Gabe hadn't known such contentment was possible. But as he watched his friends move his and Colleen's things into their new home, the home built by his best friend and brother, he felt his heart swell with happiness. Allie was running all around, directing traffic in her two-year-old way, while Daisy watched the proceedings from the safety of her Aunt Rosemary's arms. Gabe felt two arms slip around his waist from behind, right before his wife's voice sounded in his ear.

"I can't believe we're finally moving into our house," Colleen said, wonder in her tone. "A place all our own."

Gabe turned, pulling her fully into his arms. "Where we can grow in love as the years go on," he said, smiling down at her before giving her a kiss.

Colleen chuckled. "You've become a poet, my love."

He kissed her again. "I just needed the right muse."

Nathan walked by with Bill, carrying a couch into the living room. "Enough mush, you two," he said with a playful wink. "Get to work."

Colleen rested her head against Gabe's chest. "Did you hear something?" she asked innocently.

Gabe laughed. "Not a thing," he replied, grinning at Nathan.

Bill shook his head. "Mush doesn't even begin to cover it with those two," he said. "Walk on, Nathan."

With a laugh, Nathan continued his backward trajectory. Soon he and Bill disappeared from sight. Gabe and Colleen went to help their friends. The day flew by. Before they knew it, all their things were moved in and unpacked. They were officially moved in.

A potluck had been planned to celebrate. Loads of food graced the Kinslow's new kitchen. People laughed and chatted throughout the evening. Gabe found himself feeling increasingly grateful for this amazing community. His mind wandered to his initial days in Hope Valley. He'd felt very much a stranger, out of place, unwelcomed. But things had changed so much in the last year. He was welcomed as a member of the community, he was a husband and father, and he had more friends than ever before.

Gabe remembered the lonely days before joining the Mounties. His parents had been killed in a train crash right before his twentieth birthday. All the family he'd had was taken from him that day. He'd leaned more than ever before on Nathan, Colleen, and Joshua. Their friendship kept him going. Now those lonely days were a distant memory. Now, he had a family of his own, complete with the woman he'd wanted to marry for years. A prayer of thanks rushed from his heart. Life wasn't perfect, but it was pretty close.

One by one, their neighbors and friends departed. Eventually, Gabe and Colleen were alone in their new bedroom. Allie and Daisy were each settling in their rooms, sleeping soundly after the excitement of the day.

Gabe led his wife onto the balcony she had requested. The moon was shining brightly over their property, giving plenty of light. Colleen sighed happily as Gabe slid his arms around her from behind, pulling her gently against his chest. His hands rested on her stomach where their unborn child grew. They stood quietly together, taking in the night for several long, blissful moments.

"Can we just stay like this forever?" Colleen murmured.

Gabe smiled, nestling his cheek against hers. "This does feel like the perfect night," he admitted. His hand rubbed against her belly. "But if we stayed like this forever, we would never meet the newest member of our family."

Colleen placed her hands over his. "I'm so happy, Gabe," she whispered, resting the back of her head on his shoulder. "One year ago, I was scared and distraught for so many reasons. Now I'm happier than I've ever been." She turned, wrapping her arms around him in a fierce embrace. "Thank you for never giving up on me. I don't know where I would be if you'd decided I wasn't worth fighting for."

"You'll never have to find out," Gabe promised. "We found our way together. That's what matters. We have two beautiful daughters and another little blessing on the way." He nuzzled her cheek. "I love you, Colleen. You are my forever love." He kissed her gently.

Colleen smiled, relaxing into him with a sigh. "I like the sound of that, sweetheart." She shook her head slightly. "I still can't believe I thought myself in love with anyone before you."

Gabe chuckled. "It is hard for any other man to live up to me," he teased, tugging on a lock of her hair.

His wife smacked his chest. "Have I mentioned that humor was greatly lacking in my life before marrying you?" she asked, smirking.

Gabe grinned. "I'm happy to provide some laughs."

A cry sounded from Daisy's room. Gabe put a hand on Colleen's back. "You get ready for bed," he told her. "I'll go take care of Daisy."

Colleen reached up to kiss him one more time. "Thank you."

Gabe made his way to their youngest daughter's room. Daisy was fussing in her crib, chewing on her hand. Gabe picked her up and took her to the rocker.

"Teething again, princess?" he asked, sticking a finger in her mouth and running it along her gums. A new nub met his finger just as Daisy bit down. Gabe winced slightly, then relaxed. "You have a rather strong bite reflex, Daisy-girl," he said, brushing a kiss to her head. She babbled at him, chewing incessantly on his finger. It took Gabe thirty minutes to get her back to sleep. He expected Colleen to be sleeping when he got back to their bedroom, but his wife was sitting in their bed, reading a book. She put it aside when he closed the door.

"Did Daisy finally go to sleep?" she asked.

Gabe nodded, beginning the process of changing into his nightclothes. "She was in a bit of pain, poor girl, but she seemed content enough chewing on me."

Colleen chuckled. "You are a gem to let her do that. You could have gotten some ice from the kitchen."

Gabe slipped into the bed beside her, turning off the lamp on his side. "I know, but she seemed comfortable and I didn't want to disturb her more. She's sleeping soundly now."

Colleen doused her lamp as well. The moon shone enough light in the room for Gabe to see her smile at him. He wiggled down until he was under the covers. "I'm surprised you're still awake."

She nestled against his side, resting her head on his chest. "I wanted to fall asleep with you on our first night in this new home," she said.

Gabe smiled, touched. He pressed a kiss to her hair. "Thank you for waiting, sweetheart."

"You're welcome," she murmured sleepily. Within minutes, she fell asleep, safe in his arms. Gabe smiled, letting his head rest against hers before he, too, drifted off.

Elizabeth stared at her reflection in the full-length mirror. "Oh, Rosemary," she murmured, hands clasped to her chest. "You outdid yourself, my friend."

Rosemary grinned, clearly pleased. "So you like it?"

"'Like' doesn't even begin to describe it," Elizabeth said. She was standing on a small platform, wearing the dress she would marry Nathan in. Their wedding was two short months away. Rosemary had just finished the beautiful gown this morning, calling Elizabeth into the shop so she could make the final alterations.

As Rosemary fussed with the gown to make sure it fit properly, Elizabeth took in the outfit. The dress was a creamy white. The entire bodice was studded with tiny pearls, while a lacy overlay graced the full skirt. The satin sleeves reached just past her elbows, dotted strategically with more pearls. It was the most stunning dress Elizabeth had ever seen.

"You have a gift, Rosemary," Elizabeth said.

Her friend waved away the praise in a surprising show of modesty. "I enjoy it," she said, placing a final pin in place. Stepping back, she surveyed Elizabeth before nodding her approval. "You look like a princess." Smiling, she held out her hand. "Now, let's get you out of this dress and discuss some more wedding details."

An hour later, Elizabeth's head was spinning. Preparations were coming along, but she needed a break. Going to Abigail's, she picked up two lunch specials, then packed them in a basket and saddled Sergeant. Nathan was working on their future home. She wanted to see the progress being made and, more importantly, spend time with her beloved fiancé.

Within ten minutes, she arrived at her destination. Nathan was hard at work, so much so that he didn't notice her arrival. Elizabeth sat on Sergeant and simply watched him work for a few minutes, admiring the dedication and detail he put into their new home. The entire house was framed. Nathan had been working long hours with the crew that had helped him build Gabe and Colleen's home. He split his time between fulfilling orders in his workshop and building the house, and Elizabeth knew he worked from dawn to dusk each day. They spent their evenings together, which Elizabeth appreciated. She loved that he made a committed effort to continue growing their relationship even while he was busier than ever.

Nathan paused in his work. Taking a towel, he wiped the sweat beading his forehead. Elizabeth slid from Sergeant, taking the basket and walking toward her fiancé. He finally noticed her. His entire countenance brightened. "Elizabeth!" He met her with a kiss. "I'd hug you, but I'm pretty sweaty right now."

Elizabeth chuckled. "Thank you for that consideration." She nodded toward the house. "I brought food. Can we eat in our dining room?"

Nathan laughed. "Of course. As long as you don't mind sitting on the floor."

"Not at all," Elizabeth replied. She followed him into the house, passing through frames until they found the dining room. "Where's the crew?"

"They're on their lunch break," Nathan said. "You came just in time."

Elizabeth tutted softly. "And why weren't you taking a lunch break as well?"

His cheeks reddened slightly. "I would have. Eventually."

"Mm-hmm," Elizabeth said, raising a brow. "'Eventually' meaning lunch would have turned into dinner."

Nathan coughed, holding back a smile. "You know me too well, love."

They began eating, enjoying the beef and potatoes that Abigail made. Elizabeth decided now was a good time to bring up the letter she had received.

"I heard from my parents today," she said.

Nathan paused, a roll halfway to his mouth. "You did?"

She nodded. "They accepted our wedding invitation. My father said they would arrive in Hope Valley a week before the wedding." Her mouth tipped up in a smile. "Father also said he would like to take you fishing."

Nathan blinked. "William Thatcher wants to…fish…with me?" he asked, incredulous. "Your father can fish?"

"So it would seem," Elizabeth replied. "I think it's his way of scoping you out."

Her fiancé looked nervous. "And if he finds me lacking?"

Elizabeth patted his cheek. "I will marry you no matter what my father thinks," she told him. "But I do hope the two of you will get along." She was quiet for a few moments. "He and Jack never quite reconciled their differences. I'm hoping this time things will be different."

Nathan chewed slowly on a bite of his roll, taking some time to think. Finally, he looked at Elizabeth again. "I won't lie – the prospect of meeting your father has me a little worried. I don't usually brush shoulders with Canadian high society. But for you, I will do so happily."

Elizabeth smiled. "Thank you, Nathan. I'm sure my family will love you." She chuckled. "It seems even my two sisters will be coming to celebrate with us." Her eyes softened. "I can't wait to see Julie and Viola again."

Nathan reached out, covering her hand with his. "I'm excited to meet them." He smiled. "Getting to know your family will allow me to better know you." He lifted her hand to his lips, his smile making her stomach flip. "And that will make it all worth it, no matter what they think of me."

The rest of their meal was lighthearted. They laughed together and talked about their future. Nathan thought the house would be finished by the middle of May. His crew was excellent, working fast and efficiently. He even planned to furnish their home himself, while Elizabeth planned on adding plenty of beautiful, homey touches. She was already scouring catalogs for curtains, china, and pretty fabrics for the furniture.

Though there was still much to be done, as far as she was concerned, the twenty-fourth of June couldn't come fast enough.

A couple weeks later, there was a knock on Nathan's door as he emerged from his afternoon shower. Rubbing the water from his face, he found his robe and pulled it on before answering the knock. Gabe stood there, a grim look on his face. "Can we talk, Nathan?"

Concern shot through Nathan. It was a rare sight for Gabriel Kinslow to look worried. "Of course." He motioned his brother-in-law into the room. "Let me just get dressed and then we can talk. Help yourself to something to drink."

"Coffee," Gabe muttered, making his way to the kitchen. Nathan went to the bedroom and dressed in a hurry, not bothering to comb his hair. He simply ran his fingers through it as he joined Gabe at the table. "What's going on?"

Nathan could hear the coffee dripping into its pot as silence lengthened. Gabe rubbed a hand over his face, shaking his head. "I wish I didn't have to be the bearer of bad news, Nate."

Nate. Anytime Gabe used that nickname, Nathan knew something was wrong. And something was obviously wrong. Trepidation filled him.

"Have you been following the Controni gang's sentences?" Gabe asked abruptly.

The dread deepened. "Yes," Nathan said slowly. "I know three of them were hung for their crimes, and I know Ray Controni is scheduled to meet his end soon." Looking into his friend's eyes, seeing the pain there, Nathan instinctively knew what was wrong. "He escaped." It was a statement, not a question.

Gabe nodded, lips pressed tight. "He escaped."

Nathan had often wondered what his reaction would be if a man he'd put behind bars escaped prison. Now, as he processed the fact that the man who had ripped his life from him was once more free, Nathan felt an icy calm descend over him.

"When?" he asked.

"Two days ago," Gabe replied. He stood, pouring two mugs of coffee and bringing them to the table. He placed one in front of Nathan. "The guards aren't sure what happened. He gave them the slip completely."

Nathan took a sip of his coffee. It was strong, just what he needed. A little surprised at his sense of calm, he looked at Gabe. "Can you get a message to Mountie headquarters for me?"

"Of course," Gabe replied instantly. "What would you like me to say?"

"Tell Superintendent O'Reilly that I'm coming to see him," Nathan replied in a monotone. "I want to be temporarily reinstated to the Mounties."

Gabe blinked. "What?"

Nathan took another sip of coffee. "I'll be in Union City tomorrow," he replied quietly. "I'm the best tracker the Mounties had. I found Ray Controni once. I can do it again." He paused, a chilling fear slicing through him. "Preferably before he finds out I've moved to Hope Valley."

Elizabeth filled his mind. He knew Controni would be out for revenge. He harbored no illusions that the man would simply go into hiding. He would try to find Nathan, and he would exact a terrible revenge.

Nathan was not going to lose another woman he loved.

Gabe nodded. "Alright," he said. "I'm coming with you." He held up a hand before Nathan could say anything. "And don't even think about protesting. I will have Bill keep an eye on Hope Valley. We both know he won't let anything happen to this town." He paused. "Or the people in it."

Nathan found a small smile. "I wasn't going to protest, Gabe," he said quietly. "And thank you. You coming along means the world to me."

Gabe smiled tightly. "Controni will be back in prison and meet his justice soon, if I have anything to say about it." He leaned forward. "Now, let's form a plan to convince O'Reilly to allow you reinstatement, no matter how temporary."

Nathan was sure fear would nag at him in the days to come. He wouldn't know peace until Controni was back behind bars. But knowing he wasn't in this alone gave him the strength he needed to move forward.

This time, he would protect the ones he loved.