When Hearts Shine Bright: The Honeymoon

Chapter V: Let Me Love You

There is a certain magic in enjoying a simple outdoor meal with the one you love, surrounded by nature's awe-inspiring beauty.

It had been so natural for Elizabeth to lean back against a tree and for Nathan to lie on the blanket with his head on her lap. He held one of her hands and played with it. He traced her palm, marveling at its softness, all the while playing with her fingers. Fitting her hand within his, Nathan noticed how much smaller and daintier it was compared to his. He loved the contrast and it had him mesmerized. Everything about her had him entranced. How could he love a hand so much? It was a wonder for sure.

In the meantime, Elizabeth unconsciously twirled that wayward lock of hair that constantly fell on Nathan's forehead. It was the quiet moments and the silences in between their conversations that she adored. That's when she knew their hearts had truly found fulfillment and peace. They had spent a good chunk of the afternoon enjoying that easy affinity that was so them. They talked about everything and nothing, but mostly about Jack and Allie. Elizabeth and Nathan missed their children dearly. Yet, they knew the kids would be having the time of their lives with the Canfields.

"Allie's growing up so fast. The days are long, but the years are short, aren't they?" Nathan asked philosophically.

"That's a profound statement. Not to mention accurate," Elizabeth quirked her lips into a rueful smile. "Little Jack is not so little anymore either. He'll be starting school next term." She paused for a moment, deep in thought. "I still remember the sleepless nights, and how I thought I'd never survive them. However, time does not stand still... you blink for one second and suddenly you don't have a baby anymore."

"I can't imagine how you dealt with a newborn, with the loss of Jack so fresh. It was enough of a challenge for me taking care of Allie at four years old," Nathan said, his honest eyes searching for Elizabeth's.

"God provides, I've learned. He filled the space with Little Jack and at that time I had Abigail," Elizabeth's expression grew wistful as she remembered her friend and the invaluable support she'd provided during that stage of her life.

"He does take care of us, that's for sure. Once I assumed Allie's tutelage, fellow Mounties and their families always had my back when things got tough. Of course, I always tried not to inconvenience anyone," Nathan pointed out, remembering those first couple of years with his daughter. How he'd made it to the other side was a wonder. He had been a young man in his early twenties, facing life with a little girl. He miraculously managed to keep her clean and clothed, and Allie avoided looking disheveled even with his clumsy attempts at braiding.

"You've never been one to lean on others, have you, Nathan?" She looked at her husband and laid a gentle hand on his cheek.

Nathan sat up and took her hand. He kissed it tenderly and then wrapped his arm around her. Elizabeth laid her head on his shoulder, and in an action as natural as breathing, Nathan kissed her forehead.

"I have you now, don't I?" he said huskily.

"Yes, Nathan, you do. Always. Please, do lean on me. All I want to do is love you, take care of you, and comfort you." Elizabeth poured her entire sense of self into those words. Her heart ached over the years Nathan didn't have anyone. It had always been him against the world, with a little girl by his side. It was humbling to know the kind of man her husband was. His fearlessness and sensitivity would never cease to amaze her. All she wanted to do now was take care of him and shower him with all the love he deserved. She also yearned to show him the same in all the ways she could.

"That's all I want to do for you too, 'Lizbeth," he replied quietly. He saw the maelstrom in her eyes, knowing her mind was whirring furiously, but decided against questioning her about what was going on. Nathan simply took her lips in a sweet, gentle kiss, and touched his forehead to hers.

After letting out a quiet sigh, he changed the subject. "I wonder how Jack will manage to share you with all the other students in the classroom when he starts school in the fall."

Elizabeth wondered briefly over his turn of phrase, but decided to let it be. "Hmmmm… Surely it'll be an adjustment, but I trust he'll be well taken care of by the rest of the children," she said. Her face lit up as it always did when she talked about her son.

"You are both so loved. I am sure everything will be okay, 'Lizbeth," he said with absolutely no doubts.

Elizabeth smiled pensively. She could say she had been raised in a loving household. Yet, she'd never known love like the one she'd felt since making Hope Valley her home. It was truly family in the best sense of the word because they all chose to love and help each other out. She was truly blessed to have followed her calling there almost twelve years ago. Hope Valley had seen her become not only professionally fulfilled, but also the woman she was today. She'd found friends who had become more than family, and now… now she was sharing her life with her one great love, and they had made a family of their own.

"Allie will be graduating soon," Elizabeth pointed out, thinking of the children once again.

"Please, don't remind me. I know it's a trite phrase, but it does seem like yesterday when she was born. Time has certainly flown."

Elizabeth mulled over his words. She knew it would be the same for her and little Jack. "Do you mind if I encourage her to work on her poetry? There's a competition coming up soon that I'd like for her to participate in."

"I trust your judgment, 'Lizbeth. I also trust Allie. If writing is her passion, who better than you to guide her in this endeavor?"

Elizabeth felt a tiny prick in the corner of her eyes. It was inevitable to get a bit emotional. Knowing that Nathan trusted her completely when it came to Allie filled her soul.

"Hey, I didn't mean to make you cry," he said softly. Nathan touched her face, rubbing the tiny tear that made its way down her cheek.

"I know you didn't. It's just that thinking about the kids growing up makes me a bit misty."

They sat there, under the majestic greenery of the pine trees, and Nathan wondered if it was the right time to talk about expanding their family. He locked his expression in place, not wanting Elizabeth to notice the elation he felt at the possibility of that happening sooner rather than later. Who knew if it had already happened? Nathan felt his chest expand. How would she feel if she knew he fervently hoped for a honeymoon baby?

"You're lost in thought," Elizabeth said softly. Nathan wondered if she could read his mind. It's uncanny how well she knew him.

"Just thinking about the children," he replied with a crooked smile. He surely didn't have to elaborate about he was thinking of future kids, and not just Allie and Jack. It was probably better to change the subject. In an even yet hopeful tone he asked, "Wanna head back? Why don't we take another swim together?"

After pursing her lips in that unique smile of hers she said, "Nathan Grant. You wouldn't be thinking of a moonlight swim? It's almost twilight."

"Mrs. Grant, you do know me like no other," he said playfully. "Come, I will race you back to the cabin."

They swiftly gathered their things and mounted their horses. Sprinting away in the afternoon dusk was as exhilarating as their morning ride. Happiness filled their souls to the brim; there was no denying they were living the best moments of their lives.

Once back at the honeymoon cabin, Nathan was quick to take a plunge in the lake.

"I'm not sure about this." Elizabeth stood at the edge, the water lapping gently at her feet. It was something to go into the lake during the day when she could see into its depths, but it was a completely different sensation at night.

He had already dived in and resurfaced. He shook his head, getting rid of excess water. The flying droplets shone like little shooting stars under the shimmering light of the moon.

"There's nothing to be afraid of 'Lizbeth. You're with me," Nathan said gently.

Trusting him with her life, she took his hand. They grasped onto each other firmly, fully aware that they could overcome anything together; even something as simple as stepping into a lake at night. Elizabeth knew she could bear whatever life threw her way with Nathan by her side. He was also learning he didn't have to face everything alone, nor bear the brunt by himself. For the first time in his life, he felt he could lean on someone. Elizabeth cradled his heart and soul as if they were the greatest of treasures. Undoubtedly, it was the same for Nathan. However, realizing they were exactly in the same place had to be the most overpowering sensation of all.

"You're getting better at this, 'Lizbeth," he said, smiling widely.

Elizabeth was wading gently, her head above the water. Others might have looked awkward attempting her swimming moves, but his wife could never look anything other than graceful. She huffed just a bit, showing her exertion. Taking a break, she stood, landing softly on the squishy bottom of the lake.

"Oh my goodness!" Something scaly and slimy rubbed against Elizabeth's legs, and in what could only be described as a magnificent leap, she threw herself against Nathan, hanging on for dear life.

Nathan's chest startled to rumble, and he couldn't resist. He exploded into laughter.

"Nathan Grant! This is not funny! There are things at the bottom of this lake!"

Keeping a hold on Elizabeth, he submerged his hand into the water and retrieved an errant floating plant. "Something like this, Mrs. Grant?" He smiled lopsidedly. "Do you really think I would have you swimming in a body of water that housed the creature of the Black Lagoon?"

"Okay, that's it, I'm out," Elizabeth said, trying to reign in the desire to laugh. Giving Nathan her best disgruntled expression, she extricated herself from her husband's arms and ran out of the water.

He followed her and grabbed her by the waist as she leaned down to retrieve the towel she'd left by the lake's edge. Elizabeth lost her balance, while Nathan lost his footing, both immediately ending up on the ground in a heap! Groaning, they looked at each other and lost it, the need to laugh overtaking any sort of pain they might feel over such a ridiculous fall.

The laughter died down as their awareness of each other increased. Elizabeth sunk her fingers into Nathan's damp hair and brought his face down to hers for a rapturous kiss. The slight chill in the air made their warm skin tingle, and the temperature contrast had them shivering.

Barely able to speak, Nathan asked tremulously, "Care to continue this inside?"

"Yes." That was all Elizabeth was able to utter. She could only think of the plans she had to make that evening even more special for Nathan.

Once inside the cabin, Nathan didn't let a second pass before bringing Elizabeth back into his arms. She almost fell victim to his lazy kisses but was able to pull back just a bit, laying her hands on his chest.

He looked at her quizzically. "Anything wrong?"

"No, nothing. Would you give me a few minutes? There's something I want to do. For us," she replied with a small smile.

Nathan raised a brow playfully. "As long as it's for us, 'Lizbeth, how could I not grant your wishes?"

Before she lost her nerve, Elizabeth dashed to the washroom, where she had laid out one of those silky ensembles Rosemary had snuck into her luggage. It was pink, lacy, and borderline scandalous, she thought as she held it in her hands. Thankfully her friend had seen fit to include a coordinating robe. Even if it was still too skimpy for her taste, it made her feel a bit more comfortable than just stepping out of the washroom with tap pants and a camisole.

She needed to let him know she wanted him as much as he wanted her. She had to make sure he knew that anything and everything was right between them, just because of the love and respect they had for each other. They could make up their own rules, or they could toss the proverbial handbook away. Elizabeth was convinced she needed to take the lead this time around, even if it did make her a bit nervous. But it was Nathan, he was her great love, her soulmate. She wanted to love him, she wanted to show him how much she loved him. She wanted to seduce him and for him to know it.

Taking a deep breath she walked out of the washroom, her silky robe unfastened. Taking in the vision of Elizabeth's ethereal beauty, it was a wonder Nathan's jaw didn't drop. He could only just stare at her, feeling head over heels in love, but also desperate to touch her and make her his.

He reached out for her, but she immediately laid her hands on his biceps, halting his movements. Nathan looked at her questioningly.

"Nathan, let me love you," she said, her words barely a murmur.

"'Lizbeth…please, I just… let me…" He couldn't form a coherent sentence. The combination of her words and how she looked rendered him speechless.

"No," she whispered quietly, yet firmly.

"No?"

"Nathan, it's always been you doing for me. For so long you've been there, loving me. From afar, and now up close. Always showering me with tender and passionate kisses. You make me feel so loved, so cherished. Revered even. Let me! Let me show you how you make me feel. Let me show you that I also burn for you. That I match flame for flame what's in your heart."

As Elizabeth gazed into his captivating blue eyes, she felt herself drawn into a swirling vortex of contradictory sensations - the fiery intensity of passion intermingled with the cool serenity of a deep, beautiful blue. Standing on her tiptoes, her lips blindly searched for his. In no time at all they unequivocally found their mark. Taken by surprise, Nathan stood still, while the love of his life took the lead, and kissed him with even more passion than she'd ever shown before. It was mind-blowing and liberating all at the same time. It was an injection of instant desire, and it took all of his strength and willpower to not respond in the way he wanted to.

Nathan simply let himself be seduced.

His Elizabeth could kiss. He couldn't think. He couldn't move. He could only just feel. And what he felt was wondrous. Who knew a set of lips could elicit so many sensations? But it wasn't just any set of lips. They were Elizabeth's. Their sensual onslaught had him melting into her and he was helpless in her pursuit. His eyes fluttered open and closed yet again as she trailed those lips over his face, his jaw, his neck. He pulled his fingers into tight fists, unable to find any modicum of control. All her movements… how she pressed herself up against him, the way her hands touched him… at times fleetingly, like a butterfly's touch, but then decidedly gripping him… how could she know that was exactly how he wanted to touch her? How could she know if her desire didn't match his?

It was different this time around. Everything was new, but unlike their wedding night there was no nervous energy. There was no urgency, unlike their morning after when desire had hit Nathan like a ton of bricks. Yes, it was different now, and not only because of Elizabeth's seduction. Everything felt deeper, richer. It all felt intense and more deliberate. It was magical, yet real, like floating on a cloud but with their feet firmly on the ground.

Feeling the need to give even more of herself to him, Elizabeth dropped her robe, bringing her husband's hands to her ribcage. Nathan breathed deep, the contrast of textures between his rough hands, the satiny lingerie, and her sensitive skin stabbed him in the gut.

"Let me love you?" Elizabeth asked once again, softly breaking free from their kiss.

It was almost an imperceptible nod, but Elizabeth noticed it. He didn't have to say anything because they had mastered the art of speaking with their eyes. They both saw the reflection of mutual love, desire, and fervor.

She kissed him again, and this time the hands she laid on his shoulders skimmed his arms down to his wrists. She finally grasped his hands and threaded her fingers with his. Silently Elizabeth led Nathan to the four-poster bed.

"I never expected to find what I have found with you," she said hoarsely, her words dripping with want and need.

Finding his voice, Nathan managed to say, "Deep down, I always knew it would be like this with you. That's why there couldn't be anyone else."

A small whimper escaped from Elizabeth's throat. She needed him closer than close. She needed to drown in him. She needed to feel their hearts and souls entwining. She needed to feel everything and let herself be consumed.

Ready for everything, they filled each other to the brim. Attempting to stretch the journey to fulfillment and completion was arduous when sensations and emotions threatened to overflow. But in the end, however passion and desire transpired, it did so completely…beautifully… intoxicatingly.

Lying in each other's arms, Elizabeth could listen to the reverberant beat of Nathan's heart. She could stay there forever, as could he.

"Nathan."

"Yes?"

"Each time with you is simply more beautiful and more fulfilling than the last."

"And to think we signed up for a lifetime of this," he said quietly, gently smoothing her hair.

"Indeed," Elizabeth replied looking up at him, her flushed skin and glimmering eyes making Nathan's heart skip a beat.

Claiming her lips in a sweet kiss, he felt waves of desire crash over him with that one simple touch. "Let me love you this time around?" he murmured against her mouth.

Elizabeth could only nod and surrender to the yearnings of her heart.