December 1919

Two days after Christmas, the residents of Hope Valley gathered in the small church for a special event. Jack had insisted on sitting with Aunt Rosemary and Uncle Lee, while Allie was with Opal and Emily in the Weise's row. That left Nathan and Elizabeth in their second row pew as they waited for the service to begin. A small pink bundle rested in Nathan's arms. Their little Amy Elizabeth was six months old and growing much too quickly for his liking. She'd wrapped him around her little finger the moment she was born and never let go. Now she could smile easily, babble, and roll over on her own.

He ran a finger over her smooth cheek. If she were awake, she would insist on sitting on his lap rather than being cradled. As it was, the wedding was taking place during her nap. Nathan was grateful for the chance to cuddle his little girl.

Elizabeth leaned over his arm, smiling at the baby. "It doesn't get old, does it?"

He shook his head. "Absolutely not." He turned to his wife, placing a gentle kiss on her lips despite the crowd in the church. "She's one of the best gifts I could have asked for. Right along with you, Jack, and Allie."

She returned his kiss and placed a hand on his cheek. "I love you, Nathan."

He chuckled lightly. "Weddings make us sappy, don't they?" He nuzzled her nose with his. "But I love you too, sweetheart." He glanced toward the front of the church, where Lucas paced nervously in front of the altar. Henry wore an amused smile as he tried to calm the groom. Hickam glanced between the two of them, clearly wondering what to do.

"I don't think I've ever seen Lucas look so nervous," Nathan said, trying not to laugh. "It's kind of nice seeing him like this. Makes him a little more human."

Elizabeth slapped his arm. "Be nice. You were just as bad on the day we got married." She tapped a finger against her lips. "What was it Bill said? He had you sit down and put your head between your legs to keep from fainting dead away?"

Nathan cleared his throat, cheeks turning pink at the memory. "Maybe."

His wife grinned. "And who was it that told you to take deep breaths to calm yourself?"

"Ah … the man currently pacing like his life depended on it."

Elizabeth chuckled. "Then, my dear, I think it's time you returned the favor." She held out her arms. "I'll take our little angel."

Nathan transferred the sleeping bundle to her, then stood and made his way to his nervous friend. He clamped a hand on Lucas' shoulder, effectively stopping the man in his tracks. Something like relief crossed Lucas' features. "Nathan. I don't think I'm ready for this. Am I?" His eyes pleaded with Nathan, almost begging him for reassurance.

Nathan rested both hands on his shoulders. "You're ready. It's clear to anyone with eyes that you and Fiona are besotted with each other." He smirked. "I'm just surprised it took you this long to get married."

From his spot at Lucas' side, Henry chimed in. "No kidding. I thought you'd be married last Christmas."

Lucas tugged at his tie. "So many things got in the way. We were juggling the saloon, the oil business, the salon. Neither one of us were ready to settle down. I'm still not entirely sure I am."

"Why's that?" Hickam asked, looking puzzled. "You've been excited about this day since you popped the question in April."

Lucas glanced at Amy where she rested in Elizabeth's arms, then looked at his friends. "I don't think I'll be a good father."

"Why not?" The chorused question rang with surprise from all three men.

"My own father was barely present in my life. I don't know the first thing about caring for a child. That terrifies me." He looked at the floor. "Fiona wants a big family like the one she had growing up. I was an only child. Once we're married, children will follow. I'm scared I won't be the father my children need me to be." The final sentence came out in a whisper.

Nathan squeezed Lucas' shoulders until the other man looked at him. "You know my father wasn't present in my life either. When I first became Allie's guardian, I was terrified. I didn't know how to be a father and I didn't think I could be a good one. That sweet girl showed me I was wrong on both counts. It was a learning curve, but I figured things out as I went. Then Jack and Elizabeth came into my life, and I learned to be a father all over again. I'm learning once more with Amy. I'll learn again with any other children Elizabeth and I have. The point is, you'll learn as you go too, Lucas." He smiled. "And for what it's worth, I think you'll be a great father."

Lucas blinked. "You do?"

"Yes. I've seen you with Jack, Allie, and Amy. I've seen how you care for the other children in town. You might not be showy about it, but you have a soft spot for kids." He grinned. "Why else would mine call you Uncle Lucas?"

His friend laughed. "Thanks, Nathan. I needed to hear that."

"Anytime. As Elizabeth reminded me, you calmed me on my wedding day."

Lucas chuckled. "That was rather amusing. I'd never seen you so pale."

Henry shook his head. "I don't understand what you young whippersnappers are so nervous about. Marriage isn't that complicated."

Both men shot him a look. "And you would know that how?" Lucas asked, raising a brow.

Henry chuckled. "By watching everyone else, of course. Seems to work out for them." He patted Lucas' arm. "You love Fiona, and she loves you. Everything is going to be fine. This is the start of a new and exciting chapter in your life."

"New and exciting," Lucas repeated, nodding. He blew out a breath. "I can do this."

Nathan nodded. "You can. And I can promise you, as soon as you see Fiona come through those doors, all your worries and concerns are going to melt away. This is the best decision you've made, my friend. Enjoy every aspect of the day. Even these nerves." He motioned to Henry and Hickam. "And if worse comes to worse, you have these two to catch you when your bride walks down the aisle."

A flash of panic lit Lucas' eyes. Nathan laughed. "I'm kidding."

Lucas chuckled lightly. "I can always count on you to lift my spirits." He smiled. "Thank you, Nathan."

Nathan took a few steps toward his pew. "You've got this."

The music started playing. Nathan sat beside Elizabeth, watching as Lucas collected himself and stood tall and straight as he waited for Fiona to appear. Faith and Clara came in first, clad in maroon dresses with white fur shawls. They took their places at the front, and the music changed to the wedding march. Everyone stood. Fiona came through the doors on her father's arm. She wore a shimmering white dress, with the same fur shawl as her bridesmaids. Her face lit with a beautiful smile. Nathan glanced at Lucas. The man's face bore a look of awe as he beheld his bride. His smile was wide while tears sparkled in his eyes. The closer Fiona got, the happier Lucas looked. As soon as she reached him, Lucas took her in his arms and planted a kiss on her lips, much to the amusement of the congregation.

Elizabeth leaned her head on Nathan's arm. "I love seeing people join their lives together," she whispered as Joseph instructed the people to sit.

Nathan smiled, pressing a kiss to her cheek. "So do I."

The Bouchard wedding and reception had been wonderful, but Elizabeth was close to exhaustion by the time they got home. An hour later, when all the kids were in bed, she collapsed into bed herself, falling asleep at once. It felt like only moments later that she was jolted awake by Amy's cries. The baby had only recently begun sleeping in her own room, but since Elizabeth still nursed her, she woke at least twice a night needing to be fed. Letting out a small groan, Elizabeth got up and stumbled to her daughter's room.

Amy wailed in her crib, waving her little arms in the air. Elizabeth picked her up and softly shushed her, hoping her cries wouldn't wake anyone else. Her daughter buried her face in her chest, seeking sustenance. "You act like I haven't fed you in days," Elizabeth mumbled, carrying the little girl to the rocker. She settled in and began the process of feeding the baby. Amy's cries soon melted away as she nursed. Elizabeth sighed, leaning her head against the rocker. She loved almost everything about having a baby, but being exhausted was not one of them. She hoped her little girl would finish eating and go right back to bed.

Amy had other plans. The baby nursed voraciously, then smiled up at her mother and began babbling away, showing no signs of being sleepy. Elizabeth groaned. "No, Amy, not tonight, please. Mama needs sleep."

Amy's response was a high-pitched squeal and a laugh. She wiggled in Elizabeth's arms, chattering nonstop. A little sigh of resignation left Elizabeth. When her daughter got like this, there would be no sleeping for over an hour. She stood and headed for the kitchen. "If you're going to be awake for a while, Mama is going to have a cup of tea."

She prepared her tea, then took the cup and the baby to the living room, where she turned on the Christmas tree lights. The room was chilly, the fire having died down to embers. She placed Amy on a blanket and set about stoking the fire. When it was done, she sank onto the settee with her mug. Amy rolled around happily on the blanket, grabbing the baby toys that they kept in the living room for times such as these. At least with her daughter occupied, the others would be able to get a good night's rest. Sometimes Amy cried inconsolably, waking the others and resulting in grumpy children the next day.

Elizabeth could feel her eyelids drooping. Shaking herself, she sat up straight, hoping it would keep her awake. She heard movement from the hallway. Turning, she saw Nathan walk into the room, wrapped in his robe. He sat beside her. "Our little girl won't let you sleep?"

She shook her head wearily. "No."

He slipped an arm around her shoulders. "Rest on me, love. I'll keep an eye on Amy."

"Really?" Her head fell to his shoulder, her eyes closing.

"Sleep." That was the last thing Elizabeth remembered before falling into dreams. When she woke hours later, she was still in Nathan's arms on the settee. He was singing quietly, and she smiled when she recognized the song.

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn

"Is it morning?" she murmured.

She felt his lips against her head. "Almost."

Glancing at the floor, Elizabeth saw Amy resting peacefully, covered with a blanket. She looked at Nathan. "You've been awake this whole time?"

He nodded. "There was something wonderful about spending quiet time with two of my girls."

"What woke you up last night?"

"I'm not sure. All I know is that I tried to put an arm around you, but you weren't there. I knew that meant you were with the baby. I checked the nursery, but it was empty. So I came out here." He leaned his head against hers. "You sacrifice so much as a mother, sweetheart. I wanted to be here for you."

Gratitude for her husband washed over her. "Thank you for watching over us."

Nathan smiled. "Dawn is beginning to break. Would you like to watch the sunrise?"

"Mm-hmm."

Nathan moved as he stood. He helped her to her feet, then slipped an arm around her as they walked to the window. Elizabeth leaned against him for support. The sun's first rays lit the sky. Despite her still-present exhaustion, she was thankful to see something so beautiful. They stood there quietly, taking in the valley as it brightened with the light of day.

A cry from the floor turned their attention back to their daughter. Elizabeth closed her eyes briefly. "Duty calls."

Nathan walked her back to the settee and helped her sit. Elizabeth adjusted her clothing in preparation. Her husband picked up the baby, speaking to her softly before handing her to Elizabeth. The room turned quiet again as Amy nursed. Nathan sat beside them. Elizabeth rested her head against his shoulder. "Why am I so tired, Nathan?"

He chuckled. "Let's see. You nurtured a little one for nine months in your womb, and for the last six months you've been sleep deprived because of caring for said little one. Oh, and you also have two other children you're caring for on a daily basis. I'd say that is reason enough for being exhausted."

"It makes me feel like a bad mother." As she admitted the words out loud, Elizabeth felt a sting of tears in her eyes.

Nathan tightened his arm around her. "Sweetheart, you are the best of mothers. Our children are so fortunate to have you in their lives. I'm sure all mothers feel this way when they're caring for an infant. It's hard work." He kissed her cheek. "You're doing a wonderful job, Elizabeth. Don't doubt that."

Two arms slipped around Elizabeth's neck from behind. She glanced back to see her older daughter there. "You're doing great, Mom," Allie said, resting her head against Elizabeth's. "I love you."

A couple tears escaped from Elizabeth's eyes. "I love you too, sweet girl."

Amy finished nursing. Nathan took the baby and handed her to Allie. "Can you watch your sister for a few minutes?"

She nodded with a smile. "Of course. Hey there, little Amy Elizabeth. Would you like to play in front of the Christmas tree with your big sister?"

Amy squealed her approval. Allie laughed. "Good."

Nathan stood and bent toward Elizabeth. Before she could ask what he was doing, he scooped her up into his arms. A twinkle played in his blue eyes. "Time for bed, my love."

That sounded heavenly, but the day had already started. "Nathan, I can't go back to bed now. Jack will be awake any moment. I have to get breakfast ready and …"

He laid a finger over her lips. "No, you don't. I am perfectly capable of caring for our children this morning. You sleep. I'll wake you when it's time for church." He carried her to their room and placed her tenderly on the bed. "You need rest, sweetheart." He tucked the covers around her snugly, then leaned down and placed a gentle, lingering kiss on her lips. "I love you."

She wrapped her arms around his neck. "I love you too." She gave him a kiss that proved it.

Nathan smiled. "Sleep well, my dear Elizabeth."

She smiled back, then turned on her side and closed her eyes as Nathan left the room. Thank you, Lord, for bringing him to me. And thank You for getting me out of my own way where my heart was concerned two years ago. This life is better than anything I could have imagined. I am very grateful.

With the prayer of praise on her heart, Elizabeth fell into a sweet, dreamless sleep.