Sunday afternoon Kate put on her prettiest dress and helped Abby put wild flowers she had picked into her braid. The school teacher Miss Green was getting married, she had filled in for Elizabeth the past nine years, now she was getting married and going with her husband to his family's town ten miles away. Much too far to teach school, but Elizabeth would be taking over again come the fall term.

"There, pretty as a picture." Kate smiled tucking that last flower into Abby's hair. Abby grinned at herself in the mirror admiring her hair.

"What's a wedding like?" Abby asked.

"Well everyone will be all dressed up and Miss Green will wear a beautiful white dress. At the church they will say vows and we all pray over then, and then after there's a party with dancing and music and good food."

"I have never been to a wedding."

"Well you went to Dr Shepherds, and Clara and Jesse's but you were little."

"Have you been to a lot of weddings?"

"Not to many, but I went to Aunt Rosie and Uncle Lee's. And you parents wedding of course."

"Was Mama beautiful?"

"She was the most beautiful bride, You've seen the picture of their wedding in the hall."

"It's not the same."

"You're right, well I can assure you she was the most beautiful I have ever seen a person in my life." Kate said making Abby smile.

"Are you going to get married?"

"Perhaps, some day." Kate shrugged starting to fix her own hair.

"I don't want you too"

"Why not?"

"Because then you will move away like Miss Green." Abby said softly. Kate looked up turning to her.

"Not everyone moves away when they are married, I certainly won't. My work is here, I love Hope Valley far to much to leave, not to mention you all are here. I could never leave you." Kate said.

"Promise?" Abby asked putting up her pinky.

"I promise." Kate nodded wrapping her own pinky around Abby's making her smile.

"Are you girls ready?" Elizabeth asked poking her head into Kate's room.

"Ready." Kate smiled.

"Mama, you look so pretty." Abby smiled gently fingering Elizabeth's light blue dress. It was one of her special ones from Hamilton. Kate had on one of her Hamilton dresses too. They hadn't been back to the city in a few years so it was rare that they got so dressed up in their special dresses. Abby's dress was beautiful, a birthday present hand made from Rosemary but definitely not as nice as the ones from the big city.

"Maybe next time we can go to Hamilton we can buy you a dress. But you look beautiful no matter what." Elizabeth said giving her a smile.

"We all ready?" Jack asked poking his head in.

"Yes, all ready" Elizabeth smiled as they headed out to the wagon.

Jack pulled the wagon up to the front of the church as everyone in town was making their way there. Jack tied up the horses as Will hopped down from the back.

"Can we play on the swing with Aaron?" Will asked.

"Not in your suite." Elizabeth reminded him handing Lily to Kate so she could climb down.

"That's right, no getting dirty, you kids have to stay nice and clean for the day." Jack nodded lifting Abby down and setting her on the ground.

"There is the Thornton crew." Rosemary smiled as she and Lee walked up with Aaron who was tugging at his tie.

"Good Morning, Aaron don't you look handsome." Elizabeth smiled.

"This tie makes me feel like I'm going to be sick" Aaron muttered.

"Me too" Will nodded tugging at his own collar.

"Oh you two look like perfect little gentleman." Rosemary waved them off though neither boy seemed to take any comfort in hearing that.

"Look Bill is wearing a tie." Elizabeth said as Bill walked over to their group shaking hands with Jack and Lee.

"Your wearing a tie Mr Bill?" Will asked.

"Sure am, I heard you can't get the cake after if you don't wear a tie nice and straight." Bill nodded. Kate smirked as Will quickly tightened his tie to look like Bill.

"Let's go find a seat" Jack said as he and Lee ushered the kids into the church Rosemary and Elizabeth followed cooing over Lily in her little dress. Kate was about to follow when someone called her name. She looked down the road to see Eric walking towards her. He was dressed in his best suite, fancier then the one he wore to work everyday. His hair was combed back and his shoes were shined. Kate felt her breath leave her for a minute and she gasped to get it back as he closed the distance between then.

"Hi" He smiled.

"Good Morning" Kate smiled back.

"You look beautiful" Eric said, Kate felt the color rising in her cheeks as his eyes looked over her dress. She never knew how to accept compliments, Elizabeth was wonderful as graceful brushing them off and returning them, Kate would have to work on that herself.

"You look very nice too." She whispered.

"Should we go get a seat?" Eric asked offering her his arm. Kate took it and they climbed the steps. The Church was already pretty full as they slid into a bench behind Jack and Elizabeth and the kids.

"Every time I am in mass I always wonder what if must have been like to go to school here." Eric said looking around the school house.

"It was wonderful, Elizabeth is the best teacher, we always had a lot of fun. She is excited to go back to teaching fully, though she is nervous especially about leaving the baby."

"I'm sure she will be in capable hands with you and Abigail." Eric smiled.

"Did you know Jack built this?" Kate asked.

"Did he?" Eric asked glancing around impressed.

"Yeah, once when Elizabeth and I were in Hamilton for a while, they were just hardly courting, he build it for Elizabeth, it's probably the most romantic thing ever." Kate said.

"They have quite the love story, I still don't feel like I have heard all of it."

"Well, I think it's probably going to be one of those that never end." Kate smiled softly as the music started and the wedding began.

"I don't ever want to get married." Will said firmly as they climbed down the steps after the mass was over. The bride and groom had stolen away for a few minutes of alone time as Abigail, Kate, Clara and Faith were laying out the dinner for everyone. The tables were set up in the middle of main street where the sun was warm and the cool wind blew the table clothes in the breeze as everyone else was slowly making their way over from church.

"Why not?" Jack asked. Holding Tommy in one arm and holding Abby's hand as she skipped next to him.

"Because when you get married you have to kiss a girl!" Will cried. Jack Elizabeth, Lee and Rosemary chuckled.

"I think it's romantic" Abby sighed.

"You are to young to think such things." Jack cried.

"On nonsense she's nine now, that's plenty old" Rosemary said giving Abby a little wink.

"You know pal when I was your age I used to think kissing girls was yucky too." Jack said.

"You don't anymore." Will said.

"Yeah Pa, now you kiss Mama every day like 100 times!" Tommy cried.

"Well I don't know about 100, however I should kiss her 100 times a day." Jack said leaning over and kissing Elizabeth's cheek making her blush.

"Oh stop you." Elizabeth playfully pushed him away giggling.

"I'll tell you something William, one day, when you find a girl as pretty as your Ma, if there is such a girl out there, you will want to kiss her 100 times a day, mark my words." Jack said.

"No one is as pretty as Ma" Abby said

"Your Ma is very beautiful, however I am a lucky man that I have so many beautiful women in my life, you included." Jack said making Abby smile Elisabeth smiled watching Abby beam up at him. Jack was a wonderful father, he always knew what to say, especially to his daughters. Jack always credited Kate with that, he often said that he had raised Kate, with Kate's permission. They had grown together, her from a child to an adult, and him from a man to a husband and father.

"Auntie Kate kisses Eric, I saw them." Abby whispered.

"Are you spying on your aunt?" Elizabeth chuckled.

"No, I was minding my own business bringing the milk in from the barn and I saw them."

"Is Auntie in love?" Tommy asked.

"Oh it's much to soon to know that, Auntie and Eric are getting to know each other."

"Yuck" William said again making a face.

"Oh stop that you." Elizabeth waved him off as they gathered around the tables outside as Kate finished laying out dinner.

"This looks good." Eric smiled.

"It better, I don't think I have ever fed this many people before."

"Your food is good, it's always good don't worry." Eric said resting his hand on her arm calming her.

"Thank you, I'm sorry I can't sit with you during dinner."

"That's alright I know you have to work, but will you have time to dance with mer after?"

"I'll make time." Kate said making Eric grin.

After dinner the tables were cleared away. Someone brought out the victrola and music started playing, people were dancing and chatting as the sun was slowing going down. The children were playing and running between dancers skirts as everyone was enjoying themselves. Jack held Elizabeth close spinning her around the dance floor as she laughed getting dizzy. He stopped holding her tightly in his arms slowly swaying with her.

"Elizabeth Thornton you somehow get more graceful on your feet." Jack smiled. Elizabeth rolled her eyes making a face at him.

"No I mean it. You are by far my favorite person to dance with. I'm glad you choose me as your dance partner for the rest of your life." Jack said. Elizabeth smiled up at him.

"Getting all sentimental over this wedding are we?" She teased softly.

"Well on a day like this I can't help but remember our own wedding day. It's probably the very best day of my life."

"Mine too" Elizabeth whispered standing on her toes to kiss him softly as the music ended. There was a little cry off to the side and they looked over to where Rosemary was rocking Lily.

"I should go feed her."

"Alright. I'm going to go dance with one of my other ladies." Jack teased. Elizabeth smiled ducking out of the way as Jack turned scooping Abby off her feet as she ran by him chasing her friends.

"Hi Papa" She smiled

"Hi darling, are you having fun?"

"Yup, I like weddings." Abby smiled as Jack set her back on her feet putting her shoes on top of his starting to dance with her slowly.

"How come Mama is such a good dancer?"

"Well she took dance lessons when she and auntie lived in the city." Jack said glancing over to the side where Kate and Eric were dancing. Kate was laughing at something Eric was saying as he held her close, to close if it were up to Jack.

"Now you're the one spying on Auntie." Abby teased him.

"I just like to keep an eye on everyone in my family." Jack said. Is Auntie in love the way Mama was in love with you?" Abby asked.

"Oh I hope not." Jack muttered remembering back when he and Elizabeth had been courting. He hoped all the things he had been thinking and feeling weren't in Kate and Eric's head as well, but he figured he probably wasn't that lucky. The song ended and Abby ran off to play with her friends again. Jack spotted Kate heading into the kitchen to clean up at the party was starting to end for the evening.

"Jack help my move these tables?" Lee called. Jack nodded making sure Rosemary was keeping an eye on Tommy he lifted the end of the picnic bench Lee had as they started walking it back towards the church.

"Couldn't help but notice how cosy Kate and Eric were on the dance floor." Lee said.

"Yeah thank's for that reminder." Jack sighed.

"I'm glad you figured out what was going on and didn't keep him from her. He seems like a nice guy." Lee said.

"Yeah so far they seem to compliment each other well."

"Your not happy about it?" Lee asked knowing his friend so well after all these years.

"Still getting used to it I think."

"Well what does Elizabeth say?" Lee asked as they set the table down and both leaned back on it to chat.

"She's happy for her, I'm happy for her too. I'm just…." Jack trailed off looking back at the small group of party goers waving as Megan and her new husband climbed into his car driving down the dirt road.

"Afraid of that?" Lee asked

"Yes, is that awful?"

"Nahh, come on Jack you have been a big part of Kate's life for a long time. I mean I would be concerned if you weren't worried about her getting married and moving far away." Lee said clapping Jack on the back.

"She has the cafe, and she loves Hope Valley, but I'm afraid she might love someone more." Jack sighed as the two men started making their way back.

"Well, I don't envy you that's for sure. But the best you can do is support her, whatever her choice." Lee said.

"I know." Jack grumbled making Kate laugh.

"Oh aren't you just the prettiest baby in your little dress." Kate cooed at Lily fixing her dress. It was a hand me down from Abby, Rosemary had made it for her before she was even born. It was a beautiful pink dress with white lace, it was a pity babies grew so quick and she soon out grew it. But likely Elizabeth had saved it and it fit Lily perfectly now. Kate hummed softly as she slowly danced the baby around the empty room.

"Hi" Eric said popping his head into the kitchen.

"Hi" Kate grinned.

"Did you get to see Megan off?"

"Yes, she made sure to stop in and say good bye to Elizabeth and I."

"You're going to miss her huh?"

"She was just a wonderful friend. She taught me my last few years of school after Abby was born. And she was so good with Elizabeth popping in and out of the school house to teach lessons here and there between babies."

"Well Greenwood isn't to far, perhaps she will come back to visit."

"I hope so, but I have her new address so we will write often." Kate said.

"Thank goodness for mail" Eric said. He smiled at Lily as she chewed on Kate's arm.

"Oh, drool monster, I think she's getting teeth." Kate sighed trying to juggle the baby and dry her arm on the dish towel.

"Here, I can help." Eric said putting his hand out for the towel but instead Kate put Lily in his arm.

"Oh, hi, you know I have never held a baby before?" Eric said gently turning her to face him.

"Well you're a natural." Kate smiled watching as Eric placed a hand on her back. He gently patted her a few times.

"Oh be careful Elizabeth just…" Kate started but before she could finish Lily spit up sending white all over Eric's nice shirt.

"Fed her." Kate giggled as Eric looked horrified.

"Alright, first and last time I hold a baby." Eric said holding Lily out. Kate put the baby in her basket and wet the dish rag wiping off Eric's shirt gently.

"Sorry." She said holding back a grin.

"It's alright, I was asking for it I guess." Eric chuckled as Elizabeth came back down the stairs.

"Oh no, did she get you?" She laughed.

"Just a little bit." Eric laughed.

"He's being modest it was like a volcano." Kate giggle.

"Lily, that's not polite." Elizabeth laughed picking up the baby as she happily kicked her feet.

"If you drop it off tomorrow I can wash it for you." Kate offered.

"No need, no hard done." Eric said.

"You about ready to go?" Elizabeth asked Kate starting to collect her things.

"Yeah, I'll meet you out front in a minute." Kate nodded as Elizabeth headed out onto the porch.

"Sorry again about that." Kate said brushing the spot off one last time.

"It's alright. She's cute enough to make up for it. I don't have much experience with babies besides making funny faces at them until they smile." Eric said making Kate laugh.

"You seem like you are so comfortable with them all the time, all of them."

"Well I have been around everyday since Abby was born." Kate shrugged, she glanced out the window where Jack was lifting Tommy into the bed of the wagon.

"I should go, it's been a long day." Kate said.

"Yeah of course." Eric boded as Kate took off her apron.

"Hey Kate?"

"Yes?"

"Do you ever think about having children of your own one day?" Eric asked softly.

"Yes, I think I would want that one day." Kate smiled.

"I think about it too." Eric nodded

"What do you think about?"

"That I don't know if I would be very good at it, but I would like to try."

"I think you would be good at it." Kate smiled

"See you for breakfast tomorrow?" Eric asked.

"Yeah, see you tomorrow." Kate smiled standing on her toes to kiss him gently before hurrying out to the porch.

"There you are." Elizabeth said as Kate climbed up onto the bench beside Abby.

"Sorry, the kitchen was a mess." Kate said as Jack whistled and the wagon started home.

"Oh, are you sure nothing else was keeping you?" Elizabeth asked looking back, giving Kate a sly smile. Kate just shot her sister a look and Elizabeth smiled turning back to face forward.

"Morning Abigail." Elizabeth smiled gliding through the door to the cafe pushing the pram.

"Good morning, aren't you all early birds today." Abigail smiled as Tommy wrapped his arms around her waist in a warm hug.

"Jack took the day off to take Will and Abby fishing with Bill. They left before the sun, I thought the little ones and I could stop by for breakfast." Elizabeth smiled.

"Of course of course have a seat I'll get you some tea, my don't I feel safe with Hope Valley's two men of the law out in the woods." Abigail said ushering them to a table by the window making Elizabeth laugh.

"Lucky for us I think we can make it through the day without them." She chuckled sitting down and glancing out the window at the quiet street.

"Is Auntie here?" Tommy asked.

"She just took Gracie out to the Peterson's farm for some eggs, I expect her back soon." Abigail said pouring some milk for him.

"That's good she rode Gracie, she misses riding her." Elizabeth smiled softly.

"Oh you don't have to tell me, the days she rides that horse into town she's just looking for ways to get out and ride her all day. We don't even needs eggs but it was quiet and she insisted. She's like Jack that way." Abigail laughed.

"She is." Elizabeth smiled.

Abigail brought their breakfast out quickly and sat down with them having a cup of tea.

"Aunt Abigail you make the best pancakes ever." Tommy said taking a bite that hardly fit into his mouth.

"Thank you little man." Abigail chuckled wiping dripping maple syrup from his chin.

"How are you feeling about taking over the school all on your own in a few weeks?" Abigail asked turning to Elizabeth.

"Truthfully a little nervous. I was more then ready when Megan was here and we were talking about it. But now that she's gone and it's really all going to fall on me, I think it will be harder than I first thought." Elizabeth sighed.

"Well you have done it before and you did it wonderfully."

"Yes but I would just fill in here and there, I haven't been the only teacher since Abby was born."

"Elizabeth you have taught that school room beautifully though everything, through moving here, through trouble with your family, raising Kate on your own. When Jack was here, when he was gone, babies, snow storms, everything going on in town. You are a wonderful teacher and I have never once doubted your ability to put life's problems behind you and focus on what was best for the children of this town. You have done it before and I have no doubt you will do it again. And we are all here supporting you." Abigail said in her gentle yet firm way.

"Than you Abigail." Elizabeth smiled softly giving her friend's hand a squeeze.

"Yeah Mama you'r the best teacher ever." Tommy added making both women laugh.

"That's right she is, and how do you feel about starting school this year young man?"

"Well I like staying at the cafe with you and Auntie better." Tommy shrugged.

"Oh but you will love school, getting to play with all the other children, learning and recess." Abigail said.

"But it's not fair that Lily gets to stay here all day." Tommy sighed.

"Lily is a baby she can't go to school yet. I'll tell you what, you are always welcome to come by and visit at recess, and you will still come every day when your Mama comes to pick up Lily after school." Abigail assured him.

"Yes Ma'am" Tommy sighed eating his breakfast.

"Not so keen on going to school?"Abigail asked Elizabeth softly.

"I don't think I could convince him to go at all if I wasn't going back with him." Elizabeth whispered.

"Well all children are nervous. Remember Abby's first day. You had to sit on the steps of Jack's office all day so she could see you from the window." Abigail said.

"Kate and I switched off" Elizabeth chuckled making Abigail laugh.

"Not William though, he was so excited for his first day he didn't even want me to walk him to school."

"Well Tommy is different, he has a much gentler soul." Abigail said running her fingers through Tommy's blond hair.

"He does, I think he has a lot of my Mother in him." Elizabeth nodded as Lily let out a squeal from the buggy.

"And this little Lady, you can already tell she's going to be trouble!" Abigail teased, picking Lily up and holding her close.

"Mama Aaron is outside with Aunt Rosie, may I go play?" Tommy asked glancing out the window.

"Yes, but come back when they leave." Elizabeth nodded. Tommy ran to the door almost crashing into Kate.

"Morning" Kate grinned coming in the door greeting them in the empty cafe.

"There you are! I thought you went to England for those eggs" Abigail said.

"Nah, just took the long way, I passed Jack and Bill and the kids. They haven't caught anything yet." Kate said setting the basket of eggs down and sitting down beside her sister stealing one of her blueberries as Elizabeth swatted her hand.

"Good, the longer they are out for the day the more work I get done around the house." Elizabeth said.

"Behind on chores?"

"It's the end of summer and I still haven't finished all my spring cleaning." Elizabeth sighed.

"Well of course not, with three young children and a newborn who can blame you. Sometimes I think you as much to hard on yourself." Abigail said waving her off.

"Speaking of busy, Is it alright if I am gone Saturday?" Kate asked.

"I suppose we can manage, where are you going?" Abigail asked.

"Eric thought it would be nice to take his parents for dinner at the fancy hotel in Buxton." Kate said biting her lip.

"That sounds like a nice treat." Elizabeth smiled.

"When do his parents get in?" Abigail asked.

"Tomorrow afternoon stage, they have a room over the saloon until Saturday. Eric is going to give them a ride into the city Saturday we will have a nice dinner and they are staying there until the train back on Monday." Kate recited the schedule by memory.

"Are you nervous?" Elizabeth asked popping another blueberry into her mouth.

"No why?" Kate asked.

"Well what if they don't like you?" Elizabeth smirked clearly teasing her.

"Oh don't do that, of course they will love you sweet girl what's not to like." Abigail soothed standing up and taking the basket of eggs into the kitchen Lily still tucked into her elbow.

"What won't they like?" Kate asked looking worried. Elizabeth just shrugged looking like she was trying to think of something as she buttered her toast.

"You're mean." Kate muttered crossing her arms as Elizabeth giggled. Kate snatched the toast out of her hands taking a bite making a face at her sister and followed Abigail into the kitchen to start cooking.