Elizabeth sat in her favorite chair, pen in hand, poised over her journal pages.

I cannot believe it has been two weeks since I have written in you, my faithful journal. While I used to write faithfully every day or every night, my waking moments have been spent embracing this new season in which I am finding myself.

Christmas evening continued to be wonderful after I asked Rosemary to be my matron of honor and Lee to walk me down the aisle. I had no idea that Nathan wanted Lee to be his best man, although it most certainly brought a smile to my face that he did. Lee truly cares about Nathan and is a great neighbor and friend. A friendship is blossoming between those two, I have no doubt.

Nathan and I both agreed that we wanted Bill to marry us. Hope Valley still continues to be without a pastor, as Pastor Zeke got a posting closer to his extended family in Cape Fullerton. Nathan has not known a steady pastor here in Hope Valley and the only other option I would consider was Pastor Frank. However, when I shared with Nathan my lack of desire on that front—for Pastor Frank had married Jack and me—Nathan, ever the loving man he is, suggested Bill. As a judge, he has the authority to marry us and truly, no one knows us better. We asked him and I can tell he was touched.

Ally squealed in absolute delight when I asked her to be a bridesmaid. In fact, she squealed for ten minutes straight, once she found out Opal would be my flower girl. I thought against having a flower girl, but Nathan insisted. I think he loves how Opal befriended Ally in their first days here in Hope Valley. Opal has also since told me that while she thought no Mountie would be as brave as Mountie Jack, she thinks she was wrong. Everyone is brave in their own way. Opal thinks Nathan was brave to go against Ally's father, Jesse Walker, which makes him as brave as Mountie Jack. I couldn't agree more.

I also have asked Clara to be a bridesmaid on my wedding day. She is the one connection to Abigail that still remains in Hope Valley. I have written to Abigail and told her of the wedding but I have yet to hear whether she, Becky, and Cody will be able to join us for the celebration. But while that thought does make me sad, Clara's presence by my side brings a smile to my face. Clara truly was given a second chance of love and happiness with Jesse. She has told more people that they are expecting a baby and she positively glows. I did not realize that when I was telling her love was worth the risk that I was also talking about myself. She knew though.

New Year's Eve was a wonderful affair. Lucas and Henry arranged for another movie to be shown in town and the evening ended in a fantastic fireworks show. While I was apprehensive about how Lucas would treat me upon Nathan's and my engagement, I was pleasantly surprised by his demeanor. We were civil and more importantly, he and Nathan held a conversation for a couple of minutes. Perhaps these two will form a friendship one day as Rosemary and I have done? Journal, I also could not help but notice glances that were exchanged between Lucas and a certain telephone operator. Fiona and Lucas would make quite a striking pair if I do say so myself.

Little Jack refused to leave Nathan's shoulders the entire fireworks show. That little boy positively adores Nathan. It is hard not too. I wait with bittersweet anticipation on when Jack will call Nathan "Dad." I have wondered if it would occur when he sees Nathan after his rounds, dressed in his Mountie red astride Newton. Jack knows what his father looked like; there are pictures around the house and in his room. Yet it would be so easy to think Nathan Grant and Jack Thornton are one and the same. Nathan will be the father that Jack knows and he will make a tremendous one to my precious boy.

I am so excited for this upcoming year. After so much sadness in my life, so much uncertainty in my heart, it makes me beam to think of becoming Mrs. Nathan Grant. When Nathan kisses me, I feel alive. When he holds me in his arms after an evening meal and it is just him and I on the couch, I feel as if time has stopped still.

The school year is upon us and all of the students are so excited for the promised theater Lee is building. Lee had a terrific idea of the children making artwork that can be displayed on the walls and changed throughout the year. I think they will be working on this project after the theater is built, when Nathan and I are on a honeymoon! Nathan refuses to give me any hints on where our honeymoon will be. I reminded him that my honeymoon with Jack was sleeping on the ground as we journeyed to his assignment. I do not need much or really, anything at all. But I know he has plans and I will not stand in his way. When that man is given the reins, he truly will move full steam ahead. I could not be more ready.