Hey everyone! I should be posting New Dawn, but unfortunately that story is not cooperating with me at the moment. So instead, here's a chapter for Strength. I hope you enjoy it. Happy Friday!

Nathan watched as Colleen kissed her daughters for the tenth time. He chuckled when she moved to check Daisy one more time. The baby was nestled safely in his arms. "Colleen, I've got this. You enjoy your time at the ballet. The girls will be well looked after, I assure you."

His sister fretted. "I know, but I am going to miss them. We've never stayed away from them overnight before."

"They'll be fine," Nathan repeated. "Elizabeth is coming over to help me." He grinned down at Allie. "And I'm going to finally teach this one how to catch a fish."

Allie's eyes brightened. "Really?" she asked, practically bouncing up and down. "I learn to fish?"

Nathan nodded. Allie squealed loudly, making Gabe laugh. He reached down and swung his little girl into his arms. "Be good for Uncle Nathan, sweetie," he said, kissing her cheek.

"Okay, Daddy," she replied, nuzzling her nose against his. Nathan watched the sweet scene. As he did every day, he thanked God that Gabe and Colleen had found their way to each other. Gabe was the best thing to ever happen to his sister and nieces.

Nathan moved beside his friend as Colleen hugged Allie one more time. "You are a miracle in their lives," he murmured quietly. "Thank you for loving them, Gabe."

His friend looked at him, a seriousness in his eyes that showed Nathan the depth of his feelings. "It's been my pleasure," he replied. "My heart is completely theirs."

Nathan smiled. "I can tell." He smiled, letting a hint of playfulness lighten the moment. "Now tell my sister that everything is going to be just fine, and let's get you two off on your little getaway."

Laughing, Gabe gave a playful salute. "Yes, sir!" He wrapped an arm around his wife, kissing her cheek. "Come on, Colleen. Nathan will be fine with the girls."

Colleen glanced at the car that Lee had loaned them for the occasion. Gabe made his way to Allie, swinging her up into his arms. Colleen called after her husband. "Are you sure?"

Nathan feigned offense. "Ouch! You lived with me for two months, and you're doubting my ability to watch the girls?"

"Have fun, Mama!" Allie said, waving a hand at Colleen. "I go fish!"

Colleen looked at Nathan wryly. "I think I've been dismissed."

Nathan laughed. "Good. Now you can leave without guilt." He kissed his sister's cheek. "Enjoy the show." He gave Colleen a significant look. "And everything that comes with it."

Colleen's cheeks reddened, but she smiled at him. She glanced at Gabe, then lowered her voice. "Tell me everything will be alright," she pleaded.

Nathan knew she wasn't asking about the children. He had been on his way to the house yesterday when Rosemary called to him, asking him to deliver a package to Colleen for him. He'd obliged, watching in amazement as Colleen blushed bright pink when he handed it to her. After a few minutes of cajoling, he'd managed to get her to tell him what was inside. It hadn't taken him long to figure out why she commissioned it. He was torn between wishing he didn't know and feeling proud of Colleen for finally having the courage to face a deep fear.

He pulled her into a one-armed hug, careful not to squish Daisy between them. "Everything will be alright," he said, his voice low. "Gabe is a good man, Colleen. You have nothing to fear from him."

That seemed to calm her. She let out a breath, watching as Gabe kissed Allie goodbye. "I know that in my mind," she said softly. "I think I just needed to hear it out loud from someone else."

Nathan pressed a kiss to her temple. "You're the bravest woman I know," he said quietly.

Colleen let out a short laugh. "I doubt that."

"You are," he reiterated. "You've faced several fears in the past few months. You've become stronger." He smiled. "I'm proud of you."

She blinked back tears. Instead of responding with words, she gave him another hug. "I love you, Nate."

The seldom-used nickname from his childhood made his throat constrict. "I love you too."

Gabe came toward them, Allie in tow. "It's time," he said, using his free hand to take Colleen's. He guided Allie to Nathan's side. "We'll see you tomorrow," he said, smiling down at his daughter.

Allie waved happily. "Bye, Daddy!" Nathan was slightly amazed that his niece was not upset about both parents going out of town, especially since Gabe had recently been called away. Perhaps that experience taught her that he would come back, even though she hadn't been able to see him right away because of his pneumonia. He wondered if the promise of fishing was that attractive. If so, then she was a girl after his own heart.

Once Gabe and Colleen departed, Allie jumped up and down. "Can we go fish now, Unca Na'tan?" she asked. "Pwease?"

"We will soon," he promised. "Miss Elizabeth wants to go fishing too, but she won't be able to come over for another hour. Why don't we read some stories until then?"

"Okay," Allie agreed, reaching up to take his hand. "You do siwwy voices?"

Nathan chuckled. "I'll do silly voices," he promised.

That was how Elizabeth found them a short time later. Nathan was in the middle of impersonating a cow when she walked into the house. Stopping short, he stared at her, feeling a flush of embarrassment wash over him. Elizabeth simply chuckled and came closer, kissing his cheek.

"I don't think I've ever seen a cuter cow," she teased, her eyes sparkling.

Allie squealed with happiness. "Miss Wiz'bef!" she exclaimed, holding up her arms in a supplication to be held. Elizabeth obliged, lifting her up and kissing her cheek. "How's my girl?" she asked, nuzzling Allie's cheek.

His niece began chattering away, describing the upcoming fishing trip to Elizabeth. Nathan smiled, thoroughly warmed by the sweet picture of the woman he loved holding a small child. As had happened before, Nathan could see a future with her, complete with children of their own. Unlike the last time he'd envisioned that, he embraced the vision rather than running from it. Nathan breathed a prayer of thanks for the healing he had experienced, a healing that had allowed him to open his heart to Elizabeth fully. The day was approaching when he would ask her to be his wife. He wasn't sure when exactly that day would be, but he did know how he was going to ask her.

A thrill of excitement went through him. Six months ago, when he moved to Hope Valley, it hadn't even crossed his mind that he would find love and healing in this sweet little town. He'd simply been focused on starting his business and caring for his sister's family. Now Colleen was taken care of by his best friend, his business was thriving, and he had fallen in love with the woman previously engaged to the man who had sent him to Hope Valley. Nathan still couldn't believe the set of circumstances that brought him and Elizabeth together.

"Thanks, Jack," he whispered.

A clear answer sounded in his mind. Take care of her, my friend.

Nathan almost jumped at the silent sound of Jack's voice. He glanced around the room, half-expecting to see his friend, but he only saw Elizabeth, Allie, and Daisy. Rationally, he knew that Jack wasn't physically present in the room. Even so, Nathan got the distinct impression that Jack was watching over them in that moment. Maybe he always was. Compelled to answer, he made a silent promise of his own.

I will.

Elizabeth had never seen a child quite so excited about a fishing trip. Though it was the middle of December, Allie was happy to bundle up and head out for some cold-water fishing. Elizabeth wasn't sure how long the expedition would last, but she knew Nathan was excited to teach his niece how to fish.

"It'll just be a basic learning experience," he told Elizabeth as they walked to the pond. He had the fishing gear in one hand and Allie's hand in the other. Elizabeth held Daisy in her arms. "We're not likely to catch anything at this point in the year. But this will be a good precursor to taking Allie fishing for real this summer."

His eyes sparkled with excitement, lending him a boyish look. Elizabeth simply gazed at him as they walked, taking in his happiness. It was such a change from the tension and anxiety he experienced before he finally let her in. There was a lightness to him now that hadn't been there before. It seemed Nathan had figured out how to control his fears. Elizabeth was glad. Their relationship was progressing fast, going ever deeper. There was substance to all their talks, a fact she appreciated, though they could also keep things light when necessary.

Her hand unconsciously went to the ruby pendant around her neck. She loved the necklace he had given her, not because it was beautiful, but because it symbolized his promise to her that they would spend the rest of their lives together. He might not have asked her to marry him yet, but she knew it was coming. She wondered if he was going to propose on Christmas, though his claim that it would be an unexpected proposal made her think the method of delivery was going to be unusual. Whenever and however he did it, she hoped it would be soon.

They arrived at the pond. Daisy was gurgling and flapping her arms. Elizabeth tucked the fleece blanket more tightly around the baby, not wanting her to catch a chill. She sat on a blanket Nathan had provided, watching as he described the basics of fishing to Allie. The little girl was enthralled. Elizabeth smiled, knowing Allie didn't understand much. What she did know was that she had her uncle's full attention, and that was enough for the child.

Only half an hour had passed when Allie let out a shrill yell. "Fish! Fish! Fish!" she cried, wiggling the pole she was holding with Nathan's help.

He bolted into action, showing Allie how to reel in the fish. It was surprisingly large. Nathan whooped once they brought it in, hugging Allie close. "I think we have dinner tonight!" he exclaimed. "You caught a good one, Allie-girl!"

Allie beamed with pride. She lifted the fish still on the line, one that was almost as big as her. "Look, Miss Wiz'bef!" she said. "I catch fish!"

Trying to suppress a shudder at the sight of the still-wiggling fish, Elizabeth managed to find a smile. "Great job, Allie! That's a big one."

Nathan sent her a smile. "Want to learn how to clean and gut it?" he asked, a sly look on his face

Elizabeth shrieked at the thought, holding Daisy against her like a shield. "Nathan Grant! You know how I feel about fish!"

He laughed. "So I shouldn't bring it any closer to you?"

"Absolutely not!"

Nathan laughed again. "I think Miss Elizabeth is a little squeamish," he whispered loudly to Allie. He grinned at Elizabeth. "But I know how much she likes to eat the fish once it's cooked."

"Emphasis on 'cooked'," Elizabeth replied, shaking her head with a wry smile. She wasn't sure why the fish-cleaning process made her slightly nauseous, but she did know Nathan made delicious fish dinners. He was probably planning on making dinner with their catch this evening.

Allie had none of Elizabeth's squeamish qualms over cleaning and gutting a fish. In fact, she seemed to thoroughly enjoy the process. Elizabeth stayed far back on the blanket with Daisy. The baby had fallen asleep, so Elizabeth simply rocked her while humming quietly.

Eventually, Nathan washed his hands in the pond and had Allie do the same. They placed the prepared fish in the basket and gathered their things, then came back to Elizabeth. Nathan helped her up, then folded the blanket and placed it in the basket as well.

"Looks like we'll have a good dinner tonight," he said softly, smiling at Elizabeth. "Will you be joining us?"

She smiled at him. "Am I invited?"

His eyes darkened, the blue hue growing deeper. "Always," he said, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her to him for a kiss. They were interrupted by Allie's curious voice.

"Why you kiss Miss Wiz'bef?" she asked innocently. "Like Daddy kiss Mama?"

Elizabeth saw Nathan's cheeks turn pink, but he placed a hand on Allie's shoulder. "Because I love her," he said, his smile tender as he looked at Elizabeth.

Allie tilted her head. "You marry Miss Wiz'bef?" she asked.

Elizabeth's stomach leapt as Nathan continued to gaze into her eyes. "Yes, Allie," he said, finally breaking eye contact with her to look at the little girl. "I plan to marry Miss Elizabeth."

Looking pleased, Allie nodded. She got distracted by a leaf floating by, and Elizabeth took the opportunity to sidle up to Nathan. "You technically haven't asked me yet," she breathed, batting her lashes at him. "Does this mean a proposal is imminent? Maybe at Christmas?"

Nathan chuckled. "I told you it's going to be a surprise."

"Hmm," she returned. "If you say so." A grin split her face. "I think I might be right about the timing."

"Or I might not ask you until June," Nathan countered.

Elizabeth's jaw dropped and she smacked his arm. "You better not wait that long!"

He laughed, pulling her into a one-armed embrace. "Don't worry, it won't be quite that long," he said good-naturedly. "But you won't see it coming." He grinned. "Which means Christmas is not likely to be the day."

"Humph," Elizabeth grunted. "Or you're just saying that to throw me off."

Nathan shrugged, his eyes twinkling. "Maybe."

Elizabeth laughed, leaning her head against his shoulder. "Just make it soon," she said softly.

He kissed her temple, pulling her a little closer. "I will," he whispered.

Colleen took in the bustle of Union City as Gabe drove down the main street. Though they had been here once before, this time felt different. Gabe had been gently wooing her the last time. This time, they were married and happily in love. That alone made the experience feel new.

After Gabe parked the car, they made their way to the hotel room. It was large and comfortable, decorated lavishly. Colleen's mouth gaped as she took in the beauty surrounding them. Gabe slipped an arm around her. "It's impressive, isn't it?"

She nodded. "That's one way of putting it."

He chuckled. "Lavish might be more accurate, but I thought it would be fun to spend one night in a room that looked like something out of a fairy tale."

Colleen laughed, knowing that was a reference to her previous desire for a fairy tale romance. "It's lovely, Gabe. Thank you."

He kissed her. "Anything for you, my love."

Colleen's heart melted at the endearment. She reached up with one hand to cup his cheek. "I know you did this because you love me," she said softly. "I know you're not a fan of ballet. I want you to know how much I appreciate this beautiful gesture, Gabe. It means so much to me."

He responded by kissing her again. Colleen deepened their kiss, wrapping her arms around him and letting her lips show how much she loved him. The sensations that coursed through her were new and unfamiliar, but she fully embraced them. When Gabe pulled back, his breathing was slightly unsteady. He stared down at her for a few moments before his gaze unconsciously darted to the bed. "Uhh…" He cleared his throat, bringing his eyes back to hers. "I'm going to make sure the hotel has our dinner reservation."

Colleen almost chuckled. She knew exactly why he needed to leave the room, and she was touched by the fact that he was still considering her feelings. Part of her wanted to forget dinner and give him the love he deserved right then, but she told herself to be patient.

When Gabe went downstairs, Colleen opened her suitcase. The wrapped package from Rosemary met her gaze. Her cheeks warmed, but she opened the package to reveal the new nightgown inside. Holding it up, she pressed it against her body, turning to look at herself in the full-length mirror hanging on the closet. Her blush deepened. The nightgown was one Rosemary had designed specifically for married women. Colleen hadn't tried it on, but she knew it would fit perfectly. She'd given her measurements to Rosemary, and her friend had customized the nightgown accordingly.

Letting out a breath, Colleen prayed that she would be courageous later that night. Her fears were strong, but she hoped her love for Gabe was stronger. By the time he came back into the room, she had replaced the nightgown in her suitcase, laid out the dress she was wearing to the ballet, and talked herself into remaining calm.

Her husband smiled at her, unaware of her inner thoughts. "Our reservation is set and ready to go," he said. "We have half an hour before dinner. Shall we get ready?"

Colleen nodded. She gathered up her dress and went into the bathroom. The dress was a deep red that she had never worn before. Since Christmas was coming up, she thought the color was appropriate. The dress had long sleeves and cascaded gently to her ankles. The material was smooth and warm, managing to be both beautiful and comfortable. Colleen hung pearls around her neck and then put matching earrings in her ears. She pinned her hair atop her head in an elegant but easy style. Satisfied with her appearance, she smoothed the skirt of her dress and opened the door to the room.

Gabe was standing in front of the mirror, adjusting his cufflinks. Colleen caught her breath. He was dressed in a black tuxedo, making his dark hair appear even darker. His shoes shone in the light from the room, polished to perfection. He looked very handsome.

He caught sight of her in the mirror. Turning slowly, he looked at her fully. "Colleen…you are beautiful," he said, walking toward her. He clasped her hands in his, lifting them to his lips and pressing kisses to her knuckles. "I am the luckiest man in the world."

She chuckled, wanting to kiss his cheek but knowing it would leave a lipstick mark. "Thank you. I consider myself much the same to have you in my life." She winked, bringing them to a playful mood. "I think this evening might convert you to being a ballet aficionado."

Gabe laughed. "That, my dear, would take a small miracle." He held out his arm. "Are you ready?"

She nodded. "I'm ready."

In more ways than he knew.