Elizabeth gently stroked Allie's hair as the little girl cuddled beside her on the couch. It had been three weeks since her transplant. They were scheduled to have some blood tests today to see if the new marrow was working. Nathan was at the university, but he had promised to be home in time to go to the appointment with them.

"I'm tired," Allie said, burying her face into Elizabeth's shoulder. "Do we have to go to the doctor's today?"

"I'm afraid so, sweetie," Elizabeth said, pressing a kiss to Allie's cheek. "I know it's a lot."

"We were just there a couple days ago," Allie said, looking up at Elizabeth with a pleading face. "I don't like going. They always poke me with needles. I don't like needles."

Elizabeth pulled Allie closer. "I know," she said softly. "And I wish I could tell you there would be no needles today. But Dr. Shepherd is going to find out if the transplant from Uncle Jack is working. This is a very important test, honey." She smiled. "Tell you what. Why don't we all go for ice cream after your appointment? Does that sound good?"

Allie sat up a little straighter, the mention of ice cream perking her up. "Yes!" she exclaimed. "I want chocolate."

Elizabeth chuckled. "Chocolate it is."

Allie was quiet for a minute, studying Elizabeth's face. "Aunt Elizabeth," she said, "I have a question."

"What's that, Allie?"

The little girl chewed her lip for a couple seconds, then took a deep breath. "I know I said you're not my mom," she began. "And I don't want to forget my mom. But...but…"

Hope rose in Elizabeth's chest, but she tried to tamper down the excitement. She waited patiently for Allie to collect her thoughts. "Take as long as you need, Allie," she said quietly, holding the child a little closer.

Allie licked her lips and then continued. "Can I call you Mom?" she whispered, looking down at her hands.

"Oh, Allie!" Elizabeth said, tears escaping her eyes. "Yes, honey, of course you can! I would be honored." She looked into her daughter's eyes. "Are you sure about this?"

Nodding, Allie wrapped her arms around Elizabeth. "I'll always love my mom," she said. "But now you're my new mom. I love you too."

Throat working, Elizabeth held Allie close. "I love you so much, Allie," she whispered.

Nathan found them like that fifteen minutes later. His eyes widened at the tears falling down Elizabeth's cheeks. "What is it?" he asked, hurrying toward them and sitting beside Elizabeth. He took Allie's hand. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes," Elizabeth said, giving a happy little laugh through her tears. "Everything's fine, Nathan."

"I'm calling her Mom now," Allie said, smiling at Nathan from her spot against Elizabeth's shoulder.

Understanding dawned on Nathan's face, and a smile lit his face. "I see," he said. "What wonderful news!"

"Mom said we can get ice cream after my appointment," Allie said. "Isn't that great?"

"Great," Nathan said, placing a gentle hand on Allie's head. "Are you ready for your appointment?"

Allie sighed. "I guess. I'll go get my shoes." She left the room, and Nathan looked at Elizabeth. "She's calling you Mom. That's huge."

Elizabeth grinned, feeling near giddy. "That means the world to me."

Nathan nodded, placing an arm around his wife. "I'll bet it does." He kissed her cheek. "How's she doing today?"

"She's tired, but she's been in good spirits," Elizabeth said. "Honestly, she seems to be doing so well since her transplant. Hopefully we get good news once they do these blood tests."

"I've been praying it worked," Nathan said, his eyes looking toward the room where Allie was getting her shoes. "She's been monitored so closely with all these doctor appointments, and Carson seems very optimistic. But there's a nagging doubt inside of me, Elizabeth. Could it really be that easy? Would her body accept Jack's marrow that well? Enough to get rid of the cancer and produce healthy blood cells?"

Elizabeth framed his face in her hands. "Yes, my love. It could be that easy. We'll know more for sure after this test." She hesitated. "But even if the test comes back clear, Allie will still be monitored for months, maybe even years, down the road. This is going to be a part of our lives for some time, even if our girl is healthy."

Nathan nodded. "You're right." He drew in a long breath, then smiled. "One day at a time."

Elizabeth smiled back. "One day at a time."

Allie came back into the room. "I'm ready," she announced.

After the test, the next week seemed to pass slowly. Elizabeth checked her phone every few minutes, hoping to see a call from Carson. She had realized throughout this whole process that sometimes the waiting was the hardest part. The inability to do anything. The lack of control.

It was an exercise in patience and trust.

She was pacing back and forth in the living room while Allie was taking a nap. It had been five days since the blood work and they still had no word. Elizabeth wasn't sure whether that was a good sign or a bad sign. Her stomach felt queasy and she couldn't help wondering if they were indeed going to get bad news.

"Hey."

Nathan's arms slid around her, gently halting her pacing. Elizabeth turned in his arms and burrowed against his chest. "This waiting is so hard, Nathan."

"I know," he said softly. "But let's keep hoping for the best."

It amazed Elizabeth that on the days she was struggling, Nathan was strong. On the days he was struggling, she was strong. It was one of the dynamics of their relationship that she loved so much. They were going through hard times, but they were getting through it because of their love and support for one another. She slid her arms around him, holding him tightly. His solid presence calmed her racing heart. His hand gently rubbed her back, and suddenly Elizabeth had a vision of him cradling an infant in his arms. She blinked hard, wondering where that thought had come from, but she was unable to dispel it. Her breath caught in her throat.

Nathan was such a good father to Allie. She knew he would be a good father to any of their own children as well. They hadn't been trying to conceive, letting things take a natural course, especially with Allie being sick. But Elizabeth wondered if having a baby would be a beacon of hope for them all. Then again, maybe this wasn't the right time to bring it up. Not until after Allie's blood work came back.

Nathan's cell phone rang at that very moment. They both jumped, then Nathan pulled the phone from his pocket. "Hello?" He kept one arm around Elizabeth, and it tightened as the look on his face turned to wonder. "You're serious?"

Elizabeth instinctively knew they were getting good news. Tears of joy sprang to her eyes as Nathan finished up the call. When it was over, he looked down at her, tears in his own eyes. "Her body is responding well to the marrow," he said, his throat working. "The cancer cells are almost completely gone. Carson thinks within a month her cancer will be in remission."

"Oh, Nathan!" Elizabeth exclaimed as he pulled her into a tight embrace. They laughed together, holding each other in their happiness. "This is the best news ever!"

"I can't wait to tell Allie," Nathan said, the relief in his voice clear. "All this worry, all the hospital trips...suddenly they feel more than worth it. Our little girl is going to be okay."

He led her to the large armchair, sitting in it first and then pulling her onto his lap. Elizabeth rested her head against his shoulder as his arms wrapped around her, and they simply sat in silence, both happier than they had been in a while.

After a while, Elizabeth lifted her head slightly. Nathan's eyes were closed, a smile on his lips as his head leaned back against the armchair. Feeling a wave of boldness, she kissed him on the neck, right below his jawline. Nathan's eyes snapped open as she moved to press her lips to his throat. He groaned lightly as she made her way up, trailing tiny kisses along his jawline until she reached his lips, where she kissed him deeply. Nathan responded, his arms tightening around her until they were so close it was hard to tell where she ended and he began.

When they pulled back for a moment to catch their breath, Elizabeth rested her forehead against his. "Nathan?" she said, her voice quiet.

"Hmm?" he replied, his eyes closed and his lips softly nuzzling hers.

She indulged in another kiss, this one gentle and tender. She wasn't entirely sure how to tell him about the desire in her heart, but she figured honest and straightforward would work best.

"I want a baby."

Nathan's eyes opened once more, looking directly into hers. "A baby?"

She nodded. "I want us to have a child together, Nathan. I want to experience that with you." She bit her lip, looking at him imploringly. "Can we start intentionally trying? Are you open to that?"

He smiled, gazing at her with tenderness as one hand lifted to cup her cheek. "Yes, Elizabeth. I would love nothing more than to have a baby with you."

Their lips met once more, an urgency building between them. Elizabeth pulled back after a minute, completely breathless. "Maybe we should move this to our room," she said, trailing a finger down his jaw. "Then we could work on making that baby."

Nathan laughed, standing and scooping her up into his arms. "Good idea."

Jack knew he couldn't put off the inevitable any longer. Lee had been asking if anything had come of Henry's search for his twin brother, and Jack couldn't lie to him. But he was apprehensive. He wasn't sure how to let Lee know that they were related.

Especially considering that Jack was leaving in a couple days for New York.

He had thought long and hard over the month since the transplant, and he came to the conclusion that it would be better for everyone if he left Hope Valley. He had no intention of telling Nathan and Elizabeth that Allie was his daughter. He didn't want to throw their lives into turmoil any more than they already were. The fact that he had contributed to making a child didn't make him her father.

Nathan was Allie's father. It was as simple as that. As much as Jack loved the little girl, he knew that she was Nathan's world.

Jack had discussed his decision with Faith. She had been more hesitant, thinking that maybe the Grants deserved to know all the facts, but Jack was adamant about not telling them.

"For what purpose, Faith?" he'd asked. "How would them knowing I'm Allie's father change anything? It would only hurt them."

"Not necessarily," Faith said. "It could be that you would have a place in her life, even if she never knows about your relation to her. She adores you, Jack. Nathan has become one of your closest friends. I think they should know the truth."

Jack had shaken his head. "I don't think it's a good idea, especially with me leaving soon. Why spring something like that on them?"

Shaking himself back into the present, Jack took out his phone and typed out a text to Lee: I have news on your brother. Meet me at my place in 30 minutes?

Lee responded in the affirmative, and less than thirty minutes later he was knocking on Jack's door. Since it was a warm spring day, Jack invited him in and left the screen door open so the air could flow through the house. He and Lee made themselves comfortable on the couch.

Lee was grinning from ear to ear. "So. Good news?" he asked, rubbing his hands. "This feels both exciting and nerve wracking. What did you find about my brother?"

Jack was uncharacteristically at a loss for words. He'd thought they would come when they sat down, but he found he had no idea how to begin.

Lee frowned as the silence stretched on. "Jack? Is something wrong?"

"Uh...no," Jack said, coughing lightly. "I...uh...well, Henry...found your brother."

Lee's smile had turned to concern. "It's not good news, is it?" he asked, studying Jack's face. "You look like you don't want to tell me."

"No...it's not that!" Jack said, not wanting Lee to worry. "It's just...well...gosh, I just don't know how to say this…"

Now Lee looked very worried. "He doesn't want to meet me, does he?" he asked, his voice small. "I suppose I should have considered that possibility…"

"I'm your brother," Jack said in a rush.

Lee stared at him in a stunned silence.

They continued to stare at each other for a full minute. Lee's shock was obvious and Jack couldn't believe he had just blurted it out like that.

"We're...twins?" Lee asked, his eyes wide as he looked at Jack.

Jack simply nodded his affirmation.

Lee started chuckling, and his chuckles soon became full blown laughter. Jack felt bewildered. Seeing the look on his face, Lee waved a hand, trying to get himself under control.

"I'm sorry," he gasped, wiping his eyes. "Rosie is going to flip when she finds out the two men she's been engaged to are brothers."

Jack couldn't help laughing too. "That's where your thoughts immediately went?" he asked, amused. The laughter had broken through the tension of the moment and put them both at ease.

Lee chuckled. "Yep. Don't know why, but it tickled my funny bone." He slowly grew serious. Without a word he stood and pulled Jack into an embrace. Words weren't needed. They hugged each other tightly, and though neither one was overly demonstrative, tears fell from their eyes.

Jack felt a large lump in his throat. He had finally found family.

And he was leaving.

When the two men finally let each other go, it seemed as if Lee read Jack's mind. "You're leaving soon," he said, frowning slightly. "We've just found each other."

Jack sighed. "The timing is awful," he admitted. A resolve stole over him. "But I promise you I will visit often. I love Hope Valley. This town won't get rid of me that easily," he said with a small smile, trying to keep the mood light. "Besides, you and I have a lot of life to catch up on. And you can visit me in New York anytime. You're always welcome."

"Thanks," Lee said. "And you'll be back for the wedding, right?"

"I wouldn't miss it," Jack said, clapping his brother on the shoulder.

Lee smiled, but then was quiet for a minute. "Do you have to go to New York, Jack?" he asked. "You could have a good life here in Hope Valley."

Jack felt a sudden longing to do exactly that, to remain in this small town where everyone was kind and friendly. The town where he had family. The place he could get to know his brother. The place he could continue to foster a relationship with his daughter, even if she never knew him as anything but Uncle Jack.

But it would be too hard if he stayed. Everything he'd dreamed of was in New York City with the NYPD. It was best to have a fresh start.

"I can't," he said. "There are too many complications to staying here."

Lee's brow furrowed. "Complications? What kind of complications?"

Jack let out a breath. He felt a desire to share his secret with his long-lost twin, but first he needed to swear him to secrecy. "If I tell you, you can't tell anyone. Not even Rosemary," he said. "Promise?"

Lee raised a brow. "I promise. What's going on?"

Jack opened his mouth, but the words took some time to get out. Finally, he squared his shoulders. "You know how we were both matches for Allie?" he said.

Lee nodded. His eyes widened. "Are we related to her?" he asked, his mouth dropping.

Jack nodded. "Yeah, Lee, we are. We have more family in Hope Valley than each other."

"How?" Lee asked, looking surprised.

Jack gathered his courage. "I just found out I'm Allie's biological father," he choked out. "Which makes you her uncle."

The surprised look turned to a stunned look. "Oh...wow," Lee said, sitting heavily on the couch. "Wow."

"Yeah," Jack said, crossing his arms. "I had no idea until just before Allie's transplant."

"Are you going to tell Nathan?" Lee asked.

Jack shook his head. "No."

Lee smiled faintly. "Care to elaborate on that?" He tilted his head. "I think Nathan would appreciate knowing who Allie's father is, Jack. I've known him a long time, and that's a huge question mark for him. And I'd love to be able to know her as my niece."

"I know," Jack said. "But I don't want to add to his stress with everything that's going on with Allie right now. I know she's close to being in remission, but I want them to continue being a happy family, without worrying about adding me to the mix. I'm content to remain Uncle Jack, seeing them when I visit town." He shook his head. "Allie has a mother and a father who love her completely. I don't want to interfere."

Lee looked at the clock. "Why don't you and I go grab some dinner?" he suggested. "We can talk more about this over food." He gave a half smile. "Then maybe you'll think more clearly."

Jack chuckled and nodded, but his mind was made up. In three days, he was going to New York. Soon after, Faith would join him, and they would build their new life together in a new city.

It was for the best.

Nathan stood in stunned silence on Jack's porch. He'd been about to invite his friend to dinner, but when he'd come up the porch steps and heard Lee inside, he didn't want to interrupt. He had turned to go, then heard words that stopped him in his tracks.

I just found out I'm Allie's biological father.

Making his way quietly down the steps, Nathan headed back to his own porch. Sitting heavily on the top step, he drew in long breaths, not willing to go inside yet. Elizabeth would take one look at him and know something was wrong, and Nathan had no idea how he was going to tell her about Jack.

His friend's reaction to seeing Colleen's picture suddenly made so much sense. Jack did have a connection to Nathan's sister, and that connection had resulted in Allie.

Unsure how to label the emotions creating upheaval within him, Nathan gripped the porch step with both hands, trying to breathe.

With eight little words, his entire world felt like it had been turned upside down.