Up before sunrise, Elizabeth tried to calm her nerves as she meticulously chose a comfortable pastel pink dress, pinned her hair with most of her curls still down, then put on light and natural-looking makeup. Too nervous to eat anything, she made some peppermint tea instead to calm her stomach. While sipping her tea, Elizabeth continued reading her book to keep her mind off a certain man next door. At quarter to eight, she slipped on comfortable shoes and smoothed her dress before walking outside to wait on the front porch.
Even after his tea and a long soak in the tub, Nathan still struggled to sleep well after getting back to Hope Valley the night before. He still felt anxious and sad about his official retirement, was still unsure about what to do with his home in Union City, and worried about being qualified enough to be in charge of building Elizabeth and Jack's home. But most of all, he tossed and turned not knowing how to approach a relationship with someone who made him feel things he had never felt with anyone else his entire life. He got up early and did the strength exercises and stretches the doctors in Union City had shown him at his appointment earlier in the week. He was surprised how much better his leg felt when he was consistent with his rehabilitation. Riding in a car for several hours hadn't helped the soreness, but he rubbed some of it out and drank some tea before his walk to help with the pain. He combed his newly cut hair and dressed in an off-white button-down shirt with brown pants and suspenders. He put on his walking shoes and grabbed his cane with just five minutes to spare.
Having to read the same paragraph over again for the tenth time, Elizabeth decided she should just put the book down. Her mind and eyes kept drifting to the front door of her neighbor's house, taking her focus away from reading. Finally, just a few minutes before 8:00, the door swung open, and Nathan appeared. Elizabeth quickly stood and moved down the stairs and onto the street between the two homes. She caught her breath as she watched him walk down the stairs, barely assisted by his cane and looking much stronger than the last time they had taken a walk together. She also got a better view of his shorter hair in the light and admired his casual look she had always found attractive and seen as totally him.
Nathan smiled and carefully walked down the porch steps to meet Elizabeth on the street. He felt like today had the potential to be a new start in many aspects of his life; but most of all, he hoped getting closer to the beautiful woman standing in front of him was the biggest change he could embrace moving forward. She looked like an angel with the sunlight streaming through her thick brown hair. Since their moment in the library, he couldn't stop thinking about the way her curls felt running through his fingers, or how the smell of her shampoo and perfume perfectly blended together to intoxicate his senses. He sometimes felt like a younger version of himself, instead of the middle-aged man with graying hair and physical limitations; but Nathan still wondered if he even knew how to pursue a woman and be romantic at this stage of his life.
"Good morning, Nathan," Elizabeth greeted him when he nearly reached her on the street. "It's a beautiful day and you look stronger every time I see you. How are you feeling?"
"Much better now," he answered with a little grin. "Are you ready to try and keep up with me today?"
His playfulness was a side of him that Elizabeth hadn't seen much of in a long time, but her mind immediately returned to a night when she offered to help with one of Allie's sleepovers and ended up rubbing frosting from the cupcakes on his nose. He had been working through challenges with his father Archie; and even though she found herself falling for him back then, guilt about falling for Jack's replacement mixed with worries about being with another Mountie, kept her from really fighting for him. Nearly every day she was full of regret for taking the easy route and dating Lucas. Her instincts and her heart had constantly led her to Nathan; but regardless of the hints she tried to give him, he never seemed as interested in her. Now she understood that Fort Clay played a big role in his hesitation.
"Elizabeth?" Nathan gently touched her arm, pulling her out of her thoughts.
"Yes, sorry," she apologized. "Let's go. But don't be a tough guy and do more than you should. A nice leisurely stroll is just what the doctor ordered."
Both naturally began walking toward the pond at first in silence, enjoying the sounds of nature on a clear summer morning. "I remember the first time I saw you and little Jack on the dock at the pond when I was doing rounds on one of my first days in Hope Valley. It became a common ritual for all of us and brought me a lot of comfort when I would see you and just know you were both safe. It also gave me something to look forward to at the end of my rounds on those days. You know, when your son told me he pretended it was his dad riding up when he saw me in my serge, it brought back those feelings of guilt for wanting…uh," Nathan stopped talking before he said too much.
Having just reached the pond, Elizabeth nearly had tears in her eyes as she thought about the times Nathan watched over them; and now she knew how hard it must have been for him to feel guilty he was there, instead of their husband and father who had been taken from them. They both stopped on the dock leaning on the railing and looking out over the clear water as ducks swam lazily past them.
"Your limp was much less noticeable than before you left for the city. What did the doctors have to say about your progress?" Elizabeth turned toward Nathan, not realizing how close together they were standing until their arms brushed as she faced him.
Trying to stay focused on the conversation and not their close proximity in a place with so much meaning to them, Nathan cleared his throat. "Fortunately, the doctors were impressed with my progress and think within a few months I will be walking normally again. I'm still not sure how much of the other mobility will return; however, they gave me exercises and stretches that should rehabilitate and help in the healing process."
"That's great!" Elizabeth exclaimed, hugging Nathan before thinking about what she was doing.
Feeling Elizabeth once again in his arms sent electric shocks through Nathan's entire body. Every time they got close, he imagined what life could be like with her in it. But he didn't want to ruin his chances by pushing a relationship too quickly. At the same time, they had already wasted so much time already. He slid his arms around her and just held her close, putting his chin on her head like he had done before, finding it to be the perfect fit. He closed his eyes, imagining the possibilities of finally having romantic love in his life. Suddenly, he felt his cane fall to the ground and he lost his balance for a split second, having to let go of Elizabeth to catch himself. It was another reminder of how broken he was. Annoyed, he turned away as he picked up the cane and regained his footing.
"Don't be embarrassed, Nathan. It was my fault." Elizabeth touched his back and felt him flinch. "Please, don't push me away," she pleaded. "Here, let's sit on this log and talk some more. I wanted to discuss the house."
"I'm not embarrassed," he insisted, sitting down on the log next to her. "I just don't like being so weak. But yes, let's talk about the house. I plan on going to check on the progress in a little while and hope Jack would also want to come."
Thinking of Nathan and Jack spending time together working made Elizabeth smile. "I'm sure he would love to go. Is that automobile Robert was driving yours?"
"Sure is," he answered proudly. "As much as I love horses, my job as Superintendent required me to do a lot of city travel. Sadly, I can see that cars are the way of the future; so, when a friend needed to sell his a few years ago I bought it. I really hate to admit how much I've enjoyed owning the darn contraption."
Elizabeth laughed out loud, knowing what a hard admission that truly was for him to make. "I guess driving is out of the question for now with your leg still hurt. If you ever need someone to drive you anywhere, I did become very good at it back in Hamilton. Your vehicle is beautiful and looks like the perfect family car."
"Did you know I once asked Lee to give me driving lessons so I could try and compete with Lucas to take you on dates?" Both cringed at the mention of the former Saloon Owner, but it made Elizabeth smile to know Nathan had thought about asking her out at least once. "I was thinking about teaching Jack to drive so he can take me to the worksite until my leg is better."
Pondering his suggestion, Elizabeth hesitated slightly. "Do you think he's old enough? I know he would be all for it, but I want him to be safe."
Looking into her eyes, Nathan promised, "I won't let anything happen to Jack Jr. I would be right there, and we will just be going from the row houses or sawmill to your land. It's your decision though, and I respect whatever you choose."
"We'll see," she finally decided. "I had an interesting conversation with Allie while you were gone, about how you brought Robert to Union City to keep her away from all of those city guys. A real-life matchmaker, are you?"
A deep shade of red moved up his neck. "I can't believe Allie told you that. Look, I didn't hate all of those guys she went out with in college, but they weren't right for her. Marrying a Mountie wasn't my first choice for her either necessarily, but Robert was already like a son to me; and as I kept track of his progress through the years, I was impressed with what a selfless protector he had become. I knew he would love and care for her in a way she deserved, even if he didn't have the financial means some other men had. Money was never our first priority."
"He's like you," she whispered. "Allie deserved someone like her noble and brave father." Elizabeth slid her hand over his and intertwined their fingers. She was amazed by how large and calloused his hands were, a sign of his strength and hard work. Her heart was beating faster than usual as sparks passed between them. "Nathan, why didn't you ask me out when we lived here before? Was it only because of Jack? I'm so sorry I hurt you by letting Lucas constantly steal me away with all of his grand gestures. I truly appreciated all of the everyday things you did for me and little Jack back then."
Nathan rubbed his thumb over her knuckles and turned to meet her gaze. "My biggest regret in life is not fighting for you. That plaque I gave you for the library with the Emerson quote, was as much for me as for you; but I let my self-doubt and insecurities get the best of me. Every time I saw you with Lucas, I felt inadequate; and whenever I found myself getting close to you, I was reminded of Jack and how I was the reason I was here, and he wasn't. And now…I feel so damaged and unfit to be with anyone."
"That's not true," she insisted, squeezing his hand. "Tell me what happened in your meetings at Mountie Headquarters. It must have been difficult to officially end your 30-year career. I couldn't stop thinking about you while you were there." Surprised by how easily her admission slipped out of her mouth, Elizabeth found she didn't mind him knowing how much she cared.
Not able to hold back tears, Nathan let them fall freely as he finally was able to start processing his retirement from the Mounties. Wiping his tears, he composed himself enough to speak. "It was harder than I thought to sign those retirement papers. Since I was 17, being a Mountie was my entire way of life. I always said my objectives were keeping the towns I served safe and raising Allie. Both are mostly accomplished and now I'm all alone. I keep thinking to myself, did I do enough?"
Scooting closer and letting him lean on her, it suddenly became very clear to Elizabeth that she wanted and needed this man in her life. He had always put everyone ahead of himself, and he deserved all the love and good things life had to offer. She came to Hope Valley a few weeks ago, feeling crushed and hopeless after years of anxiety and loss. This town seemed to bring her back to life, and Nathan Grant had awakened her heart after years of dormancy. Her fingers traced his strong jawline and moved into his hair as he lifted his head off her shoulder to look at her.
Nathan froze when he felt Elizabeth's hand move from his face to his hair, igniting feelings he hadn't explored in years. He raised his head from leaning on her to look into her eyes. A few stray curls had made their way into her face from the warm summer breeze blowing across the pond. He let his fingers tuck the curls behind her ear, then moved them through her long hair that went past her shoulders and part way down her back. He brought his hand back up to her face and rubbed his thumb over her soft pink lips and across her cheek. Both of them felt like they were in a trance as their eyes explored each other's faces and lips, before locking eyes again.
Trying to read his thoughts, Elizabeth saw what she thought was love and desire; but it was mixed with something that resembled fear and uncertainty. She wasn't sure what the future held for them but knew she didn't want to waste another minute before letting him know where her feelings for him stood.
Surprised by the intent he saw in Elizabeth's eyes, Nathan worried she might regret rushing into things before they had even been on a formal date. But wanting it as much as she did, he moved in closer and let it happen.
As their mouths got close enough to feel each other's breath, Elizabeth murmured, "Nathan," right before their lips met for the first time. It started out meekly at first, both getting a sweet taste of the other; but in no time they both felt a fire ignite and all of the pent-up emotion from the past 15 years unleashed as the kiss deepened. Nathan pulled Elizabeth closer to him, amazed and in awe of how natural it felt despite not having kissed a woman in years. Elizabeth couldn't remember a kiss that pierced her soul the same way this one did, and not since Jack had she felt so safe and loved. Finally needing air, their lips parted, and she lay her head on his shoulder as their pulses beat in perfect unison, eventually slowing back down to a more normal rhythm.
Much to their surprise, a loud clap of thunder jolted them out of their serene moment, causing them to look up at the sky just in time to see large rain clouds moving quickly in their direction. "When did a storm move in?" Nathan screeched, a little breathless. "Come on, we better hurry home before we get soaked. He took Elizabeth by the hand and the two of them walked as quickly as he physically could back to the row houses. Thunder and lightning kept coming more frequently and closer together, with raindrops starting to pelt them in the face as they hurried along. Instead of going their separate ways, Elizabeth led Nathan into her house, just in time for the heavens to open up and soak the dry ground from the unexpected summer storm.
"Can I make you breakfast?" Elizabeth asked as they both sat down at the table, and she poured two glasses of water. "Lee picked up Jack already this morning, and I'm not ready to let you go quite yet."
Nathan took her hand in his and looked at her with a serious expression. "Elizabeth, what did that mean back there? I need to know if this is real, because once I let my heart open up to you, I'm not sure I can ever survive again without you."
Elizabeth stood and pulled him off his chair. Moving her hands up his muscular chest and behind his neck, she pressed her lips against his in a gentle kiss then snuggled against his chest. "It's real," she promised. "How about we count this breakfast as our first official date? Unlike some people, I don't think it has to be anything grand or formal. Haven't we wasted enough time already? I just want to spend time getting to know you again, but just over 10 years ago my instincts were already leading me to you. Unfortunately, I didn't listen back then, but I will now."
Stroking her hair and then her back, Nathan couldn't believe he was hearing exactly what he'd wanted to since the first time he met her in Hope Valley. "Thank you for going on a walk with me today, my beautiful Elizabeth. I had a feeling when I signed my retirement papers, that in a way it was leading me to something greater in my life. If that includes you and your son, I am truly the luckiest man on earth." His stomach began to rumble right before another round of thunder struck and they both laughed.
"You sit down and rest while I get the eggs, bacon, and pancakes ready. How about you squeeze the oranges for juice, which you can do sitting down?" She brought over the supplies, and both began working on the meal that would constitute their first date. Working and laughing together, then sharing a simple breakfast was the perfect beginning to what they hoped would lead to something more in the near future.
When the rain slowed to a drizzle, a frantic knock to her front door brought Elizabeth immediately out of her chair. A very distraught Allie was on the porch, but her expression changed to anger when she saw Nathan appear behind her former schoolteacher. "Dad! How many times are you going to worry me to death?!" she scolded. "I thought you got caught in this storm while on your walk! I see now that wasn't the case."
"I'm so sorry we worried you, sweetie," Elizabeth apologized. "Have you eaten yet? We have plenty left if you would like some."
Allie walked inside and surveyed the pile of pancakes and eggs on the kitchen table. "It does smell really good, and I didn't have an appetite when I first woke up, so sure...I guess."
"I really didn't mean to upset you, Allie girl." Nathan winked at her and gave her shoulders a squeeze as she walked into the kitchen. She noticed something different between her dad and Elizabeth, making her even less upset if their walk had worked some magic in bringing them together.
She poured syrup on her pancakes, and once they were inside her stomach, she was even less agitated. "So, how was your walk this morning?" she questioned, trying to get a sense of anything that might have happened between them. "I hope you didn't push your leg too much, especially since it is time for you to soak in the tub and take a nap. I know you didn't sleep well last night, because I didn't either and I heard you in the middle of the night."
A concerned look spread across Elizabeth's face. "Nathan, you really better go home and get some rest. I'm sorry I kept you for so long."
Rolling his eyes at the fuss both women were making over him, Nathan gave them both a stern look. "I'm fine. Allie, I'll be home as soon as I help Elizabeth wash the dishes, and then I promise to follow your instructions.
Taking the subtle hint, Allie quickly agreed to go home and wait for her dad, hoping to grill him more about what had transpired that morning. "Alright, I will see you both later." She left with a huge smile, having now seen two of her favorite people looking very happy together. Oh yeah, she thought to herself. My plan is definitely working.
Once Allie was safely inside her house, Nathan and Elizabeth cleared and washed the breakfast dishes. They purposely let their hands linger when passing the dishes to one another, and when they were finished, he kept holding her hand and brushed the back of it with his lips.
"I guess I better get home," Nathan lamented. "But I would like to take Jack to check the progress on your house later. Would you mind driving us over there around 2:00 this afternoon? That should give me time to sleep a little."
Elizabeth nodded and walked with him to her front door. "Before you go, I was thinking we should discuss keeping it quiet about what happened today, until we have more time to figure things out."
"Are you ashamed of me?" Nathan teased. "No, I agree. I think it would hurt Allie and Jack if we told them something was going on before we had time to make sure it is the best thing for everyone. I want to take you out for real very soon. I will always consider this our first date, but you deserve something planned out and a little more special. I will warn you though, I'm not a fan of a lot of candles."
Trying to suppress a chuckle, Elizabeth knew that was for sure not what was important to her in a meaningful relationship. "I'll be over right before 2:00 to get you, and I'll call and let Jack know we will be picking him up at that time. See you soon, Nathan."
"Goodbye, Elizabeth. Thanks again for the walk and for breakfast. Both were wonderful." She noticed he relied on his cane a lot more now than earlier. Elizabeth knew he must have been hurting for a while but didn't let her know so they could continue to be together. When he started to go inside his house, Elizabeth shut her door and collapsed into her comfy chair. She replayed every moment of their morning over and over in her mind, her body tingling from the memory of their first kiss. She hoped the kiss and date were just the first of many and couldn't wait to see what the future held for them: two middle-aged human beings who had been lost and lonely for way too long. She had a feeling that was about to change.