Elizabeth was standing on the porch with her arms crossed when Nathan came home that evening. He was very confused, unaware that he had done anything wrong.
"When were you going to tell me you were retiring"?
There it was. He chuckled and shook his head.
"Probably about the time you were going to tell me that our daughter is home".
Elizabeth's hard demeanor broke and she embraced her husband.
"I tried to act mad, i really did, but I'm so happy to have her home".
"Just why, exactly would you pretend to be mad at me"?
"Because you love the mounties, and your only 45".
"And I'm getting older everyday. Besides, we have enough income from our share in the oil company, we'll be fine".
"It's not that, you've never been home everyday longer than a week, what are you going to do"?
"I thought that we could travel while we're young enough".
"Young enough? just how old do you think i am"?
"43"
"Oh very funny, Mr. Grant".
"I thought so".
Night fell swiftly as the reunited family gathered for dinner. Much to Allie's dismay, but she understood why, Gabe was with his family, his mother practically dragging him home.
"So Allie, Ma says a mountie brought you home", Lily said, looking at her big sister expectantly, "is he big, tall and handsome"?
"Mountie", this came from Nathanas he wiped his mouth with his napkin, "what Mountie"?
"Oh, nobody".
Nathan didn't buy it, and Allie could tell by the look on his face. She was about to say something when Nathan said, "how about some late night fishing"?
After Lily, Eli and Jack had been put to bed Nathan and Allie grabbed their poles and bait and went down to the large pond that Nathan had dug, along with the help of the men of Hope Valley of course. He had gotten lucky when a hard rain came and filled it up halfway. After that it was just a matter of redirecting a mountain stream that made it's way to the lake by the church, that way he kept water constantly moving in and out, helping prevent stagnation.
"So, is this mountie the same one I'm thinking of "?
"Probably".
"Allie, i love you, adopted or not you are my daughter, and i just want what's best for you".
"I know Dad".
"I told Elizabeth you were right".
"About what "?
"About you saying that you were going to marry Constable Montgomery one day".
Allie couldn't have blushed deeper if she tried.
"You're not upset"?
"Only about you not telling me".
"Well, in that case, Gabe's going to come see you tomorrow. Just be nice to him".
"Don't worry, I will".
Emily Montgomery blinked in surprise as she saw the familiar man in town ride by on his white stallion. As he rode out of sight she heard a familiar voice say, "don't you have your own beau"?
Emily smiled gayly as she recognized the voice of her friend.
"Allie"?
Allie was laughing as she saw her friend for the first time in two years. Both friends embraced each other, happy to be back together.
"Oh Allie, it's wonderful to have you back home again".
"It's great to be back".
"And engaged to a mountie no less".
"Wha.. how did you"?
"Oh please, did you think i wouldn't notice that engagement ring"?
"No less than yours".
Emily smile brightened and proudly held up her left hand.
"It's actually Mrs. Bouchard now".
"NO...you and Harold"?
"What's the surprise, he and i were courting the last time you were here".
"I know, it just sucks i couldn't make the wedding".
"Oh it's okay, our friendship isn't based on events made or not made, it's our love".
"So, break it to me, who was your maid of honor"?
"Lily".
"Lily "?
"Well, if i couldn't have you I figured your sister would be a suitable replacement".
"But she's five years old".
"And more mature".
"Well hardy-har-har".
"C'mon, let's go visit my mother-in-law".
Nathan was sipping his coffee when his soon to be son-in-law rode up and dismounted.
"Sargent Grant".
"Constable Montgomery. Come on inside, get some coffee".
Gabe took a look around, seeing the bullet holes of his and Nathan's now legendary stand. Some days he still felt the pain of the bullets that had struck him.
"Thinking about that day"?
Gabe nodded silently.
"It haunts me every day, sir. I've never had to kill so many men".
"Just be grateful you missed the gang war in the north. People talk about hell on earth, me and Sargent Thornton had to lead men into it. We're lucky we came out on the other side".
Both men sat in silence until Nathan asked.
"So, Gabe, what is it that you're so scared to ask me".
"Well sir, to be honest, it's something I need to tell you ".
Nathan, knowing all too well what he was about to be asked, leaned back in his chair and motined for Gabe to continue.
"Sir, last month I asked for Allie's hand in marriage, I am here to ask for your blessing".
"Well, Gabriel Montgomery, thank you for asking".
Without another word Nathan stood up, grabbed his hat, and walked out, leaving Gabe to sit in shock and wonder, wondering what had just happened.
Across the street he saw Allie walking with two other women. As he approached he recognized Emily Montgomery and Mrs. Bouchard.
"Hello ladies, do you mind if I talk to Allie for a brief moment"?
"Of course not constable. Allie, Emily and I will meet you at the cafe".
Waving goodbye Allie asked, "did you tell him".
"I did".
"And...what did he say"?
"He said "thank you for telling me ", then he left".
To Gabe's bewilderment Allie's head was thrown back in laughter.
"What, what's so funny"?
"Gabe he's just letting you stew. He's just being a cranky old man".
"Yeah, well it's working. You mean the world to me Allie, it would kill me of he said no".
"Trust me Gabe, he won't".
"Nathan Grant, you are entirely too cruel for your own good".
"Lucas, when a boy comes to you about your daughters hand in marriage, let me know how you feel about it".
"I don't have a daughter".
"Exactly. Okay, I will give them my blessing, of course, but i can at least have a little fun before I do".