A/N SPECIAL THANK YOU TO MISSELA AND AMY MEDFORD WHO CONSULTED WITH ME ON IDEAS THAT ULTIMATELY MADE THIS STORY.


Elizabeth had left after making sure that Allie was ready and giving Nathan one last pep talk and a kiss that made him briefly forget his name. But as they walked, he couldn't help feeling like he was losing a big chunk of himself. He turned to look at the serene, beautiful woman hanging on his arm, and suddenly he flashed back, and she was the 4-year-old little girl that had come into his care after her mother's death. As if sensing his perusal, she looked at him and said, "How are you doing, Dad? Mom told me that this is a hard time for you. She said that all Daddies have difficulty facing this day." Allie said.

"Oh, she did, did she?" Nathan said with a smile. "I can't wait to see how she handles things when your brothers get married."

"Yes, that's why I wanted us to take this walk together. When we get to the church, it will be too crazy, and I don't want to rush through this moment with you. I don't want to miss a moment. That way, I can savor it in the years to come."

Nathan stopped walking and turned to gather his sweet little girl in his arms. "Oh, sweetheart, I want that too."

"I owe it to my four sisters to help you be prepared for them. Mom got up early and came into my room. She wanted to know I was okay and if I had any questions before everyone crowded in to get ready."

"I shouldn't be surprised by that," Nathan said. "Your mom sure takes good care of us."

"She does and has pretty much from the day we arrived, remember? I'm so glad we came to Hope Valley, even if it was because of what happened to Papa Jack." Nathan smiled at her reference to Jack Sr. All of their children considered their Papa Jack like a personal Guardian Angel. Even though none of the children had met him, he was a very much loved and important member of the Grant Household. It went a long way to helping Jack maintain his connection to his biological father while helping him feel secure as Nathan's first son. Elizabeth ensured that 'Mama Colleen' also remained in the forefront for Allie's sake. Nathan had even made a small memorial for her beside Jack. He wanted Allie to have a place to visit her mother. There were times that Jack and Allie had gone together and spent time there talking to them.

"I am too, Allie girl," Nathan said. "There have been two times when my darkest hour also brought me my greatest joy. The first was when I lost your mother, resulting in you becoming mine when you were four. If I have never said it, you have been the biggest blessing and probably saved my life. What happened at Fort Clay brought your mother, Jack, this town, and our family."

Allie stopped and, hugging him, said, "Well, I would say that you were my greatest blessing and comfort too, Dad. Then we came here and gained even more. "Can I ask you a question I've always wanted to know?"

"Sure, sweetheart," Nathan said a bit nervously.

Allie laughed, don't worry, it's not a difficult question. I wondered what it is about Cody that finally won you over?"

"It was a combination of things, actually. First, did your mother or Jack ever tell you about a conversation that Jack and Cody had while you were away visiting? I think Jack was about six at the time.

"I don't think so," Allie said. So, Nathan told her what happened that day when Cody shared some wisdom that Jack Sr. had shared with Cody.

"I knew he was an exceptional young man, and he unknowingly revealed the depth of his character to me that day. Then Bill shared how Cody stood up during a town meeting when he was a young boy. The railroad wasn't going to honor their promise to build a station in Hope Valley and were going to build one in Jameston. He stood up and said that he was taught that he needed to settle disagreements with words and not with fists. His teacher taught him that bad things happen when good people do nothing. After that, the railroad changed its mind, and his words were part of that reason. He has shown that he could love a child no matter where it came from and that he sees a person for who they are, not for what they have. His attitude and professionalism as a Mountie are excellent. He worries more about the people he is pledged to take care of than himself. I see how he has worked on mentoring young children or even some troubled youths here. From everything I've been told, he is exactly the kind of man that Jack Thornton was. Given that your mother found him worthy of her love, how could I not entrust my greatest treasure to a man like that? Though Papa Jack was the deciding vote when I dreamt, we had a conversation after he asked for my blessing to court you." Nathan said, chuckling. "He said there wasn't anyone better for our Allie, and I needed to get out of your way already. He said you were a smart, wonderful girl, and Cody would protect your heart. Then he said that I should trust his judgment if he could trust me with his greatest treasures. I couldn't argue with that logic."

"Good because he has a point, you know. He trusted you with Mom and Jack, knowing how much you loved them." They weren't aware of it, but two others took that walk with them. Jack Sr. and Colleen walked behind them, just enjoying the conversation.

At the church, everyone gathered inside, waiting for the bride to arrive. Rosemary was hurrying around, making sure that everything was good to go. She ran up to Elizabeth. "How can you be so calm when they aren't here yet? I'll have Lee go see if something is wrong?"

"No, they are fine, Rosemary. No one is going anywhere. They will be here, and until then, we wait. This is a momentous occasion, so we will wait and let things happen in their time." Elizabeth said firmly. "I'm going to wait outside, but will you and Lee keep an eye on the children?"

"Sure, Elizabeth," Rosemary said. "I need to talk to Opal, Emily, and Anna too." She passed Abigail as the older woman stepped out into the sun next to Elizabeth.

"How is Cody doing?" Elizabeth asked.

"He's a bit nervous but overall doing okay. Bill is keeping an eye on him." Abigail said with a smile.

"Hard to imagine all those years ago when you took me in that our children would be getting married," Elizabeth said.

"I couldn't have imagined a better woman worthy of Cody than Allie. I was thinking of that day when Jack Sr. and Cody had that conversation outside the rowhouse window." Abigail said.

"I was thinking of the conversation that Cody and Jack had on the steps of the jail on the way here," Elizabeth said with a chuckle.

"How was Nathan this morning?" Abigail asked.

"He was struggling but trying to hide it from Allie and me. Father tried to make him feel better. I know he didn't sleep very well. I got up early, and Allie and I had tea together before anyone was up. We came up with an idea of what to do about Nathan."

"Then I'm sure he is in capable hands," Abigail said, chuckling. "Is that the reason for the walk to the church today instead of driving?"

"It is," Elizabeth said, giggling. "With four daughters behind Allie, this won't get any easier."

"Something tells me the shoe will be on the other foot when it's your sons standing there, especially Jack." Abigail teased.

"Oh, I'm sure of it. I don't even know how you are so calm about everything." Elizabeth said.

"I'm just good at pretending," Abigail said with a wink. "Do you think they will have children right away?"

"I think Allie is hoping for a bit of time to settle in but would be happy either way," Elizabeth said with a chuckle. "But it will be nice to celebrate someone else being pregnant for a change. I have a nightmare where we have a joint baby shower."

Abigail laughed and teased, "Well, the Grant family certainly has been "Fruitful,"

"I swear, Abigail, all that man has to do is look at me, and I fall pregnant. I was thinking about it the other day; we have been married 12 years, and in that time, I have given birth to 7 children." Elizabeth said, laughing. "Not that I would change anything about it."

"Well, you certainly don't look like you have carried that many children Elizabeth," Abigail said. "I bet Nathan says the same thing. I've seen how that man looks at you when you walk by."

Elizabeth's eyes softened, and a dreamy look came over her face. "He kisses me the same now as when we first married. Don't even get me started on what happens when I watch him chopping wood," A blush colored Elizabeth's cheeks, making the two women giggle.