On New Years' Eve, Nathan sat with Elizabeth, watching with a smile as she bounced with excitement, the puzzle box sitting on her lap. She'd figured out the first four puzzles over the past week, revealing the items within. The first compartment held a delicately carved flower, the second a pair of ruby earrings to match the necklace he'd given her, the third a handwritten love poem, and the fourth an intricately carved heart with their names interwoven across the middle. The heart had taken him several days to complete, but the look on Elizabeth's face when she saw it told him it was well worth the effort.

Now she beamed at him, fingering the fifth and final puzzle on the top of the box. "Can I start now?"

He chuckled. "Go ahead." Elizabeth giggled happily and got to work. Nathan felt joy watching her. It usually took her about an hour to figure out the puzzles, and today was no exception. He felt excitement building inside, knowing what was to come. Before coming to Elizabeth's, he'd alerted Gabe, Bill, and Lee to the fact that it was time to implement their plan. His friends wore matching grins as they nodded and hurried off to their assigned tasks. Nathan had every confidence that things were in place. Now it was just a matter of time.

Exactly one hour later, Elizabeth gave a little shout as the fifth compartment popped open. She reached inside, taking out the leather cylindrical holder resting there. Taking off the lid, she slid out the rolled-up piece of paper waiting inside. She smoothed it out, then read the words written there.

My dearest Elizabeth,

It's a beautiful day for a ride. Let's go to the stables and saddle our horses. There will be another clue waiting there.

All my love,

Nathan

Elizabeth's eyes widened. "Another clue? Is this a scavenger hunt?"

Nathan stood, taking the puzzle box and placing it on the side table before helping Elizabeth to her feet. "Something like that," he said, his eyes twinkling. He tapped her nose. "Let's get going."

She glanced out the window. The sun was shining brightly, all the snow from Christmas having melted. "It truly is a beautiful day." She allowed him to help her with her coat, then tugged a hat over her chestnut curls. "But you had to have written that a while ago. What would have happened if today was cold and snowy?"

Nathan laughed. "Then it would have made this little adventure a bit more interesting," he teased.

In short order, they were walking hand-in-hand toward the stables. They went at a leisurely pace, talking all the while, happy to be together and starting on an adventure. Nathan glanced at the woman he loved. The smallest sense of trepidation filled him as he contemplated their future. She'd as much as said she would accept his marriage proposal when it came. Nathan wanted nothing more than to marry her and start their lives together, but he still had moments of doubt over his ability to be a good husband and father. Especially a father. Most days, he knew he wasn't Archie Grant. He knew he could make different choices. But every so often, a tiny, nagging voice whispered that he would never amount to much with his future family.

Nathan had to work to combat that voice. Gabe continued to help him talk through his fears, and every day Nathan felt a little more confident. He knew he would battle his fears throughout his marriage to Elizabeth. He even knew he was likely to struggle with the fears when they had their first child. He could only hope and pray for the strength to be the father his children needed him to be.

"You're quiet suddenly," Elizabeth remarked.

Nathan blinked. Without him realizing it, they had reached the stables. Elizabeth was standing in front of him, head tilted slightly, studying him with something akin to concern in her eyes. "Are you alright, Nathan?"

He swallowed, wanting to spare her his thoughts but knowing she needed to hear them. "I was just combating some old fears," he said quietly. "There's still a part of me that is insecure about our future." He let out a long breath. "Sometimes the thought of getting married and having children makes me nervous."

Elizabeth pulled him into an embrace. "Considering all you went through with your father, I'm not surprised," she said softly. "But you're a good man, Nathan. You are a protector with a heart of gold. Our children will be blessed to have you as their father."

Nathan pulled back slightly, smiling down at her. "Our children?"

Her cheeks turned a delightful shade of pink. "Well…yes…I mean…you did say you were going to ask me to marry you at some point."

He chuckled, pulling her close once more and resting his cheek against her head. "I will," he promised. "I want to marry you, Elizabeth."

He felt her smile against his chest. "Is that a proposal? Since you didn't propose on Christmas, I don't suppose New Year's Eve will be the day?"

She sounded so hopeful, Nathan couldn't help the laugh that bubbled up inside. "You're not going to see it coming," he said in a sing-song voice. His fears had already melted away after saying them out loud and hearing Elizabeth's reassurance once more. In the blink of an eye, the future looked bright.

Pulling back, Elizabeth took his hand and led him into the stable. "I will admit, I thought that fifth compartment might hold a ring," she said, smiling up at him. "But it seems I will have to be patient a little longer."

Nathan smiled back. Not much longer, he thought, the smile turning into a grin. Not much longer at all.

Elizabeth saddled Sergeant as Nathan did the same with Newton. Her heart was full. The fact that Nathan never tried to hide his fears or insecurities from her spoke loudly of how much he trusted her. Elizabeth wouldn't take that trust for granted. She knew it was hard for him to admit his thoughts out loud. She was thankful he spoke them anyway.

As she cinched the saddle, she noticed something attached to the saddle horn. It was another small, cylindrical holder. She reached for it, noticing Nathan's grin. He looked just as excited about this scavenger hunt as she was. Pulling out the paper, she read the words written in Nathan's bold, strong hand.

Next stop: Coulter Enterprises.

She raised a brow. "Coulter Enterprises? We're going to see Lee?"

Nathan nodded. "We are. He's expecting us." He winked, then placed his hands around her waist and lifted her easily into the saddle. They rode the short distance to Lee's office. He met them at the door as if he'd been waiting for them. Her friend was wearing a grin as big as Nathan's. "Welcome!" he exclaimed. "How are two of my favorite people?"

Elizabeth looked at him. "You know about the scavenger hunt?"

Lee laughed. "Indeed I do. Nathan had to have some help setting it up," he said. He held out a larger version of the cylindrical cases from earlier. This one was tall, reaching Elizabeth's waist from the ground. It had a leather strap attached. "Sling this over your shoulder," Lee said, handing it to her. "Nathan will let you know when it's time to open it."

Elizabeth did as she was bid, wondering what was inside such a large carrying case. Nathan clapped Lee on the shoulder. "Thank you, my friend," he said. "I appreciate your help."

"Anytime," Lee replied, rubbing his hands together. He grinned between the two of them, then handed Elizabeth another rolled-up paper.

She quickly unrolled it, eagerness to discover the endgame pulsing through her. What were they searching for?

Let's pay a visit to Bill and Miss Calico. The next clue will be waiting at the Office of the Judge.

When they arrived at Bill's office, Elizabeth was surprised to see Abigail there as well. Her friend came forward, hugging her tightly. "Are you having fun?" she whispered, grinning.

Elizabeth smiled back. "I am. This is showing me a new side of Nathan. I rather like it."

Nathan chuckled. "I'm glad to hear that. Colleen, Gabe, and I used to organize little hunts like this when we were children. It was always fun."

Elizabeth eyed him. "What was usually waiting at the end?"

Before Nathan could answer, something soft and fluffy brushed against Elizabeth's skirts. She cooed in delight, looking down to see Calico looking up at her and meowing. Bending down, she picked up the kitten. "Hello, sweetheart," she murmured. "Is Bill taking good care of you?"

Bill puffed out his chest. "Of course I am!" he said. "Calico and I have an understanding. She takes care of the mouse problem in this building, and I keep her fed."

His brash manner didn't fool Elizabeth. She knew he adored the kitten who was rapidly growing into a cat. She pressed a kiss to Calico's soft fur before handing her to Abigail. Bill came forward, holding a case much like the one Lee had given Elizabeth. This one was about half the size, but it was also cylindrical and featured a leather strap. He handed the case to Nathan, who slung it over his shoulder. "There," Bill said, giving him a snarky smile. "Now you and Elizabeth match."

That prompted chuckles around the room. Nathan took Elizabeth's arm, smiling at Bill and Abigail. "Thank you very much," he said. "We'll see you later."

They nodded in unison. Elizabeth glanced at him. "Later?"

He nodded. "Abigail invited us to dinner tonight at the cafe." His brow furrowed. "Did I forget to mention that?"

Elizabeth swatted his arm. "Yes, you did."

He laughed. "My apologies, love. I should have asked before accepting on your behalf. Are you free this evening?"

She smiled, swinging up into her saddle. "It's fine, Nathan. And yes, I'm free this evening." She frowned suddenly. "We didn't get another clue!"

"I can help with that," another voice chimed in. She turned to see Gabe walking their way, hands in his pockets, smiling knowingly. "I suppose Nathan mentioned that we used to do something like this when we were kids?"

Elizabeth nodded eagerly. "Though he neglected to tell me what the surprise at the end usually was."

Gabe shrugged lightly, leaning against a post. "It varied. Once we found a field of daisies that we led Colleen to. Other times it would lead to a prime fishing spot. It was always something outdoors, something inspired by nature."

Elizabeth smiled. "How lovely." She glanced at Nathan. "So whatever we're looking for is outside?"

He nodded. "Indeed." His smile grew. "We can't break tradition."

That made Elizabeth and Gabe chuckle. Nathan's brother-in-law walked up to Elizabeth, handing her a piece of paper. "Your second-to-last clue," he said, winking at her. "Have fun, kids!" he called, waving as he ambled down the sidewalk to continue his rounds.

Elizabeth unrolled the paper, wondering where the clue would take them

Take a ride out of town, to the land that was part of your past, where the future shines bright.

She looked up, surprised. "Jack's land?" she asked.

Nathan simply nodded. Elizabeth didn't question it. She trusted whatever his reasons might be. They rode together, alternately talking and riding in silence, just enjoying being together. When they reached the land that now belonged to Gabe and Colleen, Elizabeth took a moment to soak in her surroundings. The land that had once held so much hope for her now gave hope to others. She knew Jack would be happy that one of his good friends had bought it, that a family would grow here and find delight in the open space.

She spotted a random piece of timber stuck into the ground. The Kinslows had not yet broken ground, preferring to wait until the spring thaw to start building their home. She dismounted Sergeant, instinctively knowing that the final clue was somehow connected to that piece of wood.

She was right. A piece of paper was nailed to the wood, Nathan's handwriting scrawled over it. We're almost there, my love. One more clue will take us to our destination. Follow the stream down the hill and into the valley. Find the spot where your writer's heart takes you.

The clue was more cryptic, but Elizabeth looked at Nathan. He smiled back at her, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek. "Are you ready to find it?" he asked, his look tender.

Elizabeth nodded, breathless. What was in store in the valley? Nathan took her hand. They walked down the hill, leading their horses with the reins. The open valley was beautiful and spacious. The stream they followed was mostly frozen, but some water trickled as they made their way further into the valley. Pine trees surrounded them, alternating with large pockets of open space. They walked for nearly half a mile before coming upon an unexpected sight.

Blinking, Elizabeth stared. "Is that a desk?"

Nathan smiled. "I do believe it is."

The piece was large and solid, sitting on a tarp to protect it from the ground. Elizabeth's hand reached out, touching the smooth wood. "It's beautiful," she murmured. The clue came back to her. "My writer's heart," she murmured. Looking at the craftsmanship, she had no doubt as to where it had come from. "Did you make this for me?"

He nodded again. "This is your final gift," he said softly. "The fifth puzzle led to this."

"I love it," Elizabeth said, her hand still running over the polished wood. "It will be a pleasure to write here." She blinked again, taking in their surroundings. "Though…am I supposed to write outside?"

Nathan laughed heartily. "No, sweetheart." He took the cylindrical case from his shoulders, placing it on the table. He motioned for her to do the same with her case. When both were sitting on the table, he wrapped an arm around her waist. Flinging out his other arm, he waved at the area surrounding him. "What do you think of the land?"

A little off guard at the change in topic, Elizabeth took a moment to look around. "It's stunning," she said after a minute. "One of the prettiest places in Hope Valley, I suspect." She tilted her head. "It's a wonder I've never noticed it before."

Nathan held her a little closer. "It's for sale, Elizabeth."

She looked up at him. "It is?"

He nodded. "Could you see yourself living here? With me?" His eyes never left hers.

A pounding started in her chest. Breathing suddenly became difficult. "Y…yes," she whispered, placing a hand on his chest. "Nathan…is this it?" Was he about to propose?

His smile was infinitely tender, but he didn't answer her question. Instead, he nodded toward the smaller of the two cases. "Open it," he prompted. His arm remained around her waist as she did. Inside was a land deed, already signed by Bill. All that would make it complete was Nathan's signature.

She fumbled with the top door on the desk, somehow knowing it already held writing supplies. Her suspicion was confirmed when she opened it. Drawing out a pen, she handed it to Nathan. "Sign it," she breathed. Her throat constricted, happy tears welling in her eyes. "Make this place our future home."

He accepted the pen from her hand, bent, and signed his name to the deed. He dropped the pen onto the table. Facing Elizabeth, he gripped one of her hands tightly in his while the other ventured into his pocket. When he dropped to one knee, Elizabeth didn't try to stop the tears from falling.

Nathan pulled a black velvet box from his pocket. He flipped it open, revealing a beautiful diamond ring. Elizabeth glanced at it long enough to know it was stunning and that it was one she would be proud to wear. But her gaze soon returned to Nathan's face, basking in the love radiating from him.

"Elizabeth," he said, his voice rough with emotion. "When I came to Hope Valley, the last thing I expected was to fall in love with the fiancée of my friend. When I met you, I found a kindred spirit, someone to talk to in good times and bad times. When I started falling in love with you, I was terrified. But you managed to break through that fear. You proved to me that love is worth fighting for. You proved that it's possible to love again after loss. We both had to fight through the pain of losing a loved one, but somehow that makes our love feel sweeter." He pressed her hand to his lips. "You brought light back into my life, Elizabeth. I love you with all my heart, and I hope to spend the rest of my life making you happy." His earnest eyes lightened as he smiled at her. "Will you marry me?"

"Yes," she said, falling to her knees to embrace him. "I love you, Nathan. I would be honored to be your wife."

He kissed her then, tenderly and sweetly. When he pulled back, he was grinning, pure joy written over his face. They broke into laughter as they held each other, kneeling on the land that would soon be their home. Nathan took the ring from the box, sliding it onto her finger before standing and pulling her up with him. "This was supposed to be in the fifth puzzle compartment," he admitted. "But I saw this land one day when Gabe and I were surveying the property to figure out where to build the house. I mentioned it to Bill, and he said it was for sale. When I discovered that, the idea for this scavenger hunt came to mind." He pressed another kiss to her lips. "I have another surprise for you."

Elizabeth laughed softly. "Another one? We went on an adventurous hunt, this land now belongs to you, and we're engaged to be married. What's left?"

"This," Nathan replied, his smile growing. He pulled her toward the desk. "There's one more case to open."

She'd forgotten about the longer cylinder. Reaching for it, she pulled out the papers and spread them on the desk. There were three different ones. Looking closer, her eyes widened. "Are these blueprints for a house?"

Nathan nodded, his arm finding its way around her waist once more. "These are just some rough drawings," he said. "There's one for a ranch-style house, and one for a two-story house. I wasn't sure what kind you would prefer. The third one is blank, so we can come up with the plan together. We can build our dream home, Elizabeth." He pulled her closer. "I want you to be involved in every step of the process."

Elizabeth leaned against him, her heart full of joy. "I think I'd like a two-story home," she said contemplatively. "We can have all the bedrooms upstairs, and then the main living area downstairs." She tapped her lip. "Maybe six bedrooms?"

Nathan laughed softly, wrapping both arms around her. "Planning for a big family, love?"

She slipped her hands around his neck. "Absolutely," she replied. "A big, happy Grant family."

Her new fiancé looked down at her with breathtaking affection. "I'd like that."

Elizabeth snuggled against him, resting her head on his chest. She felt like she could burst with happiness. They spent a few minutes just holding each other, taking in the reality that they would soon be husband and wife. A smile spread over Elizabeth's face. She leaned back slightly, grinning up at Nathan.

"So…summer wedding?"