Epilogue

Family and friends gathered in the small church in early January, excitement filling the air. Nathan and Elizabeth stood by the altar, with Gabe and Colleen beside them. In Nathan's arms, two-month-old Joshua Nathaniel slept peacefully, unaware of the significance of the moment. His white christening gown had been sent by Elizabeth's parents, who expressed regret that they were unable to make the trip for their grandson's baptism. Grace had experienced another episode with her heart, and her doctor advised against travel. Julie and Viola had come in her place.

The baptism ceremony was conducted by the new pastor, Joseph Canfield. The man had come to town with his family just before Christmas, and they were all welcomed happily into the community. As the sacrament began, Elizabeth beamed at her husband. He bent over the small baptismal font, holding out their son so Joseph could pour water over his little head.

"Joshua, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

Amens echoed throughout the small church. Joshua barely roused from his sleep as the pastor rubbed his head gently with a towel before anointing him with a sweet-smelling oil. Elizabeth smiled at her son, then peeked up at her husband. The pure joy on his face warmed her heart even more.

Gabe, the tiny baby's godfather, lit a candle, then held it out to Elizabeth. She took it carefully, looking at Joseph as he continued. "Joshua, receive the light of Christ." He turned his gaze to the Grants. "This light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly. This child of yours has been enlightened by Christ. He is to walk always as a child of the light."

Elizabeth nodded in union with Nathan. The rest of the ceremony passed quickly. Soon, they gathered with their community members at the cafe, where Bill and Abigail had set up a lovely reception. Joshua was passed from person to person throughout the afternoon. Elizabeth watched, her chest swelling with love. He was such a good baby. She and Nathan were fortunate that their first child gave them little trouble. Joshua rarely cried, only when he was hungry or in need of a new diaper, and he loved being held and cuddled. He slept very well, though Elizabeth woke at least three times a night to feed him. Parenting was a learning curve, but she loved every minute of it.

So did her husband.

Said husband's arms slipped around her from behind. She could feel his smile as his eyes landed on their son. "He's eating up the attention."

She chuckled with a nod. "That he is. I think our boy will be something of a charmer when he's older."

Nathan laughed. "If so, then he takes after his namesake."

They'd settled on the name Joshua in honor of Nathan's brother. When Elizabeth first suggested it, tears welled in Nathan's eyes. He'd taken her in his arms and thanked her profusely for wanting to name their son after his lost uncle.

"I wish I could have met your brother." It was a wish she'd felt often since meeting Nathan.

He drew in a breath. "He would have liked you and welcomed you into the family happily."

They watched the proceedings for another minute before being swept into conversation with those around them. When the celebration was over, Joshua was placed in her arms once more, and she and Nathan drove home with Gabe and Colleen. It was rather crowded with five children and four adults, but they managed. Colleen kept James on her lap, while Daisy sat between her and Gabe. Ryan sat on Nathan's lap, Allie at his side, while Elizabeth cradled Joshua close.

Gabe glanced in the rearview mirror, catching Elizabeth's eye. "This is likely to be our lives for some time, hmm? Our families are only going to keep growing."

She laughed. "I do believe you're right."

And he was. Over the years, Gabe and Colleen welcomed two more children. They named their daughter Deborah and their youngest son Evan. Nathan and Elizabeth had four more babies in the span of six years - two sons followed by two daughters. Levi and Daniel were born exactly eighteen months apart, and then two years later, twins Judith and Beth followed.

One of Elizabeth's favorite things as their family grew was to watch Nathan with their children. As she'd expected, he was a wonderful, loving father. He provided well for his family as his business continued to grow. His furniture shipped everywhere in Canada, and he became renowned in the industry. Through it all, he stayed humble, and he made a point of coming home from work at a set time each day to spend the late afternoon and evening with his family. All five children loved their father completely, and the feeling was clearly mutual.

Elizabeth stopped teaching after Joshua's birth. She discovered she wanted to be home with her children, and she found peace in that decision. Her place was taken up by Katie Yost - now Mrs. Katie Decker. She and Caleb married not long before Joshua's birth. It was clear to anyone with eyes how much the two young people adored each other. Caleb continued to do well in Hope Valley. Between him and Gabe, the town had never felt safer.

One summer evening, Gabe and Colleen came over with their children. After dinner, the adults enjoyed glasses of wine on the porch while the kids played in the yard. Allie, now a teenager, organized a game of tag. Shrieks of laughter filled the air as the children ran around and around, chasing each other while trying to avoid getting caught.

Colleen smiled. "It makes me so happy that our children get along."

"That's what cousins do," Gabe said, shooting her a wink. "Or at least, it's what they should do."

Elizabeth snuggled closer to Nathan. In response, his arm slid around her shoulders. "We've been thinking of taking a family vacation to Hamilton," he said. "You should come with us."

Colleen's eyes widened. She turned to Gabe. "Oh, can we? I've heard such wonderful things about that city. It would be fun to experience it together."

Gabe raised his brows and laughed. "Well, I suppose it would be quite an adventure."

Elizabeth lit up. "It would be so much fun! My parents already said we could all stay at their house. I think they would love seeing all their grandchildren, and your kids are basically grandchildren to them as well, since we're related. Please, do come."

Between her plea and Colleen's hopeful gaze, Gabe shook his head and grinned. "I guess we're going to Hamilton."

Colleen cheered and gave him a kiss in thanks. Nathan tugged Elizabeth closer, leaning down to speak in her ear. "I think my sister is going to take Hamilton by storm."

She chuckled. "I think you might be right."

They lapsed into a short silence, watching their children and nieces and nephews play in the yard. Eventually, Nathan let out a contented sigh. "These are the kinds of days I wish could last forever."

Elizabeth smiled. "I know exactly what you mean."

He reached down, taking her hand in his. "It's all the better because you're by my side."

She chuckled. "You're turning into a poet on me."

He grinned, giving her a kiss. "I'll take that as a compliment."

"You should." She returned his kiss.

"Mo - o - m!"

She looked up to see five-year-old Beth standing there, hands on her hips. "Yes, sweetie?"

Her daughter huffed. "Tell Levi that he has to play nice! He keeps jumping into a tree when I try to catch him, and he knows I can't reach him there!"

Elizabeth stifled a laugh. "Beth, the goal of the game is to not get caught."

Beth pouted. "But it's not fair! He's bigger than me."

Nathan stood. He swooped their daughter into his arms and perched her on his shoulders. "Now you're much bigger than him," he said, his eyes twinkling. "Should we go catch him?"

"Yes!" Beth's shout was accompanied with a girlish giggle. Nathan gave Elizabeth a grin, then jumped into the fray, much to the delight of the children. Soon, Ryan hurried up to Gabe and pulled him into the game as well.

Colleen took the opportunity to scoot closer to Elizabeth. A soft smile rested on her face. "They're the best of fathers, aren't they?"

Elizabeth smiled at her friend. "They certainly are. We are fortunate women."

"Don't I know it." Colleen watched her husband, eyes aglow with love. "Our lives are blessed."

Elizabeth nodded her agreement. As she watched Nathan running about, playing without a care in the world, she knew deep in her heart that Colleen was right.

They were blessed, and life was good.