Everyone sat down and enjoyed the lovely luncheon that had been prepared. It wouldn't be a long reception because the couple had a train to catch. As a surprise to Allie, Cody was taking her to Prince Edward Island for their week-long honeymoon. While they were gone, the town was going to move their things into Elizabeth's old rowhouse.

Before long, the cake was cut, and the Father-Daughter dance was announced. Nathan pulled Allie in his arms as they waited for the music to start. He asked, "Are you happy, sweetheart?"

"I am Dad, and my wedding was even better than I imagined it," Allie said, gushing.

"I am so happy about that, Allie Girl. You were a beautiful bride, Allie girl."

"Really?" Allie said with a big smile.

"You looked stunning in your mom's dress. I know she would be so proud of the young woman you became."

With a quick hug, Allie stepped back, and they assumed the waltz position."

Colleen and Jack just sat watching them. The next dance was the mother and Son dance. Abigail announced that all mothers and sons should join them. Nathan and Allie laughed as Jack was the first to approach their mother. At 13, he was as tall as she was and beginning to have the muscle build of his father. Jack Sr. just watched the two most important people in his life. His son would be a man of integrity, kindness, and respect, thanks to Nathan and Elizabeth. But before long, he was interrupted when one by one, his brothers demanded their turn, including Michael. One by one, they joined and danced in a circle around her while Elizabeth's sweet laugh rang out.

As the mother and son dance ended, Nathan was halfway across the floor to claim Elizabeth when he saw Cody had reached her first. He saw that Allie had made a similar move and asked her new father-in-law. Nathan patiently waited for the song to finish and was ready to claim his Elizabeth once again. Jack went up to Allie and claimed the final dance of the day with her.

"What's wrong little Brother?" Allie asked Jack.

"Things are going to change," Jack said. "I don't know how I feel about that, I guess. I mean, from the beginning, it's been you and me watching out over the others. But how am I going to watch out for you when you are not living with me?"

Allie's eyes glistened. "Jack, I'm always going to be your big sister. If anyone gives you problems, you let me know, and I'll take care of it. We don't have to live in the same house for that."

"But what if you need someone?" Jack asked, revealing his own worries. "I couldn't bear something happening to you. You are my best friend, Allie, even though you are my sister."

"I know where you live, Jack, and I am confident that if I needed something, you would move heaven and Earth to help me. You are my best friend too, Jack. There has always been a special bond between us that's different from any other one I have. You and I are kindred spirits, and that will never change."

As Colleen watched her daughter and heard the conversation between the two, she was overcome with a mixture of happiness and sadness. Sensing his friend's feelings, Jack asked, "Can I have this dance?"

With a twinkle in her eyes, she placed her hand in his, and they walked up to dance beside their children-Jack, Sr. beside Allie and Colleen beside Jack.

"Well, if Cody does anything to upset you or treats you poorly, I will take care of him even if he is a Mountie."

Looking with pride at his son, Jack Sr. chuckled and said, "He will be a good husband to her, Colleen,"

"Oh, I know. It does my heart good to see her so happy. Nathan and Elizabeth did a wonderful job raising her. I think this wedding proves that the vicious cycle of sadness our family has been plagued with is gone, Jack."

"I couldn't agree more, Colleen, and what a beautiful day for a celebration,"

Looking at her daughter, she blew her a kiss and said, "Be happy, my precious girl. I am so proud of the woman you are."

Jack looked at his son and said, "Be happy and know that I will be proud of you even if you decide against being a Mountie. Follow your own dreams, my son, and true happiness will follow."

Then they were gone. But Allie and Jack heard their parents' words in their minds as they felt their presence momentarily before it was gone. As the dance ended, they looked at each other in wonder and smiled as tears of joy rose. They briefly hugged, and then Jack led his sister over to where their family was gathered. After the final round of dancing and the bouquet toss, which Opal caught, the couple was off.

Abigail said, "Well, I guess we are done for the day Elizabeth,"

"I, for one, am ready to get off my feet and relax for the rest of the day."

"Why don't all of you come to the café for dinner tonight,"

Elizabeth went to accept, but Nathan interrupted her. "Thanks, Abigail but Elizabeth and I have plans tonight."

"We do?" Elizabeth said, looking over at Nathan in confusion.

"We do." The kids are staying with their friends, and Rosemary is keeping Holly and Michael for the night. So, it's just you and me." Nathan said huskily.

"Oh!" Elizabeth said, trying to stay standing. Suddenly the room became very hot as she looked at her husband. She was so captivated that she followed Nathan out without even saying goodbye to Abigail. Abigail just shook her head and laughed as Bill approached.

"What's so funny?" Bill asked, placing an arm around his wife.

"Nathan and Elizabeth have plans, and all the children are gone for the night," Abigail smirked.

"Well, why don't I go get the wood chopped for tomorrow, and you warm up dinner? We can keep the café closed for the day. After all, our son just got married."

"That sounds good, but we have enough wood. Elizabeth brought over a bunch early this morning."

"Why would she do that?" Bill asked, but then he smirked. "Somehow, I don't think Nathan would mind replenishing their supply. But Lee and I put it all back and ensured there wasn't anything left to chop."

"Bill! You didn't." Abigail said, laughing as she thought of the reaction that would follow.

"I sure did," He said. "Nathan isn't the only one who likes to chop wood for his wife, Abigail," Then, with a wink, he headed towards their woodpile with Abigail following.

As they walked home, Elizabeth said, "So would you say I was good today?"

"I don't know, sweetheart; making your poor husband chop wood so you can give it to our neighbors doesn't seem to indicate that," Nathan said with a smirk.

Elizabeth blushed but said, "I'm just being charitable to those in need." As they approached their house, Nathan laughed at the look on his wife's face. The wood pile was overflowing with wood.

"What in the world?" Elizabeth said, "But I…."

"It would seem, my love, that you have been out-maneuvered this time," Nathan said, chuckling.

"It appears so," Elizabeth said, laughing. "I have a feeling that a certain retired Inspector may be behind it."

"Come on, let me fix us an early dinner, and you can make it up to me," Nathan said.

Elizabeth looked at her husband and said, "Wait, what do I have to make up for?"

"All that excess wood chopping, of course," Nathan said with a wink before picking her up and carrying her inside.

After dinner, they sat cuddling on their porch swing and listening to the crickets. Elizabeth turned and said sheepishly, "I'm sorry, Nathan. I didn't mean to make so much work for you,"

"Elizabeth, let me let you in on a secret," Nathan said before pulling her over onto his lap. "As much as you women like watching us chop wood, we love it just as much. Honestly, thanks to your 'sharing our wood,' I've become something of a legend in Hope Valley."

"Elizabeth laughed and said, "Really?"

"Yep, In fact, Bill, Lee, and I have been giving pointers to the other husbands." She blushed as she wished she could observe one of those lessons.

"Elizabeth, he said, kissing his way up her neck, "I wish I had a picture to carry with me when

you look at me like you are now. I feel like the richest man in the world." He felt her shiver and whispered, "Let's go inside, my love, and put the fire out."

"Put the fire out? Nathan, it will be cold tonight." Elizabeth said, not wanting to spoil the mood.

He gathered her up, smiled as he gave her a smoldering look, and said, "That's not the fire I'm talking about," he whispered in her ear and gave her goosebumps.

"Oh!" was all Elizabeth said, unable to say more as her husband carried her inside. No other words were spoken between husband and wife.