Five Years Later

"Mom, it's time to go!" Jack called.

"I'm coming," Elizabeth called back, pinning her hat in place for their family walk. Over the years the Grants had gotten into the tradition of taking long walks after church on Sundays. It was a tradition Elizabeth looked forward to each week. This particular Sunday was going to be a very special walk.

"Mama, mama!" The voice of her youngest child interrupted her thoughts. Little Emma stood on unsteady legs, pulling on Elizabeth's skirt. "Up!" she said, holding one arm up while holding tightly to her mother's skirt with the other. Elizabeth gently lifted her daughter, kissing her cheek.

"Are you ready to go walking?" she asked. The little girl nodded, a smile lighting up her face. Only a few weeks ago, their family had celebrated Emma's first birthday. She was growing up so fast, too fast for Elizabeth's liking.

"Okay, baby, let's go see Daddy and your sisters and brothers," Elizabeth said, carrying Emma to the steps.

Emma clapped her hands. "Daddy!" she exclaimed in delight. The child loved both of her parents, but she was clearly a daddy's girl.

Nathan met them at the bottom of the stairs. "There are my girls!" he said with a big smile, reaching out to take Emma. She practically leapt into his arms, squealing with delight when he tickled her. Nathan leaned over to give Elizabeth a kiss. "Are you ready to go?" he asked.

"Yes," Elizabeth said. Looking around, she noticed that none of their other children were in the room. "Where is everyone?"

"They're outside," Nathan said, walking towards the door. "The twins were getting into a bit of a wrestling match, so I told them to go play in the yard."

Elizabeth chuckled. Their three-year-old twins, identical boys who looked a lot like their father, were incredibly energetic and loved to play rough-and-tumble games. Since it was summer, it was easy to let them play outside. The boys loved it.

Opal walked sedately into the house. At sixteen, she was going to leave them soon to train at a university as a teacher, following in her mother's footsteps. "Mom," she said, her voice laced with the tone of a concerned older sister, "William and Joseph are getting dangerously close to rolling all over your flower garden. Jack and Cassie are trying to keep them from it, but I think they're fighting a losing battle."

Elizabeth laughed and put an arm around Opal. They were the same height now, and had developed a very close bond over the years. "Then we'd better start walking to town," she said, chucking Opal's chin gently. They walked out the front door together. Nathan followed close behind with Emma still in his arms.

"Alright, boys, let's go!" Nathan called to the twins. William and Joseph immediately came running, gathering around Nathan and chattering rapidly over each other.

"Those boys must have taken lessons from Aunt Rosemary on how to talk," Opal said with a grin. "They never stop!"

"They are definitely energetic," Elizabeth agreed. Cassie came running up to her, holding out a hand. Elizabeth took it and smiled at her five-year-old. Cassie's red hair was shining in the sunlight, and her blue eyes were wide and innocent.

"Are we going to see Allie now?" Cassie asked.

"Yes, honey, we are," Elizabeth said. "Are you excited to see her?"

"Yes!" Cassie exclaimed. "I've missed her."

"Me too," Opal said. "To think it's been almost five months since we've seen her!"

Elizabeth hugged Opal to her side. "And you'll be going away with her at the end of the summer." Tears sprang to her eyes at the thought, but she pushed them away. "I'm so proud of you girls for chasing your dreams."

"Allie does love nursing school," Opal said. "And I'm excited to receive my training to be a teacher." She smiled. "It'll be a bonus to be able to live with Allie in Hamilton. She says it's a lot of fun living with Grandma and Grandpa, and can't wait for me to come too. We get to share a room again."

"Are you sure you want to do that?" Elizabeth asked as they walked down the path. Nathan was ahead of them, holding onto Emma's hand as she toddled along cautiously. Jack walked close behind Emma, arms outstretched slightly, ready to catch her if she decided to fall backwards. He was a doting older brother, and Emma was special to him. The twins were running ahead, stopping from time to time to make sure Nathan was following. Cassie stayed at Elizabeth's side.

"Of course!" Opal said. "I've missed sharing a room. I don't think I would like being on my own."

Elizabeth chuckled. "That's a testament to how close you two are. As close are your Aunt Julie and I were, we never wanted to share a room together."

"Oh, I forgot to tell you!" Opal said, her eyes lighting up. "Aunt Julie and Uncle Tom are going to have a baby!"

"What?" Elizabeth exclaimed, staring at her daughter. "How could you possibly know that? Julie would have told me!"

Opal looked a little sheepish. "Allie overheard them telling Grandma and Grandpa, and she told me." She grinned. "So when she tells you, act surprised."

"Opal!" Elizabeth said with a laugh. "How am I supposed to act surprised?"

"Ask Aunt Rosemary for a quick acting lesson?" Opal suggested. She laughed and then skipped ahead to catch up with Nathan.

Elizabeth shook her head. "That sister of mine!" she said to Cassie. "I can't believe she didn't tell me yet!"

Cassie, not understanding the importance of her Aunt Julie having a baby, pulled on Elizabeth's hand. "Let's go get Daddy," she said, starting to trot. Elizabeth lengthened her stride until they were side by side with Nathan.

"Julie and Tom are having a baby!" Elizabeth exclaimed to her husband. "And she hasn't told me yet!"

Nathan raised a brow, looking amused. "I'm sure she is waiting to tell you in her own time," he said.

Elizabeth tilted her head, studying him. He was suppressing a smile, which meant he knew something. "Nathan...what is it?" she asked, giving her husband a knowing look.

"What is what?" he asked innocently. Looking around, he commented, "Isn't it a beautiful day?"

"Nathan!" she said again. "You know something I don't, don't you?"

He blinked slowly, his blue eyes disappearing for a moment. When they opened again, they were full of teasing. "That's for me to know and you to find out," he said, lifting Emma into his arms again so they could walk faster.

Before Elizabeth could say anything, they heard the train whistle blow. Jack clapped his hands in excitement. "That's Allie's train!" he exclaimed. "Let's hurry!" He started hurrying down the path, overtaking the twins. They squealed with excitement to see their older brother running, and each took a hold of one of his hands and they ran down the path together.

"Those boys are so close," Nathan observed, watching his three sons.

"It's wonderful, isn't it?" Elizabeth said, her eyes following them as well. She smiled reflectively. "We've been so blessed to have children who get along so well."

"Yes, when they're not fighting," Opal said wryly.

"Oh, that's part of the fun," Nathan said. "My sister and I fought all the time growing up, but we also loved each other fiercely." He grinned. "You all get along much better than Allison and I did."

A few minutes later, they arrived at the train station. Elizabeth stood on her tiptoes, looking around for any sign of Allie. A moment later, she heard her eldest daughter's voice calling, "Mom! Dad!" She turned to see Allie making her way toward them at a run, one hand holding her luggage and the other holding her hat in place.

"Allie!" Elizabeth said, holding her arms open to her daughter. Allie dropped her suitcase and lunged into Elizabeth's arms.

"Oh, I've missed you, Mom!" she said, holding Elizabeth tightly.

"I've missed you too, sweetheart," Elizabeth said, blinking back tears of joy.

Allie smiled at her and then turned her attention to Nathan. "Dad!" she said with a grin, hugging him tightly in turn. He held her close. "Hey, Allie-girl," he said. "It's so good to have you home."

"It's so good to be home!" Allie exclaimed. She grinned at all her siblings, who were crowding around her and demanding her attention. She hugged Opal tightly, then looked at all the others. "You've all grown since I last saw you!" she said. "Jack, you must be two inches taller than you were at Christmas!"

Jack smiled with a small blush. "Dad says I'll be as tall as him someday."

"I bet you will," Allie said. "And Cassie, you're looking prettier and prettier all the time."

Cassie wrapped her arms around Allie. "So do you," she said, returning the compliment and looking at her big sister with adoring eyes.

The twins ran circles around Allie, clamoring for her attention. She laughed and scooped each one up into her arms, giving them a kiss and a squeeze, much to their delight. Then she took little Emma in her arms and stared. "Emma Rose! When did you get so big? You were just a little baby several months ago, and now you're looking all grown up!"

Emma giggled, reaching her hands up to frame Allie's face. Her blond hair, the same shade as Jack's, blew in the wind, covering her face and Allie's. Allie chucked and brushed her sister's hair back. She smiled at her family members gathered around her. "It's good to be back," she said. Her smile turned mischievous. "Now I have a surprise for all of you."

Elizabeth put a hand on her shoulder. "Oh? What is that?"

Allie simply grinned and turned toward the train. Elizabeth's eyes followed, and she gave a little scream of surprise and delight. Julie was coming toward her, followed by Tom Thornton, her husband of two years.

"Julie! Tom!" Elizabeth cried, rushing toward her sister and embracing her. "What a surprise!"

"We just had to come," Julie said, her face aglow. "We haven't seen you in ages, and there's so much to share."

"Like your baby?" Elizabeth asked.

Julie's brows shot up in surprise. "How did you know?" she exclaimed.

Elizabeth smiled. "Opal might have ruined the surprise," she said, slapping her sister's shoulder. "I couldn't believe you didn't call me as soon as you found out! But I'm so happy for you!" She turned her attention to Tom. "How was she able to keep this a surprise?" she asked, giving her brother-in-law a hug.

Tom shrugged, his boyish grin as charming as ever. "She wanted to tell you in person," he said. He shook hands with Nathan and winked. "Thanks for helping us keep this a surprise," he said.

"Anytime," Nathan replied.

Elizabeth's jaw dropped. "Nathan Grant, you knew they were coming?" she squealed, shocked that her husband was able to keep that secret.

Nathan laughed at her expression. "I did. They called to see if they could stay with us, and I told them that would be just fine."

"How long have you known?" Elizabeth asked.

"Oh, about a week or two," Nathan said with a shrug.

Elizabeth stared at him. "How did you manage to keep that a secret?" she asked, flabbergasted.

Nathan chuckled. "I just imagined how surprised and excited you would be to see them," he said. "And thinking about seeing your surprised face made it easy to keep quiet."

Elizabeth laughed. "I'm impressed. And this is a wonderful surprise!" She linked arms with Julie. "I'm so glad you're here. And that I'm going to be an auntie to your little one!"

"We're very excited," Julie said. "I'm hoping the baby looks just like Tom." Her eyes landed on Jack. "Though I have to say, young Jack is looking more and more like Tom all the time. They have the same hair and eyes."

Elizabeth nodded. "He does look a lot like Tom. I was wondering if his hair was going to darken as he got older, but it's remained light. He must have inherited the fairer Thornton genes."

Tom came up behind them, looking at his nephew and seeming lost in thought. "He has his father's smile," he said quietly, so quietly Elizabeth knew he hadn't meant for her to hear. She put a hand on his arm and smiled gently. "You're right," she said. "He does."

Tom smiled at her, but his eyes were momentarily far away. Within a minute, he shook himself out of his reverie and joined in the family conversation as they all started walking back to the house. It was a fair distance, but no one seemed to mind. Everyone was caught up in the excitement of Allie being home and the additional surprise of Aunt Julie and Uncle Tom being in Hope Valley.

"Allie, we're having a get-together at the saloon this evening to celebrate your return home," Nathan said when everyone was settled in the house. "Everyone is looking forward to welcoming you back to Hope Valley, at least for the summer."

"That'll be fun," Allie said. "I can't wait to see them too."

"Especially a certain young man who has been eagerly awaiting your return?" Opal asked, eyes wide and deceptively innocent.

Allie blushed. "I don't know what you're talking about," she said demurely.

Cassie sat up straight from her place on the couch. "She's talking about Cody," she piped up loudly, stating what the whole family knew to be a fact.

Allie's blush deepened and she didn't respond. Elizabeth smiled knowingly. Her daughter and Cody had developed a special friendship over the years, and she and Nathan were sure that one day soon Cody would declare his intention to court their Allie.

The door opened and Elizabeth heard Rosemary's familiar "Yoo hoo!" as she came into the house. She was holding the newest member of the Coulter family, two-year-old Andrew, a sweet boy she and Lee had adopted from the orphanage in Brookfield several months ago. Rosemary came into view and gave a delighted sigh when she saw Allie. "Allie, my dear, it's been much too long!" Rosemary exclaimed, giving Allie a big hug. Lee was right behind her, and he greeted her as well. "Too long, kiddo," he said.

"Thanks, Aunt Rosemary and Uncle Lee," she said. Her eyes were glued to Andrew. "And who is this adorable young man?"

"This is Andrew. Say hi to Allie, Andrew," Rosemary said. Andrew smiled shyly at Allie and then he tucked his face into Rosemary's neck. Allie grinned. "He's so cute!" she said.

"We think so," Lee said with a grin. He and Rosemary said hello to Julie and Tom, and the conversation started up again. Elizabeth excused herself to check on the children. Her five younger kids were playing in the yard with Bella, Joy, and Patrick. They were engaged in a lively game of Red Rover. Elizabeth smiled as she watched them for a few minutes from the porch.

Nathan joined her. "It's almost time to head to town for the dinner Lucas is throwing for Allie's homecoming," he said. "Are we ready?"

"Yes," Elizabeth said, but she made no move to leave the porch. Nathan watched her for a moment, then wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "I know that look," he said, smiling slightly. "You're thinking about something."

"I am," Elizabeth said. "I was just thinking about how life doesn't turn out the way you think it will, and how that's okay. Sometimes it even turns out to be better than you could have ever imagined." She waved an arm out, indicating their children. "We have seven beautiful children to love and cherish. I have an amazing husband whom I adore." She grinned at Nathan and was rewarded with a kiss. "We are all healthy and happy. We get to live next to wonderful neighbors and have the best community in the world." She leaned a head on Nathan's shoulder. "We had to go through such sorrow and heartbreak to get here, but we have a beautiful life."

"We do," Nathan agreed. "I thank God everyday for you and our children and this life we have together."

Elizabeth nodded. "Me too." She was quiet for a few moments, reflecting. "I wonder what the future holds for the children," she said softly. "What will their stories be?"

"Time will tell," Nathan said gently. "But I do know one thing."

"What's that?" Elizabeth asked, gazing into his eyes.

Nathan smiled and cupped her face. "Each of them will have a beautiful story of their own. No matter what life brings them, we are raising strong, capable children who will be able to handle life with grace and faith."

Elizabeth smiled back. "I do believe you are right," she said. Her eyes softened. "I'm so thankful you're in my life, Nathan. And that we're walking this journey together. I love you so much."

Nathan kissed her gently. "I love you too, my darling Elizabeth. There's nowhere else I would rather be than here, living this life with you."

Author's note: Thanks again for all your support of this story! Keep an eye out in the weeks ahead for the start of a sequel entitled Hope Lives On. It'll tell the stories of Allie, Opal, Jack, and possibly Cassie, taking place about twelve years after this final chapter. And keep an eye out for a modern Elizabeth/Nathan fanfic, Island Hearts. I can't wait to share them with you! Until then, God bless!