As the weeks of their marriage went by, Colleen felt the house getting smaller and smaller. She and Gabe would often bump into one another while working in the kitchen or when trying to pass on the stairs. Allie was constantly underfoot. Colleen began to feel the walls closing in on her. Strangely enough, the house hadn't felt too small when it was her, Nathan, and Allie living together. But now, with a husband and two small children, Colleen felt like they needed more space.

Gabe must have felt the same way. When he stumbled over Allie for the third time in an hour, he let out a short, huffing breath. "We need a home of our own. A bigger home."

Colleen looked at him from her spot at the sink, where she was preparing to wash their lunch dishes. "I won't argue with that," she said. "It does seem like this house isn't big enough for our family."

Gabe nodded emphatically. "And if it feels small now, imagine what it will feel like in a few years! Allie and Daisy are just going to keep growing. We're all going to need more space. And we've talked about having more children someday," he said. "Even if we have just one child together, this house will become even smaller."

Colleen's cheeks went rosy at the mention of more children. She began meticulously scrubbing a pan, studiously avoiding Gabe's eyes.

"Maybe we should build a house," Colleen stated, vigorously attacking the pan. "It would be nice to have space for the girls and…and any other children that come along." The color in her cheeks deepened. "Someday."

The mood in the room suddenly changed. Gabe crossed over to her, sliding his arms around her from behind until his hands rested on her stomach. "Just for the record," he said softly, "I look forward to the day when you carry our baby."

Her breath caught. The pressure of his hands against her stomach did nothing to contain the butterflies that stormed the walls of her midsection. She glanced up at him. Gabe nuzzled her cheek lightly with his nose, his gaze tender. "But if that day never comes, I'll love you regardless."

Colleen caught his meaning, that he would never ask her for more than she was able to give. Gratitude filled her. She turned in his arms, disregarding her wet hands as she reached up to clasp them behind his neck. Lifting her head, she offered him what she could. Gabe accepted her kiss. In the month they had been married, she found she liked his kisses. A lot. They served to bind them closer together. As they kissed, Colleen felt the unnamed emotion running through her yet again. It continued to baffle her, but she embraced it rather than pushing it away. Maybe someday she'd figure out what it was.

When they pulled back, Colleen rested her head against his chest. "Someday I hope to return those words to you," she said quietly. "My heart is becoming yours piece by piece. I might not be ready to say I'm in love with you, but I do love you. I always have."

"I know," he said, resting his head against hers. "Like I said before we married, my love isn't going anywhere. It's yours for the taking, Colleen." He released her, giving her a smile. "I think I'll go see Bill about available properties," he said. "Maybe I'll find something today and we can start dreaming up a home of our own."

Colleen felt excitement build inside. "Oh, I hope so," she breathed. "A dream home…that is something I've only imagined having. I never thought it would become a reality."

Gabe winked. "I'm in the business of making your dreams come true," he said, a wide smile on his lips. "That's a husband's job, after all."

Laughing, Colleen swatted his arm. "I didn't realize that was in the job description. Dylan certainly wasn't concerned with…" She stopped suddenly, horrified that she had brought up her dead husband. Her hands covered her mouth and she stared at Gabe wide-eyed.

"I'm sorry," she said immediately. "I didn't mean to talk about him. It just came out…"

Gabe took two steps forward, engulfing her in his arms again. "You don't have to apologize," he said fervently. "You can talk to me about anything, anytime. Including Dylan." He ran one hand through her hair. "He was a part of your life, Colleen. He contributed to making you who you are today, even if it was a hard influence." He leaned forward, brushing her lips gently with his. "I hope you're learning that our marriage is nothing like your marriage to him."

Trembling slightly, Colleen swallowed, nodding. "I know it's not," she said, her voice shaking. "I will admit I still feel fear from time to time, Gabe. It's irrational, but being married before was a horrible trap. Being married to you has felt a lot like freedom, but old patterns of thinking die hard."

"I know," Gabe said, his words gentle. "I want you to know I'm committed to making you happy, Colleen. I love you and I want what's best for you."

She pressed against her husband, holding him tightly. "Have I mentioned that I don't deserve a love like yours?" she mumbled against his shirt.

Gabe chuckled lightly. "Sweetheart, you deserve love. And you will have it always. I promise."

She relaxed against him with a small sigh. "I know." And she did. Gabe was so good to her. She'd never experienced a love like his. Come to think of it, she'd never actually experienced love before. Everything before Gabe had been a cheap imitation of the real thing.

If only she could love him in return.

Gabe went to Bill's office, rapping on the door and waiting for the judge to call him in. When Bill's "enter" came, he opened the door and walked inside.

Elizabeth was sitting across from Bill. They both looked up as he entered. Elizabeth smiled brightly, while Bill gave a grunt of acknowledgement. "Do you mind waiting a few minutes?" he asked. "Elizabeth and I are almost done."

Gabe nodded. "Of course. I'll be outside."

Elizabeth quickly shook her head. "No need for that," she said. "You can stay." Her eyes softened. "After all, you love Nathan too."

A smile sprang to Gabe's face. "I can't tell you how happy I am to know you two are together," he said.

"As am I," Bill declared. "It's about time that boy got his act together."

Gabe chuckled. "I couldn't have said it better myself."

Elizabeth laughed. "I think it's safe to say that we are on our way to discovering something beautiful," she said, a light in her eyes. "Nathan is a wonderful man. I'm so glad he came to Hope Valley." She looked at Bill. "I was just telling our esteemed judge that Nathan has been a perfect gentleman in our relationship." Her eyes twinkled. "He was getting all fatherly on me, asking a million questions about my feelings for Nathan and how we intended to move forward from here." She gave Bill a fond look. "I told him we've only been on one official date and that we need to figure things out as we go."

Bill harrumphed. "You two know you love each other. I don't see what the point of dragging things out is."

"Help me out here, Gabe," Elizabeth said with another laugh. "Tell Bill that it takes time for a relationship to grow and develop."

Gabe held up his hands. "You're talking to a man who went from being friends to marrying a woman in the span of two weeks," he said. "I'm probably not the one to talk with about that." He grinned. "I'd probably tell you to snatch Nathan up in matrimony as soon as possible so he can't change his mind."

Elizabeth's eyes widened at the mention of marriage. Bill laughed heartily. "I think he's teasing you," he said to her.

She gave a nervous chuckle, fiddling with her hands. Looking down, she spoke softly. "The thought has crossed my mind," she admitted. "I know it's much too soon. But I can see a future with Nathan."

Gabe laid a hand on her shoulder. "You are good for him, Elizabeth," he said. "If it comes to that, know that you have my wholehearted approval."

"And mine," Bill said. "Despite my interrogation just now, I like Nathan and know him to be a worthy man. You two could be very happy together."

Cheeks pink, Elizabeth looked down again, but not before Gabe saw a smile light her face. A few moments later, she stood. "I'll let you two get down to business," she said, beginning to gather her things.

Bill leaned back. "How can I help you, Gabe?" he asked.

"I want to buy some land," Gabe replied. "To build Colleen her dream home."

Bill nodded. "I think we can come up with something," he said. "Let's see what's available."

Elizabeth's voice floated to Gabe's ears. "Jack's land is still for sale."

Both Gabe and Bill turned to look at her. She smiled softly. "It hasn't been bought yet. Jack and I dreamed of building a life there. He was going to build me a dream home as well." She laid a hand on Gabe's arm. "What if you bought it and live out that dream instead?" she asked. "You and Colleen can make that land your own. It's a beautiful piece of property."

Gabe was stunned at her offer. "You would be okay with that?"

She nodded. "It would make me happy to know the land is possessed by someone who will love and appreciate it as much as Jack and I did. In fact, I would feel better knowing it went to you than to some unknown buyer."

Thinking it over, Gabe admitted the idea was appealing. He remembered how much he loved the land when he first came across it, before knowing it had belonged to his deceased friend. If he bought it, it could be his way of honoring Jack's memory and friendship.

The room was hushed as Bill and Elizabeth waited for his answer. With a smile, Gabe nodded. "I would be happy to buy that land," he said. "Thank you, Elizabeth."

She impulsively hugged him. "I should be thanking you. Jack would be happy to know his land went to a friend."

Bill looked on in approval. "I'll draw up the paperwork," he said. "Give me one hour, Gabe. I'll have the deal ready as soon as possible."

Gabe nodded. "I'll have to talk to Colleen first. I think she'll want to see it before we make a final decision. But put it on hold for us," he said. "I think she will love it as much as I do."

"Alright," Bill agreed. "I'll get everything ready. You talk to your wife and show her the land. Once you make your decision, we can sign the papers."

"Thanks, Bill," Gabe said, holding out his hand. "I appreciate this."

They shook hands, then Gabe offered Elizabeth his arm. "Can I escort you to your home?" he asked.

She nodded. They chatted amiably as he walked her home, then Gabe walked the short distance to his own row house. Allie met him at the door, chattering in excitement about a duck she had seen waddle past the house. Colleen was close behind her, laughing as she told him she thought it was the same duck who had made itself comfortable in her dress at their wedding. He grinned, lifting his daughter into his arms and swinging her in a circle. Allie giggled uncontrollably, making Gabe and Colleen laugh as well.

Their evening was relaxed. They had a simple dinner, then Gabe played with Allie while Colleen put the baby to bed. When Colleen came downstairs again, Gabe got off the floor and planted himself on the settee. He patted the seat beside him. "Sit with me?" he asked.

She did. He slipped an arm around her shoulders, his fingers absently toying with her hair as they sat together. Colleen leaned into him, a sign of trust that made Gabe's heart beat a little faster. He knew now was the time to talk to her about the land.

"I think I found our new home," he said quietly, watching Allie play with her blocks on the floor.

Colleen looked at him then, interest dancing in her eyes. "You did?"

Gabe nodded. "It was the land Jack owned before he died. Elizabeth was at Bill's office, and she said it was still for sale. She gave me her blessing to buy it." He smiled. "It's a beautiful place, Colleen. It would be perfect for our family. We could build a home and have lots of space for the children to play. I can take you to see it tomorrow, and then we can make a decision."

She smiled. "That sounds wonderful." A look of wonder crossed her face. "Thank you for including me in this decision."

He raised a brow. "We're a team. I couldn't very well buy the land without your consent."

Her smile became sad, memories reflected in her eyes. "You could have, Gabe. Others would have done exactly that. But you're considerate." She kissed his cheek. "Thank you."

Though she didn't say it, he knew she was thinking about Dylan and his emotional manipulation. Something he considered basic – asking his wife what she thought about buying some land – was something her first husband would have done all on his own. He nestled his arm more firmly over her shoulders, pulling her closer as if to protect her from the pain of the past. Not for the first time, he wished she had grown up in a healthy, loving home so that she would have been less likely to fall into the trap of men like Dylan Parks.

When Gabe and Colleen invited Elizabeth to go on a picnic with them on Sunday afternoon, she accepted readily. Colleen told her quietly it was going to be on Jack's old land. Gabe had asked Colleen if she wanted to see it today, and Colleen had suggested they take the girls and a picnic lunch. Nathan had come by as they were making plans, and they invited him as well. The invitation then naturally extended to Elizabeth.

"It was going to be your land too," Colleen said softly. "I think you should be a part of this process."

Elizabeth mutely hugged her friend, thankful for the consideration. She had no doubts about Gabe and Colleen buying the land. She'd meant it when she told Gabe it would make her happy if they purchased it. She also knew Jack would approve.

"Things are moving along, Jack," she murmured softly, looking up at the sky as she waited on her front porch for the Kinslows to pick her up. "I know how much you liked and admired Gabe. Now it looks like he is going to be the new owner of the land you loved." She smiled as a whisper of wind blew across her cheeks. "It feels fitting, doesn't it?"

A wagon rumble answered her. She looked down the road to see Gabe driving her way. Colleen was perched beside him holding Daisy, while Nathan was in the back with Allie, entertaining the little girl. They stopped in front of Elizabeth's house. After a chorus of hellos, Nathan reached out to help her into the wagon. She settled beside him, smiling at Allie. "Hi, Allie. How are you today?"

"Good," the little girl replied, grinning. She crawled into Elizabeth's lap, cuddling against her chest. Elizabeth held her. As she looked at Allie, she wondered what it would be like to cuddle her own daughter someday. She glanced at Nathan, her cheeks pinkening as she saw that he was watching the two of them with a tender expression.

"You will make a wonderful mother one day," he said, his voice low and soft.

Elizabeth's stomach leapt, but she smiled at the compliment. "And you will make a wonderful father," she said, returning the words with all her heart.

A shadow passed over Nathan's face. The haunted look she had become familiar with returned, but just as quickly it was gone. He pressed his lips together and looked away. "I hope so," was all he said.

Elizabeth reached out to take his hand. "Hey," she said softly. "What was that, Nathan?"

His throat worked. He looked down before glancing at Allie, then at Colleen and Gabe. "I'll tell you later," he said quietly. He squeezed her hand. "I promise." A slight hesitation entered his eyes. "But it won't be happy, Elizabeth."

She cupped his cheek, brushing it lightly with her fingers. "Whatever it is, we'll get through it together," she said, giving him a smile. "You don't have to do this alone anymore, Nathan."

He closed his eyes and rested his forehead against hers. "I know," he whispered. When he lifted his head, he pressed a kiss to her temple, then let a comfortable silence descend between them.

"This is going to be fun," Gabe said, his words cutting through the silence as he looked back at them from his seat. "Thanks for agreeing to come along, you two."

"A picnic in November is a novel concept," Nathan said good-naturedly, shooting Gabe a grin. His brief discomfort seemed to have vanished. "But it's pleasant weather today, so I think it should be just fine."

Colleen chuckled. "I seem to remember picnics being your favorite thing when we were children," she said. "You always insisted on bringing apples every single time."

Elizabeth smiled at the hopeful look on Nathan's face. "Are there apples on this picnic?" he asked.

His sister grinned at him. "What kind of sibling would I be if I left my brother's favorite food item off the menu?" she teased.

Nathan placed a hand over his heart. "You're the best!"

Elizabeth loved watching the sibling relationship between Nathan and Colleen. They clearly loved each other. It reminded her a lot of her relationship with her sister Julie.

When they reached the land, Elizabeth looked at Colleen, wondering what her reaction would be. The other woman gazed all around after Gabe helped her down from the wagon. She moved closer to Elizabeth. "This is stunning," she whispered, taking it all in. "What a beautiful property."

Though the land had never been hers, Elizabeth felt a sense of pride over it because it had been Jack's. "It is wonderful," she agreed.

Gabe came up beside his wife, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "What do you think?" he asked.

She gazed up at him with a tender smile. Elizabeth saw the look in her eyes. She recognized love when she saw it. Putting a hand over her heart, she blinked back tears. Colleen was in love with Gabe. She might not know it yet, but it was undeniable.

"I think we should take it," Colleen said to her husband. "You were right. This is perfect for our family."

Elizabeth slipped quietly away, letting them have a moment. Nathan met her, holding a sleepy Allie in his arms. "Gabe told me he and Colleen are going to take a walk before lunch," he said. "Would you like to join me on one?"

She nodded, delighted to spend some time with him. They began walking around the property. Elizabeth looked back at the Kinslows, then again at Nathan. She saw that Allie had fallen asleep on his shoulder. Smiling, she fell a little more in love with him as she took in the way he held the little girl tenderly and with clear love.

The thought flashed through her mind again that he would be a good father, followed quickly by the remembrance of his reaction when she said as much. Before she could think on it further, Nathan spoke as if reading her thoughts.

"I never thought much about having children of my own," he said, his words reflective and tinged with memories from the past. "My father was a hard man. He had a penchant for abuse. It tended toward physical abuse when we were younger, but it grew into emotional abuse as we got older." He was quiet for a moment, then sighed. "I'm not sure which was worse."

Elizabeth felt her heart clench at the thought of a young Nathan enduring any kind of abuse. She slipped her arm through his, silently showing her support. He took a deep breath, then went on.

"Joshua and I possessed a strong sense of justice. It was one thing when we were hit by our father, but it was another thing entirely when he abused Colleen and our mother. I remember first standing up to him at five years old." His voice cracked. "It only made things worse. He had hit Colleen and made her fall. I got between them and began hitting him back. He didn't like that. He gave me a black eye that day, and my sister received a beating that left bruises. Joshua managed to stop him. He threatened to get the local Mountie. I can still picture him standing there, facing off with our father, eyes glittering with anger. He followed through on that threat, too. We both went to the Mountie office the next day and reported what had happened. The man came with us to our home, but our father denied everything." A tear slipped down Nathan's cheek. "The Mountie asked to talk to our mother." His voice lowered to a whisper. "She denied everything as well. With no evidence, the Mountie had to take their word for it."

Elizabeth gasped. "But what about your black eye?"

Nathan shook his head. "They told the man I had fallen while playing outside, hitting my face on a rock."

Heart burning, Elizabeth rested her head on his shoulder, tearing filling her eyes. "Oh, Nathan," she whispered.

He sighed. "The thing is, I know that Mountie believed us. Even though I was young, sincerity is something children naturally pick up on. He knew we were telling the truth. He continued to check in on us, asking how we were doing and if there was anything further going on at home. But with no hard evidence, his hands were tied. My father was a master manipulator and my mother was too afraid to stand up to him." Elizabeth could feel him shaking as they walked. "She was acting in self-preservation. I know that. It wasn't right, but she didn't think she had any other choice. Colleen continued to display her feisty spirit, no matter how much she was abused. Joshua and I continued to stand up to our father, knowing we had to try. I think that's part of the reason we both joined the Mounties. We wanted to make sure justice was served, even knowing it wouldn't always be possible. When we turned eleven, we were both as tall as our father and becoming strong. One day, Joshua hit him back. That's when the physical abuse stopped. Our father was a coward. He knew he would no longer be able to hurt us without risking harm himself. But the emotional abuse got worse after that." He sighed. "I remember being so thankful when Colleen turned eighteen and was able to escape that house. I just didn't realize she would end up running to men that were a lot like our father, at least in the emotional sense. I don't think any of her suitors ever hit her, but they were emotionally hard and distant like Father. As soon as we turned eighteen, Joshua and I joined the Mounties. A few months later, Father was arrested and convicted for stealing bank funds to pay his gambling debts." He shook his head. "Mother was free of him. Joshua and I did what we could to support her. That's why I stayed with the Mounties rather than opening a workshop. I wanted to be able to have a steady income to support Mother and Colleen."

When he stopped talking, he also stopped walking. Turning to face her, he reached down with the hand not holding his sleeping niece to grasp Elizabeth's hand in his. "I did not have a good example of fatherhood in my life, Elizabeth," he said seriously. "I know his actions do not determine mine, but I have a deep fear of becoming like him one day. I fear that I would harm my own children. I fear becoming a father myself."

Shaking her head, Elizabeth stepped closer to him. "Nathan, I've seen you with Allie and with Daisy. You are wonderful with children. Your father's actions are his own. You have always known they were wrong, even from the time you were a small child. You tried to defend your family members from his abuse. You are a protector by nature. That is how you would be with your children, Nathan. You would protect them and love them. That is who you are." She let go of his hand to slide her arms around him. "You are not your father."

He let out a long breath, closing his eyes and resting his forehead against hers. "I keep trying to believe that," he said brokenly. "Gabe has been trying to help me see it as well."

Elizabeth held him close, lending what support she could. "Thank you for sharing your past and your heart with me," she whispered. "I know that wasn't easy." She gently rubbed his back to comfort him. "Your choices are your own, Nathan. You will choose what kind of father you will be. The past does not have to determine the future." She lifted herself on her toes to kiss his cheek. "If you need to talk through things further, I am here for you. Gabe will be too. I know he's been helping you through much of your trauma, bless him."

Nathan smiled, his features relaxing. "Yes, indeed," he murmured. "Bless you both." He looked down at her, tenderness in his eyes. "Thank you for listening, Elizabeth. I appreciate that."

She nodded. "Anytime, my love."

They shared a gentle kiss before beginning to walk back to the picnic spot. Nathan held her hand in his as they made their way back. Elizabeth was thankful that he had opened up to her rather than pushing her away. He was making progress, and that made her happy.