Author's Note: STEAM ALERT

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Chapter 381 – Nathan and Kayla Talk

Kayla stood to stop Nathan's pacing and try to get him to talk to her, but when she reached out to grab his hand, electricity shot through both of them. Nathan turned to look at Kayla, but he just stared at their intertwined, outstretched hands. And when Nathan did look at Kayla, the only thing she saw was a fire of desire like she had never seen before in her life. Nathan slowly started to move toward Kayla and was standing a mere few inches from her when Frank came out. He immediately saw what was happening.

"Nathaniel Declan." Frank said, in a slight scolding tone of an older brother.

Nathan immediately took several steps back and turned away to face the water. He walked to the other side of the deck. He was embarrassed for what he was thinking of doing when Frank caught them.

"I should go." Kayla quickly said.

"No, please sit down." Frank said. "You need to work things out. Just give me a minute."

Kayla nodded and took a seat. Frank walked over to Nathan and put his hand on his back, causing Nathan to jump at the touch.

"Sorry." Frank said. "I am not mad. I just want to stop you from doing something you would regret. I was listening just enough to be there if you needed and I am glad that I was."

Nathan nodded.

"Please come sit down." Frank said. "I will help you talk this through."

"Can we go inside?" Nathan asked, softly.

"Of course." Frank said.

Nathan turned and walked into the cabin without looking at Kayla as he was still embarrassed. Frank turned to Kayla.

"Please come inside." Frank said. "You need to talk things out before we leave in the morning. I will help you both through this. Please?"

Kayla thought for a moment before she stood and nodded. Frank motioned for her to go inside. They went inside and Kayla took a seat on the couch. Nathan was in the arm chair. He was leaned back with his head back. Frank grabbed a chair from the table, turned it around and sat down straddling it.

"Nathan." Frank said. "Can I tell Kayla what you told me?"

"Yes." Nathan said, his voice cracking.

"Kayla." Frank said. "Nathan shared with me that while he has feelings for you, the intensity of them is part of what is scaring him. He said that because of his past experiences. Not only is there what happened with his last relationship, but he has also been working through some childhood trauma."

"What do you mean?" Kayla asked.

Nathan blew out a harsh breath and sat up.

"I told you Archie wasn't around much and when he was, it wasn't good." Nathan said.

"Yeah." Kayla said, softly.

"Archie was/is a mean drunk." Nathan said. "He would take his anger out on whoever was within reach. I often tried to stick up for Colleen and usually took the brunt of his anger. It has literally taken me years to admit that out loud to another person."

"I am sorry." Kayla said.

Nathan leaned forward and put his head in his hands.

"Can I continue to share?" Frank asked.

Nathan nodded.

"Nathan had shared this summer that he is afraid of becoming like his own father." Frank shared. "We have tried to tell him that he had too kind of a heart for that. The fact that he is worried about something like that, shows just how much different he is from his own father."

"I have seen you with Cassie." Kayla said. "You are way too loving and caring to ever hurt a child. I have no doubt that you will be the most loving father there is precisely because you know what it is like to grow up without something like that."

"I would agree." Frank said. "The way you interact with your niece and how you were with Cody and Opal this summer, leave no doubt in my mind you will be a good father."

… … … …

Elizabeth got to the bedroom to find most of Jack's stuff packed and him laying in bed with only a pair of shorts on. She smiled at him and went to the bathroom. Elizabeth brushed her teeth and washed her face. She pulled on a long tee-shirt and dropped her dirty clothes in the laundry bag. She took a deep breath and walked out to greet her husband.

"There is my beautiful wife." Jack said.

Elizabeth crawled into bed with Jack and turned to face him.

"What did you think of Kayla?" Elizabeth asked.

"She seems nice." Jack said. "But I haven't spent enough time with her to really know."

"Come on." Elizabeth said. "You read people better than anyone I know."

"I think she is okay." Jack said. "She seems in an awful hurry to get married and I get it she has a small child. But there are red flags. I am worried. I don't want to see Nathan get hurt and I have a feeling that no matter how this turns out, he is going to get hurt. I am trying to be optimistic, but it is hard. I want the best for him and I am not convinced that Kayla is it. I will continue to pray and be there to support him. I am also doing my due diligence and having her checked out. Before you get upset, it is nothing that I wouldn't do for someone who takes a very quick deep interest in Doug or Lee. I will probably have most of your friends checked out if I don't get a good feeling from them. It is nothing against them, it is a way to protect myself and by extension you and everyone around me."

"Thank you for being honest." Elizabeth said. "I wasn't sure what to think. I know that Nathan had been up and down since he learned about his sister, but there was a significant change in him this evening and I didn't think it was all good."

"Given the little that I know about his past." Jack said. "I am sure that is part of the reason that he is struggling with things. I mean from what he has said, he has had one serious girlfriend in his life and that was after he turned eighteen. He mentioned a short-lived mistake in high school, but didn't go into detail and I didn't feel it was my place to push."

"I just hope that he is okay." Elizabeth said. "He has become an important part of our group. He pushes you in a good way and I like the thought of him as a big brother. I hope that whatever happens, he remains a part of our group."

"He won't get rid of us that easily." Jack said. "Depending on what happens, his role with me might change, but I don't think he will ever leave if he doesn't have to. He has said that he feels like he finally found a place where he feels accepted."

"I like that." Elizabeth said.

Jack looked at Elizabeth and tapped her nose.

"Enough talk about other things." Jack said. "It is our last night here and I think we should enjoy it."

"I like that plan." Elizabeth said.

… … … …Steam Alert… … … …

Jack leaned forward and kissed Elizabeth. At the same time, she took her index finger and ran it down Jack's torso, causing him to shudder under her touch. Jack slipped his hand under Elizabeth's shirt and started to run his hand over her body. It was Elizabeth's turn to shudder. They continued to build the fire, eventually shedding the little clothing that they were wearing. They were wrapped up in each other sharing kisses and touches. Finally Jack rolled Elizabeth on her back and was over her.

"I need you." Jack said.

"I am yours." Elizabeth gasped.

She shifted to give Jack better access and he quickly entered his wife and drove them over the edge of bliss. Jack fell back on the bed and laid there covered in a fine sheen of sweat and trying to regain control of his breathing. Elizabeth was doing the same and as she was able, she rolled up on her side and started dancing her fingers over Jack's stomach. They might have just finished and were coming down off the high, but she wasn't done and wanted more. Elizabeth watched as Jack's muscles twitched under her touch. Feeling bold, she worked her hand up Jack's torso and tapped his nipple.

"Damn." Jack hissed.

"What?" Elizabeth asked.

"That felt like lightning from my nipple down to my manhood when you did that." Jack said.

"When I did this?" Elizabeth asked, doing it again.

Jack hissed and squirmed.

"Yes." Jack gasped.

Elizabeth giggled as Jack squirmed as she danced her finger around his nipple without actually touching it. She loved finding his sensitive spots and teasing him. Over the next two and a half hours, Jack and Elizabeth climbed the mountain three more times.

… … … …End of Steam… … … …

As Elizabeth laid curled up in Jack's arms, she thought about the past week. She couldn't believe that she was so scared of what would happen when they finally came together physically. She knew it was because of what happened to her in the past and Jack had been extra careful about things, but she was realizing that she loved their time together and couldn't seem to get enough of Jack. She looked down at Jack's hand that was splayed out over her stomach and wondered what it would be like when she got pregnant. Not that she wanted to get pregnant right now. But she was accepting that God was in control and would bless them when the time was right. She was still a little concerned about how she was going to be a wife, mother and college student all at the same time, but she figured if other women could do it, she would figure it out as well. She closed her eyes and fell asleep dreaming of splashing in the lake with little ones in the years to come.

As Jack laid there holding Elizabeth, his thoughts were all over the place. He wanted nothing more than to be a father, but he knew that Elizabeth was still concerned about things. He said a quick prayer that God would bless them when the time was right, but to not wait too long. Jack was also thinking of what else he could do to help his friends. He knew that while Doug hadn't really said anything, Jack knew that Doug wanted to find a woman who loved him and his family would accept. Jack prayed that Doug would find his life partner at school. Jack knew that like him, Doug wanted a large family and Jack hoped that they would be able to raise their children together. That led to Jack thinking about Nathan and how he could now potentially also be raising children with them. Jack wondered how he would be able to keep Nathan close when he got married. He knew that the job he wanted him for was going to be too demanding for a husband and father.

Jack's thoughts turned to Lee and how they were going to help him come out of his shell and actually find a woman. While Lee hadn't said anything, Jack saw the look on Lee's face when he had seen Rosemary. Jack knew that Lee would never pursue her with what had happened. But Jack wondered if Rosemary truly had a change of heart and mended her ways would Lee be able to look past her past and love her. He wasn't sure that they were a good match, but he was going to pray that whoever God had for Lee that she be found soon. The last thing that Jack wanted was for Lee to feel like the odd man out. For some reason, Jack had the overwhelming feeling that Doug was going to meet his life partner sooner rather than later. He wondered if they hadn't already met her and they just didn't know it yet.

Jack finally drifted off to sleep as he heard Elizabeth's soft snoring as she snuggled deeper into his chest. He loved that feeling of holding her after they had been together and hoped that feeling never went away.

… … … …

Kayla went and knelt in front of Nathan. He was still leaning forward with his head down. Kayla could see the tears that had escaped from Nathan's eyes. She wanted to gather him into her arms, but wasn't sure that was the best idea, especially given what had been shared. Also because of the palpable desire that could be felt between them.

"Nathan." Kayla pleaded. "Please look at me."

Nathan slowly raised his head and looked at Kayla. His hands were dangling in front of his knees, but immediately pulled back not knowing if Nathan wanted to be touched.

"I am sorry I pressured you or made you feel uncomfortable in any way." Kayla said. "It is just that I love you so much. That lopsided grin when you handed Cassie back to me. The way you took time to make sure she felt safe and had fun. It melted my heart. Your tender voice makes me weak in the knees. The way you look at me with your piercing blue eyes, is enough to make my heart skip a beat. What is there not to love? You aren't the only one who is scared. So am I, but for an entirely different reason. There are two hearts at stake on my side of the equation. I am also scared about how quickly you stole my heart when I wasn't even looking for someone.

The last guy who showed an interest in me, only wanted one thing and when he got what he wanted, he moved on. Not once caring about the mess he had left my life. While I love Cassie and wouldn't trade her for anything, it took a long time to get to that point. So yeah, I am scared too. But looking at you, I know that it is worth the risk. So I am sorry I came on so strong. My mother used to tell me that my forwardness combined with my ability to be stubborn would get me in trouble. So I am being stubborn because I know what I want."

"Thank you." Nathan said, his voice thick with emotions.

Nathan cleared his throat and took a deep breath.

"Thank you for being honest." Nathan said. "Can we try this without pressure or timelines and just see how things go when we get back to real life. Please?"

"I am willing to try." Kayla said. "It won't be easy, but I am willing to try."

"Then so am I." Nathan said.

"It is getting late." Kayla said. "I will go. Please try to come talk to me before you leave in the morning."

Nathan nodded when what he really wanted was to take her and kiss her, hard.

"Call or text me when you get back." Nathan said. "So I know that you are back safely."

"I could ask the same." Kayla said.

"Okay." Nathan said.

"Goodnight." Kayla said.

"Goodnight." Nathan said.

Nathan stood up and helped Kayla to stand up as well. Again electricity shot through his body and the moment Kayla was steady on her feet he let go. He just stood there and watched her walk away. As soon as Nathan saw she had gone down the steps of the deck, he blew out a harsh breath and sank back into the armchair.

"I am proud of you." Frank said. "I know that wasn't easy. Sorry about earlier."

"Thank you." Nathan said. "No you were right. I was very close to crossing a line I said I wouldn't and I would have regretted it. So, thank you again."

"You are welcome." Frank said. "Now, I am going to bed."

"Goodnight." Nathan said. "I am going to be up for a bit longer."

Frank nodded and went to his room. Nathan sat there, his emotions still a jumble, but at least he had a clear direction moving forward. He also knew that he was going to have to be careful about being alone with Kayla where others might not easily walk in on them. The desire between them was too strong and could easily take over. Nathan leaned forward in the chair and bowed his head.

"Lord God." Nathan prayed. "Help me to be the man You want. Help me to find a way to make this work if it truly is what You want for me. If it is not Your will, please give me the strength to walk away. Please keep us all safe as we travel back to New York. Help me to know how to help my sister and be there for Allie. I ask that You reach Your healing touch upon Colleen's body. Please don't take her from us. Allie needs her mother and I need my twin. I humbly asked these things in Your Most Holy Name. Amen."

Nathan sat there for a few more minutes before going to his room and making sure his stuff was packed as best as he could, knowing he could finish in the morning. After five minutes the call of the bed was too strong as it had been an emotionally exhausting day. Nathan didn't even change, just kicked off his boots and jeans and crawled in bed. He had barely laid down his head and fell asleep dreaming of Kayla and five little ones running around a meadow chasing dog.