You'll Always Be My Little Girl:

AN: This story is part of the Common Starting Point Fanfic Challenge for October. As the name implies, all stories in this challenge will have the same beginning. This common beginning text is in bold. As such, the text in bold will appear in others stories. The bold text is used with permission of the original author nebula2 and the text following the bold is the work of the author posting this story.

Standing at the window, Nathan took in the view outside. Brilliant leaves rustled softly in the breeze. The bright sunshine seemed only to enhance the red, yellow and oranges of the leaves. Not an artist himself, Nathan could still appreciate nature's artwork. To an artist eye, like Allie's, he was sure that joy would be much greater.

Yes, Allie, Nathan thought to himself. I understand now why you wanted to get married in this season.

Continuing to watch out the window, Nathan was glad mother nature was cooperating with more than just the colorful backdrop for the day. Instead of getting ready in town at the selected venue, Allie had insisted on getting ready at home and walking to the venue with him. Her reasoning was that she wanted one last walk with him while she was just his daughter and not his daughter as well as someone's wife. While he knew he would be thankful for these last precious moments with his daughter, Nathan had been worried about the autumn weather's cooperation. Rain would have dampened their plans, both now and if it had rained before hand. Walking in the mud could have spoiled the dress. If it had been too dry, the walk could have been dusty which still would not have done the dress any favors.

But mother nature had cooperated. The rain of a couple days ago had settled the dust while allowing time for the ground to dry to a nice walking surface. Only a few puffy white clouds marred the blue sky. They would have good weather to enjoy their walk into town. Nathan knew he would still be mindful of Allie's attire as they walked. As bittersweet as it was, he still wanted nothing to mar his little girl's day.

Ever aware of his surrounding since becoming a Mountie, Nathan heard footsteps in the upstair hallway and turned from the window. Facing the stairs, Nathan was watching as Allie stepped onto the first step. On her head was a wreath of red, orange and yellow flowers that matched the leaves outside. Her cream-colored satin dress was the same one Colleen had worn for her wedding. The fitted bodice, covered in lace with a rose pattern on it, flared out to a full skirt in an U-shaped waistline. Allie looked every bit as pretty in it as his sister had. Nathan just hoped Allie's marriage was happier than Colleen's had turned out to be.

"You should probably breathe," Allie commented as she made her way down the steps, making Nathan realize he was holding his breath.

Nathan took a breath and gave a nervous chuckle. Allie was apparently more relaxed than he was today. He reached out a hand to her as Allie approached the bottom of the stairs. Slipping her hand in his, Allie allowed him to help her down the last few steps.

"You look so much like your mother," Nathan told her. "It seems like only yesterday I was walking her down the aisle. I wish she could be here with us."

Leaning in, Allie pressed a kiss to Nathan's cheek. "She is, in spirit," she told him.

Nathan simply nodded, not trusting his voice right then. Reaching for Allie's shawl, he carefully draped it over her shoulders before offering her his arm. Allie slipped her arm through his and Nathan led her from the house and toward her future.

Nathan closed the front door behind her and paused on the front step. He looked tenderly at his not-so-little girl. "Allie, you look so beautiful. I'm proud of you Honey for the woman you have become inside and out. Robert is a lucky man."

"Thanks Dad. It's ok…I'm going to be just down the street." She squeezed his arm in support as tears brimmed her eyes.

"I know. I know, but this feels like the end of an era to me. For so long it's been just me and you Kiddo." His voice started to crack as tears filled his eyes as well.

"We still make a good team. And I'll still be here. We're just adding Robert to the family too. Besides, you've got Mom to chase around now and my little brothers and sisters. It's going to be a great new era for us both."

"You're right and I wouldn't trade it, but no matter how many kids your mom and I have…you'll always be my little girl. No one will ever replace you Allie."

"And no man can take your place Dad. I really love him. But… we need to get going or he's going to send out a Mountie search and rescue."

Nathan laughed. "Are you sure you don't want us to make a run for it? I can hide our tracks."

"Daaaaad! You trained him you know. You know he wouldn't stop until he found us." She teased with a signature Allie eye-roll.

"I know. I wouldn't really do that. I love Robert too. He's a good man Allie."

"I know. C'mon Dad. They're waiting for us and I don't want to rush this moment with you."

Reluctantly, Nathan led her down the stairs and Allie became more radiant with each step. The joy rolled off her in waves as she inched closer to her groom.