REGINA

Amy was feeling good. That wasn't to say that she didn't fall into bed and sleep hard at the end of the day, though.

She was struggling with Caleb being gone three weeks out of each month but she stayed busy and Lily had moved in so she wasn't as lonely as she could be.

"Mamama," Mason babbled from his high chair.

"Hi, baby." She kissed his head. "Love you sweet boy."

"Dada?"

"Daddy will be home today, Mase. Are you excited?"

He nodded, even though she knew he didn't know what exciting meant. "Me too," she whispered.

Lily walked in with Meri, walking next to her, hanging on to one of her fingers. "We have a clean diaper and we are ready to eat, aren't we Meri?"

Meri let go of Lily's finger and balanced, swaying slightly.

"Look at you!" Amy said clapping her hands. "Walk to me, Meri." She squatted down and held her hands out but Meri just sat on the floor. She was more timid than Mason who had started walking the month before.

Lily put Meri in her chair and kissed her goodbye. "I will see you in a week, ok?"

"Yes, thank you, Lil. I appreciate your help."

About an hour after Lily left, Caleb walked in. "Ames?"

Amy put Meri in her crib and walked out to see Caleb.

"Hi!" She walked over to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. "I'm so glad you're home." Her eyes filled with tears and then ran down her cheeks.

"Hey babe." He put his hands on her tummy. "Look at you. I feel like I'm missing this whole pregnancy."

"Nothing too exciting happening. You should be able to feel the baby move though."

He took her hand and led her to the couch, immediately putting his hand on her.

"Caleb?"

"Yeah?"

"Kiss me, please. I've missed you so much." He sat up and looked at her.

"If you insist." The hand that was on her tummy, moved to her cheek. Then his lips found hers causing her to melt. There was nothing as good as his kisses.

"Since the kids are napping, I think we should too," she said, standing up.

Who was he to argue?

HARRIS TOWN, THE RESTAURANT, THAT EVENING

Ben ate his amazing dinner, which was just a roast beef sandwich and chicken soup, and then signaled Abigail over.

"Let me guess, Ben. You want me to tell the chef that her food was so good you could eat it every day?"

"Precisely. Also, could you give her this, please?"

He handed her an envelope. "You got it. Apple pie, Ben?"

"Yes, but I'm hoping that Theresa will come share a piece with me." He always hoped, but she never did. Until today.

"I heard you wanted a piece of pie." She slid the plate in front of him and sat down next to him.

"Only if you'll share it with me." He squeezed her fingers gently. "Will you have dinner with me tonight?"

"I have to work, Ben. But Saturday I will." She ate a few bites. "Oh wait! I'm supposed to go to Frank and Abigail's Saturday. Do you want to come?"

"Sure."

They ate their pie, every so often touching hands or looking at each other. After a few minutes, Theresa stood up. "I should get back. See you tomorrow?"

"How about tonight? Maybe we can go for a walk."

"I get off at seven. Want to pick me up here?"

"Yes, I will." She touched his shoulder briefly and then was gone.

REGINA

"Caleb that sounds so dangerous!"

"If it was real, it would have been. This was a fake case with fake criminals. They have to throw us into situations that would be similar to what we could encounter at our own postings."

"I guess." She didn't look convinced.

"Swift says I'm a good shot because I rarely miss the target. I don't know about good, but it makes me feel good to have him compliment me."

"You've worked really hard to get on his good side. It's about time he recognizes it."

She put the chicken on the table along with the potatoes and gravy. Then she took the biscuits from the oven and set them on the table too.

Caleb put the twins in their chairs and then sat down to offer a blessing.

After their prayer, Caleb didn't let go of her hand. Instead he lifted it to his mouth and kissed it softly. "I love you so much, Ames."

"I love you."

Amy used her free hand to give the babies biscuits and eventually potatoes, all the while, gripping Caleb's hand as if he would disappear if she let go.

"Ames?"

"Yeah, babe?"

"Tomorrow, about three, I'm sending you to town."

"Oh yeah? Why is that?"

"Two reasons. One, I want you to have some time with just yourself."

"I don't want that, Caleb. I don't have much time with you as it is."

"Let me finish," he said quietly. She nodded. "The second reason is, at the dress shop in town, there will be something waiting for you."

"Like a gift?"

"Yes, like a gift. Now, you won't be gone long, and I will watch the twins. As soon as you're done, just come home."

"What are you up to, Cadet?"

"You'll see. Trust me."

"I do. With my life."

HARRIS TOWN, THE RESTAURANT

Ben walked in with a single daisy in his hand, just as the restaurant was closing. "Evening, Ben."

"Hi, Abigail."

"Theresa will be right out."

"Thank you." As he waited, he stared out the window at the town. He loved this town and the people in it. They were all kind and took care of each other. That's not something he was used to, coming from Calgary. Big city life was completely different and he had no desire to go back.

"Ben?"

"Hi," he answered with a smile.

"You ok?"

"I get to spend my evening with one of the loveliest ladies in town. Of course I'm ok."

"Ben," she said, her cheeks blushing.

"I speak the truth."

"You just seemed like you were somewhere else entirely."

"That may be true, but now, I'm here." He handed her the flower. "Shall we go?"

"Yes, let's go."

They walked down the sidewalk, not speaking, just enjoying being with the other person. He offered his arm, which she gladly took. As they walked out of town, he led her toward the stream he found the day before.

"Where are we going?"

"Just to the stream. It has a lovely view of the sunset."

When they arrived, he pulled a small box out of his pocket. She wouldn't dare jump to the conclusion that her mind wanted her to. She looked up at him, her gray eyes reflecting the water. "Open it."

She took the box, her hands shaking. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, and then opened it. "Oh, Ben. It's beautiful. An opal?"

"It was my mother's. When she passed, my dad's cousin made sure I received it. Something to remember her by. Honestly, I don't remember much considering I was only twelve and it was over twenty years ago."

"At the risk of ruining this moment, can I ask you something?"

"Of course. I appreciate honesty."

"Why didn't you give this to Renee?"

"I don't know."

"Ben, surely you loved her, I mean I know you did. I can see it."

"I did love her. She was there for me when my dad's cousin died. It honestly broke my heart when I lost her."

"But?"

"But, I wasn't in love with her. She was my best friend and I wanted to be with her." He took the necklace from the box and turned her gently so he could fasten it. "We married because we thought it was logical. We slept in separate rooms. We were only married on paper."

Theresa looked up into his eyes. "Ben, why are you giving this to me?"

He stared back and touched her cheek. "Because I love you, Theresa. I think I fell in love with you that first day at the boarding house. Your amazing eyes did something to me. They showed hurt and sadness and I wanted to be the one to make them show happiness."

"Ben, you love me?" She couldn't believe he said the words out loud.

"I do." He kissed her forehead, letting his lips linger.

"I love you too." He took her chin in his fingers and guided her mouth to his. The kiss was perfect and she tasted like strawberries. He tasted like mint and the feel of his warm lips against hers, made her heart race. "Ben," she mumbled, breaking their connection.

"Yes?" He placed his palm on her cheek, searching her eyes with his.

"I've waited a long time for you. Growing up without a father…I don't know, maybe the man I envisioned I would love was just a fantasy. Maybe because I didn't have a man to look up to, I wasn't being realistic in what I was looking for."

"Theresa, what are you saying?"

"I dreamed of you. I didn't know it was you, but the man was tall and kind and he loved me." A tear trickled down her cheek. "I thought I didn't have a chance in meeting someone so wonderful. I resigned myself to never having the whole family that I want so badly."

"You deserve to be happy and I can see that you are."

"Because of you, Ben. You make me happy."

CARLIN HOUSE, PORCH

Maddie had come over for dinner, at Dee's request, to celebrate their engagement.

"Your parents are so sweet, Nate. I can see that they support you and love you so much."

"They love both of us. My mom told me earlier that she can't wait to have another daughter."

"I can't wait to have another mother."

"June 2nd."

"What's June 2nd?"

"The day you become Maddie Carlin and we don't have to keep our distance anymore."

"Pretty sure we aren't very distant right now." They were standing facing each other, arms wrapped tightly around the other, their lips only about an inch apart.

"True, but tonight, you can't stay."

"No, I can't." She touched his lips briefly with hers. "Love you."

"Love you." She stepped away and walked home, a smile on her face, loving the way Maddie Carlin sounded on her fiancé's lips.

THE THORNTON HOUSE

Maddie walked in to the living room and sat down next to Em. "Hey."

"Hey," Em responded.

"Will you be my maid of honor?"

"Yes! I thought you weren't going to ask me."

"Of course I would. You are my best friend."

"I know, you just didn't say anything."

"I know. I'm sorry. I'm glad you are going to be up there with me."

"You and me, sister. I'll always be with you, even if we don't live together." Maddie sighed and slipped her arm through Em's.

"This is scary but wonderful at the same time."

"Why scary?"

"Growing up, not living with mom and dad or you, living as a wife, not a kid. Then just everything. It's scary."

"Yeah, it will be weird not sharing my bed with you. I'll be lonely."

"Em, you could always share with Carlie."

"Bite your tongue. She kicks in her sleep. I'll be one big bruise." Maddie just laughed. "I wonder if Nate snores?"

"I don't know, but you do, so I'll be all right."

"I do not snore, Maddie!"

"Whatever you say."

REGINA, NEXT AFTERNOON

Amy kissed her children and husband goodbye and walked to Lily's house to pick her up. She thought it might be more fun to go with a friend.

A half hour later, they walked into Denise's Dress Shop. Amy usually made her own clothes, so she couldn't fathom paying full price for clothing. She picked up a price tag and gasped. Caleb couldn't possibly expect her to get a dress from there.

"Lil! Look at this. Fifteen dollars? I can't spend that much!"

"Amy, the woman behind the counter is waving us over." They walked over to the woman behind the counter. "Ma'am, we're sorry to bother you but I think there is a package here for an Amy Thornton."

"Yes, miss. One moment." The kind woman appeared a moment later with a large wrapped box, tied with a red ribbon, and a note on the top.

The envelope had "Ames" on it, so it was for her.

"Happy second Anniversary, my love. I want you to open the box and put it on. Forget about the cost. You are worth every penny. Here's to fifty more years of love, babies, and happiness.

Caleb

She looked at Lily and then lifted the lid, carefully moving the tissue paper aside. "Oh my!" She looked at the woman and her eyes filled with tears. "Ma'am, I don't know how much my husband spent, but I assure you we cannot…."

"Mrs. Thornton, forgive me, but your husband said you would object. However, this is already paid for. It's yours and I guarantee you will love it. Now, please step over to the changing room."

Amy took a deep breath and picked up the box, taking it to the room, asking Lily to assist her with the numerous buttons down the back. The dress was a dark red color, high empire waist to accommodate her tummy, with buttons down the back and a ribbon around the high waist, tying in the back.

The neckline was modest, but made her feel attractive at the same time.

Amy felt rich wearing such a lovely dress.

"Lil, I don't know what possessed him…"

"He loves you. I can only hope to find a husband like him one day."

"You will. Any man would be crazy not to pay attention to you."

"Yes, well, so far…"

"You must be patient. One day you'll meet him. Just be patient."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Don't call me that. You make me feel old."

"Yes, ma'am." They both giggled.

"I bet Caleb and your father know some pretty cute Mounties. Want me to talk to Caleb?"

"No! I don't. I can find my own Mountie…man."

"Especially in this town."

"Ok, enough about me. Let's get you home."

When Amy walked in the door, she heard laughter coming from the living room. Caleb was laying on the floor and the babies were climbing all over him, standing with their hands on his stomach and chest.

Mason looked over at her. "Mama!"

"Hi, Mase! Are you having fun?"

"Dada!" He said, patting Caleb's chest.

"Ames, you look beautiful. Do you like it?"

"Of course, but…"

"No buts. You never do nice things for yourself. You deserve this."

She looked down at the dress and sighed. She didn't buy extra things or spend on things that were frivolous. They were on a budget and would soon have three children.

Caleb knew she felt that it wasn't necessary. He stood up and walked over to her, grabbing her hands. "I know what you're thinking but just enjoy it. You look amazing and it's yours now."

She looked up at him and smiled. "Thank you, Caleb. Happy Anniversary."

He kissed her and then picked up the babies to take them to the table for dinner. "Who's hungry?"

A FEW WEEKS LATER, HARRIS TOWN

After a particularly nice evening with Nate, Maddie climbed the stairs to her parent's room. She knocked.

"Come in," Elizabeth said quietly.

"Hi, Mama."

"Hey Maddie." Maddie walked over and sat in the rocking chair by the window. "Something on your mind?"

"I've been thinking. I'd like to wear your wedding dress when I get married."

"Are you sure you don't want something new?"

"I'm sure. Dad said you looked amazing in your dress. I would love to wear it."

"It is a beautiful dress. Clara made it for me. I'd be honored if you wore it, sweetheart."

"May I try it on?"

"Of course." She placed Kylie in her crib and disappeared inside the closet for a moment. When she came out, the now sixteen year old wedding dress lay draped in her arms.

"It's beautiful," Maddie whispered.

"Honestly, I'm surprised that it survived all the moving around we've done over the years."

She helped Maddie step into it and buttoned up the back. "It's a little tight, but Penny should be able to let it out a bit."

"You are curvier than I was back then. Once this fits correctly, Nate will pass out when he sees you."

Jack, Abbie, and Jay walked in right then.

"Hi, Dad," Maddie greeted with a dimpled smile.

He stared for a moment and then sat on the bed and looked down. He was not ready for this. She looked just as lovely as Elizabeth had, but the thought of giving her away hurt his heart. Elizabeth squeezed his shoulder and kissed his forehead. "Love you," she mouthed.

"Dad?" He couldn't look. "Dad, do I look ok?"

He nodded. Jay noticed his tears. "Daddy sad? See Me Me. Pretty!"

Elizabeth scooped up Abbie and took Jay's hand. "Come on. Let's go have a snack."

Maddie watched her Dad crying on the bed. "Do I look bad? I don't have to wear this, I just thought…"

"Bug, you look just as amazing as your mother did in that dress. Nate will love it."

"Why are you upset?"

He stood up and walked over to her. "Because seeing you like this, made it all so real. I'm not ready to let you go." She wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face in his shoulder.

"I'm not going anywhere for a year."

"It could be ten years and I still wouldn't be ready."

"Nate will take good care of me."

"I know, but I want to be the one to take care of you."

"You did that, Dad. You raised me. You gave me everything I could ever need. You loved me with all of your heart, and I love you just as much."