Chapter X: Affianced Part III

"Thank goodness you're home!" Allie ran towards Elizabeth and jumped into her arms, hugging her tightly. "Dad told me to send Judge Avery and Doctor Carter if you guys hadn't arrived home by dinnertime. What happened? Is he okay?" she asked, her words rushed.

Elizabeth took the girl's face between her hands in a soothing gesture. "He will be alright, sweetie. Your dad got hurt, but Faith came to take care of him. He's already on the mend," she replied, taking care not to elaborate further. Attempting to ease Allie's anxious energy, Elizabeth kept her in the comforting circle of her arms.

"Is Jack sleeping?" she asked.

"I read him a story after dinner, and he promptly fell asleep. He's in my room," Allie replied.

That was a relief. "Thank you for taking such good care of him, my darling girl."

"Of course! He's my little brother," Allie said, looking up and snuggling into her hug.

Elizabeth dropped a kiss on the top of her head. She couldn't have asked for a better sister for her son, nor for a better daughter.

Faith cleared her throat, interrupting the moment. "I believe Nathan just needs rest to recover. We've done all we can for the moment. Do you want me to take him to the infirmary so I can keep an eye on him? I'm sure he'll be alright, but I just want to make sure."

"I'll stay with him," Elizabeth said quickly.

"I could stop by every so often and see how he's doing through the night," Faith suggested.

"That won't be necessary," Bill interrupted. "Elizabeth and I will stay. I'll sleep on the couch. If his condition changes, I'll come and get you immediately," he said resolutely, looking at Faith. Both ladies understood there was no sense in arguing with him. While Bill was sure Nathan would recover, he was more concerned over Nathan's safety. He would feel better spending the night and keeping an eye out, not only for his friend's sake, but also for Elizabeth and the kids.

Bill got Nathan settled in his bedroom, where he was already sleeping soundly, thanks to the effects of the medication Faith administered. Allie and little Jack would bunk together for the night. Elizabeth was too jittery to even think about sleeping, so she went to the kitchen and heated some water for tea. She tinkered around in the cupboards and found a chamomile blend that might just do wonders for her frazzled nerves.

Bill leaned on the counter, crossed his arms, and looked purposefully at Elizabeth. His wisdom lines deepened with a faint frown he unsuccessfully tried to conceal.

"You're worried, aren't you?" she asked him bluntly.

"Not about his injury. That will take care of itself. You and Faith did a great job."

"But you're worried about this incident and who the perpetrators might be," she added.

"Yes. After the arrests Nathan made yesterday, I fear he might have become a target in these gang scuffles. Those goons have no qualms about taking out anyone who might get in their way. The Prohibition rumors have them running rampant and they are restless," Bill knew it was no use hiding anything from Elizabeth.

She drew in a shuddery breath.

"I know it's a lot to take in, but I will make sure this is taken care of and the responsible parties apprehended. You will have your wedding and your honeymoon. Trust me when I say everyone will be safe. You have my word." Bill said reassuringly, taking both her hands in his.

"I know you will do everything in your power, Bill," Elizabeth said, forcing a small smile. "I need to go to him. I won't leave his side until he feels better."

Knowing he wouldn't be able to convince her otherwise, Bill let Elizabeth go. He could only pray for a peaceful night for all.

XXXXXX

Elizabeth made her way upstairs to Nathan's bedroom. Her desire to be by his side, to take care of him through the night, was more important to her than any qualms over her impudence about entering his chambers. Cloaked with the love she felt for Nathan, plus a fearlessness she hadn't felt in ages, she pushed on the door left slightly ajar that led to his private quarters. Taking a quick glance, she surveyed her surroundings. It was a simply furnished room with the basics: a wardrobe, a bed, and a nightstand. His Mountie boots were by the door, and on the other side of the room was a chair with his guitar leaning against it. Elizabeth's lips curved lightly when she saw it. He had made their engagement day so special with that surprise. She longed to hear him play again soon.

Sliding the chair next to Nathan's bed, she took a seat by his side. She didn't want to leave him. He was always taking care of her. Now was her moment to step up to the plate and take care of him! Nathan was a bit pale, but he wasn't fidgeting nor was he running a fever. Taking his hand, and squeezing it lightly within hers, Elizabeth prayed with dauntless faith. She laid out all her hopes and requests for God to do His will. She prayed for Nathan's recovery, for their family, and for the prompt resolution to these frays that were impacting Hope Valley and its surrounding areas.

Shifting in her seat, her eyes fell on the nightstand, where a framed picture of Nathan and Allie caught her eye. She picked it up, and looked at it tenderly, knowing the two of them had irrevocably changed her life. They might not be married yet, but in her heart, Nathan was already her husband and Allie was her daughter. The love she felt had no limits and knew no bounds.

Glancing at the frame once again, she noticed another photograph jutting out behind the one of Allie and Nathan's. Trying to fix it, the photo slipped out and fluttered to the ground. Elizabeth's eyes widened in surprise. Was that the picture Carson had taken of her and Nathan at Clara and Jesse's wedding?

Why, yes! It was!

Had he kept it all this time? Did he wake up every single morning and go to sleep every night knowing that photograph was there? Had he forgotten about it?

Elizabeth pressed the photo against her chest. Just when she thought her heart couldn't handle anymore, it expanded to accommodate even more love for this stunning man. "What am I going to do with you, Nathan Grant?" Elizabeth murmured under her breath. "A woman can only handle so much."

She delicately put the picture back where she'd found it. After she completed that task, her gaze fell on his sleeping form. Elizabeth looked at him intently. He slept peacefully, but still she reached out and smoothed the fine worry lines on his forehead. How things had changed since the last time he was bedridden, and she had been by his side. She knew he had been trying to cope with her rejection and made some unsavory jokes and snide comments. Elizabeth admitted she had deserved more than that, remembering how he'd pretended to have amnesia and "failed" to recall her. Looking back, she didn't recognize the woman she had been back then. How could she suppress her heart for so long? She shook her head, grateful to have found her path later rather than never. She would happily hand over a lifetime to make it up to him.

Her heart longed to feel his embrace. "Nathan… remember when I told you my favorite place on earth is in your arms?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "All I want is to feel your strength, my love. Although taking into consideration present circumstances, maybe this time around I could imbue you with mine?" she continued.

It was perfectly scandalous of her to want to cuddle next to him. But why couldn't she? They were to be married soon enough anyway.

Taking care not to disturb Nathan, she followed her instinct. Elizabeth lay next to him and gently touched her hand to his shoulder. "I love you with the very depth of my being. Thank you, Nathan, for not giving up on me, for not giving up on love," she whispered. "Now, sleep well and recover quickly for me, alright? We need to plan our elopement."

Finally feeling at ease, Elizabeth drifted off to sleep.

XXXXXX

Dawn was breaking. A sliver of light cracked through the window, casting an almost ethereal glow to its surroundings. Nathan's eyes flickered open, adjusting to the clarity in the room. How had he gotten to his bedroom? His memory of the previous day was slightly fuzzy, although he remembered quite well being the unlucky victim of a stray bullet. Nathan winced, taking notice of his heavily bandaged side. At least the pain had subsided to a dull throb.

A faint scent of lavender and vanilla filled his nostrils. That was some heavy medication Faith must have given him. He had to be hallucinating if he was smelling Elizabeth in his bedroom. Something shifted and seemed to cuddle next to him. Was it Scout? But how could his dog sound like Elizabeth sighing?

His heart leapt in his chest. Was Elizabeth lying next to him? In his room? In his bed? Did he just die and go to heaven? Because surely, aside from the aching sensation on his side, this had to be heaven.

Elizabeth slowly opened her eyes. She had never slept so soundly. Realizing where she was and what she'd done, she sat upright quicker than a flash of lightning. She would've jumped from the bed right that second if Nathan hadn't firmly grabbed her hand.

She made her best attempt at keeping herself in check, as if spending the night with Nathan was the most natural thing in the world. "How are you feeling?" she asked blithely, even though her heart was racing a mile a minute.

"Like I died and went to heaven, 'Lizbeth," he said huskily, his lips curving into a sheepish smile.

"Nathan… forgive—"

"There's nothing to forgive," he said firmly. "We're getting married soon, aren't we? Plus, I do have to say I've never slept better, with or without an injury," he continued softly, as he worshipfully rubbed her knuckles with his thumb.

"I just couldn't bear the thought of not being by your side. I had to make sure you were alright."

"I couldn't be better. Surely, having you sleep next to me had to be better medicine than whatever Faith gave me."

"Really?" she asked, tension finally leaving her body, replaced with relief.

"Yes, really," he answered gently, as he wondered if she'd indulge him with a request that kept tugging at his heart. "'Lizbeth would you…."

"Would I what, my love?" she asked when Nathan fell silent.

"Would you lie next to me again, for a few more minutes at least? I fear I didn't really get to enjoy it. I thought you were Scout," Nathan pulled his lips into a thin line, suppressing a laugh. He couldn't help teasing her just a little bit.

Elizabeth's mouth hung open. "I'm going to get back at you for that one, Constable," she said, completely and totally peeved.

He gave her one of his radiant smiles. "While you consider possibilities, would you indulge me? I'm still a wounded man."

Elizabeth couldn't help the chuckle that escaped her. "Well, when you put it that way…." As she laid down and made herself comfortable, he wrapped his good arm around her, encouraging Elizabeth to rest her head on his shoulder.

They lazed together for a few minutes, simply enjoying each other's warmth. Elizabeth felt the steady hammering beat of Nathan's heart, while he took in her scent and fiddled lightly with a strand of her hair.

"'Lizbeth."

"Yes."

"Did you mention something about eloping last night? Or did I dream it?"

"You didn't dream it," she said in a mellifluous tone. The cadence of her voice had a hypnotic effect on Nathan.

Gathering his wits, he asked, "Is that what you want? I know we mentioned it briefly the day I proposed. I want to make sure."

"Nathan," she shifted slightly so she could look into his eyes. "I don't need a wedding. I want a marriage."

He melted right then and there. "Sweetheart, you can't say things like this without making my heart want to explode," he replied solemnly.

"I'm sorry, my love, it's simply how I feel."

"Never apologize for saying what's in your heart. How you feel makes me the happiest man alive, 'Lizbeth."

"So, are we in agreement, we are eloping?" Elizabeth asked hopefully.

"Yes. Next week?" he asked expectantly.

"Can we revisit this conversation and talk about the details when you have a clean bill of health? That should be our main focus right now."

"You drive a hard bargain, Elizabeth Thornton, but I see the reason behind your request. Now… could I rest my eyes for a few minutes before the day begins? With you in my arms, of course."

"Yes, my love."

It only took a few minutes for both to find restful sleep once again.

That was how Bill found them when he went to check on Nathan. While someone else might have been shocked, Bill wasn't. He knew how Elizabeth loved, and Nathan as well, for that matter. People thought he was obtuse about matters of the heart. He wasn't. Bill just let everyone think that way.

He let them be. It wouldn't serve any purpose to wake them up. Both surely needed their rest after the whirlwind day they had yesterday. Bill also knew they needed this closeness after pulling away from each other for so long. He could only hope that one day he'd find a love as great and as pure as the one Elizabeth Thornton and Nathan Grant shared with each other.

XXXXXX

A week had passed, and Nathan couldn't wait any longer. Knowing Elizabeth wanted to elope was everything. He had put all his energies into getting better, so they could finally set a wedding date. That she wanted to keep everything simple was just the icing on the cake. Nothing could please him more since he didn't really see himself with the trappings of a big fancy wedding. Although… he thought of that day when he saw her in that white dress… when she was another's and he kept thinking of her as just a friend. Even though it wasn't the dress she had sent for, and had referred to it as a meringue puff, she looked like an angel that had dropped from heaven. She needed to have her pretty dress, that was for sure. Oh, and Allie as well since she was going to be Elizabeth's maid of honor. And for that matter he should really splurge on a new suit. It was about time he got a new one and his wedding was the perfect excuse. He wondered how Elizabeth would feel about a blue suit for him and little Jack.

Elizabeth's words, "I don't want a wedding, I want a marriage," echoed in his head. It took all his effort to not let his heart run out of his chest. That was his fervent desire as well…even though the ceremony was an integral and necessary part. He'd write his own vows so he could pour his heart out for her on that special, sacred day. For that reason, it was important to him to keep the ceremony close and intimate. Nathan was overjoyed they were on the same page in that respect.

He took a seat on the stoop in front of her house. He was still taking it easy this week with Bill taking over most of his duties, so he left the Mountie office early. That way he could wait for Elizabeth after she was done teaching for the day. He was surprised to see Allie approaching with little Jack, but Elizabeth was nowhere in sight.

"Hey Dad! I see you have your guitar. Feeling musical?" Allie asked with a puckish smile on her elfin face.

"Maybe," he smirked in reply. "What's up kiddo? Why isn't 'Lizbeth with you?"

"She should be here shortly. She stayed behind to organize tomorrow's lesson."

The kids sat on the stoop next to Nathan. "Dad, play something" Allie cajoled.

Little Jack also pleaded. "Yes, daddy, please." The boy's request, not to mention how he spontaneously called him daddy, tugged at Nathan's heart strings, bringing a special smile to his face.

"How could I say no to that?" he said, flicking little Jack's chin, making him laugh.

Nathan decided to revisit his camping song with Allie, and she immediately recognized the first chords of This little light of mine. However, the way he manipulated the guitar strings turned the happy tune from its allegro tempo to a more melodic one. Immediately their voices blended into a sweet rendition of the song.

"Oh, dear Lord in the heavens," Rosemary said as she and Elizabeth approached the rowhouses. "He's singing again, and this time around it's with the children." She understood why her best friend was turning into one big pile of mush next to her. "Elizabeth, you have to get a grip."

"How can you get a grip with that happening?" Elizabeth extended her hand to point towards Nathan and the kids, a dreamy smile on her face.

Rosemary could swear she saw stars in her friend's eyes.

"You know, Elizabeth, we haven't talked about your wedding. I've let you guys be, because of Nathan's recovery and all. However, you haven't mentioned a date, and you know the preparations take time."

"Rosemary… I think there's something you need to know," Elizabeth said in a light tone.

"Uh oh. I don't like this," she said, her nose crinkling in a frown.

"We still haven't decided on a date. I hope to do so today… but Nathan and I don't want a big wedding."

"I figured that'd be the case," Rosemary said quietly after a pregnant pause. She had hoped Elizabeth would let her plan her wedding, but she knew this time around things were different. Her relationship with Nathan was special, everyone could tell. Also, her gut feeling told her she would want a wedding as different as possible from the one she had been planning with Lucas.

For her best friend's sake, Rosemary plastered a cheerful smile on her face and said, "Why don't I take the kids with me? I know Allie enjoys being with me and Goldie. We could have tea and entertain the little ones while you have some alone time with Nathan. Does that sound good?"

"That would be perfect. I love you so much, Rosemary," she said gratefully, pulling the feisty blonde into a hug.

"You're my best friend, Elizabeth, but you're also my sister. I couldn't be happier for you," she replied tenderly, returning her affection.

After Allie and little Jack tagged along with Rosemary over to the Coulter's home, Elizabeth took a seat next to Nathan on her stoop.

"How was your day?" Nathan asked, his forefinger skimming Elizabeth's chin. He didn't give her a chance to answer. Forgetting they were outside, under bright sunlight and in plain view, he brought her face to his and let himself sink into a dreamy kiss with his future bride.

Breaking her lips free from his, Elizabeth said throatily, "You make me forget everything when you kiss me."

"I could certainly accuse you of the same, my dearest 'Lizbeth," his eyes glistened as he took in her lovely, flushed face. "You didn't answer my question, though."

"Which was?" Elizabeth asked, genuinely baffled.

Nathan chuckled. "Do I make you forget things so quickly? I only asked a second ago how your day was."

She locked her eyes with his. "My day was good, but it's infinitely better now," she answered, a beautiful grin coloring her delicate features. "Everything ceases to exist when I'm in your arms and you kiss me." She paused for a second. "I was wondering… Could we…" Her voice began to falter.

"… get married soon?" Nathan finished for her.

"Yes, please," she said, evidently relieved.

"You said we could revisit the topic of elopement when I was given a clean bill of health. Today's the day and here I am," he said extending his arms, a wide smile on his outrageously handsome face.

"Want to go inside to discuss this further?" Elizabeth asked, smiling warmly.

"Only if you have apple juice," he teased.

"I suspect I will never live that down," she laughed.

"Probably not," he replied joyfully.

After closing the door behind her, Elizabeth noticed Nathan's expression turned serious. He slowly walked towards her, slid his hands around her waist and brought her closer to him.

His lips were dangerously close to Elizabeth's, but Nathan wasn't rushing this kiss. He adored that precise moment before everything turned to fire and pure sensation, just a fraction of a second before their lips met. It was an added plus seeing how Elizabeth's gaze clouded over, letting him know she craved him just as much as he did her.

The kiss on the porch had just been but a brief taste. He was starving for Elizabeth after a week of brief pecks that had left him wanting more. Slowly his lips skimmed over hers, gently coaxing them to part. She allowed for deeper angles and further exploration, her hands sliding over his neck and sinking into his luxuriously thick hair. Unable to help himself, he pressed her closer to him, every single soft curve of hers endlessly tantalizing him. When Elizabeth's back collided with the front door, she let out a little squeak and broke the kiss, gasping for breath.

Two sets of tumultuous ocean blue eyes looked at each other and both felt themselves drown in the heady sensations that wreaked havoc on their hearts. Nathan couldn't stop touching Elizabeth. One hand was at her waist while the other was on her cheek, tenderly stroking it, tucking a stray curl behind her ear, brushing his knuckles over her temple. The way she closed her eyes, and let an almost inaudible gasp escape her lips, had his mind going down a slippery slope, as he started to slide his lips softly over her other cheek.

"Nathan."

"Yes, sweetheart," he barely managed to utter the words.

"Didn't we agree on discussing the wedding details?"

"Mmmhmmm…" he mumbled distractedly as he squeezed her lower back and his lips hovered over her jawline.

The soft puffs of his sweet, warm breath over her skin had her at the cusp of the point of no return. Exercising a colossal effort, she pulled back, gently pushing against his shoulders; his very strong, masculine shoulders, she couldn't help but notice.

Nathan felt himself slowly come back down to earth. Clearing his throat, he apologized, "I'm sorry, sweetheart. I also forget everything when we kiss."

"You don't have to apologize. I am just as willing a participant," she smiled ruefully.

"I love you so much, 'Lizbeth," he said gruffly. "I never properly thanked you for taking such good care of me."

"You have taken care of me for so long, Nathan. It's my turn now."

His eyes softened. "Nobody has ever taken care of me."

The realization hit Elizabeth like a ton of bricks. Nathan took care of Allie, he took care of the town, he even took care of her and little Jack from afar. But, no one ever took care of him. She knew the issues he had with his father but knew very little about his mother. She thought it would be safe to assume he'd been on his own since he was very young. Resolutely she wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly.

"Nathan, you can trust I will always love you, and I will always take care of you."

He kissed the top of her head. "At this rate we're never going to finalize any wedding details," he said lightly.

Elizabeth grinned and looked up at him. "Come, I have a few ideas."

"I have a few as well. Tell me what you have in mind," he said as he led her to the couch.

"Could it be just Joseph officiating, Bill as a witness, and the kids as maid of honor and best man?" Elizabeth asked with hopeful eyes.

"That sounds perfect. How about this Sunday?"

"Sunday?! That's only four days away!" Elizabeth exclaimed.

"If I told you I already set up everything with Joseph and Bill, would it upset you?" Nathan asked inquisitively.

"No, I'm just bewildered! In the best way possible!" she sputtered.

"Does it give you enough time to find a pretty dress to wear? And one for Allie?" he asked softly.

"I can make it work," her lips curved into that half-smile he loved. "Sneaking past Rosemary for a shopping trip to Union City will be a major feat, though."

Nathan chuckled, agreeing it certainly would be a challenge. "Would you let me take Jack with me to Benson Hills? I want to get matching suits for us. What do you think about blue?"

Elizabeth's eyes sparkled, loving this conversation with Nathan. "Of course you can take him. I think both of you will look incredibly handsome in matching blue suits."

"See you at the church, Sunday at dusk?" Nathan asked, tilting his head in his characteristic loving gesture.

"Yes," Elizabeth breathed happily.

"Oh, and 'Lizbeth."

She looked at him expectantly.

"Pack your suitcase. We leave right after for our honeymoon."

TO BE CONTINUED…