Gabe improved steadily over the next few days. Within a week, he was up and about, with only a hint of a lingering cough to remind him of his fight with pneumonia. Colleen was practically joined to his side, and Gabe had to admit it felt good to be fussed over. There was a new awareness and understanding between them now that she had admitted her love. On the first day Gabe had to return to work, Colleen was loath to let him go, but he plied her with the promise of a surprise when he got home.

When he arrived at his office, Colleen's surprise was on his desk. He smiled, placing the envelope in one of his inside serge pockets for safekeeping. He didn't want to lose it.

A meow sounded from a box in the corner. He peered in to see the calico kitten looking up at him with forlorn eyes. She didn't appreciate being taken from her sister to sit in a box in the jail. Gabe chuckled, bending down to pet her soft fur. She arched into his hand, purring.

"Don't you worry, little girl," he said with a smile. "I know just the home for you. You're going to love it."

Allie had decided to keep the tortie, dubbing her Fluffy. That left a need to find a home for the third kitten. Just that morning, Gabe laughed out loud as he thought of the perfect person to take care of the little cat. He scooped her into his arms. "Actually, why don't we go get you a home right now?"

He strolled down the street, deeply breathing in the fresh air. The kitten was surprisingly still in his arms, her eyes taking in everything around her. Gabe climbed the steps to one of the buildings and pushed open the door.

Bill looked up from his desk. Gabe walked casually forward, then dropped the kitten on his desk. "Merry Christmas."

The judge stared at the tiny kitten. "What is that?" he asked.

"A cat," Gabe replied. "Isn't she cute?"

The kitten immediately decided she liked Bill. She meowed and began walking back and forth in front of him on the desk, practically begging to be petted. When Bill made no move to do so, she gave an indignant grunt and leapt from the desk onto his lap. Bill nearly jumped out of his skin when she began kneading his stomach with her paws. He glared up at Gabe.

"Why, precisely, is there a cat in my office?" he asked, the words practically a growl.

The gruffness didn't fool Gabe. He saw the thaw begin in Bill's eyes as the kitten curled into a ball and purred loudly on his lap. His hand moved to pet her before he noticed Gabe watching with a grin. Bill immediately folded his arms over his chest.

"There's a cat in your office because the cat needs a home, and you need a companion," Gabe said, his grin growing. "This entire town knows you're a giant softie, Bill. Maybe having a kitten to cuddle will complete the look."

"I don't want a cat…" Bill began.

Gabe hightailed it for the door. "Too late!" he called over his shoulder. "You can't return a Christmas gift. Allie was so excited to hear you were getting a cat. You wouldn't disappoint my little girl, would you?"

Bill grumbled. "That's not fair! You know I can't resist that sweet child."

Laughing, Gabe nodded. "Exactly." He winked. "Enjoy your new pet, Dad!" He slipped out the door before Bill could reprimand him for the title, then quickly moved to the side and peeked in the window. Bill had picked up the kitten, holding her close against his chest and petting her gently. His lips were moving, telling Gabe he was murmuring to the little cat. The kitten was clearly enthralled, staring up at him and butting her head against his chest.

Bill was a goner. Gabe chuckled, then walked down the steps.

Mission accomplished.

Nathan moved his sander over a piece of furniture for Mr. Forsythe, his Benson Hills client. Christmas was in less than three weeks. A part of him knew taking on this job had been a risk. Mr. Forsythe was a wealthy businessman with an excellent clientele. If Nathan's work met with his approval, a whole new pool of business would be open to Nathan. But if the furniture didn't meet the man's approval, things could go south for his foundling business.

His eyes traveled to a wooden box in the corner. During his breaks, he'd been working on Elizabeth's Christmas gift. He knew she enjoyed challenges, so he was making her a puzzle box. Hopefully she liked the little gifts he planned to hide inside. He already found four items to place in the secret compartments, but he was slightly stumped as to what the final gift should be. Since he was taking a sample of his work to Mr. Forsythe today, perhaps he could find something while he was in Benson Hills. Initially the man had only asked for a dresser and wardrobe, but then he asked for an intricate jewelry box for his wife, and he wanted to see the finished product before Christmas. Nathan had worked laboriously on the jewelry box, creating beautiful designs in the smooth wood that were elegant, tasteful, and sophisticated. Mr. Forsythe had invited him to present his work today, and Nathan was equal parts excited and nervous.

He finished sanding part of the wardrobe, then placed his tools down. He needed to start for Benson Hills now if he wanted to make it in time for his meeting. Nathan placed the jewelry box in a protective bag, then headed for the stables to saddle Newton.

Elizabeth was walking to school when they crossed paths. She smiled at him. The ruby necklace hanging over her dress flashed brilliantly in the sun. Nathan touched it briefly, then slid his hand behind Elizabeth's neck and gave her a chaste kiss. "Good morning," he murmured when he pulled back.

Eyes still closed, Elizabeth leaned her head against his chest. "Good morning. Where are you off to?"

"Benson Hills," he replied. "I'll be gone until this evening."

She looked up at him. "Be safe, Nathan." There was a hint of worry in her eyes, and he knew it stemmed from the times Jack had left.

"I'll do my best," he promised. He tapped her nose. "I might be on a mission to find a perfect gift for you while I'm there."

Her eyes lit up. "Really? What kind of gift?"

Nathan laughed. "That's a surprise." Mostly because he wasn't sure what it was yet. He figured he would know it when he saw it. "Would you like to have a late dinner with me when I return? I can pick you up at your house."

She nodded. "I would love that."

He gave her another kiss, then nodded. "I'll see you later, Elizabeth."

"Have a good trip," she replied. They waved to each other, then continued on their respective paths.

The trip to Benson Hills didn't take too long on horseback. Nevertheless, Nathan was glad when Mr. Forsythe's home came into view. He was also slightly intimidated. The house was huge, unlike anything he'd ever seen before. He was supposed to make pieces that would fit in with this level of extravagance?

Nathan felt a rush of nerves overtake him, but he couldn't turn back now. He went through the large gate, where someone appeared out of nowhere to lead Newton to the fancy stables. A butler appeared at the door as Nathan climbed the grand porch steps. "Good morning, Mr. Grant. Mr. Forsythe is expecting you."

Clutching the bag slung over his shoulder, Nathan followed the butler through the elaborate rooms until they reached an enormous office. The butler announced Nathan, then slipped from the room.

Mr. Forsythe rose from his desk. "Mr. Grant. Please, come in." The man was tall and broad, with a shock of salt-and-pepper hair and knowing brown eyes. Nathan moved forward, striving for confidence.

"Mr. Forsythe." He extended his hand, giving the other man a firm handshake. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Forsythe waved his hand. "Call me Benjamin," he said. "The house might indicate otherwise, but we're not so formal around here."

Nathan immediately relaxed. "Then you may call me Nathan," he replied.

Benjamin smiled. "Nathan it is. Have a seat, young man."

Nathan took the offered chair, then placed his bag on the desk. "I have the jewelry box complete, sir," he said. "I hope it meets with your approval."

The man made no move to open the bag. Instead, he studied Nathan. "You have an interesting story. A Mountie turned woodworker. How did that happen?"

Surprised, Nathan blinked. Benjamin chuckled. "I'm a wealthy man, Nathan. I don't hire people without looking into their background. I was impressed with your long service to the Mounties, and I was intrigued at your career change." He folded his hands over his stomach. "So, why did you leave?"

Recovering from his surprise, Nathan sat a bit straighter. "The Mounties were never my calling," he replied. "I enjoyed serving people and protecting others, but it was never my passion. I always wanted to be a woodworker." He hesitated, not willing to share the details of his personal history with a stranger. "I became a Mountie because I needed to care for my mother and sister. Once they were taken care of, I felt free to leave the force. Hope Valley became my home, and I was blessed enough to open a shop of my own." He smiled slightly. "It's done quite well so far."

Benjamin nodded, studying him intently. "Are you confident in your craft, Nathan?"

Nathan nodded firmly. "Yes, sir, I am." He stood, opening the bag and revealing the jewelry box. "Judge for yourself."

Benjamin's face was expressionless as he drew the box toward him. He picked it up, examining it from every angle. Nathan got the distinct impression that this was largely how Benjamin Forsythe conducted business – presenting a friendly demeanor, but holding his cards close to the chest. After almost a minute had passed, Benjamin looked up. His face cracked with a smile.

"You, Nathan Grant, are a very talented man. This craftsmanship is the best I've seen."

Nathan fought to keep his mouth from dropping. Benjamin continued. "I've ordered furniture and wooden crafts from the best businesses Canada has to offer. I've never seen anything quite like this in terms of quality and artistry." He raised a brow. "You're charging much too little for your work, young man. I assume the dresser and wardrobe are of similar quality?"

Stammering for words, Nathan eventually settled on a nod. Benjamin smiled. "I took a chance on you. It looks like it paid off." He reached into his desk and pulled out some bank notes. "This is for the jewelry box," he said. "As well as an advance on the other pieces."

Nathan glanced down at the money. His eyes widened. "But, sir! This is more than double what we agreed on."

Benjamin chuckled. "That it is, and it's still less than what you should be charging. I consider myself an honest businessman, son. If I paid you what you asked for, it would be a veritable robbery."

"I…I don't know what to say," Nathan mumbled, staring at the money. "Thank you, Benjamin."

"I should be thanking you," Benjamin replied. "My wife is going to adore her gift this Christmas, and it's all thanks to you." He stood, prompting Nathan to do the same. "Can I interest you in lunch?" he asked. "Our chef makes wonderful mutton sandwiches with mint jelly."

"Thank you," Nathan replied. "That sounds delicious."

The two men spent the next hour eating and chatting about various contacts Benjamin had. He promised to spread the word about Nathan's business. By the time they parted ways, Nathan was feeling more confident than he had in a long time. Things were looking up.

He rode Newton slowly down the street, glancing into various shops. He had some time before he needed to start back home, and he wanted to find Elizabeth's final gift. After an hour of searching, he was no closer to an answer than he'd been when he arrived. With a little sigh, he resigned himself to the fact that he'd have to keep looking another time. Just as he was about to leave the main street, a window display caught his eye.

He slowed Newton, then dismounted. The item in the window drew him like a siren. Staring at it, he caught his breath. It was the perfect gift. Glancing at the price tag, he nearly choked. He'd never splurged on something so expensive. But then he remembered the extra money in his bag from Benjamin. He could afford it and then some. With a smile, he hitched Newton to the post beside the shop and went inside.

Colleen was having tea with Rosemary when the door opened and Gabe came into the house. He was grinning from ear to ear. Colleen was so excited to see him, she briefly forgot decorum. She jumped up and headed straight for his arms, bringing his head down for a sound kiss. When they pulled apart, Gabe's grin grew.

"That's a lovely way to come home," he said, his voice tinged with a bit of teasing. He chuckled. "I think I like you being in love with me."

Colleen laughed. "I happen to love being in love with you," she said, sliding her arms around him and giving him another kiss.

Rosemary not-so-discreetly cleared her throat. "I think I'll take my leave and let you lovebirds keep twittering." She chuckled. "It's adorable, though." It took her a few attempts to rise from the couch. Her very large belly proved that her baby was going to make its appearance in the world shortly. As she passed Colleen, she laid a hand on her arm and leaned in close. "I'll have that item ready for you soon," she whispered.

Blushing as she remembered their earlier conversation, Colleen nodded. Rosemary took her leave. Gabe was watching her with curiosity. "What item?"

Her cheeks reddened further. "It's a surprise," she murmured, unable to say the words out loud. He'd find out soon enough. Rosemary was the best seamstress in Hope Valley, and the item Colleen had asked her to make was one of a private nature. She just hoped she would have the courage to use it when the time came.

Thankfully, her husband let the matter be. A grin lit his face once more. "Speaking of surprises…" He paused for dramatic effect. Excitement built inside of Colleen. She wondered what Gabe's version of a surprise would be.

He unbuttoned his serge, then pulled an envelope from one of his interior pockets. He handed it to her. A look of vulnerability flashed over his face. "I hope you like it."

Colleen smiled. "I'm sure I will." She opened the flap, then pulled out the contents. Two tickets lay in her hands. She lifted them and gasped. "The Nutcracker? In Union City?" Her mouth dropped as she stared at Gabe. "Really?"

He nodded. "I remember that you loved that ballet. I thought you might want to see it."

Colleen threw her arms around him, hugging him close. "This is perfect," she whispered, tears welling in her eyes. "Thank you, Gabe." She pulled back, wiping a stray tear away. "You know me so well."

His eyes softened. "I'll spend the rest of my life trying to know you better." He slipped an arm around her. "The show is this weekend. I've already asked Nathan to watch Allie and Daisy overnight, and I got us a room at the Grand Hotel. It's right across from the theater and some really good restaurants." He kissed her cheek. "We can have a mini-honeymoon of sorts."

A swirl of excitement passed through her. "That sounds lovely, Gabe. I can't wait." As they began preparing dinner, a plan formed in Colleen's mind. By the weekend, Rosemary would have her item ready. Colleen would have uninterrupted time with Gabe. She smiled softly. It would take a strength she wasn't sure she possessed, but perhaps she could finally face her fears and take the final step toward making their marriage complete.