A/N It is the long-awaited chapter in Nathan and Elizabeth's life, so it comes with a steam warning though I don't think it really needs it. I hope you enjoy it and it lives up to expectations.

As Elizabeth and Faith rode out of town, Elizabeth's thoughts turned toward what Helena had said and of her and Nathan. Though nervous, she was finally ready to take that final step with him but didn't know how to let him know. Plus, she wasn't sure he would be ready, and the prospect of someone hearing them or Allie walking in was a bit daunting. She had wanted to ask Helena or Faith, but for some reason, she was a bit shy about speaking up. Nathan's kisses created a fire within her, leaving her longing for more. Realizing that staying silent wouldn't solve the problem, she decided to talk to Faith.

"Something on your mind Elizabeth, or someone?" Faith asked, amused.

Elizabeth blushed causing Faith to chuckle.

"I'm sorry, but I could tell that you were really thinking hard about something since we left the dress shop with our packages," Faith said, reaching over to lay a comforting hand on Elizabeth's.

"Wasn't it nice that Helena gifted us with them?" Elizabeth asked, stalling for time to gather her courage.

"It was, but that isn't why you were thinking so hard. Elizabeth, you know you can talk to me about anything, and it stays between us. I'm guessing, based on observations, that you are ready to take the final step and…." Faith said, leaving it open-ended so Elizabeth could take over the conversation.

"You are right. I do have questions, too," Elizabeth said. "How do I let him know I am ready, and what if he isn't yet?"

"Since neither of you will know what you are doing, you can take comfort in that and just let things happen naturally. As far as letting him know when you reach the point where you would normally stop? Don't." Faith said.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes, making Faith giggle. Look, I know that it seems like a simple answer and not a helpful one, but I'm serious. You could get bolder and tell him what you want, but judging by your expression, I don't see that happening."

"I've seen some of the kisses you and Nathan have shared, and both of you are ready. He will be as nervous as you are and probably wondering how to ask you. Once you both cross that line, it gets easier after that. Regarding privacy, there will always be others around because you will have Allie, and then, marital intimacy does lead to more children." They both blushed at that. "I can tell you that what your aunt said about the first time was correct. It didn't last long, and I've never felt closer to another person. I feel like Gabe and I share one heart, soul, and sometimes one mind, as we can look at each other and know what the other is thinking. You and Nathan will undoubtedly experience the same since you already have a deep connection." Faith said.

"You right, and I know that he loves me, especially after meeting Alice, and he is already so loving and gentle with me," Elizabeth said. The conversation turned toward their plan for dinner.

They were shocked that their husbands were already home when they arrived, and they blushed to know what their packages held. At least Faith had a few dresses that she could cover up. Thankfully the horses were there, but there was no sign of Nathan and Gabe.

"I wonder why they are home so soon?" Elizabeth asked. "Oh no, do you think they have a mission to go on?"

"Or maybe one of them found out where we are going next?" Faith said, already missing Elizabeth.

"There is only one way to find out," Elizabeth muttered, feeling sad that her time with Faith had ended and wondering what she would do.

"What do we do with these?" Faith asked, referring to the brown packages.

"Just act nonchalant, and if anyone asks, we say they are unmentionables? Aunt Catherine and Mom will believe they are undergarments." Elizabeth suggested.

Faith giggled, "Unmentionables?"

"I know it does sound silly, but in polite society, that is what we call them," Elizabeth laughed. "Just trust me, okay?"

"Always, dear friend," Faith said. "Maybe I can show the dresses too, and it might take the attention off them."

"Good idea," Elizabeth said. Little did they know, but Helena had called Moira and, after telling her about their encounter in the shop, also let slip about the 'unmentionables.'

"Moira, that girl is a gem, as is her friend. I have never enjoyed an afternoon more, and we are all waiting to see when Alice realizes who Elizabeth really is." Helena said. "I also sense that she is ready but maybe nervous about it. I just wanted you to know so that maybe you can help create some privacy for them. From what she said, Allie almost interrupted, and she has family arriving."

"Catherine and I have been having similar thoughts and trying to figure out how to help without letting them know we are," Moira chuckled. "I can't even imagine being in Elizabeth's situation as a new bride." Both women suddenly recalled their own wedding night and honeymoon. After a few more minutes, they disconnected the call with the promise of lunch later in the week.

As she was talking to Catherine in the kitchen, Gabe and Nathan came home, and the perfect solution presented itself. "Why don't you and Elizabeth move to the cabin for that time so that she will have somewhere to escape if needed? I can give up my room for William and use yours. Allie hasn't had any dreams, and even if she does, I am close by. But I think having Elizabeth here has helped. You are not far away if she should need you." Moira said.

"Your mother is right, Nathan; it would be good for Elizabeth to have a space away from the house should things become tense with William." At the worried look on Nathan's face, Catherine quickly added. "Not that I anticipate any because Agatha and I will be watching him like a hawk, and if he steps one toe out of line, we will squash it immediately. But I sense that you both would appreciate some time to yourselves without having to entertain us?"

"I just worry that Elizabeth…." He blushed then, not sure how to finish it.

"You leave everything to me, son," Catherine said.

"So, how did your meeting go with Judge Williams?" Moira asked.

"He is sending it off, and in about a week, we will have the final decree making her our daughter legally," Nathan said with a smile.

"That is great, honey. We must celebrate it when it is official," Moira said. "Did anything interesting happen in town today? I heard that Alice has returned home."

Nathan and Gabe grabbed some coffee before taking a seat. "Sounds like you already know what happened. But I'm sure you want the full details?"

Catherine and Moira nodded. So Nathan and Gabe filled them in, and recalling what Elizabeth and Faith said, the two men wanted some clarifications.

"Ma, can I ask you and Aunt Catherine your opinion on something?" Nathan asked. The ladies smiled at his use of aunt for Catherine. Faith and Gabe had begun to do the same, making the woman very happy. While she had other couples that she liked, she had never felt as close to them as she did Faith and Gabe. Whether it was due to Elizabeth and Nathan, she didn't know, but she loved them just as much.

"Sure," Catherine said. "So, when Elizabeth approached the table and initially spoke to Alice, Alice moved closer to me. Elizabeth and Faith both said that she was staking some sort of ownership claim. Even after Elizabeth identified herself, she still sat there, refusing to move." Nathan said, anger beginning to stir as he recalled that.

"She even ignored Elizabeth, still standing there and trying to continue her conversation with Faith and me as if Elizabeth didn't exist. But rather than be upset, Elizabeth was amused, which was good because Nathan was worried Elizabeth would be mad and hurt." Gabe said.

"Sounds like she was trying to warn Elizabeth away for encroaching on what she considered her territory, doesn't it, Catherine?" Moira said.

"Sounds like it to me. Nathan, please don't worry because Elizabeth is well-versed in dealing with women like Alice. It is a classic move, and should a woman attempt it, Elizabeth would employ the same tactics, although she would also draw a lot of attention to your wedding ring. Just know that if either of you sees Faith or Elizabeth suddenly become affectionate or clingy, it is because there is probably a woman she perceives is a threat." Catherine chuckled. "Don't look so surprised because you are both handsome men and Mounties to boot. That is the substance daydreams and hopes are made of for young ladies. It isn't a matter of if it happens but when and I would venture to say it will be a common occurrence once you get to your new posting."

"Just like I am sure that the two of you will do the same since Elizabeth and Faith are beautiful and desirable women," Moira said with a smirk. "They don't do it because they don't trust you and think you might be receptive, and it is more that they treasure you are protective of you as their husband as well as what you share."

Gabe and Nathan smiled as it all made sense now.

"I had a call from Helena just before you two arrived. Apparently, Alice and her friends approached Elizabeth and Faith at her shop." Moira said. "I was just about to tell Catherine about it."

When she was done, she reassured Nathan and Gabe that their wives handled it perfectly and that the ladies in town couldn't stop gushing about Faith and Elizabeth, especially after her mother showed up." Before she could say anything else, they heard the sound of the wagon and the sounds of laughter coming from their wives.

"It would appear that they are unbothered about what happened," Catherine said. "Given how Hamilton society, women can be, Mrs. Patterson wouldn't have even bothered her. Elizabeth cut her teeth dealing with ladies far worse than the Patterson women and their friends. Elizabeth and Faith are like sisters Gabe and Elizabeth would be protective of her, so don't worry."

The ladies entered the kitchen, a bit startled to see everyone in the kitchen. However, their husband's kisses quickly dispelled that, leaving no room to focus on anything else. After finding out about Faith and Gabe going on the mission together and needing to leave that evening, Elizabeth surprised them all by suggesting that she and Nathan use the cabin while they were gone, saving Catherine from having to do anything.

They just acted as if it was a new idea and not one they had already planned, and a little while later, Nathan drove Faith to town with their bags while Gabe rode Apollo. Thankfully Apollo was used to traveling by train and was unaffected by it.

After dinner, Elizabeth and Nathan went through Allie's bedtime routine and explained that they would be staying in the cabin while Uncle Gabe and Aunt Faith were gone. Once she was assured they were still going to be close by, she was fine and spoke of going to town and meeting her new Grandpa and aunt.

It was a bit awkward as they said goodbye to Moira and Catherine, and they were blushing as they made their way to the cabin.

As he locked the door behind them, the nervousness of both permeated the air and became an unwelcome visitor. Sensing Nathan's nervousness, Elizabeth suddenly felt a calm come over her as she recalled everything she and Faith discussed and what her Aunt Catherine and Helena had said.

"Why don't I fix us peppermint tea while you add wood to the fire and change into your pajamas?" Elizabeth said. "We can still do what we normally do. The only thing that's different is that instead of our room, we are now in the cabin."

'Except the last thing I want to do is talk,' Nathan thought to himself, feeling frustrated and a little disappointed that it appeared they would continue to wait. It was what he was afraid would happen. IT was getting harder to be close to Elizabeth without wanting more, and he thought she was feeling the same. But her words just now quickly doused that flame of hope that had been flickering inside him. When he asked Gabe how he knew Faith was ready, he said Faith let him know through her kisses—then told Nathan that when Elizabeth was ready, she would let him know, and he wouldn't be left guessing.

So Nathan changed as always and came out just as Elizabeth set two cups on the table in front of the settee. He had forgone his robe as had become their custom as they grew more at ease.

"I'll be right back," Elizabeth said.

Nathan began turning off the lights until only the fireplace and the lantern on a table nearby still shone. Maybe he could bring it up during their talk, or if he were lucky, she would. He was reluctant, though, because Nathan didn't want his wife to feel like he was rushing her. But since their declaration of love, their kisses became more passionate and created a fire in him that ignited at the slightest touch of her hand or even the scent of her perfume.

Elizabeth stood looking at her reflection in the mirror after donning the ivory peignoir set. She had left her hair loose, curls falling down her back and framing her face. She had also added a little dab of perfume on her wrist and behind her ears, as Helena had instructed. With her heart beating wildly, Elizabeth squared her shoulders as she gathered her courage and walked toward the bedroom door. She was happy to see that Nathan had turned off most of the lights, so it was cozier and put her more at ease.

Watching him for a moment while he was unaware, she felt the stirrings of passion flare. "Nathan," Elizabeth called softly, stifling a giggle at the expression on his face when he turned and saw her. She blushed as she saw his eyes rake over her body, clearly on display through the opaque material. The fire in his eyes as he looked at her dispelled any insecurities she had that he might not be ready as he moved toward her. His eyes remained on hers though he didn't say anything, making Elizabeth feel like a rabbit stalked by a wolf. But instead of fear, it just added to her excitement.

Nathan struggled to form a thought as he let his eyes roam over Elizabeth's body. His mouth was dry, making it impossible for him to speak. So, he just drew her into his arms and allowed his lips to express his feelings. After a few moments, he pulled back to whisper words of love and admiration before he recaptured her lips.

As if his words of love eliminated the final barrier, the kiss began to morph into a different one entirely. Though it wasn't their first kiss, they both could feel the significance of it. The passion quickly ignited between them, and the kiss deepened. Feeling they were on a precipice, Nathan and Elizabeth reluctantly pulled back and looked at one another shyly.

Nathan searched his wife's eyes for a long moment, then, after seeing a similar fire in her eyes, raised a brow in a silent inquiry. His Elizabeth's blush deepened just a bit before she gave a slight nod.

"Are you sure?" Nathan rasped.

She looked at him for a long moment and then said huskily, "Yes, Nathan, I am."

"Thank goodness because I don't think I could have lasted much longer," Nathan responded, making Elizabeth giggle.

"Neither could I," Elizabeth admitted sheepishly.

He captured her lips with his once more and tried to remember what Gabe had told him. But as their kisses continued and the passion burned, he could think of nothing but the woman in his arms. Nathan pulled her even closer.

"I'm not really in the mood for tea and conversation, are you?" Elizabeth asked, giving him a sultry smile.

Nathan chuckled and, giving her a smoldering look, said, "Definitely not," He quickly banked the fire, blew out the lamp, and then, without another word, picked her up and carried her into their room, kicking the door shut behind him. As he set her down, their lips met once more, and he felt her fingers begin to unbutton his pajama top. He reached for the ribbon on the robe and, after pulling it loose, slid it off her shoulders to pool at her feet.

His top followed soon after, and her hands began to run over his skin, sending delicious shivers running through him. While he was trying to regain a semblance of control, feeling emboldened by passion, Elizabeth removed her nightgown, letting it join the robe. Taking a minute to peruse her figure, Nathan closed the distance and eased her back on their bed, joining her moments later. After exchanging words of love Elizabeth and Nathan took their time exploring the newfound love they felt and the final mystery of marriage yet undiscovered.

When their passion was spent, they lay together, snuggled up, and quietly looked into each other's eyes in awe of the journey they had just taken together. Both now had a deeper understanding of how wonderful the gift of intimacy between a husband and wife truly was. They fell asleep only to wake in the early hours to once more shyly fully express their love for each other.

With the morning came a new challenge of how to proceed after the wondrous earth-shattering experience they had shared. They could hear others moving around, and both blushed.

"How do you feel, Elizabeth?" Are you feeling all right?" Nathan asked worriedly.

Elizabeth smiled and said, "I'm fine, Nathan."

"Oh, Elizabeth, I love you so very much. I thought I would be more nervous than I was," Nathan said, then blushed again.

Elizabeth giggled. "I love you too, Nathan. It felt so natural, and I wasn't nervous either. I'm glad we chose to take that step finally. I didn't think it was possible, but my feelings for you are much deeper now." she added.

"I feel the same way, Lizbeth," Nathan said. "I feel more connected to you if that makes sense."

"Ma said she was cooking breakfast this morning to give you a break. So…. Um….Why don't I get dressed first, fix our plates, and bring them back here." Nathan suggested. "That way, you have time to get changed and er…. situated." Nathan blushed, and Elizabeth couldn't help smiling at how adorable he was as he stuttered.

That sounds like a good plan, Nathan," Elizabeth said. She couldn't resist teasing him and said, "I'll be situated by the time you get back,"

Nathan rolled his eyes at her and chuckled, "I'll be back shortly," before closing the door. He studiously ignored the knowing looks of Moira and Catherine as he grabbed the basket his mother indicated. By the time he returned, Elizabeth was waiting for him. They ate quickly, knowing they had a few errands to do before the train arrived.