"But, daddy...I want...to tell you...about my day," Jack said, through several yawns.

"I know, Jack, but you need to go to sleep now so you'll be well rested for tomorrow. I'll see you in the morning for breakfast & you can tell me all about it."

"Promise?"

"I promise. Goodnight, Jack."

"G'night, daddy."

I pulled his covers up, ruffled his hair, & he was asleep before I closed the door behind me.

Today had been the first day of school for Elizabeth & the children. I'd been caught in the middle of a cattle dispute, between two farmers on the border of Hope Valley & Benson Hills, & I was very late getting home. I was tired & hungry but I rode straight here, as quickly as possible, so I could tuck the kids into bed.

Opening the door to the adjacent room, Allie was reading, with Scout asleep at the foot of her bed.

"Hey, dad," she said, looking up from her book.

"Hey, kiddo. I'm sorry for getting back so late."

"It's okay. Mrs. Thornton said I could stay here tonight, unless you want me to come home with you now?"

"No, you're already in bed. Stay here. I still need to eat & spend some time with Elizabeth before I go home. Do you have everything you need to bathe & change in the morning?"

"Yes, I walked down after dinner & got everything I'll need."

"Good. So, how was your first day?"

"It was fine. Normal first day stuff."

"Well, I'm glad it was a good day. I'll let you get back to your book. I just wanted to see you & say goodnight before you went to sleep. Don't stay up too late, okay?"

"I won't. I just want to finish this chapter."

"Alright," I said, taking her hand & giving it a squeeze. "Make sure & take Scout for his walk in the morning, please."

"I will. Goodnight, dad. I love you."

"Goodnight, kiddo. I love you, too."

Seeing the kids had been my first priority. I hadn't properly greeted Elizabeth yet, so once I was downstairs, we finally embraced each other with a hug.

"I missed you today," she said.

"I missed you, too. I'm sorry for being late. There was a cattle dispute & it took far longer to settle than I'd hoped."

"It's alright, Nathan. I'm just glad you're home now. Are you hungry?"

"Starving," I said, as I released her & took off my serge.

Elizabeth bustled off to fix a plate for me, as I washed my hands in the sink, & took a seat at the kitchen table. She'd made roasted chicken with new potatoes & green beans for dinner. We sat together, & I listened as she told me about her day, while I thoroughly enjoyed every bite. I had to smile as she gave me a dish of vanilla ice cream, with blackberries on top, for dessert. Jack was constantly insisting on picking them for us now.

"Thank you, sweetheart. It was all delicious."

"You're welcome. I love to watch a man enjoy his food...especially when he's my man," she said.

"My man." Would I ever not be thrilled by those words? I rose & took her in my arms, finally kissing her, after too many hours apart. I ran my hands up & down her warm back, pulling her close, as I felt her tongue lightly touch my upper lip. I wanted so badly to reciprocate, but I didn't, feeling slightly self conscious after having just ate. So I made an attempt at distracting her instead. I pulled away from her mouth, gently tilted her head, & let my teeth lightly glide down the side of her neck; stopping to nibble where her shoulder connected. I could hear her ragged breath in response, & after years of my heart racing for Elizabeth, I couldn't help feeling gratified by the effect I was having on her, too. After a while, she pulled away slightly, & put her hand at the base of my jawline; guiding me back to her mouth. I captured her lower lip & again her tongue laved against my upper. When I didn't deepen our kiss, she broke the silence.

"Let me taste you," she murmured against my lips.

"Sweetheart, I'd love nothing more, but I just ate. I haven't even washed my mouth out," I murmured back, brushing my lips against hers.

"I'll fall on that sword. I want to. Please, Nathan. Let me."

"Please, Nathan." Such simple words, yet they conveyed her clear desire for me, & I was powerless to resist. I immediately acquiesced, parting my lips & allowing myself to enjoy the heat between us; savoring her more intimately. I couldn't get over how each new kiss with her was more desirous & passionate than the one before. I was completely in love with her & I'd never get my fill.

Several minutes later, I mustered up the strength to tap into my self control reserves, & gentle the kiss. I put my hand to her cheek & quietly watched as her eyes slowly fluttered back open. Smiling down at her, I couldn't help but say what was in my heart.

"I love you, 'Lizabeth. Sometimes I still can't believe you're mine."

"I'm all yours & I'll never let go of you again," she said; putting her head against my chest & wrapping her arms tight around me.

I'd given many hugs in my life, but feeling the warmth of soft curves emanating against my chest, from the woman my heart beat for, was an altogether different & intoxicating sensation. It was getting more & more difficult to let her go with each new day that passed.

"I love you, Nathan," she said, softly; interrupting my thoughts. "I'm afraid I've got it awfully bad for you. I was reading a new poem, by Robert Frost, while the children were at recess. It was called "Fire & Ice" & all I could think of was you."

I liked where this was going.

"Oh, yeah? How so?"

"Some say the world will end in fire, some say in ice. From what I've tasted of desire, I hold with those who favor fire," she ended, raising her head to look me in the eyes.

My mouth instantly went dry.

Three years ago, I'd been heartbroken & hopelessly desperate to shake loose of that feeling. But tonight? Her love was boiling like lava within me, rendering me powerless to that emotion yet again; only this time I was hopelessly lovesick & securely desired by the woman of my dreams. I put my hand to her cheek, & lightly brushed my lips with hers; murmuring against them one last time.

"I favor the fire, too. Your fire, 'Lizabeth."

A slow, satisfied grin came onto her face.

"I'm very glad to hear that. I'd hate to think I was all alone, burning up with love for you, in the land of desire."

"Oh, no. You're not alone. I've set up a permanent residence there," I replied flirtatiously. Slightly cocking my head, I grinned & winked at her.

She laughed, put both hands on my chest, & lightly pushed me away.

"I think I need some distance. You're too handsome for your own good, you know that?"

"No, I didn't. So how about you come closer & convince me a little more?"

I reached out for her, but she grinned, & moved a step backwards. Playing along, I took a step forward & she quickly turned, scurrying away from me saying, "oh, no you don't, Constable."

But I was faster.

I grabbed her by the waist, pulled her back against my chest, & quickly began worshiping her neck from behind. It must've tickled at some point, because she let out a high pitch squeal, when I moved her hair to kiss the back of her neck. We both immediately froze, waiting to see if the kids had woke up.

A few seconds later it seemed safe to proceed with, "operation keep Elizabeth wanting me," but just as I continued my trek...

"Mama!"

"Oh, now we've gone & done it," she said, her tone heavy with frustration.

I released my hold, she turned to face me, & I couldn't help but grin at her.

"You're beautiful even when your miffed," I said.

"You think so?"

"I do," I said, lowering my voice an octave.

I saw her shiver in response, as she stepped forward, & put her arms around my neck. Our lips had just lightly touched, when Jack cried out for her again, & we both let out a collective sigh of defeat.

"I have to..."

"I know," I said, kissing her on the cheek. "I'll see you in the morning. I love you," I said, as I picked up my serge & walked towards the door.

"I love you, too. Goodnight, Nathan."

"Goodnight, sweetheart," I said, closing the door behind me. I walked home with a smile on my face, anxious for sleep, because I knew my subconscious would put her back in my arms, at it's earliest convenience.

And sure enough, it did.

Before I knew it, morning came & my family was gathered around the table, being regaled by accounts of Jack's very first day of school. I made a breakfast of cheese omelets & bacon to go with Elizabeth's warm, homemade bread & we all enjoyed it. Afterwards we worked together to clear the table, wash & dry the dishes, & make our lunches for the day. Elizabeth had some things to do at the schoolhouse before her students arrived, & Allie wanted to help her, so I volunteered to bring Jack to school on my way to work. I was finishing last night's incident report, at the kitchen table, when he called out to me.

"Daddy, I don't feel good."

"What's wrong?" I asked, walking over to him.

"My stomach hurts right here," he said, pointing to his lower abdomen on the right side.

He was pale & sweaty, but when I felt his forehead, he was cool to the touch. I gave Scout a bone, to keep him occupied, & lifted Jack into my arms.

"I think you need to see Dr. Carter."

"But what about school?"

"Let's go see the doctor, & if she's not concerned, then you can go to school."

I held Jack's hand while Faith examined him. She determined he had appendicitis & it would require an operation to remove it.

"I'm scared. I want mama & Allie here, too," he said, when Faith gave us a minute alone.

"I know you're scared. But everything is going to be okay," I said, softly pushing the hair off his forehead. "I'm going to go get your mother & Allie. I'll be back soon with them. Can you be brave for me while I'm gone?"

"Yes, daddy."

I left him then & stopped at the cafe to speak with Minnie. She agreed to stand in for Elizabeth as teacher today. Her breakfast service was done, so she put a sign on the door, & closed the cafe.

"You stay with Jack, Nathan. I'll send Elizabeth & Allie your way."

"Thank you, Minnie."

I didn't want to go in without them, & risk upsetting Jack when he needed to stay calm and quiet, so I waited outside. They showed up, hand in hand, a few minutes later.

Dad!" Allie called out when she saw me.

"Nathan, is he alright?" Elizabeth asked, as my worried girls stepped into my arms; their eyes welling with tears.

"He's alright. He's scared, but he's being very brave. He wants to see you both."

The next few hours were nerve-wracking. With Bill out of town, I had no one to cover my rounds, but I wasn't about to leave my family's side. Once we knew Jack had come through the surgery with no complications, that he was stable but wouldn't be awake for a couple of hours, I had to leave. I didn't want to, but I had a job to do, & thankfully my love was in full support of it. So I hugged Allie, gave Elizabeth a quick kiss, & went to work.

The day dragged on as I caught up on both my morning & evening rounds; my attention constantly divided between work & family. Nightfall was upon me, with a chill in the air, when I finally finished & got back into town. I was going to stop at the clinic to see Jack, before I went to Elizabeth's, but she was sitting on the bench outside when I rode up.

"Elizabeth," I called out, as I approached. "Is Jack alright?"

"Yes, he's fine. I just wanted to be near him."

"Where's Allie?"

"She stayed here with me until an hour ago. She didn't want to leave, but she was exhausted, so I arranged for her to spend the night with the Canfields."

As I tied Newton to the hitching post, I saw her trying to rub warmth into her arms, & recalled we'd been here like this before.

"You must be cold," I said, testing her memory.

A thoughtful smile came onto her face.

"I am. You wouldn't happen to have a saddle blanket, would you?"

"I do," I said, already taking it in hand. I wrapped it around her shoulders & took a seat beside her.

"The blanket is nice, but would you hold me this time, please?"

Ever eager to lend my love & support, I wrapped my arms around her & pulled her close.

"Are you alright, love?"

"I'm fine. Faith says he needs rest, but I just couldn't leave him yet. I knew you'd stop here to see him first. I waited for you."

I kissed the top of her head & that's when I realized she was quietly crying.

"Sweetheart, Jack is going to be fine," I reassured her. "Please don't cry. I'm here with you & we'll get him through his recovery together."

"I know & I'm so thankful for you. But after such a stressful day, memories of the last time we sat here together, have me feeling a little emotional."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

She didn't respond immediately. But after a few seconds I loosened my hold on her, as she made a slight pivot, allowing herself to look me in the eyes. She paused for a second, & let out a long breath, before she spoke.

"I asked if you'd ever lost someone so close to your heart that it tore you apart?"

"Yes, I told you, "not yet."

"Your eyes told me everything when you said those words. I knew you were implying that losing me would tear you apart...& I was stunned. You'd already told me you loved me by then. Yet despite my less than kind treatment of you, there you were, by my side, caring for my needs; silently showing the depth of your love for me. I remember turning my eyes away, feeling confused as to why you'd still love me, after everything I'd done to ensure you wouldn't? But mostly, I looked away because I couldn't risk letting you see how much I loved you, too. I wanted you to wrap me in your arms, & kiss away all my fears, because I was drowning in them."

"I'm available now if you still need me to do that," I said, trying to lighten the mood.

She let out a small laugh & wiped her tears away.

"Can I ask you something?"

"You can ask me anything, 'Lizabeth."

"What about Colleen?"

"What about her?"

"Didn't it tear your heart apart when she passed away?"

I took a second to collect my thoughts before I answered.

"It was a devastating loss when Colleen died. My sister & I were very close, but honestly, I never had time to grieve for her. Two weeks after she passed, Dylan abandoned Allie, & I became her guardian. I put my grief to the side, took care of Allie, & looked after my mother's emotions, too. It took a while for me to get comfortable being a parent, but once we had a routine, I realized Colleen left me with so much more than I ever had on my own. She left me a daughter who became my greatest pride & joy. Raising Allie gave me a purpose outside of my career. I went from being alone, mostly focused on work, to having a family overnight. She was my constant little shadow, & she's brought sunshine & love into every day of my life since. I see Colleen every time she laughs, or sings, or gets excited about something. She's here with me, every day, through Allie. My heart hurt, but it didn't tear apart, because I've gained far more than I've ever lost, by having the privilege of being Allie's dad."

I paused for a second, before I continued to bare my heart further.

"You read me correctly that night, & it still holds true today, but even more so now. Because, Elizabeth, the only thing capable of tearing my heart apart is losing you or the children. I'm completely wrapped up in you. You're my favorite people; my whole world. I draw my strength from all of you & I love you more than I can ever express."

I probably hadn't said that many words, in one grouping, for ten years; or maybe in my life's entirety. But I had to make sure she knew, in no uncertain terms, the true depth of my love for her & our children.

She put her hand to my cheek & gave me a brief, soft kiss.

"I love you, Nathan, but what I feel for you is so much more than that. You've become my best friend in love & in life. After parenting alone for so long, your steadfast devotion to myself & our children, is something I've become very grateful for. You take care of us. Your love is limitless, where we're concerned, & you consistently give us the very part best of yourself."

She paused; decisively putting her hand on my thigh, giving it a squeeze, & resting it there.

"Nathan, you've always been ridiculously handsome to me. Quite frankly, I wasn't sure I could want you any more than I already did. But the tender loving care you give equally to our children, has made you even more attractive. I love you fiercely. I'm so grateful for you, & there's nowhere else I'd rather be, than wherever you are."

First my office, then the library, & now the bench outside the clinic. Our reclaiming tour was in full swing. From here on out, this bench would be the place we sat together as a family, and supported one another through a scary situation. But it would also be the place Elizabeth and I retired the phrases, "my son" & "my daughter." Because after tonight...they were just "our children."

How could I not hold her close & kiss her tenderly, after that? I had to. There was no other option.

Afterwards, she took my hand & said, "if we're quiet, we can go in & see our son. He's been asking for his daddy each time he's been awake."

Faith stirred in her rocking chair as we entered the clinic. She smiled & nodded, giving us leave to see him. I sat on the edge of his bed, with Elizabeth standing beside me, still holding my hand. Lightly running my fingers through his hair, he opened his tired eyes, & gave me a sleepy smile.

"Daddy?"

"Yes, Jack?"

"Was I brave?"

"You were very brave. I'm so proud of you."

"I love you, daddy."

Elizabeth squeezed my hand, as I swallowed the lump in my throat, that seemed to be ever present these days.

"I love you too, son."

I continued to run my fingers through his hair & he quickly fell back asleep. Elizabeth kissed his forehead & we left him to recover under Faith's care.

We held hands & walked Newton down to the livery. Elizabeth waited quietly while I saw to feeding, watering, & brushing him out. When I latched his stall door behind him, she broke the silence.

"Here," she said, handing over the saddle blanket.

I put my hand up to refuse it. We'd just been through an exhausting day, & yet here I was, still unable to pass up the opportunity to flirt with the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen; because she was mine...& because I could.

"How about you keep it? Because if I have to leave your side, & go to bed alone, I'll rest easier knowing you're still wrapped up in me."

"Why, Constable, what a scandalous thing to say."

She moved closer, & put her arms around my neck, as I let my hands rest at the small of her back.

"Do you remember when I returned the blanket you gave me last time?"

I gave it no thought before, but now that she brought it up, I didn't remember her giving it back. I looked into her eyes & she answered the question I didn't ask.

"I didn't give it back, Nathan. I kept it. It was the last thing you gave me. I couldn't give it up. It stayed dutifully tucked away in my closet for two years. But the night of our first kiss, I got it back out, & my love...I've been wrapped up in you every night since."

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