Elizabeth felt like she was floating as she and Nathan walked up the driveway to Lee and Rosemary's house. She held onto his arm, letting out a happy sigh. "Do you think they'll be excited for us?" she asked, eyes glowing.

Nathan wore a grin that hadn't left his face since he'd asked her to marry him. "I think they'll be just a little excited," he said. "Especially Rosemary."

"Rosemary gets excited about the littlest things," Elizabeth said with a chuckle. "You should have seen her when she realized we were going on a date for the first time."

Nathan gave a firm knock on the door, then opened it and walked in as was their custom. Elizabeth glanced around, not seeing anyone. Then suddenly the room was full of people shouting, "Congratulations!"

A wide smile filled Elizabeth's face. She turned to Nathan. "Did you know about this?"

He laughed, looking a little surprised. "I knew there were going to be several people here for a celebratory dinner, but I didn't think it was going to turn into a party." He looked up at the large banner in the living room that said CONGRATULATIONS NATHAN AND ELIZABETH! Finding Rosemary, he lifted a brow. "How did you get that made so fast?"

Rosemary grinned, coming forward and putting an arm around each of them. "I have a friend in the printing business," she said simply, leading them into the midst of their friends and family.

Elizabeth looked around, overwhelmed by the love and support of those closest to her. Lee and Rosemary and their kids, Faith and Carson, Colleen and Allie. Tears sprang to her eyes. "You're all the best!" she exclaimed, smiling at each one on turn.

Allie threw her arms around Elizabeth, grinning up at her. "Is it true? Did Uncle Nathan ask you to marry him? And did you say yes?"

Laughing, Elizabeth nodded. "Yes to all your questions, sweetheart."

Allie's eyes were glowing. "So this means you'll really be my Auntie Elizabeth now!"

"Yes it does."

Faith put an arm around Elizabeth and the other around Allie. "This is such a happy day," she said. "I'm so glad to see you happily in love again, Elizabeth, and getting to marry such a wonderful man."

Elizabeth's eyes softened. "I'm so blessed," she said. Her eyes found Nathan, who was talking to Lee and Carson and Colleen. "He's perfect."

Allie wrinkled her nose. "Uncle Nathan is not perfect!" she announced. "Sometimes he's weird. And his jokes are terrible!"

Elizabeth and Faith laughed. "Way to keep things in perspective, Allie," Elizabeth said with a grin.

Faith raised a brow. "So, can we see the ring?" she asked.

"Oooh, yes! The ring," Rosemary exclaimed, suddenly appearing beside them. "Let's see it!"

Elizabeth held up her hand, showing off the exquisite ring. Rosemary and Faith oohed over it, and Allie smiled. "Uncle Nathan picked a good one," she said, nodding her approval.

Rosemary put her arm around Elizabeth, completing the circle of friends. "Who would have thought such beauty could come from ashes," she said quietly, looking at Elizabeth knowingly. "You thought you would never love again. And now here you are, happier than I can ever remember seeing you."

Elizabeth was quiet for a moment, reflective. "I think I'm so happy because I know not to take Nathan for granted," she said. "His line of work might scare me at times, but I know that he is cautious and that he does his job well. But most importantly, I know that he loves me and wants what's best for me." She smiled. "Just like I want what's best for him."

Lee's voice cut into their conversation. "Dinner's ready, everyone!" he called out. "We've got everything set up buffet style, so grab what you want and find a seat at the table." He grinned. "We have a joyful occasion to celebrate!"

There was a general flurry of activity as people got their food and took their seats. Elizabeth found herself sitting between Nathan and Colleen. Colleen's eyes were a little sad, but she had a joyful smile on her face. "I told you you'd be engaged in no time," she said with a little wink at Elizabeth. "Once Nathan makes up his mind, he acts." She took Elizabeth's hand, pressing it tightly. "I'm so glad we're going to be sisters."

"Me too," Elizabeth replied with a smile. She glanced around to make sure everyone was engaged in their own conversations, then lowered her voice. "How are you doing, Colleen? With everything that's happened in the past couple of days, it must be very hard on you."

Colleen's eyes shadowed, and she nodded. "It has been hard," she admitted. "I feel so torn. I'm happy that Steve was found alive, but I'm devastated that he doesn't know me or Allie." She glanced at her daughter, who was happily chatting with Nathan. "Allie doesn't know yet. I want to spend some more time with Steve and see if his memory begins to come back at all before Allie finds out about her daddy. She's too young to understand why he wouldn't know her. She's a smart girl, but I fear for her emotional state if she were to know what's going on."

Elizabeth nodded sympathetically. "I understand that, Colleen." She squeezed her hand. "I pray every night that Steve's memory will come back, despite the medical odds of it not happening."

Colleen gave her a genuine smile. "Thank you, Elizabeth. I have faith that things will work out somehow. Whether we get back the Steve we once knew or we have to forge ahead with new memories together, God will give us the grace to go on."

Elizabeth marveled at Colleen's courage. "You're a strong woman, Colleen."

That merited a laugh from her future sister-in-law. "I don't know about that. But I have good friends to help me through. Like you. And of course my dear brother." She shot Nathan a fond look. "He's been my rock." She smiled at Elizabeth. "And he tells me you have been his rock. Thank you for that."

"It's easy to be there for the person you love," Elizabeth said softly. "He's been there for me as much as I've been there for him."

"You two are perfect for each other," Colleen said. "Watching you is like watching a real life fairy tale." She sighed. "Such a beautiful couple."

Elizabeth laughed. "Thanks, Colleen."

Lee tapped his glass, bringing everyone's attention to him. He held up his drink, a wide grin on his face. "We want to toast the happy couple." Everyone lifted their glasses as well, and Lee continued. "Nathan and Elizabeth, we couldn't be happier for you. Rosie and I have known both of you for a very long time, and I can't think of a couple more suited for each other than you are. We've watched your love develop and grow, and seen you work through some tough circumstances. Through it all, your love has only gotten stronger. May you have many happy years together, and may your love continue to deepen with each passing day. Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

Nathan took Elizabeth's hand, grinning at Lee. "Thanks, Lee. That was quite a speech."

Lee chuckled. "It's the longest one you'll get out of me." He raised his glass at Nathan again. "We really are happy for you."

Elizabeth smiled at Nathan, getting lost in his eyes. "I'm so glad we're going to be able to spend our lives together."

Nathan leaned forward, giving her a quick kiss, which elicited "eww!"s from Jesse and Clara. "Me too," he said quietly, gazing into her eyes.

Elizabeth smiled back with a slight blush, amazed that she was fortunate enough to have found Nathan. She would be forever grateful that Billy Hamilton had knocked her over that day a few months ago, because otherwise she never would have met Nathan.


"I thought that went well," Nathan said, his arm around Elizabeth as they gently rocked back and forth on her porch swing. They had just taken leave of the party and finally had a moment to themselves. It had been a wonderful evening, but Nathan had to admit he was glad to have his fiancee to himself.

Fiancee.

He smiled, pulling Elizabeth a little closer. He was the luckiest man in the world.

"It did," Elizabeth said, leaning her head on his shoulder. "That was a nice surprise. I'm so glad everyone is happy for us."

They rocked for a few moments in silence, just enjoying the evening. The sun was nearly set, and a warm breeze was blowing gently, bringing the smell of the ocean and tropical flowers with each burst of wind. Nathan inhaled deeply, his lungs filled with the heavenly scent.

"When do you want to get married?" Nathan asked, leaning his head against Elizabeth's. "Long engagement or short?"

"Definitely short," Elizabeth said immediately. "Maybe a few months from now?"

Nathan's brows rose. "A few months? I thought weddings took a long time to plan."

Elizabeth chuckled. "Most weddings probably do. But I never wanted a big fancy wedding. I'd be happy with a nice church wedding with a laid-back reception in the church hall afterwards." She looked up at him. "But if you'd prefer a bigger wedding, that's fine with me."

"Oh, no, no," Nathan said quickly. "I love the idea of a smaller wedding. Are we talking family and friends?"

"Yes," Elizabeth said. "I've never seen the point in inviting people you never see just because you're getting married. I want this to be a celebration of our love with the people we love and are close to." She thought for a moment. "We could probably keep it under fifty people."

Nathan grinned, kissing her forehead. "How did I get so lucky?" he asked. "Colleen always told me every woman turns into Bridezilla when she's planning a wedding. I get the feeling you will be the opposite of that."

Laughing, Elizabeth said, "I've never been the freak out type. Now, we might have to rein Rosemary in a little bit...she's going to have lots of opinions!"

"That doesn't surprise me," Nathan said. "But I'm sure she will be a huge help for you. Who are you going to ask to be your bridesmaids?"

"Rosemary, Faith, and Colleen," Elizabeth said immediately. "And I'll ask Allie to be a junior bridesmaid."

"So I'll need three groomsmen," Nathan mused. "I already know I want to ask Lee and Carson. Not sure about the third. Maybe Hickam."

Elizabeth nodded. "That sounds good. And what about Jesse and Clara being the ring bearer and flower girl?"

"Absolutely," Nathan agreed. He smiled. "I think we just took care of the wedding party."

"Well that was easy," Elizabeth said, laughing. "See, this won't be so bad."

"Why don't we get married in December?" Nathan suggested. "The weather will be beautiful, and the church will be decorated for Christmas and look stunning. And it's only two months away."

Elizabeth smiled up at him. "That sounds perfect, Nathan. A Christmas wedding! Before or after the actual holiday?" she asked, tilting her head.

Nathan thought for a moment. "How about a few days before? Maybe the 20th or 21th? That would give us time to get everything together without the Christmas rush, and then we could spend Christmas together, and then go on a honeymoon."

Elizabeth blushed prettily. "Let's see if the 20th is available. I can call Fr. Frank and ask if the church is free that day, and if we can have our reception in the church hall."

Nathan twirled a stand of her hair in his fingers. "Perfect." He thought for a moment. "What else are we going to need to do? I'm afraid I haven't been to a lot of weddings, and my sister wouldn't let me get too involved."

"Well, we'll need to make a guest list, figure out who is going to cater the food, pick flowers and cake and a color scheme."

"Doesn't Faith make cakes?" Nathan asked.

Elizabeth smiled. "She certainly does. And she's told me for years that she would love to make a wedding cake for my wedding. We'll ask her." She looked at him, eyebrows raised. "What kind of cake do you like best?"

"I like any cake you've made," Nathan said honestly.

Elizabeth gave him a look, the one she did when he gave an answer that wasn't really an answer. Nathan smiled. "I really don't have a favorite, Elizabeth. They're all delicious. What's your favorite?"

"I like the lemon raspberry."

Grinning, Nathan said, "Isn't that the first dessert you baked after finding out I hadn't tried many before? And we had it at Lee and Rosie's?"

"Good memory," Elizabeth said, smiling up at him. "It was indeed."

Nathan frowned. "But it was pink. Aren't wedding cakes usually white?"

"Usually," Elizabeth said with a nod. "Faith can put a marshmallow fondant around the cake, so it'll look white, but inside the cake will be the normal lemon raspberry."

"Sounds delicious," Nathan said, reaching down to clasp her hand in his. "Maybe in the next couple of days we can figure out the guest list. I'll make a list of people I want to invite, and you make a list of people you want to invite, and then we'll combine them."

Elizabeth grinned. "You know our lists are going to overlap a little, since we share friends?"

"All the better," Nathan said. "That'll keep the wedding small. Now, what's this about a color scheme?"

"That's just what color the decorations will be, and the bridesmaid dresses, and the ties for the groomsmen. What do you think about blue with silver accents? Those are some traditional Christmas colors, but more elegant than the usual green and red. Seems it would fit a wedding better."

Nathan nodded. "I like it. Can we have blue ties instead of silver?"

"Yes," Elizabeth said. "I always wanted my bridesmaids to have royal blue dresses, so we'll see if we can match the ties to the dresses." She grinned. "And I get to find a wedding dress! That was always the part I was most excited about when I thought about my wedding as a child."

Nathan knew Elizabeth would be breathtaking in any wedding dress. "What kind of dress do you want?" he asked, even though he knew nothing about wedding dress styles.

"I'm actually not sure," Elizabeth admitted. "I've pictured so many different kinds, and I like them all. I think when I find the right dress, I'll just know it." She paused. "Maybe on my next day off I'll go to the wedding dress shop. Rosemary and Faith will want to come, of course, so I'll have to coordinate with them." Her eyes sparkled. "This is so exciting, Nathan. We get to start planning our life together."

He closed the short distance between them and kissed her long and slow. When he pulled away, he smiled into her eyes, cupping her cheek in his hand. "I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you."