Nathan got out his lunch from the bottom drawer of his desk. He was currently buried in paperwork for some new supplies he would like to get for the office. The frustration and boredom were getting to him today.

When he opened his lunch box there was a folded piece of paper. He hoped for good news but sometimes with Allie, you didn't know what to expect.

Dad - Fishing tonight at 5? Our normal spot. Have a good day! Allie

Nathan smiled reading the note. It was just what he needed today. He always cherished the time he spent with her. Soon her focus would be on her friends and boys. Boys. Nathan sighed at the thought of her dating. He wasn't ready for her to grow up.

Nathan left the Mountie office at 4:30 pm. First, he had to stop at their house prior to going to the pond. He needed to get a small box from his dresser drawer. Today he needed to have an important talk with Allie. He just wasn't sure how to start the conversation without getting himself upset. It was never easy for him to open up emotionally and be vulnerable.

"You're late." Allie laughed as Nathan rode up on Newton.

"You said 5 pm. It's 5:03 pm. That is not too late." Nathan smirked as he climbed down from his horse taking a carrot from his bag and giving Newton a treat.

"You always have to be a few minutes early for a date." Allie shook her head.

"Sorry, my lady. Please forgive me." Nathan bowed and tipped his hat toward her.

"Dad." Allie rolled her eyes at his joke. She handed him a fishing pole.

"Thanks, any bites yet? I keep having terrible luck fishing lately." Nathan grabbed a worm from the can placing it on his hook. He walked a few feet closer to the pond and cast his line into the water.

"Nope, I'm hoping our luck will change." Allie cast her line into the water.

They stood there quietly just watching the water. It was a place Nathan could always go to help him relax if he was feeling stressed. Since the earliest he could remember he had gone fishing.

When he was Allie's age Nathan and his sister went every day. Now Nathan continued that tradition with her daughter. He tried to tell Allie as much as he could about her mom so she could know her and know how much her mother loved her.

"Let's see if we can catch some fish. Whoever catches the first fish doesn't have to cook supper." Nathan and Allie shook on the deal.

A few hours later

"That was a good supper. I can't believe you didn't catch anything. Five fish were caught and it was all me. You would starve without me." Allie smirked as she cleared the dishes from the kitchen table.

"Yeah, someone is getting a bit cocky now. You did very well today." Nathan smiled as he went to his bag getting the small box. He had debated about giving it to Allie at the pond but it didn't feel like the right moment. Now it felt like it was the time.

"Apple pie for dessert." Allie cut two pieces and brought them to the table. They sat at the table eating quietly as Nathan was in deep thought.

"This was really good. Let's go sit on the couch. I have something I want to give you tonight.' Nathan walked to the couch still trying to figure out what to say.

"Why are you all serious now?" Allie asked as she sat down next to him.

"You know today is your mom's birthday. I still can't believe she is gone. Time goes quicker than you expect when you look back. She would be very proud of the young lady you are becoming. I am very proud of you as well." Nathan smiled at Allie with tears in his eyes.

"I know. You always get sad the weeks before her birthday. I don't remember her anymore. But I like hearing you talk about her. It always makes you smile." Allie said quietly as she looked at Nathan.

"Did I ever tell you how your mom used to say when we would grow up we would get houses right next to each other? Then we would raise our kids together and they would be best friends. She was my best friend. I still miss her every day. I see her in you."

"When she found out she was pregnant I got a letter telling me. She said she already felt you were a girl and she couldn't wait to meet you. Her hope was that you would chase your dreams and travel around the world. You would do everything that she read about in her favorite books. But I don't think I ever told you she was always worried she would lose you somehow.

"So, she loved you fiercely with her whole heart. Every day she would tell you she loved you as many times as she could. This way you could store the extra love in your heart. You were the best part of her. You are the best part of me. That is why I think you are ready for this. This was your momma's. I added something to it so you always have a part of each of us with you." Nathan handed Allie the small box.

Allie held the box in her hand. She felt nervous as she opened the box unsure what to expect. Inside the box was a heart-shaped locket.

Nathan took the locket out of the box. "You can open the locket. On one side is your momma and the other side is me. We can change the pictures to anything you like."

"I want it like this with your pictures together. Can you help me put the locket on?" As Allie turned away she wiped tears from her eyes and whispered thank you.

Nathan softly rubbed Allie's shoulder and brushed her hair with his hand. He secured the locket and straightened it as Allie turned to face him. "You are an old soul. Forced to grow up faster in some ways than you should ever have to. I love you."

"Allie, you are the best thing that happened to me. To raise you has been an honor and blessing. I will always love you." Nathan kissed her on her left cheek and pulled her into a big bear hug squeezing her tight.

"I can't breathe." Allie laughed. "I love you, Dad."