The men arrived back at the Buxton hotel and went up to the top floor where the suites were that William had reserved. "Nathan, can you come to our room for a minute? I'm sure Allie is there with Elizabeth and there is something I wanted to talk to everyone about."
Nathan was confused. There were so many surprises already during this trip that he wondered what else could be in store for them. He nodded and followed William to the room. Jack was wide awake at this point and he laughed as Nathan made funny faces at him. William took the key he had gotten earlier and opened the door. He called out for Elizabeth as to not alarm her by their sudden entrance.
Nathan heard laughing as they entered the suite. As they walked into the large room, Nathan saw Elizabeth and Allie sitting at a table with a lace tablecloth. There was an elegant tea set on top with finger sandwiches and cookies. Elizabeth looked over as soon as she heard them walking in and stood from her seat. "You're back!" she said as she walked over and gave Nathan a hug with Jack between them. When she pulled back she took Jack from Nathan and asked the boy, "Did you have fun with Nathan and Grandpa today?" Jack laughed back at her and then wiggled to get down.
William said, "Elizabeth, I have a surprise for you and Nathan."
Elizabeth and Nathan looked at each other and then she said, "A surprise?"
"Yes, I know that it must be hard for you two to have time alone with each of you having a child. I reserved a table for the two of you at the restaurant in town. It is supposed to be one of the best restaurants in the area. Elizabeth I know you brought a dress with you but perhaps you also found one while shopping today? And Nathan, that is part of the reason I wanted to get you that suit today."
Elizabeth and Nathan both looked shocked at the surprise, not expecting to have time alone on this trip. Nathan thought he would need to see if someone could watch the kids when they got back to Hope Valley so he could take Elizabeth on another date. This was better than either one of them had planned.
"What about us Grandpa, what are we going to do?" Allie asked William.
"Allie, you and Jack and I are going to have an even better night than your parents. I have ordered room service from the hotel with some foods I think you both will like. And then later, I asked if they could bring some ice cream for the both of you. The staff also brought up some games if you wanted to play some or we can read some stories together."
"That sounds like fun!"
"Nathan, the bellhop was going to take the bags to your room. You can go and get ready and I will watch the children here. Your reservation is at seven so be back here before then. Elizabeth you can get ready in your room as well." William took the children over by the settee to show them some of the games that were brought up to the room. Elizabeth walked Nathan over to the door.
Nathan said, "I guess our night is planned. I will see you soon sweetheart." He walked out into the hall and looked back at her.
"I'll be ready. I can't wait."
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Nathan knocked on the door to the suite at about ten minutes to seven. He had called down to the front desk and asked if there was anywhere he could get lavender roses before dinner that night. The hotel manager was pleased to tell him that there was a flower shop next door to the hotel where they had a wide variety of flowers. He checked with them and a short time later a bouquet of two dozen lavender roses was delivered to Nathan's room. He now stood outside the door waiting for someone to answer, with the bouquet hidden behind his back.
William opened the door, "Hello Nathan, Elizabeth is finishing getting ready. Allie is in there with her. They should be out in a minute."
Nathan walked into the room in front of William with the flowers still behind his back. William smiled when he saw the flowers. He walked over to where Jack was sitting on the floor with some toys while Nathan stood near them. Nathan heard the door open and turned to the side of the room. He saw Allie walk out of the room first and she ran over to Nathan. "Dad, you look handsome in your new suit."
"Thank you Allie, you know I don't like to dress up but it is nice every once in a while." Nathan had chosen a grey tie with his navy blue suit. Allie saw Elizabeth walk to the door before Nathan did and she tapped his arm to get his attention. Nathan turned and his eyes went wide. Elizabeth stood there in her new silver dress. Her hair was up with a few pieces of hair loose around her face. She smiled as she walked towards Nathan.
"Elizabeth, that dress is lovely and you are a vision in it. You are always beautiful and tonight is no exception. These are for you," Nathan said as he pulled out the roses from behind his back and handed them to Elizabeth.
"Nathan, these are gorgeous, thank you. You are looking wonderful as well in your suit."
Allie walked over, "I can take those Mrs. Thornton. You both should get going to dinner." Allie took the flowers and almost pushed them to the door.
Nathan laughed, "I guess we are being kicked out. Are you ready Elizabeth?" Nathan said as he held out his arm.
"Always," Elizabeth said, taking his arm as they walked out and down towards dinner.
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When Nathan and Elizabeth arrived at the restaurant, everyone watched as they walked to their table. Nathan thought that they all were admiring Elizabeth, while Elizabeth was proud to be on the arm that everyone was looking at. The host that led them to the table went to pull out Elizabeth's chair but Nathan beat him to it. Elizabeth looked at him with her eyes sparkling and she put her hand on his. He smiled as she sat down and then he went to sit across from her.
"Nathan, will you sit here instead?" Elizabeth motioned to the chair directly next to her. Nathan nodded and moved to sit in that chair. Elizabeth reached her hand on the table and Nathan put his hand in hers. "See isn't this better?"
"It definitely is." The two of them were so engrossed in each other that they didn't see the waiter walk to their table. He cleared his throat and they both looked up, releasing their hands.
"Excuse me, I will be your waiter tonight. Is there something I can bring you to drink tonight or do you know what you would like to order?"
"Do you have any specials tonight?" Nathan asked.
"We have a chef's three course dinner. Oysters Rockefeller as an appetizer, roast beef for the main course and a chocolate mousse for dessert."
Nathan looked at Elizabeth and she nodded. "We will each have the special and a glass of champagne for each of us as well."
"Very good sir," the waiter said as he walked away from the table.
"Champagne? Are we celebrating?" Elizabeth asked.
"Having time with you tonight is all the celebration I need," Nathan said.
The two of them sat enjoying their champagne and the dinner. They talked about the day they had while apart and made a few plans for when they got back in Hope Valley. As they were finishing dessert, music started to play in the room. There was a dance floor in the center of the room where two couples had already stood to start dancing. Nathan saw them and couldn't resist. He stood and held out his hand to Elizabeth, "Dance with me?"
Elizabeth put her hand in Nathan's as he led her to the dance floor. He held her close, although not at close as he would have liked considering where they were. Both of them kept their eyes on each other for the entire dance. When it was over, Nathan kissed her hand and he asked, "I was thinking we could take a walk before going back to the hotel, is that ok with you?"
"That sounds wonderful Nathan," Elizabeth said.
Nathan helped Elizabeth with her wrap as they walked to the door. He held her hand in the crook of his arm as they walked down the street. The two of them walked a short way down the street before they saw a bridge on the other side of the street. There was a small river running through the town. They continued their walk onto the bridge, standing in the middle, overlooking the water. Elizabeth stopped and Nathan looked at her. She walked closer to him and put her arms around his waist.
Nathan looked surprised at her forwardness since they were out in the city. She put her hand on his cheek as he started to look around, guiding his eyes to hers. He smiled and Elizabeth said, "This has been the most perfect night. Did you see everyone watching you as we walked into the restaurant earlier? All of the women have never seen such a handsome man, I am sure."
"Sweetheart, I am sure if they were looking at anyone, it was you. Your beauty is shining brightly this evening and I was the envy of all with you on my arm."
Elizabeth sighed as she put her head against Nathan's chest. He pulled her close and laid his chin on the top of her head. The two of them stood like that for a few minutes until the wind started to blow and Elizabeth shivered slightly.
"I should be getting you back, it's getting cold out here."
"Just one more minute," Elizabeth said as she pulled back. She lifted her chin and kissed Nathan softly. He kissed her back with a small amount of passion, holding back a little since he was aware of where they were. He moved his hands to her face as she pressed her hands against his back.
When Nathan pulled back, he said to her, "I love you Elizabeth. You are the love of my life."
"I love you Nathan. I could have never imagined being this happy again. I am truly happy and you are my future. You and Allie are a very important part of my life now."
"As are you and Jack to me." Nathan kissed her quickly and took her hand as they walked back to the hotel.