"You're shivering." Constable Nathan Grant's voice broke through Elizabeth's reverie. She felt a jacket come over her shoulders, wrapping her in warmth and security. Immediately Elizabeth knew the feel of the material—it was the Mountie red serge.

Yes, she had felt that Mountie red serge on her body before. The day in the church when her first husband, Jack Thornton, had left to go to the Northern Territories. She had been with Jack all night, falling asleep on his shoulder, the red serge becoming a protective blanket. Jack had such pride in his Mountie uniform and to share it with her, in whatever small way, Elizabeth had known it was something special.

Now, the man who was pursuing her, Nathan Grant, had done the exact same thing. While many evenings were spent with Ally and Little Jack, their precious children, tonight had been an evening just for the adults. Nathan had come over for coffee and apple pie; they had sat on the front porch, talking and watching the sunset. It had been easy and wonderful as all their time had been.

Elizabeth had never thought she would feel certain emotions again—emotions like love, longing, desire, and even happiness. Nathan had been leaving her breathless for such a long time. It did matter if it was bringing her an apple or riding away on Newton. The gravitational pull towards Nathan was real and she was done denying it.

Nathan was being the perfect gentleman as the two of them began a relationship. He had told Elizabeth that he was ready to settle down in Hope Valley. But he also was never going to push Elizabeth. Nathan was much like a tortoise that way. He was Mr. Slow and Steady, a man Elizabeth could count on to always be there. A man who put his adopted daughter, Ally, first every day. A man who was already doing that with her and her precious son, Jack.

Nathan would be willing to give up being a Mountie for Elizabeth if she asked. She knew that because Ally had told her as much. Yet, as Elizabeth felt the warmth of the red serge protecting her from the crisp, autumn air, Elizabeth realized that was not what she wanted.

Elizabeth glanced over at Nathan, once again unable to catch her breath. Divested of his coat, Nathan sat in the chair next to her in his uniform pants and boots, suspenders, and white Henley. If he was cold, he did not show it. His muscles were taut even has he sipped his cup of coffee. Elizabeth shivered once more. This time it was not from the cold. It had been such a long time, but she still knew the emotions she was feeling—namely desire.

Nathan's blue eyes turned to Elizabeth and he smiled. "What?" He had caught her looking at him and he knew it.

"Thank you." Elizabeth said simply. "For your jacket."

Elizabeth felt herself standing up and closing the distance between her and Nathan. She stooped down and looped her fingers through his suspenders, noticing the feel of his tight muscles underneath the Henley. She drew Nathan closer so their lips were almost touching. Elizabeth could not believe she was being so bold in her actions but it was time. It was time for Nathan to know that he, and he alone, occupied her thoughts and her dreams and the direction of her future.

She gently grazed her lips against Nathan's. "Thank you for always keeping me safe," she whispered as she drew away. Elizabeth felt Nathan's arm snake around her waist. He stood up from the chair and cupped Elizabeth's face in his hand. The red serge fell onto the porch floor.

"Always," Nathan said. He kissed her gently. He had been hoping Elizabeth would take the reins and she had.