AN: So, I was planning on updating last night, but between working late last night and having an early shift today, it just didn't happen. Here is your new chapter though. Hope you're all still enjoying the story and thank-you to everyone who is leaving feedback. Love hearing from ya! Also, for those of you who have read my collection of drabbles, the Nathan and Gabriel conversation might seem familiar as I used the one drabble as a framework for part of this chapter.


Nathan stood in the doorway of the house's large living room. Though Lillian had hid away the Christmas gifts for the children, Ally had been allowed to present the ornaments and cards from the children of Hope Valley to the children at the orphanage. The gifts were causing quite a bit of commotion for the children, who were examining and exclaiming over each of the items. From the look on her face, Nathan could tell that Ally was satisfied that their presents had received such a warm reception. He had a feeling that she would be eagerly telling her classmates about everything come Tuesday morning. He just hoped Elizabeth didn't have too much trouble with getting her classroom to come to order.

"It's nice to see the children so happy," Gabriel commented as he approached. "Things aren't always the easiest for them. The townfolks weren't exactly welcoming at first but things are changing."

"I'm glad to hear it."

"If you're ready to go in town to pick up the package, Lillian said you can borrow her horse."

Nathan glanced back at Ally.

"She'll be fine here with the other children," Gabriel replied, following his friend's gaze. "Lillian knows where we're going and she and Grace will keep an eye on her."

Nathan nodded. "She might not even notice I'm gone," he admitted, looking from Ally to his friend. "Let's go."

The two friends headed out of the house and to the barn. Apollo was in one of the stalls next to the two horses who had pulled the wagon from Hope Valley to Brookfield. Gabriel pointed out Lillian's horse to Nathan and the two Mounties set about getting the horses saddled. It wasn't long before they were both on horses and heading back toward the cluster of buildings that made up Brookfield.

"I don't think Joe quite believes me that I ordered the ring for you," Gabriel said as he rode next to Nathan. "Granted, I think the whole town knows that I'm officially courting Lillian now, but I don't think we're quite at that point yet."

"Is that why you insisted that I be the one to pick it up from him?" Nathan asked.

"Yes," Gabriel replied. "I figured Joe would believe it that way. After all, the ride from Hope Valley to Brookfield is a bit of a long one to undertake just to perpetuate a ruse."

Nathan laughed. "Well, you know I did bring the gifts from the people of Hope Valley for the children."

"Which Joe doesn't know about," Gabriel commented. "Lillian has been trying to keep things quiet on that front simply because she doesn't want to risk one of the children overhearing something."

"I'll keep quiet. As the children already know about the ornaments and cards from the children of Hope Valley, that's all that need to be mentioned about why I'm here. Though of course I will make sure that Joe knows that I'm the one that wanted the ring ordered," Nathan told him.

"I appreciate that," Gabriel nodded. "Although, if I get my way, I'll be ordering a ring for Lillian sooner rather than later," he admitted to his friend. "I just don't want Lillian to feel like I'm rushing her. The orphanage is a huge responsibility. Both she and Grace give a lot of themselves to those children. They're both still getting use to the idea of doing things for themselves as well."

"It's a good thing that you enjoy children," Nathan commented, knowing that the situation wasn't one that he would want to face. The prospect of raising Ally had been scary enough. He couldn't imagine the prospect of gaining six, or more kids, at one time.

Gabriel smiled. "I was the one who always wanted a large family," he admitted. "This wasn't exactly the way I envisioned it, but knowing that loving Lillian means caring about the children of the orphanage doesn't scare me at all. I'm looking forward to taking them out looking for a tree next weekend. They even want to get a little one my office in town."

"I'm surprised Ally hasn't come up with that idea for my office," Nathan said. "She is excited at the prospect of getting and decorating two trees this year and wants us to involve Little Jack this year as well."

"Ally is going to make a great big sister," Gabriel commented. "Have you made up your mind about when and how you're going to propose to Elizabeth?"

"I've thought about it."

"And?" Gabriel prompted.

"Every scenario I come up with ends in Elizabeth saying no," Nathan admitted.

Gabriel bit his lower lip in an attempt not to laugh. He wanted to be the supportive friend in this situation. In the end, he couldn't help but laugh.

"Thanks, a lot," Nathan muttered.

"I'm sorry," Gabriel said, getting his laughter under control. "I'm sure you're not the first person to think the woman they plan on asking to marry them might say no, but I also think you've probably come up with some sentimental and touching way to ask Elizabeth. You're just scared to actually take that step."

"What if I ask her, and the prospect of marrying another Mountie actually sinks in."

"Don't ask her while wearing the uniform," Gabriel suggested.

Nathan shot him a look.

"Okay, not helpful," Gabriel admitted. "Do you love her?" Gabe asked.

"Yes."

"Can you see the two of you celebrating a ten year anniversary down the road?"

Nathan paused. The answer was easy. He could see Elizabeth by his side for years to come. She could picture her by his side when he gave Ally away one day. He could picture them together when Little Jack finished school. He hoped they might even have a child, or two, of their own at some point.

"A future with Elizabeth is easy to imagine, but so is her telling me no when I ask her to marry me," Nathan finally replied.

"Then stop trying to figure out what Elizabeth is going to say," Gabriel replied as they reached the buildings of the town. "Let's just pick up the ring that is waiting. Then after that, you and I are going to have a chat about what to do with the ring after that, though I may end up asking Lillian before you get around to asking Elizabeth the way you're talking."

"Funny," Nathan replied. "Why did I get you involved in this in the first place?"

"Because you didn't want Elizabeth to find out you were carrying a diamond ring around through idle talk," Gabriel replied. "Although in that scenario you could have maybe had Ally ask Elizabeth for you."

"You're enjoying this, aren't you."

Gabriel's answer was a soft chuckle.

No other words passed between the two as they finished their ride to Joe's stores. Reaching the store, Nathan and Gabriel dismounted and tied the horses. Deciding that he didn't want to find out what Gabriel would say if he let his friend take lead, Nathan led the way into the store.

Nathan was relieved to find the store empty except for the merchant. Joe was behind the counter and smiled as the two Mounties made their way into the store.

"Constable Grant!" Joe said. "Gabriel said you were coming for the weekend. It's good to see you again."

"You too, Joe," Nathan said, extending his hand as he walked forward.

The two men shook hands.

"So, Gabriel here is claiming the ring he ordered was for you," Joe commented as he moved to one of the cabinets behind the counter. Taking a small set of keys from his pocket he unlocked it.

"It is," Nathan admitted. "I didn't want people whispering while I worked up the nerve to asking the question."

"I guess I can understand that," Joe commented, unlocking the cabinet and withdrawing a package. Turning to face Nathan, the store owner held out the package. "I remember how I felt before asking my late wife for her hand in marriage. Never felt so scared in my life. My advice, ask the question sooner rather than later. The sleepless nights aren't worth putting it off."

"Uh, thanks for the advice," Nathan said a little uncomfortably as he accepted the package. Unable to wait to see the ring, he started opening the package.

"So, this one might not have been yours after all," Joe said, looking to Gabriel, "but when are you going to order Lillian's ring?"

"When I'm good and ready to," Gabriel replied. "I may just have to order it through the mercantile in Hope Valley just so I don't have to listen to you while I wait for it to come in."

"I'll still find a way to give you a hard time," Joe countered.

"I'm sure you would," Gabriel replied. Looking from Joe to Nathan, he found his friend looking at the ring shining from the little velvet box. "I hope that one is acceptable. You didn't give me many instructions to go off of."

"It's perfect," Nathan replied, closing the box and slipping it safely into a pocket. "I can't believe I'm actually going to do this."

"The quicker the better. Remember that," Joe said again.

"And you are going to do this," Gabriel told his friend. "I'm going to see to that."

The ringing of a bell signaled the entrance of another patron. Thanking and saying a good-bye to Joe, Nathan and Gabriel left the store.


Finishing the story, Rosemary closed the book. Looking down, she saw that both Bridget and Ivy had fallen asleep during the story. She wasn't surprised. The day had been an unusual and tiring one for them all. There had been the rush of getting ready this morning and then the long drive to Union City. Then there had been the visit with their brother whom they hadn't seen since before the accident. Though they had been hesitant about seeing their brother, Bridget and Ivy had excitedly talked about the visit during their dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Leaning over, Rosemary kissed both girls on the forehead, before standing up and slipping from the room. Leaving the door to the room open, she crossed the living area of the hotel suite to the room she was sharing with Lee.

As Rosemary entered the room, Lee looked up from the newspaper he had picked up earlier in the day. He had already changed for the night and was relaxing in the bed.

"Did they fall asleep okay?" Lee asked his wife.

"They were out before I finished the story," Rosemary replied, as she slipped into bed beside her husband. "It's been a long day for them."

"It's been a long day for all of us," Lee replied, folding his paper and setting it aside. "How are you doing Rosie?"

Rosemary smiled as she reached out and took her husband's hand. "I'm doing fine, Lee. Don't worry about me. As much as I care for those two girls, I'm keeping in mind that I may have to give them up if that is what is best for them. Lillian and I talked a little bit before she left and she told me to remind myself of that everyday so that it doesn't feel like a surprise when the time comes. I've been doing that. I've even reminded myself of that on more than one occasion today."

Lee gave Rosemary's hand a squeeze. "I'm proud of you."

Rosemary smiled at Lee in response to the compliment. "So, what did Constable Peterson want to talk to you about this evening?"

When Bridget had left from visiting her brother, she had told Lee that her brother wanted to speak with him alone. Rosemary had stayed in the hallway with the two girls.

"He wanted to thank us for taking care of the girls and for bringing them to see him. He said seeing his sisters was a boost to his morale. Constable Peterson also shared with me that he's still having some complications from the head injury. He apparently has spells of blurred vision and dizzy spells when he is up for too long. That's what is keeping him in the hospital right now."

"Is there anything the doctor's can do?"

"I guess they've done what they can," Lee replied. "He was told it would either go away as he continues to heal or it might be a permanent issue. He didn't say it, but I think he's worried, Rosie. I wanted to say something reassuring but I couldn't think of anything, other than assuring him that his sisters will be well cared for by us while he continues to recover."

"Well, I hope that is some reassurance to him," Rosemary commented. "Did he mention any other family?"

Lee shook his head. "Nathan hasn't mentioned anything either. I don't think there is any other family."

"He must feel so alone right now," Rosemary commented, even as her mind searched for something to do for the young Mountie.

"I was wondering how you would feel about extended an invitation to stay with us when the doctor's release him from the hospital," Lee ventured. "At least until he's back at work, if he can return to being a Mountie."

"We have the room," Rosemary said. "I'm sure the girls would like to have their brother nearby. I'd be fine with it."

"I'll extend the offer tomorrow then," Lee said, glad that his wife was okay with the idea. "Now why don't we try to get some sleep."

"You won't get an argument from me," Rosemary replied, leaning close for a goodnight kiss.