"We'll keep Jack with us for tonight," Rosemary said, holding the sleeping toddler in her arms. "You will need some time to settle into your new home."

My new home.

Elizabeth felt a flash of fear. Things were changing so quickly. The gold ring on her hand signaled to the world that she was now Nathan's wife. She and Jack would be moving into his home, merging their lives with Nathan and Allie's lives. Rosemary had helped her pack a few things to move over after the ceremony. Lee would be transporting them in his car, where he and Nathan would unload the items. Bill had promised to help with the rest of the move tomorrow afternoon.

Bill placed a hand on her shoulder, looking deeply into her eyes. "Are you alright, Elizabeth?" he asked. He couldn't have sounded more concerned for her if he was her own father. She leaned into his embrace, tears threatening to fall once more.

"I don't know," she whispered, clinging to him. "I don't know what to think."

Bill held her for a long time. Eventually, Elizabeth became aware of Allie standing off to the side, regarding her with a wary expression. Her heart broke a little more inside. Though her life was changing drastically, so was Allie's. This had to be difficult for the child. Especially since she'd only just found out it was happening.

Elizabeth pulled back from Bill, giving him a grateful smile, then walked over to Allie. She wanted to reach out to the girl, but given the look on Allie's face, she decided against it. "I'm sorry, Allie," she said quietly. "I know this is sudden."

"You think?" Allie muttered, fire in her eyes. Long moments passed with a silent tension between teacher and student, but then Allie's eyes softened and she let out a small sigh. "Uncle Nathan told me what happened to you," she said, biting her lip. "I'm sorry you had to go through that."

Elizabeth blinked back tears. "Thank you," she said softly.

Allie nodded, looking down at the floor. She traced a circle on the rug with her foot, seeming at a loss for words. Nathan and Lee's entrance into the house saved the two girls from an awkward moment.

"We're all set," Nathan said, looking at Elizabeth. "Are you ready?"

No.

Elizabeth took a deep breath, trying to fortify herself. She gave a shaky nod. Nathan's eyes were full of understanding. He slid an arm around her shoulders. "I know this is hard," he said quietly. "But I promise I'll do whatever I can to help you feel comfortable."

She nodded, feeling the ever-present sting of salt water in her eyes. Nathan placed his other arm around Allie, then led them to the waiting car. Elizabeth hugged Bill and Rosemary goodbye and kissed her sleeping son before climbing in next to Lee. Allie and Nathan sat in the back, and the four made the short trip to Nathan's rowhouse.

Lee and Nathan quickly got Elizabeth's things into the house. Allie said goodnight, hugging Nathan and Lee before tentatively allowing Elizabeth to hug her as well. She quietly went upstairs to her room. Lee placed his hands on his hips once they finished unloading. "I think that's everything," he said, looking at the newly married couple. "Do you need anything else before I go?"

Elizabeth shook her head, nerves filling her at the thought of being left alone with Nathan. Lee bid them goodnight, shutting the door behind him.

And just like that, Elizabeth was alone with her new husband.

She bit her lip, hugging her arms to herself in an unconsciously protective gesture. Nathan looked at her, the bobbing of his Adam's apple the only indication that he too was nervous. "Can I make you some tea?" he asked. "I don't have a large selection, but there is a lot of chamomile."

Elizabeth gave him a grateful look. "Chamomile is my favorite," she said.

Nathan smiled back. "Alright then. Chamomile tea it is." He busied himself making the hot drink. After the water boiled, he poured it into the cups and brought them to the living room. "Please, make yourself at home," he said, motioning to the settee.

At home.

The phrase felt jarring to Elizabeth. She wasn't just "making herself at home" - she was home. Nathan's home was now hers as well. The concept was a strange one. She couldn't quite wrap her mind around it. She gripped the tea cup he handed her with shaking hands, waiting for the steeping process to finish.

Nathan sat in a chair across from her, regarding her over his cup. "This feels strange, doesn't it?" he asked, one side of his mouth curling up.

Elizabeth gave a tiny laugh. "That's putting it mildly."

Nathan leaned forward. "I know this is going to be an adjustment, Elizabeth. Learning to live with someone is always a challenge. I remember not knowing which way was up when Allie came to live with me. It took time and effort to make things work, but eventually they did." He looked at her with a tender expression that made a lump form in her throat. "I'm committed to making sure you and Jack have a safe home here. I want you to be as happy as possible."

"I know," Elizabeth replied, her voice barely a whisper. "I will do my best to make things work as well. I'd be happy to cook and clean and…"

Nathan held up a hand, halting her words. "We can talk about that later," he said. "Once you're feeling settled in. We'll figure out how to work together to make a home, but that can wait until you've had a chance to get used to all this."

Gratitude once more filled Elizabeth. "Thank you, Nathan." She swallowed hard. "I want you to know how much I appreciate the sacrifices you've made for me and my baby. Not many men would be willing to do what you did."

Nathan's cheeks reddened. He took a sip of his tea, taking his time to respond. "It's my pleasure," he said, delivering the words simply and candidly.

Elizabeth believed him. She smiled again, taking a sip of her own tea. Letting out a breath, she settled back against the cushions on the settee. A few minutes of quiet filled the room as they drank their tea. Elizabeth found that it wasn't an uncomfortable silence. She suddenly envisioned evenings together, reading or writing or talking while Jack played on the floor and Allie wrote or drew. Blinking, she realized the potential scene was a comforting one, domestic and tranquil.

Nathan's voice broke into her thoughts. "I'll find Landis tomorrow before school," he said, a hard note entering his voice as he spoke of the superintendent. "I know he's in a room above the saloon. I'll inform him of our marriage, which will take away his need to report your pregnancy to the school board." His voice gentled. "Do you want me to explain your situation, or just leave it at that?"

Elizabeth chewed on her bottom lip. "I don't know," she admitted. "I don't particularly want him to know, but at the same time I don't want him thinking the worst of you. If you don't tell him, he's going to assume he's right in thinking you're the father." She sighed. "I can't bear him thinking ill of you, Nathan. None of this is your fault. You should tell him the truth."

Placing his cup on the table, Nathan came to sit beside her, taking her free hand in both of his. "Elizabeth, I don't care what he or anyone else thinks of me. If they want to assume the worst, that's their choice. We both know what truly happened and we have nothing to reproach ourselves over." He squeezed her hand. "This marriage might be one of necessity, but I will always do my best to protect you and your reputation." He studied her. "I'll explain to Landis as best I can. If it seems right to bring up what happened, I will. If not, I'll let it be. Is that alright?"

Looking into Nathan's eyes, Elizabeth marveled at how selfless this man before her was. She realized with a start that she trusted him completely. She nodded, feeling a little breathless as their gaze continued. "That would be fine," she managed.

Nathan smiled, gathering up the empty cups. "Alright," he said, standing. "Whatever happens, at least we'll know you can keep your job. Hope Valley won't be robbed of the best teacher in Canada."

A smile made its way over Elizabeth's face as a glow warmed her stomach. She stood as well, following Nathan into the kitchen. "That might be an exaggeration," she said, though his compliment made her feel a sense of happiness that she hadn't felt in far too long.

Nathan put the cups in the sink, shaking his head as he faced her. "It's not an exaggeration." His gentle blue eyes collided with hers, sending butterflies unexpectedly fluttering in her stomach. Trying to ignore them, Elizabeth lowered her eyes to the floor. Nathan continued, seemingly unaware of the impact he was having on her. "You are making a difference in the lives of each and every one of your students. You changed Allie's life, Elizabeth. You helped her live again."

Elizabeth swallowed hard, suddenly reminded of the distance between her and Allie. "Maybe once," she said, regret filling her. "But I also hurt her. She and I have lost the closeness we once shared."

"I know," Nathan said, his voice soft. "But I believe you two will find your way back to the relationship you once had." He smiled. "You're technically Allie's stepmother now. We don't want you two living up to the stereotypical stepmother-stepdaughter relationship."

The teasing was evident in his voice, but Elizabeth's breath caught. Now that they were married, Nathan was Jack's stepfather. She bit her lip. She'd known marrying Nathan meant her children would have a father, but the reality slammed into her with full force as she stood with him in his home - their home. When Jack Sr died, Elizabeth had leaned on Lee and Bill to be the male influence in the life of her son. Now, with Nathan as her husband, he would become the man Jack would think of as his father. She knew Nathan would honor Jack Sr's memory, teaching little Jack what his father was like simply by living out the Mountie code. But more than that, Nathan would teach him what it meant to be a good man, a good husband, a good father.

She stared at Nathan, the magnitude of her choice hitting her. This man would raise her son. He would raise her baby. They would learn from him each and every day. Her baby would call him "Dad". Jack might one day as well.

A wrinkle appeared over Nathan's brow. He studied her, frowning. "Did I say something wrong?" he asked, looking worried.

Elizabeth shook herself, shaking her head quickly. "No, not at all," she said. "I just got lost in my thoughts."

Nathan looked uncertain, but he accepted her explanation. He glanced up the stairs. "You must be tired. Today has been quite eventful."

Elizabeth chuckled without mirth. "That's one way to put it."

Putting his hands in his pockets, Nathan nodded toward the stairs. "Why don't I show you our room?"

Elizabeth's breath hitched once again. He'd told her his rowhouse only had two bedrooms, and she'd known they were going to share his. But once again, reality struck differently than the idea. She followed him up the stairs, her nerves rising with every step.

Nathan stood to the side at his doorway, motioning for her to precede him in. She did, hands clasped tightly in front of her.

It was a simply furnished room. A bed sat in the middle, flanked on either side by small end tables. A writing desk stood in the corner, while a wardrobe nestled against another wall. A small settee completed the furniture. Elizabeth saw the suitcases Rosemary had filled with her clothing sitting beside the wardrobe, while a pile of blankets was spread over the floor at the foot of the bed.

Elizabeth glanced from the blankets to Nathan. He gave her a little smile. "That's where I'm sleeping," he said quietly. "You can have the bed."

Her mouth dropped. "Nathan, I can't kick you out of your own bed. That's not fair to you."

He shrugged. "It's no problem. Those blankets will provide more comfort than some places I've slept, I can tell you that." He winked, lightening the tension. "Hazards of being a Mountie."

Elizabeth smiled, touched once more at his thoughtfulness. Nathan walked to the wardrobe, taking out his pajamas. "I'll get ready downstairs," he said. "Take the time you need to get comfortable, okay?"

She nodded, and Nathan slipped from the room, closing the door behind him. Elizabeth quickly unpacked her suitcase, feeling a strange sensation as she hung her clothes next to Nathan's. She wasn't sure how to describe it. It felt both right and wrong at the same time. With a sigh, she chose a nightgown and readied herself for bed.

As she was climbing into the surprisingly comfortable bed, a gentle knock sounded at the door. "Elizabeth?" Nathan called quietly. "Can I come in?"

"Yes," she called back, sliding under the covers and pulling them up to her chin. Nathan entered the room, once more closing the door behind him. He placed his suit in the wardrobe before turning out the lights. He made his way to the pile of blankets that would serve as his bed. "Do you need anything?" he asked, his tall frame silhouetted by the moonbeams shining through the window.

Elizabeth shook her head. "I'm fine," she said. "Thank you."

"Goodnight, Elizabeth," Nathan said, his gentle voice washing over her. "Sleep well."

"Goodnight," Elizabeth returned. Nathan disappeared from view as he lay down. Elizabeth swallowed, wondering what the night would bring. She feared she would have yet another nightmare, a nightly occurrence since she was attacked. Even as the fear pressed in on her, she felt a sense of safety knowing Nathan was nearby. She let out a tiny sigh, snuggling into the bed, trying to find the most comfortable position.

And she prayed that she wouldn't relive that awful night in her dreams.

Nathan woke abruptly, his senses on high alert. The room was dark, morning still a long way off. He wasn't sure what woke him, but he sat up, his instincts telling him something was wrong.

He heard a low moan from the bed and muffled words that he couldn't make out. Pushing himself up, he saw Elizabeth thrashing about. "No!" she cried, her words barely reaching Nathan's ears. A cold sweat beaded her forehead. Even in the dark, Nathan could see the terror on her face. Her hands flew out as if warding off an attack.

Sitting on the side of the bed, Nathan wondered what the best course of action would be. If he touched her, she might be further terrorized within her dream, thinking his touch to be that of her attacker. Though his heart screamed at him to hold her and take away her fear, he knew he couldn't. Instead, he softly called her name until she woke.

Her eyes flew open and she let out a muffled scream of terror as she saw him. She sat up and jerked back against the headboard, staring at him with wild eyes. "Please, just leave me alone," she begged, hugging her knees to her chest. "Don't hurt me!"

"Elizabeth," he said again, keeping his voice low and calm. "It's Nathan. You're safe."

Her breathing slowly decelerated. The wild look vanished from her eyes. She sagged against the headboard, tears falling down her cheeks. "Nathan?" she whimpered.

He wanted to reach out to her, but didn't dare. Not with her terror of assault so fresh. "How long have you been having nightmares?" he asked gently.

She sniffed, hugging her knees closer. "Every night since the attack," she said, her words shaky and broken.

"Oh, Elizabeth," Nathan whispered, his heart breaking for her. "Is it always the same?"

She nodded, staring vacantly at a spot on the bed. She shivered, whether from the room's chill or her fear, Nathan didn't know. All he knew was that every bone in his body ached to protect Elizabeth from her pain. He felt the frustration of helplessness, knowing there was nothing he could do to save her from her trauma. All he could do was be there as she worked through the struggle.

"Why don't we get you back to bed?" he suggested softly, standing. Elizabeth slowly slid down, looking up at him as he tucked the blanket around her once more. "Can I get you anything? Maybe some more chamomile tea? It might soothe your mind."

She shook her head, sitting up again and reaching out to grip his arm. "No!" she said hoarsely, panic in her voice. "Don't leave me!"

Surprised at her reaction and the strength of her touch, Nathan smoothed some hair back from her face. "I'm not going anywhere," he said soothingly. "How about some water from the basin?"

She hesitated, then nodded, slowly letting go of his arm. Nathan poured a cup of water then brought it to her. Elizabeth accepted it, drinking the liquid in one long gulp. Nathan placed the cup on the bedside table. "Try to get some rest," he said, breathing a silent prayer that she would be able to sleep without further dreams. Waiting until she was settled, Nathan bent down, placing a kiss on her forehead like he did for Allie every night. As he turned to go back to his bed of blankets, Elizabeth's hand found his.

"Please stay with me," she whispered, looking up at him with tear-stained eyes. "I need you."

"I'll be right at the foot of the bed," he said softly. "Close by."

She shook her head, looking almost frantic. "No, I mean...I mean with me. Here." She laid her free hand on the spot beside her.

Shock coursed through him. He wondered at her making such a request, but it hit him almost immediately that it meant she trusted him. Warmth filled his body and soul, dispelling the chill of the room. She was asking for his protection, and he would give it. Without another word, Nathan nodded. Relief flooded Elizabeth's face as he lay next to her, wrapping the covers around them both. She immediately nestled into his arms, pressing close as she buried her face in his chest. Nathan could feel violent tremors shaking her body. His throat worked, knowing without a doubt that her nightmare had terrorized her.

A terror she'd felt every night for over two months.

He wrapped his arms around her, heart hurting for his new wife. She'd spent every night reliving her assault, and he suspected she hadn't said a word to anyone.

No more.

He vowed to be there for her, to be someone to lean on, to bear her fears and her pain and to try to provide warmth and security to her life. His love for her was deep. He hoped he could show her that every single day of their lives, no matter how she felt about him.

He would be her shelter through the storm.

He ran a hand slowly through her hair in long, soothing motions meant to comfort. Elizabeth sighed, relaxing against him. With all the trust of a child, she fell asleep in his arms, her breathing deep and even.

Nathan remained awake for some time after Elizabeth fell into slumber. He prayed quietly for a long time, praying that Elizabeth would find healing, that she would find rest, that the merging of their lives would be as smooth as possible. And that he could love her in all the ways she needed to be loved, whatever that might be.

Eventually, satisfied that she was sleeping peacefully, Nathan let himself fall asleep, still holding the woman he loved gently in his arms.