Author's note: It's here! The wedding!

Chapter Fourteen

Elizabeth woke to the sun streaming through her window and the sound of silence. Smiling as she sat up and stretched, she knew the quiet wouldn't last long. "It's my wedding day!" she said ecstatically, breaking the silence, but needing to hear the words out loud.

For a long time, she believed this day would never come again. She'd had her dream wedding and, brief as it was, her happily ever after, and then she had to learn to go on. And she had learned, making her way as a single mother, a teacher, and a woman on the frontier. Her life may not have been whole, but it was filled with her students, friends, and best of all, her son. Then Lucas and Nathan came to Hope Valley, and her life changed forever.

Looking back, she had felt a connection with Nathan from the start. It was hard to see him in Jack's place, but at the same time it somehow felt right. He may not have realized it, but he and Allie belonged in Hope Valley, and as the months went by and their friendship bloomed, that became more and more clear. It had hurt when she'd learned about his promotion and their pending move, and she should have realized what that meant—he mattered to her.

They'd had their ups and downs, and if she was honest with herself, she knew they were mostly her doing. While Nathan was going out of his way to protect both her and Jack's memory, was putting his own feelings aside again and again to keep from burdening her, she had been running away. Yet no matter how fast she rode Sargent, how far Lucas's car drove her, and how many times she pushed him away, she kept coming back to Nathan. To argue. To talk. To remember. And finally, to realize that all along it had been love. It had been him.

Slipping from her bed and pulling on her robe, Elizabeth gathered her journal and pen and settled into her desk by the window. She watched the sun spreading across the snow-covered lawn for a moment, the bushes and fountain making odd shapes that somehow made the yard more welcoming. Sighing happily, she opened the journal to a fresh page and began a letter to Jack.

I'm getting married today, though I'm sure you already know that. I've come to believe that you played a part not only in bringing Nathan and Allie to Hope Valley, but also into mine and Jack's lives. It comforts me to know that you had a hand in helping me find the man who would heal my heart and help raise our son. Nathan loves us and he is a good man.

I will always love you, Jack, I'm certain you know that, too. And I know that you want nothing more than our son and I to be happy. We are. I'm sure you'll always be watching over us but I hope you know you don't have to watch as closely now. You can move on, too. Maybe Allie is right and you're up there right now, trading secrets and dimpled smiles with Colleen. It makes me happy imagining that.

Thank you, Jack, for loving me, for teaching me, and most of all, for our little boy. He is the best of both of us, isn't he?

In the next room, Nathan waited. He too had awoken to the brilliant sunlight. Dressing quickly, he'd slipped down the hall to check on Allie. Finding her asleep but hearing Elizabeth moving around in her room, he settled in the nursery to watch little Jack sleep. While he waited for either Elizabeth to arrive or the little boy to wake up, he started talking quietly to Jack Sr.

"I don't know if I'm the first person you want to hear from today, or the last, but I don't feel right going through with this without talking to you about Elizabeth and your son. I think you know I would give my life for them. I'm pretty sure you realized it before any of us did, but I love them both more than I can say. I didn't have any part in the making of Jack physically, but I am honored to have a hand in the making of who he'll be as a man. I promise that Elizabeth and I will make sure he knows you. I don't ever intend to take your place in his life, but I hope you don't mind that I call him mine; in my heart, he is. I won't treat him any differently than I do Allie or any children Elizabeth and I might have."

He paused, a rueful smile coming to his face. "Elizabeth. You know better than anyone how incredible she is. Can you blame me for falling for her? I am so sorry that your dreams and life with her were cut short, that you died on a job that was supposed to be mine. I hate that Elizabeth and your son had to lose you. I promise Jack, I will love them both just as much and as well as you would.

Allie suggested that you and her mother are together watching over us, and that you're taking care of each other up there. I hope she's right, for both yours and Colleen's sakes. You deserve to be happy, too. And any man worthy of Elizabeth's love is certainly worthy of my sister's."

Nathan looked up quickly when the door opened, prepared to hide his eyes at the first sight of his fiancée, but her Aunt Agatha entered instead.

"I thought I heard someone talking in here," she said quietly, smiling at the sleeping child and then at Nathan.

Nathan smiled back sheepishly. "I wanted to have a little conversation with Jack Sr., and this seemed the best place to do it. I guess I'm hoping he'll give us his blessing."

Agatha nodded. "I only met the man once, and I never had the chance to actually converse with him, but from everything my niece said about him and from how much she loved him, I can't imagine Jack wanting to hold back her happiness. And I can see that you and Elizabeth make each other very happy."

"She means everything to me," he replied. "Her and our kids. They're my whole world."

"So what were you going to do if Elizabeth came in here?" Agatha teased.

Nathan offered a crooked grin and held up a long piece of cloth. "I hadn't worked out exactly how, but I figure if I have this, I can at least say I tried not to see her."

Agatha took the cloth and quickly tied it around his head, then helped him over to wait by the door. "I imagine she'll be in here shortly to get Jack up and spend a little time with him before all the fuss starts around here. And while I think the whole 'the groom can't see the bride' tradition is silly, I don't want either of us to face the wrath of Julie or your daughter for potentially ruining this wedding. It's ridiculous. You've been through so much to get here. Are you really going to run away now if you see her?"

"Maybe run away with her," he admitted. "Especially if there's going to be a lot of fuss."

"Oh, there's going to be plenty of fuss and bother today but try not to let it get to you. Concentrate on Elizabeth and everything else will fall into place." Agatha squeezed his hand as she stepped back into the hallway to stand guard. "I'll head off anyone who comes looking for either of you."

"Good morning, Elizabeth," he heard her say a moment later. "How are you this morning?"

"Excited. Nervous." She laughed softly. "On one hand, I can't wait to see Nathan and to actually get married, but at the same time, I just want it all to be over. Does that make sense?"

"It does," Agatha assured her. "Why don't you go spend some time with that little boy of yours before everyone else descends on you. I'll keep watch out here."

"Thank you," she said gratefully, kissing her aunt's cheek.

Elizabeth went into Jack's room, knowing he'd be awake soon and looking forward to their morning cuddles. He was growing up so fast, and she knew these moments were numbered. She started when the door closed behind her and turned, surprised to see Nathan there. She giggled at his blindfold.

Nathan drew her into his arms. "Everyone says I'm not allowed to see you until the ceremony," he murmured. "Allie and Julie would have a fit if they knew I was in here but since, at least for a few more hours, it's not proper for us to be alone in your bedroom, I figured Jack wouldn't mind."

"Aunt Agatha would probably have something to say about it, too," Elizabeth said quietly, watching the door.

Nathan chuckled, the sound vibrating against her cheek as he held her close. "Actually, she tied the blindfold for me and is standing guard outside."

Elizabeth sighed contently, mentally thanking her aunt for looking out for both of them. "I came in here to have some time alone with my son, but I don't mind sharing with you."

Nathan reached up to caress her cheek. "I needed to know that you're okay. I'm sure today has to be bittersweet for you. You've done this before, and you thought you'd be together for rest of your lives."

Elizabeth leaned into his touch. "And you want to make sure I'm not going to change my mind?"

Nathan hugged her tighter, brushing a kiss on the top of her head. "I don't doubt your feelings for me, and I know you're ready to get married. I just want you to know that I'm not bothered if Jack is on your mind today." He paused and then admitted, "I actually came in here to talk to him. I promised him I'd always love and care for you and his son."

"I said the same thing when I wrote to him in my journal this morning," Elizabeth replied, reaching up to touch his cheek. "I wish you could see me, to see how certain I am about us."

"I don't need to see you to know," he assured her. "I can feel you, warm and soft in my arms." He held her even closer. "I can hear your voice, your breath." She sighed softly as he ran his fingers through her hair. "I can smell your perfume, and how it gets stronger the longer I hold you." He swept his nose along the side of her neck, inhaling. "And I can taste you when…" His words were cut off as their lips met in a gentle kiss.

"Have you seen my dad? I was hoping to spend some time with him, just the two of us, before everything changes today."

Elizabeth and Nathan broke apart when they heard Allie's voice in the hall. Before Agatha could send the girl on a pointless search around the house, Elizabeth rushed to the door.

"He's here." Giving Nathan a quick kiss on the cheek, she opened the door and gently pushed him into the hallway.

Agatha turned to go downstairs, a smug grin on her face.

"Dad! What were you thinking?!" Allie scolded him as he untied the blindfold. "You know you're not allowed to see Mom until the ceremony later!" They both heard Elizabeth laugh as the door closed behind her.

"So you've told me. As did Mrs. Coulter, your Aunt Julie, both of your grandmothers, and even Mr. Christiansen." He waved the piece of cloth still in his hand. "I didn't see her, but I needed a few minutes with her."

Nathan and Allie walked back to her room, settling side by side on the sofa by the window. "I wanted a few minutes with you, too. Are you ready for today?"

Allie grinned, hugging him tightly. "I am so ready for this! I feel like we've waited forever for this day to come. Between you taking your time figuring out how to talk to Mom, and her getting scared and running away from us, it's been a long time coming. I would drive you two to the church myself right now if I knew how."

Nathan chuckled and hugged her back, kissing the top of her head. "I know it took a long time for us to get here, and this isn't exactly how I expected our wedding to happen, but the important part is Elizabeth and I are getting married today. It won't be just you and me anymore, sweetheart. How are you handling that, because I have to be honest, it scares me a little bit."

Allie shrugged. "It's going to be different, that's for sure, but I'm more excited than scared. I've wanted a mom for a long time. You've been great," she hurried to add. "I couldn't have asked for a better dad. I know you've given up a lot for me, and I know I haven't always made things easy on you…"

Nathan hugged her closer again. "I couldn't have asked for a better daughter," he vowed. "I hate the circumstances that made you mine, but I have never had one second of regret that you are. There have been plenty of moments where I've felt like I've failed you and I've wondered how you put up with me."

Allie laughed. "Now we'll have Mom to help keep us both on the right track."

Nathan grinned, nodding. "Yes, we will, and Jack too. He'll definitely keep all of us on our toes." He stood, pulling Allie up beside him. "Come on. Let's go get some breakfast before all heck breaks loose around here." Arm in arm, they went downstairs to the dining room where a buffet was spread out for Thatchers and their guests to enjoy as they woke up.

The ceremony was at 2:00, so there were no concrete plans for the morning. After lunch, Nathan was to be banished from the house, so he and William would take Jack to the church to help oversee the final setup for the ceremony. Elizabeth had suggested she be the one to leave, finishing her hair, make-up, and dressing at the church, but was quickly voted down. Grace and Julie would accompany Elizabeth and Allie. The Grants, Coulters, Bill, and Agatha would meet Charlotte and Tom Thornton at the church. They, along with Nathan's Mountie superiors and a few of Grace and William's closest friends made up the entire guest list. Jack and Allie would be the only attendants, she as the maid of honor and Jack as the ring bearer and best man. The plan was for Jack to either stand with Allie, she could hold him (though he was getting heavy) or have him sit with one of the three sets of grandparents. Grace, William, Alice, and Archie would all be seated in the front pews, with Charlotte and Bill in the next one. (Allie had told her dad in confidence that since Bill was already an honorary grandfather to her and Jack, and since he was a friend of Charlotte's late husband, she and Julie were trying to set them up. Nathan both relished the idea and dreaded the consequences when Bill realized what was happening.)

Allie was teasing Nathan about his secret conversation with Elizabeth when the Coulters walked into the dining room.

"Nathan Grant, how dare you!" Rosemary exclaimed, drawing the attention of everyone on the first floor of the mansion. "Do you know the kind of trouble you could have caused, the damage you may have inflicted upon this wedding? This is supposed to be one of the best days of your life and you may have ruined the whole thing by…"

"Enough, Rosemary," Nathan said, uncharacteristically stern. Allie gave him a sheepish look and mouthed an apology as he turned to face Elizabeth's best friend. "I know you mean well, and I appreciate your concern, truly, but I am not going to apologize. I had every intention of spending time alone with both of my girls today, tradition or not, and making sure they're alright. I know Elizabeth has a lot on her mind, remembering her first wedding and all the dreams they had that day. I imagine she's going to struggle the next few weeks, waiting for me to leave, too. And my daughter is losing the only family she's known for years. She's gaining more than either of us ever imagined, and she's looking forward to it, but it's still a big change. I needed to know she was ready."

"But you could have talked to Elizabeth last night, instead of risking everything today!" Rosemary continued to argue.

Nathan saw Lee shrug and shake his head, aware that it was nearly impossible to rein Rosemary in when she was this passionate about something.

"Rosemary, do you really think that after everything she and I have gone through to get to this point, that we would allow something like a superstition get in the way of our finally being together? I am going to marry Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton at two o'clock this afternoon, and no one and nothing is going to stop me."

Unaware of the drama downstairs, Elizabeth enjoyed the morning playing with her son. While she was clearly aware that their lives were going to change today, Jack was blissfully oblivious. He was young enough to be able to adapt easily, and since Nathan had been a part of his life almost from the start, it wouldn't be a great change for him. Elizabeth had worried a bit about how Allie would adjust to her family suddenly doubling in size, but knew Nathan was going to talk to her. It helped that she'd had a taste of what life with Elizabeth and Jack was like in the weeks that Nathan was away on assignment.

"We'll all learn together, won't we my little love," Elizabeth reasoned, watching her son play. Julie had brought them breakfast, staying long enough to help Jack eat and to clean him up before leaving them alone again.

"Is this a private party, or can anyone join in?"

"Gramma Awwice!" Jack jumped up from his toys and ran across the room to hug Nathan's mother. "Come see my horse!"

"Yes, every man needs a good horse," she said, dutifully following the little boy. She winked at Elizabeth.

Alice played with Jack for a few minutes before joining Elizabeth on the sofa. "Enjoying a few minutes of peace?"

"Well, it's not exactly peaceful in here," Elizabeth laughed, nodding towards the toys scattered around the floor and the various noises coming from her son. "But it's probably calmer than what's going on out there. And what will be going on soon."

"I don't know if you heard it, but they was some fuss at breakfast. Apparently my son decided to break the rules a bit this morning?" She watched her soon-to-be daughter smile.

"Yes, Nathan came to talk to me, but he made sure he didn't see me. He wanted to make sure I'm okay with everything today."

Alice smiled back, maternal pride clear in her face. "That sounds like Nathan."

Elizabeth put her hand on Alice's. "I don't know how to thank you for him. Your son is an incredible man."

"I know he is, but thank you for seeing it, too." Then Alice sighed. "I used to think a day like this would never happen. Between everything that happened with his father, and then losing Colleen the way we did, I didn't think my son would ever let himself fall in love." She looked at Elizabeth, beaming. "And then he started writing to me about you and your son. I knew he'd taken the post in Hope Valley because he felt he owed it to your husband to watch over you, but I never expected…"

Elizabeth shook her head. "Neither of us expected this. That's why I fought so hard against it for so long. I was so afraid…but Nathan waited for me. He knew I needed time and space and he gave it to me, no matter the cost to him. I can never thank him enough for that, or for how much he loves my son. To know that my little boy will grow up with a loving father…I don't have words to describe how happy that makes me. And Nathan's not intimidated by my first husband's memory. He welcomes Jack remaining a part of my life, our life."

"Just like you will help him keep my daughter's memory alive for Allie," Alice replied, grasping her hand. "You'll be the mother that girl needs, one I'm sure Colleen herself would approve of."

"Thank you for that. I've wondered what she would think of me," Elizabeth admitted.

"My Colleen would see what I have here these last few days as well as in the letters from my son and granddaughter. A woman—mother, teacher, daughter, friend—who will love and cherish her family. I'm sure your Jack is looking down on you with pride."

"It's because of Jack that I am the woman I am today," Elizabeth declared. "Loving him made me a better person. Losing him devastated me, but it made me stronger. I can take care of myself and my son on my own. Because of Nathan, I know I don't have to. I know he'll never stand in the way of my dreams, but instead help me achieve them. "

They sat quietly watching young Jack play for several minutes before Alice spoke again. "Are you ready for today?"

Elizabeth grinned, her whole face glowing as she thought of her fiancé and their wedding. "More than ready. I'm not sure how I'm sitting still to be honest."

Alice laughed. "I remember that feeling. And your son—does he know what's going on?"

Elizabeth nodded. "Jack, can you tell Grandma Alice what today is?"

Jack scampered over to stand in front of them, and very seriously explained. "Mama and Daddy Na-tan are getting married today. We're going to be a famwee, and Awwie and Daddy Na-tan are going to come wiv at our house until Daddy Na-tan builds our new big house. Awwie and I have our own rooms, but Mama and Daddy Na-tan will have to share."

Alice Grant laughed at the child's excitement and his accurate description of what was to come. She also couldn't help but hear his mother's faint pronouncement.

"Finally."

Elizabeth stood just outside the doors at the back of the church. In a few minutes, her life would change forever, and she was shivering with excitement. As she waited for the music to start and the doors to open, she felt the brush of a kiss on her cheek. She smiled as she felt a hand gentle on her back. Shifting her bouquet slightly, she held her arm out just enough to allow her escort to take it.

"I hoped you'd be here today," she said quietly. "Thank you, Jack."

"Did you say something, Miss?" the usher asked as she stepped up to the door. "Are you waiting for someone?" Grace Thatcher had been very specific when she explained that her daughter would be walking down the aisle by herself, but the young woman looked as though she was waiting for someone to take her arm.

"No," Elizabeth smiled back softly, her eyes misty as she glanced to her side. "We're ready."

Nathan thought his heart might stop when the doors opened and he saw Elizabeth start down the aisle. Her dress, a white gown with lace and pearl sleeves, was fitted enough to flatter her slender curves without being too tight. Its scooped neckline gave just the briefest hint of décolletage, and it fell in waves of lace and pearls to just above her ankles. White boots encased her feet, and her hair was twisted into a smooth half-up style, with long curls trailing down her back. But it was the glow on her face that had him entranced. He had never seen her look so happy, so beautiful.

"Breathe, Dad," he heard Allie order next to him, poking him lightly in the side. "You can't get married if you're passed out on the floor. I don't think that's the sort of mouth-to-mouth you want, especially today." He glanced down briefly to scold her but chuckled softly when he met her smirk. Looking back at Elizabeth, he saw that she'd seen their little exchange and was laughing, too.

"Who gives this woman to marry this man?" the pastor asked. Since Elizabeth was walking herself down the aisle, it seemed a fairly moot point, but she had insisted they leave the traditional question in the ceremony.

"Her mother and I do," William Thatcher announced from the first pew, glancing at his wife and squeezing her hand."

"So do we," Charlotte Thornton pronounced, her younger son's arm around her shoulders.

"Me too!" young Jack exclaimed, stepping closer to Elizabeth and Nathan and looking up at both of them expectantly, drawing smiles and laughter from everyone present. Allie pulled him gently back to the side to watch with her, keeping her hands on his shoulders.

The pastor spoke for a few minutes, welcoming Elizabeth and Nathan's family and friends and asking for their prayers and support for the new family being created. Bill and Julie each read a Bible verse about love, marriage, and family. When the pastor asked the bride and groom to join hands, everyone laughed, as the two had been doing so since the start of the ceremony. Now facing one another, they promised to love, honor, and cherish. Nathan squeezed her hands tighter when Elizabeth struggled over the 'until death parts us' portion of the vow, and several guests reached quickly for their handkerchiefs.

"And now, the bride and groom would like to make their own personal vows," the pastor explained, stepping back so that the focus was solely on them.

Elizabeth looked up at Nathan, her face aglow. "The road we've taken here has been long and hard. When we met, my heart was broken and I was afraid to let anyone new in for fear of losing them, but somehow you made it past all of my walls. You pushed me, protected me, heard me and healed me. You loved me enough to keep fighting for us. Thank you for being so brave and so committed. I promise to spend the rest of our lives fighting beside you—for you, for us, for our children, and for our future. Always."

Nathan raised her hands to kiss her fingers, staring into her eyes as he started his own vows. "You weren't the only one who put up walls in order to protect their heart. I thought my life was as good as it could get. I had Allie, my job, and we had enough to get by. I didn't think I needed anyone else to make my life complete. Then you walked into the jail and with no more than a smile, you broke through all of my defenses. You made me a better parent, a better Mountie, and a better friend. You taught me patience and showed me that love is always worth fighting for. Because of you, I have my father and my daughter. I have a son. And I have a home. I can't stand here and promise you forever, because we both know all too well how short "forever" can be. Instead, I promise to love you with everything I am and all that I have, for as long as I possibly can. And when the day comes that we are parted by death, know that I will keep loving you. Always."

The pastor stepped back in, asking for the rings. Jack, who had been standing dutifully with Allie, jumped forward when Nathan looked at him. Fishing a small pouch out of the pocket of his jacket, he handed it to Nathan, grinning broadly. When Allie quietly beckoned him back to her, he shook his head, choosing instead to stand next to the pastor. Elizabeth glanced quickly at Allie, waving her away when she started towards them. By wordless consent, both Elizabeth and Nathan stepped closer together, keeping Jack between them.

As Nathan slid the ring onto her finger, Elizabeth studied its beautiful stones, recognizing the gems commemorating Jack and Allie's birthdays. When it was time for Nathan's ring, she was beaming, pleased that she'd arranged for something just as special.

"If anyone has a reason that these two should not be wed, let them speak now or forever hold their peace."

There was complete silence following the minister's words, and Allie glared around the room, daring anyone to speak up. When no one moved or made a sound, there were many smiles as he followed up with, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the—"

The end of his announcement was lost as Elizabeth threw herself into Nathan's arms. Their guests cheered and applauded as the newly married couple shared a passionate kiss.

"I love you," Elizabeth whispered, ecstatic as she met her new husband's tender gaze.

"I love you, too," Nathan murmured back, resting his forehead against hers and cradling her face before he kissed her again.

When they at last broke apart, Allie and Jack were there to join their embrace. "Finally!" the young girl exclaimed, her face glowing as she hugged her parents. Keeping one arm around Elizabeth, Nathan lifted Jack into the other, hugging the boy close as they all turned to face their guests.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present Mr. Nathan Grant and Mrs. Elizabeth Thornton-Grant!"

Since the wedding was so small, the reception was held in the gathering room of the church. Tables lined the edges of the room, while the center of the floor was open for dancing. Once everyone was seated, dinner was served while the fathers of the bride and groom gave the toasts.

"As a parent, you want nothing more than to protect your children," William began. "You want to give them the world and teach them how to succeed in it. You raise them to be strong, independent, and caring individuals…and then they start to think for themselves." He paused as everyone laughed. "I was quite opposed to my daughter's decision to move out West. While I never doubted her strength and abilities, I wanted her to have an easier life. But Elizabeth knew better, and she is thriving in Hope Valley. She has found purpose, and even more important, she has found love. I could not have asked for a better man for my daughter and grandson than Nathan. Grace and I knew as soon as Elizabeth spoke of him that this man would be the one to love her and stand beside her for the rest of their lives. It just took her a little while to figure it out." Everyone laughed again and Elizabeth blushed and shrugged, gazing adoringly at her husband. "To Elizabeth and Nathan. May your love grow stronger every day. And perhaps you'll grant us another grandchild or two…"

When the laughter had quieted again and Nathan and Elizabeth had kissed, Archie rose to give his speech. "I knew the moment I met Elizabeth that she was someone special to Nathan." He paused briefly, searching for the right words. "As most of you know, I've had some problems in my past. They cost me my own marriage, years with my children, the chance to meet my granddaughter, and the opportunity to say good-bye to my daughter. I've put those troubles behind me, and I've made a fresh start, but while they say time heals all wounds, I tried to force time to move a little faster. I showed up in Hope Valley unannounced, intending to make amends with my son and to meet my grandchild. No sooner did I spot her, than this young woman puts herself between us, demanding to know who I am and what I want with Allie. No one but a mother would take that protective stance, so I assumed she was Nathan's wife. Guess I was just a little premature in my assumption." He stopped to wink at Elizabeth, who smiled back, leaning her head on Nathan's shoulder. "I know they've had some struggles too, but Nathan and Elizabeth have finally found their way to each other. While I hope the road before them will be smooth and straight, I know they can weather any storm and overcome any obstacle. They've already faced some of the worst heartaches in the world, and they came out better for them. May their love continue to guide them. To Nathan and Elizabeth!"

Since William was still in a cast, the honor of the father-daughter dance was given to Nathan and Allie. Alice graciously passed the mother-son dance to Elizabeth and Jack, though she did insist on her own waltz with Nathan before the day was over. Nathan partnered with Julie, Rosemary, and even Charlotte, while Elizabeth danced with Tom, Lee, Bill, and Archie. Of course, they were happiest when they were with each other.

They were dancing in the center of the room when Elizabeth felt Nathan stiffen. Following his gaze, she saw Allie accompanied by Simon Kennedy-Innes, the grandson of one of William's colleagues. Elizabeth knew the boy's mother had been a friend of Viola's and wondered briefly how Madeline would be reporting the wedding to her sister. Reaching up, she turned Nathan's face to hers.

"You have nothing to worry about," she assured him.

"But…he's…and she's…" Nathan was clearly lost for words and worried about his little girl.

"Allie is just dancing with a boy. His mother is a friend of my sister, and his grandfather is one of my father's closest friends. He isn't going to do anything inappropriate," Elizabeth promised, humored by his overreaction.

"How can you be so sure?" Nathan asked, glancing back at the pair.

"Look at them!" Elizabeth giggled. "It's like neither of them can wait for the song to be over!"

Allie saw her dad watching them, and deliberately looked away. When Simon had asked her to dance, she didn't know how to politely turn him down. He was the only person her age at the wedding, and she thought perhaps they could be friends. Now she was trying to avoid having her toes stepped on and dodging questions about life on the frontier.

"So have you ever seen any whiskey runners or pirates?"

Allie rolled her eyes before looking up and smiling indulgently at him. "I've seen lots of criminals, but my dad is a Mountie. It's literally his job to capture them."

"Aren't you scared being so far away from civilization?" Simon asked, confused how such a beautiful, intelligent girl could be happy with that kind of life.

Allie scowled. "It's not like we're living in the middle of nowhere. Yeah, most of the cities and towns are smaller than Hamilton, but that doesn't mean they're uncivilized. Hope Valley has a bank, a saloon, the café, a barber shop, the mercantile, a newspaper office, and a sawmill. The train comes through every day. The school is the best there is, and I'm not just saying that because the teacher is my new mother."

"But now that you've been here, do you really want to go back?"

Allie nodded enthusiastically. "I can't wait to get home. I'm happy I got to meet my Grandpa William, Nana Grace, and Aunt Julie, and I'm so excited that Dad and Mom got to have a fancy wedding here, but I miss my own room. I miss my friends. I haven't been fishing in forever. And I can't wait to start our life as a real family—me, Jack, Dad and Mom."

Simon looked at her, completely befuddled. As the song ended, he let go of Allie and stepped back, looking at his feet nervously. "Do you…Can I write to you?" he asked. "I want to hear more about your life out there."

Allie shrugged. "Sure. I'd like to hear what everyday life here in Hamilton is life."

Simon smiled and offered his arm, escorting her back to her table.

Elizabeth closed her eyes and smiled contently, her head resting on her husband's chest as they swayed gently to the music. Her husband. They were married, at last. Opening her eyes and glancing up, she met Nathan's loving gaze, then leaned up to give him another kiss. She settled back against his chest, her cheek nestled against the smooth silk of his vest.

"I thought you and Jack were going to wear suits."

She had lost her breath for several seconds when she'd seen Nathan standing at the end of the aisle wearing a sharp black tux. The royal blue vest and handkerchief matched Allie's dress almost exactly, and made his eyes shine even brighter. She'd teared up again when she saw her son wearing a miniature version.

Nathan smiled, holding her even closer. "I thought I'd surprise you. And now I'm ready for some of those high society functions your mother will inevitably want to take us to."

Elizabeth smiled back. "Consider me shocked." Then she brushed her fingers across the top of his shirt, where the first two buttons were unfastened. "This doesn't surprise me though," she added.

Nathan shrugged, capturing her fingers and raising them to his lips. "I am more than willing to try, but I will never be a 'perfect' society gentleman."

Elizabeth beamed up at him, her eyes glowing.

"You're perfect for me."

Another Author's note: This chapter has been trying to write itself in the most inopportune times-while I'm driving, at work, even sleeping. (Yes, I literally dreamt part of their big day.). I wanted to give them the perfect wedding, because these characters deserved so much better than the tragic disaster of a relationship that the show gave them. I'm hoping that with some scattered days off the next couple of weeks I can get to the honeymoon and their return home. I have so many things planned. :-)