The morning sun gently fell over Elizabeth's face, the warm rays bringing her to consciousness. She felt cocooned in the warmth and let out a gentle sigh. Most mornings she woke feeling tense and sleep-deprived. This morning she felt rested for the first time in a while. She kept her eyes closed, basking in the feeling of sunshine and peace.

It gradually dawned on her that her head wasn't resting on a pillow. She was ensconced in a pair of strong yet gentle arms. Elizabeth opened her eyes to see Nathan's face inches from hers. Her head was resting in the crook of his arm, between his shoulder and his chest. His arm held her close, his hand resting firmly against her back. His face was tilted toward her, his breath blowing softly against her cheek. In sleep he looked so much like a little boy, Elizabeth couldn't help a small smile. They were so close she could see the night's growth of stubble darkening his cheeks.

The room felt hushed. The moment was deeply intimate, even if she was the only one experiencing it.

As if roused by her perusal, Nathan's eyes slowly blinked open. His deep blue gaze captured hers. He smiled as his arms tightened ever so slightly around her.

"Good morning," he murmured, right before his eyes closed again, still half asleep. Elizabeth could feel the moment he came to full awareness. His body tensed and his eyes opened wide, taking in their embrace. "Oh!" he said, the short word coming out on an exhale. His arms began to loosen. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize…"

Elizabeth shook her head, amused at his flustered reaction. "It's alright," she said softly. Vulnerability crept over her. "This is the first time I've woken up since the attack and felt safe." She blushed slightly as she remembered how forward she had been last night, asking Nathan to sleep in the bed with her. But there was something calming about his presence. Being in his arms like this, though usually something so intimate between a husband and wife, made her feel protected. Cared for.

Loved.

She blinked as the last word floated through her mind. She knew Nathan loved her. Biting the inside of her lip, she wondered if it had been selfish of her to ask him to come close like this without being able to promise anything more.

Before she could think further on that, Nathan pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, then released her. Tingles slowly worked their way up her spine, the undeniable attraction sparking through her as Nathan swung his feet over the side of the bed and stood. Elizabeth drew in a deep breath. He'd always had a powerful impact on her, even when she'd tried to shove him away. She found herself wondering what would have happened if she had accepted his love eight months ago, when he'd first offered it to her. He and Allie would never have been hurt. Maybe they would have found themselves married out of love rather than necessity. Maybe…

Her thoughts were interrupted by a tentative knock on the door. Nathan went to it and pulled it open, revealing a ready-for-school Allie. The preteen shifted awkwardly from foot to foot. "I made breakfast," she said, her words slightly strained. "It's ready if you are." She glanced at the bed as Elizabeth pushed herself into a sitting position. "I hope you like oatmeal, Mrs. Thornt…" She trailed off, staring at Elizabeth, the familiar title no longer applicable.

Elizabeth felt a sharp pang as she realized her last name was now Grant. Jack's name was no longer hers. Tears welled in her eyes, but she willed them away for Allie's sake.

"You can still call me Mrs. Thornton at school, at least for now," she said, her voice shaking only slightly. "Until I figure out how to tell your classmates that your father and I got married. But at home…" She nearly choked on the word, still unable to believe that this was now her home. "Everywhere else you can call me Aunt Elizabeth." She peered up at Nathan hesitantly. "If that's alright with your father."

Nathan smiled easily and gave a nod. "That's fine with me." He tucked an arm around Allie, giving her a hug. "Thank you for making breakfast, sweetheart. Aunt Elizabeth and I will be down shortly."

Allie nodded, glancing at Elizabeth once more before heading down the stairs. Nathan gathered his uniform from the wardrobe. "I'm going to get ready in Allie's room," he said, his eyes finding hers. "Take as much time as you need."

Elizabeth nodded, thankful for his ever-present consideration. He left the room quietly, leaving her to get ready for the day.

It didn't take her long. Elizabeth washed her face, dressed, and brushed her hair. With a deep, fortifying breath, she opened the door and made her way downstairs to the kitchen.

Allie was quiet, but she met Elizabeth immediately with a cup of coffee as her new stepmother sat in a chair across from Nathan. Elizabeth thanked her with a smile, receiving a hint of one in return. The girl served three bowls of oatmeal, then finally took a seat next to Nathan. Nathan said a quiet blessing over the food, his calm, even words belying the tension in the room.

Breakfast was mostly silent. Nathan attempted to engage the women in conversation, but neither Elizabeth nor Allie felt up to talking. When they had nearly finished eating, a knock sounded at the door. Nathan went to open it, and Elizabeth could see Rosemary and Laura, Jack standing between them with wide blue eyes.

"Mama!" he cried, catching sight of Elizabeth. Rosemary let go of his hand, and the little tot headed straight for his mother. Elizabeth caught him up in her arms, holding him close. "Hello, my sweet boy," she whispered, pressing kisses all over his face.

Jack giggled and pushed back, grinning. "Stop, Mama! Too many kisses!"

"Never too many kisses," Elizabeth murmured, pressing another one to his cheek.

Laura stepped into the house, her gait tentative. She glanced between Nathan, Elizabeth, and the kids, clearly trying to make sense of the situation. Elizabeth saw the questions in her eyes, but she didn't feel she had the strength to explain. The weight of what they had done pressed in on her. If her nanny was confused, what would the rest of the town think when they found out?

"Hi Mrs...Grant," Laura said slowly. "Mrs. Coulter said I'll be watching Jack here from now on?" The words were a question.

Elizabeth nodded. "That's right. Constable Grant and I are now married, so Jack and I are moving in here."

Laura looked like she wanted to say something, but instead nodded. "Okay."

Thankful that the girl didn't push, Elizabeth drew in a shaky breath. "It's about time for me to walk to school," she said, wiping her hands against her dress to wick the moisture from her palms. She glanced at Allie. "Do you want to walk with me?"

Allie hesitated, then shook her head. "Opal and I are going to walk together. We don't leave for another fifteen minutes."

"Oh," Elizabeth replied, looking down. Rosemary swept into the room, engulfing Elizabeth in a hug.

"Let's talk later," she whispered in Elizabeth's ear. "I want to know how your first day as Mrs. Grant goes."

Elizabeth let out a slight laugh. How indeed?

Nathan appeared at her elbow, holding her basket in hand. He offered her his other arm. She blinked up at him. He smiled gently. "I'm not going to stop walking you to school just because we're married," he teased, winking. That brought a smile to Elizabeth's lips. She nuzzled Jack's cheek and gave him a kiss before accepting Nathan's arm. Nathan also pressed a kiss to Jack's head before they left. "Bye, buddy," he said, grinning at the little boy.

"Bye, Na'tan!" Jack said, waving his little hand. "Bye, Mama."

"Bye, sweet boy," Elizabeth said softly. She turned to Allie, eyes lingering on the girl. "I'll see you at school, Allie."

Her stepdaughter looked down with a slight nod, shuffling her feet. Nathan pressed a kiss to Allie's forehead, giving her a smile, then looked at Elizabeth. "Ready?"

Elizabeth squared her shoulders, looking at her new husband. "I'm ready."

Ready to face the day and whatever it might bring.

Nathan dropped Elizabeth off at school, then immediately made his way to the saloon. He entered the building, eyes scanning the nearly empty room. Landis was nowhere in sight. Seeing Gustave behind the bar, Nathan asked which room the superintendent was in. When he had the information, he purposefully climbed the stairs, knocking firmly at the appropriate door.

Landis opened it, eyes narrowing when he saw Nathan. "How can I help you, Constable?" he asked, his tone barely polite.

Since the man didn't invite him in, Nathan pushed his way into the room, shutting the door behind him. Landis took a step back in alarm, but quickly regained his composure. He sat in the room's only chair, eyeing Nathan with crossed arms.

Nathan spoke first. "Elizabeth Thornton and I were legally married last night. You have no complaint to take to the school board."

Landis regarded him with something suspiciously close to a smirk. "Don't I? This was an awfully quick wedding, wasn't it? I should report Mrs. Thornton...or should I say Mrs. Grant?...to the board anyway. Her actions and yours clearly resulted in this little predicament you find yourselves in. How are you going to explain this to the board when your child is born before nine months of your marriage have passed?"

Nathan fought to control his temper. He wanted nothing more than to wipe the judgmental smile off Landis' face. He didn't care what the man thought of him. He did care what Landis thought of Elizabeth.

"Elizabeth did nothing wrong," he said through gritted teeth. "Her reputation and her actions are impeccable."

Landis glared at him skeptically. "Then what am I to believe?" he asked. "That you forced yourself on her, resulting in her pregnancy? And now you've married her to cover your actions?"

Nathan slammed his hands on the desk beside Landis' chair, causing the man to jump. His callous remarks hit a sore spot in Nathan's heart. Leaning forward, he seared the man with an intense glare.

"Two months ago, I arrested an escaped prisoner from Ottawa. He had been in prison for murder and for assaulting the wives of those he killed." His eyes glittered. "It didn't take him long to fall back into old patterns here in Hope Valley." Teeth clenching, Nathan pushed himself up again, struggling for control of his emotions. "Get the picture?"

The fight drained from Landis as understanding dawned in his eyes. "I see," he said, his voice slightly strangled. A long silence stretched between the two men. Finally, Landis stood. He had the sense to look contrite. "I'm sorry for making assumptions."

Nathan breathed in deeply, willing his heart to stop thumping madly against his chest. "Maybe try assuming the best of people from now on," he said, his voice surprisingly even. "You never know what someone else might be going through, despite what things look like."

Landis cleared his throat, looking out the window with a tiny nod. "I'll try." After a few moments, he looked at Nathan again. "The school board won't be hearing about this, Constable Grant. You have my word that I'll keep the matter to myself."

Relief flooded Nathan. "I appreciate that," he said, putting out his hand.

Landis looked at it for a few heartbeats, then slowly took it. The men shook firmly. Nathan gave the other man a slight nod, then left the room. He'd accomplished what needed to be done.

Elizabeth's job was safe.

"I think that's all of it," Bill said, surveying the boxes littering Nathan's living room. "Rosemary and Lee got everything packed up, so your house is bare except for the furniture. You'll have to figure out what you want to do with that. If you want any of it over here, just let me know."

"Thanks, Bill," Elizabeth said, sinking into the settee. She knew she should get to work unpacking, but she felt so tired. Laura had gone home for the day, and Jack was curiously examining the many boxes on the floor. Allie was next door at Opal's, playing with her friend. Nathan wouldn't be home for another hour. Now would be the perfect time to get things done.

But she found she couldn't move from the settee.

Bill sat beside her. He clasped her hand in his. "What's wrong, Elizabeth?"

She gave a half-sob, gesturing to the boxes strewn across the room. "What's wrong? What's wrong is that I'm married to Nathan because I had no other choice. What's wrong is that I'm carrying the child of a monster. What's wrong is that my son will grow up never knowing his real father. What's wrong is that Jack died in the first place!" She burst into tears, her words surprising her as much as the depth of emotion curling in her gut. Bill didn't say a word; he just gathered her in his arms and let her cry.

Long minutes passed. Finally, Elizabeth felt emotionally spent. Again. She laid her head on Bill's shoulder, drawing comfort from the man who was like a father to her.

Bill patted her back gently. "Elizabeth, I have a question for you, and I want you to answer honestly."

She pulled back, wiping her eyes. Bill's face was serious. She nodded her assent.

"Have you truly grieved Jack's death?"

She frowned, not understanding. "What do you mean? Of course I have."

Bill's gaze was steady. "Have you?"

Elizabeth gulped, thinking back over the last three and a half years. She had been devastated at losing Jack, but had she really taken the time to grieve his death? In a flash, she realized that she had been so distracted, she hadn't had the time to really process his death. After those initial weeks of bitter pain and numbness, she had found out she was pregnant with their son, giving her something to look forward to and prepare for. Then once little Jack was born, Lucas and Nathan had moved to town, their interest in her almost immediate. While she'd been resistant to their overtures at first because of losing Jack, Elizabeth realized that she hadn't been able to truly let go of her first husband. She hadn't been able to open herself fully to either Lucas or Nathan because she was holding onto Jack.

Closing her eyes, Elizabeth knew that hadn't been fair to either man. She had been attracted to both of them, and she realized now that part of the reason was because both men bore some resemblance to her late husband. Nathan shared the same job as Jack. Lucas possessed his tendency toward romantic dates and sweeping gestures. She jolted inside as she searched her heart, swiftly coming to the conclusion that what she had liked most about Lucas was his resemblance to Jack. She'd told Nathan she couldn't be with him because she was looking for Jack in him, when in reality she had found Jack in Lucas instead.

She groaned. She'd made a royal mess of things.

Bill was still watching her. He covered her hand, bringing her out of her thoughts. "Maybe you should visit Jack's grave," he said quietly. "You can talk to him there, maybe even find some closure."

Elizabeth swallowed, then nodded. Bill opened his mouth, then quickly shut it again. She knew her friend well enough to know he had something to say. She raised a brow, silently asking him to continue.

Bill sighed. "I'm not sure you want to hear this," he said, his voice cautious. "But it needs to be said."

Elizabeth steeled herself for whatever it was he had to say. She knew he wouldn't say anything out of malice; if he thought it needed to be said, she would listen.

"I'm worried for Nathan," Bill said bluntly.

Mouth dropping, Elizabeth stared at him. "For Nathan? Why?"

Bill raised a brow. "The man has been in love with you for a long time, Elizabeth. He kept loving you even after you broke his heart." He gave her a pointed look. "He could have easily left you to Lucas or even to yourself after you hurt him, but he didn't. He immediately offered to marry you because he knew you were in trouble, and though you broke his heart, he chose to love you. He kept fighting for you."

Elizabeth winced. She knew she had hurt Nathan, knew she had broken his heart with her double rejection. But hearing it said out loud was a splash of cold reality. The fact that Bill said Nathan kept fighting for her reminded her of their mutual belief that love was worth fighting for.

Bill's hand squeezed hers. "Nathan gave everything up to marry you," he said quietly. "Be gentle with his heart, Elizabeth. If you can find it within yourself to love him someday…" He smiled, patting her hand. "Well, we can't control that. But be careful not to hurt him again."

After everything Nathan had done for her, Elizabeth couldn't imagine hurting him again. He'd been her rock. She owed everything to him.

She looked Bill in the eyes. "I promise you I will do everything I can to be a good wife to him." She hesitated. "I hope I can love him someday. I truly do. He deserves to be loved." She looked down, biting her lip. "I just don't know if I can."

Bill nodded, his eyes full of understanding. "You know, most people think love is meant to be fairy tales and romantic gestures and loads of feelings. But do you know what Jesse told me one day? Apparently he and Lee had a long conversation when the Flynns were having trouble in their marriage. Lee said something that stuck with Jesse. I remember what he said word for word, because it was so profound." He paused before quoting from memory. "Love isn't just a feeling or an emotion. It's a choice. And your marriage is a commitment you choose to renew every single day. Choose love, then you feel it."

Elizabeth blinked. "Lee said that?"

Bill chuckled. "Yes. He could be a sage, don't you think?"

Elizabeth smiled, ruminating over the words. They were profound. She felt a sudden desire to take that trip to Jack's grave that Bill had mentioned. She looked at him with wide eyes. "Bill, would you mind watching Jack for a bit? I need to visit his father and think things through."

Bill nodded, smiling back at her. "Take all the time you need."

Standing, Elizabeth kissed the older man's cheek. "Thank you, Bill. You're the best."

"I am, aren't I?" he said with a wink, lowering himself to the floor to play with his godson.

Elizabeth placed her journal and pen in a small bag, then drew a warm shawl over her dress. She stepped out into the afternoon sun, shaking but determined to sort through the feelings crashing through her body. She headed for the stables, where she greeted Sergeant with a smile and a pat. Saddling him, she placed her items in the saddlebag, then mounted. With a firm press into the horse's sides, they trotted out of the livery.

Taking a deep breath, Elizabeth prayed for courage for the task ahead. She hadn't been to Jack's grave in months. She wasn't sure what kinds of emotions she would experience, but she knew she had to face them.

For her sake. And for Nathan's sake.