As they continued through town, they walked quietly for a time, each in their thoughts, drawing ever closer to the church. She stopped again at her father's heavy sigh and said, "Dad, what are you thinking about? I know you are happy for me, but I can see you are hurting too. Cody loves me and looks at me like you look at mom, even though you have been married a long time. Honestly, it's embarrassing for us kids how you both still look at each other." Allie said with a chuckle, then teased, "Although I can see now why Mom loves to watch you chop wood."

Nathan blushed to the tip of his ears and tried desperately to clear the picture that entered his head of Allie having feelings about Cody like that.

Colleen whispered, "That's my girl, Allie. I couldn't have said it better myself." Allie sensed that her mother would have approved as she saw her father trying to figure out how to change the subject. She made a note to tell her mother later.

"It's just after today that everything changes between us," Nathan said. He could feel the tears welling up.

"What do you mean?" Allie asked. "We will still see each other because we will live in Hope Valley."

"I feel like I'm about to lose a part of myself, relinquishing my role of your protector. You stole my heart the very moment I saw you after you were born. I worry about what your future will hold and what part I will play in it, I guess. After what Dylan did to Colleen, I'm haunted by the thought of whether I'm handing you over to someone who won't treasure you. Considering our earlier conversation, I know that Cody is a good man and that situations are so different, but I still struggle with it. The closer we get to the church, the more overwhelming these feelings get." Nathan felt a tear fall down his cheek, and Allie stopped, turned to him, and wiped it away.

"Dad, first, I will always be your little girl and will always need you. Instead of thinking that you're losing me, consider that you are getting another member on your team. No matter where life may take me in this world, you will always be a part of it." Allie said, putting her arms around her father. "You have raised me to be a strong woman even before Mom came along and reinforced that. Everything I am, the strength and courage I have is because I had you as my father."

Nathan was speechless and just held on a bit before stepping back. "Don't tell mom but all of your daughters are firmly daddy's girls," Allie said with a wink. They laughed at that, and the church was in sight before long. They could see Elizabeth and Abigail standing on the steps of the church.

"Are you ready?" Elizabeth said as they approached, looking first at Allie and then at Nathan.

Allie laughed, "I am, but I don't think Dad will ever be. Where are the girls?"

"They are just inside the vestibule waiting for you to get in position," Elizabeth said, going over to her daughter.

"Okay," Allie said, then added with a wink," I'll go on in, but Dad may need a kiss for courage," She turned and started up the steps.

Elizabeth looked and saw the trace of tears in his eyes and embraced him. Pulling back, she got a twinkle in her eye. "Well, let's get the very handsome father of the bride ready to finish the walk," He saw the fire begin to smolder, igniting his own as she captured her lips with his own. After a few minutes, they parts, and both are breathless. "Are you ready now, Inspector?"

"Sure!" Nathan said with a smirk. Just before they entered the church, he leaned close. With his breath ghosting over her ear, he whispered, "To be continued later, Mrs. Grant," He could see the fire still in her eyes and saw her shiver in excitement. With an impish grin, he said, "If you're good, there may be some wood chopping involved," Then, with a wink, he opened the door. She blushed as she caught Allie's knowing look but giggled at him before heading to her seat.

Before long, it was just the two of them left, and the music changed to the wedding march. "Don't forget what I said, Dad, because I will always need my father by my side."

As they entered, everyone stood, and Allie could see Elizabeth look at something behind her before a beautiful smile appeared on her face. Nathan saw it, too, and made a note to ask her about it. Nathan saw Cody standing there looking at Allie the way he always hoped the man with Allie's heart would. He recognized it because he saw it in the mirror every morning whenever he thought of his own sweet Elizabeth.

His thoughts were interrupted by Joseph saying, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the presence of God, family, and friends to witness a joyous occasion – the union of Cody Stanton and Allison Grant in Holy Matrimony.

"Who gives this woman to be married?" Joseph asked, smiling at Nathan.

"I do," Nathan said, his voice full of emotion. He went to place Allie's hand in Cody's waiting one, but she turned to him. "Dad, I just want you to know that out of all the walks we have taken, this one will always be my favorite," She kissed him and stepped towards Cody.

"Inspector, I promise you that she will always be the center of my world," Cody whispered. Nathan smiled and turned to find his wife. As he did, he caught a glimpse of the back of the church. He could swear that he saw Jack Sr. and Colleen standing there briefly.

Elizabeth noted his expression and whispered, "Did you see them too?" Nathan just nodded and settled his youngest on his lap as he watched his oldest child step into a new chapter of her life. He kept seeing flashes of memories of her childhood as they exchanged vows, recalling parts of their courtship. A peace fell over him as he recalled Cody's words to him. Once again, he was brought out of his reverie by Joseph's words.

"Cody and Allie, remember to love each other faithfully, just as Christ loved the church, for marriage is a lasting promise of kindness, patience, forgiveness, and love. Trust in God with all your heart, and your path forward will be filled with joy and light for all the years to come."

Joseph turned to address everyone, "This marriage unites not just Cody and Allie but all of the families sitting here today. They ask now for your blessing. Do you promise to support Cody and Allie in their marriage, to keep them in your prayers, to hold them up with love, and to rejoice in companionship in Jesus as they walk this path together?'

"We will," Everyone answered as one. He led everyone in prayer over the couple, then said, "By the power vested in me by the province of Alberta, Canada, in the presence of God and the witness of friends and family, it is my great privilege to pronounce you husband and wife!

"Cody, you may kiss the bride!" They kissed among the cheers of everyone and turned as one. It is my pleasure to be the first to introduce Cody and Allison Stanton."

Everyone filed out after the couple left and headed towards the reception. Lee had lent his car for the occasion so that Cody and Allie could have some time alone while everyone else headed to the reception.

Elizabeth was doing a final check in the church before heading there herself. She was pleasantly surprised to see her favorite Mountie standing there with that crooked smile and sparkle of mischief in his eyes. Realizing that he was alone, she said, "Wait, where are Michael and Holly?"

"Calm down, mama bear, Michael is with Jack, and your parents have Holly," Nathan said, pulling her towards him. "Now, where were we?"

"On our way to the reception, where our daughter will be waiting for her father-daughter dance," Elizabeth said with a chuckle pulling back. "Oh, I forgot. Allie would never let us live it down if she made it to the reception before we did."

"Neither would the town, sweetheart," Elizabeth said. "But I like that after seven babies and 11 years of marriage, you still get that fire in your eyes when you look at me."

"Sweetheart, you just keep getting more beautiful with each baby and every passing year," Nathan said. "I still can't believe the home that you have created for my children and me."

"Oh, my love, I feel the same way about you," Elizabeth said as they arrived at the Saloon.

Walking in, they quickly found Bill and Abigail standing near the family table. They had barely made it before Cody and Allie walked in. "That was a close call," Bill teased as he looked at Nathan.