

"Nathan" she said, trying to catch her breath.

"Lizbeth", he returned. The way he said her name made her weak in the knees every time! Elizabeth couldn't help but spill her guts to him.

"Nathan, I cannot keep doing this! I can't keep running away from you! It's exhausting! Something has to change!".

Before she could say another word, their lips met hers. It sent a lightning-like bolt through her. She hadn't felt that from a kiss in so long!

"I was going to tell you we should probably take things slow," she said with a smirk.

"Did I change your mind?", Nathan asked.

Elizabeth frowned slightly and said, "I just don't want people to talk. I mean, obviously I have feelings for you. And that did play a role in me breaking off the engagement. But if I had taken you out of the equation, I still would have broken up with Lucas."

"Elizabeth, I understand your concerns. They are completely valid. If you want to keep this under wraps, I am good with that. For however long you want to." he replied.

She thought to herself, "Wow. This man is so considerate. How do I deserve such a good man?"

Back at Elizabeth's row house, Allie was watching little Jack. He had just fallen asleep for a nap. As he got older, fewer naps became. He must be especially tired, Allie assumed.

"What could be taking her so long?" Allie thought to herself. Not that she minded spending more time with Jack—she truly enjoyed getting to spend time with him. Mrs. Thornton said she should be back by no later than 2:30. And now it's nearly 3:30. Allie is starting to worry. As she picks up the phone to call Mrs. Coulter to see if she has seen Mrs. Thornton, she hears a knock at the door. Pausing what she's doing, she answers the door. As she swings the door open, she catches a glimpse of red serge.

"Dad, what are you doing here?" She asked.

"Oh just swinging by to check on you two. By the way, Mrs. Thornton said to tell you sorry for taking so long. She just needed to run into the mercantile for a few things, and then she would be back." Nathan replied.

"Daaaaad.." Allie said hopefully with an enormous smile. "What happened? Did you kiss her?!" She pried.

"Allison Maise Grant!" He exclaimed. "Nosy much?" He laughed.

Her face lit up. "So that's a yes! You kissed her! I can't believe it!"

"Wait, you're okay with this?" he asked.

She looked at him like he was crazy. "Why wouldn't I be?" she added.

"Well, I don't know if you still have any feelings of resentment toward her. You know, after what happened..." he explained.

"Look dad. I know she made a mistake in picking Mr. Bouchard. And major props to her for admitting she was wrong and having the courage to come back to you. I fully respect that. She is open to seeing what happens here" she smiled lightly.

"It feels good to know I have your support" he responded. "But not a word to anyone. Mrs. Thornton wants to spend sometime with just the closest people to us."

Allie agreed. "You got it, Dad. Lips are sealed."

Later that night, Elizabeth bathed and put little Jack to bed. She tucked him in, read him a book, and kissed him good night.

She returned downstairs to tidy up. Things had gotten so messy in just one day! But she wouldn't have it any other way. She was so grateful to be the momma of her sweet boy. A soft smile crossed her face. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.

"Coming!" She shouted across the open room, not too loudly; she didn't want to wake Jack.

"Nathan!" She couldn't deny being very happy to see him.

"Join me on the porch?" he asked.

She replied, "Of course," as she stepped outside.

"I'm glad you stopped by" she added as she took a seat on the top step of the porch. "All afternoon, all I could think about is the many things I need to apologize to you for. Nathan, I am sorry for running away. I am sorry for saying that I was seeing Jack in you, that most definitely was not the truth. I am sorry for giving into my fears. If I hadn't gotten myself into this mess, who knows! We could have been married by this point. I feel so bad for all of the pain I have put you and Allie through."

"Lizbeth" he replied. "We cannot live in the past. What happened, happened, and all we can do is move forward from here. I forgive you. Forgive you for all of it. All that matters now is that we are together. I wouldn't change a thing"

She leaned into him. He was the strength she didn't know she needed. She felt a wave of gratitude. So grateful, she hadn't messed things up too badly. The shift was happening. Maybe faster than she had expected. But she was surprisingly okay with it.