Okey dokey folks...this is a steam warning for the final chapter ;) I've changed the rating to an M now... there is another warning in the text below for when it's about to go there #thingsgetsteamy

They made their way back down the trail to the parking lot together.

"Mumma did you know Ally has a dog? I really want a dog you know?"

"Yes, sweet boy, I know"

Ally whispered under her breath "What do you know, I really want a brother". She didn't think anyone heard until a second later Nathan spoke into her ear "Yes Ally-girl, I know". Her eyes widened at being caught out – her dad and his Spidey Constable hearing.

After they'd loaded their cars, Nathan approached Elizabeth with a small smile on his face. His hair was flopped over his forehead, and he was looking impossibly handsome she thought.

"Thank you for this morning. I... we really liked spending time together" he smiled as he continued "But, I'd really like to take you out… just us…would that…be ok?"

She slowly nodded her head as her face lit up with a smile. Why do I feel nervous?

"My schedule gets full this coming week… do you think you could swing tomorrow afternoon? We could go for ice cream at Yosts?"

"Julz is still here till Monday and Jack should sleep from about 1pm so she could watch him… would that work for you?"

"Yes. It's a date." He smiled down broadly at her as she opened her door.

"Ok" she turned to face him. Tilting her face upwards, an unspoken invitation to him. He bent towards her, kissing her gently on the lips.

"I'll see you then" closing the door for her as she started her car, a pleased sigh escaping.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"I feel so relaxed after that" declared Julie as they walked back into the townhouse "Don't you Beth?"

"mmm"

"You don't?"

"Let me just put this little guy down on his bed. He weighs a tonne when he's asleep" as she carried her sleeping son upstairs. The excitement and swimming had worn him out and he'd barely made it 5 minutes in the car before falling soundly asleep. She kissed his forehead and walked softly out of his room and down the stairs to join Julie in the kitchen as she was unpacking from their morning.

"Are you ok Beth?"

Elizabeth couldn't understand why she was feeling so emotional all-of-a-sudden. She sighed as she tried to collect her thoughts. "I'm not sure what's wrong with me Julz" and she burst into tears. Julie immediately put the Tupperware down on the table and enveloped her sister in a hug. Elizabeth didn't often cry, this display of a chink in her armour taking Julie off-guard.

"How 'bout I make us some tea. You go sit on the couch and then we can talk?"

She nodded her head and made her way, suddenly feeling very tired. Julie quickly sent Rosemary a text to come over, knowing having her best friend there would be helpful for sister. As Julie pottered about in the kitchen, Elizabeth tried to regain some of her composure.

Julie carefully carried their tea through to the lounge room where Elizabeth was curled up on the couch, sniffling through her silent tears.

"I'm sorry Julie, I'm not normally like this" she said as she took the mug of tea from her.

"I know Beth. You know, you don't have to have it together all the time. Especially with me". She sat silently, giving Elizabeth time to process whatever was going on, waiting for her to verbalise it.

"Maybe there was something in the water at the springs that's made me feel like this" Elizabeth half-jokingly responded. "It was a good morning though, wasn't it?" she sighed.

"Well like I said, I feel so relaxed, and my skin is so smooth. Jack seemed to love it too Beth, especially playing with Ally" she hinted.

"Yoohoo" Rosie called out as she came in through the front door.

"We're in the loungeroom" Julie directed her.

Seeing the tissues on the table as she walked in, she asked gently "Beth…what's happened?"

Elizabeth sighed quietly as she held another tissue to her eyes, trying to stem the flow of tears as Rosie sat down with them.

"I…I… r-really like him" Grief. Guilt. Hope. Washing over her simultaneously.

The girls both felt relieved.

"and I…know I'm being silly…I do…but…"

"He really likes you too Beth, I saw the way he looked at you, and the way he was with Jack" Julie interjected.

"I" sniff "I-I feel...is it…too soon?" She worried Jack was already getting attached to Ally. To him. "It feels like he knows me already."

"You just need to talk to him Elizabeth. See if he's on the same page" Rosie spoke gently to her friend.

Across town…

"Where've you been bud? Hardly seen you outside of work" Nathan's phone pinged.

"Hot springs today. With Elizabeth and the kids"

"How's that going?"

"You'll probably think I've lost my mind Lee"

"What?"

"Can't stop thinking about her" quickly writing the rest "Want to call her now even though we spent hours together this morning. Is that weird?"

"What would I know, I don't do relationships"

"I really like her"

"Have you been on a date together alone?"

"Tomorrow. For ice-cream"

"You and your odd dates lol. Probably a good start ;p Talk to her man"

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

She struggled deciding what to wear, eventually settling on jeans and a flowy blouse, she could feel the butterflies beginning to race as she applied a little makeup.

"You're beautiful Beth. Just relax and be yourself."

"Thank you Julz. I feel really nervous. What if…what if what's in my heart isn't in his?"

"You won't know until you talk to him…you'll need to do what you're afraid to do, and have an honest conversation"

"I knooww…I'll try"

"Go now. Have fun"

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Nathan waited for her near the entrance to Yosts, trying to look casual even though his stomach was in knots at having alone time with Elizabeth.

"Hi" she smiled as she walked towards him on the promenade.

"Hey" he grinned back at her as he leant down to give her a kiss on her cheek. "Have you been here before?"

"No, not yet, but Jack & I love ice cream, so I'll have to bring him".

"I was thinking we could get them to go, so we can go for a walk?" he suggested as he held the door open for her.

"I'd like that" at least there'd be distractions around town she thought as she stood at the counter, Nathan standing just behind her.

"OK, great. What will you have 'Lizbeth?" she could feel him standing close, she could smell his cologne, and it was all she could do to stop herself from leaning back against his chest and inviting him to wrap his arms around her.

"Strawberries and Cream please"

"Cookies and Cream for me, thanks Mei" as he reached out to rest his hand on her right hip.

"Oh, you know her?" she felt a pang that maybe there was a history there, surprised at herself for feeling jealous.

"Ally and I are regulars" he winked at her, and she was relieved.

"So, you both have a sweet tooth?"

"Well, she didn't stand much of a chance with me as her dad." He chuckled, that boyish charm twinkling in his eyes.

As they took their ice cream cones, Nathan reached his hand to hold Elizabeth's and started to guide her out onto the promenade. It felt comfortable she realised. Not forced. Like it was the most natural thing in the world for her to walk hand-in-hand with the man beside her.

They strolled along together, towards the deck where they had fished. Nathan noticed the softness of her skin, rubbing his thumb across the back of her hand in a way that felt more intimate than for a couple on their first official date. More intimate, but not intimidating, he registered, even with his nerves.

"You seem quiet" "Is everything ok" they asked simultaneously.

Can he read my mind?

How did she know?

"You go first" as they stopped and turned towards each other.

"'Lizbeth..." eyes boring into the depth of hers… "I know I have Ally to consider…"

"And I have Little Jack" she interrupted

"There's something between us though…isn't there?"

She remembered Julie's words about doing what you're afraid to do.

Nodding slightly, she looked into his eyes "I know…" she sighed.

"What is it?"

She could feel the prickle of tears forming in her eyes. "It's um…I'm just…shocked …when I lost Jack…I wasn't sure I'd ever be interested in someone like this again. He, he asked me to…" she couldn't quite finish the sentence.

"Asked you to?" he was listening intently she appreciated.

Be brave Beth "To…um…to open my heart again" There. She'd said it. I guess now I'll know if it's too much.

"And do you…do you think you can?" it was almost a whisper, his breath catching slightly, waiting. Hoping.

A slow nod in response.

"Ally has been my sole focus since Colleen passed away…her happiness has been everything to me…but now I find myself wanting to be happy too…and I think, I know there's something here and I'd love to explore it…if you'll let us?"

She didn't want to use words any longer. She was yearning to kiss him again, to express how much she was feeling.

He felt a shift between them, he was aching to kiss her. He wanted to show her how much he was feeling.

They moved together at the same time, their hearts rapidly beating, joining their mouths as the sparks between them flew. Tongues darting as they felt the passion of their previous kisses begin to build. Remembering it was daylight and they were in a public place, Elizabeth stilled their kiss, pulling back slightly from Nathan, resting her forehead on his chest.

She smiled at him "hmm…delicious"

"The ice cream…or the kiss?"

"Both" and they laughed together.

"I'm sorry, this is such bad timing 'Lizbeth…with this just starting." he motioned between them "But, my work schedule gets a bit crazy this week, I won't be able to see you at all... Can I take you to dinner on Friday night?"

"Oh." disappointed "I can't on Friday. Julie flies out"

"Saturday then?"

"For dinner do you mean?"

"Yes. For dinner. I'd really like a few uninterrupted hours with you, if we can?"

She smiled. A few uninterrupted hours with Nathan felt like a really good way to spend a Saturday night. "I'll ah, have to ask if Rosie can look after him. I'll let you know?"

"Sure"

They linked hands again leaning on the barrier of the deck as they looked out over the water, watching families and couples around the lake as they enjoyed their surroundings. Falling into easy conversation, time passed quickly Nathan realised with a start, he needed to collect Ally from Angela's.

"I'm sorry I need to head back now; I need to pick Ally up in 15 minutes"

"I should probably head back too; Little Jack doesn't always wake in the best of moods"

"Oh, I remember those days" he laughed.

They walked briskly to their cars, hand-in-hand again, people noticing them as such a striking couple. It was the third time Nathan had opened her car door for her she realised, but this time, there wasn't either of their children with them, so she took the opportunity to kiss him properly to say goodbye.

"I'll see you on Saturday night then?"

"As long as Rosie can have Jack, yes, you will"

"But I'll speak to you before then?"

"I'd like that. Saturday feels like a long time away" and she kissed him again, feeling braver each time their lips met.

"Ok"

"Ok"

"I really gotta go"

"I know. Go." She giggled.

"Bye 'Lizbeth"

"Bye Nathan" a happy sigh and smile as she gave him a little wave.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Julie virtually leapt for joy when Elizabeth shared how their ice cream date went. "You're practically glowing Beth!"

"I'm excited Julz"

"I'll bet you are" winking suggestively back to her sister. Elizabeth rolled her eyes, although there was truth to the suggestion, it was more than that.

Rosemary had responded to her text "For sure! Can't wait to have my favourite 4-year-old for a sleepover"

"You don't have to have him sleep over Rosie. You can watch him here"

"Nah, it's better this way, then you don't have to worry about what time you come home"

"You're the best, thanks Rosie. See you tomorrow"

"I know. You're lucky to have me as a best friend"

Elizabeth laughed as she text Nathan "Rosemary will have Little Jack. See you Saturday x"

"I'll pick you up at 6pm x"

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

*Warning: Full steam ahead below*

Their dinner date went exceptionally well. Nathan gaped when she opened her door for him handing her a bouquet of wildflowers – she was stunning in her midnight blue dress. He looked very much like a movie star Elizabeth thought as she had put the flowers in a vase.

The restaurant Nathan had chosen was small and cosy making them both relaxed to be there. Their conversation had flowed easily. It was like they had known each other far longer than the few short weeks. There was a mutual recognition for both of them with that fact and the shyness of gazing at each other was gone.

As they walked up the path to Elizabeth's front door holding hands, Nathan found his heart pounding

"I had a really good time Nathan" and she turned to kiss him.

"Me too" he kissed her back.

As she pulled back slightly in his arms, she took a deep breath "Do you wanna come in?"

A surprised eyebrow raised in response. "Jack?" A question

"He's had a busy day, he'll be asleep."

Surprised again his eyes widened.

"He'll be asleep, at his aunty Rosie's" she grinned pleased at her teasing.

Understanding dawning he bent to take her lips in his, the fire starting in his stomach and heart, echoed in hers.

He pulled away for a moment "Then, yes, I would very much like to come in"

She nodded, a somewhat shy smile, but full of anticipation, reaching to kiss him again as she fumbled behind her finding the door handle and pushing it open. He walked her backwards inside, not taking his lips from hers, using his foot to push the door closed.

Her heart was racing with desire for him as she felt his strong hands caress her arms. With the intensity of their kisses growing, she began unbuttoning his shirt, pulling it off him as he held her face in his hands. She traced her hands over his torso, feeling the ripples of his muscles, her body responding in readiness for him.

His ears were wooshing with his heart beat as he caressed her body, his hands slipping down to her thighs raising her dress higher, feeling her beneath him. He gripped the hem wanting to pull the dress over her head, and she responded turning her back to him, her hand behind her to hold onto his, leading him up the stairs, giving him the opportunity to admire her from behind. As she lead him into her room, she turned to face him again kissing him passionately, fiddling with his jeans to undo them as he unzipped her dress. He pulled the dress down helping it to slip to the floor and as he did, he noticed she had matching lace bra and thong on and it just about tipped him over the edge realising she had probably got dressed in preparation for this. He had been hopeful, sure, but didn't want to assume.

As she helped him out of his pants, a satisfied smile crossed her face as she took in the evidence of his desire for her. For this. For them.

He walked her backwards to her bed, slipping her bra off as he lowered her down. When did he undo that she wondered? Oh, he's good. She licked her lips, her mouth dry with nervousness and anticipation, she swallowed lightly, pushing him to lie on his back, straddling him, kissing his neck and shoulders as he hooked a finger in her thong, slipping it off her.

"You're beautiful 'Lizbeth" he gazed at her.

"I want you so much right now Nath" she whispered as they joined. She gasped as he filled her, and he moaned softly feeling her around him.

They moved together then, feeling each other, marvelling at the depth of response and passion in their union. Elizabeth was overcome by the sensation of them. She felt shy and brave all at once. She was taken aback by how quickly her body was responding to him, reaching an intense climax after only a few minutes. She gasped and cried out in pleasure, grinning at him. He thought she had never been more stunning in that moment, reaching up to her hungrily, kissing her passionately, his tongue darting in her mouth, her senses heightened feeling every part of him as he rolled her over onto her back. She felt so safe in his strong arms, kissing him deeply as they continued, she wanted more of him, desperately, their thrusting building faster, deeper and more urgent. They were nearly frantic with their want for each other. As he was reaching his own orgasm, they cried out together as she rose with him climaxing again.

Panting with euphoria, he collapsed on top of her, their hearts beat wildly as they began to catch their breath. After a few moments, he moved to lie next to her propping himself on one elbow so he could look at her. He took her mouth again. Slowly, tenderly, moving down her neck, behind her ear, lingering at the nape of her neck, his tongue darting to her skin. As they lay beside each other regaining themselves, he admired her body, tracing a finger down over her left breast, along her tummy, down her thigh and back up again. He twirled her hair in his finger, kissing her forehead, her temple, her cheek. She smiled a little shyly then, lying fully exposed.

"That was..."

Phenomenal" she finished his sentence for him biting her lower lip in complete satisfaction.

"Yeah, it really was" he half laughed half sighed. He kissed her again. She wanted more of him.

"I'm really glad you invited me in" soft kisses along her rib cage.

"I'm really glad you came in" her left hand combing through his hair. His kisses moving to her stomach.

"You're ah… not ready for bed are you?" a crooked smile, his left hand fondling her right breast as he kissed her jawline.

"Well, we're in bed Nathan, but no, I'm not ready to sleep", as she dropped her hand to his back, lightly squeezing it in readiness to be with him again.

"Thats very good news indeed" he grinned, rolling on top of her. This time, the frenzy of need for each other had calmed and it was a slower exploration of their bodies intimately connected. It was new for them both, and yet, there was no awkwardness, an unexpected comfort with each other that neither could explain.

Later, as she was lying on his chest, tracing her finger over his abs, she lifted her face to give him a last kiss goodnight, sighing contentedly, looking at him, the butterflies in her stomach going wild as she did, she realised there was no going back. "I'm a goner" was her last coherent thought as she drifted into a deep sleep in his arms.

He woke before her the next morning and watched her sleep for a bit. Seeing her in the soft morning light he sighed contentedly, realising he was utterly smitten with her.

Her eyes fluttered open "'morning"

"Hey"

"Hi" a soft smile.

"How do you feel this morning? After last night. After...us"

"There's nowhere else I'd rather be" she returned smiling with joy.

Thanks so much for reading everyone.