When Hearts Shine Bright: The Honeymoon
Chapter VI: Heart's Desire
Author's Note: In the spirit of full disclosure, this chapter ramps up the steam factor a bit more than previous entries. I'm assuming that if you've gotten this far, you already know my writing style, and the intent is to showcase passion in an elegant, tasteful way. That being said, this one is particularly special for me, it was emotional to write, and I'm pretty proud of it. Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.
On another note, notifications over here are still not working. The best way to be up to date is to follow me on Instagram. Do consider a follow if you enjoy my work. We really do have a fun time over there! Love always, LadyofLetters26
Nathan was a man on a mission. He longed to etch every delicate nuance of Elizabeth's body into his memory. But he'd succumbed; he had fallen victim to her irresistible seduction. How could he not after she so enticingly said let me love you? He let himself be seduced, and he'd be lying to himself if he didn't admit he loved every second. After all, he couldn't resist her; he belonged to her entirely, ready to fulfill her every desire whenever she pleased.
But now… now he'd be the one doing the seducing. And he couldn't wait.
Elizabeth lay on her back, her head tilted sideways on the pillow, her cheek rubbing against the soft cotton. One hand rested beside her face, and her fingers curled gently with every breath she took. She was fast asleep, completely worn out from their recent bout of lovemaking. Nathan almost hid the grin that crept up the corner of his mouth. He couldn't feel more at ease now that he knew both were on the same page. Her desires were his, and vice versa; they complemented each other in a way Nathan could've never fathomed. His joy knew no bounds; it was simply indescribable.
A light blanket covered her modestly, yet the curve of her breasts strained against it with every peaceful breath that crossed her lips. A shapely leg emerged from under said blanket. Nathan's thoughts flew to when he first saw those legs, when Elizabeth wore his favorite blue shirt… and nothing else. His heartbeat quickened, remembering their passion flaring out of control, and how that resulted in his shirt's demise. Little did she know he kept one of the buttons that had scattered on the floor. He had every intention of continuing his tradition of keeping a keepsake drawer once he moved into Elizabeth's rowhouse. Their rowhouse, he reminded himself. Nathan grinned. It would take a while for him to fully assimilate it'd be their home once they returned to Hope Valley. He shook his head slightly, amazed at how life could change so quickly, but his thoughts promptly returned to the button. Yes, it would go inside the nightstand drawer along with a couple other things he held dear. It would be a reminder of what was, what now is, and how far they'd come.
Elizabeth shifted and unconsciously pulled down her blanket. Nathan swallowed, helplessly admiring the delectable womanly curves his wife had unguardedly exposed. He skimmed the back of his hand over her collarbone, marveling at her irresistibly smooth skin. Remembering he was a man on a mission, he confidently swept his forefinger down her chest, hooking it in the blanket and gently pulling it down. Elizabeth snuggled closer to him, and Nathan purposefully kissed her jawline, his palm grazing her stomach in lazy circles, eventually curling his fingers over her waist.
"That feels wonderful," Elizabeth mumbled, her voice husky with sleep.
"I want to commit you to memory, 'Lizbeth."
His words made her tremble with anticipation. Never in her wildest dreams did she ever think they could have the passionate relationship that had blossomed between them. Once all defenses, apprehensions, and misgivings were gone, they truly became one flame It was one Elizabeth hoped would never fizzle.
Nathan's hand grasped her hip, smoothing her thigh and back again. Elizabeth's head lolled back. She was ready to burst through her skin.
Her brain almost stopped functioning, but not before breathlessly asking, "What are you doing?"
"Anything. Everything," he answered, his voice dropping in volume. Nathan's seductive cadence, plus the simple, yet charged sensual response, only intensified Elizabeth's longings.
Eyes touched eyes and fixed on each other for a fraction of a second. She hoped to catch a breath when his lips landed on her parted ones; the frenzy he was intent on creating within her was unparalleled.
"Nathan…" she breathed into his mouth.
The way she said his name fused down his throat and spiraled around his heart. He ached. He openly ached for Elizabeth, and he knew that need would never, ever cease.
"Yes, sweetheart?" He managed to reply.
"Love me again?"
In a quivering rush of breath, he answered, "With pleasure."
Nathan fought against his impulses. He wanted to savor every second. He wanted to relish her, to worship her. Nathan wanted to take this union over and above the physical. He knew every time they came together it was more than skin and wants and needs. Yet this time around, now that their mutually found freedom was that much more palpable, he wanted to take them both beyond the spiritual. Because the way he loved her and knew she loved him deserved to be treated that way, like something not of this world.
With the barest hint of friction, he brushed his lips back and forth over hers. Elizabeth's kiss was achingly tender, making his heart flip in triple time. Breaths in tandem billowed into one sinuous dance of desire. Her hands had a life of their own as they swept over Nathan's back, making him question how on earth he would be able to hold off and delay that ecstasy that was just within reach.
Elizabeth could scarcely think. She could only feel and relish the headiness of being head over heels in love. Yet, while running her hands over Nathan's deliciously strong back, she had to absorb the contrast of smooth skin and sinewy muscles. It was this tender strength that had her done for. It was not only a physical attribute, but a quality of the man himself. The man she adored and loved more than life itself, she thought as she breathed a buoyant sigh.
"'Lizbeth…" Nathan whispered her name like a benediction.
"Nathan…I… please…"
It was her plea that tumbled him over the edge. In an instant, his hands and lips were everywhere. He was that gripped by desire. Nathan knew they would forever and always be one. She was branded into his soul as he very well knew he was branded into hers. Simultaneous groans erupted from both, as Elizabeth welcomed Nathan with complete abandon, the zeal of pure and utter bliss overtaking every nerve ending of their bodies.
And suddenly, there was an ever-building pressure, a rapturous coiling, and an intoxicating need for release.
Opening his eyes, Nathan witnessed what had to be the most beautiful display he'd ever seen. Elizabeth's face was a sight to behold, her features rapt and languorous. As he felt her quickening beneath him, he decidedly heightened the intensity of his passion.
Elizabeth's staggering climax provoked his, and in a tangle of limbs, uneven breath, and wonderstruck gazes, they crumpled, but not before catapulting to the stars.
They lay in each other's arms for what felt like an eternity, with all senses augmented. Elizabeth could hear Nathan's every breath. He could feel her slightest movement. They could still taste their kisses and the subtle saltiness of each other's skin. The air was thick, redolent with the scent of sweat and Elizabeth's floral, yet sweet perfume. Vision was blurry; nighttime was casting shadows thanks to a sliver of moonlight that cracked through the window. Skin tingled, every single cell in their bodies still bristling through their bloodstream in potent exultation. Speech, of course, was impossible at the moment.
I could stay here forever. Elizabeth thought.
How are we going to head back in a couple of days? Nathan wondered.
He turned over on his side, leaning his head on his hand while the other lingeringly touched a strand of Elizabeth's hair. He felt humbled. Everything between them humbled him. It wasn't just her beauty and her eagerness when they made love. He wasn't one to believe in fate, but at this juncture, he knew deep down a higher power brought them together.
Every time Nathan touched her hair that way, Elizabeth felt treasured and cherished. She looked up at him. His eyes spoke silently of love, home, and a bright future. Her smile lit his soul and let him know her heart echoed his own.
Finally finding the wherewithal to speak, she said, "I know I told you if it were up to me, we could stay in this cabin for the remainder of our stay. But at this rate, I don't know if I will make it out alive." The corners of her mouth deepened, an impish smile wanting to escape.
"I think we could. Care to make a wager on that?" Nathan asked jokingly.
"Only if I can eat something first," Elizabeth said laughingly. "My stomach just made me realize we didn't have dinner."
Nathan's stomach audibly grumbled in agreement.
"You see?" She pointed out while raising a brow.
"Alright, alright… let's rustle up something from the kitchen," he mumbled while sliding off the bed in one fluid move.
Elizabeth unabashedly stared as her husband stepped into a pair of pants.
"Enjoying the show?"
"I will always enjoy the show."
Chuckling, he held out a hand. "Come."
She took his hand, trying to keep a grip on the blanket, but he was too quick. It promptly fell to the floor as Nathan pulled her tightly up against him and kissed her soundly.
"Join me in the kitchen when you're ready." He smiled jauntily as he exited the bedroom.
How could she feel every single cell pulsing inside her body? It was simply staggering… Elizabeth mused as she quickly threw on another one of the flimsy nightgowns that Rosemary had packed for her. This one was a shimmery ice blue that barely skimmed her knees. The coordinating robe was practically see-through. Seriously Rosemary, Elizabeth thought, shaking her head, a smile lifting the corner of her lips.
Nathan gazed at her with pure male appreciation as she entered the kitchen. "Remind me to thank Rosemary for everything she packed in your bags. I might just commission the stage she's always wanted."
"You're joking." Elizabeth swatted his arm, laughter bubbling in her throat.
"Nope. Not joking. She has no idea how much I've appreciated her efforts."
"I think you'd better come up with another way of showing your appreciation. It might be difficult, for lack of a better word, to explain to the town the reason behind such a generous endeavor."
"True. Flowers it is!" Nathan replied with a laugh.
While rummaging through the cupboards, Nathan found a jar full of sugar cookies. He lit up like a little boy on Christmas day and proceeded to stuff his face.
Elizabeth chuckled. "I just can't with your sweet tooth."
"Why?" Nathan asked, intrigued by her choice of words.
"I just never expected you to enjoy sweets so much. It's rather cute."
Tilting his head to the side, his mouth full of cookie, he mumbled, "You think I'm cute?"
"Yes, Constable. I think you're cute. But I might change my mind if I don't get food in my stomach soon," she replied with a wide smile.
"Is there any leftover banana bread? I could totally make a meal of banana bread," he said as he searched the icebox.
"Nathan," Elizabeth said in her best teacher voice, "banana bread is not a meal. And no, there are no leftovers. Don't you remember you scarfed down that loaf on the first day of our honeymoon?"
"Hey, you ate some too!"
"One moderately sized piece, Constable," she said, her eyes narrowing into slits.
Nathan laughed. It was a deep laugh that rumbled all the way from his stomach. To say Elizabeth adored this camaraderie was an understatement. Everything felt easy with Nathan, but it also felt hard-earned. And that's when she knew there was no way they would ever take each other for granted. Not when it was like this between them, when it had taken them so long to reach this point.
Nathan found the proper fixings and prepared some honey ham sandwiches while Elizabeth brewed a pot of tea. When everything was ready, they opted to eat on the couch rather than at the table. It made more sense, not to mention more comfortable.
"If someone had told you four years ago you'd be here in your nightgown, having a late-night dinner with me, would you have believed it?" Nathan asked teasingly.
"Not even Rosemary, as extroverted as she is, would ask such a compromising question," Elizabeth replied blithely.
"True… let me rephrase… how do you feel right now, having a late-night dinner with me, in an enticingly revealing nightgown."
Elizabeth fell silent for a few seconds. Instead of caving to a lighthearted comment, she yielded to the clamoring of her heart. "Like I'm home," she said quietly.
Her response caught Nathan in the middle of chewing a bite of his sandwich. He carefully swallowed and took a sip from his tea.
"We are each other's home, aren't we." It wasn't a question, it was more like a statement.
"Yes, Nathan. It's always been that way," she said, touching his face and gently rubbing his cheekbone with her thumb.
"I'm so glad we're finally here," he said, his expression softening, leaning into her hand.
"I just can't believe we're going home the day after tomorrow." Elizabeth didn't want to be sad. Nathan had given her so much joy, and she wouldn't trade these moments for anything. But she wondered why time couldn't stand still for a bit. She had quite a jumble of mixed feelings. She missed the kids terribly and was excited for life to begin as a family, but she had to wonder how they'd find moments to themselves once they were back home.
"Whatever it is, it will be fine, 'Lizbeth," Nathan said, his eyes boring deep into hers.
He really did know whenever she had something on her mind. Leaning forward, Elizabeth took Nathan's face in her hands and gave him a lingering kiss. She opened her eyes, dove into his, and opened her heart.
"How do you see us when we go back home? What are your dreams? Your expectations for our future?" She asked in a tremulous voice.
Nathan gazed at Elizabeth with loving eyes, taking some time to ponder her questions.
"I see us living a life full of love. For each other. For our children. For the community that we both serve. I see you guiding the children of Hope Valley to become the best version of themselves. I see myself coming home to you and our family, sharing the day's events. Some days will be better than others, that's for sure. But my dreams are simple… I don't see myself chasing lofty pursuits. I want to follow Bill's steps professionally, eventually."
Nathan hesitated, wondering if he should say what had been lingering in his heart for a while. Lowering his tone to a whisper, he said, "I do, however, see us having a child. One child that's yours and mine."
His voice almost broke. It was imperceptible, but Elizabeth heard it. He had rendered her breathless, making her heart long to escape her chest.
Taking her silence as hesitation over his last statement, Nathan rushed to explain. "Allie and Jack are our children. You are Allie's mother. You've been her mother figure since day one. And while I vow to keep Jack's memory alive, Little Jack is also my son, and I'm committed to raising him as such. But I can't shake this feeling… I've dreamed of a little girl with dark curls and ocean-blue eyes. And I so want that little girl to be born of this love we have…"
Elizabeth could tell he was overcome after those last words.
"Nathan." She took his hand, squeezed it tight, and looked at him intently. "Your heart's desire is mine too."
He blinked. For someone who was used to keeping a stoic expression, it had become a challenge to hide his feelings from Elizabeth. He felt like she could see everything in his eyes.
"It is?" Nathan asked tentatively.
"Yes. But in my dreams, I see a little boy with blue eyes as clear as the lake in front of this cabin. He has a thick mane of dark hair with unruly waves, chubby cheeks, and a dimple on his chin."
A single tear escaped from the corner of Nathan's eye. "Whatever God sends, he or she will be so loved," he said thickly.
"How could he not be, with you as his father?"
Elizabeth's words wrapped around his heart. He remembered his childhood and how bereft he'd felt of a father's love. When Allie had been thrust upon his care, it had been so important to him that she not only was properly cared for, but that she also felt loved and protected. Allie had given him a purpose in life when he needed one. It all hadn't been a bed of roses, but seeing the young woman she was becoming made him realize he had been doing something right.
He loved the little family he and Allie had created for so long. It was his biggest blessing, and what kept him grounded the entire time he thought romantic love was not for him. Still, a miracle had happened. It hadn't been on his timetable, nor Elizabeth's. Yet here they were, deeply in love and joined together for life.
"'Lizbeth, when I told you I was done with love, it was because I never dared dream I could have this. What we have is beyond what I could've ever hoped for. So I know whatever the future brings, whatever God grants us will be perfect. I just know it," Nathan said fervently.
Elizabeth lowered her gaze. "I only know you're the perfect father for our children and will be the most loving of fathers whenever God decides to bless us with baby Nate."
Nathan's eyes welled with unshed tears. "I'm still holding out for baby Lizzie."