Author's note: Thanks for following along with this story! This is the last chapter before the epilogue. I hope you like it! If you want to read more Elizabeth/Nathan fanfic, I'll be writing a modern day one next. Coming soon! :)

The next morning Elizabeth headed down the stairs yawning. Little Jack had been up and fussy for most of the night. She and Nathan had taken turns caring for him, and now he was sleeping peacefully upstairs. Elizabeth was still tired, and she was thankful that Rosemary had taken over her class while little Jack was recovering. She had a feeling she was going to need a nap later.

The aroma of fresh coffee greeted her as she walked into the kitchen. Nathan was making breakfast as was his custom. He grinned when he saw her. "Good morning, sweetheart. Do you want some coffee?"

"Do I want some coffee? Is that a trick question?" Elizabeth asked with a little smile, looking at him through bleary eyes. "Yes, please!"

Nathan poured her a mug and set it on the table. Taking her in his arms, he pressed his lips to hers. After a few moments, Elizabeth was wide awake and breathless. "My goodness, what was that for?" she asked, still held within the circle of his arms.

"Just to let you know that I love you," Nathan said with a smile, his eyes locked on hers. "And making sure your words last night weren't a dream."

Elizabeth put a tender hand on his cheek. "You weren't dreaming, Nathan. I love you so very much."

Nathan's eyes twinkled in the morning light, and he bent to kiss her again. Elizabeth closed her eyes, leaning into his kiss and his embrace. His intensity made her feel dizzy in the best possible way, and she felt like she could stay in his arms forever.

"Oh, gross!"

Nathan and Elizabeth broke apart to see Allie standing at the foot of the stairs, her nose wrinkled in disgust.

Elizabeth blushed, but Nathan laughed. "Better get used to it, kiddo."

Allie walked primly to the table, a reflective look on her face and her nose slowly unwrinkling. She looked between them, taking in the way Nathan's arm was still around Elizabeth. A grin spread across her face, a hopeful look in her eyes.

"Does this mean you're both in love?" she asked, hands clasped at her chin.

Elizabeth looked at Nathan with a smile. "It does, Allie. We are very much in love."

Allie clapped her hands. "Oh good! Does this mean I can have another cousin?"

Elizabeth's face suddenly felt like it was on fire. "Oh my word, Allie! I don't know." She glanced at Nathan, the blush deepening. "We haven't talked about that."

He smiled, looking entirely too relaxed. "That would be a good thing to talk about." He winked at her and grinned at Allie. "Are you ready for breakfast?"

At Allie's enthusiastic approval, Nathan started plating the food. Elizabeth cupped her coffee mug in her hands, taking some calming sips. She hadn't thought about having more children. She'd figured Jack would be her only child when she married Nathan. Now, with a declaration of love between them, this wouldn't only be a marriage of convenience. It would be a love-filled marriage.

She realized with startling clarity that she wanted to have Nathan's children. She wanted to experience pregnancies with a husband at her side, to have him there to help raise the children and to experience life together as parents, to have little people in the world who were part her and part him. She wanted it all.

Elizabeth stared at Nathan for a moment as his attention was on Allie. He was already a wonderful father to both Allie and Jack. She knew he would be a wonderful father to any future children they had. She smiled to herself, trying to picture Nathan holding a newborn baby.

He happened to glance her way as she was contemplating that image. He raised a brow. "What?"

She decided to be honest. "I'm just imagining you holding a little baby. It's adorable."

"Adorable?" He blinked. "I held Jack when he was a baby. Remember?"

Elizabeth laughed. "I certainly do. The fact that you were so good with him caught my attention." She smiled. "But what I really meant was I was trying to picture you holding your own newborn child."

His mouth fell open. He stood for several seconds staring at her, then he turned to Allie and kissed her forehead. "I love you, Allie girl," he said. "See you when I get home." He looked at Elizabeth. "I need to get to my rounds, but before I do, can we talk on the porch for a moment?"

"Are you two going to be mushy?" Allie asked, the disgusted look back on her face.

Elizabeth laughed. "I suppose that depends on what you mean by mushy." She tapped Allie on the nose. "Come get me if you hear Jack, okay?" Allie nodded, returning her attention to her breakfast.

Nathan closed the door behind them, then looked at Elizabeth. "You were picturing me holding a baby?" he asked with a raised brow.

Elizabeth nodded. "I know this isn't something we've ever talked about, Nathan, but Allie has a point. Do you want children?"

Nathan searched her eyes, hesitating for a moment. Finally, he responded slowly. "Yes, Elizabeth, I do. You're an incredible mother already, and I would love to raise more kids with you. But is that something you want?"

"It is," Elizabeth said, no reservation in her voice. "You might have noticed I like kids."

Nathan laughed. "I might have picked up on that one."

"Did the teaching give it away?" Elizabeth asked in a playful tone.

"That might have been a bit of a hint," Nathan said with another laugh. He glanced around, making sure they were alone, then stepped forward and took her in his arms. "So you're sure about this?"

"Yes," Elizabeth said with a firm nod, putting a hand on his cheek. "I'm positive." She leaned forward. "I think we're going to have to take down that curtain," she said in a conspiratorial tone.

Nathan grinned, then bent down to kiss her. Neither one realized Rosemary had come out onto her porch until they heard her squeal with delight. "Lee! They're in love!" she called to her husband, clapping her hands. "Oh, this is wonderful!"

Elizabeth laughed. Nathan shook his head. "That's the second time we were interrupted this morning," he said under his breath to Elizabeth. Raising his voice so their neighbor could hear, he said, "Good morning, Rosemary!"

She quickly scuttled over to their porch. Lee came through the door looking bewildered. "What's going on, Rosie?" he asked.

"They were kissing!" she declared loudly. Elizabeth suppressed a grin. All Hope Valley would know about this before long. That was something she was fine with. She wanted all to know she was deeply in love with Nathan Grant.

Rosemary came up the steps, clasping Elizabeth's hands. "Oh, I'm so happy for you!" she exclaimed. "This is marvelous!" Her eyes lit up. "Since we didn't have a reception for your wedding, can we please do something now? I would love to plan a reception for you! Oh, and you could have a vow renewal ceremony so the whole town could come and celebrate! We could do it this weekend!"

Nathan's jaw dropped. "This weekend? I don't know much about receptions, but isn't that kind of short notice?"

"Not for Rosie," Lee said dryly, coming up the steps and putting an arm around his wife. "She will get it done."

"Oh please, let me do this for you!" Rosemary said. "It will be wonderful!"

Elizabeth and Nathan looked at each other. "I think that sounds great," Elizabeth said. "What do you think, Nathan?"

He smiled. "I think so, too." Looking at Rosemary, he nodded. "Alright, plan away, Mrs. Coulter!"

Rosemary squealed again. "Perfect!"

Sunday arrived amid a bustle of activity. Nathan was amazed at how quickly Rosemary managed to get everything together. True to her word, everything was done on time. She had enlisted the help of the whole town, who had come together willingly to celebrate. Nathan talked to more people than he ever had before whenever he ran into them in town that week.

"This is so exciting!" Molly told him. "We are so happy to celebrate you and Elizabeth!"

"Absolutely," Florence agreed, nodding her head vigorously. "We were skeptical when you got married so quickly, I don't mind telling you. But we're happy it all worked out in the end."

Later Nathan had run into Carson. "Nathan! Faith and I are so looking forward to the reception this weekend! Congratulations."

"Thanks, Carson," Nathan said with a smile. Not ten steps later he was stopped again, this time by Henry. "Looking forward to Sunday," Henry said with a pleasant nod. Nathan thanked him and tried to continue his rounds, but was stopped again by Fiona. "Congratulations, Nathan! See you Sunday!"

Again and again it happened. Normally Nathan didn't care for small talk, but this time it warmed his heart. The people of Hope Valley had rallied around him and Elizabeth, and he felt like it was truly home. He'd never met such kind, caring people before.

Now he was in the saloon with what felt like half the town, helping set up for the reception. There was food everywhere, and the saloon was decorated with white ribbons and lace. People bustled to and fro, putting last minute touches on various things. Nathan suddenly realized that Lucas was standing next to him.

"Thank you for offering the saloon for the reception," Nathan said. "That was very kind of you."

"My pleasure," Lucas said. They stood there in silence for a moment, then Lucas spoke again. "You know, I have to thank you."

"For what?" Nathan asked, perplexed.

Lucas smiled. "If you hadn't married Elizabeth, I never would have found the woman I truly care for."

Nathan's eyes followed his, coming to rest on Fiona. She noticed Lucas watching her and smiled, giving him a little wave. He waved back, his smile expanding.

"You and Fiona, huh?" Nathan asked. "Elizabeth thought you two would be good together."

"She was right," Lucas acknowledged. "I think I'm well on my way to falling for her."

"I'm glad," Nathan said sincerely. "I hope you two are happy together."

"Thank you," Lucas replied. "I think we will be." He slapped Nathan on the back. "And it looks like you and Elizabeth are happy, too. I'm glad of it. And I'm sorry for the way I criticized you when you two first got married."

"That's the past," Nathan said. "I'm just glad we're becoming friends. You're a good man, Lucas."

"So are you," Lucas said. Someone called his name, and he excused himself. Nathan looked around. Everything seemed ready. Rosemary came hurrying up to him, confirming his thoughts. "We're all ready, Nathan! You need to go get yourself ready. Go on, now! Hurry up!" She turned, waving at her husband. "Lee! Come help Nathan!"

"I'll be fine…" Nathan started, but Rosemary cut him off. "You are going to have help, Nathan Grant! No arguing!"

"Arguing is a useless venture with Rosie," Lee said, coming up beside them. "Come on, Nathan."

"I'm perfectly capable of putting on my own suit," Nathan said once they were back

at the row house. "Why did Rosemary think I needed help, exactly?"

Lee leaned against the wall, arms crossed, a grin on his face. "I think she was more concerned with making sure you're doing okay. We know you don't care for crowds."

"Well, that is true," Nathan admitted. "But this is Hope Valley. Everyone makes you feel like family."

"A very big family," Lee said with a chuckle. "So you are doing okay with all this?"

Nathan nodded. "I am. I'm looking forward to it."

Lee bobbed his head in approval. "Alright then. Let's go, shall we?"

They walked to the church together. The vow renewal was going to be between the church and the pond. Rosemary had crafted an archway and covered it with flowers. The ceremony itself was going to be short, and there was plenty of space for people to stand to witness it before they all headed to the saloon for the party.

Nathan stood under the archway with Pastor Simon, waiting for Elizabeth to come out of the church. Rosemary came first, holding little Jack. She met Lee and Allie at the front near Nathan. "She's coming!" she said in a loud whisper. Nathan looked toward the church and caught his breath.

Elizabeth was walking toward him in a dress he'd never seen before. It was the same color as her eyes with a white sash tied around her waist and a matching white ribbon threaded through her hair. She looked stunning.

The crowd vanished. Nathan had eyes only for Elizabeth. He was amazed at how different this moment felt from their wedding. He had been so concerned then, both for her and for his situation with Allie, and here in this moment he felt only joy. It amazed him how much had changed between him and Elizabeth since their wedding. She wasn't just his wife. She was his forever love.

He took her hands as she joined him under the flowered archway. He smiled at her. "You look beautiful."

She grinned back. "And you look very handsome."

Pastor Simon smiled, looking between them and then out at the crowd. "Six months ago, Nathan and Elizabeth were joined in marriage under some unusual circumstances. Their marriage was still true and valid, but they have come here today to renew those vows in front of their family friends to celebrate their newfound love." Turning to Nathan, he said, "Nathan, do you renew your vow to love, honor, and cherish Elizabeth, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, for better or worse, until death do you part?"

"I do," Nathan said, smiling at Elizabeth and getting lost in her eyes.

"Elizabeth, do you renew your vow to love, honor, and cherish Nathan, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, for better or worse, until death do you part?"

"I do," Elizabeth said, conviction ringing in her voice.

"And do you both promise to love and honor Allie and Jack as your children?"

"We do," they said in unison, smiling at the children. Allie beamed back. Little Jack had his thumb in his mouth, watching the proceedings with fascination.

Pastor Simon grinned. "Consider your vows renewed. Nathan, you may kiss your wife."

Nathan took Elizabeth in his arms and kissed her amid the cheers and hurrahs of their friends and neighbors. Nathan felt little arms around his waist, and they both looked down to see Allie with an arm around each of them, a big smile on her face. Rosemary brought little Jack to Elizabeth. The four of them stood together, smiling at one another, when a flash went off. Nathan looked up to see Carson with a camera, grinning from ear to ear. "Perfect!" Carson said. "This is going to be a great picture."

"Thanks, Carson!" Elizabeth said, shifting Jack to one arm and putting the other around Allie. Nathan cocooned them all in his arms.

"Feel free to make your way to the saloon for the party, everyone!" Lucas called out, standing next to Fiona, one arm casually around her shoulders. "There will be plenty of food and drink and dancing!"

People started heading that way. Rosemary and Lee came up to join Nathan and Elizabeth. Rosemary was sporting a tiny baby bump and was glowing. Nathan was so happy for her and Lee. They had wanted a child for so long, and now they were finally going to have one.

"Thank you for organizing all of this, Rosemary," Elizabeth said. "It came together beautifully."

"Naturally," Rosemary said with her signature flair, giving Elizabeth a hug. "You know I love doing these kinds of things. And when it's for my best friend, well, that makes it a million times better."

"You're the best, Rosemary."

"I know!" Giving them a sassy smile, she and Lee headed for the saloon, their arms linked.

"Shall we follow them?" Nathan asked, looking at his family. His family. Those words would never, ever get old.

Elizabeth nodded. "Yes." The four of them walked together, Jack in Elizabeth's arms, Nathan holding Allie's hand. They were bonded together in a special way, and Nathan couldn't wait to see what the future held. As long as it had Elizabeth, Jack, and Allie, it would be good.

Elizabeth laughed as Nathan twirled her around the dance floor. "Nathan, I had no idea you could dance!"

His eyes twinkled. "There's a lot you don't know about me." He pulled her close and murmured in her ear, "But we have our whole lives to figure out more about each other."

She smiled at him, her heart reflected in her eyes. "I'm looking forward to that."

"Me too." He twirled her again, then brought her back to his arms, holding her close. He squinted at a spot behind Elizabeth. "Is that Robert dancing with Allie?"

Elizabeth craned her neck to look. "Why yes, yes it is." She grinned at the sudden look of protectiveness on Nathan's face. "Oh, stop. They're friends and having fun together."

"If you say so," Nathan said doubtfully, his eyes firmly fixed on Robert. Elizabeth turned so that he had to follow.

"You're cute when you're protective," she said playfully, batting her eyes at him.

Nathan laughed. "Okay, I'll admit it. Your distraction technique is working."

"Good." Elizabeth grinned. "We wouldn't want you to be too protective. Allie needs some independence, you know."

"You're right," he admitted grudgingly. "But that doesn't mean I have to like it."

"I wouldn't expect anything less," Elizabeth said with a chuckle.

The song ended, and all the dancers clapped. Nathan led Elizabeth to a table and seated her. "I'll be back with some food," he said, heading for the long food tables. No sooner had he left than Clara and Faith sat next to Elizabeth.

"We are so happy for you, Elizabeth! You and Nathan are perfect together," Faith said.

"It's wonderful to see you in love," Clara said softly. "I know it can be hard to believe second chances are possible when it comes to love, but you and Nathan have proven just how beautiful second loves can be."

Elizabeth smiled. "So have you and Jesse." She looked over at Nathan, who was talking to Lucas as he filled two plates with food. "But you're right. I thought love was over for me when Jack died. I'm so thankful that I was wrong. I love Nathan more than I thought was possible. He's so good to me, and to little Jack and Allie."

Faith nodded. "Everyone can see how much you all love each other. It's wonderful."

"Thank you," Elizabeth said. She took their hands, giving a light squeeze. "And we can't wait to see you both get your happily ever after soon too."

They laughed together happily, then Faith and Clara excused themselves. Nathan came back soon after, bearing the plates. Rosemary fluttered over with little Jack, placing him in Elizabeth's arms. "He wants his mama," she said. "And my husband promised me a dance!" She vanished as quickly as she'd come.

Nathan smiled. "She certainly has a lot of energy."

Elizabeth broke off some bread and fed it to Jack. "That she does. I don't remember having nearly as much energy when I was pregnant with Jack." They chatted a bit as they ate, interrupted frequently by well-wishers and friends. Elizabeth didn't mind the interruptions. It warmed her heart to see how much the town cared and how happy they were for her and Nathan. Hope Valley truly was home.

"Attention, please!" Bill called out. Silence descended on the saloon. Bill held up a glass. "Nathan and Elizabeth, I think I speak for all of us when I say we're happy to see you both happy and in love. May your life together be long and joyful."

Everyone clapped and toasted. Elizabeth smiled at Nathan. Bill cleared his throat. "In honor of the two of you, we as a community have a special gift we'd like to give you."

Elizabeth's brows raised. She looked at Nathan. "Did you know about this?"

He looked as baffled as she did. "I had no idea."

Bill grinned, clearly enjoying the element of surprise. "We are going to build you a house on whatever piece of land you want."

Elizabeth and Nathan's jaws dropped in unison. "What?" Nathan said, clearly speechless.

"L. Coulter Enterprises, Gowen Petroleum, Abigail's Cafe, and the Queen of Hearts Saloon will be supplying most of the funding, and the townsfolk want to pitch in with building the house. All you have to do is find a piece of land you like and then draw up some plans with Lee. We'll get it all taken care of."

Elizabeth felt tears spring to her eyes. "Are you serious?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Bill heard her anyways.

"Yes, Elizabeth, we're sure. You've both done so much for this town. We want to show you just how much we love you both."

"Wow," Nathan said, standing. He shook Bill's hand wordlessly, surprise and wonder on his face. He looked around at all the people gathered there. "Thank you so much, everyone! Elizabeth and I are touched and honored by your love and support."

"Yes, thank you!" Elizabeth echoed, awed. "This is such a surprise!"

Bill smiled. "We'll get started on planning right away." He spread his arms. "Enjoy the rest of the party, folks!"

Nathan sat next to Elizabeth again, both of them sitting there in stunned silence for a few moments. Finally, Nathan shook his head. "This is incredible," he said. "I can't believe it." He paused. "Actually, that isn't entirely true. This is Hope Valley. It doesn't surprise me at all."

Elizabeth smiled, putting a hand on his arm. "This is the best place in the world. Where else would you find such wonderful, caring people?"

"Where indeed?" Nathan replied. He leaned forward and kissed Elizabeth, lingering for several heartbeats. When he pulled back, he smiled. "This is the perfect place to live our lives together and raise a family. I'm so glad this is our home."

"Me too," Elizabeth said, her heart full. She put a hand on his cheek. "And I'm so glad I get to live it with you."

Nathan smiled. "I love you, Elizabeth."

She leaned forward this time and kissed him tenderly, letting him feel her love. "And I love you, Nathan. Forever."