Dinner at Abigail's turned out to be a surprise engagement party. As soon as Elizabeth walked into the room to cheers of congratulations!, she realized why Nathan hadn't mentioned the dinner to her before. Their friends converged on them immediately, exclaiming over their engagement and admiring the ring twinkling on Elizabeth's finger.

"My word!" Rosemary said, holding up Elizabeth's hand. "Nathan has excellent taste! I must admit, I'm a tad surprised."

"I heard that," Nathan said, coming over and slipping an arm around Elizabeth's waist.

Rosemary grinned at him unapologetically, shifting her tiny son in her arms. "I call it like I see it," she said, giving him a wink. That made him laugh. Rosemary looked back at Elizabeth, eyes sparkling. "When is the wedding?"

Elizabeth smiled up at Nathan, leaning her head against his shoulder. "June," she replied. "We'll wait until school is out for the summer, then take a couple weeks to finish all the wedding details. We were thinking June 24 would be a good date for the actual wedding. It's a Saturday."

Calculations moved through Rosemary's eyes like a physical force. Elizabeth reached out to place a hand on her friend's arm. "Rosemary, we don't have to start planning yet. The wedding is nearly six months away."

"Six months will go so fast!" Rosemary told her, eyes wide. "We must begin the preparations!"

Laughing, Elizabeth shook her head. "I should have known you would go into wedding planner mode immediately," she teased. "But Nathan and I will talk about the details. We'll let you know what we come up with, okay?"

Rosemary looked like she was about to protest, but then she nodded. "Alright. But will you allow me to design your wedding dress? It can be my gift to you."

Elizabeth caught her breath. "Really?"

Her friend nodded. "It would be my pleasure," she said, looking hopeful. "I've never designed a wedding dress before, and I have so many ideas!" She looked Elizabeth up and down as if measuring her for a fitting. Then she nodded. "I have just the thing! I'll start working on it tomorrow." Nearly bouncing up and down, Rosemary fairly shone with excitement. "I'll have you approve the drawings before I begin making the dress, of course."

Elizabeth chuckled. "Of course." She gave Rosemary a one-armed hug to avoid squishing LJ. "Thank you, Rosemary. I appreciate this."

Rosemary preened. "What are friends for?" she asked, squeezing Elizabeth's hand. LJ began squawking in her arms, and she looked down at the baby's tight face. His small mouth opened as his face screwed up in a pout. "Uh oh. I'd better find a private corner to feed this little one," Rosemary said. "Excuse me." She darted into the back room to nurse her son.

Nathan laughed softly. "And so it begins," he said, his voice low. "Our friends are going to be asking lots of questions about the wedding in the months to come."

As soon as the words left his mouth, Colleen came running up to them. "You did it!" she exclaimed, throwing herself into Nathan's arms for a tight embrace. When she released him, she turned to Elizabeth and hugged her as well. "I've wanted a sister my entire life," she said, rocking back and forth. "We're going to be family!"

Elizabeth hugged Colleen back, feeling just as excited as the other woman. Colleen pulled back, linking arms with Elizabeth. She waved her other hand at Nathan. "You go socialize," she said, giving him a snarky grin. "I'm going to steal my future sister-in-law for some girl talk."

Nathan shook his head. "Careful, Elizabeth," he said, shooting Colleen a look that only a little brother could. "She can be dangerous when she's in attack mode."

His sister laughed. "Shoo!" she said, waving her hand again. "Gabe is with Bill and Lee at the punch bowl. Go spend some time with your friends." With a toss of her hair, she flounced away, pulling Elizabeth with her. Trying to suppress her own laughter, Elizabeth glanced over her shoulder to see Nathan grinning as he watched them walk away. He gave her a wink, then went to find his friends.

Colleen steered her to a spot beside Abigail and Faith. The latter two oohed and ahhed over the ring, then looked at Elizabeth expectantly. "Nathan clued us in on how he would propose," Abigail said happily. "But we want to hear things from your perspective. Tell us how the scavenger hunt went."

"Yes," College said, a dreamy look on her face. "When Nathan told me the plan, I almost fell over. Who knew my reticent brother could be so romantic!"

Faith leaned forward. "Go on," she encouraged, eyes shining. "Tell us the story."

So Elizabeth did. She began with the fifth puzzle compartment and went all the way to Nathan showing her the blueprint samples for a house. By the time she was done, all three of her friends were starry-eyed.

"That's beautiful," Abigail said, both hands over her heart. "I am so happy for you, Elizabeth. You went through a dark period after Jack's death, but beauty came from the ashes."

"It's amazing," Faith said, shaking her head. "You found love again even in difficult circumstances. Now you're going to marry a wonderful man and have a home and a family of your own."

Elizabeth smiled shyly. "I'm excited to start life with him," she said. "I didn't expect to fall in love so quickly, but this feels right."

Colleen sighed, the sound happy. "I hoped Nathan would find the courage to love again," she said. "It took him a long time, but you opened his heart, Elizabeth. You showed him that love is worth the risk. Thank you for that. Thank you for loving him, even when he was hard to love. I hope you have a long and happy life together."

The others echoed the sentiment. In her heart, so did Elizabeth.

They were soon joined by Rosemary, who came up to them with Mike Hickam in tow. "Elizabeth, would you mind holding LJ?" she asked, holding out her son.

"Of course!" Elizabeth exclaimed, taking the baby into her arms. His sweet infant scent filled her nose, sparking an immediate longing for a child of her own. She nestled her nose in his downy hair, dreaming of the day she and Nathan would have a baby to love. Would all their children have brown hair and blue eyes like the two of them? Or would they see some variety in their coloring?

She was pulled from her thoughts as Rosemary leaned in, whispering conspiratorially. "It's time to start Operation Infirmary," she said, delight lacing every word.

Faith blinked, then looked wide-eyed at Mike. "Now?" she asked incredulously.

Rosemary nodded. "Oh yes. Now. There's no time like an engagement party to make a man start thinking about his own future marriage." She grinned, reaching out and pulling Faith to her feet. "All you have to do is let Mike walk you around the room on his arm a few times. Pretend to be deep in conversation, and make sure to bat your eyes at him a time or two."

Faith stared at her aghast. "Bat my eyes at him?" she repeated.

Mike placed one hand on his heart. "I like to think I'm not quite so hideous," he said, teasing evident in his voice. "Don't worry, Faith," he continued. "You and Carson are meant to be together. I'm happy to do my part to help you along."

"Because it's too easy to simply tell him how you feel," Abigail said dryly, hiking a brow.

Rosemary gasped. "And risk him breaking her heart? Absolutely not!"

Faith laughed. "It's a little soon to say he would break my heart," she protested. "Maybe it would even help me move on if I knew he didn't feel the same way."

Their resident matchmaker pshawed. "Nonsense. It's good for him to realize that you are an attractive young woman who won't stay single forever. Seeing you with Mike might make him more inclined to act."

"Or it might dissuade him," Colleen said under her breath.

Rosemary huffed, putting her hands on her hips. "Do you have a better idea?" she asked, tapping her foot.

Elizabeth rocked LJ, smiling down at the baby. "She could always kiss him at midnight and see how he reacts," she cooed, feeling playful.

Silence met her words. She glanced up, her gaze immediately landing on Faith. Her friend wore a thoughtful expression. A slow smile spread over her lips. "You know, that's not a bad idea."

Elizabeth blinked. "Oh! I meant to be funny. I didn't actually mean that you should take such a drastic measure."

Faith chuckled under her breath. "When it comes to Carson Shepherd, drastic might be the one way to get him to notice me as anything other than a friend."

"Brilliant!" Rosemary proclaimed, clapping her hands. "Then it's settled." She grinned at Faith. "You let us know if you need any help. We can always send Carson out onto the porch to 'accidentally' meet you there."

"I can't believe I'm actually going to do this," Faith said. "But somehow I'm not afraid."

Abigail smiled. "Maybe it's meant to be," she said softly.

Mike looked between the five women. "I suppose my services aren't needed," he commented.

Rosemary latched onto his arm. "Not so fast, young man. I see Katie Yost all by herself over there in the corner. Perhaps you can keep her company."

Mike flushed red, stammering as Rosemary led him away from the group and toward her target. Colleen chuckled as they walked away. "Always a matchmaker," she said with a grin.

As the evening wore on, Elizabeth sought Nathan out. They made their way around the room, talking with everyone present and accepting the congratulations and wedding suggestions from their friends. When midnight approached, Faith came up to Elizabeth.

"Would you come outside with me?" she whispered. "I don't want to be alone when I face Carson."

Elizabeth squeezed her hand. "Of course." She turned to Nathan. "I'll be back shortly."

He looked at her curiously, but nodded. Elizabeth lowered her voice. "I'll explain later."

"Does this have anything to do with Carson?" Nathan asked, matching the timber of her voice.

Faith looked surprised. "Is my affection for him obvious?" she asked, suddenly looking nervous.

Nathan shook his head. "Not necessarily. I used to be a Mountie. I'm trained to be observant." He smiled. "I hope whatever you have planned goes well."

"Me too," Faith murmured.

The two women walked outside. "Rosemary said she'd send Carson out right at midnight," Faith said, wrapping her arms around her body. "Would you mind waiting just around the corner?"

"Of course," Elizabeth said. She gave Faith a quick hug. "Call me if you need anything."

Faith nodded, and Elizabeth slipped around the side of the building. Moments later, the door opened. Elizabeth heard Carson's voice. "Hi, Faith. Rosemary said you had something you wanted to tell me."

"Uhm…yes," Faith replied. Her voice was unnaturally high. She cleared her throat. "Though I suppose it would be more accurate to say there was something I wanted to show you."

At that moment, cheers rose from inside. Their friends began counting down, midnight just ten seconds away. Elizabeth peeked around the building. When they reached the end, Faith placed her hands on Carson's shoulders. "Happy new year, Carson," she said. Standing on tiptoe, she gave him a soft kiss. It lasted only a couple of seconds, but Elizabeth could see that her message got across. Carson looked down at her with a mixture of surprise and wonder.

"I've often wondered what that would be like," he murmured, drawing her into his arms before leaning down to give her a tender kiss in return. When he pulled back, Faith had tears shining in her eyes. "Then you feel the same way I do?" she whispered.

Carson cupped her cheek, the look on his face telling Elizabeth exactly how he felt about his nurse. "Yes," he replied. "I do." He nodded toward the chairs on the porch as he took her hand. "Let's sit," he suggested. "It looks like we have a lot to talk about."

Faith nodded, glowing. Elizabeth smiled. It seemed her friend would not be needing her support. She quietly turned and made her way to the front door of the café.

Gabe noticed Elizabeth walk into the café shortly after midnight. She was smiling as she came up to him and Nathan. "It looks like love is in the air," Elizabeth said, sliding an arm around Nathan's waist. "Faith let Carson know how she felt, and he returns her feelings." She sighed happily. "It's a good start to 1916."

"I have a feeling it will be the best year yet," Nathan replied, looking at Elizabeth with such love, Gabe felt obliged to tease them to cut through the sap.

"I can't think of anything significant coming up," he said, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "What's your basis for calling this the best year yet?"

Nathan gave him a light shove, smirking. "Gee, I wonder," he said, wrapping Elizabeth in his arms. His fiancée nestled against him happily, her cheek resting on his chest.

Gabe rolled his eyes. "You two couldn't be any cuter," he muttered, shaking his head with a laugh.

Nathan grinned. "Now you know how I feel when I walk in on you and my sister being all lovey-dovey."

Chuckling, Gabe tilted his head. "Touché, my friend." Glancing around the room, he spotted his wife trying to hide a yawn. He smiled. "Speaking of Colleen, I think it's time I got her home." He clapped Nathan on the shoulder, his expression becoming serious. "Congratulations to you both," he said. "I couldn't be happier for you."

"Thanks, Gabe," Elizabeth said, breaking from Nathan to give him a hug. "It looks like we'll be brother and sister before long."

Gabe smiled. "I've always wanted a sister."

Elizabeth laughed. "That's what Colleen said."

"Then we're both getting our wish," Gabe replied. "I'll see you two later. Have a good night."

They echoed his words, and Gabe headed over to Colleen. She smiled when she saw him. Before she could say anything, another yawn appeared. Gabe threaded his fingers between hers. "Are you ready to go home, sweetheart?" he asked.

She nodded. They said their farewells, then began the trek home. They'd opted to walk to the café rather than drive. Though still the dead of winter, the temperature was relatively pleasant. Even so, Gabe felt Colleen shiver. He wrapped an arm around her shoulder, hoping his body heat would warm her up. She gave him a grateful smile.

When they were halfway home, Colleen broke the silence. "I'm glad Nathan got out of his own way and finally accepted the happiness that was offered to him," she said. "Part of me thought he would never marry."

"He had a lot of fear to work through," Gabe said quietly. "It was a relief when he started confiding in me. I knew he needed to say what he felt out loud, but for the longest time he kept it all locked inside. I think those days are now over."

Colleen squeezed his arm. "You have been such a good friend to him," she said. "Have I ever thanked you for that?"

Gabe smiled. "Nathan is my best friend," he replied. "That's what friends do."

"He's fortunate to have one like you," she answered.

They arrived at their house to hear Daisy fussing. Laura turned from the stove, where she was warming a bottle of milk. "I'm sorry, Constable and Mrs. Kinslow," she said. "Daisy woke up about fifteen minutes ago. She won't stop crying. I was hoping a bottle would help."

Colleen went to her with a smile. "Thank you, Laura," she said, taking the baby into her arms.

Gabe paid Laura for babysitting. "Come on," he said. "I'll drive you home."

"Thank you, Constable Kinslow," Laura said.

The ride to her house didn't take long. Gabe was home again before Colleen had finished feeding Daisy. Their daughter was still fussy, alternating between drinking her milk and crying pitifully. Colleen looked almost as distressed as the little girl.

"I don't know what's wrong," she fretted. "Daisy has never cried like this while she's eating."

Gabe sat beside her, looking at his daughter. She whimpered as she looked back at him, her little mouth gnawing at the bottle. Gabe looked closer, frowning. Daisy wasn't sucking the milk; she was chewing on the rubber nipple.

"Take the bottle away for a moment," Gabe said. Colleen did. Daisy's cries grew in intensity, her arms flailing in protest. Gabe put one finger in her mouth, gently sweeping her gums. One area in particular seemed swollen. Daisy grasped his finger in her hand, chewing on it frantically.

"Poor baby," Gabe said, leaning down to kiss her cheek. He turned to Colleen. "I think she's about to cut a tooth. That's why she's crying. Her gums are in pain." Standing, he headed for the kitchen. "I'll get a piece of ice. That might soothe her."

He wrapped the ice in a tea towel, then came back. Gently, he placed the ice in her mouth, right over the swollen gum. Daisy blinked, surprise at the new item startling her from her tears. She gummed the cold fabric, her whimpers slowly fading.

Colleen smiled at Gabe gratefully. "I wouldn't have known what to do about teething," she said. "I never had anyone explain it to me when Allie was a baby. Thank you, sweetheart." Her smile slowly became a frown. "But Daisy isn't even five months old. Isn't it a little early to be teething?"

Gabe shrugged. "Some babies teeth earlier than others. Daisy seems to be one of them."

Their baby was slowly blinking. She continued to chew on the block of ice, but eventually her eyes drooped. After five minutes, they remained closed.

Colleen removed the ice, then lifted Daisy to rest against her chest. She nuzzled the little girl's blonde curls. "Hopefully she's not in pain for long," she murmured. "I hate to think of her hurting."

"Me too," Gabe replied. He put an arm around her. "Should we get her up to her crib?"

His wife leaned her head against his shoulder. "Not yet," she said, her words slow and tried. "Maybe in a few minutes…"

Gabe chuckled. "You're going to fall asleep on me, love. Wouldn't you be more comfortable in bed?"

"Mmm-mmm," she sighed. "This is comfortable."

He smiled, unable to argue with her logic. Sitting with her on the settee, Daisy snuggled against her chest, Gabe felt perfectly happy. He had a feeling Nathan was right earlier.

1916 was going to be the best year yet.