Elizabeth still felt a slight sense of shock that her parents were in Hope Valley as they walked to the cafe for dinner. She had almost fallen over when she saw her mother on the floor with her son. It was a sight she never thought she would see. Now, as she walked with Grace, she kept glancing back at Nathan and William. Nathan had Jack riding on his shoulders, and he kept up a steady stream of conversation with her father.

Grace linked an arm in Elizabeth's. "I'm glad your husband asked us to come here," she said, smiling at her daughter. "Your father and I have been very stubborn where your love life is concerned, and I apologize for that." She looked back, a soft smile on her face seeing Nathan and Jack together. "You clearly love this man very much."

"I do," Elizabeth said.

"And he loves you with all his heart," Grace continued, raising a brow. "That much is obvious. There's a light in his eyes when he looks at you."

Elizabeth smiled, thankful that her parents liked Nathan after only knowing him for an hour. "He's a good man, Mother," she said. "He takes good care of me and Jack and Allie."

"Ah, yes," Grace said. "When will we meet Allie? She's our granddaughter now, right? Nathan said the two of you adopted her when he called."

Elizabeth nodded. "We did. That's why we got married so quickly. Allie's father wanted her back, and we thought getting married might stop him. Turned out that wasn't the case, but…" She looked at her mother. "Nathan told you the story, didn't he?"

Grace nodded. "He did. And I think that was very generous of the two of you to sacrifice the wedding you were planning on having for a smaller affair." Her eyes softened. "And for the love of a child." She squeezed Elizabeth's arm. "That's very sacrificial, my dear."

"We love Allie," Elizabeth said simply. "It felt like the right thing to do." She laughed softly. "And do you know, if we had gotten married when we planned, this little one never would have existed," she said, placing a hand on her tiny baby bump. "So everything worked out for the best."

Studying her daughter for a moment, Grace allowed a smile to grow on her face. "You know, my dear, I do believe you are right. And you're happy, which makes me happy." They walked for a few more moments before Grace spoke again. "This town really is lovely. There's something about it that I can't quite put my finger on, but it's a good feeling."

Elizabeth smiled. "That's Hope Valley, Mother. You can't help being touched by the spirit of this town."

"Mom! Dad!" Elizabeth turned to see Allie running toward them. As she reached them, she came skidding to a halt. "Hello," she said with a big smile at Grace. "I'm Allie. Who're you?"

"Allie," Elizabeth said gently, "this is my mother, Grace Thatcher." She glanced at her mother. "What would you like her to call you?"

Grace smiled. "Grandma will work just fine." Leaning down, she held out a hand. "It's nice to meet you, Allie."

Allie shook her hand, looking excited to have another grandmother. "Can we call you Grandma Grace? We don't want to get you confused with Grandma Eva."

Grace chuckled. "Of course, my dear. That will be just fine." Allie slipped a hand into Grace's, walking with them. "We're getting dinner at the cafe. Will you be joining us?"

"Of course!" Allie exclaimed. "The cafe has the best food in town. And besides, the saloon is closed right now."

"It is?" Elizabeth asked in surprise. "Why would the saloon be closed this early in the day? It's the dinner rush right now."

Allie shrugged. "I saw Mr. Bouchard, and he said he had something planned for the evening. That's all he said."

Elizabeth arched a brow. "Oh, really?" She smiled to herself, wondering if Lucas shutting the saloon down for the evening had anything to do with Fiona. "He must have something special up his sleeve."

"Probably," Allie agreed. She turned to look behind them. "Who's that walking with Dad?"

"That is Grandpa William," Elizabeth said. "My father."

Allie waved to William, who waved back with a smile. Elizabeth thought she'd never seen her parents smile so much as they had in the short time they'd been in Hope Valley.

"So how long are you staying?" Allie asked, looking up at Grace.

"That's a good question," Grace answered. "We're not entirely sure." She glanced at Elizabeth. "It depends on how long your mother and father can handle having us around."

Elizabeth laughed. "Mother, you can stay as long as you like."

They reached the cafe, and Nathan had come up beside them in time to hear Elizabeth's words. "Sweetheart, if they stay as long as they like, they may end up staying in Hope Valley permanently." He winked. "This place has a way of growing on people very quickly."

"Oh, I don't know," William said, laughing lightly. "We're so used to the high life in Hamilton. It would be very hard giving all that up."

"You never know," Elizabeth said in a sing-song voice. "I managed."

William hugged her close to his side. "Yes, but you've always been the strong one in the family, Elizabeth. This place suits you." He looked at Nathan, then back at Elizabeth. "The people here suit you."

"Thank you, Father," Elizabeth said, smiling up at her husband. "I think so too."

Allie was tapping her foot impatiently on the step. "Are we going in or what? I'm hungry!"

That earned her a round of laughs from the adults, and Elizabeth put an arm around her daughter. "Yes, let's go eat."

"I have a surprise for you," Lucas said, offering Fiona his arm.

She closed the door to her apartment above the dress shop and took his arm, smiling prettily. "A surprise?" she asked, wondering if tonight was the night. Lucas had been hinting at marriage lately, and while they had talked about not being in a rush, she couldn't help hoping he would ask sooner rather than later.

"You look lovely this evening," Lucas said as they walked down the stairs to the street.

Fiona smiled. "I notice you didn't answer my question," she teased.

Lucas grinned at her. "By definition, a surprise means something I can't tell you about until you see it."

She pouted at him. "Just a little hint?"

Lucas pretended to think it over. "A little one?" He winked. "You're going to like it."

Fiona laughed. "That's not a hint!"

"It's the only one you're getting," he said with another grin. "So enjoy the suspense."

"'Enjoy the suspense'," she repeated, shaking her head. Though she pretended to be put out, she was excited about their evening. If Lucas was being secretive, that had to mean he had something big planned. And the next big step in their relationship would be a proposal.

Before they made it to their destination, Faith came running up to them, followed closely by Carson. "Look!" she squealed, her eyes dancing. "Carson proposed!"

Happiness for her friend filled Fiona, and she enveloped Faith in a hug. "That's wonderful! Congratulations!" She looked at Carson, who was shaking hands with Lucas. "You realize you're getting one of the best women in the entire world for a wife?"

Carson nodded, his eyes shining as he looked at Faith. "Believe me, I know."

Faith looped an arm through Carson's, looking more radiant than Fiona had ever seen her. "We don't want to keep you from your evening, but we just had to share the news," she said, her joy bubbling over. "See you later."

"Bye!" Fiona called, watching them walk away. She smiled, leaning her head on Lucas' shoulder. "They're so happy."

"Love does that to people," Lucas said, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I know I'm happier than I've ever been, and that's all because of you."

She gazed up at him, getting lost in his soulful eyes. "I could say the same about you," she whispered. She had no idea how long they stood there staring into each other's eyes, but eventually Lucas took a breath and started walking again, holding her hand in his. He stopped at the front doors of the saloon. A sign hung there, stating that the establishment was closed for the evening.

Fiona's brow wrinkled. "Closed? You closed the saloon tonight?"

"I certainly did," Lucas said smoothly, pushing the door open. "Tonight, this place is all ours."

Fiona gasped in wonder as she took in the transformation before her. The saloon looked like a magical wonderland. The tables were decorated with white tablecloths, vases full of summer roses, and candles. Wildflowers were scattered over the floor, their scent filling the large room. Soft music played from the piano, and the lights were dimmed but bright enough to see easily. At a table in the middle of the room were two silver trays covered by lids, keeping the food warm. A bottle of champagne sat on ice, waiting to be opened.

It was by far the most extravagant thing he had done for her. "Lucas," she said, amazed at all the trouble he had gone through, "this is stunning."

"Good," he said with an easy smile. "I was going for stunning." He led her over to the table, seating her and then lifting the lids from their meals. "We have French onion soup, coq au vin, and a nice summer salad." He popped the lid off the champagne bottle, then held it up. "Champagne?"

"Yes, please," Fiona said, holding up her glass. He filled it, then filled his own. "Everything looks and smells delicious, Lucas."

He grinned. "Well, Gustav does know what he's doing, and he outdid himself this evening, if I do say so myself. Just wait until you see what's for dessert."

Fiona looked around. From the fancy food to the decorations, this was not a typical evening. "What's the occasion?" she asked, taking her first bite of the food. It was just as delicious as it looked.

Lucas shrugged, a mysterious smile on his face. "Can't a man plan a date for his girl without needing a reason?"

Fiona raised a brow. "In my experience, there's always a reason."

"Maybe," Lucas said simply. "Maybe this is just another date, albeit a little fancier than usual." His eyes were warm and bright as he lowered his voice. "Or maybe I have something special planned."

Fiona could feel her pulse start racing. He was going to propose! That had to be it. Why else would he go through all this trouble if it was just another evening together?

Their meal went by quickly, with plenty of laughter and good conversation. When it was over, Lucas went to the self-playing piano and placed a song sheet inside. The romantic music started playing, and he walked back to Fiona, offering her his hand. "May I have this dance, Miss Miller?"

"You certainly may, Mr. Bouchard," she said, standing and taking his hand. He led her to the dance floor, taking her in his arms and holding her close as they swayed to the music. Before too long, he stopped moving, his eyes boring into hers. Slowly, he leaned down and started kissing her, his kisses deep and intense. Fiona wrapped her arms around his neck, loving the feel of his lips on hers. She hoped she never got used to being kissed by him, and she suddenly wanted to know that they would have the rest of their lives to fall deeper in love. They pulled back, and she buried her face in his chest, breathing deeply. She felt his hand stroke her hair gently. "I love you, Fiona," he said, kissing the top of her head. "I love you so much."

"And I love you," she whispered against his chest. They stood there for a long time, resting in each other's presence. Finally, Lucas pulled back. Fiona caught her breath. Was this the moment?

Lucas smiled and led her back to the table. "Are you ready for dessert?"

She fought the disappointment that flooded her, and nodded with a bright smile. "Yes, of course! I love dessert."

Lucas disappeared into the kitchen, reemerging with two ramekins of creme brulee. "Oh!" Fiona exclaimed, looking at the dish in excitement. "I haven't had this in ages!" She took a bite, closing her eyes in delight. "So good!"

"I'm glad you like it," Lucas said, digging into his own dish. "This is one of my favorite desserts."

"And rightly so," Fiona said, pointing her spoon at him. "It's creamy and full and delicious. And the hardened sugar on top is the best part."

"Absolutely," Lucas agreed. Once they finished, he stood. "May I escort you back to your apartment?"

"Oh!" Fiona said, feeling the disappointment again. She had been so sure he was going to propose. Trying to stuff down the disappointment, she nodded. "Of course."

They walked the short distance to her place, and she put a hand on the door. "Thank you for a lovely evening, Lucas," she said, tiptoeing to place a kiss on his cheek. "It was truly beautiful."

His eyes were soft as he looked at her. "It's not over quite yet, sweetheart."

She frowned, wondering what he meant. Lucas reached around her and opened her door, leading her into the apartment. Fiona's breath caught in her throat.

Her table was decorated with a white tablecloth like the ones from the saloon, and a vase of roses stood in the center surrounded by candles. A black box was propped against the vase, and something flickered in the candlelight. Fiona gasped, suddenly weak-kneed. "Lucas," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Is that what I think it is?"

His smile was tender as he looked at her with love in his eyes. "Why don't we go see?" He led her over to the table, and Fiona's hands covered her mouth in awe. The most beautiful ring she'd ever seen blinked up at her, shining brilliantly in the light of the candles.

Lucas picked up the box and got down on one knee. Fiona gave a half-laugh, half-sob, joy overwhelming her. "Fiona," he said, "it took me a while to realize it, but you are the soulmate I've been looking for my whole life. I love you more than words can say, and I want more than anything for you to be my wife. Will you do me the honor of marrying me?"

He had barely gotten the words out before Fiona was nodding. "Yes, Lucas! I will marry you."

His face broke out in a boyish grin, and he stood, sliding the ring onto her finger. It fit perfectly. They wrapped their arms around each other, laughing in their excitement. Lucas kissed her, and she let herself get lost in the moment. When he pulled away, she slapped his arm.

"Hey! What was that for?" he asked, raising a brow.

She pursed her lips. "That's for making me think you were going to propose at the saloon, and then not! Do you have any idea how disappointed I felt on the way back here?"

He laughed. "If you recall, my dear, you said you wanted to be surprised. How surprising would it have been if I'd proposed during a romantic dinner?"

Fiona chuckled. "I did say that, didn't I?"

Lucas nodded with a wry grin. "So were you surprised?"

"Absolutely," she said gently. "This was perfect, Lucas." She glanced at her ring, then looked back up at him. "I can't wait to become your wife."

A fire smouldered in his eyes, and he leaned down to kiss her with a passion that took her breath away. She felt completely in the moment, and his kisses were making her head spin with their intensity. She held him tightly to keep herself standing. By the time Lucas broke away, they were both breathing heavily.

"I should probably go," he said, kissing her one more time. "I'll see you tomorrow, sweetheart."

"Tomorrow," she echoed. Lucas kissed her hand, then headed for the door. Before he got there, he stopped, looking back at her with a wink. "If you see Rosemary, thank her for helping me to get this set up." He grinned and headed down the stairs.

Fiona laughed. Of course Rosemary would help with the set up. Fiona was glad of her help. Lucas had managed to surprise her with his proposal, and she was the happiest woman alive.