Much to Nathan's relief, he healed well from his injury. Elizabeth came over several times a day to check in on him. As much as he protested that he was fine, she needed to see his progression with her own eyes. Not that he blamed her. He'd had a close call, and Elizabeth had to deal with the fallout. He could only imagine how she felt about the whole thing. She took great delight in taking care of him and watching him improve. He had to admit it was nice to be fussed over.

"You know I am perfectly capable of making dinner?" he asked, watching in amusement as Elizabeth tried to shoo him from the kitchen, where he'd begun chopping vegetables for their meal.

"Carson said you need to take it easy until those stitches come out."

Nathan grabbed her hand, pressing it to his lips. "Carson also said I'm cleared to work as long as I'm careful. I've been in the workshop every day for the past week, as you know. I think I can handle some vegetables."

She pushed him toward a chair. "All the more reason for you to rest now while you can." One more gentle push sent him falling into the seat. Elizabeth pointed a finger at him. "Stay put. Your only job tonight is to keep me company while you sit in that chair."

He chuckled, allowing her to care for him. "Alright. What would you like to talk about?"

"For starters, how is the construction coming along?"

Nathan drummed his fingers on the table. "The boys actually finished our home today. It just needs to be painted." He paused, a sliver of regret running through him. "Elizabeth, I won't be able to finish the furniture for the house until I'm healed. We won't be able to move in after our wedding as initially planned." He swallowed. "I'm sorry."

She glanced back at him with a tender smile. "Nathan, it doesn't matter to me where we live. As long as we're together, I'll be happy." She looked around his apartment. "I'll just move in here with you after our wedding. We can make this our home until the house is furnished."

He raised a brow. "Are you sure you're okay with that? This apartment is small. Your house is much bigger."

Elizabeth laughed. "There are only two of us. I think we'll be fine here. Besides, it wouldn't make sense for us to live in my house. Your workshop is right downstairs, and the school is a five minute walk from here. This would be a lot more convenient for the time being." She walked back to him, threading her fingers through his hair. "I'd happily live here."

He reached up, placing a hand behind her neck and tugging her toward him for a sweet kiss. "Thank you, love. I appreciate your willingness to move twice in a relatively short span of time."

"I'm happy to do so." Elizabeth gave him another kiss, then moved back to the kitchen counter. As she chopped vegetables, she spoke again. "Did you hear that Carson asked Faith to marry him?"

"I did not. When did that happen?"

"Earlier today. I ran into Faith on my way here. She was glowing. The ring is beautiful." She smiled at him. "Though not as lovely as the one you gave me."

Nathan chuckled. "A matter of opinion, my dear?"

She grinned. "Perhaps."

He leaned back in his chair, happy for their friends. "It's about time. Carson and Faith had been dancing around each other for so long. It's nice to know that they're finally going to tie the knot. Did Faith say when the wedding would be?"

Elizabeth shook her head. "They're still trying to figure all that out. She did say she hopes it's sooner rather than later."

"Looks like Hope Valley will have two weddings to celebrate soon."

Elizabeth stopped chopping, looking back at him with a happy expression. "Three weeks, Nathan. We're so close." She slid the vegetables into a skillet to cook. "I don't suppose you're ready to tell me where we're going for our honeymoon?"

He laughed. "It's a surprise."

She looked at him hopefully. "What about a small hint?"

"Pack warm clothes."

Her brow wrinkled. "Warm clothes? In June?"

Nathan nodded. "Trust me on this."

She looked dubious, but she nodded. "Alright."

They continued to talk until the meal was ready. Nathan started to stand, intent on setting the table, but Elizabeth gave him her best glare. "Don't even think about it."

He chuckled, walking over to her. "Sweetheart, I'm going to bring the dishes to the table. I'm not an invalid."

Elizabeth clucked her tongue but didn't argue further. Nathan took that as a sign of progress. He nuzzled her cheek with his nose, then grabbed the plates from his cabinet. They worked in tandem to get the meal served. Nathan said a blessing over the food, and they began to eat.

"This is delicious. Thank you, Elizabeth."

She smiled. "You're welcome. I'm glad you like it."

A small meow interrupted their dinner. Misty stretched from her spot on the settee, where she'd been sleeping since Elizabeth brought her over. Now, she jumped down and sauntered over to the table. After a moment of debate between the two of them, she jumped into Nathan's lap. He smiled, scratching her soft fur under the neck. "Hey, sweet girl."

Misty meowed again, eyeing his plate. He pinched a noodle between two fingers and held it up to the cat. She began to eat the offering with enthusiasm. From her spot across from him, Elizabeth laughed.

"I've never known a cat to like pasta before."

Nathan grinned. "Me neither, but it's kind of fun. I think it's especially funny that she likes sweets."

Elizabeth hiked a brow. "And you would know that how?"

He gave her an innocent look. "Just a guess."

They laughed together, Elizabeth knowing full well that Nathan snuck bits of cake or cookies to the cat when they had dinner together. It was the reason Misty often chose to jump into his lap at dinnertime. She knew a treat would be forthcoming.

The rest of the evening passed in a pleasant manner. When it was time for Elizabeth to go, she tucked Misty into her basket. The cat instantly curled up and fell asleep. Elizabeth paused at the door, hesitant as she always was when leaving him for the night. "Are you sure you don't need anything else?"

He pulled her to him. His chest protested only slightly, telling him that he was healing. "I'm fine, Elizabeth. Thank you for everything this evening." He leaned down, placing a tender kiss on her lips. "You get some rest."

She gazed up at him. "And you stay safe."

He smiled. "I will. Goodnight, love."

"Goodnight."

Colleen stretched after Carson's examination, feeling like room in her stomach was running out despite being only a little over five months along. The doctor had gone to make some notes on a paper, which gave her a moment to talk to her baby. She grunted as she experienced a flurry of kicks. "You certainly know how to make a racket, little one." The admonishment was delivered with a soft smile. She ran her hands over her extended belly. "Though maybe 'little one' is the wrong term. You're certainly much bigger than Allie or Daisy were at your age. I didn't even know I was pregnant with them until I was this far along. You have definitely made your presence known."

Carson appeared from behind the curtain, a smile on his face. "There's a reason for that, Mrs. Kinslow."

She raised a brow at the formal title. "Is there, Dr. Shepherd?"

He chuckled. "Oh, yes." Quirking a brow, his laugh became a grin. "Congratulations. You're carrying two babies."

Colleen stared at him. "You're joking."

Carson shook his head. "There are two distinct heartbeats. You are definitely having twins."

"Oh my." She blinked, trying to absorb that news. "Two babies. At once." A laugh escaped. "That explains all the kicking." Her hands rested over her abdomen. She felt equal parts shock and excitement. "I have to tell Gabe!"

Carson smiled. "By all means. The girls are with Faith in the other room. She and I would be happy to keep an eye on them while you tell your husband the good news."

Colleen impulsively wrapped him in a hug. "Thanks, Carson!" She headed for the door, then paused, looking back at him. "And congratulations on your engagement."

He beamed. "Thanks. I'm a fortunate man."

She nodded. "You are. See you soon!"

Never before had she been so glad that the trip from the infirmary to the NWMP office was a short one. She burst through the open door. Her husband glanced up at her abrupt entrance. His face lit up. "Colleen!" Coming around the desk, he pulled her into an embrace and kissed her. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"

She laid her hands against his chest, affecting a serious look. "I will have you know this is entirely your fault."

He blinked. Confusion wrinkled his brows. "I'm afraid you've lost me."

She heaved a dramatic sigh. "You just had to joke that I was pregnant with twins. Now that I am, I'm blaming you."

He blinked a couple more times. His mouth worked in silent surprise. "Did you say twins?"'

"I did indeed." Her lips curled into a smile at the disbelief on his face. "Shocking, isn't it?"

Gabe's shock soon gave way to a grin. "We're having twins!" He embraced her with a laugh. Both babies promptly kicked. With the knowledge she now had, Colleen wondered how she could have missed two babies inside. The kicks came from completely different sides of her stomach. Gabe must have felt the pressure against his own belly, because he crouched down until his face was near her abdomen.

"You two be good for your mama. We don't need her getting bruised ribs, you know."

The babies kicked again. Colleen chuckled as Gabe straightened. "They are active little ones. Probably boys."

Gabe's face lit up. "You think so?"

She winked. "There's a fifty-fifty chance."

He laughed. "I suppose you're right." Grabbing his hat, he plunked it on his head. "Why don't we go share the good news with Nathan, then take our girls to lunch at the cafe?"

Colleen slipped an arm around his waist. "That sounds wonderful."

Two weeks later, Elizabeth sat in Nathan's shop on a Saturday morning, watching as he worked on the sofa for their new home. His stitches had come out a week ago, and though he still winced from time to time when lifting something heavy, he was almost fully recovered. She was thankful. With the whole Controni episode behind them, it felt like they could move on into their future.

"My parents get into town in a few days."

Nathan glanced up. "I might be a little nervous."

She smiled. "I don't think you have anything to be nervous about."

He raised a brow. "Your father wants to take me on a man-to-man trip where he will likely interrogate me about why I'm worthy of marrying his little girl."

Elizabeth smothered a laugh. "Probably." She gave him an innocent smile. "I'm sure you're up to the task, sweetheart."

Before he could reply, they were interrupted by the opening door. Turning, they saw Allie run into the room. She made a beeline for Nathan, jumping into his arms. "Unca Na'tan!"

He hugged her close and pressed a kiss to her downy hair. "Hello, princess! How are you today?"

Elizabeth's heart warmed as she watched her fiance with his niece. Nathan might worry that he wouldn't be a good father, but every interaction he had with children proved otherwise. She was thankful that he would be the father of her future children.

Gabe walked toward them at a slower pace, holding Daisy in his arms. The ten-month-old squealed when she saw Elizabeth. She waved her pudgy baby fingers in her direction. Standing, Elizabeth took her soon-to-be niece in her arms. "Hello, sweet girl."

"Alright, now that the girls are occupied, I'll just see myself out." Gabe's grin told her he was joking, but she also saw the exhaustion lining his features.

Nathan must have seen it too. He rose, Allie in his arms, and came toward his friend. "Are you alright, Gabe?"

"Fine. Just tired. Colleen has been up a lot at night because the twins are so active, and Daisy is cutting some more teeth, which has had her particularly cranky around one o'clock in the morning." He shrugged. "I'm sure this will pass soon enough."

With two newborns on the way, Elizabeth doubted it. "Have you had your coffee yet?"

He laughed, shaking his head. "No, ma'am. My wife is feeling under the weather, so I took care of her this morning, then thought I'd take the girls into town so she could get some rest." He looked between his daughters. "Though I'm not sure how I'm going to get rounds done. I didn't think this through very well."

A look passed between Elizabeth and Nathan. She saw the question in his eyes and nodded once. He turned to Gabe. "That's because you need a good, strong cup of coffee from the cafe, and probably some food too." Nathan nudged him toward the door. "You go fuel up and then do your rounds. Elizabeth and I will watch the girls."

Not used to seeing Gabe surprised by anything, Elizabeth hid another smile when his jaw dropped. "Seriously? You'd be okay with that? It could be a couple hours."

"It'll be good practice for us." Elizabeth cooed at Daisy. "After all, we hope to have children of our own soon enough. And we adore these sweet nieces of ours."

"Twist my arm." Gabe hugged first Nathan, then her. "Thank you both. I appreciate this." He kissed Allie's cheek. "Be good for Uncle Nathan and Aunt Elizabeth."

"'Kay, Daddy."

He repeated the process with Daisy, then with another profession of thanks, left the shop.

Nathan tickled Allie's belly. "Well, what should we do today?"

"'Howsey!"

"You want to go see Newton?"

"'Newton!"

Nathan chuckled softly. "How do you feel about a trip to the stables, Miss Thatcher?"

Elizabeth placed Daisy on her hip. "I think that sounds marvelous."

"Yay!" Allie clapped her hands in excitement. "Go see Newton!"

Nathan hoisted her up and over his head so she could ride on his shoulders. Elizabeth caught the tiny grimace of pain the motion caused. She stepped forward, but he placed a calming hand on her arm. "I'm alright, sweetheart."

She paused, a protest on her lips, but it died away at the pleading look in his eyes. He wanted to give Allie some joy with a fun ride through town on Uncle Nathan's shoulders. He could handle a little pain. She knew deep down that he would stop if it became too much. With a long exhale, she nodded. "I trust you."

A smile bloomed on his face. He drew her closer with his free hand and kissed her. "Thank you, Elizabeth."

She smiled back, then looked up at Allie from her tall perch. "Are you ready to see the horsies?"

"Yes!"

As they walked from the shop to the stables, Elizabeth marveled at the fact that this would soon be her life. She and Nathan would marry in just one week's time, and then they would start a family of their own.

She couldn't wait.