A/N- Clearly my brain cannot concentrate on more than one story at a time. I am trying to learn how to multitask, since I now have three or four going... Hope this is worth the wait!

Chapter Twenty

Considering that most the town had missed the Grant's nuptials, a reception was organized for after their return home. Knowing how Nathan disliked being the center of attention, the plan was to combine it with the annual New Year's Eve celebration, since he would already be attending the festivities. Things hit a snag when Lucas returned to Hope Valley at the same time and was none too happy about the Grant's marriage. Since he owned the only building large enough to accommodate all the townspeople as well as food and drinks, it left them nowhere to hold the party.

It was Fiona who came up the perfect solution-a progressive party. Rather than have everyone gather in one place, they broke into groups and met at various businesses along Main Street. Ned and Florence had soda and cookies at the mercantile. Rosemary and Lee toasted with champagne, juice, and petit fours at the sawmill office. Bill, Clara, and Minnie greeted guests with coffee, tea, cocoa, and cake at the café. Nearly every shop and business had something, and everyone got to congratulate the new family, but the smaller groups were less overwhelming for young Jack and more appealing for Nathan, who still did not enjoy large crowds. Elizabeth reminisced about the wedding and their honeymoon and Allie gushed about the train rides and the big city, happily telling the same stories at every stop. Jack told anyone who would listen about his new train set, the snow family he'd built, and the fort that 'Mr. Crispy' helped put together. Everyone was included, and at the end of the night they all made their way to the saloon for the final countdown to the new year and new decade.

As they resumed their lives, the Grants enjoyed settling in as a family, but it wasn't without some hiccups. Merging two established families into one was bound to cause some friction.

"Jack!" Allie shouted with dismay. Nathan and Elizabeth followed their daughter's shouts to her room, where they found her glaring at her brother. The little boy had awoken from his nap and gone into her room, scattering her books and things as he explored her bookshelf. While Nathan took Jack back to his own room for a lecture and time-out, Elizabeth helped Allie gather and sort her things.

Nathan and Elizabeth disagreed nightly about who was sleeping on which side of the bed. Elizabeth wanted to be nearest the door, in case Jack needed her. Since Rosemary had directed the men to set the bed up on the opposite wall as before, creating a completely different room than Elizabeth had shared with Jack Sr in their brief time together, that meant sleeping on the opposite side. Nathan, a creature of habit, was accustomed to the right side, and was constantly moving her over once she fell asleep.

There were squabbles over things like who left their boots too close to the bed, whether the butter should be in the ice box or the on the counter, and whose turn it was to do the dishes, but by mutual consent, they didn't let any argument simmer. Even if they fell asleep upset with one other, Nathan and Elizabeth woke up in one another's arms and tried to resolve the issue before going on with their day.

As they had promised Allie on the train, Family Reading Time continued almost every night. Sometimes it was one of Jack's storybooks, and they all took turns reading in different voices. Other times, they read a chapter or two from one of Allie's books, with Jack content just to be snuggled with his family even if he didn't understand the story. Occasionally, Elizabeth shared pieces from her first book, the one Jack Sr had illustrated and unofficially published for her, or ideas for her next novel. It was one tradition both Nathan and Elizabeth hoped to continue, even after the children were grown.

"Nice of you to finally get back to work," Bill teased as he walked into Nathan's office. "I was starting to wonder if you were planning to settle into the high society life. I'm sure Mr. Thatcher would have been more than happy to give you a job."

Constable Simms had left things well organized and tidy, and Nathan had been busy reading the reports he'd left behind. He rolled his eyes and shook his head as he looked up. "Good to see you, too," he replied dryly, putting down the papers as Bill settled into the chair across from him. "And I wasn't just lazing around in Hamilton. You know better than anyone that keeping an eye on Elizabeth and the kids can be a full-time job, let alone helping with the investigation. And once my part of that case was done, I was weighing in on other open cases coming through headquarters. It wasn't all cigars and polo matches while I was there."

"I can't see you at a polo match, watching or playing," Bill chuckled. "Yes, your wife certainly has a knack for getting herself into trouble, doesn't she? Just wait until that sister of hers gets involved… Patrick O'Reilly told me about Julie and the Tollivers. And yeah, I heard from Collins and Godfrey what a help you were to them on those open cases, especially that jewel heist. You made the Inspectors in charge look a little foolish with how fast you put everything together."

Nathan shrugged, dismissing Bill's claim. "I just came in with a fresh perspective. They were each looking at the clues from their territories individually, instead of comparing them. As soon as I did that, they saw the bigger picture."

Bill shook his head. "No, you saw the bigger picture and put them on the right track. It's not official yet, but you should know that Collins is looking into a promotion for you. You broke the Thatcher case, helped bring down a national crime ring, caught a fugitive on the train… You accomplished a lot for a man who was supposed to be on his honeymoon."

"Only the last week was supposed to be my honeymoon," Nathan clarified. "Up until the wedding itself I was on duty or on call."

"Can't you ever just accept a compliment?" Bill complained. "You did some great work while you were in Hamilton, and you'll probably be rewarded for it. Just don't let them talk you into leaving us anytime soon."

Nathan debated confiding what Superintendent O'Reilly had shared with him. Knowing he could trust a judge to be discreet, he told Bill about the Mounties plan to leave him in Hope Valley permanently.

Bill grinned when Nathan finished. "That's great news! I'd hate to have to break in another new Mountie here!"

"Well, don't throw him in jail, and you should be fine!" Nathan smirked.

"You are never going to let me live that one down, are you?" Bill grumbled.

Despite the town's general excitement and hope for the new year, Lucas continued to stew over Nathan and Elizabeth's deeper relationship. Nothing and no one could convince him that the battle for Elizabeth's heart was truly over.

"Grant may have won this hand, but the game isn't over yet."

Lee put his cards down, shaking his head. In the spirit of the new year, he was trying to extend a hand of friendship, get Lucas to open himself up to new possibilities and hopefully move on from his ridiculous feud with Nathan. So far, he wasn't having any luck.

"That's where you went wrong, my friend," he tried once again to explain. "It was never a game to them. This is their lives. Their children's lives. Elizabeth isn't just going to walk away from that."

"You'll see," Lucas insisted. "She'll come to her senses…"

Lee pushed his chair back and stood. He was a patient man, but even he had his limits. "I know you aren't talking about trying to break up a marriage," he scolded. "This is the real deal, Lucas. White dress, flowers, rings, church. Elizabeth vowed before God, her family, and friends to love and devote herself to Nathan. She's not going to just change her mind." When Lucas still refused to see reason, Lee gave a warning. "You saw what happened when the people in this town thought you were threatening Elizabeth's job. You didn't have any customers. What do you suppose is going to happen if you threaten Elizabeth and Nathan's future?"

Elizabeth herself made a point of avoiding Lucas. She had no reason to visit the oil office and made sure to enter the saloon only when Nathan was with her. Julie had told her about Lucas's attempt to crash the Christmas party, and her father had warned them of his uninvited visit to the Thatcher house. While Julie found the party encounter funny, and William was certain Lucas would act within the confines of society's expectations, Elizabeth was still concerned, especially after he'd approached the children on the train. Fortunately, with the start of school after the holidays and resuming her place in the classroom, she didn't have a lot of spare time anyway.

She and Katie Yoest had gone over where the children were in their lessons, and what assignments were expected after the holidays. Elizabeth was impressed by the younger woman's progress, despite having just finished college. Katie admitted that while challenging at times, there was a distinct perk to teaching students who she had literally seen grow up- she knew their parents and their secrets.

"Take any advantage you can get!" Elizabeth laughed.

She was relieved to see that Allie was more or less on track with the other kids as far as her lessons, though she would have a couple of tests and a science project to make up. She and Katie decided to have Allie write an essay about the rail system as a replacement history project, allowing her to share her personal experiences as well as do some research. Allie had already worked ahead in her math course, thanks to the happy discovery that William also loved numbers and equations. Working with her had given him something to focus on during his recovery. And with her Shakespeare readings on the train, she was ready for the play Katie and Rosemary had planned for Valentine's Day.

"Romeo and Juliet isn't exactly a happy story though," Allie pointed out as she helped Elizabeth get dinner started. "Shouldn't we do something more…romantic?"

"What do you know about romance?" Elizabeth teased. "And does your father know?"

Allie blushed but laughed. "Not much," she admitted. "But I do know Dad is trying to plan something for you."

"Oh, really? What?"

"Like I'm going to spoil the surprise!" Allie scolded good naturedly. "Just don't get mad if he chickens out, okay? You know how Dad is."

"I do," Elizabeth smiled knowingly. "And I love him for it."

Allie rolled her eyes and grinned, but then her face turned serious. "Just don't tell him I told you, alright?" she pleaded. "I don't want him to get cold feet or anything."

"My lips are sealed," Elizabeth promised. "But I don't think you're giving your dad enough credit. He has already survived my fears and insecurities, my family, and our actual wedding. There isn't much left to scare him with."

Final plans for the children's play were in full swing. Since the town still didn't have a theater, a fact Rosemary regularly lamented to Lee, they would need to use the saloon for the performance. Knowing things were still tense between Lucas and the Grants, Rosemary made all of the arrangements, promising Elizabeth that she would oversee rehearsals herself, alleviating any need for her friend to get near the saloon.

Elizabeth was grateful to have one task off her to-do list. Between her family, her students, meeting with Lee and his team to plan the new house, and fielding Julie's requests to come visit, she was exhausted. She and Nathan had finally settled their sleep issue—both times Jack had come looking for comfort in the middle of the night, he'd gone to Nathan, so she relented and let him have the side nearest the door—but she never seemed to get enough rest.

"I think it's the cold," Elizabeth grumbled as she dragged herself out of bed. Nathan had already been up, dressed, and gotten the children breakfast before coming back in to wake her. "I swear, it is impossible to get moving when it's this dark and cold."

Nathan chuckled, wrapping his arms around her to warm her before she got dressed. "I will admit, staying here is far more appealing than rounds." He watched her shiver as she washed her face and pulled out a dress to wear. "I don't think we have anything going on this weekend," he pointed out. "Why don't we have a lazy day? We'll sleep in as late as the kids let us, and we can all just stay home in our pajamas. Lots of cuddles, cookies, and cocoa."

Elizabeth turned from her seat at the dressing table, a grin spreading across her face. "That sounds amazing!" she exclaimed, rising and rushing across the room to hug him. She stumbled a bit, crashing into his arms.

"Careful!" Nathan chided, holding her close.

"I guess I just keep falling for you more every day," she teased, snuggling closer. "Good thing you're here to catch me."

Nathan smiled, leaning down to give her a quick kiss before he stepped back and started towards the door. "Your breakfast is going to cold if you don't get downstairs soon," he warned. "I'm not making another round of pancakes!"

She made it downstairs before Nathan and the kids ate all the pancakes and while her tea was still hot. As soon as Laura arrived, Elizabeth, Allie, and Nathan bundled up and he escorted them to school before heading into town to start his rounds. The day went by quickly, though Elizabeth had to admit she was relieved to let the children go when their lessons were over. She had kept them inside for lunch, deciding it was too cold to play outside, and all of their excess energy was beginning to wear on her nerves.

"I'll see you after rehearsal, Mom!" Allie teased as she ran out the door. During school hours, it was Mrs. Grant or Mrs. Thornton Grant, just like the other kids, but as soon as the bell rang, she happily used the more familiar title. Elizabeth couldn't help but smile.

Her grin faded when she saw Rosemary standing in the doorway ringing her hands. "What's wrong?"

Rosemary hurried down the aisle, her speech getting faster with every step. "Katie had a little accident; she slipped on some ice in front of, well of all places, the ice cream shop. She's ok, but she won't be able to help with rehearsal today."

Elizabeth closed her eyes, sighing. She'd been looking forward to going home and curling up on the sofa under a blanket and reading until either Jack woke from his nap or Nathan came home. Now she'd have to face a couple more hours with the children and the possibility of running into Lucas. She hoped the children's overexuberance would keep her too busy for any of his shenanigans.

"All right," she said, gathering her coat and her basket. "Let's go."

"I feel as though I've barely seen you since we got back from Hamilton," Lucas whined. "We have so much to catch up on."

Elizabeth closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to control her temper. He had been following her since she arrived. Rosemary was doing her best, sending Elizabeth to view the performance for every side, asking Lucas to change the lighting, and even physically standing between them. But a room full of schoolchildren requires constant attention, and Rosemary had hurried off to break up a sword fight.

"I'm not sure that we have anything to discuss," Elizabeth replied with forced politeness. "But I will talk to Nathan. Perhaps we can come to dinner sometime next week."

Lucas grinned. "I was thinking you and I should meet for tea tomorrow. It's Saturday, so no schoolwork for you."

Elizabeth stared back at him in disbelief. "I am not going to have tea or anything else with you, Lucas. If you want to talk, we will do so with Nathan present."

Lucas shook his head. "I hardly think it would be appropriate to discuss our relationship in front of Constable Grant."

"We barely have a friendship at this point, Lucas. There is no relationship."

She watched as Rosemary dismissed the children, reminding them that their dress rehearsal was Monday after school. Her daughter barely glanced back as she waved and left with Opal and Emily. As soon as the last child was gone, Rosemary and Hickam pushed the stage pieces back out of the way and started moving the tables out in preparation for the saloon's evening rush.

"See, that's what I want to talk about," Lucas interrupted her thoughts. "I think we gave up too quickly. You always said 'love is worth fighting for', but we didn't fight. We just let our whole future go without talking anything out."

"There was nothing to talk about!" she exclaimed, rounding to glare at him. "Even when we were courting, it was always what you wanted. You never asked me where I wanted to go or what I wanted to do. You never tried to include my son in our plans. What kind of future did you expect we'd have if you refused to acknowledge the important things?"

Lucas reached for her arm, and she backed away quickly, skirting around him and inching towards the door. She'd have Allie pick up her coat at rehearsal on Monday or ask Rosemary to get it for her later. For now, she would just run across the street to the jail.

"Darling," he cajoled, following a few steps behind her. "We might not have talked about the details, but we did discuss our future, remember? Book tours, places we've been to, places we still wanted to see…"

"We talked about our pasts," she retorted. "We never talked about marriage."

"Well, we may not have talked about it, but I was planning for our future together."

Elizabeth turned, her eyes cold with fury. "That's right. You were making plans," she said icily. "Why would you contact schools for my child, and why on earth would you even think I would send him away?!"

Her face, previously flushed with anger, suddenly paled. Lucas watched in horror as she sank to the floor.

"Elizabeth!"

A/N This was either going to go really long or split into shorter chapters. I need to wrap up this Lucas issue, as I have a new means of making him miserable on her way to Hope Valley soon, and the Grants have some new adventures in the works. :-)