Nathan Grant groaned as he sat down in his office chair, his joints protesting the movement. He had just returned home from escorting a prisoner, and he was beginning to feel his 45 years catching up to him. On his desk were four pictures that brought a smile to his face. The first was his and Elizabeth's wedding portrait, her smile as bright as the noonday sun. The second was Elizabeth, little Jack, himself, and his and Elizabeth's first child Eli. the third was of little Jack, three years old, laying flowers on the grave of his father, Jack Thornton. the fourth and final picture was of the Grant family in front of their new, two story home, it pictured Nathan, Elizabeth, Jack, Eli, and the newest member of the family, Lily. Nathan smiled as he thought of his family, Elizabeth was still teaching school, their own children attending, along with the Coulter twins Jarrick and Jillian whom every one affectionately called Jack and Jill. Jack, now thirteen and nearly as tall as Nathan, was becoming quite the horseman and pistolere. At the present, Jack hadn't disclosed to anyone, except Nathan, his desire to fallow in both of his father's footsteps and become a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Eli was very much his mother's son, more content with his books and lessons than the outdoors, but he was Jack's shadow. there was only two years between the boys, but Jack was the obvious leader and, to Nathan and Elizabeth's joy, was setting himself as a leader to follow. Lily on the other hand, at the age of five years, was such a drama queen that Nathan often joke that she and Jillian were switched at birth.
Jack smiled, basking in the glow of the blessings around him. He couldn't be happier to retire.
Allison Grant smiled at the ring on her finger, then she smiled at the tall mountie beside her who had put the ring there.
"Do your folks know"?
"They know I'm coming back home from school and that i have a mountie escort".
"So that's a 'no' "?
"That's a 'I want to tell them in person', Gabriel".
Gabriel Montgomery smiled and took her hand.
"I love you Allie".
"I love you too Gabe".
Elizabeth was pulling her laundry off the line when she heard a woman yell "ma" from the top of her lungs. Shading her eyes, Elizabeth could see a young woman in breeches racing her horse towards her, leaving her companion behind. There was no doubt who it was.
Allie pulled her horse to a stop and leapt down, racing towards Elizabeth, her jingle bobs serenading her run.
"Oh Allie, it's so good to have you home again".
"It's good to be back ma".
"Have you seen your father yet"?
"Not yet, Gabe has to meet him in town, I'll see him then".
"Gabe"?
It was then Elizabeth got a good look at Allie's companion.
"Gabe Montgomery"?
"Hello Ms. Thatcher".
Elizabeth's heart was near bursting.
"You kids, I'm not sure my old heart can take anymore surprises".
"Oh please, 43 is not old ma. It's well seasoned".
"Alright miss sass, get cleaned up before you see your father. You too Mr. Montgomery, by the way, what business do you have with my husband "?
Gabe looked flustered at the comment., then he said, "he didn't tell you"?