The sun shone into the bedroom windows and spread warmth across the bed Quinn shared with Nathan. Quinn yawned as she woke slowly, glad to have a few moments to relax before her day began. She looked at her husband and saw he was still sleeping. Quinn smiled at the lock of dark hair falling across his forehead, knowing he would swipe it back if he were awake.

She snuggled into Nathan's side, relishing the feeling of his strong, warm body next to hers. Quinn let the sound of his deep, even breathing soothe her as she thought about the upcoming day.

It was Saturday, which always made her happy as she got to spend the whole day with her husband. This Saturday, there was even more reason to smile; there was a double wedding to celebrate. Today there wouldn't be the usual morning rush to get the Twins dressed, Allie to School, and Nathan to work, but Quinn would need to hurry to help Faith and Fiona prepare for their big day.

Nathan and Lee had agreed to help Isobel round up the Grant and Coulter children while the woman got dressed in Rosemary's row house. Lily Coulter was the flower girl, and Isobel would bring her over closer to the ceremony, so she didn't have too long to wait after getting ready. Quinn was the Matron of Honour, and Allie was a Bridesmaid and would walk down the aisle with Lily. Jack Thornton was the ring bearer, but Elizabeth had decided to get him ready at home and meet them at the Church.

Quinn let her thoughts drift to Allie, her lips curving into a smile. Her stepdaughter had grown up so much in the last few months, and while her Father didn't want to admit it, she was a beautiful young woman now. Allie was a beautiful, determined young woman who knew what she wanted from life and worked hard to get it. Quinn's only concern for Allie was being distracted from her goals by a new romance.

Allie had spent months believing she 'like-liked' Robert Wolfe, only to have her heart broken when he had chosen to court her friend Anna. While Allie pined for Robert, she studied tirelessly to avoid being around the couple. A positive outcome of her broken heart was her exceptional grades; they would be more than good enough to get into Law School.

Allie had been so excited to finish school, and between working with Judge Lachlan and preparing for the university entrance exam had been very busy. Too busy to spend time with Robert and Anna, although she seemed to find time for Cody Stanton. Allie had insisted they were just friends and didn't spend time together other than when their paths crossed at work, but Quinn wasn't so sure. She had seen them together, and anyone who did couldn't fail to see the attraction between the two young people.

Quinn liked Cody Stanton; he was a wonderful young man. He was precisely the type of man Quinn hoped Allie would fall in love with one day, just not yet. She had so much of life to experience before settling down. Quinn knew she would have to talk to Allie about Cody, but not today; while they remained just friends, there was no hurry. Today she would relax and enjoy the wedding of her two closest friends.

"Why the smile?" Nathan asked, his voice husky from sleep.

Quinn didn't answer immediately, distracted by Nathan's stretching his arms above his head. One of Quinn's favourite things was watching her husband when he wasn't aware of it. He was so graceful when riding Newton, striding around Town, chopping wood, anything really! Even stretching, it seemed.

"You, Nathan," Quinn said. "Waking up with you beside me makes me smile."

Nathan returned her smile and gave her a wink; she made him smile too.

"Are you ready for today?" Nathan queried as he rolled toward her, wrapped an arm around her waist, and gently pulled her toward him. He knew Quinn was excited for Faith and Fiona and had spent as much time as she could helping them organise everything.

"I think so," Quinn said, nodding. "Wait until you see Allie today. She looks so beautiful in her dress."

"I don't want to think about it," Nathan sighed. "I don't need any reminders of how grown up she is; I wish she were four years old again."

"Me too, it's difficult, isn't it? One part of me can't wait for Avery and Sam to grow up so we see what amazing people they become, but I don't want to wish their lives away either." Quinn glanced at him, "I can't imagine how different our lives will be when Allie isn't with us every day."

"Me either; maybe she will change her mind."

"I don't think so, Nathan," Quinn replied, her tone light. She knew he didn't believe she would either.

"Let me hope for a little longer," Nathan murmured as he nuzzled her neck. "It would help if I had something else to focus on," he suggested hopefully.

Quinn grinned, knowing exactly what her husband had in mind. "I think I can help with that," she said as she turned to face him and ran her hands across his bare chest.

Allie woke but didn't immediately jump out of bed; she could hear her parents and the twins in the kitchen. She smiled as she heard Quinn speaking to the twins. It sounded like she was trying to feed Avery and Sam, who were more interested in whatever her Father was doing.

Allie knew she should go out and help, and she would; she needed just a few more minutes to herself. Today was going to be fantastic, she thought; she couldn't wait to see two of her favourite people marry. Since starting work with Judge Lachlan, he had become one of her favourite people. Three, she thought, she had forgotten about Fiona. Allie liked Adam, too, but had spent less time around him than the others, so she didn't know him as well.

Judge Lachlan had taught her so much about the law, but more importantly, he showed her how to apply the law with compassion and integrity. Allie was glad Cody Stanton had come to Town to work with Sam Madison. Otherwise, she wouldn't have had the opportunity to work for the Judge.

Cody Stanton, Allie repeated to herself and felt her cheeks redden. It always happened when she thought of Cody.

Cody Stanton's arrival in Town had sent Allie into a spin. She thought he was incredibly handsome the first time she saw him, and as Allie got to know him, she realised he was nice too. She enjoyed talking to him and knew she was going out of her way to see him, finding excuses to deliver letters and documents between the Judge's office and Sam's. She looked for him if she and her family ate at the Cafe, hoping he would come down to eat. She had enjoyed when he and Mrs Stanton visited them, spending the day showing Cody around the house and stables, talking about everything and nothing. Her feelings for him confused her.

How could she react so strongly to him if she liked Robert? Was she attracted to him because they had so much in common, or was it more? Did she still like-like Robert? She had spent so much time avoiding Robert and Anna that she didn't know how she felt anymore.

Allie hadn't told anyone, but Cody Stanton had asked if he could escort her to the reception following the wedding. Butterflies swarmed in her stomach as she thought about his request. She hadn't mentioned it to her parents yet, but she knew she would have to tell them, and soon.

"Allie, may I escort you to the reception after the wedding on Saturday?" Cody had asked her quietly as he followed her out of Sam's office. Allie had been there to deliver an envelope from Judge Lachlan and had, as usual, spent some time talking with Cody.

"Why?" she had blurted out, instantly regretting her question. She felt her cheeks grow hot from embarrassment at her response and because her voice had come out high and squeaky.

"Why?" he said, smiling at her. "I thought you would know why, I..." It was Cody's turn to blush as he stammered, "If you don't want to, it's fine."

"I want to," she said quickly, smiling broadly. Allie's mind was racing, and she was desperate to understand what his invitation meant. Was this a date? Was he asking her as her friend? "I don't think I need an escort, though, I'm part of the wedding," she said.

"I would still like to escort you," Cody said; his smile had returned when she agreed to accompany him.

So, it was a date, she thought, remaining calm on the outside while trying to hide how excited she was.

Allie remembered standing there with Cody, wondering what he would say next, but he hadn't said anything. She realised anyone could see them; standing on the boardwalk, facing each other, saying nothing with huge smiles on their faces. If anyone were watching them, they would look silly.

To break the silence, she had said, "I better get back to work," and he had nodded.

Allie was walking away when she heard him call out to her, "I can't wait for Saturday!" She bit back a smile before turning and waving at him. The smile on her face had stayed there all afternoon. Since that day, she had spent far too much time fantasising about Saturday night.

She thought about what it would be like when she saw him later. She would walk down the aisle with Lily while he sat with his Mother and the others attending the wedding. The dress Rosemary had created for her was stunning, and she felt beautiful when she tried it on. Allie knew it would look even better when Rosemary did her hair and makeup. Light makeup, she corrected herself; that was all Quinn had agreed to let her wear, but she didn't care; some was better than nothing.

"It's about time you woke up, sleepy head," Nathan said as he watched Allie walk into the kitchen.

"Morning to you too, Dad," she said with a smile. She leaned down and kissed his cheek as she passed his seat, repeating the kiss for Quinn and the twins. The twins got an extra tickle on their stomachs, causing an uproar as they giggled and tried to squirm away from her.

"It's official. I am never going to keep their attention this morning," Quinn sighed. "Everything is more interesting than breakfast."

"They won't starve, Quinn," Nathan said as he observed his children.

"I know, but I like to know they have eaten and eaten something healthy. I know you will give in and feed them a cake or some other sweets at the Cafe."

"Guilty," he replied, not feeling guilty at all. "Here, let me hold Avery while you try, Sam."

Allie stood watching the familiar scene and blinked back, the tears suddenly burning in her eyes. Allie felt so safe and protected in the cocoon of her family's love. She would miss this; she would miss them.

"Are you okay?" Nathan asked his daughter.

"I'm fine, Dad, just thinking how much they have grown. I am going to miss watching them grow up."

"Well, you could stay here."

"Nathan!" Quinn exclaimed

"Dad!"

"I'm kidding," Nathan said, laughing and holding his hands up in defeat. "If you decide you really do want to move away and study law, I suppose we could write and visit."

Allie rolled her eyes at her Father and smiled; she knew he didn't want her to go away for school. She also knew he was her biggest supporter and would do anything to help her make it happen.

"We have about an hour before we need to leave, Allie. There is breakfast in the oven for you, keeping warm." Quinn said. She watched as Allie got her food and settled at the table. She shook her head as Avery and Sam reached out to Allie's plate, wanting to eat whatever she was having. Of course, they were hungry now their big sister was eating too.

Nathan stopped the car outside Rosemary and Lee's row house, dropping Quinn and Allie off. Letting the car idle, he jumped out and opened the door for his wife and daughter. Allie climbed out before turning around to say goodbye to her brother and sister. Nathan took the opportunity to kiss his wife.

"I'm going to miss you, Nathan," Quinn said when they broke apart. "Can you believe that when it will only be a few hours?"

"I can," Nathan said, kissing her forehead. "A wedding always makes me sentimental," Nathan said. "I can't wait to see you both later," he said, smiling at Allie. "Try not to look too grown up, Allie."

"Daaaad," she groaned as he laughed at her.

"I think you better get going, Nathan," Quinn said, laughing. "Allie is going to look beautiful and very grown up."

"Good Morning Constable Grant, Mrs Grant. Allie"

Quinn turned around to find Abigail and Cody Stanton standing behind them. She hadn't heard them approaching. A quick glance at Allie's face told her she hadn't them either but was delighted they were there.

They exchanged greetings and Cody hurried inside to deliver the items he was carrying for Abigail. Hearing Cody intended to head back to Town, Nathan offered him a lift and Cody accepted it, although Nathan wondered if he was pleased to do so, there was a strange look on the young man's face.

Cody said goodbye to Abigail and Quinn before saying goodbye to Allie.

"See you at the wedding, Allie," he said as he walked past her, smiling as he spoke.

Quinn watched Allie say goodbye, blushing. There was something else in their goodbye, she thought. It was like they were sharing an inside joke or a secret. A secret she was going to talk to Allie about sooner rather than later.

As Nathan and Cody drove into Town, Nathan sensed Cody was building the courage to say something to him. He wondered what he would have to talk to him about. Jack Thornton, maybe? He had heard many stories about Jack and the children of Hope Valley; they had adored him, especially Cody.

"Constable Grant?" Cody began, then stopped. He didn't know where to start. "Sorry, Constable Grant. I was wondering if I could talk to you about something."

"Of course, son. Are you all right?" Nathan asked. He could tell the boy was agitated but didn't know if he was scared or nervous.

"It's about Allie, Constable Grant."

Nathan's head snapped toward Cody, and he saw the young man staring at him, eyes wide, cheeks red.

"Allie?" Nathan asked, turning his eyes back to the road.

"I asked Allie if I could escort her to the wedding reception this evening," Cody explained after clearing his throat. "She said yes, and I just thought it was the right thing to do to talk to you about it."

Nathan respected Cody for speaking to him about this; it couldn't have been easy. His first thought was to tell Cody to say he had changed his mind or couldn't make it or that the invitation was just between friends. Even as he thought it, he knew he wouldn't say it, he realised how unfair that would be to Allie. And to Cody.

Cody had grown into a remarkable young man. From what he heard, he worked hard for Sam Madison and was a diligent student. Cody was respectful and kind, which wasn't surprising to anyone; he took after his Mother. If he had to choose the type of man he wanted Allie to end up with, Cody would be perfect. Just not yet.

"Are you asking me for my permission, Cody? If you are, it's a little late." Nathan kept his voice even when he responded, wanting Cody to feel comfortable to open up to him.

"I apologise, Constable Grant. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision when I asked Allie if I could escort her, but I had been waiting for the right moment and when it came..." Cody shrugged as his words trailed off. "I suppose today; I am asking your permission to keep seeing, Allie. If that's what she wants."

"You're both very young, Cody," Nathan replied. "Allie has only just finished school, and she has ambitions to be a Lawyer, as you do. I don't want her to miss out on her dreams or an opportunity to experience life because she rushed into a relationship."

"I don't want that either. I love Allie's ambition and drive. I admire her determination and dedication to achieve whatever she sets her mind to. I would never want to take that away from her."

"So, what are you proposing, the two of you court long distance?" Nathan queried, wondering how that would work for Allie.

"Depending on where Allie goes to school." Cody paused before continuing, "I don't think she has told anyone yet, but my Mother has decided to stay in Hope Valley. I will be returning to school alone and living on campus." He turned in his seat to face Nathan more fully, "Allie hopes to be accepted into the same school as I attend, not because of me, but because Stanford is where Ms Madison graduated from, and she has told her all about it."

Nathan knew Allie had her heart set on attending Stanford. He already had reservations about his daughter going away for school; the addition of Cody attending that school was a complication he didn't want or need.

"Cody, please allow me some time to process this. I want to talk to Allie and my wife."

"Of course, sir; sorry, Constable Grant." Cody was relieved the conversation was over; it was the hardest one he had ever had. He'd hoped Constable Grant would say yes immediately but understood his concerns. He had thought about all the same things, which was why he had waited so long to ask Allie on a date.

"Is it all right for me to escort Allie tonight? I don't want to back out of our plans."

"It's fine, Cody, and I promise to talk to Allie and Quinn as soon as possible. I won't leave you wondering too long."

"Thank you, Constable Grant," Cody said, turning in his seat, facing out of the window, pleased to see the Town in front of them.

It should be a mad house here, Quinn thought, but somehow it wasn't. She sat at the kitchen table, out of the way of the procession of people up and down the stairs. Thankfully, Rosemary and Allie were masters of organisation and managed to get both brides into the dresses, hair and makeup finished while also organising Quinn and themselves.

Quinn heard footsteps on the stairs and saw Allie coming down. She looked beautiful. Her hair had been pulled back from her face and styled in a low loose bun at the nape of her neck. A few tendrils of hair had been curled, framing her face. Rosemary applied a small amount of makeup, accentuating Allie's natural beauty without her looking overdone. Allie was beautiful and looked very grown up; Quinn couldn't wait to see Nathan's reaction.

She stood as Allie walked toward her and held out her hands. Allie took her hands and squeezed.

"You look stunning, Allie," Quinn said with a smile. Allie's dress was a replica of her own, a simple sheath of rose gold satin covered with lace of the same colour. The dress draped from the shoulders and was fitted at the hip line before falling in a handkerchief hemline, stopping mid-shin. Lily had a dress made of the same rose gold satin but styled more suited to her age.

"So do you," Allie replied. Allie stared at Quinn, admiring the way she looked in the dress they were both wearing. She loved how they matched from their hair to their satin-covered pumps. They each had a bouquet to carry down the aisle. The flowers were Faith's favourite, Dahlia's; with Fiona's selection of Peony and blush pink roses, Lily would carry a basket of similar flowers. They had decided she was too little to throw petals down the aisle.

Isobel knocked on the Coulter's door before walking inside with Lily, and after greeting Allie and Quinn, gushing over how wonderful they looked, she headed upstairs to dress Lily. Quinn and Allie sat at the table, and Quinn decided it was the perfect time to talk to Allie about Cody Stanton but wondered how to begin?"

"Cody Stanton asked if he could escort me to the reception. As kind of a date," Allie said quickly.

"Oh," Quinn replied, "I wondered if you were more than friends?"

"We are friends, but it's more than that. I like him."

"What about Robert? I thought he was the one you liked?"

"He was, but it's different with Cody. I can talk to him, really talk to him. I never really did that with Robert. I know he chose Anna, and I was jealous, but I don't feel that when I think of him now. Does that make me a bad person?"

"Of course not, Allie. You had a crush on Robert; these things don't always last." Quinn frowned, concerned she had missed something, "I thought you and Cody didn't see each other socially?"

"We don't. We talk when we are at work. Sometimes Cody comes to collect papers or drop some off. I do the same with Ms Madison." Allie was blushing again, "I sometimes made excuses to call in, and I think he did too."

"I see," Quinn said. She suspected Joshua and Sam knew about the budding romance and played along. "I know you hate to hear this, but Allie, you are so young; you have your whole life ahead of you."

"It's one date," Allie exclaimed.

Quinn didn't say a word; she just raised an eyebrow and waited.

"Fine, I'm hoping it could be more than that, but he hasn't said anything about courting." Allie knew her parents were worried about her and her relationship; they had worried about Robert too. Cody wasn't like Robert; he encouraged her in her studies and talked to her about his subjects and what studying to be a lawyer was like. He would never do anything to stop her from achieving her dreams.

"Why don't you see how this date goes? Take it slowly, Allie. There's time for you and Cody, so it doesn't have to be decided right now." Quinn grinned and said, "You must talk to your Father about this too."

Allie groaned and dropped her head into her hands.

"And before you ask, no. I'm not going to do it for you," Quinn said, laughing, knowing precisely what Allie had planned to say next. She would talk to Nathan, though; she wouldn't keep something like this from him.