Author's Note: There is a huge steam alert for this chapter. The section is marked. Going forward there is going to a small amount of steam between Nathan and Maggie. I will and continue to mark the more steamy sections. This is a departure from what I usually write, but the steam and edginess between Nathan and Maggie makes sense as Nathan had been left so frustrated by Lizzy in the past so the fact that he can be open and show the woman he loves how much she means to him is important. I am sorry if that is not your thing. Like I said, I have tried to mark the more steamy sections and will try to keep more steamy sections to a minimum.
Chapter 5 – Nathan and Maggie Settle In (long)
Maggie came over and rubbed Nathan's back. Nathan moaned softly as Maggie rubbed his back. He wanted more, but he also wasn't going to push with Allie and Gabe in the house.
"It will be okay." Maggie said.
"Thanks." Nathan said. "But everything is such a mess. If I can't figure this out, how will I keep everyone safe."
Maggie turned Nathan's chair away from the table and stepped between his legs. She ran her fingers through his hair.
"You are a wonderful protector." Maggie said. "I believe you will figure it out and everything will be fine. I will continue to tell you that as many times as you need until you believe it. Now what can I do to help you feel better."
… … … …(Steam Alert)… … … …
Nathan pulled Maggie into his lap and kissed her passionately.
"Love me." Nathan whispered huskily.
"Then lock up the downstairs and meet me in our room." Maggie said.
With that she stood and trailed her fingers around Nathan's neck, down his chest and tapping his growing manhood before walking away. Nathan blew out a harsh breath and sat there for a moment. He collected himself, locked both doors and turned down the lamps. On the way to his room, he stopped to see Allie was almost asleep and pulled her door closed. He saw Gabe's door was closed, so he headed to his own room.
When Nathan opened the door and walked into his room, he inhaled sharply. He then had to take several deep breaths because he almost lost it right there. Maggie was sitting at the dressing table braiding her hair while wearing the white silky piece from their wedding night. Nathan quickly reached up and hooked the newly installed lock. He then went to Maggie and pulled her to her feet, kissing her with a hunger he hadn't shown before. Clothes were quickly discarded, barely breaking contact. Nathan backed them up to the bed, still kissing his wife. Their time in Union City had been slow, sultry and tender. At that moment, Nathan kissed Maggie with a hunger and frenzy he hadn't shown. Not that Maggie minded, she had wanted to sneak off when Nathan had walked in the house before supper.
"I need you now." Nathan mumbled between kisses.
Maggie pushed Nathan to sit. She lowered herself onto him. It was only a moment or two and Maggie felt Nathan start to fall over the cliff. She rocked one more time and saw Nathan's eyes roll back as he entered a new level of pleasure. She let him fall back onto the bed, still inside of her. She continued to rock as she felt close to falling into bliss with her husband. Less than two minutes after him, Maggie fell over the edge of the cliff. Maggie's bliss sent another wave of pain/pleasure through Nathan causing him to tumble over the edge again. Nathan moaned as Maggie pushed Nathan further into bliss and past the pain. She had felt it more then she saw it as she felt Nathan's whole body shudder under her. It took her a few moments before she could remove herself from Nathan and lay beside him. Once they were able to move, they moved to lay in the bed correctly. Maggie rolled over and kissed her husband's chest.
"Sorry if I hurt you." Maggie said, softly.
"The pain/pleasure." Nathan said. "It seemed to mix together. So it is fine."
"Okay." Maggie said.
As they laid there, Nathan turned up on his side to look at his wife and she rolled from her stomach to her side and faced her husband.
"Thank you." Nathan said.
"Thank you." Maggie said.
Nathan brought his hand up and cupped Maggie's breast and leaned forward to kiss her again. Maggie reached out and stroked Nathan's manhood, causing him to moan again. They continued to push each other and finally Nathan flipped Maggie on her back and entered his wife again. He drove them both over the edge again. Nathan fell back beside his wife, his body still on fire. It didn't take long and the newlyweds came together for a third or fourth time. Nathan couldn't even think straight as he laid there riding the aftershocks of the pleasure they had experienced. As Nathan's body came back down to earth, he wrapped an arm around his wife, who was beside him. He pulled her close and kissed her temple.
… … … …(End of Steam Alert)… … … …
"I love you." Nathan said, low and gravely. "I can barely move, but I love you."
Maggie smiled, pleased she could make Nathan happy. Finally satisfied, Nathan was tired. He drug his body up and into its usual spot on the bed. He pulled Maggie close and closed his eyes. Maggie snuggled down into her husband's hold and closed her eyes. They had been married less than a week and Maggie fell asleep dreaming of little ones running around. She couldn't wait to give Nathan children and she hoped that they had a bunch of them. She loved children and couldn't wait to be a mother. She knew that Nathan was going to be a wonderful father. Little did Maggie know that Nathan was thinking about the same thing. He loved Allie and nothing would change that, but he really wanted children with Maggie and couldn't wait for that to happen.
Thursday morning, Maggie was up with the four am alarm. Nathan barely stirred, so after climbing from the bed, she covered him back up. Maggie got dressed and headed down to get the day started. Half an hour later, she had done her morning reading, had coffee on the stove and breakfast almost ready. She had also made a list of items she needed in town. Just as she was finishing her second cup of coffee, Gabe and Nathan both came down. Gabe immediately went for the coffee while Nathan wanted a kiss from his wife.
"Morning, Mrs Grant." Nathan said.
"Mmm." Maggie said. "Have a seat and I will have breakfast for you in a few minutes."
"Thank you." Nathan said.
He took a seat and Maggie set a cup of coffee in front of him.
"Morning Gabriel." Maggie said.
Gabe grunted and held up his coffee mug.
"He really isn't a morning person." Nathan said. "At least not until he has had his coffee. Let him have a full cup before you expect him to talk."
Gabe glared at Nathan, who raised an eyebrow in challenge. Maggie smiled watching the two back and forth. Less than five minutes later, Maggie set a breakfast of pancakes, bacon and fresh blueberry syrup in front of the guys. Nathan said a quick prayer, then Maggie made up her plate and sat down.
"Does Allie usually get up on her own?" Maggie asked.
"Yes, usually." Nathan said. "Normally, if I haven't heard or seen her by quarter after seven, I will go knock."
"Okay." Maggie said.
The three sat there and had breakfast. Gabe and Nathan talked a bit about things with Gabe promising to let Nathan know when he got back and how things were. As they finished, Gabe went up to get his rucksack and make sure he didn't forget anything.
"I am going to walk Gabe in." Nathan said. "Then head to the office. I need to get ahead of whatever is coming. Do you want me to come home for lunch?"
"Yes, please." Maggie said. "I need to head into town, so I will walk with Allie when she heads to school."
"Keep lunch simple." Nathan said. "I am more used to sandwiches midday."
"Okay." Maggie said.
Maggie leaned over and gave Nathan a kiss, just as Gabe came down.
"Alright." Gabe said. "Enough you two, let's go."
Nathan gave Maggie another kiss, stood, walked over and swatted Gabe's arm. He then went to the door to put his boots and serge on.
"Thank you for everything." Gabe said. "Keep in touch."
"We will." Maggie said, getting up to clear the table.
"I will be back at about noon." Nathan said.
"See you then." Maggie said.
Nathan and Gabe left, heading for the livery. They were talking and joking along the way. Nathan greeted Newton, then Apollo. The two horses knickered to each other. Newton stomped his hoof when Nathan didn't open the stall door.
"Later." Nathan said, petting the horse. "I promise. We have rounds tonight."
Newton bobbed his head as if he understood. Gabe got Apollo ready, double checked his gear and then walked out of the livery, leading Apollo.
"Stay in touch." Nathan said. "Say hi to Lillian and Grace. Tell them I promise to bring Maggie as soon as I can get away."
"Okay." Gabe said. "Call if you need anything."
"I will." Nathan said.
Gabe tipped his hat and took off. He had a long ride ahead of him. Nathan stood and watched until Gabe was out of sight. He then went to his office and continued to write the things he knew and the questions that he had. Nathan sat back and stared at dates on the board. He wasn't sure why, but he felt they were the key to unlocking at least part of the mess. Nathan decided to see if he could put together even a potential timeline of the other players to see if something popped out at him.
By mid-morning, Nathan had gone through everything he currently had on all the current known players. He was left with a lot more questions than he had answers. Out of frustration, he decided to make some inquiries of his own. He called Calgary, then Edmonton and then Vancouver. He asked about what happened during each of the dates where Lucas would have had time to travel there. He was specifically looking for arrests, known poker games during those times or any contact with a man using the initials LB. Most said they would have to check and get back to him. Nathan said that was fine and to send anything they find to Hope Valley or call if they thought it couldn't wait.
Still frustrated, Nathan made a call to Cape Fullerton, even though he had no confirmation of Lucas being in Cape Fullerton since first coming to Hope Valley. The captain that Nathan spoke to was extremely helpful and told him everything he knew about Lucas, Amos Dixon, and Jeanette Aucoin. The captain also promised to send all the information he had to Hope Valley. Nathan also inquired about the dates in question. The captain said nothing immediately jumped out at him, but he would check and send anything he found. Nathan thanked the captain, then sat staring at the board again.
Nathan wasn't happy because he still didn't have many answers. He once again packed up his stuff and grabbed his messenger bag. He let Gabe Montgomery and James know that he was still taking evening rounds, but he was going home for lunch and might work from the house. He told them to take a message or call the house if needed. Nathan then nodded to them and walked out of the office. He stood on the porch and looked around. He knew that the people of Hope Valley were resourceful and survivors, but even he had to ask how much was too much for any one person, town area to go through. Nathan had hoped that with Lucas leaving that there would be peace in Hope Valley. He had no illusions that crime would end, but he felt that the people of Hope Valley had been through enough.
Nathan knew that he wasn't responsible for Elizabeth's behavior, but he knew that it affected many people in town. He felt bad that her behavior would always overshadow Louie and PJ's baptism and maybe even his own wedding in people's eyes. He knew that her behavior also cast a shadow over other things, Frank and Abigail's wedding included. Nathan knew that Abigail had wanted Elizabeth to stand up for her like she had done for Elizabeth, but at the current time knew that it wouldn't happen and her even being there would be questionable. As Nathan walked back to the row house and his new wife, instead of being happy and overjoyed, his emotions were heavy and swirling.
Nathan came around the bend toward the row house and saw Little Jack and PJ playing with some blocks on the small grassy patch in front of the two houses. He could see the nanny that had been brought for Jack, but didn't see either Lee or Rosemary. He knew that he couldn't get by the boys without stopping. The nanny looked up when she heard Nathan's boots on the gravel. He waved and she nodded back. Nathan stopped when he got closer to the house.
"Morning." Nathan said.
The moment that he spoke, both boys looked over to see him and then ran over. Nathan knelt down and opened his arms to hug both boys.
"Hi boys." Nathan said.
"Nae Nae." PJ squealed.
Na'tan." Little Jack said.
"Are you playing nice together?" Nathan asked.
"Uh huh." Little Jack said.
PJ nodded his head and clung to Nathan. While Nathan set PJ on his knee, he kept Little Jack on his feet.
"Are you happy to see your Grandfather again?" Nathan asked.
Little Jack nodded his head.
"Tain." Little Jack said.
"Did he come on the train?" Nathan asked.
Little Jack nodded.
As Nathan was talking to the boys, both Rosemary and Maggie emerged from the Coulter house.
"Thank you for watching PJ for a few moments." Rosemary said.
"You are welcome." The nanny said. "Come on Jack, time to go get some lunch."
Little Jack looked between his nanny and Nathan.
"Be good and go inside." Nathan said. "I will see you later."
Little Jack nodded, gave Nathan one more hug and then took his nanny's hand to go inside. Nathan stood with PJ still in his arms. He took a few steps over to Maggie and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Morning, Rosemary." Nathan said.
"Morning." Rosemary said. "Thank you Maggie for picking those items up for me. I will let you two get on with your day."
"Anytime." Maggie said. "If you need anything, please don't hesitate to call."
"Thank you." Rosemary said. "Nathan, do you think you will be free to meet with Frank, Joseph and us tomorrow night. They have some things to go over for the baptism."
"Sure." Nathan said. "I should be able to do that. If something changes, I will let you know."
"Thank you." Rosemary said. "I will let Maggie know what time. Lee has a meeting tomorrow afternoon, so we will have to see. I think it should be about supper time. If that is the case, I will make a meal."
"I can help you do that." Maggie said. "Especially in your condition."
"I will speak to you tomorrow." Rosemary said.
"Have you seen Elizabeth?" Nathan asked.
Rosemary shook her head.
"We will talk later." Rosemary said. "But thank you for taking a moment with Little Jack. There has been a discussion if taking him from here is the best thing, even if it is what is going to be best for his mother."
"I understand." Nathan said. "He is young and as long as they take his comfort items, I think it will be okay. Kids are resilient. At least he will be surrounded by family and love."
Rosemary nodded.
"Come on PJ." Rosemary said. "Let's go eat lunch."
PJ grasped Nathan's shoulder strap and didn't want to let go.
"Hey, Little Man." Nathan said. "Time to go with Mama. I will come see you later."
PJ looked at Nathan and then at his mother like he was trying to figure out what he wanted.
"I made cookies and if you eat your lunch we can have some." Rosemary said.
"Ookie." PJ said.
"Yes, cookie." Rosemary said.
PJ reached for Rosemary, so Nathan set him on his feet.
"Have a nice lunch, Little Man." Nathan said. "I will see you later."
PJ waved as he went in with Rosemary. She turned around and gave Nathan and Maggie a smile. As Rosemary and PJ went into the house, Nathan and Maggie walked arm in arm back to their house. After they were down two houses, Maggie finally spoke to her husband.
"You were so good with the boys." Maggie said.
"Thank you." Nathan said. "I love both of them."
"I can see that." Maggie said. "Are you going to be okay when Little Jack leaves. It sounds like Mr Thatcher is making arrangements to leave next week. I heard Florence talking when I was in the mercantile this morning. She was saying that he was just waiting on a few things, but was making plans to leave."
"It will be different, but I will be okay." Nathan said. "I just want things to be better for him. At least with the nanny that Mr Thatcher had provided, Little Jack is getting some attention."
"I agree." Maggie said. "I am just worried about you. I see how you are with him. The love on your face is clear as day."
"I just want what is best for both Elizabeth and Little Jack." Nathan said. "I also have confidence that she will be able to work through things and will be back. I know that William Thatcher was worried about taking Little Jack away from here before and I also know that he will provide the best care that he can for both of them."
Maggie nodded.
"How old is he?" Maggie asked.
"He will be four at Christmas." Nathan said.
"Hopefully they will be back by then." Maggie said.
"I figured it would be into the new year." Nathan said.
Maggie hugged her husband's arm. She could see how hard it was for him, even if he said he was fine. She had no illusions that there were feelings for Elizabeth, but she also knew that Nathan had loved Little Jack for a long time and that would never change.
"So how was your morning?" Nathan asked.
"Good." Maggie said. "I walked Allie to school and then went into town. I stopped at the dress shop and ordered three dresses and picked up new tights for Allie. Then I went to the butcher and then the mercantile. I got everything that I needed. When I got back to the house, I wrote a letter to my sister and let her know what I wanted her to send and told her about the wedding and promised pictures soon."
"Good." Nathan said. "I am glad you feel comfortable."
"It was nice." Maggie said. "I have plans for next week to meet with some of the ladies for tea after the kids are in school. Then when I was heading back to mail my letter, I saw Rosemary and she was headed to town for a few things, so I offered so she wouldn't have to take PJ. I had just come back when you arrived."
"Thank you for helping." Nathan said.
"This can't be easy for Rosemary." Maggie said. "She has had major life changes in the last month and her best friend hasn't been there for her. I think that Rosemary and I will get along great. She reminds me of my sister-in-law. She is bubbly and full of life. I would never ask her to not be friends with Elizabeth, but from what I have seen and heard, it sounds like Rosemary has grown weary of Elizabeth and her behavior. If she were to change and be the woman that she once was, I can see them being close again, but at this point Rosemary had pulled back because she needed to for her own self."
"I am not surprised." Nathan said. "Elizabeth has pushed everyone away. I don't blame Rosemary for pulling back. From what I understand Rosemary was there every day while Elizabeth was pregnant and grieving, but Elizabeth hadn't even offered a congratulations to Rosemary on her pregnancy or for adopting her son."
"So sad." Maggie said. "But let's not talk about that anymore."
Nathan nodded as he pulled Maggie into the house and shut the door. As soon as the door was closed, he pulled her to himself and kissed her soundly.
"How about we skip lunch." Nathan whispered, as he pulled back from the kiss.
Maggie smiled at her husband, took his hand and led him to the stairs. They went upstairs and forgot about lunch. Nathan took a moment to set the alarm for half an hour before Allie got out of school. They then spent the afternoon loving each other.
… … … …