"What's that song you're humming mama?"

"What's that, honey bear?" Elizabeth was so lost in her thoughts, she had no idea she had been humming to herself while she was making dinner.

Elizabeth was trying to find ways to keep herself busy while they got adjusted to their new routine. Charlotte spent a good deal of time in the main part of the boarding house looking after business. Nathan was getting adjusted to his new duties in Cape Fullerton, Hargreaves was not exaggerating when he said the Mounties were inexperienced. He definitely had his work cut out for him.

Allie was currently somewhere in the apartment, and she suspected, on yet another phone call with Deputy Garrett. Elizabeth had yet to tell Nathan just how often she witnessed Allie on the phone with Oliver of late. He had enough to worry about right now.

Elizabeth had taken to cooking most nights for the family, particularly since cooking was not a skill Charlotte Thornton had ever mastered.

They were all adjusting to this new life, temporary as she hoped it would be. They all had dinner together in Charlotte's apartment, then Elizabeth and Nathan would put Jack to bed. Charlotte and Allie would both retire early to read, leaving Nathan and Elizabeth an hour or two to catch up on their day together, before Nathan would retire to his room in the boarding house. Though if Elizabeth were honest, parting was becoming harder every night. She sometimes wondered what they were waiting for, were they not already a family. She was trying to work up the courage to broach the subject of marriage with Nathan. She knew they had already discussed their future together, but they had never quite used the formal term.

"Dinner smells great Lizzie! So glad your skills in the kitchen have improved. Ah…is that 'You Made Me Love You' you were humming just then? Nice song, though I'm more of a fan of the older music."

She heard a slight laugh stifled behind her as she saw Nathan come in behind Charlotte.

"It happens to be my favorite song." Nathan beamed as he gave her a wink. Elizabeth's cheeks blushed, as Nathan raised an eyebrow at her. She knew he could read her like a book. Perhaps tonight might be the time to start the conversation.

"Where's Allie?" Nathan inquired.

"She's on the phone with Oliver. She talks to him ALL the time." Little Jack said with some annoyance.

Nathan again raised an eyebrow and this time Elizabeth stifled a laugh, as Nathan went to find Allie.

"So, is this Oliver Allie's boyfriend?" Charlotte inquired.

"They're good friends." Elizabeth replied.

"Right, Lizzie, like you and Nathan are good pals." At that, again Elizabeth's cheeks burned red. Charlotte's look turned serious, "Lizzie, you know I'd be happy for you, Jack would be happy for you, if you were to marry again."

Elizabeth was about to answer when Nathan and Allie came into the room.

"I just don't want you getting distracted, your last year of schooling is coming up."

"Daad, Ollie and I are just friends. He's keeping me up to date on Hope Valley and Scout." Allie rolled her eyes and joined Jack on the couch, ready to play a game with him to keep him occupied and signaling the end to their conversation for the moment.

Nathan came into the kitchen and gave Elizabeth a quick kiss and asked what he could do to help.

"You could chop those carrots for the stew."

The rest of the evening passed like normal. Once it was just Nathan and Elizabeth left in the living room, Elizabeth leaned back into Nathan's arms on the settee.

"So, are you going to make me ask what's on your mind?" Nathan inquired.

Elizabeth took a deep breath. "I've just been thinking a lot lately, about you and me. Nathan, I know we've discussed having a lifetime together and our future together, but there's actually one thing we've never really discussed…that is…do you…I mean…"

"You want to know if I see us married in the future?"

Nathan turned her slightly, so she could look at him, "Elizabeth Thornton, there is nothing in this world, except maybe the good health of Jack, that I want more than to be your husband. To spend every night with you in my arms. I just wasn't sure if you were ready to discuss that yet, with everything we've been through."

"I think it's because of everything that we've been through lately that I'm more than ready to discuss being your wife, Nathan Grant. In fact, there's nothing I'd like to discuss more than that."

Nathan ran a hand through her hair and caressed her cheek.

"Well then, Lizbeth, I'd like very much to discuss this topic further with you. However, there is something I'd very much like to do first," and with that he took her in his arms and gave her a very passionate kiss.

Talking can be overrated, is one of the last thoughts Elizabeth had, until she gave into the kiss, which chased every other thought out of her mind, for now…