Author's notes: While I absolutely love the family dynamic (and their conversations will touch base with everything they go through in this season of blending) this new work is focused solely on Nathan and Elizabeth's connection as a couple. Please enjoy episode one's wrap-up conversation! The kids are tucked safely in their beds, leaving them to connect further without interruption...

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Mild annoyance ran through me as Hargreaves rode away. Nothing surprised me where he was concerned. He interrupted our kiss and did his level best to discredit me in front of Elizabeth. But I couldn't care less. He wasn't worth the effort to do so. The man could plainly see that we were together, yet he still found it necessary to throw jabs. But to my everlasting delight, Elizabeth threw one back in her own beautiful way.

"I want him here."

I was secure in her love for me. I could feel it with every look, kiss, and touch. But hearing the woman I love stand up and claim me as her man, in front of the closest thing I had to an enemy, was a moment I won't soon forget.

In fact, each new moment together was becoming more incredible than the previous. I kissed her under the light of a full moon and held her in my arms on the porch last night.

That's where we made a decision.

"Nathan, I know we won't be able to start our days together, but perhaps we could end them like this. We need our time to talk…and to be together…without interruptions."

"Talk, huh?"

She blushed. "Yes, to talk. But I suppose if you wanted to hold me, I wouldn't object."

Loosely wrapping one arm around her waist I said, "Like this?"

She arched an eyebrow.

"That's a good start."

"Oh, so you'd prefer both arms."

I let my other arm loosely wrap around her waist too.

"I didn't take you for a tease, Constable."

"Just following orders, ma'am."

"Follow this one then," she said, gripping my hips and pulling me closer. "Hold me tight and kiss me."

Shivers ran down my spine just thinking of that kiss, as I quickened my last few steps to her house. Seconds later she opened the door and reached for my hand, pulling me to her and greeting me with a soft, tender kiss.

"I missed you."

She returned my lovesick gaze as I touched her hair.

"I missed you too, Lizbeth."

We sat down on the couch, turning into each other, her hand on my thigh.

"It's been quite the week."

"It has."

"How is Oliver's training going?"

"He's doing well. He's a bright kid and he works hard, but Hargreaves says he's at the bottom of his class. I can't figure out why yet, but I know there's more to it."

"Well, if anyone can help him it's definitely you. Besides, Hargreaves has never thought much of your abilities and you're one of the finest Mounties I've ever known. It would be just like him to put unfair judgement on that young man. There's no accounting for taste with him."

"So, you're not a fan of Superintendent Hargreaves?" I asked, with a sly grin.

"I am not. I didn't appreciate his disrespectful treatment of you, Nathan. I should have said more than I did, but I was caught off guard by his returning Jack's medal."

"I know you were, Elizabeth. But I don't want you to give him another thought. Hargreaves doesn't bother me."

"But what he said about Jack did. I could see it, Nathan."

I let out a long breath. I knew these conversations needed to be had, but it wasn't pleasant for me to talk about.

"Survivor's guilt is a tough thing to let go of, Elizabeth. I've carried it around with me for years. I'm in love with Jack's widow. I'm teaching his son to ride. I'll watch him grow up and I'll be the one to teach him what it means to be a man. It's a lot to reconcile in my head."

I reached out and took her hand in mine.

"But I'm really trying to."

"I know you are and I'm glad, Nathan."

She smiled appreciatively and I squeezed her hand.

"What about you? How does it feel to have the first week of school out of the way?"

"It felt good. Having Jack in the classroom was different, but so enjoyable."

She paused and was quiet for a moment.

"Something on your mind?"

"Allie came to see me on Sunday. She said nothing has to change between us, but that she was glad you and I were together. It brought me to tears. I know she's been wounded by my choices in the past, but it felt like she's forgiven me and is very happy for us."

"She has long since let go of past hurts, Lizbeth. We both just want you to be happy."

"My happiness is with you and our children. I love you and Allie both. I hope we only grow closer as time goes on."

"I wouldn't worry about that. You're the most influential woman in her life. She loves you very much. Now that we're together, she'll feel freer to love you more openly."

"I hope so."

"I know so."

She smiled, leaning in to kiss my cheek, directly beside my mouth. She pulled back, but I wanted more.

What world did I now live in where a kiss on my cheek would leave me so love starved for her? The answer was simple.

The world where Elizabeth and I were on fire for each other.

I cleared my throat. "So, um, back to Oliver. He interrupted us this week."

"Yes, but it's okay. We can sneak away to lunch some other time."

"Right. Lunch. Yes, we can do that. I just thought—"

"You thought what?"

"Well, I thought there might've been something else you, um, maybe wanted."

"Oh. Well, yes, I did. But we covered that last night. We'll figure out how to talk to Jack together when the time comes," she said, with somewhat of a half grin.

For such a serious subject she looked rather cheeky.

Wait.

Was she toying with me? I looked more closely, and her grin became more perceptible. She wanted me to say it. To ask for it.

Hmm? Nope. I don't think so. Two could play this mischievous game.

"Okay."

"Okay?"

"Yes, as long as we've discussed everything you wanted to."

"We did."

"Well, I guess I should head home then."

I squeezed her hand and got up, turning to leave.

"Nathan?"

"Yes?" I said, slowly turning to face her.

"Do you want to make out?"

"Why, Mrs. Thornton, what a scandalous idea," I said with a tilt of my head and a lopsided grin.

She smirked and stood up, grabbing hold of my suspenders and pulling me close to her.

"What can I say, Constable? I guess I'm not in the mood for playing games after all."

She led us back to the couch and I took a seat. She sat down beside me, turning into me and draping her legs across my lap. I put my hands around her waist, pulling her closer as I brushed my lips with hers. Her hands slid up my chest and grasped the back of my neck as we began to kiss.

Her lips were so warm and soft against mine. It was an incredible sensation to have her so readily fall into my arms and onto my lips. She wanted me and she was making certain I knew just how much. I moved my hands around to her back, lightly pressing my fingertips into the material of her blouse, pulling her even closer as I lightly flicked my tongue against her upper lip. She sighed contentedly, responding in kind, welcoming a more intimate kiss.

A thousand thoughts were generally running through my head. Maybe that would surprise some, as I usually didn't say much, but my mind was an altogether different thing. But with Elizabeth so close, loving and desiring me, all other thoughts left my mind and I focused solely on us.

She moved away from my mouth, kissing across my jaw line, tasting my skin as her lips traveled down my neck. My hands naturally moved to her waist again, running up and down her sides, worshiping her curves.

"I love you," she whispered, her warm breath in my ear.

She leaned back, looking into my eyes as she ran her hands through my hair.

"I love you, too."

She smiled, pressing one more kiss to my lips before leaning in, and laying her head against my shoulder.