"Can you believe how fast this year has gone?" Quinn asked as she lay beside Nathan, her head on his chest. The morning light streaming into their bedroom shone onto her husband's face; as usual, she marvelled at how lucky she was to have found this man to love and that he loved her back. "So much has happened. I can't believe we fitted it all in."

"I'm not surprised at all; you are amazing."

Quinn snorted, "please! Me, amazing!" You are the amazing one. Not only are you the Mountie for a rapidly growing Town where you manage to keep everyone on the straight and narrow. You maintain this house and are building an extension by yourself." She propped herself up on her elbow to look at him and continued, "you are also a father of three children, two who are teething and miserable and haven't slept through the night in who knows how long." Quinn paused and smiled broadly; somehow, she knew what she would say next would be the worst of his troubles. "Our oldest daughter is a teenager with hormones and boy troubles who is also miserable because of her first unrequited love.

Nathan groaned and pulled a pillow over his head, blocking out her words. "no, no, no," he muttered while Quinn laughed. "Isn't she too young to have serious boy troubles? And what do you mean first?" he pleaded.

"Nope, this is exactly the right age, and she is likely to have multiple crushes," she said matter-of-factly.

"How old were you when you had boy troubles, and how did your father cope," Nathan asked. Quinn had never wanted to talk about her Father; his loss had been too upsetting. As the months went on, she began opening up about him, even starting to enjoy reminiscing and sharing stories of the two of them.

"Oh, I never had boy troubles, you are my first crush, and luckily for me, it's worked out...well, so far, at least."

"So far," he exclaimed, throwing the pillow aside and grabbing hold of her. "So far!" Reaching over, he pulled her on top of him and wrapped his arms around her, holding her captive. "How many crushes do you expect to have, Mrs Grant!" he asked her, eyebrows raised, lips curving into a gorgeous smile.

"Just the one," she said, kissing his nose, "I plan to fall in love with you more every day so that I won't need any others." She loved teasing Nathan; he was so cute when he pretended to get riled up.

"Good answer," he murmured as he kissed her. Quinn responded to him immediately, and Nathan rolled over, so she was beneath him.

"Nathan," Quinn whispered as he trailed kisses down her neck, "you know we don't have time for this; you have to go to work; I need to make breakfast and get everyone ready."

"Sure we do," he assured her with a wicked grin before kissing her again. "I'll buy us breakfast if we run out of time."

Quinn stopped objecting, quality time with her husband and breakfast at the Cafe. Only a fool would keep arguing when offered a deal like that.

Rushing around later that morning, Quinn was delighted Allie was there to help her get the twins ready; even with her help, Nathan would have to buy breakfast.

As she closed the final button on Avery's dress and Allie finished tying Sam's shoe, they heard a car approaching. Allie looked at Quinn and shrugged; she wasn't expecting anyone. Neither was Quinn, and she wondered who their early visitor could be.

"You go and see; I can finish here," Allie offered.

"Thanks, Allie," Quinn said. Walking down the hallway, she met Nathan, coffee in hand, also planning to see who it was.

"Are you expecting anyone?" Quinn asked, her curiosity increasing when he shook his head. It wasn't that they didn't get visitors, but it was unusual to be this early. Early morning or late-night visits often meant bad news or Nathan had unexpected Mountie business to take care of. Quinn hoped it was none of these. She knew her husband's job came with risks; it was easier for her to deal with them if she put them to the back of her mind, focusing on the days when nothing happened.

They reached the front door together, and Nathan held it open for her to step onto the Veranda. When she stepped out, she saw they had two visitors, Fiona and Faith.

"Good morning, Ladies. What brings you out so early?" Nathan asked casually. Neither woman looked distressed as they sat smiling up at them, the car idling. It didn't look like Mountie business.

"We came to see if we could steal your wife away for the morning," Fiona explained.

"We needed to do some wedding shopping and were hoping for her assistance," Faith replied. "I woke up this morning and started panicking that my wedding is in three weeks, and I don't have everything I need."

"Then, of course, she woke me up, and I started thinking about all the things I don't have, and here we are." Fiona smiled, adding, "I don't know why we ever thought a double wedding was a good idea. We should be twice as organised with the two of us, but we aren't."

Quinn laughed; at the time, a double wedding made perfect sense, but trying to mesh everything together had been difficult. Neither couple wanted to wait too long to marry, and given they had many guests in common, it was easier for everyone. Luckily, Faith and Fiona kept their tempers and sense of humour throughout. It was Joshua and Adam Quinn who felt sorry for; they both just smiled and agreed to every suggestion, wanting to keep their fiancés happy.

Nathan watched as Quinn's face lit up; he knew she would love to be there to help. As their joint maid of honour, she took her job seriously.

"Are you sure the twins and I won't be in the way? Quinn knew Faith and Fiona loved the twins, but wedding shopping might not be their ideal activity. "It can be quite a circus taking them on outings."

"I can watch them," Allie said, coming out of the house, holding a twin in each arm. I'm going to help Isobel put the finishing touches on the Infant school before the opening tomorrow. I can take the twins with me. They can test it out for us."

"Are you sure?" Quinn checked.

"Of course, go shopping!" Allie smiled as she bounced the twins in her arms, making them giggle, "the three of us will have our own fun. Let's go and get ready," she said to Sam and Avery as she waved goodbye to Faith and Fiona.

"How about we meet you, Ladies, in Town? I promised my wife breakfast at the Cafe." Nathan said, smiling at Quinn as he wrapped an arm around her waist, "and I have quite the appetite."

Quinn blushed, wishing she could control her red cheeks. She swatted her husband on the chest and shook her head at him as Faith and Fiona laughed at their antics.

"We'll eat quickly," Quinn said, "I want to make the most of the morning."

"Sounds like a plan," Fiona said, grinning. "We'll meet you two lovebirds there."

Quinn could hear the women laughing as they drove away. "Nathan, I can't believe you said that!" she admonished him.

"It was a perfectly innocent comment," he said, kissing her red cheek, "I can't help it if you gave the secret away."

Walking inside, she looked at him over her shoulder and said, "there was nothing innocent about that comment, and you know it." When she heard him laugh, she turned, so he had to stop. Putting her hands on his chest, she stood on tiptoes to whisper in his ear, "you will pay for it later." It was her turn to laugh as she heard him groan when he reached to pull her closer, but she sprang away from him.

Walking away, she winked, "we don't want to be late to the Cafe, considering you're starving. You finish getting dressed, and I will help Allie."

The women had a fabulous time shopping; Quinn couldn't remember the last time she had enjoyed shopping so much for things that weren't for her. The joy on their faces as they selected the small finishing touches for their big day made her smile. Rosemary, of course, was making their dresses, including the one for Quinn as Maid of Honour and an adorable flower girl dress for Lily. She had made a bow tie for Jack, matching Lily's dress as he was the page boy. They would look so cute walking down the aisle together.

"I think that's everything on the list," Fiona said happily. "I can rest easy tonight knowing Faith won't be waking me up at dawn panicking again."

"It wasn't dawn; the sun was well and truly up," Faith teased. "We did get it all done in record time. Is there other shopping you want to do?" she asked Quinn and Fiona.

"I always want to do other shopping," Fiona said. "I bet you could, too, Quinn."

"Always; the twins are growing so fast, and Allie would love something new, and I am sure I can find something to buy for Nathan." Quinn was pleased to take advantage of the time without Nathan to spend money on her family. He was still a little uncomfortable when she spent money on him. After they married, she transferred all her money into a joint account, but Nathan never touched 'her' money. She was hoping with time, he would, but she wasn't going to hold her breath.

Allie sat on the floor playing with the twins as Isobel placed the last of the children's books on the shelf. They had given up trying to put the blocks away; they were a favourite with the twins and were keeping them occupied. It still amazed Allie that the twins were crawling; it seemed like it had happened overnight. Now the two of them were so quick you had to be careful what you left within their reach. It was a lot harder babysitting them now they could get around; she didn't know how Quinn did it all day, or Isobel, for that matter. When the infant's school opened, she would look after many children, all walking or crawling.

"Yoo Hoo!"

Allie heard Rosemary call out before she and Lily came inside. Lily made a beeline for her and the twins, and she smiled as the little girl threw her arms around her.

"Someone is happy to see you, Allie," Rosemary laughed. "Oh, and you too, Isobel!" she said as Lily ran from Allie, leaping into the other woman's arms. "Having you here has made it so easy for me, knowing she is so happy to be here I won't worry when I am at work." Rosemary's return to work part-time had been made possible by Isobel; she couldn't have left Lily with just anyone. The infant's school was right in Town, so she could be there almost instantly if needed.

"You look comfortable there amongst the toys, Allie. Are you sure you haven't changed your mind about being a Lawyer? You could always work here helping Isobel." Rosemary teased.

"Oh no, I am going to be a lawyer. I can't wait to finish at the Hope Valley School."

"I am not if I should be offended by that comment," Elizabeth Bouchard said, standing in the doorway with her son Jack.

"I'm sorry, Mrs Th...Mrs Bouchard," Allie said, forgetting to use her Teacher's new surname. "It's nothing personal; I'm just eager to start my study and career as a Lawyer."

"It's understandable, Allie, and it won't be long now," Elizabeth said, smiling at the Teenager. Allie had grown so much since coming to Hope Valley. Elizabeth was grateful Allie had forgiven her for the way she mistreated her Father, it had taken some time, but they had moved on. Nathan and Quinn finding each other and being so blissfully happy had helped. Allie knew they were perfect for each other, unlike Elizabeth and Nathan. Elizabeth wasn't concerned Allie had forgotten her new surname; most of the Town was still getting used to it.

Elizabeth Thornton had left Hope Valley, and Elizabeth Bouchard had returned. Elizabeth and Jack had gone to visit her family, and Lucas had followed when he realised how much he missed them. They had decided to marry while in Hamilton; so, her family could be there this time, not just her Father. While she regretted not having their Hope Valley friends in attendance, to make up for it, they had a reception in Town when they returned so everyone could celebrate with them.

Allie sighed deeply, "let's hope it goes by fast."

"You shouldn't wish your life away, Allie. There's time enough to be an adult." Rosemary said kindly. "I daresay your parents aren't looking forward to you leaving to study."

Allie grinned, "my Dad pretends he can't hear me whenever I bring it up."

"I'll bet," Isobel said, laughing with the others. "It won't be the same for them when you go."

"I'll miss them too, and the twins, but there isn't a College close enough where I can study while living at home." Allie didn't want to leave her family either but at least if she went away, she wouldn't have to watch Robert and Anna courting anymore.

When Robert decided he only wanted to be friends, she thought her heart would break. Then, when she saw him and Anna together, it made it worse; it was like each time was the first time all over again. She certainly wasn't going to miss that. She talked to Quinn about how she was feeling, so pleased that she had her to discuss these things with, but it hadn't helped. Quinn had tried to tell her this would pass, that her feelings would change over time and to expect to 'like, like' someone other than Robert; she wasn't sure that would ever be true.

Her father, when he could bring himself to talk to her about boys, assured her she would survive, despite how much it was hurting right now. She knew he understood, he had been through something similar with Mrs Bouchard, although she suspected his feelings for her Teacher, and hers for Robert were quite different. Quinn was probably right, she was too young to feel this way, and until she had given herself a chance to explore the world outside of Hope Valley, she shouldn't set her heart on the one eligible boy in Town.

Allie sighed deeply, there was nothing she could do about her heartache, and she couldn't avoid Robert and Anna forever. She could keep herself busy elsewhere she supposed. Maybe Ms Madison would let her work for her after school and during Summer until it was time to go away and study. Allie wanted to learn more about the law, she was confident she was smart enough to study law, and that she would pass the entrance exams but the more she could learn the better. She had always worried about whether they would be able to afford to go away to College, but Quinn assured her there was no need to worry now. Even if Quinn could afford to pay, Allie wanted to pull her weight.

"Allie, why don't you take a break," Isobel suggested, "I can watch the twins for you a little while."

"Are you sure?" Allie asked hopefully, it was perfect timing to go and see Sam."

"Go, it will be fine."

Allie said goodbye to the adults and kissed the twins goodbye before rushing out. She hoped Sam would like her suggestion.

"Oh, Allie. Ordinarily, I wouldn't hesitate, but I have already agreed to allow Cody Stanton to work with me this summer. Abigail reached out last week. Cody is spending the summer in Hope Valley and because he is already studying Law it seemed the perfect solution. I didn't know you were interested in working with me Allie." Sam felt awful as she watched the young girl's face drop.

Abigail hadn't met Cody but had heard a great deal about him and his mother Abigail. When they lived in Hope Valley, he was Robert's best friend even though he was a little younger than him. Robert talked about him all the time, and they two kept in contact via letters and the occasional telephone call.

"I understand, Sam. It was just an idea. Is Mrs Stanton coming back for the Summer?" Allie was very curious about the woman who had started the Town's café. Everyone spoke fondly about her, and Allie thought she sounded amazing. Sam had told Allie about the case Abigail had brought against the Mining Company when their safety shortcuts had killed many of the men working in the Mine, plus she had been Mayor and brought the Railway to Hope Valley.

"I'm not sure Allie, but I do know Cody is arriving on his own." Sam still felt awful telling Allie, no, and she could tell she was disappointed and trying to hide it. "What about Bill?" Sam exclaimed. "Or Judge Lachlan? If you worked with him, you would get to examine Prosecution and Defence lawyers at work."

Allie smiled, eyes lighting up, that was a great idea and one she hadn't thought of. If Judge Lachlan agreed that would be perfect.

"That's a great suggestion, I will go and see him now." Allie bid Sam a hasty goodbye and left in search of Judge Lachlan, excited once again for the opportunity.

Rushing out of Sam's office she almost collided with Robert, who was walking down the boardwalk outside.

"Where's the fire, Allie?" he asked jovially, smiling as she regained her balance.

"I just have somewhere I need to be," Allie explained hastily, wanting to get away from Robert. She knew he had no idea of her feelings for him, and he often looked confused when she was reluctant to spend time with him, Anna and their other friends.

"I just wanted to let you know my friend Cody is coming to spend Summer in Hope Valley. I can't wait to see him!" Robert exclaimed happiness evident on his face.

"I heard, he is going to be working for Sam Madison, right," Allie commented as she stepped around him, checking the road to make sure it was safe to cross.

"How did you find this out already?" Robert asked, he thought he was the only one who knew.

"I have my ways," she said cryptically. "I have to go, Robert, see you around."

"Do you want to catch up with me and Anna later, we haven't seen you for ages?"

Allie swallowed and tried to keep her tone even when she replied, "Thanks, but I have plans," she replied and walked away, forcing herself not to look back. She really hoped Judge Lachlan would be happy for her to work with him, she really needed a distraction.