Our time together had been almost nonexistent last night. Bill and Oliver had stuck around after dinner. It was clear that Oliver needed a community and he seemed to get along well with the kids. We could tell he was grateful to be included. So, we all squeezed into the living room to visit after the sun went down, and while the conversation was enjoyable, I was constantly reminded of another one that now yielded more enticing dividends.

"It's your eyes I look for across a crowded room."

At every opportunity I found myself looking at her, only to find her eyes were already on me. Gone were the days of wondering what those looks meant between us. They'd been replaced by something far more affirming.

Desire.

In one such exchange she gave an ever so subtle nod to the back door before saying, "I should probably bring in the pitcher and glasses from outside. It might rain."

"I'll get them Mrs. Thornton," Oliver offered.

"That's so kind of you to offer, Oliver, but you're our guest. Please enjoy yourself. It won't take but just a minute. Nathan can help me."

"Okay. Thank you, ma'am."

I quickly rose and followed her outside. After closing the door behind us and descending the stairs, I pulled her into my arms.

"I'm ready to be alone with you."

"Me too," I said. "Should we devise a plan to send everyone on their way?"

She giggled.

"That would be so awful of us, wouldn't it?"

"Probably. But you can't blame a guy for trying."

We shared a kiss that ended far too quickly and went back inside with the dishes. It was another couple of hours before Bill and Oliver left. It was late, so I gave her a quick kiss and went home with Allie.

But tonight we'd be alone.

I knocked softly on her door and she opened it seconds later with a smile that seemed to be reserved just for me.

"Hello."

I chose to greet her without words, taking her lips with mine. She sank into me, clutching at my chest as I held her steady, gripping low on the small of her back. Tentatively tasting my lips, she sighed contentedly as I returned the favor.

"You taste sweet," she breathed.

"I just had ice cream with Allie."

"Mmm," she said, as she gently tugged at my bottom lip with her teeth. "Thanks for leaving a small bite for me."

Wow. I liked that.

"Mmm. You're welcome. I'll make sure to have ice cream every night in the future."

She smiled against my lips and deepened the kiss further, pulling me to the sofa and lightly pressing against my chest, encouraging me to sit.

"May I?" she asked, gesturing to my lap.

I patted my knees in response.

She sat across my lap and turned into me, pressing a searing kiss into my neck. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the sensation of her lips on my skin and her warm breath in my ear as she whispered, "I've missed you today."

"I've missed you, too."

Her hands wove through my hair as she looked into my eyes and said, "I probably shouldn't tell you this but since the moment our lips first touched I can't seem to think about anything else but you. Being close to you. Alone with you. Being held and kissed by you. Your love for me emanates through every touch and I just can't seem to get enough."

"Why shouldn't you tell me that? I like hearing it."

"Women aren't generally expected to be so expressive with their men. But I can't help myself with you."

"Nothing about our relationship has ever been conventional. I don't want you to hold back anything from me. I want you to tell me what you're thinking and how you're feeling. I plan on showing and telling you how you make me feel in great detail, at every given opportunity. I want you to do the same."

"Mmm. How did you just manage to become even sexier than you already are?"

I grinned.

"If you think I am, that's all that matters to me."

"I do," she said, before leaving one more gentle kiss on my lips and leaning against me.

"So, is there anything you wanted to discuss tonight?"

"Not particularly. It was a rather quiet week for me. How about you?"

"Outside of training Oliver and hearing about the return of the great wolf, it's been quiet for me too."

"I really like that young man. He's so mannerly and kind."

"He's a good kid."

"He'll be even better with you in his corner."

"He's showing a lot of promise. I think this town will be good for him."

"It was kind of you to bring him to dinner. He seemed to enjoy himself."

"He did."

She snuggled into me and I held her more tightly.

"So…we kissed in front of our children for the first time last night."

"Yep."

"Did Allie say anything to you about it? I noticed she called you over when Rosemary came in with Goldie."

"No, she wanted to know why I brought Oliver with me and Jack asked if he was the "little Mountie."

We chuckled together.

"I couldn't help but kiss you when you walked in looking so handsome."

"You looked beautiful. I couldn't help leaning in."

She reached up and put her hand on my cheek.

"Each time we're together I see our future as a family more clearly."

"I can, too. Which reminds me of something. When Oliver offered to get the glasses you said a word that caught my attention."

"Oh?"

"You said "our guest."

"I did," she said, smiling at me. "You may have formally knocked on the door, but wherever we're together is home. That's how I feel."

I couldn't contain the glee in my heart as she leaned in and kissed me again. I could feel the truth of what she said in the warmth of her lips and in the confidence of her hands as she pulled me flush against her.

"I love you, Lizbeth. That's how I feel," I murmured against her lips, several moments later as we paused to catch our breath.

"I love you, Nathan and I'm lucky to have you."