When Hearts Shine Bright: The Honeymoon
Chapter VIII: Forever Chasing Light
The torrential rain ended as quickly as it had started, yet Nathan and Elizabeth decided not to venture out on the boat again. After they returned to the dock, he told her of a small campsite nearby. Nathan wanted to build a fire and warm up since they were still some distance away from their cabin.
"Well, this is convenient…," Elizabeth said. Nathan produced a bag with towels and blankets.
"I didn't expect the downpour, but maybe I had some thoughts of enticing you to have our evening swim here," he said with his lopsided grin.
"Consider me enticed," she said demurely. "When did you take care of all of this?" Elizabeth was undeniably intrigued.
"While you were in the bath this morning," Nathan responded smugly.
"Maybe I ought to make a point of taking more baths like that one… if it leads to surprises such as these!"
Elizabeth grabbed the saddlebag and started to rummage inside. She looked up at Nathan, who had been busy starting a fire. He caught a glance at her expression and assumed his most serious look, concealing the smile that wanted to spread across his face.
"Something wrong, 'Lizbeth?" Nathan pursed his lips.
"Yes, something's wrong," she raised a brow questioningly. "There are no bathing suits in here."
Nathan ignored her, seemingly more interested in kindling the fire.
"Nathan." Elizabeth enunciated his name with her grand schoolteacher tone.
"What." He kept a straight face, all the while concentrating on the flames.
"Where. Are. Our. Swimsuits." Her words would've had more of a pointed effect had she not shivered slightly.
"I might have left them behind," he said quickly under his breath. "'Lizbeth, do come and sit by me. It would be best if you warmed up a bit," he stated in a much louder voice.
She didn't quite hear his first statement yet knew without a doubt he was up to something. She was somewhat cold, and sitting by the fire would be nice. Elizabeth eventually plopped down and gave him her best side-eye glance. "You wouldn't be considering a swim in our undergarments, would you?" Her words were infused with a touch of incredulity.
"Why not? Our clothes are soaked. We could lay them out to dry and have our swim." Nathan said matter-of-factly. He decided he wouldn't suggest forfeiting the undergarments—at least for now. He would be patient. That's something he was confident he knew how to be! "Come, it's just you and me. You know I'll always take care of you."
With those words, Elizabeth indubitably melted. Still, she wondered what his argument might have been had the downpour not happened. Inevitably, a grin adorned her pretty face. How could she deny him anything? "Are you sure we're completely alone?" She had to ask to make sure.
"Of course," he said thickly, bringing her face closer for a light touch of their lips.
Nathan noticed a sneaky glint in her eye before Elizabeth shot up like a bullet. How she moved so fast was beyond him. His wife raced behind a tree, tossed her dress, and, like a flash, dove into the lake, leaving a befuddled Nathan behind.
He laughed softly as he realized this was Elizabeth, to an extent, protecting her sensibilities. He understood and let her be as he quickly removed his drenched clothing. He dove in without a splash, his body cutting into the water like a sharp knife, gliding effortlessly underwater. The lake was a bit warmer than he expected, which was a most welcome surprise.
Nathan waded towards Elizabeth and slipped his hands over her waist.
"Come here," he said raspingly, pulling her towards him. They were both easily floating in the water, but Nathan could still touch the bottom with his feet. He effortlessly guided her until Elizabeth found herself naturally sitting on his thigh. Nathan instinctively placed his arm around her waist and his hand on her hip. That rogue hand slipped further down her thigh, surprising Elizabeth. Still, it was impossible for her not to succumb to the delicious sensation and the wonderful feeling the caress elicited. Her arm wrapped around his shoulders while an unexpected rippling current startled them both. She instinctively held on to him, seeking stability amidst the fluctuating flow of the water.
"This is nice, isn't it?" Nathan asked softly. His wife's radiant happiness spoke volumes, even without a single word in response.
"I'd say this is more than nice." Elizabeth was wholly seduced by the steady rise and fall of the water and her husband's proximity. Her thoughts meandered as she surrendered to all the sensations.
How could she not long for this? How could she not love to swim in the moonlight? How could she not adore being in Nathan's powerful arms, the water lapping gently against them? A warm rush coursed through Elizabeth's limbs, straight to her heart, remembering the kisses during their swimming interludes. All their kisses were special and unique, but the only thing that came close to flying was floating in the water as you kissed the man who owned your heart.
She would miss this! It was amazing how new experiences could manipulate feelings and emotions. Indeed, you couldn't miss something you never had. She'd never swum before, not until a few days ago. Nevertheless, she had learned quickly. She enjoyed the freedom of being in the water, feeling one with nature, and sharing this fantastic experience with Nathan. Elizabeth was thankful. She was grateful for all the firsts with her husband and wondered how many more they would have. Her smile deepened as she considered the possibilities.
"That smile's intriguing. What's going through that head of yours?" Nathan asked, gazing appreciatively at Elizabeth. Her hair was wet and slicked back off her face, the curls forming at the ends hugging her neck. Water droplets clung to her lashes and cheeks, giving her makeup-free face the most exquisite glowing look. "You also look gorgeous," he murmured gruffly.
She leaned in and decidedly pressed her lips against his, deftly parting them, deepening the kiss swiftly and devastatingly. Elizabeth ended it too soon, though, leaving Nathan wanting more.
"Thank you for the compliment," she said breathily, "you don't look so bad yourself." Her eyes fell on his ripped torso, lingering on his powerfully built shoulders. So solid, so dependable… shoulders she decidedly loved to grip when desires spun out of control. Giving herself a mental shake, she smiled and answered his question. "I'm just thinking how much I will miss this place. I can't believe we're going home tomorrow."
"We must take advantage of the time we have left here, then." He looked at her with the most loving expression while threading his fingers through her wet hair. "Why don't we start with this?" Nathan splayed his hand at the base of her neck and playfully nipped her lips with soft, quick pecks.
"I think you can do better than that, Constable." She felt a sweet tingle on her lips with each soft graze of his mouth.
"Is that a dare, Elizabeth Grant?"
"It might just be," she countered, her eyes hazy with burgeoning desire.
In one swift move, Nathan grabbed Elizabeth and wrapped her legs around his waist. The buoyancy of the water helped, not to mention the element of surprise. Her eyes widened, and her lips parted slightly; he saw he'd startled her. Nathan realized he loved to surprise her this way, and her low, feverish gasp was the ultimate prize. Swooping in, he took her mouth and continued that kiss that had left him wanting more.
Nathan would never get over how Elizabeth felt in his arms. It always stunned him how she yielded, her lips softening, silently inviting him to do with her as he wished. The thought of a lifetime of this with her heightened every nerve-ending in his body. He wanted more, and with Elizabeth, more would never be enough.
Breathing heavily, Elizabeth looked at Nathan through lowered lashes, unconsciously pulling her lips in before curving them in her signature knowing smile. He tipped his head and grinned surreptitiously.
"Do you know you have this little quirk of pressing your lips together after we kiss?"
"Like how you tilt your head when you're about to say something profound, loving, or even cute?" She countered with quick wit.
Nathan laughed. "Like the way I what?!"
"You heard me," she articulated playfully. "But no, I hadn't noticed. I might just be savoring your kisses."
How she could make his heart explode with a few choice words was beyond him. After a beat, he flashed his brilliant smile. "You always have the right answers," Nathan said, unconsciously tipping his head again.
Elizabeth laughed inwardly. She loved this little quirk of his and hoped it was reserved just for her.
Interrupting her thoughts, he said, "I have a treat for us back at the campsite. Wanna come with?"
"A treat? I would never say no to that kind of proposition," she said happily.
Taking her hand, they sloshed their way out of the lake. Nathan wrapped Elizabeth in a towel for the second time that day, but not before sweeping his gaze over her statuesque form. His wife was undeniably beautiful. Her diaphanous undergarments highlighted her every nuance and womanly curve. Nathan focused on gently rubbing her arms and the subtle friction warmed her up instantly. He could see her eyes melting yet lighting up at the same time. How could eyes be such a wondrous shade? They were pure fiery blue ice, and the contrast was mind-blowing. They reminded Nathan of the most incandescent flame and its almost indigo base. Looking deep into her clear gaze, he recognized them for what they were: the most intense and hottest part of a flame. They unequivocally seared his soul.
In an attempt to bring himself back to earth, Nathan cleared his throat and asked, "How do you feel about marshmallows?"
"I love them," Elizabeth replied with a smile. "I suppose we're roasting them?"
"You supposed right," he countered with a grin.
Elizabeth procured the blankets Nathan had packed in the saddlebag since their clothes were not yet quite dry. Wrapped in the warm comfort of the plaid blankets, they roasted giant, fat, pillowy marshmallows in the roaring fire. She scooted closer to Nathan and brought her knees to her chest, enjoying the warmth of the fire on the crisp summer night. Gazing at her husband, she observed the interplay of light and shadow on the sharply yet softly chiseled contours of his handsome face. There was almost a glow upon him, showcasing the gentleness of his soul.
"How about we return for our anniversary?" Nathan's sudden question caught her off-guard.
"You would do that?" Elizabeth was blown away.
"I would do it for us," he said softly.
"I thought that maybe, in the future, we could bring Allie and Jack-"
"Yes, that too," he interrupted her quickly. Nathan smiled happily at the thought of all his favorite people enjoying this beautiful place together. "But we will need time for us as well."
Elizabeth marveled at how Nathan could be so sensitive and attuned to her feelings. It was clear he knew her needs even before she did. She shut her eyes tightly, her thoughts returning to that day in the schoolhouse when she was on the cusp of making the biggest mistake of her life. He knew. He always knew. If Nathan hadn't mustered the courage to ask her what she wanted that day… who knew what could've happened and where they'd be?
"Nathan, thank you." Her words were filled with a deep sense of gratitude, passion, and wonder.
"Whatever for?" Her simple "thank you" gripped his heart with a powerful, unforgettable force.
"I've said it before, but it bears repeating. For being you, for not giving up on me. For loving me."
She took his face in her hands and looked deeply into that intense cerulean gaze that was the beginning and end of her existence.
"Thank you… thank you," she said vehemently. "For chipping away at me in your steadfast, gentle way. For easing the light back into my heart. For being my great love, the one Jack always wanted for me," she finished in a whisper.
"I love you. I love you so much." Nathan's husky words exploded from his soul and permeated the night air. He fused his lips with Elizabeth's in a tender, yet passionate kiss that tasted of clean mountain air, marshmallows, and tears. Softly tearing his mouth from Elizabeth's, Nathan grinned and touched her chin with his forefinger. "We're something else, aren't we?" His eyes were watery with unshed tears.
"We're something I love with every single piece of my heart and soul," Elizabeth breathed.
Nathan wrinkled his nose.
"Is something wrong?" Elizabeth asked, trying to subdue any misgivings after seeing the expression on his face.
"Something's burning."
Elizabeth suppressed a grin and stifled a giggle. Nathan smirked and ran a hand over his face. They looked at each other and blurted out in unison, "The marshmallows!"
The laughter was such that tears ran down their faces. Elizabeth heaved a small sigh after her giggles subsided. "Nothing like the aroma of charred sugar to ruin the mood."
"Oh, I'm sure the mood isn't ruined," Nathan replied in his seductive raspy voice. "We have all night."
The corner of Elizabeth's lips curved. "I do want some marshmallows, though. I've only been able to have one bite."
"Now, we can't have that, can we?" Nathan skillfully skewered a handful of marshmallows and handed one of the sticks to Elizabeth. They sat in easy silence, rotating the sugary confections every so often to achieve an even roast.
Elizabeth eventually took a bite and smiled loftily at the silky, toasty, sweet flavor exploding in her mouth. She had forgotten what campfire marshmallows tasted like, and this took her back to her childhood years with her sisters. They had gone camping only once, and she was the only one who had enjoyed it!
"How about we go camping with the kids soon? Maybe you and Allie can teach Jack how to fish?"
"I would love that," Nathan said between mouthfuls of marshmallow.
Elizabeth grinned. Her husband was like a big kid when it came to sweets. "I still can't get over your sweet tooth."
"Remember your promise, 'Lizbeth."
"My promise?"
"Yes, you said you'd teach me how to bake when we get back home."
"Yes. A promise is a promise," Elizabeth said, her eyes softening. "Although I wouldn't trade these days for anything, I can't wait for our life to begin."
"Our life together has already begun, 'Lizbeth," he said lovingly, "and it's nothing short of amazing."
Elizabeth grinned. A dollop of gooey marshmallow dripped on his chin.
"Now I'm the one who's ruining the mood," Nathan joked as he reached out for a napkin to wipe away the sticky confection from his face.
"Oh, I don't think so," Elizabeth said playfully. "Let me get that. Hold still."
His breath caught as she edged closer, and he almost lost his bearings when her lips wrapped around the drip of marshmallow that clung to his chin.
Well, this is dreamy, Elizabeth thought. Her mouth was filled with the sweetness of the sticky confection and a tangy taste that was all Nathan. His evening scruff bristled her lips, heightening her needs and wants. A rush of desire crashed over her as she neared his lips and felt his breath fanning her sensitive skin.
"'Lizbeth, I want you." His ardent gaze flashed into hers.
"Here?" she asked tremulously.
"Would you judge me if I told you that I dreamed about you in a setting such as this, like this, with me?"
"I would never judge you, Nathan. I'm just… let's say I'm intrigued."
"There were too many nights on official missions when I felt alone and restless. I thought of you 'Lizbeth. Thinking about you was a sweet sort of agony. Back then, I couldn't even fathom the privilege of touching your hand, much less kissing you. But I let my thoughts wander, and yes, I fantasized about you. In those fantasies, you were mine, and I was the luckiest man alive. I kissed you senseless, I robbed you of your very breath, and I explored your body amongst nature, the flames of a roaring fire casting shadows over your every curve."
Elizabeth's breath hitched. She felt like she was close to feeling completely outside of her body. Nathan's confession made her heart jump and her insides quiver. She opened her mouth and was about to say something when he stopped her.
"I know what you're thinking, but please, let me say something. I'm not saying this to bring up the past. I want you to rejoice in this love that we have now, this love that encompasses everything… that takes over time and space and creates a bubble that's just for us."
Elizabeth silently edged closer to him, settling herself on his lap. Her fingers lightly brushed against his neck, feeling a vein throbbing and flickering beneath her touch. A kiss was inevitable as their lips unerringly met and molded to each other. She felt Nathan pulling on her lower lip, taking it within his mouth, making her need for him rage out of control.
"Let yourself go, 'Lizbeth," he breathed on her lips as he wrapped his plaid blanket around her.
Their kisses deepened. They grew feverish and desperate as they stripped each other of the clothing that remained. There was no need for him to tell her to let go. She did—with passion, certainty, and a heart full of love. Underneath the silvery moonlight, by a serene lake and a blazing fire, their bodies found each other and became one. Simultaneous gasps echoed in the crisp night as they found a mutual rhythm as natural as the gentle water lapping the lake shore. It might have been a minute or a lifetime, for time ceased to exist when lovers loved, but one thing was certain, they shattered together, and together reached for the stars.
They clung to each other, face to face, skin to skin. Their breaths slowly evened, and the blood rush tempered. Nathan opened his eyes to a whisper of a shooting star in the nighttime sky. He made a most fervent wish, all the while giving thanks for what felt like the ultimate gift.
When his eyes fluttered open, they fixed on Elizabeth's glowing face. Her face was everything he had always dreamed of, and he recognized that reality was much better than any harbored fantasy.
"'Lizbeth… I…"
She smiled sweetly, encouraging him to speak. "Just say what's in your heart, my love."
He sighed. "Blessed be the path that led you to me."
And what else could they do but lose themselves in each other's arms once again? They loved as persistently and as constant as the endless sky, time standing still. It was only hours later, as the fire died down and passion rested, that the sun started to peek over the horizon. It cast a delicate radiance upon the beautiful woman in Nathan's arms.
He couldn't help but feel content yet excited for their life ahead. "It's you and me, 'Lizbeth. Together. Forever and always."