Chapter 133- Special Memories

*If me writing playful, super flirty, and (dot… dot… dot…) scenes are things you enjoy in this story about Nate and Charlie, Happy Reading (I'm looking at you ninergrl6- hopefully with posting this chapter on the weekend I don't have to add a- not suitable for work -warning).

Also, to those of you who like my "digs" at the current tv show- Missela, bakerew (you called me out on it with SNS a few weeks ago), and others- see if you can't find the one in this chapter based on a recap I received over a recent S9 WCTH episode. It's maybe not as obvious as a hot air balloon reference, but it's still here.

With that- FULL STEAM AHEAD Y'ALL!

After their lunch by the waterfall, Nathan insisted on setting up camp so they wouldn't have to worry about doing it later. He chose a place not far from the lakeshore and started to clear a spot for their fire close to a fallen log. It was near a tall tree by the water's edge, but Nathan wanted to make sure that its leafy branches would not impede the star gazing they would do later that night. He cut spruce boughs for their mattress and then spread out their blankets to make a soft bed. It looked so inviting when he was finished that Charlotte knew she wouldn't miss their comfortable bed at home.

After Nathan was satisfied with their camp preparations, he turned to Charlotte and held out his hand.

"What's this?" she asked.

"What do you say to a stroll along the lakeshore?"

"I would love to," Charlotte said, taking her husband's outstretched hand into her own as they started their journey beside the water.

Soon they came to the flat boulder they discovered on their first official date to the meadow last summer. They both removed their boots and socks and climbed barefoot up onto the top. The spot had the best view of the waves lapping against the shoreline of the lake.

It was their first opportunity to really talk for weeks, so with their fingers intertwined they talked softly while they watched a couple of beavers in the distance work. They spoke of many things, some little and foolish, others more important and part of their inner dreams and plans for the future.

Charlotte learned much about Nathan. She had thought she knew him well, but he shared so many new things - about his childhood and time with Colleen growing up, about his training and postings with the Mounties, raising Allie, and about his desire and goals. He told her that he had sought out Dylan, the day after her birthday to thank him for giving Allie the picture. Nathan didn't explain the deeper connection behind it all to his brother-in-law, but he had felt the need to show his appreciation to the gift Dylan had chosen to give Allie before he left Hope Valley.

Charlotte too shared more about her past. About growing up on the ranch, becoming a teacher, and her time in Potter's Creek. She shared her thoughts and feelings about Allie and Dylan and the impending court date in Union City that would decide the future of their family.

It was a warm afternoon with the sun sending down its heat upon them. Charlotte moved to the edge of the boulder, pulling her skirt up to sit above her knees, she lowered her toes into the cool mountain waters and winced.

"Cold?" Nathan chuckled.

"Just a little," she smiled in return. "But it's refreshing with as hot as it is today." Charlotte began to unbutton the collar of her blouse, and then she looked over her shoulder at him. A slow delicious smile building across her features. "Do you mind if I…"

"Huh?" Nathan's mouth had gone dry, and he struggled to blink. He could feel the heat rushing all through his body, most of it ending up in his face.

"Do you mind if I take off my blouse?"

Nathan knew his brain was short-circuiting. He coughed and felt as though his collar was choking him.

"It's so warm out…"

"No… no… I don't mind." He finally was able to answer, trying to shake the fog from his head. "I was just thinking… that since- as you said- it's so hot… maybe I'd do the same…"

"Remove your blouse?" Charlotte raised an eyebrow and gave him a disarming smile as she pulled her own shirt free of the waistband of her skirt. Discarding it to the side and adjusting the straps of the thin chemise she still wore.

"No… I… ah…" He stumbled over his words, clearly flustered and unable to think clearly. Nathan's eyes skimmed over his wife's now bare shoulders and clavicle. The sun reflecting off the lake's surface gave her skin a shimmering, transcendent glow.

"Easy, Sarge," Charlotte shifted towards him. "Let me help you."

She slipped his suspenders from his shoulders, untucked his shirt, and deftly worked along the buttons.

"Charlotte." The sensual way in which he whispered her name made her shudder. His calloused hands raised a path of desire on her skin as they slowly slid along her bare arms and shoulders.

"Yes, Nathan?" She murmured as her lips began to place breathtakingly light kisses along his jaw and neck, her hands snaking inside the opening of his shirt. Her palms and fingers moved slowly over each and every muscle of his torso, feeling the heavy rise and fall of his upper body as she pushed his shirt off his shoulders for it to join her clothing on the rock beside them.

He splayed one hand against the back of her head, bringing Charlotte to him. They were chest to chest, and she could feel his heart leaping against hers, quick and thrilling. Their passion: a building wildfire, threatening to consume them both.

But suddenly, as Nathan twisted to reposition them, he lost his balance and slipped. Tumbling not so gracefully from the boulder into the lake beside them. Charlotte's shocked gasp as she reached out to try and save him was only met with a large splash as he plopped into the water a couple feet below. She leaned over the edge and saw Nathan surface.

"Oh, my goodness!" Her eyes were huge with worry as she started to scamper down the back side of the boulder to the lakeshore. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Ah, I'm fine." He stood up in the hip deep water.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Charlotte splashed into the lake to be by his side. "You're not just saying that to be some tough cowboy, but really your leg is broken, or your lung is punctured or something?" Charlotte's hands and eyes skimmed over her husband, quickly analyzing every inch of him to make sure he was indeed no worse for wear.

"I'm fine." Nathan captured her hands into his, holding them to his chest to stop her frantic movements. "I promise."

Water dripped from his hair to his face. His bare skin glistened in the sunlight. Charlotte's eyes fixated on his strong shoulders, where water ran in thin rivulets down his arms and chest.

"I guess falling into the lake is one way to cool off," Nathan joked, pulling Charlotte out of her trance. "I think you pushed me off the boulder on purpose, Mrs. Nathan."

"You think I pushed you?" Charlotte's voice rose in false anger at the accusation.

"Mmmmhmmm…" Nathan wore a wolfish grin on his face.

"As if! I believe it was only you and your gracefulness that can be blamed here, Sarge."

"Is that so?" He bent forward and skimmed his large hand over the surface of the lake, splashing Charlotte with water.

She gasped and drew back slightly in shock before a mocking scowl moved across her face and she planted her hands firmly on her hips. "You did not just do that."

"Do what?" Nathan slowly strode toward her, still grinning from ear to ear. "This?"

He splashed her again, soaking her thoroughly. The action caused her to gasp and retract away at the coldness of the water. In one lightning-fast move, Nathan grabbed her up, flung her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, and turned back towards the deeper part of the lake.

"What are you doing? Put me down!" Charlotte playfully shrieked and wiggled against him.

Nathan waded into the water a few more feet and unceremoniously threw her into the lake.

"There… I put you down," Nathan teased when Charlotte's head emerged from underwater. She watched the lines deepen in his tanned cheeks as he smiled.

"Two can play at this game," she taunted and in quick movements of her own she knocked him off balance, tackling him into the lake with her.

Under the water, Nathan snaked his arms around Charlotte's waist and reeled her in close to him before they resurfaced, their faces only inches apart. Charlotte braced her palms against his chest, and a jolt of electricity seared up her arms at the contact with his warm skin. They floated together as the light breeze of the day rhythmically lapped the lake water against their bodies.

Nathan gathered her into his strong arms and kissed her until she could scarcely breathe. His hands fanned the spark inside her until it was a flame, but he didn't quench it. He drew back slightly. The smoldering look in Nathan's eyes made Charlotte's mouth go dry. He let his gaze drift boldly over her, noticing how her wet clothing clung to every one of her feminine curves like a second skin.

"We should get a fire going," Nathan's voice was low and husky as his finger traced and led a glistening rivulet of water along the edges of her collarbone.

"I thought it already was…" Her hands curled into the wet hair at the nape of his neck. "I don't know about you, but I'm feeling plenty warm right where I am, Sarge."

A tight, throaty chuckle escaped his lips. Nathan brushed her thick braid aside and kissed her neck, causing Charlotte to close her eyes and naturally list closer into his body.

"You know what I mean, Charlie. This water is freezing cold. We need to get out of these wet clothes and dry off. The sun is already starting to set and before long the temp will drop. We'll catch pneumonia if we're not careful."

She slowly nodded in reluctant agreement. He took her hand and led her to shore where he skillfully started the campfire, while Charlotte collected a couple extra blankets from their supplies. Wet clothes shrugged off and positioned on a drying line Nathan had rigged near the heat, they wrapped the warm blankets around their shoulders and sat on the fallen log near the fire.

Nathan reached over and wiped a strand of damp hair away from Charlotte's face. His deep blue eyes fixed on hers as his fingers lingered and caressed her cheek. Charlotte's stomach tightened, and she groaned inwardly at the pure pleasure of that simple touch. Nathan's thumb traced along her jaw, feeling Charlotte's pulse beat wildly as he cradled her neck in his hand. His touch drifted lower, moving along the thick braid that draped over Charlotte's shoulder. He carefully untied the leather string she used to hold the plait in place. Gently unwinding each of the interlaced strands, savoring in the way the waves brushed over his fingers. He found a cloth in their knapsack and slowly dried her hair.

Satisfied they were on their way to being dry and warm, Nathan circled his arm around Charlotte's shoulders drawing her into his side as he slowly grazed his hand up and down her back to ward off the chill that threatened to settle into them now that they were out of the lake. Charlotte rested her head on his shoulder as she stared into the fire, watching the flames flicker and dance in front of them. Safely cradled in her husband's embrace.

When their clothes were dry, they dressed and set about catching their dinner from the lake. They laughed and joked easily, both seemingly lightened by the day spent together in one of their favorite places on earth. It was as if they were tossing the weight of their worries off their shoulders and into God's hands with each cast of their fishing lines into the sparkling water before them.

With their catch secured, Nathan fixed their meal, saying that this anniversary was Charlotte's day off. She laughed and let him humor her. Nathan cooked their dinner over the open fire, roasting the freshly caught fish slowly until done to perfection and serving them with vegetables he had brought from their garden at home. They washed the dishes together in a little stream before having a dessert of berries from a nearby patch, eaten from their hands as they picked them. Both laughing at their stained lips and teeth.

As the sun went down, the air became chilly, and Nathan threw more sticks on the fire as Charlotte retrieved one of the packed quilts. She wrapped it around Nathan's strong shoulders, pulling the blanket around them so it enveloped both their bodies in its heavy warmth. They sat with their backs against the fallen log and watched the stars begin to appear.

The evening was astir with the night life of the wilds. They took turns identifying each sound- the cry of the loon, the swish from the wings of the mammoth owl as it swept earthward to snatch unsuspecting prey, a mouse scurrying through the pine needles, a bull moose bellowing out a challenge.

When the wolves began their chorus, Charlotte snuggled in closer to Nathan. She knew the pack was miles away, but there was something about having a reason to burrow into her husband's protective embrace that would never get old to her. As she sat there in the warmth of Nathan's arms, she realized there might be many anniversaries stretching before them, she prayed to God that He would make it so. But there would never be one that could outshine the one they were sharing now.

As the sun totally disappeared, more stars twinkled into view, taking their appointed positions in the velvet of the night sky. They seemed to shine even brighter tonight in the meadow, far away from any artificial light source.

Suddenly Charlotte sighed deeply, and a winsome smile came across her face.

"What?" Nathan questioned.

"What's what?" She tried to hide her smirk, but it was impossible with him.

"I mean, what are you smiling at?" He placed a peck on the dimple in her right cheek.

"I was just thinking." Charlotte noted Nathan's eyebrow raise in question, so she continued. "Thinkin' about how this morning when you reminded me that it was our anniversary, I was all flustered and worried. How could I forget such a special occasion? People make big deals of anniversaries. Maybe a night out, dinner, and candlelight. Fancy clothes and pretty music."

"Are you disappointed that isn't how we are celebrating?" Nathan ran a hand through his hair and looked down at the ground. Suddenly self-conscious of his surprise and how his wife may feel about it. "I knew I should have gotten you earrings or something more fitting of the occasion."

"Oh, no!" She gasped, placing a hand on his arm. Drawing his attention back to her. "Our evening meal may not be by candlelight, nor is it some gourmet feast at a fancy restaurant. But Nathan… I wouldn't have traded your surprise for anything in the world. This… What you've done for us today- It is special. Finding someone who can make these little, simple, everyday moments feel extraordinary and significant. It truly is the greatest gift we could share. A pair of earrings are beautiful, sure, but in the end it's just stuff. What you've given us today is memories. Special, heartfelt, important memories that I will cherish always. I don't need jewels on my ears to show others our love or remind myself how lucky I am. I have you. That's all I need."

The fire crackled softly, and a steady warmth built within Nathan from Charlotte's worlds and gentle touch. It flooded his senses, seeping through his body until it caressed his very soul. And in that moment, he realized that this was about more than love. This woman made him feel special. She made him feel good and strong and kind and as though together they could conquer anything life threw at them.

"And Nathan… I need you." Charlotte stammered slightly. They hadn't made love since Charlotte had been triggered a few weeks ago. Sure, together they had been able to work through things and now were able to touch and kiss again, but at night they simply lay side by side. She had felt the distance Nathan put between them and honored it as she believed it was the best for them both at the time. But now… she longed for this final connecting piece. She needed to push past these fears. And she knew she could only overcome the ghosts of her past with Nathan's understanding, patience, and love. His guiding light pulling her out of the last remaining moments of darkness.

"Are you sure?" He swallowed back the lump in his throat.

She silenced him, capturing his mouth with hers in a hard kiss. Charlotte was masterful- rough yet tender and tasting of berries. When she withdrew, Nathan fought the urge to pull her back.

"Did that answer your question, Sarge?" Charlotte quipped, her eyes smoldering with passion.

The look she was giving Nathan made the air leave his lungs. But he tried to think clearly. "I don't want you thinking this is why I brought you up here. Or that this is a continuation of earlier. You should never feel pressure to do something you're not ready to do, just because you think it's what is expected."

Charlotte's heart clenched. She knew Nathan meant every word he spoke. "I know, Nathan." She lightly grazed her finger along his jaw before tilting his chin up so she could look in his eyes. "Selfishly though, I want all the special memories you can give me here. I want to see the stars tonight, Sarge."

Nathan's throat bobbed as he struggled to swallow. The last strings of restraint had been severed. "Charlie Grant."

The name floated so softly from his lips; she had hardly heard it. But Charlotte knew his desire for her was in that name. She felt tingling warmth run down into her belly when he said it. Charlie Grant. Her heart jumped as he leaned in closer. Charlotte could hardly draw a breath when Nathan kissed her neck, then nibbled her ear. She shuddered and let out a soft moan feeling as though she might burst into flames like the campfire beside them. A heat quickly consumed her.

Nathan returned his attention to her mouth, kissing her thoroughly. His stubble scuffed her sensitive skin, but she didn't care. Arching her back and clinging to him as she moved her arms around his body to draw him closer. When Nathan lifted his mouth from hers, she saw the question in his eyes. Silently asking, once more, if she was indeed sure this was something she wanted.

Charlotte stood. The fire beside them was beginning to extinguish, but she was determined to fuel the embers burning between them. "Love me." She reached forth her hand to him. "Please."

Nathan could do nothing else. He took her hand and let her pull him to her. Charlotte's arms crept around his neck, and she leaned into him, brushing her lips against his. Nathan deepened the kiss and wrapped one arm around her waist to draw her closer. His fingers caressed her cheek, her eyelids, her forehead, and finally entwined in her hair, then he cradled the back of her head. Groaning as Charlotte returned his kiss with equal passion. The hunger for her that had been building in him for weeks threatened to overtake him, but he remained in control of his emotions.

Without breaking the kiss, Nathan backed Charlotte to their makeshift bed as they slowly and methodically undressed one another. Leaving a peppered trail of discarded clothing along the lakeshore. When they reached the edge of the blankets, he carefully sank to his knees, easing her onto the soft spruce boughs, and bent over her. Charlotte's hands moved lazily up and down his strong back.

Nathan kissed her again, long and gently, while slowly inspecting her body with his hands. His tender caresses left scorch marks on her skin. Nathan was in no rush as he took his time exploring every inch of her with his large and capable hands. He kissed her neck, shoulders, collarbone, and lower.

"Nathan." His name slipped past her lips on a sigh as his relentless, torturous exploration continued.

At the sound of his name, Nathan's gaze returned to hers. Once again needing confirmation this was what she wanted too. She prayed that the look in her eyes told him it was.

"I love you," Nathan whispered in her ear when he drew them together.

"I love you," Charlotte was barely able to reply as her mind seemed hardly capable of forming words at that moment. The sweeping sensations quickly rushed over her and took her breath away in the most delicious of ways. She realized she had missed this intimacy with her husband. It was so much more than physical pleasure. It was an indescribable connection that happened when they came together. Of completely giving oneself to the person who loves you the most in this world.

When their own stars began to clear, Nathan moved to Charlotte's side and pulled her close, nuzzling her neck as he tried to calm his breathing. Charlotte caressed his shoulder and kissed his chest. He smiled at her, letting his fingers lazily twist in her hair. She closed her eyes, breathing in the masculine scent of her husband laying in her arms.

"Charlie…" Nathan's voice caught. "Look."

"Hmmm?" She hummed in a very confused state, being pulled from her inner thoughts. "What is it?" Charlotte searched her husband's face for a moment before following his gaze to the heavens above them.

"The northern lights," he whispered in wonder.

"But… I never knew you could see them this time of year."

"You're right, they are more common in the winter months, but they can occur at any time…" Nathan explained. "If the conditions are right."

Charlotte remembered the sight of the lights on New Year's Eve and tonight's anniversary display was just as spectacular. The night sky had come alive with sweeping rainbows. Lights swished and swirled above them, sweeping across the skies in spectacular movements. Sometimes the entire sky would seem to be one giant movement of color, and then the lights would retreat as though to end a scene, then sweep back again for another curtain call.

"They are so beautiful," Charlotte spoke in clear awe. Finding it hard to believe it was just the northern lights they were watching. The display above them seemed almost otherworldly. Divine.

"Yes. Beautiful." Nathan agreed although he was no longer looking at the display above them, but rather his wife laying in his arms.

Sensing his gaze, Charlotte turned towards him. In the shadowy light, Nathan could only just make out the outline of her face. He knew every inch, though. Every freckle and the exact color of her eyes and the way her nose wrinkled when she laughed. Nathan bent his head and kissed her, a languid gentle kiss that melted her from the inside out. Bringing to life another kind of dance.

The stars shone even brighter after the last lights of their great northern fireworks faded from the skies and the deep blackness settled in. What could be considered frightening to others, instead seemed to hem them in a promise of protection and Nathan and Charlotte finally gave over to sleep.

The next morning, the sun rose in the east putting on its own colorful display. Fading the darkness into incredible lights that moved and shifted, igniting the sky with heavenly warm colors that spilled over the mountains, grass, and waters of the landscape.

Charlotte struggled to blink the drowse from her vision, so her eyes could capture the brilliance of the morning sunlight God painted. It was then she realized the familiar weight and heat of Nathan's body was no longer beside her. She groped lazily across their makeshift bed, but her touch was met with empty space. She slowly stretched her muscles, easing the lingering effects of the night before. The smell of fresh coffee flooded her senses, and she knew exactly where her husband had disappeared to. She drew the extra blanket he had draped over her against her chest and sat up, seeing Nathan was crouched down, tending to the campfire and the beginnings of their breakfast.

Charlotte took a moment to watch the gentle power in which he moved and set about the simple actions of the day. The strength of his shoulders and arms as he added logs to the fire. The way his torso tapered slightly to the waistband of his trousers that settled loosely about his hips. And those masculine hands. Charlotte felt a rush of heat come to her face at the memories of the night before and what effects Nathan's hands had on her.

She noticed he had collected her haphazardly discarded clothes and folded them. Placing them in an organized pile nearby. It was a simple, caring gesture that even though it seemed so small, caused a quickening and stirring inside her. Charlotte rose, pulling the blanket around her, she tip-toed around the edge of the fallen long to her husband's side. She opened the blanket and slid her arms slowly down the length of his before wrapping him into her embrace, pressing herself against his strong back.

"Good morning, Sarge." She sultry whispered in his ear on her way to place a kiss to his stubbled jawline. She felt his face move into a slow, lopsided grin as she continued her kisses along his neck.

He twisted his face towards her and brought his hand back, threading his fingers into her loose waves to direct a kiss of his own to her lips.

"Good morning to you too." He smiled when they drew slightly apart. "Coffee is ready and what are your thoughts on pancakes for breakfast?"

"Mmmm…" She hummed before kissing him once more. Memories flooded her of their actions together on Christmas morning over pancakes. "That sounds delicious, but Sarge…" She straightened, drawing him with her from his crouched position. "I think those pancakes can wait a little longer… Right now, there is a different kind of breakfast I'm hungry for."

*Since their wedding night, I almost wished I would have established a "flame emoji" rating system for these two… Haha!