Settling into married life proved even more wonderful than Nathan had expected. He loved waking up each morning with Elizabeth at his side. He loved being with her throughout the day. As school was on break for summer, they spent their days together in his shop. While he worked, his bride created stories on her typewriter. They made dinner together in the evenings. Nathan knew they would face challenges in the months and years ahead, but he was grateful for the relative ease with which they settled into their new life together.

A week after returning from their honeymoon, he was focused on correctly forming a chair for their dining room set when he felt Elizabeth's hand on his back. He glanced up, wondering what made her abandon her writing. "Is something wrong?"

She chuckled. "Not at all. I just wanted to know if I could help you."

He blinked. "You want to work with furniture?"

She nodded. "I know how important it is to you, and you keep saying you want to finish sooner rather than later so we can move into our new home." She looked at the five chairs that were finished and awaiting the sixth member to join them. "You mentioned something about sanding those chairs."

"I did." He put down his tool and straightened. "Are you sure you want to do that? It's kind of tedious."

"I'd like to try." She smiled, picking up the sander. "See, I even know which tool to use." Her smile turned into a grin. "I've been learning by watching you."

He chuckled. "Alright. Let me show you how to use it, and then you can sand away." He led her to a chair, then positioned his hand over hers. "You rub the sander over the wood like this -" he demonstrated - "and just keep going until the wood is smooth and free of splinters."

Elizabeth leaned against his chest. "I think I could get used to this."

"You're distracting me on purpose."

She batted her eyes. "How could you tell?"

Nathan laughed, then bent and kissed her thoroughly. By the time he pulled back, they were both breathless. He nodded at the chair. "Ready?"

"Mmhmm." She gazed at him a little starry-eyed. "That kiss should hold me over for a bit."

Warmth spread through his chest. It still amazed him that Elizabeth loved and trusted him so much. He pressed his lips to her forehead before turning his attention once more to the final chair.

The two of them worked in companionable silence for an hour. By the time Nathan completed the last chair, Elizabeth had sanded two. Within another hour, all six chairs were complete. They stood back, coated in sawdust, and admired their handiwork.

"They look amazing." Elizabeth looped an arm through his. "Our dining room set is now complete."

Nathan smiled. "Yes, it is. Now I just have to finish making furniture for the living room and bedrooms, and then we can move into our home."

She let out a contented sigh. "It's nice to know things are coming along. Do you think it will be a month before we can move into the house?"

He shook his head. "I'd say two and a half weeks, tops. Since Gabe and Lee have been helping me move the furniture as it's done, there won't be a lot of move-in for us to do. I'd say we'll be moved in by the last week of July."

Elizabeth squealed. "Wonderful! Then I'll have an entire month to set up our home before going back to teaching." She squeezed his arm. "This is so exciting!"

Nathan grinned, pulling her close. "Absolutely." He looked into her eyes. "Have I told you how much I love this life we have together?"

Her eyes immediately softened. "Yes, sweetheart. You have. And you're not the only one. I love being married to you." She nestled into his embrace. They stood like that for a bit before she pulled back and began to brush sawdust from his hair. "It's almost time to start dinner."

He glanced around the shop. "Let me just clean up, and then I'll head up to the apartment."

She smiled. "Alright." Gathering her typewriter, she made her way up the stairs to their temporary home. Nathan watched her go, a smile on his lips, then began cleaning his workspace. He never knew ordinary, everyday life could feel so good.

Gabe entered the Mountie office later that week to see Bill pacing back and forth, an agitated look on his face. He stopped and watched his friend for a few moments, then chuckled. "Why are you wearing a hole in my floor, Bill?"

The older man threw his hands in the air. "The new Mountie is here!"

"What?" Gabe's eyes took in the office. "Where?"

Bill huffed. "Not here, here. He's at the café. Abigail welcomed him with open arms." He snorted. "Treated him to one of her famous pot roast meals."

Brow hiking, Gabe fought a smile. "And this is a problem because … ?"

"Because he's all of twenty years old and fresh out of training." Bill practically growled the words. "What are we supposed to do with a wet-behind-the-ears pup like that?"

Now Gabe had to physically bite his lip to keep from grinning. "I was once a wet-behind-the-ears pup. As were you, I might add. We all have to start somewhere. Besides, he's coming into a good situation. I'm here and you're here. Nathan was a Mountie for a decade. He can help too. I'd say this is an ideal place for a new kid to learn the ropes."

"Humph." Bill crossed his arms. "You always look on the bright side."

Gabe laughed. "Thank you."

His friend sniffed. "It wasn't a compliment."

That elicited another laugh from Gabe. "I'm taking it as one anyway." He crossed to his desk. "What's the young man's name?"

"Caleb Decker." Bill shook his head. "He even sounds young! And don't get me started on his looks. I wouldn't have thought him a day over sixteen."

"Hmm." Chuckling to himself, Gabe checked his calendar. "Looks like nothing is pressing. I say we head to the café and have some of Abigail's pot roast for lunch. We can eat with Constable Decker and get to know him a bit."

Bill grumbled under his breath, but he didn't protest. The two men walked out of the office and headed for Abigail's. When they stepped inside, Gabe inhaled the delicious aromas that permeated the café. This was easily one of his favorite spots in Hope Valley.

His eyes landed on a young man sitting alone at a corner table, slowly eating his food. The bright red serge bespoke his profession. Bill was right about one thing - he looked like a kid. Light brown hair curled around his head. Wide green eyes took in the room around him. He had an innocent look to him that spoke of youth. But the moment their eyes met, Gabe knew this young man possessed a maturity that most new Mounties did not.

Constable Decker stood, inclining his head respectfully at Gabe. "Hello, sir. I'm Caleb Decker."

"Gabriel Kinslow, but everyone calls me Gabe." He shook hands with the young man, pleased to note that the kid's grip was firm.

"You can call me Caleb. I haven't gotten used to being called 'constable' yet."

Bill let out a half-strangled sound. "Excuse me, gentlemen. I think Abigail might need help in the kitchen."

Caleb's eyes followed Bill before turning back to Gabe. "He's not keen on me being here, is he?"

Gabe chuckled. "Don't take it personally. He's that way with everyone at first, but under all that gruff beats the heart of a teddy bear. I'm sure you'll be friends in no time."

Caleb's lips twitched into a smile. "Duly noted."

Abigail came by, her eyes twinkled as she saw Gabe. "This is a pleasant surprise, Gabe! Good to see you."

He smiled. "Hi, Abigail. I came to see if you had any more pot roast."

She chuckled. "Of course I do. I'll bring you a plate."

"Thank you." His mouth watered. "I've never come across a better roast than yours."

"Flattery will get you nowhere." She playfully swatted his shoulder, then headed back to the kitchen.

Caleb's eyes darted between him and the kitchen. "It seems people are friendly here."

"Oh, yes. Very much so. You should have a better reception than I did."

The young man's frank gaze rested on Gabe's face. "Why's that?"

"Because I was the replacement for the previous Mountie, one who was killed in action in the Northern Territories. He was beloved here in Hope Valley, and I think my arrival was seen almost as a betrayal. Thankfully, as people got to know me, they became less suspicious and more friendly."

Caleb nodded thoughtfully. "That makes sense. It must have been hard for you."

"It was at first. But then this place became home. I love it here." He eyed Caleb. "I think you will too."

The young man smiled, making him look even more youthful. "I hope so. I was a bit nervous getting my first assignment. I've never been this far from home." A wistful look entered his eyes.

"Where is home?" Gabe asked.

They were momentarily interrupted by Bill as he served Gabe his pot roast, then sat unceremoniously in the chair beside him. He leveled a look at Caleb, then glanced at Gabe. "What are we talking about?"

The gruff tone didn't fool Gabe. Bill was curious about this young man, even if he protested at the thought of training a new guy. Not that he would be doing the training. That was Gabe's job.

"Caleb was just about to tell me where he comes from."

They both looked at the young man. Caleb swallowed a bite of his food, then toyed with his napkin. "Ottawa."

A low whistle escaped Gabe. "Wow. You're about as far from Ottawa as possible."

Caleb sighed. "I know. I miss …" He clamped his mouth shut and stared at the tablecloth.

Gabe knew what Caleb hadn't said. "You miss your family, but you're worried about admitting that because it seems like a sign of weakness."

Caleb looked up in surprise. "Yes. How did you know?"

Gabe chuckled. "It's a common feeling among new Mounties. No one wants to come across as soft. But I assure you, it's perfectly normal to miss the people you love. There's nothing wrong with that." He jabbed Bill with his elbow. "Is there, Judge Avery?"

Bill was regarding the young man with something akin to empathy. "Not at all."

Caleb blinked. Whether his surprise came from the fact that he was so easily supported, or that it was Bill showing the support, Gabe wasn't sure. But he did know that Caleb would be welcomed with open arms in this town and easily become a part of the community. He picked up his fork, smiling at his new partner. "Welcome to Hope Valley, Decker."

Colleen straightened Gabe's new uniform, fussing over the buttons and smoothing out nonexistent wrinkles. Gabe chuckled, taking her hands in his. "Colleen, it's fine. It's about time to head outside for the ceremony."

She beamed at him. "I am so proud of you. This promotion is well deserved." She peeked out the window, where most of the townspeople were gathered to witness her husband's official promotion. O'Reilly stood outside the door, ready to bestow the rank of sergeant onto him. "Is it selfish of me to want to savor these few moments alone?"

He gave her the tender smile that never failed to weaken her knees, then pulled her into his arms. "Sweetheart, I will give you all the moments you want."

She snuggled into him. His heart beat was strong against her cheek. She knew this couldn't last long; after all, many people were waiting for him outside. After giving him a tight hug, she released him, reaching up to kiss his cheek. "I'll be in the front row, bursting with happiness for you."

He returned her kiss. "Thanks, Colleen. Thank you for being my biggest support."

She smiled. "It's what you do for the one you love." She straightened his immaculate uniform once more, then scooted out the door. Giving O'Reilly a nod to let him know he could begin, she made her way to the bottom of the steps, joining Nathan and Elizabeth. Daisy was nestled in Elizabeth's arms, while Nathan had Allie on his shoulders so she could easily see her father's promotion. Her new sister-in-law smiled at her. "I'm so happy for Gabe. No one is more deserving of this promotion."

"I agree." Nathan gave them a smile. "Gabe is one of those guys who would make an amazing superior officer, but he would never seek the position on his own. I'm glad O'Reilly saw that and made him a sergeant."

"Me too." Colleen turned her attention to O'Reilly and Constable Decker, who stood side by side at the top of the steps. Her eyes went to the young Mountie. She already liked him immensely. Caleb, as he'd insisted she call him, reminded her of Joshua. When she mentioned the fact to Nathan, he'd been quiet for a few moments, obviously remembering his twin brother. Though there was a slight sadness in his eyes, he nodded and said the same thought had crossed his mind. In the week that Caleb had been in Hope Valley, Nathan, Gabe, and even Bill took him under their wing, teaching him the ropes and getting him settled into his life as a full-fledged Mountie. Colleen noticed that Bill seemed to approve of the young man, even as he continued his gruff act around him.

"May I have your attention, please?" O'Reilly's call quieted the crowd. He stood a little straighter before continuing. "It is my great honor to bestow a new rank on Constable Gabriel Kinslow." At that cue, Gabe came through the door to stand on the porch between O'Reilly and Caleb. The gathered crowd began to clap and cheer. When the finally quieted, O'Reilly continued. "The office of sergeant is a prestigious one. I can think of no one better suited for the job." He took a badge from his pocket and pinned it on Gabe's serge. "Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Sergeant Kinslow!"

More clapping and cheering ensued. Colleen joined in, grinning at her husband. He smiled back, then waved at the crowd. Colleen knew this little ceremony was simply a formality. Gabe's rank was officially approved earlier in the week, but the town wanted to celebrate his achievement, and O'Reilly was more than happy to oblige. With the short promotion over, people began milling toward the café, where Abigail was holding a celebratory lunch.

Gabe shook hands with O'Reilly and Caleb, then bounded down the stairs to join her and their family. Nathan clapped him on the shoulder. "Well, well, well. Sergeant Kinslow." He grinned. "The rank looks good on you, my friend."

Gabe laughed. "Thanks, Nathan."

Allie giggled, reaching down. "Daddy!"

Nathan lifted her from his shoulders and handed her to Gabe. Colleen watched as Gabe tickled their little girl, making her shriek in happiness. The babies in her womb moved as if they felt their father's presence, vying for the spot closest to him. In the process, one of them kicked hard.

"Ooof!"

The involuntary grunt slipped out. Nathan and Gabe were absorbed in conversation centered on Allie, but Elizabeth noticed her reaction. "Are you alright?"

Colleen nodded, both hands over her stomach. "These children seem to be turning circles inside of me." She chuckled wryly. "They like to kick their mama."

Elizabeth hugged Daisy a little closer, looking at Colleen's stomach. "I'm so glad this pregnancy is going well for you, even if they are rather active."

There was no missing the wistfulness in Elizabeth's voice. Colleen tilted her head. "Are you already hoping for a baby of your own?"

Her sister-in-law nodded. "I am. I know Nathan and I have only been married a short time, but there's a part of me that longs for a child." She sighed quietly. "Is that selfish? Nathan is still getting used to the idea of being a husband, hoping he doesn't follow in your father's footsteps." Her eyes softened. "Not that he ever could. He's a good man, but I know it will take him some time to truly know in his heart that he's a great husband. If I get pregnant quickly, he would then have to face the fact that he's going to be a father. I'm not sure if he's ready for that."

Colleen put a hand on her arm. "Elizabeth, if he wasn't ready, he wouldn't have married you. He knows that children come with marriage."

Elizabeth chewed her lip. "I know. I guess I'm projecting my own worries on him."

"Has he said anything about wanting kids?"

"Not since we got married. I know he wants them, but I don't know when."

Colleen gave her a side hug. "Just take it as it comes, Elizabeth. I think Nathan might be a bit afraid when you first tell him he's going to be a father, but I think joy will overpower that fear."

Elizabeth smiled, her eyes traveling to her husband. She contemplated Colleen's words for a few moments, then her smile grew. "I do believe you are right."

The men soon joined them. Nathan slipped an arm around his wife. "What are you smiling about?"

She handed him Daisy, who gurgled happily at her Uncle Nathan. "I was just imagining you as a father."

Colleen studied her brother, curious what his reaction would be. He only hesitated for the briefest of moments before smiling. "I hope it happens for us soon."

A collective breath seemed to release from their small group. Elizabeth leaned her head against Nathan's shoulder, her eyes locked on his. "I do too."

Gabe slid an arm around Colleen. "Good. It would be pretty amazing if our twins had a cousin close to them in age."

Nathan chuckled. "That would be fun. Built-in, life-long friends."

Gabe nodded. "Exactly."

Colleen looked around their group. "Shall we head to Abigail's?" She grinned at her husband. "After all, the party can't begin without the guest of honor."

He smiled modestly, allowing her to tug him down the street toward the café.