AN: So this is the last chapter for this story. Hope you have all enjoyed the journey. I do have a sequel in the works that I hope you will all keep your eyes out for. Thank-you to everyone who has followed, favorited, reviewed or any combination of the three. The support is very much welcomed!

Nathan returned to Hope Valley the next day. With Jack Trenton behind bars, things in Brookfield returned to a new normal. Much to Chuck and Grace's relief, Tess came around to the idea of their engagement. She even offered Grace her old wedding dress to wear if she wanted it. Sensing that it would mean a lot to her future mother-in-law, Grace accepted the offer even as she wondered if the dress would be something she liked. Lillian assured her that no matter what the dress looked like she could make little alterations to assure Grace looked beautiful in it.

As the calendar moved into November, a light snow dusted Brookfield in a blanket of white. The people of the little town knew that it was just the first snowfall of many. On the first Saturday of November, Gabriel had asked Lillian to join him for lunch. Though they had spent quite a bit of time together since their first date, this would be only the second time they would have some extended time alone. Gabriel had spent a lot of time planning this second date.

Before taking Lillian on the planned outing, Gabriel had volunteered to take Fred over to the Stewart ranch. Tess Stewart had continued to express interest in adopting the little boy. Lillian had suggested that she keep the boy at the ranch overnight before making her final decision. It wasn't that she didn't think Tess could raise a child. Chuck was a testament to how good of a mother the ranch owner could be. However, it had been a long time since Tess had a young child around the ranch and Lillian wanted to make sure that the woman knew exactly what she was getting into.

With Fred sitting in front of him, Gabriel made his way to the Stewart ranch. As Apollo approached the barn, Tess, who was walking with Hank, spotted them. Saying a quick word to Hank, the ranch owner changed direction to greet Gabriel and Fred. As Gabriel brought Apollo to a stop, Tess reached out for the bridle, holding the horse while Gabriel dismounted and then reached up for Fred.

Gabriel placed Fred, who held a small bundle holding a few belongings, down on the ground in front of him. "Good morning, Tess," Gabriel said, holding out his hand.

"Morning, Constable," Tess greeted, shaking Gabriel's hand.

Without prompting, Fred imitated Gabriel by sticking his right hand out to Tess. "Good morning, Mrs. Stewart," the little boy greeted.

Tess squatted down before taking the little boy's hand. "Good morning, Fred," she greeted. "You up for helping me out around the ranch this afternoon, and then perhaps we can play a game after dinner."

"Do you know how to play Old Maid?" Fred asked.

Tess nodded. "I think I remember, though it's been a long time. Do you think you could remind me of the rules?"

"I could do that," Fred replied confidently.

"Then we'll play Old Maid after dinner," Tess replied. "Right now though, I have a couple of foals that need some care. Would you like to help me with that?"

Fred nodded his agreement enthusiastically.

"Go with Hank," Tess instructed Fred. "I'll be right there," she added getting to her feet.

"Okay," Fred replied. He looked up at Gabriel. "Bye, Mountie Gabe."

"Bye, Fred," Gabriel told him, smiling as the little boy hurried off toward the ranch hand.

"Are you checking up on me again, Constable?" Tess asked, drawing Gabriel's attention.

Gabriel smiled knowing what Tess was talking about. "I just offered to drop Fred off as Lillian was trying to get a few things done before coming on a date with me," Gabriel told her. "As for the questions I was asking, I was simply trying to provide Lillian and Grace with a little information so that they can make the best possible choice for that little boy."

"And what is your assessment, might I ask?" Tess asked.

"Well, Fred clearly enjoys his time over here. I also know from experience that a ranch can be a wonderful place for a boy to grow up. As for the questions I've been asking, everyone I've talked to has said you've been patient, firm, and compassionate toward Fred. That is exactly what an energetic young boy like Fred needs. People have also said they haven't seen you smile as much as you do when that boy is around here in a long time. I'm inclined to believe that you need that little boy just as much as he needs you."

Tess glanced over at the fence where Hank and Fred stood, watching some of the cattle in the pen nearby.

"I can't say I find fault in your assessment, Constable," Tess admitted. "It's been nice having him around here. He's like a ray of sunshine."

"All of us can use a little of that," Gabriel commented, as he mounted Apollo. From the saddle, he looked down at the older woman. "And Tess, just because a child chooses their own path, it doesn't mean that the parent did anything wrong. The child simply has a different dream."

"I take it we're not talking about Fred now?" Tess stated, her voice conveying some annoyance. However the fact that the ranch owner hadn't simply tried to end the conversation gave Gabriel the courage to forge ahead.

"I'm not," Gabriel affirmed. "The people of this town know how proud you are of, Chuck. However, telling others that when a child has gone their own direction is much easier than telling that child, while all the child wants is to know is that their parent is proud of what they chose to do, even if it wasn't the parent's dream."

"Speaking from experience, Constable?"

"I am," Gabriel replied, knowing Tess would be more receptive of the advice if she knew where it was coming from. "My father runs a ranch much like this one. He never hid from me his hope that I would one day take over the ranch. He wasn't happy when I chose to join the Mounties. After I did, he even told me not to put any ideas into my younger brother's head. I didn't choose a different career path to hurt him or because I was ashamed of what he did. I know it takes hard work to make a ranch successful. However, I also knew that wasn't what I wanted for my life. I know my Dad loves me, but I've always felt as if he was disappointed in my choice. Just once, I'd like to hear him say that he was proud of what I have accomplished."

"I hear you," Tess said with a nod.

"Have a good day," Gabriel replied.

"Same to you, Constable," Tess replied before turning and heading toward Fred and Hank.

Turning Apollo, Gabriel headed back toward the orphanage. If Tess did choose to adopt Fred, Gabriel felt that it would be a good situation for the little boy. He would have the discipline he'd need to become a responsible young man while having activities that would help disperse his energy. He had a feeling a lot of the trouble Fred found himself in was because he was curious and bored. Gabriel knew from experience that it was hard to get bored growing up on a ranch.

For now though, Fred knew nothing about a possible adoption. This was simply a chance to spend the night at the Stewart ranch. Lillian wouldn't mention anything about adoption to the little boy until Tess had made her final decision. With just the short interaction he had witnessed today though, Gabriel had a feeling that process would soon be moving forward.

Bundled up against the cold, Lillian rode next to Gabriel. When he had asked her to dine with him, Lillian had anticipated heading into town. Though she wasn't sure where they were headed, it was definitely not Brookfield. She had asked Gabriel where he was taking her and he had simply told her it was a surprise.

Instead of pestering Gabriel about where he was taking her, Lillian spent the ride asking questions about his past and answering Gabriel's questions. It was a nice way to pass the time. It also helped to diffuse her curiosity when Gabriel led them off the road they had been riding on. She refrained from asking if leaving the road was a good idea. Lillian had a feeling that Gabriel knew the area around Brookfield better than even those who grew up in the little town.

It wasn't long after leaving the road that they entered a clearing. At the center of the clearing was a cabin. The cabin had smoke coming from its chimney and Lillian recognized Chuck's horse tied outside.

"I didn't realize Chuck had been invited to dine with us as well," Lillian commented as she and Gabriel brought their horses to a stop next to the other horse.

"He hasn't been," Gabriel replied with a smile as he dismounted Apollo. He stood next to Benson as Lillian slipped gracefully from her own saddle. "Chuck was just keeping an eye on things for me until I got back out here. A Mountie setting fire to a hunting cabin wouldn't exactly be a good thing."

Lillian laughed. "No, it wouldn't," she agreed, slipping her arm through the arm Gabriel offered her. "This isn't where I thought we would be eating," she admitted.

"Well, its too cold for a picnic, and I wanted to cook for you. My little apartment behind the jail doesn't exactly have a lot of room, and I didn't think you would want to eat in the jail, even with no prisoners."

"Would not be my first choice," Lillian consented.

"I know a hunting cabin isn't conventional, but it was available, and I didn't have to ask to use someone else's home."

As they approached the door, Lillian looked around. The snow-covered forest was picturesque and there was little chance of an interruption. It would definitely be quieter than a house with five children.

"It is certainly serene out here," Lillian commented, as Gabriel opened the door to the cabin for her.

Lillian let go of Gabriel's arm as she walked through the door he held for her. Thanks to the fire Gabriel had started when he had come out to cook their meal, the cabin was warm. Candles cast a flickering glow inside the cabin. The tall, silver candles sat on the table in the center of the cabin. The table had been covered with a dark blue table cloth, which was lined with white lace. A bouquet of roses sat in a vase in the center of the table.

Lillian gasped in surprise. It was definitely not the atmosphere she had expected for a hunting cabin.

"It looks lovely," Lillian said softly as Gabriel started to help her remove her coat.

"I'm glad you like it," Gabriel replied.

"I'm sure you'll enjoy the meal as well," Chuck stated as he buttoned up his own coat. "Don't tell my uncle, but that meal tasted better than anything I've had at the hotel. Thank-you, Gabriel."

"You're welcome," Gabriel responded. Looking toward Lillian he said, "I made a meal for Chuck to enjoy while he was watching the place. Didn't seem fair to ask him to keep an eye on things and not feed him."

"That was considerate of you," Lillian replied, removing her gloves and hat.

"I try," Gabriel replied.

"And I appreciated it," Chuck said. "However, it is now time for me to take my leave and let you two love birds enjoy your candle light dinner."

"Thanks for your help," Gabriel told him, shaking hands with Chuck.

"Any time," Chuck told him before going through the door Gabriel and Lillian had just come through.

Alone now, Gabriel removed his own hat, scarf, gloves and coat and the escorted Lillian to the table. Reaching the table, Gabriel held the chair for her.

"Thank-you," Lillian murmured as she sat down, touched that Gabriel was adding all the little touches despite now having only an audience of one. As she settled in the chair, she noticed a flat, square jewelry box, wrapped with a red bow sitting in front of her. "What's this?" she asked, looking up at Gabriel. The box wasn't the right shape to contain a ring, and her birthday was in January.

"A gift," Gabriel replied, stating the obvious. "Open it," he instructed.

Reaching out, Lillian picked up the box. She undid the bow, and then slowly lifted the lid. Inside, a tiny garnet heart hung from a gold chain. Lillian gasped and looked up at Gabriel.

"We've been through a lot the last couple of months, Lillian," Gabriel told her. "With this being only our second date, I'm sure your practical mind would rebel if I attempted to propose to you."

Lillian smiled. Though part of her wanted to deny the observation, she knew Gabriel was right. As much as she cared for him, it was just too soon for her to make a lifetime commitment like that. She was sure if he asked, she wouldn't be able to give him an answer.

"So, I'll wait a little longer, though know that I do plan on making that proposal. For now though, I wanted to give you a piece of my heart that can hang near yours," he told her, reaching out to take the box from her.

Gabriel removed the necklace from its rest place and moved to put it on her. Lillian reached up to move her hair out of the way.

"When I'm not with you, I hope this pendant will remind you of my love and remind you to search your heart so that you know your answer when I do ask you a certain question," Gabriel finished as he fastened the clasp.

Lillian reached up and placed her hand over the pendant. It was a sweet gesture. A gesture which reminded her of Gabriel's love for her without putting pressure on her. She wanted them to find a way to make things work. Given her practical nature though, Lillian wanted to have those conversations before making any commitments. She hoped that they would be able to find those answers, because more than anything, when Gabriel asked her to marry him, she wanted to be able to tell him yes.

Tilting her head back, Lillian looked up at Gabriel who still stood behind her. "I love it," she told him. "And I love you," she added.

Gabriel didn't respond with words, but instead lowered his head to press his lips against hers. A couple of months Lillian had blushed at the mere thought of hugging the man standing behind her. Now, as she returned his kiss, there was no embarrassment at all. The heat she felt in her face was simply the flush from the emotions she was feeling. Emotions that she was no longer afraid to admit to.

As long as she could find a way to both run the orphanage while having a relationship with Gabriel, then Lillian would embrace a future with this man. She knew there were risks involved with such a relationship but life was never without risks and Gabriel was worth whatever fears and dangers she might have to face in the future.

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