Jack smiled as the first dance was announced for Lee and Rosemary. Lee was beaming, happier than Jack had ever seen him. Rosemary was radiant, her wedding dress stunning but paling in comparison to the look of love in her eyes as she gazed at her new husband. They seemed to be in their own little world as they began their dance, their eyes locked on each other.
Feeling a presence at his side, Jack looked down in time to see Faith sidle up to him and wrap an arm around his waist. He wrapped an arm around her in return and smiled. "They are a beautiful couple, aren't they?"
Faith nodded, leaning her head on his shoulder. "They are," she agreed. "I'm so happy for them."
"So am I," Jack murmured, holding her a little closer. In the weeks since he'd been back in Hope Valley, he had a peace like never before, a sure knowledge that he had done the right thing in returning. It turned out the owner of his rental decided to sell, and Jack made an offer that very day. He was now the permanent neighbor of the Grants. He saw them frequently. Allie loved playing with Uncle Jack and her parents in their yard. They had even taken down the fence between their backyards for easier access between their homes.
Though Allie didn't know about their link to each other, Jack cherished the moments he had with her. He respected the fact that Nathan and Elizabeth were her parents, but he was thankful that he got to be a part of Allie's life. She had always held a special place in his heart, from the moment they met, but now that bond seemed to be growing.
His friendship with Nathan and Elizabeth continued to grow also. They had him over for dinner a couple times a week, and Faith was always welcome to join them. Faith and Elizabeth would inevitably have their girl talk while the men chatted in the kitchen, with Allie bouncing between both groups. Sometimes their dinners would turn into a game night. Every interaction brought them closer, for which Jack was grateful.
He was growing closer to Lee as well. The two of them were intentionally fostering their relationship, spending lots of time together and getting to know all the things they'd missed growing up in separate homes. Though he had a brother in Tom through his adopted family, Lee was the link Jack hadn't known was missing in his life. Getting to know his twin had been one of the highlights of Jack's life.
Jack's arm tightened once more around Faith. Speaking of highlights of his life…
He hadn't known what true love was until he met Faith. She had come into his life and opened his heart. He loved her fully and unconditionally. As they watched the couples joining Lee and Rosemary on the dance floor, Jack put a hand in his pocket, closing it over the ring box resting there.
Tonight was the night. He'd never thought he would settle down and marry, but Faith had changed his mind. He wanted a life with her.
"Do you want to dance?" Faith asked, looking up at him with her wide, innocent blue eyes.
Jack's breath hitched in his throat. "No," he said. As surprise flashed in Faith's eyes, Jack smiled at her. "Take a walk with me?"
"Okay," she agreed, sounding slightly confused. Jack reached down to take her hand and together they walked out into the warm, late spring evening. A prettily lit gazebo stood a short distance away. Jack led her there, and for a few moments they simply stood together, taking in the romantic ambiance and the sweet smell of flowers from the trellis surrounding them.
"It's beautiful," Faith commented, her eyes on the twinkle lights all around them. "I'm surprised Lee and Rosemary haven't taken any pictures out here."
"I'm sure they will," Jack said. "So before we're interrupted, I have something to ask you."
Faith turned to face him, curiosity in her eyes. "What's that?"
Jack had never been one to draw things out. He grasped one of Faith's hands in his while putting his other hand in his pocket and pulling out the ring. He got down on one knee, deftly opening the box with his finger. Faith gasped, her free hand floating to her heart. Jack's eyes didn't waver from hers. With all the love in his heart, he squeezed her hand.
"Faith Carter, I love you. I can't make fancy speeches, but I can tell you that if you'll have me, I'll spend the rest of my life trying to make you as happy as you've made me. Will you marry me?"
Tears filled Faith's eyes as the biggest smile Jack had ever seen crossed her face. "Yes!" she exclaimed, laughing happily. "Yes, Jack, I will marry you!"
Jack grinned. Pulling the ring from the box, he slid it onto Faith's left hand, then stood and pulled her into his arms for a kiss that sealed their promise. When he pulled back, he rested his forehead against hers. "Thank you for saying yes," he whispered, brushing the tip of her nose with his.
She giggled. "Thank you for asking me." She moved her head the short distance to his lips, giving him another sweet, lingering kiss. "I love you, Jack. So much. I'm thankful we will be able to spend our lives together."
"Me too," he replied, his heart full. The sound of a slow song reached their ears, and Jack raised a brow. "Dance with me?" he asked softly. Faith smiled with a nod, and Jack gathered her into his arms. They began to slowly move back and forth in a dance, Faith's head resting on Jack's shoulder as their feet moved in harmony. Jack had rarely felt happier than he did in this moment. He was engaged to a wonderful woman, he had found his family, and he was back in Hope Valley.
He had finally found his home.
"Princesses!" Allie exclaimed, clapping her hands in excitement. "I see Anna and Elsa!"
Nathan chuckled as Allie took his hand, tugging him toward the actresses portraying the Disney characters. "Come on, Daddy!" she said. She looked over at Elizabeth and grabbed her hand as well. "You too, Mom! I want to take a picture with them."
"We're coming," Nathan said, allowing himself to be pulled along. Though he had never been a fan of the princesses in Disney movies, Allie loved them, so Nathan watched dutifully and even grew to enjoy seeing the movies through his daughter's eyes. Since Elizabeth had come into their lives, she engaged more fully with Allie while they watched the movies, allowing Nathan to watch them enjoying the show. Seeing their reactions was better than watching the movie itself.
He looked around, memories surrounding him as he took in the familiar sights of Disneyland. Though it had been a while since he'd been here, the memories were fresh. He felt a small twinge of sadness, as this was his first time at the park without Colleen, but it was also a revelation seeing everything anew through Allie. Her excitement brought him joy. He was also happy that he got to experience it for the first time with Elizabeth.
Elizabeth was laughing. She looked radiant, happy because of Allie's happiness and because she was a part of something that gave her a glimpse into Nathan's past. As the three of them had their picture taken with the two princesses, Nathan glanced at his wife and daughter. His heart was full seeing the smiles on their faces.
They spent the whole day at the park. Allie's wonder and joy was a balm to Nathan's soul. After all their worry about her cancer, she was in complete remission and doing very well. The doctors were cautiously optimistic that she had fully beaten it. Jack's marrow had saved her life. The next five years would be crucial, but Nathan had hope that Allie would remain healthy.
As the sky turned black and the stars appeared, the little family made their way to some green grass for the evening fireworks display. Allie's eyes were beginning to droop, but she insisted on staying for the fireworks. She settled against Nathan's chest, while Elizabeth settled against his side.
"I'm the happiest man in the world," Nathan murmured in Elizabeth's ear before pressing a kiss to a spot just below her jaw.
Elizabeth smiled at him playfully. "Are you sure that's not because you're at the happiest place on earth?" she teased, winking.
Nathan longed to take her in his arms and show her just how happy he was, but this was not the time or the place. Instead, he settled for nuzzling his nose against her cheek. "I'm sure that has a little something to do with it," he said, unable to keep the smile out of his voice. "But my happiness has everything to do with being Allie's father and your husband."
Elizabeth leaned her head on his shoulder. "I love you, Nathan. You've made me a very happy woman. I love being your wife and Allie's mother."
"I like you being my mom too," Allie piped in, looking up at them from her spot against Nathan's chest. "Can we get ice cream after the fireworks?"
Nathan and Elizabeth laughed softly at the abrupt change in subject. Pressing a gentle kiss to Allie's head, Nathan nodded. "Of course we can, munchkin," he said with a smile. His heart swelled with gratitude that Allie was happy and healthy. Not only had she beaten cancer, she had beaten her grief as well. His little girl was back to the girl she'd been before Colleen's untimely death. She was vivacious and sweet, rarely having a bad day. He was thankful.
The fireworks started, bringing sounds of delight from the gathered crowd. "Pretty!" Allie exclaimed, all the sleepiness suddenly vanishing from her face. The show lasted a good half hour, and by the time it was over, Allie was wide awake and chattering a mile a minute. They got the promised ice cream and walked around the grounds for a bit afterward to burn off some of the sugar. Allie kept up a steady stream of conversation, happily telling them everything that had happened that day as if Nathan and Elizabeth hadn't experienced it as well.
Nathan could see the exact moment Allie began to come down from her high. She stopped talking and swayed slightly on her feet as her eyes slowly blinked. He scooped her up into his arms, and within a minute his daughter was fast asleep on his shoulder. Chuckling, he turned to Elizabeth. "I think that's our cue to go back to the hotel."
The walk to their hotel was a short one. Within fifteen minutes they were in their room and Nathan was tucking Allie into the middle of the large king sized bed, where she had been sleeping between him and Elizabeth the past two nights.
Elizabeth opened the balcony doors. The warm California air drifted into the room, ruffling the curtains gently. The music from the park floated in as well, soft and melodic.
Nathan smiled, walking to Elizabeth. "Dance with me?" he asked, holding out his hands.
Elizabeth smiled back tenderly, stepping into his arms. "With pleasure."
Nathan pulled her close as they swayed to the music. Elizabeth rested her head against his chest with a soft sigh of contentment. "This has been a wonderful trip," she said. "Thank you for sharing it with me." He could feel her smile against him. "Our first family vacation."
"It has been fun," Nathan agreed. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "Are you still content to be a teacher? You haven't decided you want to be a Disney princess?" he teased lightly.
Elizabeth chuckled. "Fairy tales have nothing on real life," she said, looking up at him. "Besides, I already found my Prince Charming. And he is better than anything out of a movie." Her hand reached up to caress his cheek. "He makes my life so much better."
Nathan's breath caught. His hands came up to her face, framing it gently. "Have I told you today how much I love you?"
A small smile formed on Elizabeth's face. "Yes." She moved a little closer, placing her hand on his chest and looking up at him with a sparkle in her eyes. "Why don't you show me?"
He didn't need her to ask twice. He closed the small gap between them and brought his lips to hers, kissing her deeply and passionately. Their arms slid around each other, holding on tight. Nathan lost himself in Elizabeth, letting their love fill his heart and mind. Every time he held her and kissed her, he fell more in love with her. Every time they shared a deep conversation, talking about their hopes and dreams for the future, he fell more in love with her. Every time they smiled at each other in a simple, everyday moment amid the busyness of life, he fell more in love with her. Every time he thought he couldn't fall any farther, he discovered that love had no limit. It was always possible to fall more deeply in love with his wife.
When they finally broke apart, Nathan held Elizabeth close to him. He knew she could feel the racing of his heart, just like he could feel her heart beating rapidly against his chest. "I love you," he whispered.
"I love you too," she said breathlessly. Nathan smiled, knowing she was having just as much trouble catching her breath as he was. As much as he longer to take their love further, he knew it wouldn't be prudent with a sleeping Allie in the room.
"I can't wait to have you all to myself in a couple weeks," Nathan murmured, nestling his cheek against her head. "That little cabin in the mountains sounds absolutely perfect."
Elizabeth snuggled closer. "Have I told you how excited I am about finally going to Glacier National Park? You're making a dream of mine come true." She tilted her head up to look at him without taking her cheek from his chest. "And the fact that we get to experience it together makes it that much better."
Nathan pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. "I can't wait. I hear there is a lot to do there. Hiking, boating, rock climbing, horseback riding..."
Giving him a sly smile, Elizabeth again caressed his cheek with her hand. "Or we might just stay in that cabin the whole time."
Heart thumping into overdrive, Nathan let out a laugh. "I wouldn't object to that."
Two weeks later, Elizabeth took Nathan's outstretched hand as he helped her scramble up a particularly steep leg of their hike. They had arrived in Glacier for their long-awaited honeymoon yesterday evening, and today they had decided to start with an invigorating hike. The trail had been long and rather intense, but the guidebook had promised a spectacular view at the summit.
As they finally reached the top, Elizabeth gasped in awe. She and Nathan stood with clasped hands and looked out at the amazing vista in front of them. The majestic mountains soared before them, covered in pine trees as far as the eye could see. Below them, a sparkling blue lake stretched for smiles, reflecting the brilliance of the sky. It was the most beautiful sight she had ever seen. She leaned against Nathan, overwhelmed by the beauty in front of them.
"Have you ever seen something so stunning?" she said, her voice a slight whisper on the wind.
Nathan looked down at her. "Yes," he said simply, his eyes boring into hers.
Elizabeth felt a blush rise to her cheeks at the look in his eyes. She pushed him lightly. "I was being serious."
His gaze didn't waver. "So was I." He gave her a tender kiss, then looked out at the view with his arm securely around her. "But this is pretty too."
"'Pretty'," Elizabeth repeated, shaking her head with a chuckle. "This is spectacular and you know it."
Nathan grinned. "It is. Definitely worth that hike up here." They stood there for several minutes, then Nathan motioned to a grassy section overlooking the lake. "Why don't we have our lunch now?" he asked. They settled on the grass. Nathan busied himself pulling sandwiches, chips, and fruit from his backpack while Elizabeth continued to drink in the view.
"I could stay up here forever," she said with a little sigh after they said grace. "It's so peaceful and quiet."
Nathan nodded. "It feels like we're in a whole new world, doesn't it? Life has a new perspective up here."
They ate in silence for a few moments, taking in the solitude and beauty. Finally, Nathan broke the quiet. "I talked with Allie this morning," he said. "She seems very excited to be spending the week with Uncle Jack."
Elizabeth chuckled. "I'll bet she is. She was over the moon when she found out she would be able to stay with him."
Nathan looked down before finding Elizabeth's hand with his. "Are we doing the right thing?" he asked quietly. "Keeping Allie from knowing about Jack being her father, I mean?"
Elizabeth squeezed his hand. "Nathan, she's too young to understand that now. It's a conversation we'll have to have with her at some point, but not yet. If Allie starts asking questions about her biological father someday, then we can have that conversation. And we may even be able to have that conversation with Jack in the room. It will all depend. Until then, let's not borrow tomorrow's trouble for today."
Letting out a breath, Nathan smiled, running his thumb along the back of her hand. "You always know just what to say, Elizabeth. Thank you."
She smiled back. They once more sat in a companionable silence, enjoying their food and the view and just being together. Once they finished, they made their way down the mountain and back to their cabin, where they showered and cleaned up before sitting down to a game of Scrabble.
Elizabeth watched Nathan as he concentrated on his letters, his brow furrowed and his teeth lightly tugging at his bottom lip. She felt a rush of love fill her and an incredible thankfulness that this man was in her life. With a little smile, she thought about the surprise she had for him, a surprise she would reveal soon.
"Aha!" Nathan exclaimed, his face lighting up. He placed all his letters on the board with a grin. "That's fifty points in addition to the points from the letters!"
He looked so excited, Elizabeth couldn't help laughing. "That's also the game," she said, glancing down at the scoreboard. "There's no way I can catch up to that." She held up the Q, K, and J. "Especially with these letters left!"
Nathan chuckled. "It was a good game, my dear." He winked. "Maybe we can have a rematch tomorrow."
Elizabeth laughed again. "Or we could just crown you the winner and play a math-based game tomorrow," she said sweetly. "I know how much you love math."
Letting out a little groan, Nathan playfully rolled his eyes. "Anything but math!" he said, placing a hand over his heart in mock dramatic fashion.
Elizabeth giggled. "You are so silly sometimes," she said, her eyes twinkling.
Nathan stood and came around to her, pulling her from her chair into his arms. "I can be even more silly," he said with a grin. He held her with one arm while his other hand poked her side, sending her into a fit of giggles as he tickled her.
"Nathan!" she gasped between laughs. "That's not fair! You're not ticklish."
He paused, his eyes sparkling with laughter. "I might consider conceding...for the right price," he said, trying to keep his lips from twitching.
Elizabeth raised a brow. "And just what might that be?" she asked, batting her eyelashes at him.
Nathan pursed his lips, acting as if he had to think it over. "Oh, I don't know, Mrs. Grant," he said, his arms settling around her and pulling her close. "I think a kiss might cover it."
Sliding her arms around his neck, Elizabeth pressed a kiss to her husband's throat. She felt his Adam's apple bob against her lips as he swallowed, and she smiled at how easily she could affect him. She continued to kiss his neck, making her way up his jaw until she reached the corner of his mouth. "How's that?" she whispered.
Nathan was breathing unsteadily, but instead of claiming her lips with his, he copied her actions, pressing kisses to her neck and making his way slowly to her lips. It was Elizabeth's turn to feel flustered, and by the time he reached her mouth, she was fully ready for him. Their lips met in a deep, slow kiss, one that lit a fire in both of them. When they pulled apart, Nathan took her hand and led her to the bedroom, where they let their love freely express itself in their marital embrace.
As they lay in each other's arms after, Elizabeth felt content and happy. She smiled against Nathan's chest, feeling his fingers trace small circles against her back. "That feels good," she murmured, snuggling closer to him.
Nathan kissed her forehead before resting his cheek against her hair. "Maybe we'll finally be able to conceive that baby we've been wanting," he said with a tender smile. "Allie was telling me before we left how much she'd love to be a big sister."
Elizabeth rolled to her back, taking one of Nathan's hands in hers as she did. She pressed it firmly against her stomach before covering it with both of hers. "We already did," she said softly, unable to hide a happy smile. She watched as Nathan's brow furrowed in confusion, his eyes searching hers. Realization slowly dawned. His eyes widened as he looked down at her stomach and then back into her eyes.
"Really?" he breathed, excitement shining on his face.
Elizabeth nodded. "Really. I found out three days ago. It's been so hard keeping this a secret, but I wanted to tell you here on our honeymoon. The doctor said I'm six weeks along."
Nathan let out a whoop, then kissed her with his hand still resting on her stomach, his fingers splayed out and holding onto her protectively. Elizabeth felt moisture hit her cheek and her lips parted in surprise as Nathan pulled back. Tears were falling from his eyes. She tenderly reached up to wipe them away. "Nathan! You're crying."
He grinned through the tears. "I'm so happy, Elizabeth. Knowing we have a child on the way, a physical sign of the love we share…" He shook his head. "I have no words to describe this feeling." He kissed her again. "I can't wait to meet this baby."
Elizabeth chuckled, cupping Nathan's cheek in her hand. "We've got a little over seven months." She smiled at him tenderly. "You're an amazing father, Nathan. I can't wait to see you with a baby in your arms. I have a feeling it's only going to make me love you more."
He settled against the bed again, pulling Elizabeth into his arms. She rested her hand against his chest as her head lay cradled on his shoulder. "Our love will continue to grow, Elizabeth. I've fallen more in love with you with each passing day," Nathan said. He brushed her hair back, gazing into her eyes with a look that made her insides melt. "Thank you for choosing this life with me."
Though it had been unexpected and bumpy, Elizabeth couldn't imagine making any other choice. This had been her path. She and Nathan were meant to walk through life together. Through the inevitable hills and valleys, they would always have each other.
Forever.