Elizabeth expected to be nervous on the day of the wedding. But rather than nervous, she was looking forward to it because being a mother was something she had always wanted, and in about thirty minutes, she would be that much closer to being one.

Also, marrying Jack, who was quickly becoming her best friend, was something that she would never regret. She knew he would be kind to her and Helen and that's what mattered.

She heard a knock on the door. "Who is it?"

"Abigail."

"Come in."

"Hi, how are you?"

"Just fine, thank you. How are you?"

"It's ok to be nervous, you know. I was."

"I'm not nervous, Abigail. I think this is the best idea for Helen."

"What about for you?"

"It's not a bad idea. He's a good man and I miss him when he's away and I know he will be a good husband and father."

"Do you love him?"

"Not yet but I think it's possible. Abigail, he makes me happy. Even if nothing happens with us, that counts for a lot, don't you think?"

"Of course it does. Now, let's get you in this dress and get you married."

"Thank you for this dress, Abigail. You didn't need to spend the money on me."

Abigail gave her a big hug. "Of course I did. You are like the daughter I never had. I am so grateful for you, dear."

"I am grateful for you too."

Cat came in with the room with Helen in her arms. The little darling was wearing a beautiful new dress Elizabeth had made special for her today.

As soon as Helen's feet hit the ground she raced towards Elizabeth.

"Fowers, Me-me," she told Elizabeth as she handed her a bouquet of daisies to her. "Pity fowers."

"They are beautiful! Did you pick them?"

"Me and Dat! Fur Me-me!"

Elizabeth brought the fragrant bunch to her nose.

"I love them. Thank you, love."

About twenty minutes later, Elizabeth was ready. Her curls were hanging loosely around her shoulders and she was wearing a beautiful ivory gown with lace covered bodice and sleeves.

Gratefully, Cat decided to walk her down the aisle and give her away because Elizabeth's father wasn't present.

"You look lovely, Beth," she told her.

"Thank you."

They heard the wedding march that Mary was playing on her violin so they started down the stairs.

Jack stood by the fireplace and watched as she walked down. She looked incredibly beautiful. How was this woman going to be his wife? How were he and Helen so lucky to have her in their lives?

Once their eyes locked, he held her gaze as she approached. Cat gave her to him and he took her right hand in his left and they turned to face Pastor Avery.

"Friends, we are gathered here today in front of God and these witnesses to bless the marriage between this man and this woman. Who gives this woman to be married to this man?"

"I do," Cat acknowledged.

"Jack, repeat after me. I, Jack, take you, Elizabeth, to be my wife."

Jack turned toward her and looked into her eyes. "I, Jack, take you, Elizabeth, to be my wife."

"To have and to hold, from this day forward."

"To have and to hold, from this day forward." She felt his thumb gently rubbing her knuckles, soothing her.

"For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness or in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part."

Jack repeated the words and gave her hand a squeeze.

"Elizabeth, please repeat after me…."

"I, Elizabeth, take you, Jack, to be my husband. To have and to hold, from this day forward. For better or worse..."

A moment later Pastor Avery smiled. "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride."

Jack stared into her eyes as if to ask if she wanted his kiss. They hadn't discussed it. In fact as her friend, it wouldn't be appropriate so he decided to direct his lips away from hers and gently kissed the apple of her cheek.

Everyone clapped, including Helen, who danced around the room with great delight. Not that she fully understood what had just occurred.

Just like with Elizabeth's dress, Abigail had put a great deal of thought and attention to the wedding meal. They feasted on roast beef, red potatoes and rice.

"Wow, Abigail." Jack said giving his full belly a good pat. "That dinner was one of the best I've ever had. That pie… Thank you."

"My pleasure. Though to be perfectly honest, the pie was Elizabeth's recipe. She is a wonderful cook."

"Really?" He looked at Elizabeth. His wife. "Well then, I'm a lucky man."

She blushed. It felt so foreign to her. It had been so long since she'd allowed a man to pay compliments to her. It was nice to experience that again, and from a man she knew she could trust.

They stayed at the orphanage till just about nine. When it was time to leave, Jack gave Elizabeth a moment to say goodbye to the women who had been there for her during the hardest time in her life. They'd given her a new purpose, and now it was time to start the next chapter, with Jack.

"Congratulations, son." Charlotte hugged her son and a sleeping Helen that rested in his arms. "I'll see you in the morning, alright?"

"You're not coming back with us?"

Charlotte laughed, "It's your wedding night, son."

"Right, but this isn't… I mean Elizabeth and I aren't going to…"

"I know, but I think the three of you should spend the first night in your home, just you." Jack began to protest, thinking Elizabeth may feel more comfortable with his mother's presence, but Charlotte raised her hand to cut him off. "I believe this is the beginning of a bright, new adventure for you. One that in time will produce a great deal of love and joy."

Jack looked across the room to Elizabeth. She smiled brightly as she listened to Cat, Abigail and Mary.

"I hope you're right, Ma. I intend to do my best to make her happy."

"I know you will. You're a good man." She hugged him again. "So please, enjoy your first night, without your old mother hanging around."

"Okay. You sure you'll be fine here?"

"I may have aged Jack, but I'm not helpless," she sassed.

"Alright," he laughed. "Fair enough."

Jack felt a hand on his back. It was Elizabeth.

"Ready to go home?" he asked. She nodded.

The streets of Hope Valley were empty as the newly married couple made their way home. Elizabeth blew the lantern out that she carried to allow the vast sky which sparkled with the moon and the stars, light their way home.

"That was a nice wedding." Jack stated, trying to break the awkward silence.

"Yes. It was very nice."

Jack's attempt to strike up conversation dwindled there. When they reached the front door of the home, Jack adjusted Helen in his arms to unlock the door.

"Wait here," he told Elizabeth before disappearing into the dark dwelling. He returned a minute later after putting Helen to bed. With a handsome grin, he extended his hand. "Allow me to escort my wife into our home."

"Jack, I've been in here before."

"I know, but indulge me." She took his hand and allowed herself to be led into the home. "Welcome home, Elizabeth."

"Thank you."

He let go of her hand, then nervously placed his in his pockets. They stood there with neither one of them knowing what to do next. For Jack, he'd never lived with a woman other than his mother growing up. Elizabeth of course had been a wife before, but this was different. They continued standing there, avoiding eye contact.

"Elizabeth…"

"Jack…"

They spoke together, then laughed at their nervousness.

"I'm sorry." Jack smiled. "I guess I don't know what to do here."

"Me either." Elizabeth rocked back and forth on her heels for a moment. Jack found it adorable. "Would you like some tea?"

"Tea, yes. That sounds great. I'll get a fire going."

"Okay." Elizabeth went into the kitchen to put the kettle on. She watched as Jack got a fire set in the fireplace in the small open room in front of the couch. He'd removed his dress coat and rolled up his sleeves, showing off his strong, muscular arms. Elizabeth turned back to the stove, feeling her cheeks turn pink.

"Would it be alright if I change?"

"Of course."

Jack watched as she left down the hall toward the bedroom she and Helen shared. Taking in her curves that the dress modestly showed. "Stop it, Jack…" he scolded himself. "She's your wife… but… well… Okay, this might be a little complicated."

Elizabeth returned a few minutes later. She'd had no idea what to wear. It was late, almost bedtime. It didn't make sense to wear a day dress, but did she want to be parading herself around Jack in her nightgown? In the end she dressed in her nightgown, wrapping herself up in her very modest housecoat.

As she poured their tea in the kitchen, Jack stood near the fire watching. Taking note of how she prepared her tea. Maybe he'd do that for her sometime. After all, he had a wife to court now.

"How do you take your tea?" she asked, breaking him from his thoughts.

"Oh, just a little honey please. I noticed a number of boxes in the corner of the room when I was putting Helen down."

"Oh those." She took a sip of her tea. "When I moved into the orphanage, there wasn't a lot of space. I boxed up all the books I've collected. I know they're just things, but they're special to me."

"Books are wonderful. Nothing beats sitting by a warm fire with a good book."

"I agree." She smiled.

"You know, I could build us some bookshelves. We could put one in here, maybe one or two in the room for you."

"Oh, you don't have to do that!"

"Those books are important to you. You shouldn't have to rummage through boxes just to read your favorite novel in your own home. I'd like to do this." He thought for a moment. "Yeah. I think that's just what this place needs."

Elizabeth smiled as she sipped her tea. Jack was already showing himself to be a kind and considerate husband. Not that she was surprised. Now she needed to be a good partner for him.

"You know, Jack, there's still some important things that I don't know about you."

"For you, I'm an open book. What would you like to know?"

"Well for starters, what are your favorite foods?"

"I like this question." He licked his lips and rubbed his hands together in front of him. Elizabeth let out a giggle at how adorable he was acting. "I'm not a picky eater. I like potatoes and chicken and beef. I think one of my favorite meals is Shepard's pie. I haven't had it in forever though. My mom… she's lovely, as you now know, but cooking was never her strong suit."

Elizabeth laughed. "Alright, Shepard's pie. Anything you don't like?"

He thought for a moment. "Turnips."

"No turnips. Got it."

"Oh, I also make a mean chili," he admitted.

"I don't know that I've ever had chili."

"Then I'll have to make it for you. Cornbread too. Can't have chili without cornbread."

"No, I suppose not."

Their conversation continued on as they made plans for the house, things to do with Helen and sharing more about themselves. It was nearly midnight when Elizabeth let out a large yawn.

"Whoa there. It looks like you should be getting some rest."

"You're right. Helen will be up with the rooster no matter how little sleep I get."

She took their tea cups to the sink while Jack tossed a few more logs on the fire. With the lanterns turned off they walked down the hall, stopping in front of Elizabeth's door.

"Goodnight, Elizabeth." He leaned in, kissing her cheek softly.

"Goodnight, Jack. Sleep well."