Nathan sighed as he lay in bed facing Elizabeth. He watched the play of sunlight across her face, the dappled light making her skin glow where it touched her. His eyes trailed from her face to her arm; he winced when he saw the healing wound on her arm. It had been the worst of the injuries from her abduction; the ones on her face had healed quickly and were easily covered by makeup if she chose to.
"I can't believe this is the last day of our honeymoon," he said softly. When he received no reply, he called quietly, "Elizabeth?" smiling as a frown flitted across her face. "I know you're awake and can hear me."
"I don't want to wake up; I was in the middle of a lovely dream where our honeymoon never ended," Elizabeth murmured, keeping her eyes closed. "I want to go back to that dream."
"If you wake up, we could continue our honeymoon in real life," Nathan whispered, running his fingertips lightly up and down her back. He marvelled at how soft her pale skin was; he would never tire of the feel of it. Goosebumps broke out on her skin from his touch, and she snuggled closer to him, draping her leg over his hip. Nathan felt his body respond to her closeness; he couldn't resist his new wife.
"Mmmhh, that is worth waking up for," she said as her hands began an exploration of their own. Placing a kiss on his neck, she let her lips trail down and across his chest, placing a row of soft kisses on his warm skin. Her lips curved up into a smile at his reaction to her touch. This was definitely worth waking up for!
Later that morning, after he had finally convinced his wife to get out of bed and face the day, they sat around eating a leisurely breakfast. Between the two of them, they had managed to make food that was edible, but they were never going to be renowned for their cooking skills. At least eating this late in the morning meant they didn't need to worry about lunch.
"So, what do you think? Should we go for a ride this morning before re-joining the world?"
"I suppose," she said, sighing, knowing she sounded like a spoiled child. These few days spent with Nathan, only the two of them, had been the best she could remember. Allowing the real world in would bring their idyllic time to an end, and she didn't want anything to cast a shadow over her joy.
"I don't want our time alone together to end either," Nathan said, reaching for her hand. "I will do whatever it takes, every single day, to make the rest of our lives as special as these days have been."
As she stared into her husband's earnest blue eyes, Elizabeth knew he meant every word. "I'm sorry I'm being so selfish. I promise you, Nathan, I won't let anyone, or anything spoil what we have, especially me, by sulking."
"Don't feel bad; I feel like sulking, too," Nathan said, poking out his bottom lip like Allie used to do.
"Knowing you feel the same way makes me feel better." Elizabeth chuckled, leaning over to place a kiss on his pouting mouth. She loved how he reacted, his hand coming up and tangling in her hair as he deepened their kiss. Elizabeth moved without breaking their connection, so she sat on his lap and slid her arms around his neck. Elizabeth was breathless when they finally broke apart, and she had a broad smile on her face. "That also made me feel better."
"Well, I'll make sure to keep doing it," Nathan said, laughing with her.
"Please, make sure you do," Elizabeth said, kissing his cheek quickly before standing up. Reaching for his hand, she dragged him to his feet, "Now let's go on that ride you promised me."
After their ride and a morning spent together, Elizabeth and Nathan were ready to face everyone, and she was in much better spirits. Elizabeth told herself she wouldn't let anything spoil her mood, no matter what happened.
It didn't take long for her resolve to be tested, within moments of arriving at her old row house, she was frowning. Despite the happy and enthusiastic greeting she received from her friend, dread settled in her stomach as she took the envelope Rosemary handed her. Inside was a telegram from her family, and she presumed it would not be good news. Her family wouldn't be happy with her decision to marry in Coal Valley without them, and while she had expected their outrage, she didn't want to face it. She should have written a letter instead of sending a Telegram. It would have been easier to explain her choice in a letter, and she could have told them about the abduction, she would have too eventually.
"Thanks, Rosemary," she said grimacing, "I'll...read it later."
Rosemary smiled at her, sympathy for her friend evident as she patted her arm softly. "Don't let it spoil the last day of your honeymoon," Rosemary said. Her face broke into a smile as she continued, "which I can tell was fantastic; you are positively glowing!"
Elizabeth blushed but couldn't help smiling back at her.
"What are you two ladies talking about?" Lee teased, hearing the question and seeing the blush on Elizabeth's cheeks. He glanced at Nathan, who had followed him inside the Row house, grinning when his cheeks flushed red too.
"Just girl talk," Rosemary said, winking at her friend.
Elizabeth shook her head at her friend and smiled at Nathan, "how many trips do you think it will take to get the rest of my things?" The two men had been making room in Lee's car to transport Elizabeth's personal items to their new home and were ready for the first load.
"I think we can do it in two; We'll take the bulk of your things in the first load and then come back for the rest and collect you, Colleen and Allie."
"And me," Rosemary said, "I'm happy to come and help."
"That would be wonderful; thank you, Rosemary," Elizabeth said; one more trip would be no problem. Although she was leaving the furniture and other large items for Rosemary, she was amazed at how much she had accumulated since being in Coal Valley.
Colleen walked downstairs, holding Allie's hand and joined their conversation. "Allie and I are all packed. Thank you again for having us, Rosemary."
"My pleasure; it was wonderful having you both here; I will miss having you around," Rosemary said. Crouching down, she smiled at Allie, "who's going to help me bake cookies?"
"I can come back and help you," Allie offered kindly, looking at her mother for permission.
Colleen nodded her head; looking at Nathan, she grinned; of course, her daughter would offer to help with that. Allie had been quite as keen to help her mother pack her clothes and toys to go home.
"Why don't I take you and Allie first? That way, you can unpack and rest at home if you need to," Nathan offered.
The grin slipped from Colleen's face, replaced with a frown as she sighed loudly. Her brother was only trying to be helpful, but she hated any reference to her illness. She didn't want to think about it or worry about it, especially when she was having a good day. She knew it had to be her imagination, but she had been feeling better since Lisa had left their lives.
"I'm fine, Nathan," Colleen said, glaring at Nathan, "but I am happy to go on the first trip and unpack; that way, we won't be in Elizabeth's way, and we can help her when you bring her things."
Nathan opened his mouth to respond, but Elizabeth's hand on his arm stopped him.
"Thank you, Colleen. I appreciate your help and you giving up your home for us." Elizabeth understood Nathan felt protective towards his sister, and she would be the same with Julie and Viola. She didn't blame Colleen for not wanting to focus on her illness.
"I'm glad you two enjoyed your time alone?" she said, her smile returning. Winking at Elizabeth, she lowered her voice and said, "I'm sure Rosemary will welcome Allie and me for a sleepover if you ever need us out of your hair."
Elizabeth laughed and winked back, saying, "I might take you up on that." Her risqué response seemed to take Colleen by surprise, and her sister-in-law laughed out loud. Elizabeth glanced at Nathan and saw him smiling at his sister, some of his worry for her easing as he watched her laughing and joking.
Still laughing, Colleen took hold of Allie's hand and said, "let's go up and get our things.
"Let me go, Colleen," Lee requested. When he saw Colleen was going to protest, he held up a hand to stop her, "only because I know how much room there is in the car, I'll know what to grab."
"Fine," Colleen said begrudgingly, knowing that wasn't why at all but appreciating his thoughtfulness. "Allie, why don't you go upstairs with Mr Coulter and bring down some of your toys."
With Rosemary in charge, the move went like clockwork; Lee, Nathan and the others followed her instructions to the letter, and Elizabeth was fully settled in and unpacked by late afternoon.
"Anyone interested in dinner at the cafe?" Nathan asked, not surprised when everyone said yes; nobody felt like cooking after their day. "I'll ask Gabe and Bill if they want to join us."
"Faith is back; I'll ask her too," Rosemary said. Faith had been out of Town, visiting with family and had only returned the day before. Rosemary was so glad she was back; she had missed her friend and the comfort of having medical help close by. Elizabeth's abduction and injuries had shown them how vulnerable they were without proper medical care.
When Faith had heard of Elizabeth's ordeal, her instinct was to check on her immediately. Rosemary had talked her out of it, knowing her friend was physically all right and didn't need her honeymoon interrupted. Now they were back in the real world, Rosemary knew Faith would be keen to catch up and make sure for herself.
Nathan travelled with the group back into Town before separating to find Bill and Gabe. He was smiling when he arrived, thinking about Allie's giggle when she saw him kiss Elizabeth goodbye. Arriving at the Mountie office, Nathan stuck his head inside the open door, pleased to see both Bill and Gabe.
"Welcome back, Nathan. It's good to see you!" Gabe called out when he spotted him.
"About time you came back to work," Bill teased as he swivelled to face him. Bill knew Nathan wasn't due back until tomorrow, but as usual, he couldn't resist giving him a hard time.
"Gee Bill, I was going to invite you both to dinner, but now I think I'll just ask Gabe," Nathan replied with a smile. "Good thing you don't have a reason to want to go to the Cafe, Bill?"
Bill stood, "Nothing I want to discuss with you, Grant," he said gruffly, not looking at either of the Constables. "If I hear you laugh, Kinslow, you're in for it."
Nathan and Gabe laughed anyway, knowing it was an idle threat.
'I don't care if I'm invited or not," Gabe said, "I'm starving." Gabe stood and stretched, glad to be out from behind the desk and to see his friend looking so happy. Nathan hadn't always had much to smile about, but he never seemed to stop smiling around Elizabeth.
"I hope you have your wallet on you; I intend to give Kinslow a run for his money tonight to see who can eat the most." Bill said, "and don't even think about skipping out; I know where to find you," Bill said, jumping up to get his jacket off the hook.
"I invited you to dinner; I didn't say I was paying," Nathan protested as he followed his friends to the Cafe.
Faith hurried into the Cafe, pleased to hear Elizabeth and Nathan would be there. She had been so worried about her when she heard of her ordeal; sick to her stomach, she hadn't been there. Faith had also been worried about Colleen's recovery after being drugged by Lisa Bouchard. At least she had caught up with her when she got back and was pleased with how she bounced back; in fact, Faith was amazed at Colleen's fortitude.
Faith took one look at Elizabeth's face and realised there was no reason to worry; she was glowing, and the cuts and abrasions she feared were insignificant. She was sure there would be a similar look on Nathan's face wherever he was. She spoke to Elizabeth briefly and decided she would check in with her later, but right now, she could sit back and enjoy spending the evening with her new friends.
"Faith is pretty, don't you think?" Elizabeth asked Gabriel after she had introduced him to Faith. Gabriel shook his head where he stood beside her, chatting while they waited for everyone to arrive and find seats. Nathan was in the kitchen with Abigail, Colleen and Allie, who were deciding what cookies to serve for dessert. A very important decision.
"Don't start, Elizabeth," Gabe warned with a smile. "She is beautiful but ..."
"But there is someone else?" she asked, knowing she was right when he looked away, his smile dropping.
"Yes, for me, there is, but I am unsure how she feels." Gabriel had barely admitted his feelings for Lillian to himself, and he was sharing them with Elizabeth. It could be good for him to talk about it with Elizabeth; she could give him some insight into women. At times like this, he missed his sisters and hadn't wanted to intrude on Colleen and her illness.
"Tell me about her?"
"Her name is Lillian Walsh; she and her sister run the orphanage in Brookfield. Besides being so beautiful, she takes my breath away; she is thoughtful, funny, kind and puts everyone before herself." Gabe shrugged and said, " clearly, she is too good for me."
"Don't sell yourself short, Gabriel," Elizabeth said, "I know we don't know each other well, but Nathan thinks very highly of you, and that's enough for me to know you are a good man." Smiling, Elizabeth continued, "Allie adores you, and you can always trust children's judgement. You should talk to Lillian about how you feel."
"I want to, but I'm worried it will make things awkward if she doesn't feel the same way." Gabe hesitated and said, "there is someone else she seems to enjoy spending time with; I wonder if she has feelings for him."
"You won't know until you talk to her, and if she is as wonderful as you say, she is worth it, right?"
"She is," Gabriel acknowledged. "But enough about my love life, what about Bill and Abigail?" he said, pleased when she laughed at his not-so-subtle attempt to change the subject.
"Yes, that's very interesting. Bill hasn't taken his eyes off her, and I have never seen him so eager to help out in the kitchen," Elizabeth said, letting him off the hook. Bill had been in and out of the kitchen from the moment they got there, and she was sure she wasn't the only one who had noticed.
Elizabeth thought Bill and Abigail were perfect for each other; she wished they would realise it too. Well, if Abigail would, Bill was being obvious while she pretended, she didn't notice. Elizabeth vowed to talk to her about it, wondering how to broach the subject without upsetting her friend. Abigail had so much to give, and Elizabeth hated for her to be alone. Nathan had been in her life for such a short time, and she couldn't imagine it without him. Was it wrong to want those she cared about to be as happy as her?
After finishing her meal, including some of the cookies Allie had served her, Elizabeth relaxed beside Nathan, letting the conversation and laughter wash over her, filling her heart with joy. She couldn't remember enjoying an evening so much.
Elizabeth smiled up at Nathan, but after glancing at Colleen and Allie, her smile lost some of its brightness, and her eyes were sad. She held Nathan's hand as they watched Colleen stroke Allie's hair. Allie had fallen asleep on her mother's lap; despite the excitement of the moving day and the number of chocolate cookies she had eaten. Elizabeth could see Colleen's lips moving as she crooned softly to her daughter, eyes closed as she held her close. Elizabeth felt tears in her eyes, and her throat grew thick with emotion. Blinking back the tears, she leaned her head on Nathan's shoulder, taking comfort from him and giving him what comfort she could.
Nathan offered Elizabeth his handkerchief, and she took it gratefully. After discreetly wiping her eyes, she slipped it into her pocket, and as she did so, he felt her tense.
"What is it?" he asked softly, concerned.
"A telegram from my family," she explained. "Rosemary gave it to me earlier." Chewing the inside of her cheek, she glanced at him, "I haven't been brave enough to read it; I am sure it won't be kind."
"Then don't read it." Nathan didn't want anything or anyone to upset Elizabeth, even if it was her family. "Will knowing they are unhappy change the way you feel?"
"Never," she replied, nothing could change her feelings for him.
"Throw it away then."
"I can't do that; what if it isn't what I think? What if it is something else?" Elizabeth asked.
"Let me read it," Nathan offered. "If it's negative, I will throw it away."
Elizabeth hesitated; she wanted to know what the Telegram said, but she didn't want to read hurtful words from her family. Reaching into her pocket, she handed Nathan the Telegram and watched him open it. Her heart was racing as she watched his face, trying to discern the contents from his expression.
Nathan read the words, and his eyes went wide. The message was nothing like he had imagined. He looked at his wife, seeing the anticipation on her face, the fear in her eyes.
"Elizabeth..." he began before his voice was drowned out by another voice calling his wife's name. Nathan saw her eyes widen in confusion as she sat upright beside him. He felt her grapple for his hand as she recognised the voice.
"Julie?" Elizabeth cried, eyes searching the crowd to find her sister. Julie was standing in the doorway of the Cafe, dressed in travelling clothes, with several large suitcases at her feet.
"Sister!" Julie called out dramatically, hands outstretched as she walked toward her forging a path through the crowd that silently parted so she could reach Elizabeth.
Elizabeth's eyes never left her sister's face as she stood. She wasn't hallucinating; she had heard her sister's voice...she was really here in Coal Valley. She felt Nathan stand behind her and place his hands on her shoulders, thankful for his steadying presence.
She should have opened the Telegram earlier, she thought, at least then she would have had time to prepare herself.