Sorry for the delay in getting this out… I was on the road travelling for my job this past week, so I did not have as much time to write.

Without further ado… Here is the "Season 10 Premiere" of WCTH- So This Is Love edition!

Chapter 25- Play Ball

As Charlotte passed the table at the base of her stairs, she ran her fingers over the contours of the picture frame Allie and Nathan had given her at Christmas. Unlike some of their other gifts to her, the wildflowers and bedside table, Charlotte had chosen to keep this present in plain sight. So, anyone who visited could clearly see what the Grants meant to her.

And what she meant to them.

A blissful smile spread across Charlotte's face as she looked around the first floor of her house. Images of her and Nathan waltzing through its expanses just a few short months ago came rushing back into her memory.

Know it's me holding you tonight. And for the rest of our lives.

Oh, there was no doubt, in Charlotte's mind now, who held her that night.

Every minute detail of the evening spent with Nathan at their own Christmas ball was still so clear to Charlotte. The quiet strength in Nathan's arm as it pulled her into his body, steadying her nerves and keeping Charlotte's knees from buckling beneath her. The warmth of Nathan's fingers wrapped into hers, had become familiar to them both at that point. But the new sensation of Charlotte's hand resting on Nathan's chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart keeping time with the music and their steps. Connecting them in ways that were so much more than physical.

Charlotte for such a long time had wondered what it would feel like to tangle her fingers into Nathan's soft hair and gently brush her thumb along the ridges of his cheeks and chiseled jaw, feeling the evening stubble of his beard beneath her touch. The way Charlotte's head could rest so peacefully on Nathan's shoulder, her face snuggling in the warm space at his collar. One cheek placed against the woolen fabric of his red serge and the other sweetly cocooned against Nathan's cheek. Charlotte taking a deep and unsteady breath, letting the warm and sensual smell of Nathan seep into her. His scent was a mix of leather, fresh cedar wood, and cool mountain air.

It was all man. All Nathan.

A soft knock at the back door woke Charlotte from her daze.

Speaking of Nathan…

"Morning!" Nathan's brilliant smile was like a ray of sunshine on this chilly spring day. He extended a mug of steaming coffee in Charlotte's direction.

"Morning," Charlotte answered, taking the offered cup from Nathan's grasp before placing her hand into the now empty space between his fingers.

He led her to their spot on the back steps. Sitting and leaning into each other as they began their quiet morning ritual before the rest of the world woke and Charlotte and Nathan went to work for the day.

Nathan took a sip of the coffee, letting its warmth heat him from the inside out. He could feel Charlotte's eyes on him as he lazily brushed his thumb back and forth across her hand, so Nathan looked over at her, meeting Charlotte's gaze.

"What?" Nathan asked, shaking his head slightly. "Do I have something on my face? On my serge?" He ran his hand over his jaw and then down his chest, checking to make sure he hadn't spilled.

A soft laugh came from Charlotte.

"No, it's nothing like that," Charlotte answered, reaching over to touch the side of Nathan's cheek. Quieting his actions and causing him to focus back on her. "It's just… I wish I could explain how your eyes and how the sound of your voice gives me butterflies. How when you smile, it makes my heart skip a beat. And how every time I am with you, I feel so incredibly complete."

Nathan reached up to take Charlotte's hand. Moving it from the side of his face to his lips. Placing a gentle kiss across her knuckles. Charlotte's breath caught and her eyes closed with the act of intimacy, but she did not pull back.

"I don't know. I think you did a pretty good job of explaining," Nathan winked, moving their entwined hands to again rest on his leg. "And I want you to know I feel the same way. I wake up every morning and can't wait to get over here. I can't wait to be with you. It's the perfect start to my day."

"For me too," Charlotte flashed a radiant smile at Nathan, before taking a sip of her own coffee.

They again fell into a quiet bliss, with just the sounds of the birds in the trees and the gentle cool breeze from the mountains to keep them company, before Charlotte chose to break the silence.

"So, the rumor in town is that a certain Mountie's birthday is coming up," Charlotte playfully pushed her shoulder into Nathan's.

"You know you shouldn't believe rumors," Nathan quipped back, taking another swig of his warm drink.

Charlotte giggled, "I shouldn't call them rumors, I guess. They came from a very reliable source."

Nathan looked at Charlotte then, "Allie?"

Charlotte smiled.

"I should have known," Nathan shook his head. "Yes, my birthday is Saturday. But I never make a big deal about it. It's just another day on the calendar."

"You can't be serious. Just another day?" Charlotte's voice raised. "It's the day my favorite guy came into this world. I'd say that's a pretty big deal."

"We just didn't have much growing up, so birthdays weren't really celebrated. Then I joined the North West Mounted Police and I guess… I don't know, my birthday just never seemed that special."

"Well, if you let me. I'd like to change that," Charlotte's grip tightened on Nathan's.

"No, don't go through the fuss. Like I said, it's just another day."

"I don't believe that. I think it's time we celebrated you."

Nathan did not say anything, he just tried forcing a smile, but his sad eyes gave away his feelings to Charlotte. Her heart was breaking. Nathan had been let down a lot in his life. The more she learned about Nathan's past, the more she realized other than Allie, he really had few people who had been consistently in his corner. She wanted to change that and show him how much he was appreciated and loved in this community.

"Bill," Charlotte stormed into Judge Avery's office. "You know a lot about baseball, right?"

Bill looked up from his books and piles of paper on his desk, "Charlotte, what in the world is this all about?"

"Nathan. His birthday is Saturday."

"His birthday is Saturday? I guess I never knew when his birthday was."

"It doesn't seem many people do. From what he told me this morning; he hasn't ever really celebrated his birthday."

"Never?"

Charlotte just shrugged in response.

"Well, what does Nathan's birthday have to do with me knowing about baseball."

"I was thinking of organizing a town baseball game to celebrate on Saturday. And I was hoping you could help line it up."

"Shouldn't that be the job of our new town mayor?"

Charlotte cast Bill a judging look over her shoulder, "You can't possibly still be moping about the election results. That was over a year ago Bill."

"I'm not moping."

"No?" Charlotte questioned as a smirk came across her face. "Bill, I could really use your help. I was hoping maybe you could be a team captain and Nathan could be the other and you could draft the teams."

Bill stewed over Charlotte's proposition. "Just because it's Nathan's birthday, you're not expecting me to let his team win, are you?"

"I don't think Nathan would forgive you if you did," Charlotte winked, as she turned to exit.

"Charlotte," Bill called out, stopping Charlotte at the door to Bill's office. "Thank you."

"Whatever for?" Charlotte questioned.

"For loving Nathan. I don't know if he's had much of that in his life."

"Bill," Charlotte began. "Thank you for being his friend. I don't know if he's had much of that in his life."

They both nodded in mutual understanding as Charlotte opened the door and disappeared down the street.

"You two are acting very strange," Nathan commented as he, Allie, and Charlotte began unsaddling their horses after returning from a trail ride and picnic.

Allie and Charlotte nervously looked at one another.

"Us?" they both said in unison before breaking down in a fit of laughter at their synchronicities.

Nathan just rolled his eyes. "Yes. You two. Do not act all innocent. I know something is up." He loved the bond that Allie and Charlotte had created. But he did sometimes become uneasy at their ability to double team him.

"Well, you are just going to have to wait to find out," Charlotte playfully elbowed Nathan as she carried her saddle to the rack along the livery wall.

The group finished untacking their horses, giving them a good brushing, and a few treats before starting their way back to the row houses.

"Have you figured it out yet?" Charlotte's hand was warm in his, her arm swinging gleefully as they walked down the path together.

Nathan looked over at Charlotte, her grey eyes sparkling with mischief. "I'm not quite sure. I haven't put my finger on it."

"How about now?" Charlotte asked, tipping her head down the road in front of them.

Nathan turned then and saw just what Charlotte had directed his attention to. In the field to the east of the row houses was what seemed like the whole community of Hope Valley.

"Happy Birthday Nathan." Charlotte leaned over and quietly whispered.

Nathan was speechless. His gaze darted back and forth between the scene in front of him and the woman beside him. He remembered their discussion on the back steps of Charlotte's house earlier in the week. Her words to him, I think it's time we celebrated you, came floating back into his memory.

"What is all this?" He gently questioned.

"It's a surprise birthday party for you," Allie answered. "We are having a town baseball game to celebrate."

"All this. All these people. Are here for me?" Shock carried in Nathan's voice.

Charlotte squeezed his hand. "Yes. Nathan it's time you realize how special you are to this community. You are so much more than the local Mountie. You are their friend, and they want to be here for you."

Nathan just stood staring at Charlotte in disbelief. Unable to fully comprehend what she was saying.

"Well, that and to see Bill's team lose," Charlotte winked at Nathan as she led him to the crowd in front of them. "You know how well he takes losing."

The crowd gathered seemed to swarm Nathan, shaking his hand and showering him in happy birthday wishes. Soon enough though Bill and Nathan drafted their teams. On Bill's team was Fiona, Lucas, Ned, Emily, Paul Jr., Mike, Clara, Christopher, and Florence. On Nathan's was Faith, Carson, Henry, Allie, Cooper, Jesse, Minnie, Joseph, and Molly. Elizabeth and Rosemary were chosen as the honorary coaches for each respective team and Lee, because of his back, was designated as the umpire. Charlotte had removed herself from the draft process, acting instead as party host and fluttering between the groups of townspeople who had gathered and making sure the food and dessert tables stayed filled.

As the afternoon was winding down, the game had entered its final inning. The competition had been fierce, but in the top of the ninth Bill's team had pulled ahead with a great hit from Christopher before Joseph's pitching struck out Lucas.

Down three runs, Nathan's team had a lot of ground to make up in their final time at bat. Carson started the team out with a hit. Molly had a sacrifice bunt that moved Carson to second. Cooper was excellent at batting and with a base hit, advanced Carson to third. Unfortunately, Jesse's fly ball was easily caught by Clara in the outfield.

So, with two outs, a runner at first and third, Nathan was up next. But even under pressure, he hit a hard, line drive that bounced out of Lucas' glove and allowed Nathan to get to first base and Carson to slide into home for a score. But in the process of sliding, Carson's foot had become hung up and he was now sitting on home base in quite a bit of pain. A group ran to his aid.

"Carson, are you alright?" Charlotte asked as she was the first to the scene.

"Yeah," Carson grimaced. "I think I just twisted my ankle sliding into home."

"We should get that checked out soon and get it wrapped up before the swelling gets out of hand," stated Faith. "Joseph, Jessie, will you help me get him to the infirmary?"

"No, you can't!" Cried out Carson. "Faith, you're up to bat next and we made the rules at the beginning that we couldn't bat out of order unless there was a designated hitter for the team."

"It's fine Carson," Nathan said, his hand on his friend's shoulder. "Today has been better than I could ever imagine, I don't need to win the game for it to stay that way. Plus, if Bill loses, we will never hear the end of it."

"Well, what about Charlotte?" Henry questioned. "She could be our designated hitter."

Everyone's eyes turned to Charlotte.

"I guess, if you really need me to, I could give it a try?" Charlotte's voice was timid.

"You can do it Ms. Thompson," Allie said, as she squeezed Charlotte's hand in reassurance.

Charlotte smiled at Allie and then looked at Nathan. His eyes ran over Charlotte's features. Analyzing her reactions and gauging her comfort level with what was being asked. Nathan ready to jump in and rescue her at a moment's notice. Charlotte heart sped up, not with nerves, but at the knowledge that Nathan Grant would always be there for her. Always protect her. Always make her feel comfortable.

She would do this for him.

"Okay," Charlotte nodded. "I'll do it."

The group cheered in relief and then again as Joseph and Jesse helped Carson to leave the field. Faith following close behind.

"Are you sure?" Nathan asked, as he handed the bat to Charlotte. "You really don't have to do this if you don't want to."

"I know." Charlotte smiled. Their hands touching where they both held onto the grip of the bat. "But I want to. For you."

"Well, I only have one piece of advice then. Knock it out of the park, Thompson," Nathan winked at her before turning and heading to his position at first base.

Charlotte took a deep breath as she stepped up to the plate and looked at Bill on the mound. A wry smile crossing his face as if he knew the game was as good as won. Bill wound up, but then at the last second tossed a gentle lobbed ball in Charlotte's direction. But the pitch was slightly off so Charlotte took a step back to avoid getting hit in the face.

"Ball one!" Lee cried out.

"Ball?" Bill challenged back.

"It's alright Charlotte," Rosemary called from the dugout.

Bill upped his game with the next pitch and the ball sailed right past Charlotte without her swinging.

"Strike one!"

"Just keep your eye on the ball," Henry coached.

Another pitch came past Charlotte without a swing.

"Strike two!"

"You got this, Charlotte." Nathan's supportive words floated to her from his position at first base. "Hit me home."

Charlotte's grip tightened on the bat. She crouched lower; eyes focused solely on the next pitch. Bill brought his arm up and back before releasing a fast ball straight across the plate.

Crack.

Charlotte could not believe her eyes as the ball curved up in the air from the end of her bat. Flying high into the sky. She stood frozen.

"Run Charlotte!" Minnie directed from the bench. "Run!"

It was an out of body experience for Charlotte. Her legs carried her forward. Turning from first to second. Following Nathan's path in front of her onto third.

"Go home!" Henry yelled in Charlotte's direction.

Charlotte rounded the base, heading for home. Seeing then the rest of her teammates circling around the plate in front of her. But really it was only one member of the team Charlotte wanted to celebrate with at that moment.

Nathan waited at the edge of the plate; arms open to embrace her. The moment Charlotte's feet touched the base, scoring the winning run, Nathan wrapped his strong arms around her waist. Lifting Charlotte up into the air and twirling around in a celebratory hug. Charlotte encircled her arms around Nathan's neck, pressing her cheek into his. Holding on tightly as their spins swung her feet out from beneath her.

"Look at you slugger!" Nathan cheerfully exclaimed. "You're amazing. I'm so proud of you!"

Charlotte just giggled into his ear and squeezed her arms tighter around Nathan. Holding them together.

"I thought you didn't know how to play baseball," Bill's voice broke the moment.

Nathan set Charlotte's feet back on the ground. She stepped to Nathan's side, but they kept an arm circled around each other's back.

"I don't believe I ever said that Bill," Charlotte's eyes twinkled in response.

"But, the other day at my office…"

"The other day at your office I asked if you knew a lot about baseball. I never said I didn't. Actually, I learned to play years ago from some of the cowboys who worked on our ranch."

"I feel like I've been bamboozled," Bill cried out before turning to Nathan. "Did you know Charlotte was Hope Valley's Ty Cobb?"

Nathan turned his head, looking down at Charlotte snuggled into his side. She was smiling up at him, her right dimple more pronounced than usual.

"No Bill, I did not," Nathan answered, his eyes never leaving Charlotte's. "But, you know, it doesn't shock me. Charlotte is the most amazing woman I've ever met, and it seems like there is nothing she can't do."

"I think you may be right," Bill responded, extending a handshake in the direction of Nathan and Charlotte as a sign of good sportsmanship. "But that just means the next time we have a town baseball game, Charlotte is on my team."

"Deal," Charlotte agreed as she shook Bill's hand.

"Uncle Nathan," Allie came to them through the crowd of teammates still congratulating the pair. "I'm proud to present you with this trophy for winning the inaugural Nathan Grant-Hope Valley baseball tournament."

"The Nathan Grant-Hope Valley baseball tournament, huh?"

"Yes! It was Ms. Thompson's idea. She mail ordered this trophy for the prize," Allie lifted a small brass trophy in the direction of Nathan. He took it from Allie's hands before giving her a big hug.

"Thank you, Allie," Nathan released his grip around Allie and then took Charlotte's hand beside him. "And thank you."

"Happy birthday, Nathan," Charlotte smiled in return.

"And I want to thank all of you," Nathan said as he turned to the rest of the crowd around them. "I don't know if I could ever express how much it means to me that you were all here today to help celebrate my birthday. And beating Bill."

Everyone around them laughed. Well, everyone except Bill.

"Ha. Ha. Very funny Nathan," Bill joked in return. "Just remember, Charlotte promised to be on my team next time, so don't get too used to having that trophy around. After the next game, it will be coming home with me."

Charlotte was finishing washing a few dishes, reminiscing at the perfect day she had surprising and celebrating Nathan, when a soft knock came from her back door.

"Charlotte, it's Nathan."

Nathan never came over this late, which concerned Charlotte. Was something wrong? Charlotte quickly made her way to the door and opened it to Nathan. He was suspiciously holding something behind his back.

"Nathan, what are you hiding?" Charlotte questioned.

"Oh this?"

In one swift motion, Nathan brought his arm around to reveal a large piece of chocolate cake.

"Minnie just brought this over. She realized we became so busy after the game celebrating and taking pictures for the paper that we didn't get a piece of cake."

"Oh my goodness!" Charlotte felt terrible. "I can't believe I forgot to have everyone sing 'Happy Birthday' to you and then for you blow out the candles on your cake!"

"Charlotte don't feel bad," Nathan reached over and took one of Charlotte's hands into his, while he continued to balance the cake in his other. "Today has been incredible. And I was hoping we could finish it off by sharing this piece of cake like we did at the Christmas dance."

A smile crossed Charlotte's face at the memory.

"I brought two forks," Nathan offered as he pulled the utensils from the breast pocket of his jacket.

A sweet giggle escaped Charlotte, "Okay, but wait right here I'll be back."

Charlotte closed the door as Nathan took his normal spot on the steps. The space around him was illuminated by the soft lamp glow filtering from the windows of Charlotte's house and the moon shining bright above.

Soon, Charlotte reappeared, a lightweight shawl wrapped around her shoulders and a small candle and match in her hands.

"Here, let me see that piece of cake please," Charlotte requested as she sat beside Nathan, taking the plate from him.

She set it down between them and put the single candle in the middle, before expertly lighting a match and then the candle. Charlotte then took the plate into both hands and lifted it up between them, the flickering light causing her dark grey eyes to sparkle like the stars above them.

Charlotte took a deep breath and then began to sing in her silvery tone…

Happy birthday to you.

Happy birthday to you.

Happy birthday dear Nathan.

Happy birthday... to you.

Nathan smiled at Charlotte's thoughtfulness. No one had ever been this kind to him. This willing to go out of their way to make Nathan feel special. Like he was the most important person in their life. Who could have believed a year ago on his birthday, he would be here? Tonight. With this amazing woman that he had come to love so much.

Nathan had found the one person who made his heart complete. Who made him a better person than he ever dreamed he could be. Whenever he looked into Charlotte's eyes, he knew all the way into his bones that she simply was the best person he would ever know.

"Make a wish…" Charlotte's smoky voice floated through the space around them. "And then you can blow out the candle."

"Charlotte, I don't need to blow out any candles," Nathan began. "Because all my wishes have already come true."

From the candlelight, he saw Charlotte swallow as her throat went dry with Nathan's statement. A current floated between them like static electricity.

"How about we compromise," Nathan continued. "Let's both blow out the candle and make a wish."

Charlotte was unable to speak, so she just nodded her head in agreement.

"Okay. On the count of three," Nathan coaxed. "One. Two. Three."

They both closed their eyes and with bated breath blew gently on the candle. Changing the flame before them into a smoky wish floating to the heavens.

A wish that neither would have to celebrate another birthday alone. That they would always have each other, chocolate cake, moonlight, and the indescribable happiness that they found in this simple action of being together.