"Allie! Allie!"

Allie opened her eyes, smiling at the sound of her sibling's voices as they raced down the hallway toward her bedroom. Quinn had warned her they woke early and would want to wake her up. Allie had told her to let them; she missed them so much and wanted to spend every moment with them.

It had been late when Cody had dropped her home the night before, and they had been on their way to bed. Allie had tried not to excite them, but it was a losing battle. Glancing at the clock, Allie realised they had still woken early despite skipping their usual bedtime.

Her bedroom door crashed open, and three little bodies launched themselves onto the bed, a tangle of arms and legs. Allie was glad Harry had joined Sam and Avery in waking her up. Harry had been a little cautious of her when she arrived the night before, and it hurt her heart they didn't have the closeness she had with the other two. She had already decided to spend some time with him, just the two of them if he was willing, trying to build the same bond.

Untangling herself from the blankets to tickle each child, she heard Quinn and her father laughing from the doorway.

"Are either one of you going to rescue me?"

"You look like you're holding your own."

"Dad! It's three against one. I don't think I can hold out forever." Allie scooped Harry up, lifting the little boy over her head before gently tossing him onto the bed. Allie was rewarded with high-pitched giggles from Harry and demands of "me too" and "me next" from her other siblings.

Nathan shook his head at his children's antics, his heart full at seeing them together. After this trip, he wondered how many more times, if ever, it would be this way. The next time Allie came home, she would be married to Cody, and it would be different, even if he didn't want it to be.

Nathan looked down as he heard Quinn sigh softly. Wrapping his arms around his wife's waist, he drew her to him so her back rested on his chest. He rested his chin on her hair, inhaling the familiar and much-loved fragrance.

"I love it when they are all home. I wish we could freeze this moment."

"Me too," Nathan murmured. "Although Allie might object, she is kind of looking forward to the wedding on Saturday."

"Kind of?"

Nathan grinned at Quinn, "Okay, maybe more than, kind of."

"While I wish it could stay this way forever, I admit I am more than 'kind of' looking forward to the wedding, too. I want Allie to be happy, and I know Cody makes her happy". Quinn squeezed Nathan's forearm, where it rested on her waist, "This is the start of a wonderful life for the two of them."

"Am I allowed to be a little sad?" Nathan asked softly, not wanting Allie to hear him, pleased their children's laughter helped cover their voices.

"Of course, but only a little. If you're sad, I'm sad, and I don't want anything to spoil the celebration." Quinn tilted her head back, resting it on Nathan's chest. "I want their day to be as perfect as ours."

"No wedding could be as perfect as ours!" Nathan teased. "I just hope they are as happy as us; that's all I want for our girl."

When Allie finally crawled out of bed and followed the twins and Harry down the hallway, she smiled. She missed her family so much when she was away and was pleased to have a week with them. Quinn had made sure Nathan had taken some time away from work, and between Bill and Gabe, who had arrived early for the wedding, they would cover his Mountie duties. Allie knew there was still a lot to do for the wedding, but she also looked forward to spending time with her family and friends.

The one visit she wasn't looking forward to was with Mrs Coulter. Mrs Coulter had reached out to Allie about her wedding dress, and Allie had avoided giving her a straight answer. When Allie finally admitted someone else had made the dress for her, she was flooded with guilt as she heard the disappointment in her response. Now she was home in Hope Valley; she couldn't avoid Mrs Coulter and wondered what she could do to apologise to her. Mrs Coulter had been kind to her; of course, she had, only requesting Allie bring the dress to her so Rosemary could make any alterations.

Allie, Quinn, and Avery were scheduled to see Mrs Coulter for their final fitting later that day. Allie looked forward to seeing her stepmother's and Avery's dresses but felt sick at facing Mrs Coulter. She remembered Quinn's confusion when she explained she had the dress made and knew she hadn't believed Allie's excuse of being too excited to wait. Allie debated whether to tell them why the dress was ready but wasn't sure she could take Quinn and her father being disappointed in her, too.

"Come in, come in, welcome home," Rosemary said brightly, her smile wide and welcoming. "Lily is outside with Lee, and Peter is upstairs sleeping."

Rosemary stepped back, allowing Quinn and Avery to walk inside, followed by Allie carrying the box containing her dress.

Quinn smiled at Rosemary as she passed by, handing her a basket of savoury muffins. "I come bearing gifts," she exclaimed, putting them on the table. "I have told Avery she can have one after she finishes trying on her dress."

"Well, let's get started. You first, Allie," Rosemary said, hurrying her into the room off the kitchen where she had set up her sewing. "We'll be out shortly."

Allie pulled the dress down over her head, smoothing the ivory satin over her hips, pleased the dress wasn't too creased. Looking at Rosemary, she held her breath, waiting for her comments.

"Oh, Allie, sweetheart, you're breathtaking," Rosemary whispered, her eyes full of joy. "That dress is perfect on you." Rosemary studied the dress she designed. "Whoever sewed this, Allie knew what they were doing. I'm not sure I could have done better."

"I'm sorry I didn't wait for you, Mrs Coulter." Allie bit her lip, waiting for her response.

"It's fine, Allie. I understand why you were excited about bringing the dress to life."

"It wasn't that" Allie admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Cody and I were going to elope."

Rosemary's mouth dropped open, and momentarily, she was speechless! "Well, I don't blame you for considering it. Waiting is hard." Rosemary said as she gave her a one-armed hug. "The main thing is, you didn't, and we all get to share your special day."

"I was so worried you would be upset. I'm sure my parents will be."

"What changed your mind."

"I couldn't do it without my family, without everyone in Hope Valley." Allie shrugged, "the thought of my dad's face when he realised, he didn't get to walk me down the aisle stopped me. I couldn't break his heart, or Quinn's or Avery's, when she didn't get to be a bridesmaid."

"Not that I would encourage you to be deceitful...but do you need to tell them?" Rosemary asked. "What do you gain by it?"

Allie shook her head and tilted her head to the side, contemplating Rosemary's words. "I won't gain anything, but ...I hate hiding anything from my parents."

"I'm sure you don't share everything with your parents," Rosemary teased as Allie's cheeks reddened. "This is one of those things you keep to yourself, for now at least. Now let's go and show Quinn your dress."

Quinn watched as Allie walked toward her in her wedding dress. Allie was glowing as she stood, smiling shyly while waiting for her reaction to her dress. Quinn was happy that Allie's fear of upsetting Rosemary had come to nothing. Rosemary smiled as she fussed with the hem of the dress.

"Oh, Allie. Sweetheart, you look absolutely amazing. Rosemary, the dress is perfection!" Quinn stared at her, tears welling, "I cannot wait until your father sees you in this dress." Wiping her eyes, she almost missed the glance between the two women. Quinn was curious at the look she saw the two women exchange, but Avery squealed at the sight of Allie in her wedding dress, breaking the moment.

"You next, Miss Avery!" Rosemary swept Avery up into her arms, tickling her stomach as she lifted her onto a chair. Rosemary quickly changed Avery into her flower girl dress as Allie re-dressed into her everyday clothes.

Quinn smiled at Avery in her pretty dress, her little hands carefully stroking the soft tulle of the skirt.

"Do you like your dress, Avery?" Quinn asked, pleased when her daughter nodded vigorously, her honey blonde curls so like Quinn's bouncing up and down. "You look beautiful in it."

"Yes, you do," Rosemary confirmed. "You all look gorgeous; I cannot wait until Cody and Nathan see the three of you. The whole wedding will be stunning, this dusky pink colour, the flowers you selected. Stunning!"

Quinn glanced at Allie as they drove the short trip home from the Coulter's. She was pleased Rosemary had 'approved' of Allie's dress. Quinn still wasn't sure why Allie had someone else make it, but at least the woman had done a fine job. Allie was going to be a beautiful bride, and she would do anything to make sure the day was everything Allie hoped for.

Quinn thought of Nathan and Cody, Sam, and Harry; they had their suit fitting the next day. Quinn was going with them despite not allowing Nathan to accompany her to the dress fitting, she wanted Nathan to see Allie in her dress for the first time when she was completely ready. The men were all wearing dark navy suits with cream vests to complement Allie and her bridesmaids. Quinn and Nathan were wearing the same colour combination at Allie's insistence, Abigail, too. Allie and Cody wanted them to feel part of the wedding party, not just be there as parents.

The week before the wedding sped by in a flurry of activity which included visits with old friends and finalising wedding plans. Quinn wished she could slow down time, so they had more time to spend with Allie, her, and Cody as a family. Unfortunately, she couldn't stop the minutes and hours ticking by, couldn't stop the days marching on, and before she knew it, they were waking on the day of Allie's wedding.

Quinn lay beside Nathan, a smile on her face as she anticipated what the day would bring. The sun shone through the window, warming her legs as she snuggled against her husband, and she was pleased the weather would be wonderful for Allie and Cody's big day.

The Hope Valley Church had looked beautiful when they finished the decorating. The dusky rose, and cream tulle creations on the end of each row were stunning, complementing the flowers of the same colour arranged throughout the room. Allie and Cody had decorated it with the help of Cody and Abigail, and the rest of the bridal party. It had been a wonderful evening and the perfect lead into the wedding day.

All the celebrations leading up to the wedding had been joyous occasions. Allie and Cody hadn't wanted showers or bachelor parties, deciding on hosting a joint picnic with their friends at the Grant's home. Many of their friends' parents joined Nathan, Quinn, and Abigail to celebrate the young couple, which became an impromptu community celebration.

During the celebration, the women had stolen Allie away for a few minutes, wanting to share their gifts with her. Abigail presented her with hand-made linens that she had made for them for her something new. Rosemary gave Allie white nightgowns embroidered with small cornflour blue flowers as her something blue. Florence loaned Allie a small ivory clutch handbag to carry down the aisle as her something borrowed. Inside the bag were photographs of Allie and Cody with their families and at other significant moments in their lives. Florence and Ned also gifted her an Album to place the pictures in after the wedding, starting 'their' family album. Elizabeth had presented Allie with a journal, encouraging her to keep writing her poetry and as a place to process her thoughts and feelings.

Quinn gifted Allie with her something old. When disposing of her Father's home after his death, Quinn kept only those personal items with significance. Quinn had looked through her mother's jewellery, wishing she had more memories of her, praying she got to create memories with her children. Quinn selected a pair of drop earrings with rose quartz inside a silver filigree setting for Allie. They were perfect for her and suited her wedding theme. Quinn could picture Allie wearing the earrings on many special occasions over her life and handing them down to her daughter or daughter-in-law. Quinn liked the idea of something that had belonged to her mother remaining in her children's lives.

Quinn smiled as she remembered Allie's reaction to her gift. At first, she thought Allie hadn't liked the earrings; she had thanked her, of course, but had then been very quiet. While Nathan checked on the animals, Quinn and Allie put the younger children to bed and sat together, drinking a cup of tea.

"Quinn," Allie had begun, her voice tentative, eyes wet with tears. "Thank you for your gift today; they are beautiful."

"I'm so glad you like them; they look lovely on you."

"They were your mothers, weren't they? Thank you for sharing them with me. I know..."

"Allie, please don't say it. You are my daughter." Quinn took Allie's hand in hers, gently squeezing it, understanding her worried expression. "While you may not have been my firstborn, you were the first child of my heart, and nothing could ever change that."

Allie hugged Quinn and whispered, "I love you, Quinn."

By the time Nathan had returned and joined them for tea, Allie's tears had dried, and they sat close together, discussing the picnic from earlier that day.

Nathan woke slowly, enjoying the feel of Quinn pressed against him. He knew they all had a million things to do that day, but the opportunity to lie in bed with his wife was rare, and besides, it was one of his favourite things to do.

"Good morning," Nathan whispered, grinning as his breath in her ear caused her to shudder. Reaching up, he pulled her hair away from her neck, his fingers stroking lightly across her skin.

"Good morning. How did you sleep?"

"Good. Have I mentioned this is my favourite way to start the day?" Nathan nuzzled her neck, happy when she laughed at his silliness.

"Mine too. If only our children agreed with us and let us lie in."

Nathan paused, as did Quinn, listening for the sounds of their children, wondering how long they had before their children demanded their attention.

"Where do you think they are? It's a little too quiet."

"They know it's a big day today and have decided to sleep in," Nathan said, his voice hopeful as he answered his wife's question.

Nathan grinned when Quinn snorted before turning to face him.

"It is a big day, though."

Nathan felt a slight twinge in his heart and pushed it away. He would not allow any negativity to dampen the day. He was happy Allie was marrying Cody; he was - it was the change that would bring that he was trying not to think about.

"It is a big day, and I am ready for it." Nathan kissed the tip of her nose, "I am. I can't wait to see Allie in her dress. I want Allie to start her life with Cody."

"You're not just pretending to be okay?"

"No, I really am. I am excited for Allie; happy she found a man like Cody and excited for her to start this new phase of her life. I will gladly walk her down the aisle of the Hope Valley Church and watch them commit to spending the rest of their lives together."

"You know if you need me, I will be here. Always."

"I know, and that's why I can do this, with you by my side." Nathan placed a soft kiss on her lips, "I love you," he whispered before kissing her again. Her skin was warm beneath his hands as he ran his hand lightly down her hip.

"Nathan..."

Nathan heard her whispered caution and kissed her more deeply. He knew they didn't have much time, that the children could interrupt any moment, but he needed to feel her arms around him and hold her close.

As Quinn kissed him back, his slight sadness disappeared, and Nathan allowed anticipation and excitement to flow through him. It was going to be a wonderful day.

Quinn adjusted the crown of flowers on Allie's head and stepped back. Her breath caught in her throat as she saw the complete picture of Allie in her wedding attire. She felt tears prick her eyes at the sight of Allie before her, the happiness radiating off her palpable. Allie was a beautiful bride, not because of the dress Rosemary had designed; although it was lovely, her joy was what was beautiful. Quinn had wondered if Allie would be nervous, but all she felt was excitement and impatience. Allie was bouncing up and down, eager to leave for the church.

"I am ready, Quinn; surely, there is nothing left to do," Allie implored.

"You are ready and perfect," Quinn said, smiling. "Let me get our coats and things for later, and let your dad know we are ready."

Quinn kissed Allie's cheek quickly before whispering, "Allie, sweetheart, this will be such a wonderful wedding. The two of you are meant to be." Giving Allie's hand one final squeeze, Quinn turned and hurried away before her emotions overwhelmed her, and she ruined the makeup Fiona had applied earlier.

Quinn saw Nathan leap to his feet as he heard her approach. He was nervous enough for everyone, and she smiled at the sight of his hair sticking out where he had run his hands through it. Quinn smiled as she got closer and brushed his hair back into place before she took his hands in hers.

"She is ready. I will collect our coats if you want to go and escort her and the other girls to the car." Quinn looked outside to the Verandah where Allie's bridesmaids waited, helping Avery practice throwing the flower petals from the basket as she would do walking down the aisle.

Nathan stood in the doorway of Allie's room, stunned into silence at the sight of his daughter in her wedding gown. She was stunning. He had never seen her looking so radiant, so content. He opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out; before he could try again, Allie looked in the mirror and, seeing him behind her, turned to face him.

"I'm ready, Dad. What do you think?"

Nathan heard the hint of hesitation in her voice and smiled at her, putting aside his emotions, wanting only to reassure her.

"I think you are the most beautiful bride I have ever seen besides Quinn, of course," Nathan said, grinning.

"Thank you," she said, flashing a smile. "I'm just glad I still feel like myself in this dress. Mrs Coulter did a fantastic job of designing this for me."

"I don't think it would matter what you wore, Allie. It's what's inside that makes you beautiful; this is meant to be, and it shows."

"I can't remember the last time I felt so happy," Allie said. "It feels like I am getting my happily ever after, just like in a fairy tale."

"You deserve nothing less, sweetheart," Nathan said over the lump in his throat. "Both of you deserve to be happy, and I know you will be."

Nathan stepped toward Allie and opened his arms, inviting her in for a hug. He laughed softly as Allie threw herself into his arms, not caring about her outfit. "I hope you know that nothing changes between us, Allie. I will always love you unconditionally, as I do now. I will always be here for you, as I am now, and so will Quinn."

"I know that, and I love you too, Dad."

Nathan heard Allie sniff and pulled away from her so he could look into her face, "Don't cry, sweetie; I don't mean to upset you. I just wanted you to know how very special you are to me that having you as my daughter has been one of my life's greatest joys. I only wish we hadn't had to lose your Mum to bring you to me. I wish she were here with us today."

"Me too." Nathan watched her blink back tears before she spoke again, "I wish my Mum were here, but I am not sorry you and Quinn are here with me today. You both mean everything to me. All I want is for my life to be as happy as yours. I want what you and Quinn have."

"Well, that won't happen unless we get you to the Church." Nathan held out his arm for Allie, feeling her grip his forearm tightly as he walked them to the front door where everyone was waiting.

"We're ready," Nathan said, ushering everyone to the car.