KISS ME

Author's Note: This story was originally published as a post on Instagram. I've been inspired to write mini fanfics based on promotional content for the show, be it pictures or previews. It's a fun little exercise and keeps the juices flowing while I work on the bigger stories. If you enjoy this type of content do consider following me on Instagram, where you will get the most current updates! Thanks for the support and happy reading! LadyofLetters26

As slow as molasses in January. Bill's words hit right in the gut. Put that way, Nathan did have to recognize that this evolving relationship with Elizabeth had indeed been moving at a glacial pace. He simply wanted to get things right this time around. Avoiding potential heartache was crucial, hence the reason why he was letting her take the lead.

But it was time. They were there. He knew deep down Elizabeth yearned for his kiss as much as he longed to kiss her. He had all the evidence he needed that day in the schoolhouse. She wouldn't have turned around, held his gaze, or stayed so close if she didn't feel the same.

It's time to act, Grant. Nathan thought to himself. He was done with the interruptions. He needed to kiss the girl as much as he needed to breathe!

Beyond slow and steady. Rosemary's words had stung. It was true though. And she was ready for this dance to be over. Elizabeth had to admit that she ached to be in Nathan's arms since that auspicious fall on Easter Sunday.

She'd asked him to dance. She'd held his hand in comfort during the crisis with Allie and assured him she'd be there for them both. She'd told him she cared about him. She trusted him with her son. They had dinner at her house, and she had attempted to resuscitate the delayed riding date. Couldn't Nathan figure out she was ready to take the next step?

Elizabeth sat on the stoop of her front porch, ruminating over these thoughts, when she saw Nathan approaching.

"Good evening."

As the evening air wrapped around them, Nathan's voice broke through, sending shivers down her spine with its husky timbre.

"Hello…. Good evening… Hi…" Elizabeth responded, her voice tremulous, as she stood way too quickly from her stoop. "Everything okay?"

"No, everything's not ok."

Immediately concerned, Elizabeth's body language changed. "What's wrong?"

"What's wrong is that we get interrupted every time we finally find ourselves alone. What's wrong is that apparently, in my efforts to get things right with you, it's blatantly clear to our friends that our pacing is… questionable." His lips quirked at the choice of words. "I'm ready to speed things up. Are you?"

Elizabeth just stood, drowning in his turbulent ocean blue eyes, unable to move.

"I had promised myself I would wait but couldn't any longer. I had all sorts of plans for how I would profess my love to you, but I don't want to wait another second. Elizabeth. I love you. And this time around, I am more than certain you feel the same way. Please, just say it."

Nathan's voice exuded a gentle emotion that captivated Elizabeth in its velvety web of promise. It took her just a bit to realize this was it. Not everyone had the wherewithal or the blessing to realize the precise moment when their life was about to change. But she was ready, and the words flowed with no hesitation.

"Nathan. I love you," the whispered words rumbled like silent thunder as they poured from the deep recesses of her heart. "You're my best friend. You're my person, my touchstone. You're my everything. You're my soulmate." It was like a geyser had erupted; so many feelings held in for such a long time inevitably escaped forth.

Nathan took a step towards Elizabeth. He leaned closer, his intent evident, the love and passion he felt for her blooming on his face. Elizabeth's clear blue eyes were cast with a stormy haze, and in a split second, Nathan knew the moment their lips met, their love would ignite an eternal flame.

Yes, he was ready to speed things up, but there was only one first kiss. And he wanted to stretch that first kiss with Elizabeth to etch an indelible memory inside his heart. His lips hovered over hers, and he could feel her warm, tantalizing, sweet breath on his face. He closed his eyes to take it all in, her choppy breathing playing the most beautiful airy percussion over his mouth.

And then he felt it. Everything exploded, and Nathan ceased to think. Elizabeth had closed in, brushing her lips with his. He was unequivocally hers, as she was irrevocably his. This kiss was sweet yet rapturous. It was slow and took its time. But it also held years of pent-up desires that finally broke free. For Nathan, it was the knowledge that his heart had always been right; it was only Elizabeth for him. And for Elizabeth, it was knowing that after so many twists and turns, she had found her heart. She was home.