Nathan smiled at Caitlynn when he saw her with Niniel watching Cookie Monster - easily one of his favorite of the many characters on Sesame Street.  Despite his fury at Jack; his smile showed none of that.  Instead, he was simply enchanted to see her there smiling more than he had in a long time.  He had already taken a shower after the lawn was mowed and trimmed, and wore only a simple black pair of shorts and his grey Gandalf t-shirt.  To Niniel, he went and gently placed a very soft kiss to her brow before coming over to her mother to join her on the couch...instantly pulling her closer.  It no longer seemed to matter to him if Jack walked in to find him holding her.  Not that he was due home for some hours, but he just didn't care.  She needed the reassurance that he wasn't just going to abandon her after all she had told him.  This was important in their relationship...a friendship that had endured several long years since that first dance, but with this newest twist for them - it was imperative she understand he wasn't going to leave...or treat her as damaged goods.<br/><br/>Nathan knew her well enough to know that Caitlynn would think that.  Knew she would think he would treat her differently, but the only difference there would be is he intended to shower her with the affection she truly deserved.  Knowing Niniel was glued to the TV with Cookie Monster; Nathan leaned in to whisper in Caitlynn's ear.<br/><br/>"I hope you understand you should never have had to go through that alone, Precious," Nathan whispered to her softly, but his voice held absolute conviction of his words.  She had gone through her darkest moments without him, and they had been all the darker because he was not there when she would have needed him the most.  That was unacceptable to Nathan, and he had to make sure she understood such was not welcome.  "Never let that happen again, Love.  I have always been here for you, and no matter what the situation is...no matter what is happening or happened...I shall never leave."<br/><br/>There, he had told her...he had pretty much just committed to her on a deeper level. Sure, it wasn't a wedding vow, but it was enough to show her that he was serious in committing to her.  Caitlynn didn't need more drama in her life...she had plenty already.  What she needed was her best friend to show her that she was not damaged goods.  That she was still beautiful, desirable, wanted, respected...yes, even that.  Respected was a very necessary thing for her to feel right now, because clearly Jack didn't.  He held her close, and laughed when Niniel squealed in delight at seeing Count Dracula counting bats.  She was so wonderful....so much like her mother, and Nathan couldn't help laughing with little Niniel.<br/><br/>"Did you have a good day at work?" Nathan turned to ask Caitlynn...his voice warmer than it had been in a long time towards her.  The love and affection he had for her was no longer hiding...it was there for any to read in his voice and in his blue eyes.