CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

Nathan felt he needed to spend a second night with Sargent in his stall, but this time he insisted that Elizabeth rest and prepare for her Math test and her first day back at teaching.

Elizabeth finally agreed if he would leave Allie with her for the night. That way, she and Allie could walk to school together in the morning. And he wouldn't have to worry about them.

Nathan agreed and took Allie home long enough to pack up an outfit for school tomorrow and get some books she was missing.

"Dad, I'm so happy!"

"About the lake?"

"Yes, that too! But I'm just so happy we're finally going to be a real family!"

He hugged her. "Yes, Allie, but remember all those grown-up things I mentioned? You still need to be patient."

"I know, but it's so hard! It already feels like we're a family."

"It does, and that's a very good thing, Allie Bean! You've really missed having a Mother, haven't you?"

"More than you can know. I'm the only one in the whole school, who doesn't have one," Allie said sadly.

"I'm so sorry, Sweetheart. I hadn't realized that, but you do have a Mother, you know. It's just that she's in Heaven looking down, watching over you. She loved you so very much, Allie. More than you can ever know. And you know, I believe she left all that love for you right here, in your heart. I also believe she took all the love you gave her, with her to Heaven, so she could be happy there."

"I never thought about that. So, if I have my Mother's love in my heart, I really do have a piece of her with me. That makes me happy, Dad. But, do you think she would be okay if I had a second Mother down here that could do things with me?"

"I know she would be more than okay, Allie. She told me so. All she ever wanted was for you to be happy. And she told me if I ever married, for me to choose someone who would love you as much as she did."

Nathan was getting tears in his eyes.

"She did? She said that, Dad?"

"She most certainly did, Allie. I promise."

"Then, she really wants me to have a Mother."

"She does, Allie Bean!"

"Do you think Mrs. Thornton will want to be my Mother? When the time comes, when you get married, I mean."

"Yes, Allie, when the time comes for us to get married, she really wants to be your Mother, very much so."

"Are you sure? How do you know?"

"Allie, this is very private. So you can't talk about this to anyone. Deal?"

"Deal, I promise, Dad! I just need to know. Not to tell anyone or anything, but just for me." And by this time, Allie had crocodile tears falling down her cheeks.

"I understand, Sweetheart. I know because Mrs. Thornton and I have discussed it. She loves you very much, Allie. Very much."

"Do you think she will love me as much as Little Jack? I mean, he's her real Son and all, so I guess it's normal she would love him more."

"Allie, come sit with me!"

She climbed up on his lap.

"I want you to listen to me very closely."

"When the time comes for Mrs. Thornton and me to marry, she will be your Mother, and she will love you every bit as much as Jack. And you'll be her real Daughter, just like Jack is her real Son. Just as I will love Jack as much as you. There will be no difference between you and Jack for either of us. Do you understand that, Allie?"

"I understand. But how do you know that, Dad?"

"Because we've already discussed it, Allie. And we already love you both. But that was a very private discussion that can't be shared with anyone, not even Mrs. Thornton. Because she will know the right time to have that discussion with you. And I don't want her to think I've betrayed a confidence. Do you understand, Allie?"

"It's our very own secret, Dad," and she hooked her right pinkie into his. "I just really needed to know. I've been so worried about it."

"Allie, promise me, no more worries. Everything's going to work out. Okay?"

"I promise. But Dad, will you promise me you won't wait forever to ask Mrs. Thornton to marry you?"

"I promise I won't wait forever, Allie Bean. But remember, I told you these things take time, and you and Little Jack need to be patient with us, very patient!" pointing his finger to her nose for emphasis.

"It's hard, but we'll try."

"You know what I've learned to do, Allie? When you want something to happen so very badly, and it just seems like it's taking forever to happen, I just start making a list of all my blessings every single day. That always helps me to be patient and thankful for the things I already have. I mean, just think! How many girls have been given a huge lake today, or ever? How many girls have two new Uncles and a new Auntie? How many girls are going to have a brother as cute as Little Jack? How many girls are going to make a hundred on their Math test tomorrow? And I could go on and on!"

She laughed, "You're right, Dad. I'll start keeping a list of my blessings each day."

Allie grabbed him around the neck and whispered, "You're the best Dad ever, in the whole wide world!"

"Allie, that's because you're the best Daughter ever, in the whole wide world!" he kissed her softly on her cheek. "Are you ready to go?"

Nathan walked her to Elizabeth's, with his arm around her, carrying the bag she had filled with all her things in his other hand.

Allie was back to her usual cheery self by the time they made it there.

And Nathan was very thankful for that.

She quickly carried her things upstairs and checked on Little Jack as soon as they arrived at Elizabeth's, as though she knew the couple needed a moment of privacy.

He held Elizabeth tightly in his arms, but his heart was troubled, and she could sense it.

"Nathan, what is it, my Love?"

"Darling, I didn't plan it, but Allie had a lot of questions," he whispered.

Elizabeth motioned for him to go outside with her, so they couldn't be overheard. They sat down together on the porch stoop, letting their legs dangle down the steps, although Nathan's almost reached the bottom of the steps.

"She was worried about several things. Would her Mother want her to have a second Mother, would you want to be her Mother, and would you love her as much as Jack?"

"Oh, Nathan. That breaks my heart. You did tell her what we discussed?"

"I felt I had to. Allie's questions were so pointed. She said she was the only girl at school without a Mother. Elizabeth, that broke my heart. I didn't know that. I told her that her Mother's love would always be in her heart, and hers would be with her Mother in Heaven, and yes, her Mother had asked me when I married to find someone who would love Allie as much as she did."

"I told her you loved her very much and that when we married, you very much wanted to be a Mother to her. She asked if you would love her as much as Jack, and I told her yes. That you would love them the same, just as I would love Jack as much as her. That there would be no difference between the two for either of us. I also told her all this was very private, and it wasn't to be discussed even with you. That you would know the right time to discuss it with her. She pinky promised. She said she had been worried and just had to know for herself. I hope I did the right thing, Elizabeth. I don't ever want to betray a confidence, especially yours, Darling!"

"Love, you did the only thing a good Father could have done. Of course, you did the right thing. Maybe, I need to talk to her sooner rather than later."

"Elizabeth, I trust you completely. You use your judgment and, of course, do whatever you think is best. I just hadn't expected this so soon. I thought she was anxious about seeing the lake, but that wasn't it at all. You know, I think Dinner tonight showed her what a real family looks like, more specifically what our family will be like. I know it sure did show me! It was both comfortable and extraordinary! It felt like home, Elizabeth. No wonder she wants it so badly! But I talked to her again about needing to have patience and that it might help her be more patient if she counted her many blessings each and every single day and concentrated on them instead of what she was wishing for!"

"That's beautiful, Darling," and she rested her head on his chest.

"You are such a wonderful Father. I'm so proud you're going to be my Son's Father."

Elizabeth had never said that to him before. He was overcome with a gamut of emotions and kissed her longingly.

"I already love Little Jack as though he were my own. I know I couldn't love him any more if he were."

"I know, my Darling. And I adore you for that! You're going to be the best Father to him!"

"Are you sure, Elizabeth? I would be so honored to be a Father to Little Jack."

"I've never been more sure of anything. And I know that's what Jack would want for Little Jack, too. Nathan, I think Little Jack already sees you as his Father. He adores you. I think, truthfully, sometimes more than me!"

"Darling, that's simply not true. You'll fill roles with Allie I could never fill, and I hope I can do the same for you with Jack. Remember our Father/Mother discussion at the cabin?"

"Yes, I do. I remember every detail of that glorious night, my Love! How did you get to be so wise?"

He laughed, "I have this beautiful Teacher I adore! And she teaches me quite a lot!"

She smiled at him tenderly.

He helped her up and led her inside, "As much as I hate to leave you, I've got to get back to Sargent. I love you, Darling! Soon?" and his blue eyes searched for face for affirmation.

"Soon. I love you, Nathan."

And they kissed each other with passion and also a sense of belonging that was growing stronger every day.

"Nathan, thanks from the bottom of my heart for taking care of Sargent for us. And Darling, thanks for just being the wonderful man that you are. You are a treasure, Nathan Alexander Grant, for all of us, for Allie, for Little Jack, and for me!"

She kissed him one last time, letting him know without any doubt she had meant every single word she said. "Soon..."

Back at the Livery, Nathan had thoroughly checked Sargent, who seemed to be recovering nicely, but he still felt he needed to spend the night with him, just to make sure he didn't have a setback. He gave Sargent more water, as the poor horse was beginning to show signs of dehydration, which was still better than the alternative of giving him too much fluid at any one time.

Nathan sat alone in Sargent's stall, thinking about the perfectly beautiful night they had just had, having Dinner together with only the four of them. It had felt so natural, so perfect, just like a real family!

But, all that had been followed by Allie's heart-wrenching questions. He knew in his heart, that it was right for Elizabeth to have her beautiful June Wedding. The children would have to be patient. But he and Elizabeth also needed to include them in as much as possible, so they felt they were a part of things.

He would have to start thinking about a proposal soon, and that required a ring, something he had never given a lot of thought to. It wasn't the money he was concerned about. In fact, he had more than enough saved back from his books, and his monthly income from the family's Horse Ranch, which he realized he hadn't thought to tell Elizabeth about yet. Even with his additional sources of income, he had always tried to live on his Mountie Salary, and had only occasionally used the interest from his other incomes, and then only when it was absolutely necessary. But the principal from both had never been touched and had increased steadily over the years, in addition to most of the interest that had been accrued.

He wasn't excessively wealthy like Lucas appeared to be, but he was more than comfortable, and there would be plenty of money for any ring Elizabeth would want, and for that matter, any house she would want. Especially now that he owned the land that would give them as much lumber as they would need.

What kind of ring would Elizabeth want? He had seen the one Jack had given her many times. It was a beautiful round diamond that sat low, with what he thought were heart-shaped diamonds on either side. Elegant and simple, which suited Elizabeth to a tee.

He knew how hard it must have been for her to take her engagement ring and her wedding band off. And she had done that for him.

For that reason, the rings had to be perfect, exactly what she would want. He wanted the engagement ring to be classic, but unique and ideally suited just for her. Something that would reconfirm his love for her every time she happened to glance at it. She deserved nothing less. And he knew one thing for sure. He would purchase the rings out of town, away from prying eyes. Because everything about this proposal, when it happened, was going to be a total surprise to Elizabeth.

In his mind, even if he had to make the long trip to Hamilton alone, it was critical that he meet with her parents and ask her Father for her hand in marriage. He didn't even know if that was required for a second marriage, but that was the way he had to do it. And he did not want to ask her Father for her hand with her engagement ring already placed there. Perhaps he could select the ring prior to their trip and take it with him to show her parents privately since they would not be in Hope Valley for the actual engagement. It made sense to him that his proposal should take place in the hometown they both had grown to love.

He didn't feel right asking Elizabeth what type of ring she preferred directly. And as much as he loved Rosemary, he wasn't sure she could keep a secret of that magnitude. But she had kept everything secret about their first date. And had really helped him to make it very special. Ambiance and all! Maybe Rosemary was the best resource to use. She certainly knew Elizabeth better than anyone. And she had excellent taste.

Besides, he was going to have to ask Lee and Rosemary if they would travel with them to Hamilton as chaperones, anyway. He would make Rosemary promise on her life, and he would trust her. So that was one decision made! Well, actually two.

Now, what about the timing of the proposal? Would Elizabeth expect a ring for Christmas, or was it too soon, after all, they had just started courting. He could just hear Bill's voice: "Don't dawdle, Nathan!"

In other words, don't waste any time where Elizabeth's concerned. But Nathan kept going back to Elizabeth's parents. For their sake, he would have to take the time.

So no to Christmas. Plus, that was Little Jack's Birthday, and he didn't want anything to distract Elizabeth from that.

Maybe the four of them, well the six of them counting the children, could travel to Hamilton in January or early February and get back to Hope Valley in time for a Valentine's Day proposal. Those months would most likely be slowest for Lee's Lumber Mill, and therefore much easier for him to take off. It would also give the happy couple at least a four-month engagement, with that much time or more to plan the Wedding.

As for the actual Wedding, whatever Elizabeth wanted would be perfect with him. And he had meant it when he promised her he would make all her Wedding Dreams come true.

Deciding when to start building their home was going to be a bit tricky because they needed to start it as soon as the worst of winter was over, but their engagement needed to come first or everyone would figure they were engaged before it actually happened!

So now, what would they do about Christmas, both as a family and as a couple?

He had made the Advent House, along with each day's gifts for Elizabeth and Jack. And he was especially thankful after tonight's discussion with Allie, that Elizabeth had insisted on including Allie in on that! Both he and Elizabeth would get Allie's trinkets when they went to Buxton on Saturday. He hoped Elizabeth would want Jack to be included in searching for the Christmas trees this year, that he'd need to cut for both houses. And of course, they would take part in all the Holiday festivities Hope Valley had to offer. And then there would be their brand new, beautiful sleigh, which was a present for all! The children were going to be so excited!

As to gifts for the children, he had already made one gift and ordered some individual, unique charms for Allie's bracelet. But he needed one big thing for Allie, although he had no idea what that would or should be. He knew what he wanted it to be, but wasn't sure he could pull it off in time for Christmas. It would probably have to wait till spring. But he would add it to his list anyway and remember to ask the guys at the Livery in Buxton if perhaps they could help. He'd also ask Elizabeth for any ideas she might have.

And as though, he suddenly had an epiphany, he realized something else he could do, even should do! It was big, would mean the world to her, and honestly, it was needed. Why hadn't he thought of this before? He would place a call to the Ranch tomorrow and get the ball rolling. He knew his Mother would be thrilled to be a part of Allie's most important Christmas gift.

For Jack, he had spent his time making the tiny toys for the Advent House, but he knew exactly what Jack needed for his bigger gifts. Actually, two things Jack needed. And he thought he could complete both projects in time for Christmas. He would make them to match, and of course, there would be some carving of horses involved. He smiled when he also realized Elizabeth would probably be just as excited about the ideas for Jack as the little toddler would be. He hadn't even thought about that when he had come up with them! But it made him happy that they would please her as well.

As a couple, he was less sure. He was expected to attend the Mountie Ball, especially this year. But he had put off asking Elizabeth because he didn't know how she'd feel about it. After all, he assumed, Jack had escorted her there the last time she had gone. He just didn't want there to be any painful memories for her.

He had already made a couple of different things for Elizabeth that he thought she would really like. Both had turned out beautifully and were very functional too. She may not yet know she needed them, but from something Allie had said, he knew she needed the one, and then the other item, as a writer he had realized she would also need! He had even gotten the title of her book from Rosemary, as he had not read it yet. But he still needed to come up with something personal for her. He was hoping to get a little time in Buxton to revisit a certain shop, without her knowing. They had promised to check on a specific item he had inquired about. He wanted Elizabeth to feel nothing but joy this Christmas!

Being the precise, methodical person he was, Nathan had jotted all his thoughts down as to-do lists on paper, thinking through everything carefully.

Looking over everything, he smiled. This was all doable.

Oh, one more addition, Allie's gifts for her new Uncles and Aunt, and of course, Mr. Helmsley.

Yes, this was all doable.

What a Christmas this was going to be for each and every one of them!

But after Nathan tended to Sargent, he found his mind wandering back to that perfect engagement ring that he knew existed somewhere out there for Elizabeth, and his proposal to the woman he loved more than life itself.