Elizabeth opened the front door to find an overly cheerful Rosemary on the other side. She'd expected this. "Good morning, Rosemary. Eight o'clock a.m.? You showed great restraint. I figured you'd be here by at least 7:30!"
"Ha ha. You can't blame me for being excited, now, can you? There's been so much drama lately. Now, I...I mean, we, get to plan a happy party celebrating two of my favorite people." Without an invitation, Rosemary breezed right past Elizabeth. "So, where is your other half?"
Elizabeth chuckled as she closed the front door. "He and Jack went to see Pal for a riding lesson. Since Pal couldn't go on the family ride, Nathan promised some extra lesson time. Jack was thrilled. What do you have in your basket there?"
"Oh! I brought some blueberry muffins. Peace offering in case Nathan felt like I was pushing too hard." She set the basket down on the kitchen table and took a seat.
"Thanks for the muffins. Nathan does love his baked goods. Care for some tea or coffee?"
"I think some black tea would be good. Goldie is teething and I need something soothing."
Once the tea was poured, Elizabeth took a seat at the table. They'd barely begun discussing the reception when Allie came downstairs. Rosemary quickly invited the teen to join in the planning. Allie's eyes lit up. "I'd love to! Thank you!"
Meanwhile, over at the livery, Bill joined Nathan and Jack for riding lessons. Afterwards, when Jack took Pal to get a drink, Bill put a hand on Nathan's arm and told him that the prisoner transfer was scheduled for the next morning. Almost everyone and everything was in place.
"I think you're wise to keep yourself and Elizabeth away from this. You know that you'll both likely be called upon to testify, so it's better that you are hands off with his 'stay' in Hope Valley. As much as I'd love for you to have a crack at him."
Nathan's jaw tightened when he thought about the man. He'd definitely like to defend his wife's honor and any other woman that Higgins had abused in any way...but, he was not going to dignify the man with any sort of acknowledgment and he knew Elizabeth felt the same way. "I would. I've imagined it many times. But, Higgins thrives on attention and power. He won't take our power away again because we won't give him the satisfaction of our attention."
Bill patted his friend's shoulder. "Good thinking. That'll drive him crazy. I'll enjoy watching that. So, keep your family busy tomorrow - away from town. I know that Allie has been worried about all of this. I'll be sure to let you know when it's done and they're well away from here."
"Oh, we'll be plenty busy. Rosemary's all over the reception planning." He watched as Bill desperately tried and failed to keep a straight face. "You're enjoying this way too much."
"You're right, I am. This is the price you're going to pay to make your wife extremely happy and to have some precious alone time with her. So, buck up, buttercup."
Nathan scrunched up his nose. "Did you just call me 'buttercup?"
"Dad! Can we brush Pal yet?" Jack called from the stable.
"Saved by Jackaroo!" Bill laughed and preceded Nathan to help Jack.
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On the way home from town, Nathan and Jack stopped in at his old row house to say goodbye to the Kinslows. Lillian was catching an early train while Gabriel took part in the prisoner transfer. Jack asked if he could please walk the rest of the way home by himself. Nathan said okay and watched his son as he continued on. Once Jack waved and went inside, he turned his attention back to his friends.
"Nathan, thank you so much for letting us stay here. I stopped in at your home and said goodbye to Elizabeth and Allie. I wish we could come back for your reception, but..." Lillian trailed off when Nathan waved his hand.
"Really, Lillian, you and Gabe have both done plenty and we appreciate it so much. Besides Bill, I don't know that there is anyone else I would've trusted as much with this situation and it allowed me to be more present with Elizabeth and help her through it." Nathan looked up as Gabriel appeared in the doorway.
Gabriel laughed and said, "I was tempted to give you a hard time, my friend, but this business was a mess from the beginning. I'm just glad that I could be here when you and your family needed me." He reached out a hand and Nathan, in turn, gave him a hug.
After some awkward back slapping and a roll of the eyes from Lillian, Nathan said goodbye and headed towards home. His thoughts were a mix of emotions ranging from anger at Higgins, Hargreaves and anyone else involved in this mess...to gratefulness for getting to be with his favorite people all in one place – all the time.
As he approached the house, Elizabeth stepped out on the front porch. He somehow knew that she would. The idea that she would be looking for him - anxious to see him - warmed his heart. Her smile lit her face and she stepped down to meet him halfway.
Nathan had stopped short, with a puzzled smile, Elizabeth asked, "What? You're staring." She closed the distance and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Your smile. It lights up your face. Hits me straight in the heart, Lizbeth." He locked his hands behind the small of her back – much like he did when they kissed for the very first time – effectively pulling her as close as humanly possible. With his face a hair's breath from hers, he whispered, "I love you."
"I love you, too." Elizabeth closed the very short distance between their lips and sank into his kiss. And, this kiss was all him. He took over very quickly. She sensed that he was emotional about something and that he desperately needed this outlet – she was more than happy to comply.
Reluctantly, Nathan pulled away, but only slightly. He kissed Elizabeth's forehead. "Everything okay, Nathan?" Elizabeth asked looking up into his beautiful blue eyes, trying to discern what was going on behind them.
"Better than okay. I was simply struck by all that I have to be grateful for. Things have been tough, but at the same time, pretty amazing. I'm still marveling at the fact that I get to be married to you and I hadn't even gotten over you telling me that you were in love with me."
"Well, we are and I am. I will forever be. You are my lifetime, Nathan, as hard as I tried to run from that fact. I, too, have so much to be grateful for. The fact that you had forgiven me, still loved me...well it humbles me. Sometimes we don't get what we deserve...we get so much more. I didn't deserve to still be loved by you, but here we are."
He brushed her hair away from her face, his eyes so full of tenderness, it left her breathless. "Here we are," he repeated.
They stood like that for minutes before they heard Allie clearing her throat. "Are you two gonna stand out there like that all afternoon or are you coming in for lunch? Because it's ready."
Nathan and Elizabeth stepped apart with some laughing and eye rolling. Allie would most definitely be keeping them on their toes. Elizabeth took Nathan's arm and they followed their daughter inside.
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Reception planning went very quickly. As the town had done with Mike & Mei's wedding, they pulled together for the Grant's celebration. Rosemary tried to convince Elizabeth to purchase a new dress, but she really didn't want to. That night, as she and Nathan were getting ready for bed, she stood in front of her wardrobe pondering her choices.
Nathan watched her from their bed. "Lizbeth, you look a little troubled. What's on your mind?"
"What do you think I should wear? For the reception? I told Rosemary that I didn't need a new dress, but I'm wondering if I should have and now there's not enough time." She pulled another dress out, then put it back.
Sensing that she needed more from him than a pat answer, Nathan got up and went over to her. He grabbed her hand and turned her towards him. "Lizbeth, I think that you look beautiful no matter what you're wearing. You know that, right? To me, if you feel beautiful, that's what matters the most."
She could see the truth of it in his eyes. Glancing at the wardrobe a moment, she nodded, then closed it. "I'll think on it overnight and we'll decide in the morning."
Nathan gave her a half smile. "Well, then you can pick out something for me, right?"
She pursed her lips, trying to hide her grin. She knew what he was doing...one, he was trying to get out of making the decision, but he was also giving her leave to make sure they were coordinated. "Of course, Constable." She looked up at him through her lashes. "But, right now, I think you're wearing too much." She slipped her hands underneath his sleep shirt, pulling it up and over his head.
Nathan liked where this was going. His mouth curved into a slow, sexy smile. "Uh, I can remedy that, but only if you do the same." Elizabeth's robe quickly hit the floor, followed by her nightgown, Nathan then scooped her up and took her to the bed where there was no more talk about what to wear or anything else, for that matter.
Thoughts of what to wear eventually invaded Elizabeth's dreams, however. First, she was clad in that horrid taffeta meringue puff that was sent to her in error when she was engaged to Lucas. Nevermind that Nathan couldn't take his eyes off of her and said she'd looked 'great', the dress was a travesty. Then, she was standing in front of everyone in nothing but her chemise. That would certainly please her husband, but only in private.
She woke up in a cold sweat. Dawn was just starting to peek over the horizon, and she didn't want to go back to sleep for fear of what she'd find herself dressed in next. She glanced at Nathan and determined that he was still sound asleep, so she gently slipped out of the bed and donned her robe and slippers. Time to make some coffee and ponder what to wear to this reception, which was now only two days away.
Grabbing a cup of coffee, her journal and a blanket, she stepped out on the front porch – leaving the door open for a little more light in which to write in her journal. She wasn't there for more than five minutes before the Coulter's door opened and Rosemary peeked out, held up a finger and disappeared again.
A couple of minutes later, Rosemary came back out wearing a coat over her robe and nightgown, carrying her own cup of coffee. She sat next to Elizabeth on the step.
"Rosemary, what are you doing up?" Elizabeth asked softly.
Her friend took a sip of coffee and sighed. "Teething. Goldie's teething. I finally got her back to sleep, but found that my mind was far more awake than my body. What about you?"
Elizabeth also sighed. "Don't laugh or say, 'I told you so.' But, I was having nightmares about dresses, or lack thereof, at the reception. After just showing up in my chemise, I decided not to go back to sleep for fear of what was next."
Rosemary choked on her coffee, but fought valiantly not to spit it out. "See what trying not to laugh costs me? I nearly choked to death!"
Elizabeth couldn't help but laugh herself. Rosemary's theatrics were amusing, as usual. "Well, we wouldn't want that, would we?"
"All laughing aside, Elizabeth, I have a plan. I was going to tell you about it today. Do you trust me enough to wait a couple of hours?" Rosemary rested her hand on Elizabeth's arm. "I promise, you will not wind up at your reception looking anything less than beautiful, as a new bride should be."
With a sigh, Elizabeth nodded. "I trust you, Rosemary. So long as it has nothing to do with that horrible wedding dress. That is best forgotten."
"As if I'd ever do that to you! Heavens, you were going to marry Lucas with the fabric from that dress. No! That just wouldn't be right. No matter that Nathan thought you were beautiful in it, though we know the man would think that even if you were wearing a feed sack."
Elizabeth couldn't help but blush and a smile spread over her face. Rosemary was right. No matter what she ended up wearing, Nathan would love it because she was in it.
"Looks like I said the right thing. Now, I'll be back to see you after I get Goldie off to daycare. Be prepared, it's going to take awhile."
"That's no problem. The prisoner transfer is scheduled for today and we really need to keep Allie occupied and out of town. Let's be sure to involve her today.
With a brisk nod, Rosemary agreed. "I know just the thing." She stood and started walking towards her house. "See you in about an hour and a half."
"Thanks Rosemary." Elizabeth waved and stood to go inside, only to be joined by Nathan and Scout, who slipped by them with a soft woof. Nathan pulled his wife into his arms.
"You okay? It's awfully early, Lizbeth. And you've obviously been up for awhile." He nodded towards her empty mug.
She reveled in the warmth that his embrace offered, and sighed. "Nightmares...involving a variety of horrible wardrobe choices and lack thereof and a wedding reception. I gave up sleep when I showed up in my undergarments."
Nathan tried, but failed, to hold back laughing. His wife leaned back and looked up at him with one raised brow. "It's not that funny, Constable." He watched the corners of her mouth twitch ever so slightly.
"It's kinda funny. But, of course, that outfit is exclusively reserved for me, right?"
Elizabeth grabbed hold of Nathan's suspenders and pulled him closer. "Only if you're a good boy," she whispered huskily.
He grinned. "That kind of makes me sound like Scout." They both laughed when the dog barked, waiting to get back inside. Nathan reached over and opened the door and they followed the dog in. He immediately stopped Elizabeth and pulled her to him, planting a soft kiss on her lips.
"Now you have me thinking of you in your underthings...," he whispered. Elizabeth laughed and rolled her eyes.
"Hmmm, and you're thinking that's my fault?"
Nathan leaned in close to Elizabeth's ear and whispered, "If you weren't so darned beautiful and desirable, it wouldn't be such a problem..."
Goosebumps bloomed on Elizabeth's neck and arms and she got completely lost in Nathan's eyes. "Speaking of beautiful and desirable..." He was truly a beautiful man, inside and out. Her gaze slid to his lips.
Without breaking his hold on her, he moved them beyond the view of the steps in case either of the kids came down, then he molded his mouth to hers. They didn't have enough time for anything more, but he wanted her to still be thinking about this kiss when they did. One of his hands threaded into her hair while the other stayed wrapped around her waist. You couldn't fit a feather between them.
When he pulled back, he thrilled that her eyes were glazed and the color of blue smoke. It continually amazed him that he could have this effect on her, and so often. She certainly had it on him. Before either of them could speak, they heard footsteps above and knew that one or both of the children were up and would soon be downstairs. In a low voice, Nathan said, "Until later..." They held their gaze until feet were heard on the steps.
"Count on it," Elizabeth whispered.
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Elizabeth was stunned. Rosemary stood before her holding up a dress of the most beautiful dusty rose color (which she knew wouldn't be her friend's choice, but a favorite of her own), with a print of tiny ivory colored flowers, a v-neck and most notably, a two tiered cut away skirt. Rosemary also held an ivory camisole that she knew Elizabeth would need for underneath.
"Rosemary! How..."
"Do I know you, my friend, or do I know you?" With a satisfied smile, she handed the garments to Elizabeth. Now, you just need to go try it on so we can see if any alterations need to be made."
Elizabeth still hesitated and Rosemary could tell she wanted an actual explanation. "Elizabeth, I could tell that what you wore to this event was maybe a little more important than you even realized. I was in Benson Hills and saw this beauty and snagged it. I knew you'd love it even if you didn't wear it for the reception. When you told me about the nightmare, well, it became obvious that it was kismet."
"Kismet. Hmm. I like that." Elizabeth set the garments down and gave her friend a hug. "Thank you, so much! I don't know what else to say. What would I ever do without a friend like you?"
Rosemary waved a hand in the air. "Well, lucky for you, I don't intend to ever let you find out. Now, shoo! Go upstairs and put this dress on while your men folk are out from under foot! Oh, and where is Allie? I've got a surprise for her as well."
Her mouth dropped open and her heart squeezed. Rosemary's generosity was always something to behold. Of course, she'd think of Allie. She pointed towards the remaining garments that Rosemary had brought over.
Rosemary nodded. The two dresses likely weren't new, but they would not take much alteration to modernize them and make either one fit Allie.
"I could tell you that you don't have to do this, but Allie's had such a tough time with this Higgins stuff. Thank you, so much, Rosemary."
"Of course. Now, go! Send your girl downstairs when you get up there."
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Elizabeth's dress fit her nearly perfectly, and she loved it. Now Allie stood in the middle of the room on a crate in a dress that frankly shocked her. It was a rose color that was just a little lighter than Elizabeth's. Everyone knew that Rosemary favored the more dramatic, jewel tones.
"I don't think I've ever seen you in that dress, Rosemary. Not really your color, is it?"
Through the pins in her mouth, Rosemary replied, "I would tell you not to ask, but you'll just do it anyway. It's from the dress shop. I kept some of the inventory mainly for fabric, or maybe I could use some fabric dye like..."
"Like you did with my old maternity dresses?" Eyebrow raised, Elizabeth tried – but failed miserably – to keep the smile from her face.
She pulled the last pin from her mouth and said, "As much as I love you my friend...I think my wardrobe just needs..."
"Some drama." Elizabeth finished. Allie stood there just grinning at the two ladies. She was clearly amused with the banter.
Rosemary stood and smoothed out her skirt. "I was going to say 'panache'..." She turned to Allie, then walked around the girl. "Elizabeth, can you get a mirror? Or, better yet, let's go up to your room and use the full length one. I want Allie to see and tell me what she thinks."
While the ladies were upstairs, Nathan, Jack and Scout came back inside after a riding lesson. Bill had dropped the horse off early that morning and planned to come back by to pick him up after the prisoner transfer was well past Hope Valley. Then, Nathan had chopped some firewood and Jack stacked it for him.
Next, he'd had to teach Jack some commands for Scout, who had eventually had enough and finally took off after a squirrel. He was disappointed to not find Elizabeth in whatever dress she was planning to wear to their reception. Now he figured he wouldn't get to see her in it until then...well, unless he was persuasive enough to convince her.
Nathan took in how dirty Jack had gotten and sent him to wash his hands in the kitchen. Taking the boy upstairs to change would have to wait a few minutes. Whether it was out of respect for the special time that Allie was getting with Elizabeth and Rosemary or just plain fear of the wrath of Rosemary, he couldn't say. Probably a bit of both.
Instead, he noted the time and started to pull out sandwich fixings. Might as well get some lunch going. Jack hopped up from his toys and scurried over. "Can I help, Dad?" The boy rubbed his tummy. "I'm awfully hungry."
"Of course you can. Will you please get out six plates? Show me that you know your numbers?"
Jack grinned and shot a finger in the air. "That's an easy one!" He turned to complete his task.
Well, Nathan knew it was an easy one. The boy was smart as a whip and the son of a teacher. If he could stay out of trouble at school, he'd go far, and very quickly at that.
By the time the boys were finished preparing some lunch, the ladies came downstairs. Nathan was happy to see that both of his girls were smiling. Rosemary had a couple of dresses in her hands and quickly tried to keep Nathan from seeing them.
"Don't worry, Rosemary, I promise to not look. Even though that's technically not Elizabeth's wedding dress, I'll let her have her surprise. Now, Jack and I have made some lunch, so please stay."
After some internal indecision, Rosemary relented. She went and laid the dresses on a chair near the front door and returned to take a seat. "Thank you, Nathan. And you too, Jack. This gives me a few minutes to grill you about what you two are wearing."
Jack frowned as if he couldn't be bothered, but Nathan's mouth dropped open and he shot a nervous look at Elizabeth. It was only about a half second before all three ladies burst out in laughter.
"Dad! If you could've seen the look on your face!" Allie choked out. "Priceless!"
Nathan chuckled. "I have no idea what you're even talking about." Thank the Lord, he thought to himself. He wouldn't have to undergo the Rosemary treatment.
His wife laid her hand over his, feigning innocence. "Don't worry, Sweetheart. I've protected you..."
"Okay, okay, you three. More eating and less laughing," Nathan grumbled, which only caused more laughing.
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Nathan and Jack, all decked out in their gray suits, stood in the parlor waiting for Elizabeth and Allie to come downstairs. The boys had used the Grant's old house to get ready while the girls were at home. Jack scrunched his nose up. "Dad? Do I have to wear this all night?"
He chuckled and patted Jack's head. "You'll only have to wear it for a little while. It'll make your mama really happy." The boy grinned.
The boy grinned. "I like to make Mama happy."
"That's a good answer, son."
Jack looked at Nathan for a minute, then threw his little arms around his legs. It took Nathan back, uncertain where this burst of affection was coming from. He knelt down and picked the boy up. "I like having a dad. I like having you for my dad," Jack said.
Swallowing over the giant lump that had formed in his throat, Nathan exhaled. Sometimes he just couldn't get over the fact that he and Elizabeth were a couple, much less married; their families blended. "I like being your dad, Jack."
The tender moment didn't last long before Jack said, "What's taking them so long? I'm ready to go."
Nathan laughed, and was saved from coming up with an answer when Allie and Elizabeth arrived downstairs. He saw his daughter first and struggled to remain composed. She was growing up so fast. It wouldn't be long before she reached adulthood and left their home.
Then, his eyes found his wife's. Honestly, the woman was beautiful to him no matter what she wore...but when she felt beautiful, he could see it and she was simply breathtaking. Tonight, he could tell she felt it.
Elizabeth's cheeks warmed under the intensity of Nathan's gaze. Firstly, he looked distractingly good in his suit. He always did. She knew he preferred more casual attire, but he wore a suit very, very well. Secondly, the admiration that shown from his eyes, without him saying a single word...blew her away. Her heart skipped a few beats. And, the man was holding her son. Her son who was getting far too big to be held. There was a story here and she couldn't wait to hear about it.
"You ladies look absolutely beautiful!" Nathan said, setting Jack down on his feet.
Jack ran over to his mother. "You look pretty, Mama." Then he looked at Allie. "You, too, Allie." Barely a beat went by before, "Can we go now?"
There was a knock at the door and Nathan went to answer it. "That will be Lee. He's driving us to town so that you two lovely ladies don't have to walk."
As the family gathered their things and headed out the door, Nathan grabbed Elizabeth's hand, halting her progress. He pulled her close and whispered in her ear, "You look stunning, Lizbeth, and the dress looks great as well."
Her lips curved into a satisfied smile. The man certainly knew precisely the right thing to say at exactly the right time. "Why, thank you. You're not looking so bad yourself, Constable. Very distractingly handsome, I would say. Now, are you ready for this?"
If 'this' got him to his honeymoon, he was most certainly ready for it, but he couldn't say that without spoiling the surprise. He just hoped that Rosemary would have just enough time to slip in here and pack for Elizabeth during the reception and get back without being noticed.
He kissed her softly, and said, "For you? I'd do anything." He reached for her hand and they followed Lee and the kids outside.