Author's Note:

Dearest reader… After this note, you will find a teaser of the first chapter of a new series titled When Hearts Shine Bright: The Honeymoon. Yes, I am writing Nathan and Elizabeth's honeymoon, but have decided to publish it separately.

How did I come upon this decision? Well, the current story is rated T. The honeymoon chapters will include mature themes, consequently needing an M rating. I'm conscientious of my public, and I know "Hallmark After Dark" (or romance novel treatment) isn't everyone's cup of tea. I want to be respectful of my audience and do things right.

Also, creatively, I wanted to give the muse some leeway during the writing process. I found myself holding back while trying to keep the story at a T rating and the writing kept stalling on me. I know some authors disclaim chapters with more adult content in their T stories, but that's not my jam. Thus, publishing separately is my preferred course of action!

If you don't already know, an M story won't appear on the initial search page for the FanFiction site. However, finding the story is as easy as searching for me as an author, or following me so you get email updates when I publish new content. You can also filter for M rated stories on your app or desktop. Another way to stay in the loop is by following me on Instagram, where I update on new chapters and stories. My user on all platforms is ladyofletters26.

Please know I am beyond thankful for the incredible and overwhelming support for this story. I see the impact on my stats, and I'd love it if more of you would be so inclined to leave a short review or comment on posts on IG! Hearties, McGarries, and Team Nathan… you guys have been amazing, and I hope those of you who have been anxiously waiting for E&N's honeymoon love this chapter and the upcoming spin-off.

Love always, LadyofLetters26

When Hearts Shine Bright: The Honeymoon

Chapter I: The Wedding Night

Could she get away with staring at her husband for the entire duration of the car ride without him noticing? Elizabeth kept taking peeks at him, while trying to pretend she was looking at the road ahead. It was useless, though. Her musings had her appreciating just how handsome Nathan was and she couldn't stop looking her fill. There was something about that gentle strength he exuded, not to mention the irresistible swagger she had only recently noticed. Elizabeth sighed inwardly. Then again, there was that profile, that head of hair, and the intense gaze of his ridiculously beautiful blue eyes… It was indeed a lethal combination that had her all aflutter. Elizabeth shook her head ever so slightly in what could only be disbelief. How could she have been so blind for so long? It was only recently she'd become truly mindful of Nathan's physical attributes. Yes, he had always been easy on the eyes, but now… now she was intensely aware. She was head over heels in love with this man, who also made her melt from the inside out every time she looked at him.

How would it be? She wondered. Being in his arms had to be the most sublime sensation she'd ever felt. Elizabeth felt her pulse quicken just thinking about Nathan's kisses. They had shared quite a few heated embraces since they began their courtship. But now… now they were on their honeymoon! Anticipation, excitement, along with a good dose of nervousness bubbled up inside of her. How would it feel to let the passion of their kisses run its course? Doing her best not only to conceal a shuddery intake of breath, but also to halt her train of thought, Elizabeth decided to break the easy silence between them.

Speaking in a much more even voice than she thought herself capable of, she said, "I'm still wondering where you're taking me."

"Well, wonder no more, dear 'Lizbeth," Nathan said, smiling with satisfaction. "I am taking you to a beautiful cabin by the water in Banff," he revealed without hesitation.

Elizabeth's eyes twinkled. "That sounds delightful. How did you decide on the location?"

"I wanted to take you to an incredibly romantic secluded place with an amazing view. We got a stunning cabin for the week, thanks to some strings Lee pulled."

"That's wonderful," Elizabeth said huskily.

How was it that her voice could sink into his veins and do all sorts of things to Nathan's pulse? For a second, he pondered pulling over once again, but decided against it. They'd never make it to their destination! But those eyes… She kept looking at him with those eyes that knew him like no other. Those eyes that pulled him into their depths every time his gaze bore deep into them.

It took all the strength he could muster to concentrate on the road and steer the conversation into safer territory. Yes, it was better to list all the things they could do outside the cabin. "There's a lake right in front. We can go swimming or on a romantic boat ride. The views are outstanding. We can go hiking and have our choice of various picnic spots. There are horses too. I'd love to race you one day," he said in his gruff, yet pleasing lilt.

"You'd love to race me?" Elizabeth asked, her whole face lighting up.

"Yes. Mostly every time we've been on horseback, it's been for the purpose of getting from one place to another. I'd love to experience the joy of a carefree ride with you by my side."

"That sounds incredibly appealing," she replied, her eyes glimmering. She could picture the image Nathan painted quite clearly.

"Speaking of appealing," Nathan said, smiling that attractive smile of his, "would you go into the water with me?"

"I'd go anywhere with you, Nathan."

"That's a very good reply," he said thickly.

"There's only one thing," Elizabeth mused out loud.

"And that would be?"

"I never learned how to swim. Will you teach me?" she asked hopefully.

"Of course." It was a simple, heartfelt answer. He didn't trust himself to say more. He was already thinking of teaching Elizabeth how to float, and how he'd have to support her waist until she'd be able to do it on her own. The prospect of touching a wet Elizabeth sent a trickle of sweat from the back of his neck down his spine.

Thankfully, Nathan could finally see the cabin in the near distance. Momentarily grateful for the halt to his thoughts, he heaved a sigh of relief. They had arrived.

The view of the night sky was simply stunning, and Elizabeth was in awe. If it was like this right now, she knew it would be an absolute spectacle during the day. But the sky… oh my goodness, every star seemed to shine brightly just for them. Elizabeth couldn't help but say as much as she looked up in delight.

Leaving her to that moment, Nathan smiled to himself and took up the task of unloading the car. He was done quickly enough and returned to Elizabeth where she was standing on the front porch. "Do you want to sit here for a bit? The cabin is fully stocked. We could have something to drink and wind down."

"There's something else I'd prefer to do," Elizabeth said quietly.

"Anything for my beautiful wife," Nathan said, his expression the epitome of a man head over heels in love.

"I want to dance with you."

Nathan's eyes glistened as he took in her tender request. "That's right. We didn't get a first dance at our wedding," he murmured.

Elizabeth closed the space between them. She held out her right hand, which he took delicately, as her left posed gently on his shoulder.

There was no music, but Nathan and Elizabeth didn't need it. The steady beats of their hearts provided the necessary percussion, while the soft whistle of the spring breeze injected a sweet melody into the air. Nathan slid a warm, firm hand over Elizabeth's waist. He brought her hand over his heart and edged her closer still. They gently swayed cheek-to-cheek to the beat of this perfect tune they created together.

And just because he could, Nathan covered her lips with his under the blanket of a flawless starry night sky. It was a beautiful kiss where they decanted the joy that overflowed at being newly declared husband and wife.

For the rest of the story, follow and favorite When Hearts Shine Bright: The Honeymoon.