As far as surprise parties went, Elizabeth felt very pleased with the outcome as she looked around the room. Everyone was smiling and laughing as they celebrated their town Constable and friend. When Allie had approached her about Nathan's birthday, Elizabeth quickly offered to help plan a party for this man who had sacrificed so much for the town. Their eyes met across the crowded room as he fiddled with his tie and top button of his shirt. His eyes motioned to the door, and she nodded in agreement. They slipped out into the beautiful spring evening, mostly unnoticed…at least she hoped.

Feeling stifled in a suit and tie, Nathan had lost the jacket pretty quickly after being surprised for his birthday. Knowing Elizabeth had helped Allie plan and pull off the only party he'd been given his entire adult life, meant so much to him. Change was in the air; Nathan felt it, and it seemed Elizabeth was embracing it as well. As he loosened his tie and unbuttoned the top button that felt like it was strangling him, he met her eyes and let her know he needed some air. Once outside together, they walked in comfortable silence around the side of the Queen of Hearts.

Once a little more secluded from prying eyes, Nathan and Elizabeth both started talking at the same time. Laughing, Nathan gestured for her to continue. "Ladies first," he encouraged.

"I just wanted to say privately, Happy Birthday, Nathan! I hope you've enjoyed yourself this evening. Maybe this party is a little over-the-top, but I really think you deserve it after all you've done for us." She turned around and leaned her back against the building, only then realizing how close Nathan stood to her. His smell was flooding her senses, making it difficult to concentrate. It was then she noticed the glistening in his eyes. Those gorgeous blue eyes that so often held her captivated.

Trying not to cry, Nathan moved a step closer to the woman he had loved for so long. "Lizbeth," his voice cracked with emotion and came out a lot softer than he'd anticipated. "No one has ever done anything like this for me before. Thank you."

Pleased, Elizabeth smiled. "Of course. But you really should be thanking Allie, because she's the one who wanted to make this birthday the very best for her Dad! We had such a fun time planning and putting it together. She's an incredible young woman, Nathan." Then with a teasing smirk she added, "She was so sure you would figure it out, with your sharp investigation skills."

With a chuckle, Nathan smiled. "I guess I need to brush up on them, because I was completely shocked." Then with tender eyes he added, "I am a little disappointed it wasn't just dinner with you and the kids, though. I hope it isn't the last time that invitation is open."

Heart starting to race, Elizabeth intuitively reached for her long hair only to realize it was short. Feeling silly and self conscious she mumbled. "I keep forgetting how short my hair is now. It's so different and takes a little getting used to."

Nathan couldn't help staring at her. "I like your new haircut. When I said you looked great the other day, what I really wanted to say is," Nathan reached out and touched her shoulder lightly, questioning whether or not she would run away again. She stood firmly planted, looking into his eyes. He moved a step closer, never losing eye contact. "Lizbeth, you're the most beautiful woman I've ever known. This look suits you." Before he could stop himself, Nathan moved his hand from her shoulder and into her soft brunette locks that now hung just above her shoulder. It was like silk through his fingers, and time stood still. As his fingers moved down, they brushed her jawline, sending shockwaves through his body.

Elizabeth was in a trance. Had Nathan Grant just called her the most beautiful woman he'd ever known? Were his fingers actually in her hair and caressing her cheek? He had been so respectful of her boundaries through the years, that she couldn't remember a time he'd ever initiated physical contact before. Her eyes involuntarily went from his eyes to his lips. Her mind wouldn't stop wondering what it would be like to kiss this man who had been her best friend, and protector for many years. She was in love with him, but he didn't know that yet. How could she tell him and explain herself? Her mind was going a million miles an hour, just like the speed of her heart. Acting on pure instinct, she grabbed his vest and pulled him closer, noticing the top button of the vest was also undone. Typical Nathan she laughed to herself, loving how he often looked slightly disheveled when dressed in a suit.

Trying to convince himself this was real, Nathan closed his eyes for a brief moment to compose himself from the electricity coursing through him after briefly touching Elizabeth. He had noticed her eyes shift to his lips, followed by her pulling him closer. His head and heart were in a battle. In his heart he had never stopped loving her…wanting her; but his mind hadn't fully released the pain of rejection he'd endured. He felt frozen, not wanting to leave, but unsure of how to proceed if he stayed. As their eyes met once more, it was his that drifted to her lips this time, with thoughts of how it would feel to have his lips on hers. Before his mind could object, Nathan's head moved closer to hers until their breath mingled together.

Pulse racing, Elizabeth couldn't believe what was happening. She leaned in until their lips almost touched. Boisterous laughter suddenly rang out and broke the spell. They abruptly moved several steps apart before Angela and Allie appeared on the boardwalk a few feet away. Elizabeth hoped she didn't look as flushed as she felt, and she could see Nathan undoing even more buttons on his shirt to breathe easier.

"Oh, hey you two," Allie snickered with a knowing look. "Having your own party out here?"

Nathan gave his daughter a warning look. "We were just getting some air."

Smirking, Allie put her hands on her hips. "It's time for cake. You both better get back in there."

Finally breathing normally again, Elizabeth walked over and put her arm around Allie. "I'll help you with the cake. You've been such a great party hostess. Thanks for coming to get us." All four of them walked back into the party together. Nathan had a feeling this was the start of one of the best years of his life. If only people would stop interrupting…