Nathan and Quinn collected Allie on the way to the Cafe for dinner; all three were excited to catch up with everyone.
"We were only just in Town; how much can have happened in that time?" Nathan frowned as he looked at Quinn.
"Maybe people held back telling us things, not wanting to spoil our honeymoon; I hope there isn't bad news."
"I think they would have told us, and I bet Allie would have found out from her friends if something awful happened."
"True, and I guess we will find out shortly."
Nathan held the door open for Allie and Quinn, letting them walk inside the Cafe before him. As he walked through, he saw Lee and Rosemary sitting at a table, and he and his family headed to join them.
Minnie took their orders, letting Allie know she had cooked a fresh chocolate cake that afternoon, hoping they would be stopping by the Cafe when they were back.
As they waited for the food, Quinn saw Sam approaching them from upstairs.
"Sam, I am so glad you are still here!"
"Well, about that, Quinn," Sam said smiling, " all of your attempts to convince me to move to Hope Valley have paid off. I have decided to do it. I am heading back to Oakville to settle things, and when I return, I will be a Hope Valley resident."
Quinn jumped up and hugged her friend, "Sam, that's amazing. I am so happy. You won't regret it."
"I have to find somewhere to live; I can't stay above the Cafe indefinitely. Once I have done that, I will feel better."
Quinn and Nathan exchanged a glance, "Well, Nathan and I are moving out of his row house; we bought the Cabin. Maybe you could move in there."
"Congratulations, that's wonderful," Sam exclaimed, including Nathan and Allie in her smile. "Renting your row house would be perfect; who do I need to talk to about it?"
"Me," Bill said, walking up behind her. "I don't think it will be a problem; I am sure you would get good references," he teased.
Quinn whispered to Nathan, "if that is the type of news we will be hearing, I'm glad we came."
"Okay, Rosemary, that was excellent news and a wonderful surprise; what else is news?"
"I was hoping one of them would be here, but they aren't, so I will tell you. Elizabeth and Lucas got engaged."
"Oh, how perfect, another wedding. Will the wedding be here in Hope Valley?" Quinn was pleased for Elizabeth. After everything that had happened, they would never be best friends, but she was glad for her and Lucas. She glanced at Nathan, but he didn't seem concerned; he just smiled at her and continued talking to Lee and Bill about moving house and cars.
Nathan heard the news of Elizabeth and Lucas's engagement, pleased it had worked out for the two of them and Jack. He supposed people would be curious about his reaction, but he felt nothing more than he would for two other Townspeople. His love for Quinn was everything; he couldn't remember loving Elizabeth that much or imagine her in Quinn's place.
After dinner, Lee offered the Grant's a lift home to the row house. Allie was over the moon and asked a million questions about cars and driving. Once they reached home, Nathan had to beg her to stop; they would be there all night if she kept going.
Lee had agreed to come over the following afternoon and transport their belongings to the Cabin. Bill, although protesting, had promised to come and help with the packing as well.
Quinn wondered if Allie would ever be able to sleep or if she herself would, for that matter. Moving to the new Cabin was very exciting and daunting; they had a lot to do if they wanted to pack up the row house and have it ready for Sam.
Nathan thought of everything he had to get done in the row house, plus the other things he wanted to do. He wanted to check in with Gabe about his upcoming wedding and tell him about their move. After the wedding, Gabe would move into the Orphanage with Lillian, sharing her home, and he knew his friend would be happy for him and his family that they had found such a special place to live.
He needed to organise driving lessons as well. If he was going to own a car, he needed to learn how to drive, Quinn too. And Allie, when she was old enough, which he was dreading. He would ask Lee, and maybe Rosemary could teach Quinn at the same time.
They managed the move to the Cabin much more quickly than Quinn anticipated. More people than expected offered to help; before she knew it, all but one load of their things was at the Cabin. Nathan suggested she stay with Allie and unpack while he returned with Lee and got the last load.
Quinn and Allie spent their time happily unpacking their things. The Cabin had already felt like home; with the addition of their personal trinkets, it was perfect.
Nathan stood with the last box in hand, staring at the doorway to the row house.
"Is everything alright?" Lee called; he expected Nathan to be behind him, but he was still inside the row house.
"How hard is it to replace architrave?"
"Not hard at all. Why?" Lee was perplexed, "is it damaged?" he asked, walking back inside to see what had Nathan's attention.
The two men stood silently, staring at the piece of wood where Nathan had recorded Allie's height, starting when they moved to Hope Valley.
"I can see why you want to take this with you; let me get my tools." Lee hurried out to the car, ready to prise off the piece of wood.
"Are you sure you have time, Lee?"
"For this, of course, I will send someone here tomorrow to replace the board; no one will notice we took it.
The two men worked quickly, and Lee ensured the item was not damaged. Nathan could decide where in the Cabin he was going to install it, maybe somewhere which allowed for a second and third board to be placed next to it for future children.
Quinn looked around; she and Allie had achieved a fantastic amount; once they got the last box, it would take no time to put away, and they could relax.
Quinn had invited everyone who helped them move to stay and eat with them, but they declined, wanting to let them settle in first. They would all come back after the wedding in Brookfield and do the housewarming properly then. Sam would also be back in Town, and they could celebrate her as a new Hope Valley Citizen.
Quinn heard a car approaching and was pleased Nathan was back; she was conscious of how loud the car sounded in the silence surrounding the Cabin. She hadn't thought much about how isolated they were, not far from Town but far enough if something went wrong. Maybe she would try and convince Lee and Rosemary to buy an adjoining piece of land; some company nearby would be excellent, especially if Nathan had to head out of Town.
She walked out onto the Verandah to greet Nathan and thank Lee; he had been wonderful to give up a day to help them. Lee reached into the bag seat for the final box and stood next to Nathan.
"Nathan, what do you have there?" Quinn asked. She couldn't make sense of what she was seeing; it looked like he was holding a long piece of wood.
Nathan smiled at Quinn; she always looked so cute when she wrinkled her nose in confusion. Without saying anything, he turned the plank over to show her the writing on the other side.
Quinn's hands flew to her cheeks, tears welling in her eyes. This man was everything.
Quinn flew down the steps and threw herself into Nathan's arms, not caring Lee was watching. Nathan saw Quinn coming and quickly passed the architrave to Lee, just in time to catch his wife.
Quinn kissed Nathan soundly on the lips, her arms sliding around his neck. "I cannot believe you did that, Nathan," she whispered. "Actually, I can. You are the best man I have ever met."
Nathan felt his cheeks redden; he hadn't thought it was a big deal. Holding his wife in his arms, he buried his face in her hair.
Lee laughed at Nathan's discomfort; he wasn't used to hearing compliments like that. He was glad for his friend that he had found Quinn, someone who adored him and wasn't afraid to show it.
"Well, I hope Allie doesn't mind; she might think she is too old for this."
"She will love it; hopefully, it will become a family tradition."
Nathan was the one who initiated the kiss this time, kissing her quickly but soundly.
"Well, seeing you two so happy makes me keen to get home to my wife," Lee said. He leaned the plank against the Verandah and walked to the driver's side of the car. "I will make sure the timber is replaced tomorrow, ready for Sam. Let me know if you need anything."
Nathan and Quinn both thanked Lee profusely, waving as they watched Lee as he headed back to Hope Valley.
Quinn turned to walk inside, but Nathan stopped her, "before we have a different audience..." he said, leaning down to kiss his wife. The heat flared instantly, and Quinn leaned into Nathan, pressing herself against him.
"Hold that thought," Quinn laughed as she broke away from her husband. Allie is inside, and we are both starving.
"I am hungry too and for more than just food."
"Well, right now, you only get food." Quinn grabbed his free hand as Nathan reached for the plank. "We can work on the other later."
The Grants settled into the home and their routine, the three riding together into Hope Valley for work and school each day. Allie was keen for her bicycle to arrive; she was tired of riding with her father on Newton. Mr Yost had promised the bike would be there when she returned from Gabe and Lillian's wedding in Brookfield.
"Rosie, we are only going to be away for the weekend; how many clothes can you need?"
"Lee Coulter, I like to have choices, and besides, one case is clothes I have collected for the children at the Orphanage. The largest case, I might add."
"Well, let's hope the Grants don't pack as many things as you. Otherwise, we won't all fit in the car, and it will be an uncomfortable trip to Brookfield if they have to have their luggage on their laps."
"Oh hush, Lee and let's get going; we don't want to be late."
Nathan, Quinn, and Allie were ready and waiting when the Coulter's arrived, excited to be going to Brookfield for the wedding. Allie would be staying at the Orphanage while she and Nathan stayed in the Brookfield hotel. Quinn was very happy for Gabe and looked forward to meeting Lillian and the children.
Nathan was excited to see Gabe again and to support him on his wedding day. And get revenge, of course, for all the teasing Gabe had put him through before his wedding to Quinn.
Their trip to Brookfield was uneventful; they managed to fit all their luggage in, but it was a tight squeeze. Quinn had packed a similar amount to Rosemary, with choices for different occasions. Allie had brought along books, toys, and clothes for the children after asking amongst her schoolmates for items of good quality they no longer needed. Nathan was proud of her for her kindness and generosity and would have happily nursed the luggage the whole way.
Nathan didn't want to admit it, but he was pleased this time the trip in the car was quicker than riding, although you didn't take the time to look around, taking in the scenery. Nathan could see the benefits of both forms of travel and knew when they did buy a car, he would continue to make the trip on horseback occasionally.
They arrived at the Orphanage to find a flurry of activity in the beautiful home to prepare for the wedding. The children were helping Lillian and Mrs Winters, washing, and drying the clothes and cooking different food for guests. Their Hotel was catering the reception, but they were preparing lunch and other snacks for the visiting guests and the pre-wedding meals.
Quinn was excited to meet Lillian. Quinn had heard so much about her from Gabe and from others who had met her and her sister Grace. Gabe had been such a good friend to her during everything, and of course, he was Nathan's closest friend. Once they purchased a car, she hoped they would be able to see more of Gabe and Lillian; Brookfield wasn't so far anymore.
After settling into the Motel, they returned to the Orphanage to spend the evening with Lillian and Gabe. Rosemary and Lee caught up on the changes since their last visit and shared the news about their baby. Lillian and Gabe were delighted for their friends who had been so generous to the children in Lillian's care. They knew they would make wonderful parents.
Mrs Winters was bustling around in the kitchen, preparing for the day and evening ahead. She had agreed to supervise the children after the wedding so Gabe and Lillian could have the night to themselves and wanted to have lots of activities to keep them occupied. She was pleased Allie had agreed to help supervise; being older and a stranger, she would bring a sense of mystery and authority with her that the children would respond to.
Lillian was as lovely as Quinn expected, and she was beautiful too. Quinn didn't think she had seen hair as pretty as Lillian's vibrant titian waves. Lillian's pretty blue eyes lit up every time she looked at Gabe, and Gabe returned the love; and after seeing the two together, Quinn knew they had found the same love and passion she and Nathan had.
Nathan was amazed; Gabe was so relaxed and unfazed that he didn't get an opportunity to tease him. Nothing went wrong, everything ran smoothly, and before he knew it, he was standing at the alter next to Gabe, and the wedding was starting.
"I have to say, Gabe, I am disappointed; you have given me no chance to tease you."
"I'm sorry, Nathan, it's just this is the best day of my life; I have looked forward to it since Lillian said yes, and I have thought of it since the moment I met her."
Nathan smiled at his friend, understanding exactly what he was talking about. Gabe and Lillian were perfect together. For a while, Nathan had worried Gabe had waited too long to work up the courage to tell her how he felt. He shouldn't have worried; Lillian had taken matters into her own hands as Gabe stumbled through telling her how he felt, leaving no doubt her heart belonged to him.
Nathan's eyes roamed over the guests in the crowded church, looking for his wife and daughter, finding Quinn and Allie sitting together with Lee and Rosemary. Quinn, as always, looked beautiful; today, she was wearing a green skirt and lace-trimmed top, fancier than she usually wore. The outfit brought out the hazel colour of her eyes, which had captivated Nathan since he first saw her. Allie looked especially grown up in her light pink dress. He made eye contact with Quinn, who winked at him; he had to bite his lip to contain his laughter.
At that moment, the music started, and Nathan's attention turned towards the door where Lillian's attendants were moving down the aisle. Lillian and Gabe had involved the children from the Orphanage in every aspect of their wedding. The young boys were acting as Ushers and the girls as her bridesmaids.
Nathan heard Gabe take a deep breath and looked at him. Gabe's gaze was focused solely on the doorway, waiting for Lillian to appear. Nathan could tell the rest of the people in the Church had drifted away for Gabe.
Lillian was breathtaking. Her willowy figure was draped in soft cream satin, with beaded detail on the bodice and cap sleeves. The creamy material was the perfect complement to her red-toned hair and pale skin.
Nathan looked back to Gabe and saw tears in his friend's eyes as he stared at his love. Gabe could not contain his smile as he looked at his fiancé, and she was beaming back at him, her smile full of love for the man waiting for her.
After the ceremony, Gabe and Lillian ran down the aisle, smiling at the friends cheering their union. Nathan held back from joining them outside, wanting to give his friends a few minutes alone to catch their breath. He remembered how overwhelmed he had felt at the same point on his and Quinn's wedding day.
The reception was full of laughter and fun, with everyone genuinely happy for Gabe and Lillian. Tess Stewart, someone who usually treated Lillian with disdain, was there to celebrate, wishing her and Gabe well.
Nathan took the opportunity to introduce Quinn and Allie to Tess before they headed out to her ranch the following day. Nathan wanted Tess to meet Allie and have a chance to get to know her before she introduced her to the horse she had found. If Tess thought they wouldn't be a match, she could let Nathan know, and they could change their plans.
Quinn watched as Allie and Tess chatted over their buffet lunch, joining in occasionally, but wanting to allow the two to interact. She was pleased to see Tess smiling and laughing with Allie, and when Tess went to leave, Quinn saw the nod she gave Nathan. Tess believed Allie and the horse would be a good match.
Nathan could see Allie sitting with the other children and took the opportunity to dance with his wife, holding her close as they drifted around the room. Nathan was pleased to see the people of Brookfield embrace Allie and Quinn. He always enjoyed visiting Gabe and the townspeople and hoped they could make more frequent visits once they got their car.
As Gabe and Lillian gathered their things, preparing to leave and head for their accommodation for the night, Nathan deliberately engaged them in conversation, stalling. Quinn watched, amused as Gabe and Lillian tried to be polite when their attention was elsewhere.
"Nathan, that's enough," Quinn said, tapping her husband on the arm. "Leave them be."
Gabe's mouth dropped open before he caught himself and laughed, "I wondered why you were so intent on discussing the horse for Allie; you knew she was the one topic that would keep me here." Gabe shook his head at Nathan and grinned.
"I had to do something to pay you back for the torment you gave me on my wedding day; this was the only thing I had," Nathan explained, ducking away, pretending Gabe was going to hit him.
"It isn't him you should worry about, Nathan; I was about to hit you myself," teased Lillian. "Now, before anyone else delays us, let's go."
Lillian and Gabe left the Hotel, hand in hand, shouting farewells to their guests and the children.
Nathan and Quinn checked in on Allie to ensure she was still comfortable staying at the Orphanage and to plan for their visit to Tess Stewart the following day.
"I'll be fine, I promise, and besides, I don't think Mrs Winters could manage without me," Allie said, "we have to keep all the children entertained for the afternoon and evening."
"Okay, if you're sure, we will see you bright and early tomorrow so we can head out to the Stewart Ranch."
Allie said goodbye to her father and Quinn and joined Mrs Winters in corralling the children. Nathan and Quinn joined Rosemary and Lee, who was sitting, relaxing. Rosemary tired more easily now, and Lee insisted she put her feet up.
Nathan smiled as he watched Quinn get ready for bed, thinking of the other times he had been in Brookfield, alone and lonely. He hadn't known then what he was missing, and now he didn't know what it would feel like to be away from Quinn. He hoped it was some time before he found out.