OPEN ARMS

Discovering Mr. Grant Part III

Author's Note: The third installment of the Discovering Mr. Grant series is based on S12E4. We knew Nathan could sway a girl in a slow dance, but the now infamous dip in the schoolhouse suggests he has some moves up his sleeve! That got me thinking... how did Nathan learn how to dance? And thus, this minifanfic was born. I hope you enjoy it!

On an aside note, drop by Instagram and check out the post where I originally published this piece of writing. My collab partner and digital editor extraordinaire, MountiewithHeart, created the most gorgeous video to serve as a cover for this fanfic. I would love it if you give us both a follow so we can hang out on IG too!

If there was one thing a girl could greatly appreciate, it was a man who knew how to dance. Their dance at the Voices of the Valley festival had been their first, and it was a memory Elizabeth kept close to her heart. There really was nothing like swaying to the beat of the music in the arms of the man you loved. Dreamy music, the strength and warmth of masculine arms, the closeness, and the heartstopping gazes—could it get any better than that?

Apparently, it could. Because one Constable Nathan Grant never failed to surprise her.

And he said he didn't have any secrets. Sheesh.

He not only took the lead, he did so expertly. He had pulled her confidently into frame, led her into spins with a firm hold, and supported her with strength and grace in the most fantastic classic ballroom dip.

Yet another breathless moment in Nathan's arms. He was spoiling her rotten!

They had stayed at the schoolhouse for quite a while, enjoying each other's company and the change of pace.

"You look like you're deep in thought," he said.

"Just thinking you're full of surprises, Nathan Grant," she replied, looking at him through lowered lashes.

"No, I'm not," he said laughingly, brushing off her comment.

"Oh, I beg to differ, Constable! Please tell me. When and with whom did you learn how to dance? Because the one with the fancy moves is you! I doubt you learned that dip thing in a barn of all places!"

His look sobered, and his brow furrowed just a tiny bit. Oh dear, had she struck a nerve?

"I'm sorry, Nathan. I was just teasing. And maybe genuinely curious? But you don't have to tell me anything if you don't want to." Elizabeth's lips curved in a tiny, sheepish smile, and she gently rubbed the back of his shoulder as they continued to sway to the slow, jazzy tune playing on the victrola.

"It was Colleen."

"Oh." Elizabeth's heart plummeted. She certainly didn't want Nathan reliving sad memories.

"She was the life of the party," Nathan said a bit hoarsely. "She was so much like Allie—such a force of nature."

The music stopped, and Elizabeth threaded her fingers through Nathan's, firmly grasping his hand. She sat on her desk, and he followed her lead, sitting beside her.

Nathan's glossy eyes met Elizabeth's. She knew deep down he was about to open his heart. And so he did, talking freely and passionately about his beloved sister.

Elizabeth learned that Colleen was a happy, bright young girl whom her younger brother adored. Whatever Colleen wanted, Nathan would give her. Their hard times were bearable because of his sister, her stories, and her happy nature.

"I used to sing with her. She loved it," he said wistfully.

"Is that why you've avoided joining the choir? Because singing reminded you of Colleen?"

"There might be some truth in that," Nathan replied, squeezing Elizabeth's hand. "I also danced with her, even though I hated it. She told me it would come in handy when I met the woman of my dreams. She was right." The corner of his mouth twisted in a half smile. The memories tugged at his soul, a blend of sweetness and sorrow. He couldn't shake the thought of how wonderfully Colleen and Elizabeth would have gotten along.

"It seems your sister was a very wise woman," Elizabeth said quietly.

Nathan's tone of voice thickened with emotion. "She once told me love was a graceful dance, one where you step forward with arms wide open, ready to embrace whatever comes your way." He paused for a moment, internalizing his words. "That didn't mean anything to a green 17-year-old boy. But she was right. So right. I know that now." He had never talked about Colleen so openly and had never shared her sage words with anyone before.

"I wish I could have met her."

Nathan slid a hand over Elizabeth's cheek and softly stroked her temple in the most loving of gestures. He knew she was being truthful. No one spoke and meant it like she did. Elizabeth was pure heart, much like his sister had been. Nathan truly believed Colleen would have approved of who his heart had chosen, and maybe, just maybe, she'd nudged and prodded from above.