Carson finally allowed Nathan and Elizabeth to take little Jack home, with strict instructions to keep him on medication for the next few days until it was safe for him to move without opening his stitches. Nathan held Jack carefully in his arms as Elizabeth readied a crib on her side of the room. She didn't want to be far away from little Jack at any time.

Nathan kissed Jack's head, holding him close. "We were so afraid of losing you, buddy," he said softly. "We're so thankful that you're still here with us."

Jack's eyes rolled up to look at Nathan, and he smiled his loopy medicated smile. Nathan chuckled. "It'll be good to have you back to yourself too. Once you're all better you'll be able to run around with Allie and be active again."

"Camp?" Jack asked, his eyes still on Nathan.

"Yes, camp. We'll go camping once you're better."

"'Kay," Jack said sleepily. His eyes were drooping, indicating how tired he was. Within a few minutes he was fast asleep and breathing deeply.

"His crib is ready," Elizabeth whispered. "Why don't you lay him down? He will probably sleep for a while."

Nathan nodded and laid Jack in the crib, covering him with the blanket. He reached down and ran his finger down Jack's soft cheek. "I can't believe we almost lost him," he said, his voice choking momentarily. He swallowed. "Finding out he would be okay was one of the happiest moments of my life."

Elizabeth put a hand on his back, looking over his shoulder at the little boy. "Mine too," she said. Her hand lingered for a moment, and Nathan felt tingles go down his spine at her closeness. She looked at him. "Have I thanked you yet for how level headed you were during this whole thing? Your quick actions probably saved little Jack's life."

"Maybe," Nathan said. "But your insistence on looking for the children is what started it. If you hadn't said anything, we never would have found them in time."

Elizabeth smiled and leaned her head on his shoulder. "I guess we make a good team."

Nathan was having trouble thinking. Since the accident, Elizabeth had been leaning on him more, both literally and figuratively. He was glad that she trusted him enough to do so, but it was hard for him too. He wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms and hold her, but he restrained himself from doing so. He was not about to take advantage of the situation.

"We do make a good team," he agreed, remembering to answer her comment. He turned to face her with a smile. "Why don't we go downstairs? Allie and I can make some pancakes and eggs for dinner. You go curl up with a book or your journal."

Elizabeth's eyes lit up. "Really?" she said as they walked out of the room. "Are you sure?"

Nathan put a hand on her back as they walked down the stairs. "You haven't had a moment to yourself since Jack had his accident. You deserve some time to yourself." He gave her a gentle push toward the settee. "Now go relax."

She gave him a grateful smile and picked up the journal sitting on the end table. "Thank you, Nathan."

"Come on, Allie-girl," Nathan said to his niece, who was sprawled on the floor reading a book. "Let's cook up some pancakes."

"I love pancakes!" Allie said excitedly, jumping to her feet. She put the book on the table and joined her uncle in the kitchen. "What kind are we making?"

"How about banana blueberry?"

"Yum!" Allie and Elizabeth said in unison. They looked at each other and started laughing.

Nathan smiled. "That settles it, then. You get the fruit, and I'll start on the batter." The two of them worked perfectly in sync together, having perfected the art of pancake making as they moved all over the place with the Mounties. On evenings when they'd had to make a quick dinner, pancakes were always a good choice. Within ten minutes they had everything ready.

"Wow," Elizabeth said, shutting her journal with a smile and coming to the table. "That was efficient."

"We've been making pancakes together since I was four," Allie informed her proudly as they all sat down. Allie poured orange juice into cups and passed them around. After grace, they started eating, enjoying each other's company.

"This is nice," Allie said with a contented sigh. "It's good to have everyone back home, and having Jack with us and out of danger."

"Amen to that," Nathan said heartily. A noise from upstairs caught their attention, and Elizabeth stood. "I'll be right back." She vanished up the stairs, then within a minute came back down again with little Jack securely in her arms. She settled him on her lap and began feeding him small bites of pancake. With her attention on Jack, Nathan had an opportunity to study Elizabeth. Her head was bent over Jack, a tender smile on her face as she made sure he swallowed each bite. Her hair was falling tangled down her back and her dress was wrinkled from caring for him over the past week.

Nathan thought she'd never looked more beautiful.

His heart ached with a tender love for her that grew with each passing day. She was the love of his life and always would be.

Something caught his attention as he watched her. She was holding Jack in her left arm and feeding him with her right hand. Nathan's eyes landed on her right ring finger and he frowned, sitting up straight. No, he wasn't seeing things. Her finger was bare.

Hope welled in his heart. When had she taken the ring off? He glanced up to her eyes, seeing that she was still absorbed with little Jack. He made a mental note to ask her about that when they had a moment alone later. Smiling, he went back to his dinner, engaging Allie in conversation. Every so often he would look back at Elizabeth and catch her eyes, and they would share a smile. They had grown a lot together in the past week, and Nathan hoped with all his heart that her heart was starting to turn to his.

Later that evening Jack got fussy. Elizabeth stood to take him upstairs, but Nathan blocked her way. "I'll take him," he said, holding out his arms.

Elizabeth raised her brows. "Are you sure? You could use a little downtime with how busy you've been lately."

Nathan took Jack and bounced him lightly up and down, careful not to disturb his stitches. "I'm sure. You didn't get much you time earlier, so sit," he said, pointing to the settee. "Do something you want to do. I'll put Jack to bed."

That cherished feeling washed over Elizabeth again. She smiled. "If you insist." She leaned forward and kissed little Jack on the forehead. "Goodnight, my angel," she said softly. Jack had stopped fussing when Nathan bounced him, and he gave Elizabeth a sleepy smile. Nathan smiled at Elizabeth, then headed up the stairs, talking softly to little Jack. Elizabeth watched them until they were out of view, then sat on the couch and pulled a book from the table. Allie was occupied with a book of her own, her leg gently swinging to and fro as she read. Elizabeth allowed herself to get lost in her book too. It was a rare treat these days.

After about thirty minutes, Elizabeth stood and stretched. A sound from upstairs caught her attention. It was muffled and hard to make out. Her curiosity piqued, she quietly climbed the stairs. The sound was coming from her room, and it got slightly louder as she walked to the door. Poking her head inside, her breath caught in her throat.

Nathan was pacing gently next to Jack's crib, and he was singing soft lullabies while rocking Jack back and forth in his arms. Elizabeth had never heard him sing before. He had a smooth, rich voice, and though he was singing relatively quietly, the sound pierced Elizabeth's heart. As she watched, her heart once again swelled with love for this kind, gentle man who had managed to win her heart. She still hadn't told him, but she knew she couldn't wait much longer. It might not be romantic, but she knew she had to tell Nathan tonight. She crept back down the stairs, waiting for him to rejoin them in the living room.

In the short time she had been upstairs, Allie had fallen asleep on the settee. Elizabeth gently shook her shoulders. "Allie, let's go upstairs," she said in Allie's ear. Blinking, Allie roused enough to let Elizabeth help her up and guide her up the stairs. Collapsing in her bed, Allie was instantly asleep again. Elizabeth smiled and covered her with the blankets, then kissed her forehead. "Goodnight, Allie." She shut the door behind her quietly, then headed for the stairs. She smiled as she heard Nathan's singing coming from the room. Little Jack must still be awake. She headed back for her book and settled in, waiting for Nathan.

She didn't have to wait long. Only a few minutes after she sat down, she heard Nathan's footsteps coming down the stairs. He sat next to her, running a hand through his hair. "Phew! Jack was not wanting to sleep," he said with a wry smile.

Elizabeth hid a grin. "I heard you singing to him."

He looked surprised. "You heard that?"

Elizabeth chuckled. "I sure did. You have a wonderful singing voice, Nathan."

He blushed. Elizabeth smiled, putting a hand to his cheek. "I mean it."

Nathan looked a little bashful, but he smiled at her. "Thank you, Elizabeth. Coming from you, that means a lot." He stood, heading for the kitchen. "I'm going to make peppermint tea. Do you want some?"

Elizabeth gazed after him, forgetting to answer his question. All she could think about was how kind and caring and loving he was. Why had it taken her heart so long to follow what her head knew? He was one of the best men she had ever known, and his love warmed her heart more than she thought possible.

Nathan looked back at her, a question in his eyes. She knew she hadn't answered his question yet, but she couldn't. Her heart was telling her that now was the time. She stood and went to him. He turned to face her, a smile on his face but confusion in his eyes.

Not knowing what exactly to say, Elizabeth just looked at Nathan for a moment. How was she supposed to let him know how much he meant to her? Floundering for words, she decided words weren't needed yet. Taking a deep breath, she moved forward and wrapped her arms around Nathan tightly, resting her head on his chest. She could feel his quick intake of breath, then felt her heart soar as he wrapped his arms around her as well, holding her close, one hand on her back and the other gently stroking her hair.

Wrapped in his arms, Elizabeth felt loved and protected. Never one to be at a loss for words, she wondered at her own inability to speak, but somehow it didn't bother her. Just being there in Nathan's arms was enough. She snuggled closer to him. They had never embraced like this before, and it felt good and right.

Nathan leaned back a little and tipped Elizabeth's chin up with his finger. He looked deep into her eyes, searching. She could feel her love reflecting in them, and she hoped Nathan could see that. He must have, because his lips curled into a smile and he brought his hand to her cheek. "Are you sure?" he asked in a whisper.

Elizabeth simply nodded, her eyes never leaving his. Nathan framed her face with his hands, and he lowered his head until his lips met hers. Elizabeth closed her eyes, Nathan's gentle kiss sending butterflies twirling around in her stomach. He pulled back a little, his eyes once again meeting hers as if to ask if she was okay. In response, Elizabeth closed the gap between them and kissed him this time. His arms wrapped around her back, pulling her closer. He deepened the kiss, and she could feel the same passion that he'd shown the first time they had kissed. It took her breath away.

After several long moments they pulled apart, once again gazing into each other's eyes. Elizabeth finally found her voice. "I love you, Nathan. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to admit it, to you and to myself."

Nathan smiled, brushing some hair back from her face. "Don't apologize, Elizabeth. I'm glad you took the time you needed." He searched her eyes again. "You're sure?"

She nodded emphatically. "I've never been more sure about anything in my life. I love you, Nathan Grant, so very much. I'm so thankful that you came into my life."

He took her hand in his, rubbing her right ring finger. "When did this happen?"

Elizabeth looked at her hand, cradled in his. She'd wondered if he had noticed. Apparently he had. "Right before little Jack had his accident. I was here with Rosemary, and finally came to the conclusion that I was ready to move on. With you." She smiled. "Have I mentioned how grateful I am for you?"

Nathan touched his forehead to hers and smiled. "And I'm thankful for you too, Elizabeth. You are the love of my life. You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that you love me too."

"I think I might have an idea," Elizabeth said with a chuckle. They shared a laugh, then Nathan brought his lips to hers again, kissing her with all the love in his heart. When they pulled apart, Elizabeth leaned her head on his chest once again, feeling his heart beating in sync with hers. They stayed that way for a long time, their hearts finally united.

Elizabeth closed her eyes, a smile playing on her lips. This is what home feels like.