THE SPACES IN BETWEEN

Author's Note: This is my contribution to the Fall Fanfiction Challenge extended by maggienhawk on Instagram. The required elements are molasses, a leaky roof, and the quote, "It's sweater weather."

I hope you enjoy it, and I would love to hear what you think about it. If you feel so inclined, please leave me a review here or on Instagram. I always welcome your thoughts, opinions, and feedback. Much love always!

Hope Valley painted quite the picture when summer blended into fall. Sunsets were a spectacle with their burnt orange skies, rich purple hues, and flecks of gold. Leaves were changing color, dropping gently to the ground to make way for the colder weather looming ahead. But winter was not upon them yet. Why think about the future? Really, why even bother to think about it when the present was beyond his wildest dreams?

Over at RCMP headquarters, Nathan looked out the window. He was lost in these thoughts as a pile of paperwork on his desk went ignored.

A grin played with the contours of his handsome face as he twirled a pencil around his fingers. Could he be any more in love? Ever since Elizabeth confessed her feelings, his life had changed irreversibly. Life was lighter, brighter. He was full of hope, full of love. He had found purpose.

Well, if he were true to himself, he'd always had purpose. Allie would always be the center of his life. His profession continuously provided moments of extreme satisfaction—especially when justice prevailed. But there was something to be said about sharing these moments with someone. And when that someone was the woman you'd loved from a distance for over 5 years, life was good… life was good indeed.

Still, living out his fantasy of courting Elizabeth didn't seem quite real yet. Some days he woke up thinking she was still planning her wedding to Bouchard. When he remembered that was in the past and the present was very different, his soul lifted and his heart perked up, knowing the girl of his dreams was finally his.

He was just so very thankful. Not only for having Elizabeth's love, but for this glimmer of hope that burned quietly in the pit of his stomach. He knew. Nathan knew that, eventually, they would be a family in every sense of the word. He didn't want to rush things, though. It felt right to cherish the moment and embrace the newness of it all. He wanted to nurture his bond with little Jack as much as he wanted to take his time courting Elizabeth. Slow and steady won the game, didn't it? Nathan wanted to get everything just right… as right as their first kiss had been.

That kiss… It would forever live in his memory as the most perfect first kiss that ever was. His thoughts went there often. Simply because he never wanted to forget every single nuance of that kiss. His heart had raced with every step he took towards Elizabeth as his eyes riveted on her glimmering gaze. Her waist had felt undeniably perfect underneath his hands while he pressed her against him. And her lips…good heavens, they were made to fit his. They softened and shaped perfectly during that soul-wrenching sensual play. That kiss was perfect. She was perfect.

Yet, as much as he wanted to relive that moment in his mind, Nathan also knew he wanted to steal as many kisses as he could, whenever he could. He also wanted to leave her heart forever marked with the undeniable passion that flared between them.

Beads of cold sweat pearled on his forehead. The neckline of his serge felt undeniably tight, and it became difficult to swallow. Good grief! One sweet kiss had the power to flare into a complete devastation of the senses, wiping his mind clean of everythought! She reduced him to a puddle of passion and desire, the likes he'd never felt before. It was scintillating, and if he was going to be completely honest, he loved every second of it.

But passion, while exhilarating, wasn't everything. Every day with Elizabeth brought forth a new adventure and a new set of feelings. Even after having known each other for years, Nathan continuously learned something new about her. His chest inevitably expanded with every new detail to accommodate even more love in his heart.

For starters, she was trying out new cookie recipes just because she knew he enjoyed them so much. Nathan's favorite was the crispy sugar cookie. Elizabeth added a dash of cinnamon, giving it an extra layer of warmth and spiciness. But the latest? Yikes. He didn't have the heart to tell her the gingersnaps had been an utter failure. She'd used too much molasses, so the cookies were cloyingly sweet and so chewy they stuck to the teeth. Even Allie couldn't tell Elizabeth how awful they were. Still, she had dutifully swallowed a couple of bites before alleging she was too full. Jack had gotten away scot-free, though. He turned up his nose at the pungent scent of the cookies, avoiding them altogether. Elizabeth's crestfallen expression had hit Nathan hard, and he nearly had another cookie. But even he wasn't that brave! He loved her, but he was way too fond of his stomach.

Indeed, love makes one do crazy things. But it also brought peace and enlightenment. Truth be told, that had been his favorite discovery thus far – realizing there was peace in this turn of events and his heart had never felt more at ease. Love wasn't just the dates, the passion, and the kisses. Of course, he relished all of this like any typical red-blooded male would. But he knew enough to admit true love was the little moments and the spaces in between. It was threading his fingers through Elizabeth's as he held her hand on their way to Sunday church. It was sitting on her porch, gazing at a starry night in comfortable silence. It was lounging side by side as they caught up on their reading, giving each other longing looks under lowered lashes.

Nathan felt his smile widenand knew he looked like a fool in love. He didn't care; he had waited for so long and lost hope many times. He would certainly enjoy the gift of having the one woman he'd ever loved in his life.

"Hi there." Elizabeth's seductive, husky greeting interrupted his thoughts.

Nathan's eyes softened as he saw his heart's desire standing by the door. She looked lovely and smartly put together in a skirt and jacket outfit. The deep cerulean blue enhanced her eyes, and the creamy ivory blouse played up her rosy cheeks. The visible puff of air that blew from her lips was evidence that the weather was getting chillier. Indubitably, she looked too delectable for words.

"Hello," he responded, quickly getting up from his chair. How long had she been standing there? Nathan wondered if it was noticeable to her that his mind had been elsewhere rather than his work.

She approached him happily, the prettiest of smiles blooming on her face. Before she could say anything, he surprised her by taking her hand and softly kissing her fingertips. Nathan felt Elizabeth yield, and without thinking, he pulled her towards him. In one fluid motion, her supple curves molded themselves to the rugged planes of his physique. They looked into each other's eyes for a fraction of a second, indulging in that barely-there moment before their lips met and ravenous desire took over.

Nathan gently pulled back from the kiss. Regardless, he let his mouth linger over hers as he gingerly tucked back a curl that had flopped onto her cheek. He was all about stretching these moments he particularly loved, especially those subtle ones that were almost imperceptible.

As for Elizabeth, she was in a trance-like state. How he could be so tenderly passionate was beyond her. There was no denying it. She lost her mind when he kissed her and, in the process, her power to breathe and speak.

Nathan noticed everything about her. Twisting his lips into his signature lopsided smile, he decided to put her out of her misery. She also reduced him to mush but he was more proficient in gathering his wits. Filling the air with his enticing vocal timbre, he asked, "Want me to walk you home? It's almost time for Jack's riding lesson."

A flash of sadness shrouded Elizabeth's clear blue eyes, and a hint of a wince contorted her features. It was a blink-and-you-missed-it twinge, but Nathan noticed. He only had to look at her intently for Elizabeth to see in his eyes the question held captive by his lips.

Responding to his inquisitive look, she said painfully, "I had to ground Jack today."

Nathan knew how much it hurt to discipline one's child. He could feel her pain, but even more so since he knew Jack had always been an easygoing kid.

"Let's walk home. You can tell me all about it if you want." Nathan expediently tidied up his desk and reached for his campaign hat.

In due time, Elizabeth shared with him the latest comings and goings, not to mention the grievances since little Jack started school that fall. He still couldn't assimilate that she was everyone's teacher and not his exclusively. Every moment Jack had an opportunity, he'd do something to get her attention. Today took the cake, though. He pulled on Lily's pigtails, rather harshly, Elizabeth had to add. The little girl burst into tears and ran out of the school to seek out Faith. In turn, Elizabeth sent an overwrought Allie after Lily, which threw Jack into even more of a tantrum. It had beenElizabeth's worst experience at the schoolhouse since she'd moved to Hope Valley. And that was certainly saying something.

Eventually, they made it to her rowhouse, where Allie was trying to cheer up a teary-eyed Jack.

Seeing Elizabeth and Nathan's faces, Allie had to tell them what was happening. "He lost it at the possibility of not riding with Dad and Pal. It was heartbreaking."

Nathan looked at Elizabeth. "I won't overstep. You grounded him, and he needs to learnthere are consequences to his actions. I won't take him riding, but could I take him for a walk?"

Elizabeth's eyes were glossy with pent-up tears. Having Nathan step in at this moment might be just what she and Jack needed. She mustered a hushed yes in response to Nathan's query.

Pressing his lips together as he often did when things took a serious turn, Nathan leaned down to be at eye level with the little boy. "Hey Jack, wanna go out with me for a bit?"

After a long sniff and a hiccup, Jack replied with an almost imperceptible nod.

"Wait, it's getting chilly," Elizabeth said as she picked Jack's favorite cardigan from where it layon the couch. "It's sweater weather, honey bear."

She handed it to him, but Jack grabbed it only to throw it at his mother's feet.

Allie's eyes flew open while Nathan's jaw clenched. Elizabeth's vision clouded, but she refused to let a tear spill. Taking a deep breath, she crouched to retrieve the sweater from the floor.

Nathan's firm no boomed across the rowhouse, startling Allie, the little boy, and his mother.

"Let me?" Nathan succinctly asked, looking at Elizabeth.

Wide-eyed, Elizabeth nodded her affirmation.

Nathan only needed to look at the boy. Little Jack was intelligent enough to understand he had to pick up the sweater from the ground and shrug it on. Jack liked Mountie Nathan. He loved his riding lessons with him and Pal. He didn't want to miss out on those lessons! One day, he'd be able to ride Sargeant alongside the man who was becoming his hero. He couldn't wait for that day to arrive.

"Come with me, young man." Nathan took little Jack's hand firmly, yet gently, and started walking towards the door. Turning around, he gazed intently at Elizabeth, who stood by the couch rooted to the floor. No words were needed. She understood he had her back.

Nathan decided to take Jack to his favorite fishing spot. They wouldn't fish that day, but it was a peaceful place to have a heart-to-heart.

"You know Jack, this is where Allie and I come to fish sometimes."

"Could I come one day?" The little boy asked in a small voice.

"I would love it if you joined us the next time we come here."

"Would you teach me how to fish?"

"Yes." Nathan looked down at Jack's hopeful eyes and he was a goner. It was something to fall in love with his mother, but he was also head over heels for this little boy. Despite the tumult of emotions coursing inside him, Nathan kept his focus. "Jack, do you understand what you've done wrong?"

"I hurt Lily," he said tremulously.

"That you did. But you also hurt someone very important to both of us."

"Mama?"

"Yes, Jack, you hurt your mom. You also disrespected your teacher. Both are serious grievances."

"What's a gre… griev…?"

"Grievance. It's an offense. In this case, mistreating someone."

Jack burst into sobs. "I didn't mean to make Lily cry. Nor Mama. I just wanted her to be with me."

Nathan was about to speak, but Jack had more to say. "Everything's changing. It isn't just Mama and me anymore."

Nathan's brow furrowed. This was more than he expected. He laid a hand on the boy's shoulder. It was a novel experience for Jack, feeling the reassurance of someone other than his mother.

"Let me ask you something. While you were at daycare, what did you do?"

After a beat, Jack replied. "I played with the other kids. I took my toys and books to share."

"And who was in charge?"

"Sometimes Mrs. Minnie or Mrs. Molly. I liked Mrs. Florence the least." Jack responded, crinkling his nose.

"But you always followed directions and behaved properly, even if you didn't like Mrs. Florence, right?"

"Yes, Mountie Nathan." He was starting to understand what he meant.

"So why can't you do that with your mom?"

Jack looked down at his feet. "I don't like sharing her," he whispered.

Nathan grinned wryly. He completely understood, recalling the days when both Bouchard and he pursued Elizabeth.

"I know it's difficult, Jack. But your mother loves you. She loves you so much. However, you must follow the rules while at school. That means respecting your mom like you did the ladies who took care of you at daycare. You don't want to miss out on riding lessons or going for ice cream with Allie, right?"

"No," he said in a small voice, his bottom lip sticking out.

"So will you apologize to your mom when we return?"

"Yes… but…."

"There shouldn't be a 'but' after that 'yes'. However, I want to hear what's on your mind."

"Mountie Nathan… you have special time with Mama… and I have special time with you… and with Allie… but I don't really have special time with Mama."

And that was the crux of the problem. Nathan heaved a sigh of relief. This was easily taken care of.

"I'm sure your mom will be more than agreeable to having special time with you," Nathan said with a big smile. "Now, will you apologize to her once we return?"

Jack beamed and shot up from where he'd been sitting on the ground. "Okay, Mountie Nathan. Let's go!" he said, reaching for his hand.

Back at the rowhouse, Elizabeth paced back and forth.

"Mrs. Thornton, you're going to wear out the floor," Allie said with a worried expression on her youthful features. "Want me to make you a cup of tea? I'm sure Dad is handling Jack well. Looking back, he was always wonderful with me at that age. He talked me off the ledge a few times," she said with a quirky smile.

"I'd love some tea," Elizabeth said, appreciating the girl's offer. "It's just that I've never seen Jack this way."

"It's a lot to handle, Mrs. Thornton," Allie said softly. "He just started school, and you're spending a lot of time with Dad. Plus, he feels like he's losing you."

Elizabeth's eyes flew open and darted towards where Allie stood in the kitchen.

"But… that couldn't be further from the truth!"

"I know," Allie said quietly, truly envying Jack for having such a wonderful mother. That wasn't a proper way to feel, so she put those feelings aside. "I tried to explain to him that he was fortunate not only to have you as a mom, but also as his teacher."

Elizabeth sat down and took a deep, fortifying breath. How blessed was she to have both Allie and Nathan in her life! The way Allie was with Jack… she couldn't have asked for a better sister for her son. Now, if she could only organize herself betterand make more time for Jack… maybe things would fall into place. She didn't have time to ponder these thoughts further; a soft rap on the doorframe announced Nathan and Jack's arrival.

Jack flew into Elizabeth's arms, and almost toppled her over on the couch. "I'm so sorry, Mama. I won't ever hurt your heart again!"

"Oh my goodness!" Elizabeth hugged her son tightly, relishing the feel of her not-so-little Jack. She inhaled deeply and breathed him in, relishing this moment for all its worth. They grew up too fast, she couldn't help thinking, and managing her time better where her son was concerned was necessary.

Later that night, Elizabeth and Nathan sat on her front porch. The sky was clear, the moon was full, and the stars shone brightly. She rested her hand over his, her thumb stroking him tenderly. It was something he did for her. Maybe he didn't think she'd noticed, but she did and loved him even more for it.

"Nathan, I need to thank you."

"You don't need to thank me for anything," he pointed out quietly, tenderness pouring from his eyes.

"No, I do. I had a lot of time to think this afternoon while you were out with Jack. You are always there for me, and now also for my son. You manage to do so muchfor everyone in your life. I don't know how you do it. Just know that I'm thankful and wouldn't have been able to handle today without you."

They looked at each other lovingly, holding hands, underneath the blanket of a Hope Valley night. It was a wonder how far they'd come.

"Elizabeth, you give yourself too little credit. I'm sure you would've figured it out, as you've done over the years. But I was glad to step in. Jack is a good kid. A loveable kid. I might have fallen in love with him too," he said unflinchingly, deepening his eyes into hers.

His words were like a steady drop from an unrelenting leaky roof. But that last phrase collapsed the ceiling and made the water whoosh over her, drowning her entirely in the all-consuming love she felt for this impeccable man.

And Nathan saw it. He saw her eyes turn from clear blue to molten sapphire and her body mellow from its poised demeanor. He yearned to engrave every detail into the depths of his mind, ensuring all these moments would never fade away.

He leaned over and firmly caught her lips in a feverish kiss. His hand sank into her thick tresses. Elizabeth felt the pressure of his fingers on her neck while the onslaught of his clever mouth awakened yearnings shoved aside over the years. She responded, and she did so thoroughly. Elizabeth responded with every last drop of desire that overtook her, feeling his thunderous heartbeat underneath the palm of her hand. This time the knowledge that it beat for her didn't scare her. On the contrary, now all she wanted to do was leap towards a future with this amazing man.

Once again that day, Nathan let his lips hover over Elizabeth's, allowing her delicious breath towash over his skin like the early morning mist. Opening his eyes, he saw her dazed expression.

"Remind me to tell you how I love the spaces in between," he said gruffly, the words rumbling from a place deep in his chest.

Elizabeth's forehead wrinkled slightly, and her eyes glinted with a bemused expression. "Why don't you tell me now?"

And so he did. He told her how he'd always paid attention, how every detail was as important to him as the grand moments. He told her how her tone of voice changed when she wanted to ask him something important. Nathan also shared how he noticed her wide smile for Allie every time she babysat Jack. His voice lowered when he mentioned how her eyes changed color whenever he leaned in for a kiss. And lastly, he had to add how sassy and playful she sounded every time she called him "Constable".

Elizabeth felt something swarm, and bloom, and expand, and just take over her chest. Breathing was hard, yet she managed to say, "This is what great love feels like."

"Yes. And we have found it. In all the spaces in between."