Elizabeth came down the stairs of her rowhouse, feeling a little tired. It had been a long couple of days, full of ups and downs. She was looking forward to writing in her journal. The feelings she was experiencing needed to be processed, and she knew she could do that best by writing.

A knock sounded at the door. Elizabeth paused, surprised. Had Rosemary forgotten something when she was over spending time with little Jack? She headed for the door and pulled it open.

Her heart skittered in her chest.

Nathan stood there, an unreadable look on his face. They stood looking at each other for a moment before Elizabeth recovered. "Hi," she said, sure her shock was written all over her face.

"Hi," he returned with a small smile, his eyes darting from hers to the side and back again nervously. "Um, I'm sorry to bother you so late."

Elizabeth shook her head. "It's alright." She drew in a quick breath. "Little Jack just fell asleep."

They stood there for a moment. Nathan's mouth opened and closed, and he looked down as crickets chirped in the background.

"Would you like to come in?" Elizabeth asked, stepping aside so he could enter the house, her emotions scrambled. Why was he here? Their last meeting hadn't been what she expected, and now here he was on her doorstep.

Nathan stepped forward, looking hesitant. "Thanks," he said, coming into the room. Elizabeth shut the door behind him and turned, taking the few steps needed toward him, not yet able to meet his eyes.

Nathan spoke first. "I feel like, umm…" He smiled nervously. "About the other night, I owe you an apology." He nodded, taking a breath. "I overreacted about a few things."

Relief flooded Elizabeth, as did a desire for him to know the truth. "Nathan, the last thing I want is to hurt...anyone." She almost said you but caught herself in time. "And I can see how things looked from your perspective."

Nathan gave a little smile. "You mean, in the woods?"

That wasn't all she meant, so she simply said, "That too."

He saw what she meant. She could see it in his eyes. An acceptance, a relief. He looked down, then back up and said, "I just, I want to let you know that I appreciate your courage, going out there after Emily."

Those simple words touched her heart, and she gave him a tremulous smile.

He continued. "You followed your instincts, and...if you can't do that, then you're in real trouble."

Elizabeth stared into his blue eyes, her feelings rolling through her. They confused and terrified her at the same time, but they were there. "Well I guess I'm just...following my instincts then."

Nathan's brow furrowed. "About...what?"

"Everything," Elizabeth said, nodding slightly, knowing she spoke the truth. Her instincts were leading her to Nathan. They had been for a long time. She just hadn't been ready to acknowledge them.

The moment stretched between them, and Elizabeth's instincts once again told her what to do. Nathan's emotions were dancing across his face, and in that moment she felt an overwhelming urge to show him how she felt, though she couldn't yet say the words.

She stepped forward, invading his personal space. They hadn't been this close since they'd accidentally brushed against each other last Christmas while decorating his tree. Elizabeth could hear Nathan's sharp intake of breath as she stood on tiptoe and reached up, pulling his head down until their lips touched.

For a moment time froze. Nathan's shock was obvious, and Elizabeth wondered for the briefest of moments if she had made a mistake. Then Nathan's arms came around her, pulling her closer. A thrill ran through her as he returned her kiss, a passion ignited in him that she hadn't known existed. He was both passionate and gentle, and for the first time in a long time Elizabeth felt an intensity of emotion that completely engulfed her.

Nathan pulled back first, leaning his forehead against hers and closing his eyes.

"Elizabeth, I just want you to be safe," he said softly, conviction ringing in his voice. He smiled and lifted his head, revealing to her his heart. "Because…" He took a deep breath, then let it out. "Because you matter to me."

His words filled her with both joy and trepidation. He had admitted his feelings and they had shared a kiss. They couldn't go back now. Her heart beat double time, and she looked at him with an expression she couldn't name. Was she ready to move on? Was she ready for another relationship, a relationship with this man, this Mountie who was both so similar to and so different than Jack?

For a second, it looked like he might say something more, but instead he simply said, "Goodnight," and walked to the door.

Elizabeth turned, mouth open, surprised by his revelation and her own feelings. What else had he wanted to say? "Goodnight," she said in return, watching him go.

He looked back at her words, so many emotions crossing his face. He gave her a little smile, then turned and walked into the night, shutting the door behind him.