Elizabeth rang her bell, bittersweet emotions coursing through her. "Have a wonderful summer, everyone!" she sang out. She loved summer break, but she also missed being with her students every day. As she tidied up, the students filed out the door, chorusing "Bye, Mrs. Grant!" on their way out.

Mrs. Grant.

She would never get tired of hearing her new name. Almost three weeks of married life had passed, and she was happier than she had ever been. She had a father for her little boy and she was a mother to a wonderful girl on the cusp of her teenage years. Though they had only been an official family for a few weeks, she already couldn't imagine her life without them.

There was another addition to the neighborhood. Rosemary and Lee had officially adopted little Fred, and he was now a permanent resident of Hope Valley. Already he had formed a bond with little Jack, and the two of them played every night between the Coulter and Grant houses. Elizabeth was thrilled that her little boy had a friend, and Rosemary was thrilled that Fred was fitting in to Hope Valley so well.

A flash of red caught her eye, and her heart skipped a beat as Nathan strolled into the classroom. He had formed the habit of walking her home after school whenever he could. Since the classroom was empty, he walked right up to her and gave her a long, slow kiss. "Hello, love," he whispered, pulling her into his arms.

Elizabeth sighed, content to rest against his chest while his hand stroked her hair. She would never get tired of this either. She loved resting in Nathan's arms, loved his kisses and his strength. She loved the way her heart leapt whenever she saw him unexpectedly. She knew their marriage wouldn't always feel perfect, but so far it was as close as could be.

Footsteps came running into the classroom, and Elizabeth peered around Nathan's chest to see Allie and Opal standing there grinning. "I told you," Allie said with a laugh. "They're always holding each other or kissing or something."

"Always?" Opal asked, eyes wide. "My mom and dad usually try to hide their hugs and kisses from me, but I catch them occasionally."

Nathan raised a brow, looking down at Elizabeth. "I think they're analyzing us," he said, giving them a mock serious look. The girls dissolved into giggles. Nathan laughed with them, then raised both brows. "I know you, Allie girl," he said. "You have a question."

She nodded. "Can I spend the night at Opal's since we're going to Grandma's tomorrow? I won't see my friends for two whole weeks!" She clasped her hands in front of her. "Pleeeeease, Dad?"

Nathan glanced at Elizabeth, and she nodded. Nathan smiled at Allie and Opal. "That's fine, girls." They cheered, and Nathan held up a hand. "Just make sure you're home tomorrow by 10:00 am, Allie. You'll need to pack a bag for Grandma's so that we can make our train by noon."

"Okay!" Allie said, running toward the door. "Thanks, Dad! Bye, Mom!"

Elizabeth smiled. "She is so full of life. I've always loved that about her."

Nathan gave her a wry grin. "Yes, she's always been that way. From the day she was born. I used to call her Miss Precocious. She vetoed that when she turned nine." He turned and offered her his arm. She took it, then slung her basket over her other arm. They walked out of the school together, heading for their home at a leisurely pace.

"I'm so excited to meet your mother," Elizabeth said, looking up into his eyes. "If she's anything like you, I know I'm going to love her."

Nathan smiled. "She's more on the quiet side and has always been a thinker. I got that from her. Colleen was always more like our dad. A charismatic charmer who got along with everyone. Thankfully, her tastes never ran toward gambling." His brow furrowed. "Just shady men."

Elizabeth squeezed his arm, hoping his mind wasn't dwelling on Allie's father. "What happened to Matthias was likely to have happened anywhere, Nathan. You know that. It just so happened that he pushed too far here in Hope Valley."

He shook himself out of his momentary mood. "You're right, as always," he said, smiling at her. "How do you always know just what to say?"

Elizabeth laughed. "I have no idea, my love. I never think I know what to say, but somehow the right words come out. Or so you keep saying."

Nathan pressed a kiss to her head. "I'm so thankful that you possess that gift."

They walked quietly for a little while, and then Elizabeth spoke again. "What is High River like?"

Nathan looked thoughtful. "I've only been there a few times. Mom moved there three years after Colleen died, and I haven't been able to visit more than once every year or two since the Mounties moved us around so much. But from what I remember, it's a very quaint, sleepy town, a little less modern than Hope Valley. Mom liked it because it was away from big cities, but close enough to Calgary if she needed to go to the city for anything. She loved plays."

Elizabeth's brows shot up. "She does?"

Nathan nodded as Elizabeth gave a delighted laugh. "Nathan! We'll have to see if there's anything good playing in Calgary while we're visiting your mother. It would be so much fun to see a play!"

Her husband looked doubtful. Elizabeth smacked his arm playfully. "You wore that same look when we talked about going to the concert, and you ended up loving it. I'll bet you would enjoy a play as well. Your mother never made you go to one?"

Nathan shook his head. "Nope. She always took Colleen. I never wanted to go."

Elizabeth clicked her tongue. "We're going to fix that, sweetheart. I'm guessing your mama would love to finally be able to go to a play with you."

Wincing, Nathan shook his head. "Remind me not to mention my lack of culture around you. You seem bound and determined to fix that."

She giggled. "You will enjoy the play as much as you enjoyed the concert. I can almost guarantee it. And Allie would love it too! We can all get dressed up and…"

"Dressed up?" Nathan asked with a mock groan. "Would I have to wear a tie again?"

Elizabeth laughed. "Probably. Or maybe a bow tie."

"Does it go around the neck?" Nathan pulled at his collar just thinking about it, and Elizabeth had to stifle the giggling fit that wanted to escape. She patted his cheek. "Yes, my love, you wear it around the neck." She tilted her head, studying him. "I think you would look handsome in a bow tie. And I can get a matching one for Jack!"

Nathan looked at her, a smile playing on his lips. "You're enjoying this."

She chuckled. "Oh yes, sweetheart, I am."

He pulled her to a stop, wrapping his arms around her. "And what incentive would there be for wearing a bow tie?"

She smiled at him sassily. "You mean besides looking gorgeous and matching your son? Do you need more incentive than that?"

"Yes. Yes, I do," he said, looking at her lips. She pulled his head toward her and kissed him, lingering for several long moments. Pulling back slightly, she whispered, "Will that help?"

"Mmhmm," he murmured, pressing his lips to hers again. "Maybe a few more will totally convince me."

"Nathan, we're in the middle of the street," Elizabeth said, glancing around.

"And your point?" he asked, brushing his lips softly over hers. He smiled against her lips. "I don't think anyone can accuse me of impropriety for kissing my wife, even if it is in the middle of the street." He looked up. "But at least it's the middle of the street running behind all the town buildings. No one's ever on this side of the town anyways."

"Almost no one," a voice said from behind them. Nathan and Elizabeth turned in unison to see Lucas walking toward them, Fiona on his arm. "But don't worry, we won't tell."

Lucas came to a stop next to his friends, hiding the smile that always wanted to surface around them. He'd never seen two people so in love. The world seemed to fade away when Nathan and Elizabeth were together; the love was palpable. Lucas marveled that he had ever thought he stood a chance with Elizabeth. For one, Nathan was clearly the best choice for her. For another, and most important in his mind, Fiona was the woman for Lucas.

"Are you lovebirds ready for your trip?" Fiona asked.

"Almost," Elizabeth said. "We've got most of our things packed and ready to go for tomorrow. Little Jack is excited to ride a train for the first time, and Allie can't wait to see her grandma again."

"I assume you're looking forward to meeting your mother-in-law?" Lucas asked.

Elizabeth nodded, her eyes shining. "Oh yes! I can't wait." She smiled at her husband. "And Nathan is excited to see her again."

"Very excited," Nathan agreed. "It's been too long."

"Well, don't let us keep you," Lucas said, grinning at them. "You enjoy your afternoon."

"You too!" Elizabeth said brightly. Lucas watched as she and Nathan continued walking down the street, arm in arm and once again in their own world.

"They're perfect together," Fiona said, echoing Lucas's thoughts.

"They are," Lucas agreed. "For each other." He smiled at her, caressing her cheek gently with his hand. "Kind of like how you and I are perfect for each other." He leaned down, taking a page from Nathan's book, and kissed Fiona in the middle of the street. She wrapped her arms around his neck, holding him tightly. Lucas grimaced slightly as he released her. His wounds had mostly healed, but they still bothered him every now and again. He hoped Fiona didn't notice.

She noticed.

Concern creased her lovely face, and she looked into his eyes, trying to gauge the pain. "How bad is it, Lucas?"

He shook his head, wanting to ease her worry. "It's not bad, sweetheart. It's just a little sore."

"Do you need your cane?"

"No," he said a little too quickly. Fiona raised a brow with a hand on her hip. Lucas smiled slightly at the posture he'd come to recognize as feisty. "The cane won't help the pain," he amended. "That was just to keep me from reopening the wounds. Carson said they are fully healed now. It's just a matter of them continuing to internally heal." He winced. "Though Carson did say I might continue to feel pains like this occasionally for the rest of my life. A constant reminder of what happened."

Fiona reached up to frame his face in her hands, making him look her in the eyes. "A constant reminder that you selflessly put your life on the line to save another man's life," she said softly. "A constant reminder that you are a true hero."

Lucas shuffled his feet, a little embarrassed at the hero title. "I don't know, Fiona," he said. "I've never been truly heroic. I might have had a moment, but I'm not like Nathan or even Bill, being a hero on a regular basis."

"Everyday actions determine heroism, Lucas," Fiona said gently. "You pushing Nathan out of the way of a bullet was a big heroic moment. But you've shown yourself to be a hero in day to day life too. Putting on a festival for the town. Paying the oil employees out of your own pocket so they could continue to support their families. Giving Henry a second chance by bringing him back on at Gowen Petroleum. Giving me a job when my boss fired me." She smiled at him tenderly. "All that makes you a hero, my love." She kissed his cheek. "And you're my hero."

Lucas wasn't often speechless, but he couldn't find any words after Fiona's heartfelt speech. He felt tears sting his eyes, and he simply smiled down at her. "That's sweet of you," he said quietly.

Fiona smiled. "It's the truth." She looped her arm through his and they started walking toward the cafe, where they were going to have an early dinner. "Always remember that, Lucas."

Nathan looked out the window, holding little Jack as they watched the countryside speed by. They had caught the noon train from Hope Valley yesterday, spent the night in their cabin, and now the early morning sunlight was streaming through the windows. Jack was mesmerized by the passing landscape. He wanted to be constantly up at the window, squealing his delight whenever he saw a deer or a moose.

Elizabeth yawned, waking up slowly from her spot across from Nathan. Allie was tucked against her side, still snoring softly.

"Good morning," Nathan said, wondering how Elizabeth managed to look so beautiful after spending the night in a train cabin.

She smiled at him sleepily. "Good morning." Stretching an arm above her head, careful not to disturb Allie, she asked, "What time is it?"

"Nearly 6:30," Nathan said. "We should be in High River within half an hour."

"Oh good," Elizabeth said, another yawn appearing. "I'm getting tired of being on this train."

"Nearly nineteen hours in one spot will do that," Nathan agreed. "Though I think Jack is still fascinated by it all."

"Daddy, look!" Jack said, pointing. "A bear!"

Nathan and Elizabeth peered out the window at the same time, looking in the direction their son was pointing. Sure enough, a large black bear was ambling along, seeking shelter in the trees.

"Wow, Jack," Nathan said. "Have you ever seen a bear before?"

Jack shook his head, his blue eyes wide with delight. "I like bears!" he announced.

The conductor chose that moment to walk through the car calling out, "Next stop High River! Next stop High River!"

Allie stirred and lifted her head. "Are we there yet?" she asked, settling her head back on Elizabeth's shoulder.

"Almost," Nathan said, feeling excitement build inside as the reality sank in that he would be seeing his mother for the first time in over two years. He gathered their things together and stacked them next to the door. Within minutes, buildings came into view, capturing Jack's attention again. This time Allie stood with him at the window, holding him up so he could see out.

"Grandma!" Allie exclaimed. "Dad, look! Grandma's here waiting for us!"

"Gamma?" Jack asked, looking up at Allie. She had been telling him everything she could remember about her grandmother, and Jack had found it fascinating. By the time they left for their trip, he was just as excited as Allie was.

"Yes, Jack, that's Grandma," Allie said, waving out the window. Nathan peered over her shoulder, a smile lighting his face at the sight of his mother.

"Come on, let's go meet Grandma," he said, picking up some bags. The four of them headed to the train platform and stepped into the sunlight. Eva Grant saw them and a huge smile formed on her face. She ran to Nathan with open arms, throwing them around her son and hugging him fiercely.

"Oh, my boy," she said, tears flowing unabashedly down her cheeks. "I've missed you."

Nathan felt his own throat closing, and he hugged her close. "I missed you too, Mom," he whispered. He could feel how frail she was, and he frowned slightly. They were going to have to have a talk about her health. He pulled back and smiled at her. "Come meet my family." He put his arm around her and walked toward Elizabeth and the kids.

Allie leapt forward, wrapping her arms around Eva. "Grandma!" She snuggled into Eva, laughing happily.

Eva gasped. "Allie girl, you're almost as tall as I am! When did that happen?"

Allie grinned. "Uncle Nathan says I'm growing."

"That you are," Nathan said as Jack toddled over to Eva. He looked up at her, tugging on her skirt with a curious tilt of his head. "Gamma?"

Eva smiled down at Jack, lifting him into her arms. "You must be Jack," she said, pulling him close and kissing his cheek. "Aren't you precious!"

He smiled, patting her cheeks with his hands before placing a return kiss on her cheek. "Wuv you, Gamma," he said, resting his cheek on her shoulder.

Nathan could see Eva melt, and he knew she was already completely and irrevocably in love with her new grandson. "I love you too, baby," she whispered.

Elizabeth stepped forward. Nathan put a hand on her back, smiling at her tenderly as he introduced her to his mother. "Mom, meet my sweet wife Elizabeth."

Eva stepped forward, pulling Elizabeth into a hug with one arm while the other held Jack securely. "Hello, my dear. I'm so happy to meet the woman who captured my Nathan's heart." She blinked back tears. "I had nearly despaired of him ever finding happiness."

Elizabeth chuckled, hugging her back. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Grant."

Eva pulled back, waving a hand in the air. "Call me Eva, my dear. We're family." She looked at their bags. "Is this all you have?"

"Yes," Nathan said, hoisting the bags into his hands. "Did you bring a car or a wagon?"

Eva lifted a brow. "Son, when would I have learned to drive a car?"

Nathan chuckled, conceding. "Good point. I'll bring these to the wagon."

As he lifted the bags into the back of the wagon, he watched his mother walk toward it, surrounded by Allie and Elizabeth, and still holding Jack close in her arms. He could see the sheen of tears in her eyes, the happiness at having her family, old and new, with her. Shaking his head, he promised himself that they would never wait this long again to visit. His mother deserved to be around family as much as possible.

They were all she had left.