This is my contribution to the Fall FanFic Fest, Part 1 of 2. Make sure to circle back for the second part. There will be some funny, tender, and surprising moments with our favorite family of four, in addition to a couple of special guests.
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Less than a week had passed since Nathan and Elizabeth's memorable first date, but both were eager to express their love more openly in front of the children. In fact, it was starting to feel increasingly awkward not to. Anticipating the challenge of resisting handholds, hugs, and brief kisses when they were all together, Nathan and Elizabeth decided during their date to talk to their kids this week about their affection as a couple. In being a single father to a teenaged daughter, Nathan clearly knew he'd drawn the short end of the stick as far as such conversations go.
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"Hey, kiddo, can we talk for a minute?" Nathan asked, hovering above Allie, who was happily sprawled out on their living room couch reading.
"Sure," Allie answered, with a noticeably suspicious tone, dropping her legs off the sofa to make space for her dad. As Nathan perched rather than lounged, Allie knew this was likely to be an uncomfortable conversation.
"So, uh, Mrs. Thornton and I," he started.
"Elizabeth, you mean?" Allie interjected. "She told me it would be okay to call her that outside of school, if you remember." To add extra assurance to her point, she noted, "You were standing right there when she said it."
"Right." Nathan responded. "So, Elizabeth and I …"
he began again, adding extra emphasis, though he still got lost at the same problematic point. Why did this have to be so difficult, he thought.
With a sigh, he acknowledged exactly why. This is where, as a father, he'd talk with his fifteen-year-old daughter about the physical expression of his love with her teacher. Not awkward at all.
Suddenly, his mind drifted to blackberries and strawberries. He reminded himself that Allie intuitively knew far more than he realized. The fact that she'd been the one to brilliantly suggest the strawberries for his and Elizabeth's date still both wowed and concerned him. Just as she'd inferred, they were indeed juicy. But in the romantic context of feeding one to a date, he really wished Allie wasn't old enough to understand such things.
With a new awareness of his daughter's age, Nathan dove in, hoping for divine help.
"Allie, it's hard for me to believe, but I know you're really growing up. I mean, even two years ago you 'like liked' Robert …" Nathan made sure to do the air quotes for added emphasis and the teenager in Allie couldn't help but roll her eyes.
Still, Allie was desperately hoping her dad didn't see the red she felt spreading up her cheeks. Those feelings had not faded. Indeed, they were only blossoming.
As Nathan noted the obvious change in Allie's skin tone, he decided to stick with his own awkward topic. "What I'm trying to say is that you've always been able to see more than I realize." He rested an appreciative hand on her shoulder, and reminded her as much as himself, "I have you to thank for both the blackberry and strawberry moments with Elizabeth."
At the mention of blackberries, Allie just nodded her understanding with a blank stare, trying not to give herself away. She held a secret she'd never dare share. At the family picnic, she had indeed lured Little Jack away to pick blackberries.
But, when they returned, before emerging from the last stand of trees, she'd been drawn in by the touching display of affection still playing out on the meadow's grass. Standing back just far enough to avoid being seen, Allie noticed her teacher glance back, and then lean in toward her dad for a kiss. Her heart melted on sight. They looked so happy. Allie knew she shouldn't have been watching, but she was all in.
Not only was this her dad's love story, but it was hers. If all went well, which she really felt like it would, Elizabeth would become her mother, and she'd truly have a sibling in Little Jack. But on top of that, she was in a front row seat watching an epic love story unfold. She didn't care if it was her dad and her teacher. It was simply gorgeous. Her dad's smile said it all.
As for the strawberries, Allie was absolutely delighted to hear her appetizer idea for her dad's date went over so well. Dad blushed when he told her, she remembered. It was obvious by the sparkle in his eyes their experience with the strawberries was memorable. She definitely did not want to hear more. I mean, it was her dad and her teacher. Eww. But, at the same time she had stars in her eyes at their love story and wished he would've given her every detail. She'd just have to pretend like it wasn't her dad.
Guessing that her dad's reference to the blackberries had been about more alone time, Allie nodded her head. "So you want me to help you and Mrs. — I mean, Elizabeth, have more time together?"
Nathan hadn't thought of that actually. But, case in point, he noted, here was Allie thinking ahead.
"Well, actually, that's not what I was going to talk to you about," Nathan said, "But that's not a bad idea. We want time with you and Little Jack, of course –"
"Dad, I know …" she reassured him. "You need time together, too, though, more than just your dates every so often."
Nathan beamed with a grateful smile. "Yes, yes we do."
"So, what do you want me to do?" Allie asked, ready to move this conversation along and get back to her book.
Nathan thought for a minute, and remembered how perfectly distracting Allie had been about blackberry picking. Maybe there could be something …a code word, perhaps … then, he thought of the obvious. It was too perfect. Apple Juice.
At the revelation, this dad tried to keep from smiling like a twitterpated teen. "How about we have a code," he suggested, "kind of like what you did with blackberries."
"That sounds fun!" Allie responded, excited about playing what seemed to be a critical role in their blending family.
"I have the perfect words," Nathan announced, delight dancing in his blue eyes. "Apple juice."
"Apple juice?" Allie squeaked out in surprise. "Why apple juice?" she asked, questioning the randomness.
After subconsciously emoting a few searching expressions, Nathan made up a logical reason, "Well, it seems like Elizabeth often has apple juice at her house. So if one of us brings it up, it can be like a signal to allow us parents some time together."
With that, he added, "Even just fifteen minutes," needing to assure Allie that time with her was still a priority to both him and Elizabeth. "Do you think you can pull that off?" he asked with some hesitation.
"Dad," Allie blurted out, as if stating the obvious. "I am the daughter of a Mountie."
Nathan's expression softened, filled with love for his growing girl. She truly was, wasn't she, he thought, basking in the pride that swelled within him.
Shaking off his sentimentality and refocusing on the purpose of their conversation, he replied, "Okay, perfect. Apple Juice."
After shifting positions a few times, Nathan failed several attempts to redirect the discussion toward its original purpose, only exacerbating Allie's teenage impatience. Afterall, she was mid-chapter in her book before this conversation apparently demanded an interruption … for a reason she had yet to see.
Fortunately for both Nathan and Allie, the words started to trickle in. "Allie," he said, trying to talk to her more like the adult she was becoming, "I think you can see how much I love Elizabeth."
"I always have," she piped in.
A mixed expression of sadness and happiness passed over Nathan's face, recognizing just how fully she'd been on this journey with him.
"I know," he said sweetly, resting his hand affectionately across her shoulder. "So," Nathan started, momentarily slipping the tip of his tongue out between his lips, as he did when feeling nervous, "there are different ways people show that they care for each other." Using his other hand to gesture, Nathan offered up some examples. "We go fishing together. I used to do your hair. I make you breakfast –"
"And sometimes even two lunches," Allie interjected, poking at him playfully.
Nathan gave Allie a knowing look, laughing a little at the memory of that humble moment. But, thankfully, he realized she was helping him make his point. "Yes," he affirmed, "and making that extra lunch was, as you now know, a way to see Elizabeth. So like with you, I want to do things that show I care about her …"
Allie couldn't help the eye roll this time. How old did he think she was – six? Exasperated, and wanting to return to her book, she asked, "Dad, what exactly are you trying to say?"
Nathan's head dropped slightly with defeat. He wished he could come out and just say it. In glancing back up and catching Allie's expectant eyes, he accepted that just saying it was likely where they were. All this skirting around the topic was exhausting.
Releasing a sigh, Nathan admitted within himself he was at a loss for words as to how to make his romantic relationship less awkward for his teenage daughter. "I'm wondering if you'd feel uncomfortable seeing me hold Elizabeth's hand or …"
"Give her a kiss," Allie jumped in, with a little too much of a mischievous air like Rosemary.
Unfortunately, Nathan couldn't help the smile that instantly appeared on his face. "That, too." Then blushing furiously, he assured her, "But, nothing big. Just little ones."
At the sudden thought of Allie walking in on one of his and Elizabeth's more heated moments, Nathan's hands immediately shot to his face, covering his obviously pink-tinged cheeks. He held them there just a moment before necessarily re-emerging.
"Allie," Nathan said, chuckling at his embarrassment, "I'm so grateful Elizabeth is becoming more a part of your life right now in your teen years."
"You and me both, Dad," she said laughing, standing up and giving him a pat on the shoulder. But, then, true to her thoughtful self, Allie dropped her head down beside her dad's and brushed a sweet kiss onto his cheek.
Half a second later, like the swing of a boomerang, Allie was right back to her teasing. "But, I kind of like seeing my Mountie dad get so ruffled."
Was it too early, Nathan thought, to say, "Like mother like daughter?" Clearly, this was Elizabeth's delight, too.
"Allie," Nathan scolded playfully, but she was already heading up the stairs with her book, intent on reading without any more interruptions.
Shaking his head slowly, relieved this conversation was now one of the past, Nathan wondered how Elizabeth's talk went. Of the two kids, Nathan was certain her conversation with Little Jack was the easier one!
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"Jack, can I talk to you about something? It won't be for long." Elizabeth patted the couch beside her, indicating to her son where she'd like him to sit.
"Sure, Mama," he answered politely. He climbed on the sofa and settled in, his little legs dangling over the edge.
"Do you remember how I told you Mountie Nathan and I like to spend time together, just us?" Elizabeth asked.
After Little Jack's affirming nod, she continued, "Well, we like to spend time together because we really care about each other."
"Like you care about me?" he asked, far too intuitively for a six year old boy.
"Yes, very much like that Honeybear, but a little different, too."
Running with the similarities for the moment, Elizabeth explained, "You know how I love to give you little kisses or hugs or squeezes," she asked, as she reached her arms affectionately around him to demonstrate.
"Uh, huh, but I don't like the kisses so much," Jack answered with childlike honesty.
"You don't?" Elizabeth said with sudden surprise.
"They're always a little wet," he explained matter-of-factly, "and I don't want my cheek to be wet. So I wipe them off."
Feeling a wave of nostalgia for her growing boy, Elizabeth thought appreciatively how at least there's someone in her life who loved her kisses. Her heart instantly ached to be in that man's arms again. Their time away from each other was always too long.
With her thoughts wandering beyond Nathan's arms to his lips, Elizabeth realized she could use Little Jack's recent confession to capitalize on the differences of a parent's love and a romantic love. "Well, I care about Mountie Nathan. So what if I gave him some of those kisses instead?"
"That'd be great!" Jack responded, a little too enthusiastically.
Elizabeth continued, "Do you mind if I give him little hugs and squeezes, too?"
Suddenly, a bright idea sparked in the little boy's mind, evident in the look of excitement that lit up his face. "I care about Mountie Nathan, too! Can I give him a hug and kiss, like you do for me at bedtime?"
Elizabeth pursed her lips, trying not to laugh at the visible shift in her darling boy's countenance. But, how could she possibly not smile at his sweetness?
"I know Mountie Nathan would love that," she assured him confidently, her warm smile reflecting the special bond she knew they shared. Having regularly witnessed Nathan's soft spot for her son, Elizabeth felt a swell of love for him as she remembered the way he'd taken notice of Little Jack since his days as Baby Jack.
In response to his mama's encouraging words, Little Jack looked incredibly self-satisfied. But, then he quickly promised her, "I'll be sure to wipe my mouth off first. I bet Mountie Nathan doesn't like wet kisses either."
A weird, guttural sound erupted out of Elizabeth's lips as she unsuccessfully tried to stifle a laugh. She felt the heat rise in her, considering she knew evidence to the contrary. As far as she was concerned, she thought, she knew Mountie Nathan very much liked wet kisses.
Elizabeth almost felt like fanning herself, but resisted. Jack sat there, completely unaware, waiting for an answer to what he felt like was a thoughtful gesture.
The visibly flustered mother cleared her throat. "I know Mountie Nathan would be very happy with any hug or kiss you give him."
Jack's beaming smile revealed to his blushing mother just how much he liked her answer.
"Can I go play now, Mama?" he asked energetically, now kicking his gangly legs against the sofa.
"Sure, Honeybear."
With that, Little Jack hopped off the couch and scampered off. Then, suddenly, he spun around with an urgent question. "When will Mountie Nathan and Allie be here?"
"In a couple of hours," Elizabeth answered, sighing into the frustration of such a lengthy time to wait. "They can only come for dessert tonight," she announced with apparent disappointment. "But," she added slowly, increasing the suspense, "Mountie Nathan has a surprise for you!"
"A surprise?" Jack shouted, his blue eyes lighting up with excitement. "Oh, goodie!" And with that, he was off.
Well, Elizabeth thought, evaluating the conversation. That went well. It had the outcome she wanted, anyway. Little Jack clearly felt fine with some physical expression between her and Nathan. In fact, he might feel grateful any time she planted a kiss on Nathan, seeing it as one less wet one for him. She couldn't wait to tell Nathan about the "wet kisses." She laughed heartily now that Jack was off playing.
Then, Elizabeth's eyes shifted toward the door and she sighed wistfully. How many minutes would it be until Nathan walked through that door? Still, unless they got alone time together, she'd have to be content with a hand squeeze and a simple kiss of affection. And Elizabeth knew what she really needed were some of those juicy, strawberry-inspired kisses. Clearly in need of redirecting her thoughts, Elizabeth headed up stairs to begin packing.
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"We're going on a road trip. We're going on a road trip," sang Little Jack happily, his tiny hips dancing to the rhythm of his own song.
On this crisp fall evening, the warm laughter of Nathan, Elizabeth, and Allie echoed through the walls of the row house. Nathan had just unveiled the surprise — an overnight road trip. He had work out of town, just far enough away to warrant a night's stay. Since it was over the weekend, and he was only needed for one extra morning shift to cover a visiting official, he and Elizabeth thought it would be a perfect way to spend more time all together.
They'd all stay overnight at a hotel, in separate rooms, of course. He'd work, and then join the family in the afternoon to explore the city. He wasn't sure of all they'd do yet, but he'd asked a Mountie in the city to make some suggestions. Apparently, there was an ice cream parlor, a park, an art museum, and even a movie theater. He and Elizabeth decided not to share the possible activities, yet. Given the unpredictable nature of fall weather, they didn't want the kids to get their hopes up for one of the choices that might not happen.
The point was family time, anyway, so what they did was not what was most important.
"It's going to be so fun, Jack!" Allie exclaimed. "We're even going in a car!"
The little boy's eyes widened in delight! "I can't wait!"
Elizabeth smiled, so grateful for this sibling bond they so naturally already shared.
Shifting into mom mode, Elizabeth started, "Now, we're only going for one night, so we won't need much, a dressier outfit for going around the city," she noted, knowing as a former city girl what was deemed appropriate. "And it's sweater weather now that fall is settling in, so bring a few layers just in case." She looked over at Nathan with a questioning look, wondering if she'd forgotten anything.
Nathan, always so practical, piped in, "Pajamas." Both of them gave each other lingering looks, simultaneously wondering what the other wore to bed. In response, as smiles spread across each of their faces, they knew the same thought was crossing both of their minds.
As Nathan felt a small blush rise to his cheeks, he cleared his throat and tried to redirect, "Toothbrush, toothpaste, comb," but that only made it worse.
When he'd left Elizabeth's row house after their date, immersed in her scent from an evening of being in her arms, he'd felt most excited about the little moments — like finding out when Elizabeth sprays her perfume. Watching her brush her teeth shouldn't feel so intoxicating, but somehow just the thought of it was.
Nathan felt himself quickly unraveling, and Elizabeth was doing the same. Suddenly, surprising everyone, including himself, he blurted out, "Apple juice?"
Elizabeth peeked over at him wondering what could possibly be going through his mind. She had an idea, but still, she couldn't help but tease, "We need to bring apple juice along on our trip to the city?"
Not able to filter himself in time he said with his token half smile, "One can never get enough apple juice."
Allie's eyes were bouncing back and forth between the two, trying to understand if this was her cue. Eventually, she figured she'd better take it rather than risk missing her first one.
Right as she was about to jump in, to direct Little Jack upstairs to begin packing, he piped up, "Apple juice? I'd love some! Do we have any Mama?"
Three heads whipped around, centering on the six-year-old's innocent and inquisitive eyes.
Nathan and Allie exchanged knowing glances, struggling to hold back their laughter. How had neither of them considered the fact that Jack would, of course, want to join in?
Elizabeth clearly felt like she was missing out on an inside joke. But, with no real reason to hold back, she poured four glasses of apple juice to share. Allie was quick to suggest a race and she and Little Jack both quickly gulped theirs down. Then, Allie, committed to her special assignment, whisked the unintentional meddler off to give the two lovebirds some alone time.
Wasting no time, Nathan and Elizabeth nimbly molded their bodies to one another, increasingly familiar with their perfect fit. Just as they'd proven their skill to dive deep in conversation, they did the same now in physical expression. As their lips passionately shared their love and longing, not much time passed following their first deepening kiss before Elizabeth mid-kiss unexpectedly started to laugh.
A bit breathless, Nathan managed to utter only a few words in his obviously confused state, "What's so funny?"
Unwilling to release the man she'd been desperate to see all day, Elizabeth settled instead into an intimate hug, snuggling Nathan close, as they discussed their earlier conversations with Little Jack and Allie. She made sure to thoroughly explain the thought that provoked her unusual response to their fiery kiss – her son's opinions about wet kisses.
From upstairs, within Little Jack's room, Allie recognized Nathan's bellowing laugh from below. She guessed that was a good indication they were finished with what she'd guessed they'd been doing. Before taking Jack down, she sighed happily. She loved the sound of her dad's deep, belly laugh. It'd been far too long since she'd heard such joy in his laughter. Now that she thought about it, had she ever truly heard him laugh like that?
At the sight of her son cheerfully bouncing down the stairs, Elizabeth offered Allie a look of gratitude before tucking her in with a side hug. "You are a special light in our lives, Allie."
"She sure is!" Little Jack shouted. Although only six, this loving boy noted his mama's arm around Allie and caught Elizabeth's gaze for reassurance. When she nodded, Little Jack responded by making a sweet request. "Mountie Nathan, I want to give you a hug." His arms were already stretched up as high as they could reach, and still didn't even reach Nathan's chest.
With a heart full of fatherly love, the broad-shouldered Mountie knelt down to scoop up his little mini-Mountie, Jack. The boy threw his arms tightly around Nathan's neck and planted a kiss on the softest spot he could find on Nathan's stubbly cheek. In response, the seasoned father nestled his head against the little blond boy's locks and softly whispered, "Thank you, Jack."
Two simple words filled Elizabeth's thoughts as she watched the tender display of affection: "We're home." Unable to resist the urge to share their love, the seasoned mother proposed, "How about hugs all around?" She gently pulled Allie along to join in wrapping their arms around Nathan and Little Jack.
Allie fought back sudden tears at this sweet moment of belonging. She quickly brushed off the one escaping tear from her cheek, and then tightened her arms around her dad and the special little friend she hoped to soon call her brother. An overwhelming sense of warmth and love enveloped her. A perfect circle of family, she thought.
After lingering for a few moments, this blending family of four eventually separated. As Nathan returned Jack to the hardwood floor, the young boy declared loud enough for all to hear, "I made sure to wipe off my mouth first before I kissed you. But if it's too wet, you can wipe it off," he said with childlike compassion. "I'll understand. I don't like wet kisses either."
Allie grinned, as did the adults in the room, always entertained by the unexpected remarks that tumbled out of this precocious boy's mouth.
Trying to be appropriately grateful and responsive to the sweet six-year-old's good intentions, Nathan cleared his throat to remove any hint of humor, and replied, "You and me, both, Jack." He lovingly ruffled Jack's hair, exchanging a knowing glance with Elizabeth that didn't escape Allie's notice from across the room.
Allie watched as Elizabeth's face lit up in response to Nathan's glance, her smile radiating the love for her dad Allie had so desperately longed to see expressed.
"All right," Elizabeth said, clapping her hands together with the enthusiasm of a teacher rallying her students, "We've all got some packing to do." The air buzzed with excitement.
Understanding that goodbyes were in order, Nathan quickly closed the distance between him and Elizabeth, leaning in for one last kiss that felt all too fleeting. Every moment together was feeling more and more like home. Now, he could hardly wait for the day when he could lead Elizabeth to their room upstairs and add to that brief kiss behind closed doors.
"Tomorrow at 4?" he confirmed, immersed in the thought of when he could kiss her again.
"See you then," Elizabeth replied, the longing evident in her eyes as well.
"Goodnight," Nathan said with a reluctant smile.
Just as he was about to turn toward the door, Elizabeth placed a hand to his chest to stop him. She quickly found his lips in a simple, but lingering kiss. She knew the suddenness of their affection might seem a bit much to the kids. However, after their individual conversations about being more open, Nathan had become all the more impossible to resist.
Allie averted her eyes politely as the kiss continued. Still, she silently congratulated herself on her intuition regarding blackberries, strawberries, and now apple juice.
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"Beep, beep," a high-pitched horn sounded.
"They're here! They're here!" Little Jack shouted, jumping up and down. He grabbed his small tote, and rushed out the door.
Allie was lumbering out of the front seat of Lee's car just as Jack shot out of the house.
"Are you all ready to go?" she asked Jack, though it clearly was a question not in need of asking.
"I'm so ready!" he called out gleefully.
Nathan had just opened the compact trunk of the black Chrysler 70, when a slight form pummeled his leg with surprising force and a pair of little arms wrapped around his waist, the only place to circle within reach.
"Hi Mountie Jack," Nathan chuckled, giving the lumpy growth newly attached to his side a light squeeze.
Thoughts of all the fun ahead for the four of them swirled through Nathan's mind as he distractedly moved aside some rolls of canvas to make space for Little Jack's suitcase. After loading up, he headed inside Elizabeth's row house to gather her travel bag. But, first, capitalizing on their rare private moment, Nathan greeted her with all the longing built up through the night, an interaction which ultimately led to some shifting steps and the last piece of luggage toppling over on its side.
"Well, Constable," Elizabeth gushed. "Are you planning to sweep me off my feet, or just my luggage?"
Nathan smirked, leaning in closer. "Why not both? I've got a solid plan for this trip—just wait until you see my impeccable packing skills for starters."
"Impeccable? I'll believe it when I see it," she teased, raising an eyebrow. What was this "solid plan" she wondered, clearly intrigued.
"Challenge accepted!" Nathan replied, grinning. "But first," he said in a deeply lowered tone, "I need to make sure you're adequately swooned."
With his foot, Nathan lightly pushed the front door closed as he enveloped Elizabeth into his arms and kissed her with years worth of love in his heart, stealing her breath away within only moments. The two reluctantly pulled apart at the sound of Lee and Rosemary clamoring out of their house, their sweet little Goldie in tow.
"Oh, I'm so excited for you all!" Rosemary exclaimed, rushing toward Allie and Little Jack to give them hugs goodbye. Her hands shot up for emphasis as she added, "The big city!" Looking around with such deliberate intent as to make her curls bounce, she asked impatiently toward anyone who might answer, "Well, where are Nathan and …."
When she noticed the closed door, she felt no need to continue. A glowing smile spread across her suspecting face as she tapped the back of her hand against Lee's shoulder a few times and gave him a knowing look. "Well …" she quickly moved on, "Lee, why don't you show Allie and Jack how the car works."
Once Elizabeth's door eventually opened, Rosemary took special care to observe the details in the appearance of the two stragglers. She happily noted some of the tell-tale signs of a passionate interlude – Elizabeth's flushed cheeks, her glowing eyes. And as for Nathan, his indicators were far more subtle, which made sense as a Mountie, the journalist reasoned. It was his job, after all, not to be flustered. Even still, Rosemary noted a boost in his quiet confidence and couldn't help but count the number of times the two pairs of blue eyes stole glances as he organized the luggage.
While Nathan tapped into his impeccable packing skills, Rosemary wandered over to Elizabeth, gave her a parting hug, and whispered, "Now, don't forget to share a little romance, just the two of you." Elizabeth's eyes lingered on Nathan's every move. Emboldened in her love, she answered quite to her friend's satisfaction, "I think it will be impossible not to."
Simultaneously, as Nathan closed the trunk of the car, Lee squeezed Nathan on the shoulder and added a few more assuring pats. "Have fun," he said adding emphasis to both words, hoping Nathan understood he meant more than just the family time.
Once all four adventurers were settled in the car, Elizabeth reached over, placing her hand on Nathan's forearm. "You did learn how to drive, right?"
"Lee taught me," Nathan assured her, inwardly smiling at the memory of his first attempt to learn with Elizabeth as his teacher. "Do you think he'd let me borrow his car if he didn't trust me?"
"Well, all right," Elizabeth answered. "But, I can drive, too, if needed," giving him a playful smile.
Despite the blur from the dusty air as Nathan drove off down the lane, Lee, Rosemary, and Goldie still enthusiastically waved their goodbyes. While Lee watched the back of his car disappear along the road, he asked playfully, with that well-known gleam in his eyes, "What do you say we make a little wager?"
"Lee Coulter!" Rosemary cried out, shocked at his inference of betting on their friends. Yet, she couldn't help but lean in and quickly add, "About what?" … only to confirm her suspicion, of course. She was not one to gamble.
"How long it will be until those two are married," Lee replied in wonder, clearly touched by the love blooming between their dear friends.
"Three months!" Rosemary blurted out, unable to resist the temptation. She was exhausted by the trepidatious nature of this painfully long romance and simply longed for Elizabeth to be happily married and settled. Hopeful by their sudden cheetah-like progress, she still felt that was a bit scandalous to suggest such a short duration. I mean, they weren't even engaged yet, she noted, feeling once again deflated.
Lee rocked back and forth slightly on his heels, still thinking. Then, with quiet confidence, he suggested with far less fanfare than his wife's wager, "I'm going to say two."
"Two?!" Rosemary squealed, startling Goldie with her sudden high-pitched explosion.
Just as she was about to lovingly berate Lee for his presumptuous bet, that little fiery part of Rosemary that loved a good story edged out her competitive drive to win. "Well, I may never say this again, Lee, but I hope you win!"
Following a delighted sigh at the blissful idea of her best friend married, Rosemary all at once turned back to Lee. "Wait, what are we betting?"
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"Let's sing another one!" Little Jack said, bouncing up and down in the spongy back seat of the shiny Chrysler. Having just finished ten verses of "This Old Man," Elizabeth thought a song with a little less repetition might be better suited for the cozy confines of the small car.
With the darkening autumn sky, the view out the window was no longer entertaining, though the light rain had obscured the landscape for much of their drive anyway. So, it only took a few five minute cycles of "Mountie Nathan, are we there yet?" before the other three were scrounging for ideas to pass the final hour.
Just as Elizabeth was about to suggest some song options, Nathan offered, "I have one." Then, casting a glance back at Allie, he said, "How about we play 'Name That Tune?'"
"What's that?" Jack asked.
Allie loved this game. She'd been playing it with her dad for as long as she could remember. They'd battled back and forth for years, challenging each other with harder and more obscure songs. "I'll show you" she suggested, intuitively knowing an example would be far more successful for a six-year-old than a lengthy explanation.
Deep in thought, Allie's face scrunched inward as her eyes rolled up toward the ceiling, searching for a fitting song for such a young player. "Okay, so I've thought of a song," she said, going on to further explain. "Now, I'm going to hum two notes, and you see if you can guess what song it is."
Little Jack's blue eyes sparkled with delight at this new game. After listening to Allie's two notes, he shook his head sadly. "I don't know what song it is."
"That's okay," Allie reassured him. "There are times it takes me six notes to guess the song, and sometimes," she said with an exaggerated huff, signaling to her dad with the tilt of her head, "I can't guess the song because I've never even heard it before." Allie held her smirk in place until she caught her dad's reflection in the rearview mirror, making sure he knew her comment was directed at him.
Elizabeth raised her eyebrows at Nathan, gauging whether Allie's clear accusation was true.
Maintaining his focus on the road, he glanced over only for a split second, having felt more than seen Elizabeth's questioning gaze.
"What?" he answered, defending himself. "You can't make it too easy for them!"
"With a song she didn't know?" Elizabeth asked, chuckling.
Nathan pointed a finger Elizabeth's way. "You don't know how good Allie is at this game!" he said, revealing his competitive edge, though in a voice tinged with obvious pride. "She needs a challenge."
Then, looking in the rearview mirror to find Allie, he said with an apologetic tone, "I never intentionally pick a song you don't know."
"Can I guess again?" Little Jack asked impatiently, ready to continue the game.
Allie reached up to give her dad a pat on the shoulder, indicating she was only teasing. "Okay," she said, turning her attention to her new protege. "I'm going to hum three notes now." With the pitter patter of the rain, Allie leaning in closer and expertly advised, "Now, listen closely."
Immediately, after the third note, Little Jack shouted, "I know! I know!" thoroughly pleased with himself. "It's 'Mary Had a Little Lamb!'"
"Exactly!" Allie said, beaming.
The parents up front chimed in their praise. "Good job, Honeybear!" and "Well done, Jack!"
Explaining the next steps to their game, Allie added, "Now, if the song is guessed correctly within ten notes, we all sing it together."
"I love singing!" Jack exclaimed, bouncing up and down on the black leather seat, completely untethered.
After Allie led them through three verses of "Mary Had a Little Lamb," she circled back, ready to hear what song her dad had in mind. "Okay, Dad. We're ready for yours."
Nathan was thrilled with his choice. Not only was it fitting for their road trip, but especially for their life journey at the moment. He hoped Elizabeth woukd feel the significance of his selection.
"I'll give you two notes to start," he explained. "But, Allie, since we've added two new singers to our crew, let's wait for them to guess. Just let us know when you think you've figured it out."
After Nathan hummed two notes, the other passengers offered up zero suggestions, clearly stumped. Even after three notes, everyone remained baffled. Despite the engaging game, Elizabeth's attention drifted to Nathan, himself, drawn in by how remarkably natural he looked as a driver in addition to a rider. As he so comfortably settled into the car and hummed away, a special warmth flooded her heart as she viewed Nathan through this lens of home life.
Elizabeth's experience as a single parent was vastly different from Nathan's. She'd been fortunate to have loved ones around her, while Nathan had faced everything alone, moving from post to post without support. Yet, despite this, she could feel the loving bond he shared with Allie and the home they'd built together as a family of two. Last night, there was a genuine sense of their families merging, especially during that sweet, spontaneous group hug initiated by none other than the youngest of them all—Jack. After countless twists and turns, things were finally falling into place. This weekend promised to be the perfect launch into their new life as a blended family.
"Any guesses, 'Lizabeth?" Nathan asked, taking a quick peek at his front seat passenger. He'd noticed her grow quiet, and hoped everything was all right.
"Hmmmmmm," she began, re-engaging in their new family game. "Can you repeat the notes, please?"
As Nathan hummed six notes, she realized she'd missed a few rounds. Though there was a familiarity there, she couldn't quite place the tune.
"I think I know!" Allie piped up.
Assuring the others, Nathan explained, "This is a tough one." He waited a moment to see if Elizabeth might have a guess.
"Adding another note," he stated, before humming seven notes.
Elizabeth swooned at the lilt and timbre of Nathan's hum as his seven notes suddenly revealed a melody she recognized. "Okay, I've got it!" Elizabeth smiled, beaming at Nathan. This was the perfect song, she thought.
A sense of deep gratitude and love passed between their eyes in only one quick glance, before Nathan's gaze necessarily returned to the road.
Wanting to acknowledge Allie's earlier realization, Elizabeth turned toward the back seat and said, "Shall we say the song on the count of three? Honeybear," she added, including him in the fun, "Do you want to count us off?"
Elizabeth knew this had been an impossible guess for Jack, at least in only seven notes, anyway. But, she loved how pleased he'd be with the next step of singing since he was more familiar with the song than he knew.
Leaning into the suspense, Little Jack stood up in the back seat, and with his fingers marking the increasing numbers, he called out, "1 … 2 … 3!"
"Side by Side!" both Allie and Elizabeth blurted out simultaneously. The two ladies in the car exchanged happy glances, energized by the added excitement of Jack's exceptional countoff.
Now, Elizabeth pivoted back around to the front, and intentionally rested her hand on Nathan's knee, conveying she understood his deeper meaning.
Nathan started off the upbeat song, surprisingly comfortable in such close company with his short solo. Smiling as he sang out, he glanced often over at Elizabeth, grateful beyond measure to have her by his side.
Oh, we ain't got a barrel of money
Maybe we're ragged and funny
Both children in the backseat and Elizabeth in the front joined Nathan's tenor voice with the familiar words that repeat often throughout the cheery song.
But we'll travel along singin' a song
Side by side
While the older three continued with the next verses, Little Jack chimed in with words he remembered, beaming with delight every time he had a chance to shine. Eventually, the song's lively rhythm had him bouncing to his feet, his little hips swaying playfully to the beat.
Don't know what's coming tomorrow
Maybe it's trouble and sorrow
But we'll travel the road sharin' our load
Side by side
With a look of wonder, Elizabeth watched Nathan, enamored by his glow of happiness, his hand tapping the wheel to the beat. How had they come so far, and so quickly, she thought. Remembering Nathan's words from their date, about "no time wasted," she sensed the truth in that. There'd been unbelievably rocky times for the four of them, but even in those messy years, Allie babysat Little Jack, Nathan offered needed advice, Elizabeth supported both members of the Grant family through the inquisition … just to name a few. In their own way, despite trouble and sorrow, this family of four had regularly shared their loads and lifted each other in their love.
As the song progressed, Elizabeth held hope that the lyrics they were singing would somehow charm the weather for their outing in the city tomorrow.
See that sun in the mornin'
Peekin' over the hill
I'll bet you sure, it always has
And it always will
Well, that's how I feel about someone
With the shift in the lyrics to love, Elizabeth suddenly became acutely aware of every inch of space between her and Nathan. Taking advantage of the bench seat, she slid over the smooth leather surface and nestled in as close as felt safe for his driving.
Nathan smiled appreciatively, sensing she'd read his mind. While he enjoyed driving, he would've preferred to hold Elizabeth in his arms, dancing to the music, twirling her around, and definitely finding a way to steal a kiss.
While driving, he unfortunately could only spare small glimpses at Elizabeth throughout this sweet verse. But, in the instance of dancing, his eyes would've certainly held her gaze, no matter the movement, ensuring she felt every word as if it came straight from his heart … because these lyrics truly did, though he readily acknowledged how words would never feel expressive enough. His love for Elizabeth was immeasurable, and he was deeply humbled by the growing awareness that she felt the same way.
In one of those brief moments, Nathan caught sight of Elizabeth's smile and couldn't help but return it with a broad grin of his own, appreciating the way she swayed to the music. Every now and then, her movements sent a playful shoulder bump his way, adding all the more tenderness to the words perfectly written for them.
Somebody's crazy for me
We're sure in love with each other
And that's the way it's gonna be.
After finishing the song one time through, the palpable joy among all four passengers inspired Nathan to suggest taking their performance up a notch.
"How about we sing it in a round?" he asked.
"That sounds great!" Little Jack cheered, "I'll know the words better now," he added confidently. "Can I sing with Allie?"
"Sure thing, Jack," Allie answered, raising her hand for a high five.
The young boy popped out of his seat again and with extra enthusiasm slapped Allie's hand, "We got this!" he shouted, a touch too loud for an enclosed car.
"Okay," Nathan said, chuckling at his energetic response. Expertly readying the group, even while driving, Nathan explained. "So Elizabeth and I will start, and then after we sing the word 'money', you two begin." He glanced in the rearview mirror to see the kids' responses. "Everyone clear?" he asked, as if commanding a troop of Mounties.
Elizabeth lightly squeezed Nathan's leg, where her hand had been resting, to signal her support. Though he glanced her way and smiled quickly in return, he recognized his clear need to be mindful as to whether her touch might become too distracting.
Yet, Nathan was highly satisfied with how easy this driving thing was, even with the distraction of Elizabeth's hand resting on his thigh and the complication of singing in a round, which he had to admit, they were pulling off quite impressively. With Elizabeth at his side, and the kids so close in the back seat, he certainly appreciated the more social nature of a car ride. It was especially more pleasant, considering the rainy weather outside.
Immersed in the joy of singing together, they reached the third verse, and powered through the chorus.
Through all kinds of weather
What if the sky should fall
Just as long as we're together
It doesn't matter at all.
When they've all had their quarrels and parted
We'll be the same as we started
Just travelin' along, singin' our song
Side by side
Through Allie's strength, she and Little Jack finished off the round.
Before their final note faded, the smallest singer stopped, bubbling over with excitement. "Wow!" he gushed. "That was so fun!"
Elizabeth shifted, turning her attention to the backseat. "Allie!" she exclaimed. "Your dad was right about your talent. No wonder he wants to challenge you. You can clearly handle it."
"Thanks," the teenager said simply, hiding a smile, suddenly shy at being praised by the woman she loved most in the world.
Elizabeth glanced sideways at Nathan, but was clearly unable to communicate what might be especially meaningful to bring up at this moment. Still, the timing was too precious to pass up. So, she decided to share a thought that she and Nathan had discussed on their date, hinting at their future together.
"You know, your dad and I talked about caroling all together this Christmas."
"Oh, goodie!" Little Jack shouted, naturally only responding to the most literal meaning of his mama's statement.
In the meantime, the older three processed more deeply.
Nathan offered Elizabeth a knowing look, the sentiment clear in his ocean blue eyes. He felt especially touched by her instinct to bridge this special experience with one signifying a future as a blended family.
"Allie?" Elizabeth asked, turning around to see as much to hear the girl's response. "What are your thoughts about caroling at Christmas?"
Allie hesitated only a moment, beginning to understand. This time was different, just like her dad had told her. Allie knew the math. With autumn only hinting, Christmas was months away. She somehow knew Elizabeth's intent, too, reassuring her in the context of the past. As if on cue, Elizabeth twisted even more to reach for Allie's hand in the backseat and give it a loving squeeze.
"I'd really love that," Allie answered, responding to the layered meaning her later years were enabling her to see.
Noting the slight tremble in his daughter's voice, Nathan glanced back at her from the rearview mirror, grateful to see her glistening eyes shining back at him.
As he reluctantly returned his gaze to the road, the car lurched unexpectedly.
"Nathan, what's happening …" Elizabeth asked, panic rising in her voice as the car abruptly shifted sideways.
Nathan quickly adjusted the wheel, holding it firmly in place, but nothing changed.
Elizabeth gripped his arm tightly. "Nathan! We're sliding!" she exclaimed, her heart racing as panic surged through her.
"Mama, what's wrong?" Little Jack asked, falling into fear himself.
In that moment, Elizabeth was acutely aware that her whole world was in this car. "Please, Nathan! Do something!" she pleaded.
Anxiously, the kids pressed their faces against the glass, eyes wide with uncertainty as they searched the gloom outside. They wondered where they were heading and when they might stop. Time slowed as all that met their uneasy gazes were swirling shadows and relentless rain.
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Author's Notes:
To get a feel for the cuteness of their family singing in the car, find the full recording of this song, "Side by Side," sung by Kay Starr. It's available on iTunes.
These characters are from Hallmark's "When Calls the Heart"