Chapter 76- A Promise

*Chapter 75- "The Words" was a bit of a play on words/throwing shade at the WCTH S8 finale episode titled "The Kiss". I hoped you all loved that chapter as much as I loved creating it. And after all the angst and interruptions I had put you through for 74 chapters and almost six months. I hope it was worth the wait to hear "the words" and finally experience Nathan and Charlotte's first kiss. I pushed that slow burn as far as I could push it… And it kind of felt like it erupted into its own wildfire when writing that scene ;) Haha!

This Chapter is "my" season finale… A promise. A promise that first appeared all the way back in Chapter 39, on a stormy morning when Nathan found "a promise he had made to someone else a very long time ago".

Enjoy!

After a few more sweet kisses, making up for all the times they had been interrupted over the past months, Nathan and Charlotte separated, both realizing the slightly brazen conduct they were displaying for two unmarried, respectable adults.

A blush seemed permanently fixed on Charlotte's cheeks at the thought of what she had just experienced with Nathan. She flustered and pushed wisps of hair back out of her face as she moved to sit in the oversized, cushioned chair at the side of the bed.

When Charlotte looked back at Nathan, she saw him grinning at her.

"What?" She questioned, again brushing her hands through her hair, and smoothing down her rumpled clothing. "Do I have something in my hair or on my clothes?"

Nathan chuckled. She looked slightly ravished from where his fingers had threaded into her hair and his lips had pressed deliciously against hers. "No, love. You look beautiful."

Charlotte rolled her eyes slightly and shook her head, "I still think I'm going to have Carson or Faith look at your eyesight. I have this bruise on my cheek and I haven't really slept in the past few days, I can't say I'm looking my best."

His eyes twinkled at her, "They can test all they want to, it's not going to change how absolutely stunning you are to me. Especially now. After you've taken down all those walls you had built up. The beauty you display when it's just you and I together, nothing else compares."

Charlotte's breath caught. Electricity coursed through the room. Nathan saw her gaze drift down to his lips before darting back to his eyes. She looked almost guilty, as if kissing him again would be too forward. He beamed a smile at her, and she knew he had read her thoughts as easily as if she had spoken them out loud and she shook her head and bolted up out of the chair towards the door.

"I need to tell Carson and Faith that you are awake, they probably want to run some tests. Who knows how much damage I did to your injury last night, sleeping with you..." Charlotte turned to face him, a heat rising to her cheeks.

Nathan laughed, the rich sound washed over Charlotte, causing her to relax and laugh with him.

"One kiss and look at the effect you have on me, Grant," Charlotte giggled.

"Well… to be fair it was more than one kiss," Nathan smiled in return.

Charlotte bit her bottom lip and shook her head slightly. Trying to clear her mind of the heady fog Nathan Grant created by that earth-shattering, confident grin he was giving her.

"We really should have someone go and get your mom and Allie. I told them last night I would send word if anything changed," she shifted the subject.

"We will," Nathan gazed longingly at Charlotte. "I was just hoping we could share a few more moments in our own little world, before the rest of Hope Valley descends."

Charlotte smiled and nodded in agreement. Nathan was right. Once word got out of his recovery, everyone would want to 'drop by'.

"Come over here," Nathan patted the space beside him on the bed.

Charlotte hesitated a moment, seemingly not wanting to put them in another precarious position.

Nathan read her mind and smiled, "Please come over here, Charlotte."

Her resolve crumbled and she floated forward, like a moth to a flame, sitting beside Nathan on the edge of the bed.

"Can you help prop me up a bit?" Nathan asked, shifting slightly on the bed, trying to push himself into a sitting position, with the use of only one arm.

"Do you think I should? What if I move you wrong and… Maybe I should get Carson..."

Nathan reached out and touched Charlotte's hand. "I'll be fine. Just move the pillows and help me set up if you can."

She gave him a questioning look, but then leaned forward and gently pulled his neck towards her. Supporting and holding him close to her body as she reached across and placed a pillow behind his shoulders before releasing him back into its soft embrace.

"There," Charlotte said as she fluffed and fussed with the pillows and quilt, making sure Nathan was comfortable. And covered. "Are you in any pain?"

"I'm fine," Nathan smirked. Yes, there was discomfort, but having her here beside him was the best pain relief he could possibly imagine.

Charlotte studied him, knowing he wasn't telling the whole truth, but decided to let it pass for now. She as well, selfishly wanted to savor these last few moments of it just being them together before the rest of the town came visiting.

"Is that my saddlebag?" Nathan tilted his head in the direction of the bedside table beside her chair.

She glanced over and saw the pile of Nathan's belongings. "Yes. Gabe brought it in last night."

"Will you bring it over here?"

"Why do you need your saddlebag? It's going to be weeks or months before Carson and Faith clear you for riding and…"

"Charlie," Nathan's soft voice stopped her. "Humor me, please."

She gave him a questioning glance, but did as he asked, reaching towards the side table, bringing the leather saddlebag to rest between them on the bed. Nathan struggled slightly to open the buckle with only the use of his one hand, but after a little help from Charlotte, he reached in and shuffled around for a few moments before pulling her shawl from within.

"Do you really think you need that right now?" Charlotte joked; her eyes sparkled with humor.

"Not the shawl," Nathan stated, unwrapping the soft material.

"This," he drew a velvet satchel from between the folds of Charlotte's shawl, pulling the string, he opened it and removed a neatly folded letter from within.

Charlotte's brows furrowed as Nathan extended the old pages towards her.

"Do you mind reading this out loud?" He asked. "My eyes still seem a little blurry from…"

"Of course," Charlotte took the worn paper into her hands. "But what is this?"

Nathan smiled gently, "A promise."

Charlotte gave Nathan a quizzical look, as she carefully unfolded the letter and began to read aloud.

My Dearest Nathan,

There will be times in this life when you will feel alone and lonely. When it feels like it is only you against the rest of the world and you will start to long for a partner, your other half, your safe harbor. Just because of the loneliness you feel, don't be pulled in the wrong direction. I know it's hard to wait for something you know might never happen, but it is harder to give up when you know it's everything you've ever wanted.

And someday, I'll send someone. Actually, the one, and she will crash into your life and before you know it, things will change, for the better. She'll fit into your life as easily as breathing, making you wonder how you lived it before she came along. When you meet her, you'll know beyond a shadow of a doubt, because she's the one who makes you feel at home. And one day you will stop seeing one another as two parts, but rather one whole.

She is strong and brave, but still retains a kind, considerate, and loving heart. She will take care of your soul and make you feel like you can be completely yourself around her. You will never feel self-conscious or insecure, just warmth and comfort. She will be the one who lights you up from the inside out and encourages you to be yourself. With her, you feel at peace. She is a place you could spend forever wandering and exploring. Discovering.

She will choose you and you will choose her. Every day. She'll be the type of love who would do anything for you, with no questions asked. A love that is selfless. The type of love where someone simply has your best interest at heart. The type of love where your happiness makes up so much of theirs. I hope you find this love, that is willing to make sacrifices. A love that forgives you. She can see you make mistakes, as you can see hers, but you will work together to learn from them. She will see you at your worst and still think you're incredible. She will understand neither of you are perfect, but she will still look at you like you're the greatest thing that has ever happened in her life, flaws and all. She will be the missing pieces of your puzzle and have a way of not just completing you but complimenting you. Her strengths are your shortcomings and vice versa.

She'll love, protect, and appreciate you. A woman who not only supports your dreams, but a woman who wants to see you do well, more than you do. She'll be a love that fights for you. Someone who will always be in your corner. Someone who will always choose you and the relationship you share. She will do anything to be with you. She will heal you and show you that you didn't deserve what happened to you in the past. Hand in hand, you will be able to mend together everything that seemed broken, piece by piece.

She'll be a love that never stops saying thank you. The type of love that even after a long time they are still impressed by what you do for them. She will truly value you for all you are and the person you make them be. It's her you will trust with not only your past, your secrets, but also your heart.

She'll be your best friend. Your loudest laugh. Your biggest smile. Your number one fan. Your happiest memories. You deserve it. I do not say that lightly. Really, truly find the strongest, happiest friendship in the person you fall in love with. Someone who speaks highly of you. Someone who believes in you. Someone who you can laugh with. The kind of laughs that make your belly ache, and your nose snort. The embarrassing, earnest, healing kind of laughs. Wit is important. Life is too short not to love someone who lets you be silly with them.

Her laugh brings light to your day. It's rich and full of life. She has a sense of humor to match yours and knows exactly what to do to make you smile. Remember it's important to have laughter in your relationship. With her you are carefree and yourself in every way. You can be goofy and joke with one another. In doing so, you'll find a sweet joy in life together.

Make sure she is someone who lets you cry, too. Despair will come. Find someone that you want to be there with you through those times. Find someone who can feel the safety in your arms, and who will safely hold your heart in the palm of her hands. She's the one to dry your tears and make you laugh after a bad day. She'll listen to you, really listen. She'll know when you need advice or just their friendly presence. You will be open and honest with one another. Sharing your hurt, disappointment, and fears. You will let each other in the deepest places of your heart, where no one else has been before. She will understand you and be a person you can be vulnerable and honest with. Accepted just as you are. When she is by your side, you know you can face any challenge life brings along. A love that will never dilute- even when the waters get deep, and dark. In each other's arms is where you will create a sanctuary of trust and hope.

Remember that time is life's most precious gift. Spend it wisely. Spend it with her. Give it to her and she will give it to you in return. She is who you want to see the first thing in the morning and the last at night. She is the person that you long to come home to at the end of the day. She will be the person you want to share your life with. The happiness, the sadness, the frustrations, and successes with. Every little detail. The pains of the past and the hopes for your future.

True romance is in the gestures. Those little things you do every day to show you care. Going out of your way to make the other person happy. To show that you are thinking of them. You'll hold each other's hands in reassurance. Share the last piece of cake or an ice cream cone on a hot summer day. Brushing a stray piece of hair off their face. Laughing at their jokes. Moonlit walks in the meadow and slow dancing in the kitchen, where the rest of the world just fades away. It's stolen glances across a room full of people, speaking to each other's souls when words are not possible or even necessary. Romance isn't about buying opulent gifts; it's about giving of yourself and giving freely.

She'll compliment your life and enjoy doing all those things you love: riding, fishing, reading. At the same time, I hope she finds ways to push you outside of your comfort zone. To try and experience new things and challenge you in all the right ways. She will know your favorite color and your biggest insecurities. You'll talk about your dreams together and work as a team to bring them to life. Creating memories along the way.

She is a woman who finds joy in life's little things: wildflowers, star-filled nights, Sunday dinners. She won't need a fancy dress or a romantic candlelit dinner to take your breath away when she walks into a room and makes you feel like the luckiest man in the world.

And speaking of the world. She'll give it to you. And I don't just mean by traveling or your other adventures together. Your world, Nathan, is your family and the home you create with her. I know you don't realize it now, but you will be an amazing father one day. You are patient and kind. Supportive, selfless, giving. She will be your equal and together you will raise your children in such a loving home. Each of you will have a way of bringing out the best in your family.

She'll bring forth a song in your heart, you didn't even know was there. She will always be trusting, guiding, and supporting. She'll know you. She'll see you. She'll love you. The real you. The one that feels so incredibly deeply. She'll read you like an open book. You are all she needs to be happy. You don't have to be anyone other than yourself. You're her home.

She will be thoughtful and playful, finding so many ways to show you she cares. She spoils you. Her love is unconditional. She's who you will easily be able to see a future with. Building a life together is no easy task, but with the right person at your side, it will be a beautiful and worthwhile journey of love.

She'll see the wars within you, and not only will she choose to stay, but she will choose to stand by your side and help you fight them. She will worry about you and take care of you. She will cradle your dark, embrace your light, and will always want to be your best when you yourself are not your best. Someone who reminds you of every strong thing you are, whenever you feel feeble. She will not judge you for your sadness. She will not resent you for your flaws. She is your confidant. With her, you don't have to pretend everything is okay, when it really isn't. When life gets rough, she will always be there to hold your hand. She will be there to turn off the world for you. She will always be there to remind you that you don't have to do this by yourself.

She will be a partner who is ready to build with you. She is beside you as you're fulfilling dreams- encouraging every step of the way. It is not about finding perfection in another person; it is about realizing when you come across an undeniable connection that nourishes your being and matches the type of support you are looking for. Getting lost in the idea of perfection is a hindrance. You both will constantly be changing and growing, your love together must be fluid. Changing and growing as well. Being with someone who is committed to going through the ups and downs of life together is truly priceless. When two people embrace their imperfections and commit to growing into better versions of themselves, it will naturally enhance the happiness they share in the relationship.

This list is long and daunting, but I know your love exists. Trust your instincts. Tell her you love her. Tell her often. And when you find her, you need to promise me one thing... you will hold on tightly and never let her go. The love you share for one another will always be a lifeline. Because with her is where you will find peace and love and joy in this world. And that is worth more than gold… It is where you are meant to be.

Fight for that love, because true, unabiding, once in a lifetime, shoot for the moon kind of love is always worth fighting for. Don't let it get away. Hold it close. Hold it tight.

You deserve this woman, Nathan. This epic, lifetime love. And she deserves you. You will be each other's home and greatest adventure.

Wherever I may go, please remember a part of me will always be with you. Even though I won't physically be here, I will be watching over you always.

Love,

Nan

P.S. I hope she bakes you those snickerdoodle cookies you always enjoyed!

Charlotte's voice broke at multiple points while reading the letter. She had to pause to regain her composure as tears blurred the scrolled writing on the pages. Nathan would graze his fingers over her forearm or squeeze her shaking hand in reassurance, giving her the courage to continue.

When she finished the letter was when she finally gave herself permission to look into Nathan's eyes. They were filled with emotions, just like hers.

"This satchel has been with me at every fort and posting I have had since joining the North West Mounted Police," Nathan held up the pouch. "It has been my most prized possession."

"It is a beautiful letter," Charlotte ran her fingers over the weathered pages that appeared to have been read and reread multiple times. "I can understand why it means so much to you."

"It has brought me a lot of comfort through the years. Reading Nan's words. For the longest time though, I'll admit, it just simply seemed like that. Words. Beautiful words, but they seemed unattainable. A woman like that… She just didn't exist. At least not for me," Nathan paused. "And I believed that every day of my life until… a year ago."

Charlotte felt the air leave her lungs like it had been sucked out. Once when she was younger, she had fallen off an unbroke colt on the ranch and landed flat on her back. This felt the same. She couldn't move. She couldn't breathe. Her mouth opened partially, hanging there for a moment before she gathered her thoughts enough to close it. Words. Normally when she couldn't speak, she felt like she was choking on them, but this time they were just gone. There were no words left to speak, and no air left to form them.

"A year ago, the woman Nan described in that letter, finally came crashing into my life." Nathan grinned. "Or rather her trunk did."

Charlotte chuckled at the memory.

"A year ago, my home, my greatest adventure, my lifetime love, she found me. Just like Nan said she would. I made a promise to myself, that first night you were in town, that I would fight for you. I would be your lifeline. That I would become for you, everything that Nan outlined in that letter, you would become for me. I promised to hold on. To never let you go. I can't say it's always been easy. Some days it was hard. Harder than I ever imagined, but it has always been worth it. Growing with you. It has been the most beautiful experience of my life."

Charlotte could feel her whole body shaking. Her eyes stung with the hot tears that threatened to spill forth.

"Since I came to Hope Valley, this satchel has been waiting to be shared with the woman who would become my best friend. Hidden away in my bedside table, waiting for the day when we would no longer see each other as two parts, but rather one whole. That letter was a promise I made to Nan, but it wasn't the only promise."

Charlotte's eyes grew big when Nathan reached back inside the pouch and pulled out a simple, silver band.

"This was the ring Pop gave to Nan when he asked her to marry him. I know it doesn't look like much, but to them it meant everything. It was a symbol of the love they shared until the very end. When Nan gave me that letter, she also gave me this, but only if I promised her that it would find its next home on the hand of the woman she described on those pages. Nothing less. The woman who I would marry and build a life with. The woman who would help me create a home for our family."

Charlotte's heart hammered against her chest.

"Charlotte, that woman is you. It's only ever been you. I know in the past there have been hurdles you felt we needed to overcome. But I'm holding out hope, that today, right now, you don't see anything else standing in our way. I'm praying that you too, see this life I've dreamed of for us… as husband and wife."

Charlotte worked to swallow the lump in her throat.

"Charlotte Marie Thompson, will you marry me? Let this ring be a symbol of the promise I make to you today. To always be your faithful and loving husband and partner, all the days of my life."

Charlotte paused. The words to say scrambled and morphed. She knew what she said to Nathan would be the most important answer she ever gave in her life and the weight of that was pressing. She wanted it to be right. For him.

"Nathan," Charlotte's voice quaked. "When you asked me to marry you last year, do you remember what you said? You told me that I didn't have to love you. I just had to let you love me. The thing was Nathan, I already loved you and that's why I couldn't say yes. I wasn't the woman in your letter."

Nathan's chin dipped slightly. Reaching forward Charlotte threaded her fingers through his unruly bedhead and pushed back the piece that always seemed to fall over his right eye. The action caused Nathan to raise his head so she could look into his eyes, their blue hue dark and stormy. Charlotte trailed her trembling hand so it rested on the side of Nathan's cheek, gently running her thumb along his chiseled jawline. Feeling the roughness of his stubble under her touch.

"What I've finally realized is that I can be this woman. With your love, I am her. You bring out the best in me. Just as I hope I bring out the best in you. That life you dream for us- I want it too. More than anything. And I promise to spend every day working with you to build that future together."

Nathan's eyes fluttered shut, holding on to each word she spoke. When his eyes opened again, he relished in the tender smile Charlotte directed at him. She gently guided Nathan to her and kissed him, loving his response, loving the way she felt when he took over. Tracing the contours of her mouth and tasting the fullness of her lips pressed to his as they danced across one another.

"So…" Nathan whispered, pulling back slightly to rest his forehead against Charlotte's. "I'm going to take that as a yes?"

He opened his eyes then to see the smile Charlotte beamed at him.

"Yes. Nathan. I will marry you," her voice rose. "Without a shadow of doubt. I love you and can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you... as your wife."

Tears freely streamed down both of their cheeks as they shifted slightly, allowing Nathan to slip the silver band onto Charlotte's finger. It was the perfect fit. Nathan took her hand and turned the wedding ring gently before lifting it and placing a delicate kiss across the back of her knuckle.

Charlotte's gaze fell to where Nathan's thumb rubbed slowly across the metal band. She sighed, relishing in the bliss she felt. Nathan's simple ring symbolized the promise they made to one another. A promise of happiness, blessings, warmth, support, and love. A promise of laughter and smiles. A promise that even though there would be dark days, they would always have each other to see it through. It was a promise of family. A promise of a future. And a beautiful one at that.