Chapter 65 – Epilogue Part 1

Nineteen years later – Friday, September 16th, 1938

Isabella awakens to the click-clack of train wheels and a porter repeatedly saying, "Hope Valley, next stop!" She raises her head slightly from Jack's embrace and peers into the eyes of the man she has come to love over the past five months.

Isabella is twenty years old and, up until recently, lived in New York City, making a name for herself on Broadway. She loves acting but is now trying her hand at playwriting. Isabella looks like her mother, Rosemary, except for her dimples and hair color, which turned brown like Lee's. Her personality is a mix of her parents as well – full of life, passion, and joy like her mother and patient, level-headed, and happy-go-lucky like her father.

Jack is now twenty-two and has been a Mountie for almost four years. He is tall, built like his father, and handsome, with brown hair and blue eyes like Elizabeth. His blond hair darkened as he got older, much to Elizabeth's chagrin. Jack loves children like his mother but also has the sense of duty to serve like his father in heaven and the father who raised him, Nathan.

Jack and Isabella clasp each other's hands as they look out the window, trying to calm their nerves. Jack speaks first. "I guess this is it, Iz. It's finally time to tell our families."

"Or maybe we should stay on the train and pretend we were never here."

Jack squeezes her hand, chuckling. "I wish we could, but I have to report for duty in three days."

"I know. I am just afraid of how our families will react to our news."

"I am too." He traces the edge of her face with his thumb. "Iz, I'm not sure how this will go, but it's time for us to tell them." Jack brings her hand to his mouth, softly kissing her fingers as the train slows, eventually stopping at the Hope Valley Station.

Isabella groans. "I'm not ready to leave you yet, lovey. Please remind me, why did we tell our families our trains came at different times? We could have pretended to be surprised at seeing one another. They would never have known."

"We decided it was for the best, so they don't suspect anything. You know how perceptive your mother is. She would have figured it out easily."

"I know."

"Is the plan still to have my family come over tomorrow night?"

"Yes, so we can tell them all at once. I am going to insist we invite your whole family over for dinner. I'll see if Mama will let me cook your favorite meal."

Jack stands up, pulling her up with him. She squeals in surprise as he unexpectedly twirls her into him. Jack dips his head down to Isabella and kisses her, causing everyone and everything to disappear except for them. They are entirely lost in the moment until the porter clears his throat, telling them to disembark. Isabella and Jack blush with embarrassment, and Jack apologizes.

Isabella turns to Jack and lowers her voice to a whisper. "This will be the longest twenty-four hours of my life."

"I agree, but we'll feel much better when we don't have to hide our secret anymore."

"You're right." Isabella nods. "When is your family picking you up?"

Jack checks his pocket watch. "They'll be here in about an hour."

"What will you do to pass the time?"

"I'll stay out there by the trains and attempt to read, trying my best not to daydream about you." Jack looks for the porter. "We better go before he comes back." He takes their two suitcases, and they alight from the train. He finds a bench against the building on the right, about fifty feet away. Jack puts their things down, and Isabella wraps her arms around him, clinging as tight as she can, not wanting to let him go. Tears burn her eyes.

Jack rubs her back. "Iz?" he whispers. She glances up into his ocean-blue eyes and gets on her tiptoes. Isabella frames his face with her hands, plants a humdinger of a kiss on his lips, and reluctantly backs away. She grabs her silver braided-leather purse and beige suitcase and walks toward the back entrance of the train station before letting her tears fall. He watches as she stops a few feet from the door, forcing people to walk around her. Isabella turns to get one more glimpse of Jack, wipes the tears off her face, and steps inside the station.

Isabella searches the room but doesn't see her family, so she takes out her mirror, checks her appearance, and strolls out the front door. Lee, Rosemary, her brother Matthew, and her twin sisters, Amelia and Olivia, are waiting for her right outside. Rosemary looks a little older but is just as beautiful, and Lee is his same handsome self but with salt and pepper hair.

Amelia and Olivia run to her, jumping into her arms. "Isabella! You're home!"

Isabella giggles at their exuberance. "How are my two favorite sisters?"

"We're your only sisters," Amelia responds.

"Yes, but you're my favorites." Amelia and Olivia are ten-year-old fraternal twins brought home on Christmas Eve, 1927, at only two weeks of age. Lee and Rosemary adopted them, thereby completing their family at seven. The twins have long, shiny, thick black hair and green eyes. Amelia is the girly girl of the two but has a quiet, studious side, always keeping her nose in a book, while Olivia is a free-spirit tomboy who loves to dream and longs for adventure. Both girls love their parents, but Amelia has a particularly soft spot for Lee, while Olivia is a mama's girl through and through.

Rosemary is the next to hug her daughter. "Hi, sweetie. We've missed you exceedingly."

"I missed you too, Mama."

Next, she embraces Lee, holding him a few moments longer than necessary. His gentle voice sounds in her ear. "Hi, princess. We've been worried about you. You haven't been calling us lately."

"I'm sorry, Papa, Mama." Isabella hugs her parents together.

Matthew interrupts the moment with a hug of his own. "Hi, sis. Good to see you."

"Hi, my not-so-little brother. Good to see you too. Did you grow again?"

"Yep, I'm taller than Papa now." Matthew Leland Coulter is eighteen years old. He was born on January 9th, 1920, making the Coulters a family of five. Matthew looks like his mother, down to his blue eyes and light hair, but he is similar to Lee in personality. Isabella messes with his perfectly styled hair, causing Matthew to groan. "Why do you always do that?"

"Because you don't like it, and I think it's funny."

"Well, you're a riot, big sister."

Isabella laughs. "Where are Mémé, Patrick, Hazel, and their kids?"

Rosemary loops her arm through Isabella's. "They'll be at the house in a couple of hours."

Lee claps his hands together. "Are you ready to go home, princess? You must be exhausted."

"You have no idea." Isabella lets Matthew grab her suitcase, and they head to their car.

Rosemary squeezes her daughter's arm. "I'm happy you're here, sweetie."

"I am too, Mama. The timing worked out perfectly. I still can't believe Papa is retiring and letting Matthew run L. Coulter Enterprises."

"Me neither. And I still can't believe your father is treating us to Europe and the UK for our twenty-fifth anniversary. I'm glad Olivia and Amelia are coming, but I wish the rest of you could come too. It would be such fun having all you kids and our three – soon to be four – grandchildren with us."

"Wait, are Patrick and Hazel expecting another baby?"

"Yes. Your brother didn't tell you?" Rosemary fiddles with the silver open heart necklace Patrick and Hazel gave her when they first told her and Lee they would be grandparents. Since then, she has added three smaller hearts, which dangle from the big heart, representing Patrick and Hazel's three children. It sounds like there will soon be a fourth heart joining the others.

"No, ma'am."

"Patrick did mention he tried getting in touch with you, but you never called back."

Isabella bites back a sigh. "I know, Mama. I'm sorry."

They get to the car, and Lee opens the back door for his four girls. They climb in. Matthew throws the suitcase in the trunk, hops in the front with his father, and Lee drives them home. Isabella watches her family and the scenery out the window, thinking how nice it is to be with them again. She only wishes Jack was beside her.

Lee pulls up in front of their house, the house Isabella grew up in. Lee had designed and built it by Christmas of 1920, the Christmas after Matthew was born. The land backs up to the woods and hills, with no neighbors in sight. The closest was the Grants, who built their house a quarter mile away around the same time to fit their own growing family. The Coulter home is a two-story, gray-toned rock house with electricity, running water, and a white picket fence. There are three bedrooms upstairs with a toilet room and storage closet, and downstairs is one bedroom plus an additional room they have used as an office and fifth bedroom throughout the years. The rest of the downstairs includes a full-sized kitchen, dining room, living room, and bathroom. The large backyard contains a great outdoor space for Rosemary's garden and entertaining their large family. Off to the side is a barn, where they keep a couple of horses. Their latest addition is a small bungalow for Rosemary's mother, Rosalind, who moved from Manitoba after her father, Isaac, passed away a few years ago.

They all pile out of the car, and Matthew offers to get Isabella's luggage. He grabs the suitcase, carries it to her room, and then checks on the horses with Lee. The girls step inside, and Rosemary giggles. "I can't tell you how happy I am to have all my children home. Let me fix some tea, and you can catch me up on your life."

Rosemary goes to the kitchen to put the kettle on the stove while Isabella sneaks off to freshen up. She meets her mother at the dining room table, where she and the girls wait for her. Rosemary hands her a cup of tea. "Thanks, Mama." Isabella mixes in an extra spoonful of sugar and takes a sip. "Do you think we can have the Grants over tomorrow for dinner? I want to catch up with everyone."

"I think it is a wonderful idea. I'll call Elizabeth. You know Emerson's not here, right?"

"Where is she?"

"All four of them are visiting their Grandma Grant in Rock Creek for the weekend, but I believe Jack is home." Elizabeth and Nathan haven't changed much, even after having four children together – nineteen-year-old Emerson, sixteen-year-old Nate, fifteen-year-old Will, and ten-year-old Natalie.

"When will she be back?"

"On Monday, I believe."

"Did you say Jack is home?"

"Yes, he's moving back to Hope Valley. I am not sure if you have heard, but Nathan is retiring. Robert will take his place as Inspector, and Jack will be the new Mountie."

Isabella tries to refrain from letting on that she already knows. "I bet Aunt Elizabeth is ecstatic to have him home."

"She is. She'll finally have all six of her kids living in Hope Valley, which I envy."

Isabella takes a few sips of tea while Rosemary calls Elizabeth. Elizabeth answers, and Isabella can hear her excitement about the invite through the receiver. When Rosemary hangs up, she claps twice. "They'll be over here at 6:00 pm tomorrow."

Isabella smiles. "Mama, I would like to cook dinner this time. Do you mind?"

Rosemary eyes her daughter suspiciously. "Not at all, sweetie. Are you sure?"

"Yes, ma'am. I'm thinking of chicken-ala-king, roasted vegetables, biscuits, and your chocolate cherry cake. Do I need to run to the store?"

"No, I have everything you need."

"Great." Isabella bites her lip, not ready to discuss why she hasn't been calling. The only thing she can think to do is excuse herself. "If you don't mind, Mama, I must rest. It's been a long day."

Rosemary's face falls. Isabella can tell she senses her daughter is not telling her something. "Alright, sweetie. We can talk later."

After a much longer nap than anticipated, Isabella sneaks out of the house for fresh air. She always enjoys a nice, brisk walk, especially when she has a lot of things on her mind. When Isabella returns, she sees another car parked in front of the house. She hurries inside and grins as she hears the little girls playing. Isabella tiptoes into the living room and finds her whole family there. Rosemary is rocking a sleeping nine-month-old Bradley. Lee is on the floor playing dolls with five-year-old Ruby, four-year-old Lucy, Amelia, and Olivia. Matthew is playing chess with Mémé, and Patrick and his wife, a very pregnant Hazel, are giggling and whispering things to each other. Patrick has one arm around Hazel's shoulder and the other rubbing their bundle of joy. Isabella takes it all in and realizes how much she has missed her family.

Twenty-eight-year-old Patrick has grown into a tall, handsome young man with the same dirty blond hair he now keeps wavy and short. Just like he was as a child, he is kind, thoughtful, and always helping people. Patrick is a devoted husband and father who also keeps busy as the editor-in-chief of The Valley Voice. Twenty-eight-year-old Hazel has grown into an attractive young lady. She has become more outgoing as an adult but still has some shy moments. One thing hasn't changed: she's always thinking of others first. Hazel is a devoted wife and mother. Their three kids are a mixture of Patrick and Hazel with matching blue eyes. The two girls have curly hair like their father's but the same color blonde as their mother's. Lucy and Bradley inherited Patrick's freckles and dimples, while Ruby has Hazel's perfect complexion.

Isabella sees Hazel whispering something to Patrick, and he stands. She hurries back to the stairs and pretends just to be coming down when Patrick sees her. He hugs his younger sister. "Hi, monkey! It's about time you joined us. We've been waiting for you."

Isabella wants to confide in her big brother but stops herself. "Hi, Bubba! I'm sorry. I must have been more tired than I thought."

Patrick eyes her. She gets the sense he knows she's hiding something, but he doesn't press her. "Hazel and I have a surprise for you. Come." Isabella follows him to the living room. He slips an arm around her and announces, "Look who finally decided to join us!" The whole family turns in her direction and jumps up when they see her. Patrick brings her to Hazel. "Surprise! Baby number four will be here in early December."

Isabella hugs her sister-in-law. "Congratulations, you two."

Hazel glances at Patrick. "Thank you. We would have told you, but we could never reach you."

"I'm sorry I haven't been in touch. May I?" Isabella reaches for Hazel's rounded belly. Hazel nods and places Isabella's hand over a spot where the baby is moving. "I can't believe you're having another one so soon."

Patrick and Hazel laugh. "Neither do we."

Isabella feels a tug on her skirt. "Now, where are your two lovely daughters, Hazel? I don't see them here," she teases.

Ruby shouts, "Aunt Isabella, I am down here."

"I am, too," shouts Lucy.

Isabella leans down. "Ah, there you are. I hardly recognize you two. You've gotten so big."

"I'm five now, Aunt Isabella, and Lucy is four."

"Oh, my goodness. You are practically ladies." Her words make Ruby and Lucy giggle.

Rosalind hobbles on her cane toward them, but Isabella meets her halfway, hugging her. "Mémé, you should have stayed in your chair. I would have come to you."

"Don't you fuss over me too, mon chéri. Opal – I mean, Doctor Martin – wants me to get outside for a stroll daily." Opal had taken over Carson and Faith's medical practice when they retired. She married Nicholas Martin, Mike and Hannah Hickam's adopted son, and they have one son named Danny.

"I'll try not to, but no guarantees."

Rosalind scolds Isabella with her eyes. Isabella simply chuckles. "Have I told you how glad I am you've moved to Hope Valley? You were so far away in St. Laurent, especially without Pépé."

Rosalind pats Isabella's cheek. "I can say the same about you in New York City."

Isabella chuckles again and hugs her grandmother once more. "I've missed you."

"I missed you too, petite-fille."

Saturday, September 17th, 1938

The following morning, the girls skip into Isabella's room, jumping on the bed and waking her up. Isabella doesn't want to open her eyes. She is exhausted from not getting much sleep, tossing and turning with worry all night. Both girls chant, "Wake up, wake up!"

Rosemary steps inside and shoos the girls off the bed. "Go get ready, you two."

"Yes, ma'am," they shout.

Rosemary sits on the bed, looking apologetic. "I'm sorry they woke you up so early, sweetie. I told them to let you sleep."

"It's alright, Mama. I know they enjoy waking me up."

"Your father and I are taking the girls to Benson Hills. Would you like to join us?"

"I'll pass this time. I think I'd rather relax out in your garden and do some writing."

"How's the playwriting going?"

"It's going great, but lately, I'm easily distracted."

Isabella is relieved when her father sticks his head in her room. "Good morning, princess."

"Good morning, Papa."

"Rosie! It's time to go. We'll meet you in the car. See you later, sweetheart." Lee leaves, calling for the girls.

"Go, Mama. We can chat later."

"Okay, but I want us to spend some time together."

Isabella nods in agreement.

Isabella forces herself out of bed an hour after they leave. She prepares for the day, makes some tea, and is about to head out to Rosemary's garden with the latest copy of The Valley Voice. Her mother and Patrick have turned it into a legitimate newspaper, printed seven days a week. Suddenly, there is a knock at the door. She opens it to see Jack. Isabella stops herself from jumping into his arms. Instead, she clears her throat and calmly says, "Hello, Jack. What are you doing here this morning?"

She invites him inside, and Jack hands her a note. "I came by to see your brother. Is he here?"

"Yes, let me go find him for you." Isabella turns and hurries into the hallway, calling out, "Matthew? Where are you?"

"I'm in my room."

Isabella hurries up the stairs and knocks on his bedroom door. "Jack is here to see you."

"I'll be right out." Matthew puts his shoes on and jogs downstairs while Isabella sashays to her room. She shuts the door and eagerly starts to read the note.

Dear Beautiful,

I've missed you so much. I don't know about you, but I couldn't sleep. I came over to ask your brother for help at the house as an excuse to see you. Please offer to help. I don't want to spend the day without you.

Love,

Handsome

Isabella folds the note and sticks it in her dress pocket. She checks her appearance and rushes down to the living room. "What did I miss?"

"Jack needs my help at his new house. Did you know he's going to be the town Mountie?"

Isabella pretends not to know. "No, I didn't. Congratulations, Jack. You always thought you would end up here and protect this town." Jack nods, a small smile playing on his lips. Isabella looks between him and her brother. "Can I tag along with you two? Please? I am an excellent judge of furniture placement and home decor."

Jack hides his smile. "Sure. The more eyes, the better."

"Good. Let me write our parents a note, and I'll be ready. They took the girls to Benson Hills." Isabella heads to the kitchen, but before the door closes, she asks, "Did you bring a car?"

Jack winks at Isabella. "You think I would make you walk to town and then out to the rowhouses?"

Isabella grins and quips back. "I don't know. Would you?"

Jack pats his chest. "That hurts you think so little of me."

Isabella holds back her laugh, dryly answering, "I don't." She quickly jots down a note for her parents and leaves it on the table. Then, they saunter out to the car, and Jack opens the front door for Isabella like he's done it for her hundreds of times. She freezes when she notices Matthew watching her and Jack suspiciously. Forcing her face to be neutral, she tries to act like nothing is out of the ordinary.

Jack drives them to his rowhouse, where they spend the next few hours arranging and rearranging the furniture until Isabella is satisfied. As time passes, Matthew seems to get increasingly frustrated with her. Finally, he plunks his hands on his hips and stares at her. "Why do you have to be okay with the furniture placement in Jack's house?"

Isabella pauses a moment. "Because I want Jack to have a homey home to return to each night after work."

Matthew rolls his eyes but doesn't comment. Isabella tries to keep from smiling. As Rosemary's son, he would understand the sentiment. Isabella checks the time. "We better get home. I have so much to do for our big family dinner tonight."

Jack's demeanor turns melancholy and distracted. "You're right. Thank you both for your help. Matthew, for using your muscles, and Iz for your…what did you call it? Oh, yes, you're an excellent judge of furniture placement." Isabella laughs, and Matthew walks to the car. Jack grabs Isabella's hand and pulls her away from the front windows. He brings her into an embrace, kissing her slowly and deeply.

Isabella whispers, "Jack," on his lips, and he reluctantly stops but doesn't let her go. "I've been wanting to do that all day." They both chuckle.

Isabella rests her head on Jack's forehead. "We better be careful. We don't want Matthew to see us and spoil our news." Isabella loops her arm through his as they head to the front door. She squeezes his hand, lets him go, and they step outside to the car, where Matthew is impatiently waiting.

"What took you so long?" he asks.

Jack glances at Isabella with a secret smile. "I asked her for one more opinion."

Isabella is scrambling, trying to finish everything before the guests arrive. She is so nervous, not because of the food, but because she doesn't know how her parents will react to her and Jack's news. "What time is it, Mama?"

"They should be here in fifteen minutes."

Isabella groans. "I had no idea it was so late." She peers around again and is pleased with how it came out. "Mama, I think the only thing left is the biscuits and the name cards. Can you take the biscuits out of the oven in five minutes? I want to freshen up."

"Of course, sweetie. I am proud of you. You did a great job today."

"Thanks, Mama." Isabella quickly sets the place cards on the table and jogs up the stairs to her room. She puts on Jack's favorite outfit of hers, a mid-calf royal blue slipover dress with a tie-back sash, which he insists brings out the blue of her eyes. Then Isabella slips on her black suede t-strap heels, touches up her makeup, and checks her wavy hair. She hears a knock at the front door and panics when she realizes it is a few minutes early. Her heart skips a beat when she hears Jack's voice. It is time to tell their families whether she is ready or not. Isabella glances at herself in the mirror one more time, adjusts her dress, and rushes down to the entryway. After greeting everyone, she lifts her head with a confidence she doesn't feel. "I believe the food is ready. Please find your name card and sit down." She thought adding a bit of formality to their dinner would be fun.

Jack pulls her aside and whispers, "You are absolutely gorgeous. That's my favorite dress of yours."

"I know. Why do you think I am wearing it?" Isabella whispers back with a grin on her face and a twinkle in her eye. "You are handsome yourself." They take a moment to savor being near one another and then join their families.

Hazel and Allie are helping their kids find seats at the kid's table. Isabella placed the three older girls together, her two sisters and Colleen, Allie and Robert's ten-year-old daughter. Next to them is the Wolfe's son, six-year-old Robbie. And lastly are Ruby and Lucy. The youngest, Bradley, is placed in the old highchair Susannah's husband Jake built all those years ago.

At the dining room table, Isabella assigned her parents the head and Elizabeth and Nathan the opposite side. Patrick and Hazel, along with Robert and Allie, are on the side nearest the kid's table, with the highchair next to Hazel. On the other side are Rosalind, Matthew, her, and Jack. Lee says the prayer, and they begin to eat the delicious meal.

Jack and Isabella nervously eat, holding hands under the table, hoping no one notices. They bide their time until dinner and dessert are over. Rosemary insisted she and Elizabeth would clean up the kitchen since Isabella cooked. Afterward, Olivia and Amelia entertain Colleen, Ruby, Lucy, and Robbie in their room while the adults gather in the living room. Jack and Isabella sneak out onto the back porch while Patrick and Hazel help Bradley play pattycake, and the rest of them chat about how nice it is to have all the children home, even if it is only temporary.

Jack pulls Isabella to the darker side of the yard with no windows. "Are we ready to do this?"

"What if this doesn't go well? Maybe we should wait a little longer?"

Jack groans. "That is not a possibility, lovey." Jack wraps his arms around her waist. "Can we pray?"

"Yes, please." They intertwine their hands and bow their heads.

Jack prays. "Dear Lord, thank you for allowing us to be with our families. We ask You to be with us as we tell them our news. Please let them see this as we do, something You orchestrated in our lives with Your perfect timing. Amen."

"Amen."

"I love you, Iz."

"I love you too, Jack."

Isabella and Jack hold hands and slowly walk back. Jack kisses her on her forehead and opens the door, allowing her to go in first.

They find a place to sit down together on the piano bench. Lee and Rosemary are on the love seat in the corner by the fireplace, and Elizabeth and Nathan sit on the couch closest to them. Isabella watches as Jack reads the room, seeming to wait for a lull in the conversation. When it comes, he clears his throat to get the attention of each person in the room. "I would like to speak, if I may." The room quiets down, and Jack takes a deep breath. "Back in April, I was on an undercover assignment in New York City. While there, I ran into Isabella and couldn't take my eyes off her. We hadn't seen one another since Christmas three-and-a-half years prior, but we were instant best friends. Whenever she or I had a spare moment, we met and spent time together, and before we knew it, we fell in love."

Isabella grabs Jack's hand. Rosemary and Elizabeth glance at each other, positioning their hands over their hearts as Jack continues. "I can't go into details, but my assignment took an abrupt turn. I needed to leave New York City urgently, and no one could know where I was going or how long I would be there. I had to see Isabella because I couldn't leave town without her knowing what happened to me, so my partner at the NYPD, Sal, arranged for Isabella to visit me at the safe house. When I saw her, I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her, but at the same time, I couldn't ask her to put her life on hold for me. I told Isabella what happened, and all she could say was, 'No, you can't leave. Not now. Not like this.' Her tears began falling, and I found myself getting down on one knee. I wiped her tears and held her hands, proposing to her on a whim. Isabella said yes without hesitation, and we married late that night, June 3rd. Immediately afterward, they whisked us onto a train to a destination neither of us knew."

Rosemary and Elizabeth gasp. In unison, they exclaim, "You got married?"

Jack smiles sheepishly. "Yes, and we've been living in a remote cabin in the mountains until recently when we got orders to come here. I had heard you were retiring, Dad, so I put in for the posting here. We were surprised the timing worked out so well." Isabella and Jack move their 'wedding' rings to their left ring finger. Isabella had made them out of string on their first day at the cabin.

Isabella glances at her father and mother but cannot read their expressions. "Papa, Mama, what are you thinking?" Jack wraps his arm around Isabella's shoulder.

Lee scratches his head, and the whole room turns silent. "I don't know what to say, sweetheart. You two aren't in any danger, are you?"

"No, sir. It was merely protocol."

"Thank goodness." Lee sticks his hands in his pockets, looking thoughtful. "This is not how I expected to hear about my eldest daughter getting married." He looks directly at Isabella. "I thought I would be asked for your hand in marriage, get to walk you down the aisle, and dance with you at the reception."

Isabella apologizes. "I'm sorry, Papa, but I couldn't let him leave without me. We didn't have a choice."

Jack helps Isabella off the bench, and they approach her parents. Lee stands up to meet them, and Jack holds out his hand. "We are so sorry, Uncle Lee. If we could have done it differently, we would have. But we felt we didn't have a choice at the time. You understand, right?"

Lee stares at his new son-in-law's hand. Isabella sees the struggle in his eyes as he apologizes with a shake of his head before padding across the room and out the back door. Jack rubs Isabella's back, and he eyes his parents for help. Elizabeth takes the hint. She and Nathan suggest everyone call it a night, which they are glad to do. Patrick and Robert hurry upstairs to get their kids and head out the door with their wives. Jack and Isabella follow.

Patrick hugs Isabella. "Congratulations, monkey! I want to know more, but in the meantime, please don't worry. Everything will be fine."

"Thanks, Bubba. I hope so."

Patrick shakes Jack's hand. "Welcome to the family, brother. You better not ever hurt my sister."

"I won't. Isabella is the most important person in my world."

"Good." He turns to help his kids and Rosalind into the car while Hazel hugs Isabella and Jack.

Matthew is next to hug Isabella. "Leave it to my sister to cause family drama," Isabella smirks at her brother. He grins. "In all seriousness, though, congratulations. I now understand why you were so interested in Jack's house earlier today. I thought something was different between you two."

Jack chuckles. "Nothing gets past you."

"I guess I am my mother's son." Matthew laughs. "I think I'll make myself scarce now. I don't want to be around if crying is involved."

Isabella playfully punches his arm. "You aren't going to have my back?"

"Sorry, not this time." Matthew eyes Jack. "You have a husband now."

"He's right, Iz. I will always be by your side, having your back, until death do us part." Isabella raises to her tiptoes and wraps her arms around his neck. She pulls him down for a kiss, not caring if anyone sees this public display of affection.

"I guess that is my cue to leave," snarks Matthew.

Jack and Isabella are in their own little world until Allie yells out the window, "Bye, love birds. See you tomorrow." Jack and Isabella wave and step back inside, hand-in-hand. Rosemary, who looks to be barely keeping it together, and Elizabeth are the only ones left. Lee is still outside.

Rosemary steps forward. "I'll get your father to come back in, honey. He's probably at a loss for what to say. You secretly getting married is a big shock for all of us."

"I know, and I am sorry to put you through all this." Isabella looks towards Jack and back at her mother, who is almost to the back door. "Wait, Mama. I think it is best if Jack and I leave. We all need some time to think."

"Wait, where are you going?"

"Home."

"But you are home."

Isabella reaches for her husband's hand. "Our home. Jack rented us one of the old rowhouses."

"You're not going to stay here, sweetie?"

"No, Mama. I belong with Jack now." They watch as the usually brave Rosemary dissolves into sobs and scurries out the back door to Lee. Isabella forces herself not to cry, leading Jack to her room to get her things. She immediately grabs her clothes from the closet, throws them in her suitcase, and then sinks onto the bed.

Jack sits beside her. "Are you sure you don't want us to stay here like we planned? I don't mind."

"No, I'd rather we go to our home."

"Then we'll go home, lovey." Jack helps her stuff everything into her suitcase and offers to carry it back down, where Elizabeth awaits. She hugs them. "I love you both and am glad you are safe, but I don't think you realize how this affects so many people." Elizabeth leaves them to think about what she said, shutting the front door behind her. Isabella's shoulders slump in defeat. "Let's just go, Jack."

"Are you alright, lovey?"

"Yes, I am fine. I'm just a little heartbroken."

Monday, September 19th, 1938

Rosemary and Lee invite Jack and Isabella over to their house for dinner. They had been avoiding their parents since Saturday night and weren't sure what to expect. Jack picks up his wife after his first day of work, and they head out to Lee and Rosemary's home. Isabella knocks, and they go inside, as is customary in their family. Her parents sit on their love seat, and Elizabeth and Nathan are on the couch facing the fireplace. They awkwardly hug their parents, and Rosemary motions for them to sit down. Jack and Isabella nervously sit on the sofa closest to her parents, holding hands.

Rosemary is the first to speak. "Honey, Jack, we have invited you over here to apologize for how we reacted when you told us you got married. You shocked all of us, and we didn't handle our emotions very well."

Isabella responds, "Mama, Papa, Aunt Elizabeth, Uncle Nathan, we are sorry it happened like this."

Rosemary stops her. "Ssshhh, there is nothing to forgive, sweetie. You are young, in love, and didn't have a choice. We probably would have done the same."

"Then you aren't mad at us?"

"I believe I can answer for all of us and say we were never mad. We were just heartbroken we didn't get to be a part of this exciting time in your life. Isabella, my brilliant, independent, stunning oldest daughter, I always dreamed I would get the call you were engaged, see your ring for the first time, and hear about the proposal. I would help plan your wedding and design and sew your dress. Then on your wedding day, I would help you get ready, trying hard not to cry when I saw how breathtaking and happy you were. And, of course, all of this would be documented through photos."

Rosemary and Isabella wipe a few tears from their eyes before embracing each other. "I love you, Mama."

"I love you, too, princess, more than all the stars in the sky."

Elizabeth approaches with tears in her eyes. "I'd like to go next if you don't mind." They embrace, and then Isabella sits back beside Jack and turns her attention to her honorary aunt and now mother-in-law, who speaks quietly. "I am sorry to both of you. I wasn't supportive, which wasn't fair to either of you. Jack, like Rosemary, I also dreamt of when my oldest son would get married. I wanted to hear you gush about the woman you had fallen in love with, how you planned to propose, and on your wedding day, I wanted to be a part of your special day." Elizabeth hands Jack a small black velvet pouch. "Save this for later when you two are alone." She reaches for his hand. "I've been keeping them safe for you until you were ready. I know your father in heaven would want you to have them too."

Jack hugs his tearful mother. "I love you."

"I love you, my sweet boy."

Nathan goes next. "Your mother and I are proud of the man you have become, and I'm sure Jack is looking down on you, beaming with pride for his son. Being a Mountie, I know from first-hand experience that you'll face a similar dilemma more than once in your marriage. I would have done the same thing if I was in your shoes."

Lee clears his throat. "I guess I'm last. Princess, my first thoughts were of concern with you being so young. How could you possibly know you are in love and ready to spend the rest of your life with him? Marriage is a commitment until death do you part. Then my thoughts turned to what I missed out on. I wanted the joy of having my future son-in-law ask if he could marry you. I would have given him a hard time to see how he would react, but I would have been happy to give him our blessing. I wanted to walk my beautiful, precious daughter down the aisle to the man who promised to love and cherish her for the rest of her life. Then I wanted a father-daughter dance to The Way You Look Tonight at the reception. I didn't understand why you didn't want those things for yourself."

Isabella speaks slightly above a whisper. "Papa." She throws herself into his arms, tears trickling down her cheeks. "We're sorry. Please forgive us."

"There is nothing to forgive, sweetie. All I need to know is if you are happy."

"I am. We are over the moon. I just wish we could have done this the right way. I wanted all of those things too. I wanted Jack to ask you for my hand in marriage. I wanted Mama to help plan the wedding, to design and sew my gown. I wanted you to walk me down the aisle, give me away, and have a father-daughter dance." Isabella glances at Jack and then back to her parents. "But I don't regret marrying Jack for one second. He is and will always be the man of my dreams."

"And you think you'll be happy being a Mountie's wife in Hope Valley? You were becoming very successful on Broadway, and I'd hate it if you missed being on the stage in NYC."

"I have the same worry," admits Jack.

"I'll answer this as I always answer when Jack brings it up. Everything happens for a reason, and I firmly believe God brought us together. Jack is my soulmate, my better half, my one and only. I want to spend the rest of my life with him, and the way I see it, I didn't give anything up. I always wanted to try playwriting, and this gave me the time and opportunity to see if it was something I truly was good at and enjoyed. And having Jack there beside me for support is the best part." Isabella turns her attention to Jack, patting him on the cheek. "I love you and will always choose you, handsome." Isabella kisses Jack, and he wraps his arm around her shoulder.

"Uncle Lee, hmm, I am not sure what to call you now," Jack says. "I will always feel guilty for not asking you for Isabella's hand in marriage. I, too, wanted the privilege to ask you for permission, and I feel like I let you, her, and my family down."

Lee shakes his head. "Jack, please don't beat yourself up about it anymore. I was disappointed initially, but I can see you had an impossible choice. I know you will care for my little girl as I would, and I couldn't have picked a better man if I had tried. Princess, Mama and I are sorry we made you feel like we wouldn't support you. We will always love and be there for you no matter what you do. You are our daughter, and we want what is best for you, but we also want you to be happy." Lee pats his son-in-law on the shoulder. "You can call me Uncle Lee, Lee, Dad, Papa, or whatever you choose."

Isabella watches the smile form on her husband's face. "I think I'll call you Papa."

With tears in her eyes, Isabella embraces her father. "Thank you, Papa. I love you."

"I love you, sweetie." Lee pulls a brown leather pouch out of his pants pocket and secretly hands it to her. "Give this to Jack whenever you are ready," he whispers.

Jack and Isabella are cuddling on the couch in their dimly lit living room, discussing their night. "Can you believe the turn of events, Jack? I expected them to be happy for us eventually, but I wasn't sure how long it would take."

"I didn't think it would be too long because they all love us, would do anything for us, want the best for us, but also want us to be happy, like them." Jack unhooks Isabella's hair clip, and her hair falls free. "Dance with me?"

Isabella sits up so Jack can stand and offer his hand to her. She accepts, and they walk to the radio, turning it on. A slow song they hadn't heard before begins to play, so Jack reaches for her hand and pulls her into his arms. She lays her head on his chest, and they sway to the music. To their utter surprise, the next song to play is their song, "Cheek to Cheek." It's the first song they danced to, and when Isabella knew she was falling in love with him. They put their cheeks together. "Heaven, I'm in Heaven…" Jack places his left hand on her waist and his right hand on her left and spins her around. She squeals, and they come back together, peering into each other's eyes. "And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak. And I seem to find the happiness I seek. When we're out together dancing, cheek to cheek." Jack dips her, pulling her in close at the waist. "Oh! I love to climb a mountain and reach the highest peak. But it doesn't thrill me half as much as dancing cheek to cheek." Isabella wraps her arms around his neck, gazing into his eyes as they sway. "Dance with me. I want my arm about you; The charm about you will carry me through to Heaven. I'm in Heaven." When the song is over, they stop. He lifts her, spins her around a few times, and sets her back down. "I love you, beautiful."

"I love you, handsome." She giggles. "Shall we open our gifts now?"

Jack nods and grabs the two pouches from their desk by the front door, meeting Isabella on the couch. She nods at him. "You go first, lovey."

Jack opens the top of the small black pouch and smiles. "I can't believe she gave me these."

"Gave you what?"

Jack doesn't say a word. He gets down on one knee and fishes for his mother's rings. "Iz, you are the love of my life and the apple of my eye. When you came back into my life one hundred sixty-five days ago, you changed it for the better. Will you do me the honor of wearing the rings my dad in heaven gave my mom? Will you promise to spend the rest of your life with me, have at least seven babies with me, and eventually grow old with me?"

Isabella leans forward to kiss his cheek. "I said yes to you on our wedding day, and I will say yes to you all the days of our lives."

He sits back on the couch beside his wife, sliding the rings on her finger. They are a little loose, but they are perfect for her. "I love them, Jack. Thank you for trusting me with these." Isabella fiddles with the rings. "They'll stay on until we can get them resized. No big deal."

Jack reaches for her left hand. "What do you want to do with the rings you made us?"

Isabella moves her homemade ring to her right hand. "You keep yours on, and I'll wear mine here until we get you a wedding band." She kisses the homemade ring on Jack's left hand and then his awaiting lips.

When they separate, Jack hands her the gift her father gave her. She unties the pouch and sees a pocket watch. Isabella gasps. "It is my father's watch, which was his father's." She gives it back to Jack.

"What are you doing? It's your gift."

"No, lovey, this is for you." She flips open the watch and shows him what is engraved inside. Isabella frames his face with her hands. "Now, whenever we are apart, wherever you may be, when you check the time, you'll know I am-" She points to the inscription and reads, "Counting the minutes until we are together again."

Wednesday, September 21st, 1938

Isabella and Jack have been having fun catching up with friends and family and have plans for more. They are both so glad to be back in Hope Valley, especially after being in a remote area for the last three months or so. Isabella hears a knock at the door. She answers and lets her mother in. "Hi, Mama! How are you doing?"

"I am doing great, sweetie. I merely came by to invite you and Jack out on Saturday evening. Your father and I want to spend time with you two."

"May I inquire to where it is we are going?"

"No, you may not. You only need to know to dress up and be ready to go at 6:30 pm. Papa and I will pick you up."

"Sounds good, Mama."

Rosemary eyes Isabella. "How are you doing?"

"I've never been happier."

"Hmm. I don't know what's changed in the last few days, sweetie, but you almost have this glow about you."

"It's because I am unbelievably happy."

Saturday, September 24th, 1938

At 6:30 pm on the dot, Lee and Rosemary pull in front of Jack and Isabella's rowhouse and knock on the door. Isabella hears Jack let them in, so she calls, "I'll be right down."

She glances in the mirror one last time. The light pink, flowy wrap dress reaches her ankles and normally makes her feel like a princess, but today she feels unsure. Biting her lip, she looks at the bed, where five other discarded dresses lay. She hadn't liked how they looked, making her think this was her best option. She takes a deep breath and heads for the stairs. When she sees her mother, relief washes over her, and she smiles. Rosemary always has a superb fashion sense. "How do I look, Mama?"

"Fabulous, sweetie! Why have I never seen it before?"

"Are you sure, Mama? I got it in NYC for my friend's wedding."

"Yes, the dress is gorgeous."

Isabella glances at Jack, whose eyes are sparkling. "I remember this dress. You wore it the first time we danced and…kissed." Isabella blushes.

Lee clears his throat. "Are we ready to go?"

Three simultaneous "yeses" answer him.

Lee claps. "Great, let's go."

They get in the car, and Rosemary hands them two blindfolds. "Put these on." Jack and Isabella smirked at her but decided to play along. He ties Isabella's blindfold in place before securing his own. Lee starts the car and drives toward what they believe is town. When they arrive at their destination so quickly, their guesses are confirmed, but they are not exactly sure where. Rosemary helps Jack and Isabella get out of the car, and they find each other's hands as she guides them somewhere. They go inside a quiet building and weave through what seems to be a hallway. A door opens, and Rosemary leads Isabella into a room where she faces her toward the door and removes her blindfold.

Isabella looks at her mother quizzically. "What is going on, Mama? Where are we?"

"We are in the office of the Hope Valley Community Center, and we have a surprise for you." Lucas built the community center about twelve years ago, replacing the saloon for family and community events. Rosemary grins and tells her to turn around. "I made you something special." A large mirror stands by a coat rack. And hanging on the rack is a full-length cream dress with ornate French lace, a crossover bodice, three-fourths-length lace sleeves, an empire waist, and a loose, flowy, bias-cut slip.

"Oh, Mama. It's exquisite. How did you have the time?"

"I'll admit there were a few late nights, but it was worth it when I finished this morning." Isabella's eyes fill with tears. Her mother puts her arms around her. "Please don't cry, sweetie. If you cry, I'll cry, and then we'll both be a mess." Rosemary lets her go and hands her the dress. "I'll turn around, and you can change." Isabella smiles and waits for her mother to turn before stepping in front of the mirror and slipping on her new dress. It fits perfectly, accentuating her figure in all the right places.

"I love everything about it, Mama!"

Rosemary turns around and gasps in delight, one hand over her heart. "You are truly breathtaking, princess."

Isabella fights her tears and hugs her mother, trying not to mess up their hair, makeup, or dresses. "I love you, Mama. Thank you."

Rosemary wipes the one tear Isabella couldn't stop from falling. "You're welcome. I love you too, sweetie, and I am glad I could do this for you." Rosemary loops her arm around hers. "Are you ready? There's more."

"More than ready."

Rosemary leads Isabella into the hallway, where Jack is waiting with his blindfold still on. She signals to Isabella and then joins Lee, Elizabeth, and Nathan down the hall. Isabella wonders why her in-laws are there and then reaches for both of his hands. "You can take your blindfold off now, lovey."

Jack's eyes widen as he takes in his wife. He twirls her around a few times, stopping when she faces him again. "You are stunning, Iz."

Isabella grins. "Thank you. I feel like a fairy tale princess."

"No one deserves a fairy tale more than you."

Isabella kisses him until she hears her father clearing his throat. "We're coming, Papa." Jack offers his arm and leads her to their parents. She hugs Elizabeth, Nathan, and then her father.

"You are gorgeous, princess. You look just like your Mama did on our wedding day."

"I love you, Papa."

"I love you too, sweetie." Lee leads her to Jack, and they link arms. "Are you ready for the last part of your surprise?" They both nod and follow their parents until they see a room full of people they know and love, some of whom have traveled a long distance. "Surprise! Congratulations," they shout.

Isabella looks at her mother, who is beaming with excitement. "Did you do this, Mama?"

"Elizabeth and I did. We wanted you two to have a wedding reception, at least." Elizabeth walks over, and Isabella hugs her mother, mother-in-law, and Jack. But before Isabella can say thank you, their families surround them with love. Twenty-six adults, six teenagers, and eight children of the combined Coulter, Thornton, Grant, LeVeaux, and Thatcher families are in attendance. Jack and Isabella couldn't feel more loved, seeing all their grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins, in addition to their own siblings, and their families. The only ones not in attendance were Elizabeth's sister, Viola, and her family. As Isabella looked around, she saw all their close friends as well.

Angela Canfield Williams begins playing the piano, and Isabella and Jack peer around the room. The community center is decorated in white with a splash of royal blue throughout. There is a dance floor in the middle surrounded by groups of tables, a table off to the side with a two-tiered white wedding cake with blue, pink, and purple flowers adorning the sides, and a table with presents stacked on top. They can't believe what their families did in their honor on such short notice. Isabella links arms with her husband, and they circle the room, greeting each person. She catches sight of Jack's sister, Emerson, who waves back at her with a grin. Because she's across the room, Isabella knows reaching her will take some time.

When Isabella and Jack finally reach Emerson and her boyfriend, Austin Shepherd, Emerson screams and embraces her best friend. "Isabella! I can't believe you didn't tell me you married my brother."

Jack cuts in, hugging his sister. "We couldn't tell anyone. Otherwise, we would have." Jack shakes Austin's hand, and Isabella hugs her friend.

Isabella pulls Emerson aside while Jack and Austin talk. "Are you mad I married your brother?"

"Mad? Why would I be mad? I always thought you would make a cute couple, and I was right."

Isabella smirks at her. "How are you and Austin?"

"We're great! Both of us are busy with schoolwork, but we love college. You and Jack will have to come for a visit. Michaela Hickam and Sadie Flynn attend the University of Alberta with us. It would be like old times."

"That sounds fun."

Jack and Austin interrupt the girls. "Emerson, would it be alright if I steal my wife? We have something planned." Isabella happily takes his hand, and they approach Angela at the piano, asking her to play a particular song next. Angela agrees, so while she finishes the current piece, Isabella finds her father, Jack finds his mother, and they bring them to the dance floor. Isabella signals they are ready, and Angela plays the first notes of "The Way You Look Tonight." Lee's face lights up at his daughter, and they dance the first steps. Isabella can see her mother fighting tears as she watches her husband and daughter. When the song ends, Lee holds Isabella in his arms, tears streaming down both their faces. Rosemary jogs to them, her own tears falling, and the three of them embrace. They are about to leave the dance floor when they hear the beginning notes of "Let Me Call You Sweetheart." Lee grabs his wife's hand, pulls her close, and they dance to their song. As Isabella watches her parents, who still are very much in love with one another, Jack sneaks up behind her, kissing each side of her face and turning her around to capture her lips. Isabella wraps her arms around his neck while Jack pulls her in at the waist, and they dance alongside her parents. Then the rest of the couples join them in the dance. The song ends, and Rosemary, Lee, Elizabeth, and Nathan leave to prepare the glasses for the upcoming toasts. Once they are ready, Patrick, Hazel, Allie, and Robert help them pass out champagne and sparkling cider glasses.

Isabella and Jack turn to each other a few minutes later, with sparkling cider in their hands, asking simultaneously. "Should we tell them?"

They chuckle, and Jack reaches for her hand, loudly clinking Isabella's glass. "May I go first?" The room quiets down, and Jack speaks his mind. "Thank you all for coming here on such short notice. I know our quick courtship and marriage were unlike any other." The guests laugh. "I think I can speak for both of us. It may have been short, but we fell fully and deeply in love with one another. We are beyond grateful God brought us together and thrilled to be spending the rest of our lives side by side." Jack glances at Isabella, who nods her approval. "And on that note–"