The bedroom was quiet as Nathan glanced around the room for the blankets he'd put on the floor last night. They were nowhere to be seen. He frowned, positive he had left them on the floor that morning.

Elizabeth came into the room, wearing her nightgown and holding her day dress bundled against her chest. She looked at him with a shy, timid smile. Nathan's heart melted at the look on her face. After their time in the graveyard, she had approached him and asked if they could ride double on the way home. It had nearly taken Nathan's breath away as he agreed. She'd climbed onto Newton behind him, snuggling close with her arms around his waist. Nathan's heart had pounded so loudly, he was sure she could hear it. He reminded himself that she had just been through a very emotional ordeal and was simply seeking comfort.

That was all.

But having her behind him, with her arms holding him close and her cheek pressed to his back, Nathan had easily been able to imagine that she was clinging to him because she loved him as much as he loved her. That she wanted more between them than just convenience. That they were in this marriage because they wanted to be, not because it had been Elizabeth's only option.

As they rode through town, he had seen people's eyes widen, had seen whispers behind raised hands. He didn't know what they were saying, but he didn't care. Let the town think what they would. The community at large didn't yet know about their marriage.

They would know soon enough.

He returned to the present to find Elizabeth studying him. His breath hitched in his throat. Her hair was braided and hanging over her shoulder. The look on her face was so open and vulnerable. All he wanted to do was cross the distance between them and wrap her in his arms. But he doubted she would appreciate that.

Instead, they stood looking at each other for almost a minute, neither one knowing what to say. Nathan sensed something had changed between them this afternoon. Elizabeth had lost the pinched, uncertain look that she had carried for months. In its place was a softness tempered with a hint of sadness. Which was to be expected. She had spent the afternoon in the graveyard mourning her late husband.

It was the softness that intrigued him, tugging at his heart and making him ache inside.

Elizabeth chewed her lower lip, a sure sign that she was nervous. "Jack is settled in Allie's room," she said. "I'm surprised she agreed to let him stay with her." She went to the wardrobe, carefully hanging up her dress before looking back at Nathan.

His feet were stuck in place, so he simply nodded. "As was I. But she seemed to like the idea of sharing a room, at least temporarily." He smiled. "She truly loves Jack."

"I could see that," Elizabeth admitted. "The way she was helping him eat at dinner was very sweet." She looked down, hugging her arms around herself. "I just wish she and I could get back to a good relationship."

"Give it time," Nathan said. "You'll get there again. You just have to build trust."

Elizabeth let out a little sigh, looking out the window where snow was still falling gently from the sky. "She and I had trust. And then I killed it." A tear sparkled in her eye. "I was such a fool."

"Hey." That comment finally propelled Nathan forward until he was standing in front of her, his hands resting on her shoulders. "You were confused. And the past is in the past. You've expressed a desire to make things right with Allie. You have time, Elizabeth. Your relationship won't be mended overnight, but it will recover. I know Allie. She has a soft heart. Just let her process all this."

Elizabeth moistened her lips reflexively, drawing Nathan's eyes there. A sudden desire to kiss her swept over him, a desire so strong he almost gave in. He had never kissed a woman before and wasn't even sure he would know what to do. All he knew was that he wanted to fold her in an embrace and let his lips express how much she meant to him.

Nathan glanced away, trying to curb the desire. This isn't about you! he reminded himself sternly. Elizabeth needs a friend, not an intimacy she isn't ready for.

An intimacy she might never be ready for.

The thought brought Nathan back to reality. He inhaled deeply, letting his hands fall from Elizabeth's shoulders back to his sides. "It's getting late," he said, his voice shaking slightly. He hoped Elizabeth didn't notice. "I'll find the blankets and then turn off the lights. Why don't you get settled?"

She looked at him with an unreadable expression. Something crossed her face and she bit her lower lip, once more drawing Nathan's gaze there. He shook himself more fully this time, forcing his thoughts and his eyes elsewhere.

Stop it!

Elizabeth swallowed hard, looking like she was gathering up her courage. She stepped toward him. "I put the blankets away, Nathan."

He blinked, staring at her, holding his breath as he waited for her to continue. She took another step toward him. Her arms remained crossed tightly over her stomach. She glanced at the bed, then at him. "This is your home and your room. You shouldn't be sleeping on the floor. The bed is plenty big enough for the both of us." She looked down, but he could still see the vulnerability radiating from her face. "And I...I feel...I feel…" She struggled for the words, lifting her eyes to his. There was no mask in place, just open and raw emotion. "I feel safe with you," she finished softly. Her throat worked. "I'd like for you to sleep there too. If...if you want to."

If he wanted to? Nathan felt a surge of protectiveness wash over him, sweeping away all the other feelings he'd had. This woman needed him. Needed his strength and his love. He pulled her into his arms and felt her mold against his body as if she belonged there. He cupped her head with one hand while running his other hand across the middle of her back in slow, soothing motions.

"I want to," he said, feeling her hair tickle his cheek as his head rested against hers. He heard her relieved sigh as the words left his mouth.

"Thank you," she whispered.

They pulled apart. Nathan took her hand and led her to the bed, tucking her in gently. Elizabeth smiled up at him gratefully, making his heart expand in his chest. He turned off the light, then rounded the bed and slid in next to her. Elizabeth's head turned on the pillow and her hand reached out to him. He took it in his, settling them both on his chest. His eyes closed slowly, determined to fall asleep despite the distraction of his wife lying close by. They flew open again when he felt her lips on his cheek.

Unable to keep his mouth from gaping, Nathan turned his head to find Elizabeth's right beside him on the pillow. Her lips were parted and her eyes were wide, as if she couldn't quite believe she'd just kissed him, no matter how chastely. But there was no regret in her gaze.

They stared at each other for several long moments. Nathan kept very still, half afraid of spooking her if he moved at all. Elizabeth's invitation for him to join her in their bed, her kiss on his cheek, the softness that clung to her - it all confirmed his thought that things had changed between them this afternoon. Hope flowed through him like a wildfire, filling every inch of his body.

He shifted slightly, one arm sliding around his wife and pulling her tenderly into his embrace. She sighed, her head nestling against his shoulder as she snuggled in, letting him hold and protect her. Within minutes, he felt her breathing change and knew she was asleep. It took Nathan longer to drift into slumber. The hope that pulsed through him was too strong. He felt a joy that he hadn't felt in a long, long time.

The darkness had not passed. Not by a long shot. But healing was happening before his very eyes. For that, he was grateful.

I didn't have a nightmare last night. For the first time since the attack, I had no dreams to remind me of that night. I think it's because Nathan held me. Something about him keeps the terror and memories at bay.

Elizabeth paused, pen still poised over the page of her journal. It had been so long since she'd written in it. Something that used to be so routine felt slightly foreign now. Shaking out her wrist, she glanced over at Allie and Jack. They were reading a book on the floor, their heads bent close together as Allie pointed out the words as she went. Jack listened in rapt attention, completely beguiled by his new sister.

Allie looked up as Elizabeth was watching them. She froze slightly, then gave Elizabeth an almost imperceptible smile and nod. Hope flowered in Elizabeth's heart. She smiled back at her stepdaughter warmly. Affection and love filled her, and she realized that she already loved Allie like her own daughter. Things might be tense between them, but she loved that girl with everything in her. She would find a way to fix their relationship.

Bending her head over her journal again, Elizabeth continued to write.

Everything about Nathan is gentle, respectful, and loving. He truly is one of the best men I've ever known. I have no doubts that little Jack and my unborn child will be well cared for and loved by him. She paused, contemplating what she knew to be true. I have no doubts that I will be cared for and loved by him.

She sighed, resting her cheek in her hand. Nathan loved her in a way that boggled her mind. He gave no thought to his own wants and desires; he simply cared for hers. Her resolution in the graveyard yesterday came back to her.

I'm going to choose love. Every day for the rest of our lives, I'm going to make sure to show Nathan acts of love. This evening she had made his favorite dinner and dessert, having ascertained from Allie what they were. It was the first in what she knew would be a long line of loving acts to show him that she cared.

"Choose love, then you feel it." That's what Bill told me, quoting Lee. I hope to one day feel love for Nathan. He deserves it. I just don't know if or when that will happen. I realized I was so buried in distraction after Jack died, I never had a chance to let him go. Yesterday, I finally did. Or I started to. I'm sure it will be a process to open myself again completely. And when I do, it'll be to my husband.

It felt strange writing the words on paper. Words that she had long thought would only apply to Jack Thornton. But now, for the rest of her life, her husband was Nathan Grant. Taking a deep breath, Elizabeth pressed her pen to the page again.

I have to admit, there's something comforting in the thought of falling in love again. Of falling in love with Nathan. Maybe I was halfway there before my fears got in the way all those months ago. But I ran from his love, and I've been running ever since. The only reason I have him now is because my life was turned upside down.

A tear splashed on her journal as she continued. I don't deserve Nathan's love, and not just because I rejected him before. Ever since my attack, I've felt scarred and undesirable. The thought of letting him close in a way other than that of friends terrifies me. What if I flash back to the attack? What if I'm incapable of loving him the way he should be loved?

Body trembling, Elizabeth put her pen down, staring at the paper. The truth glared back at her in black and white.

She didn't think she was worthy of love, not really. Maybe that's why she was holding herself back. It would be so easy to fall into Nathan's love and let him wash away all her hurt and fear and pain. It would be so easy to let him love her completely.

But she was afraid. Just the thought of letting him break down her barriers made her want to reinforce them. She had to protect herself.

Her mind turned to the way Nathan had protected her in his arms the past two nights. Lying there with him, safe in his strength, she had felt peace. It was so easy to trust him in those moments. So why did she question it in the light of day?

Another sigh tore from her lips. She shut the journal and stood, suddenly feeling the need to stretch her legs. "Allie, would you mind watching Jack for a few minutes?"

"Sure, Aunt Elizabeth," Allie replied, smiling at Jack. Her smile faded slightly when she looked at Elizabeth, but she attempted to keep it in place. "We'll be fine."

"Thank you, sweetheart," Elizabeth said, the endearment slipping out naturally. Allie looked surprised, a hesitancy on her face that shook Elizabeth. But then the girl smiled, a real, genuine smile. Hope lit in her eyes as she looked at Elizabeth. She didn't say anything else, but it was another moment that felt like a breakthrough. Maybe their relationship was starting to heal after all.

She slipped on her coat and headed into the crisp, snowy afternoon. She walked slowly, her thoughts in a jumble. Today her students had discovered she was married. Timmy had been the one to ask, telling her he heard in town that his teacher and Constable Grant had gotten married suddenly. He wanted to know if it was true. Elizabeth had confirmed it. Her students were too polite to ask questions, but she had seen the shock on their faces. Allie had sat stoically, staring straight ahead, trying to ignore the questioning glances sent her way from her classmates. Opal had been the first to recover. Her innocent eyes found their way to Elizabeth. "So do we call you Mrs. Grant now?" she asked.

Elizabeth had managed to smile, hoping she came across as a happy bride. "Yes, Opal. I'm Mrs. Grant now."

A chorus of congratulations filled the room, though Elizabeth could still see confusion on the faces of the children. Thankfully, they hadn't asked for an explanation. Allie had managed to avoid questions during recess, keeping her friends engaged in a lively game of kickball.

Now, however, Elizabeth wasn't so fortunate. She suddenly found herself face to face with Opal's parents.

"Mrs. Thornton!" Mrs. Weise gasped, a hand on her heart. "I am so sorry. We didn't see you there…" Her voice trailed off, and she looked up at her husband before looking back at Elizabeth. "Or...is it Mrs. Grant?"

Unprepared, Elizabeth felt off-kilter. "It's Mrs. Grant," she said, praying her voice would stay steady. "Nathan and I got married a couple days ago."

"Why?" Mrs. Weise blurted. She immediately stuffed her hand over her mouth "I'm so sorry, that was rude. It's none of my business."

Elizabeth wasn't sure how to reply. She didn't know what to tell the woman. She couldn't very well say Nathan had offered to marry her because she was single and pregnant and about to lose her job. She tried to answer as honestly as possible.

"Nathan has been in love with me for a long time," she said softly. That at least was true. "I found I couldn't refuse a love like his. We decided we didn't want to wait. We knew what we wanted and so we decided to get married quickly, especially for the sake of our children." That was also true. Mostly for her children, especially the one growing inside of her. But she didn't need to go into detail.

Mr. Weise didn't look convinced, but he didn't press her for more information. "I guess congratulations are in order," he said, reaching out to shake her hand. "I hope you and Constable Grant will be happy together."

"Thank you," Elizabeth said, wrapping her arms around herself after the handshake. "If you don't mind, I need to get home to Allie and Jack."

"We'll walk with you," Mrs. Weise offered. "After all, we are neighbors now."

Elizabeth gave her a tight nod and a smile, trying to focus on the conversation. She was relieved when they finally reached the rowhouse. With a quiet "good evening", she slipped into her home, shutting the door behind her with a louder bang than necessary.

Allie and Jack both jumped at the unexpected entry. "Sorry," Elizabeth murmured, feeling heat rise in her cheeks. She took off her coat and busied herself setting the table. The chicken pot pies were nearly done cooking. In another few minutes, she could pull them from the oven.

The door opened again, and Nathan's steady presence filled the room. He grinned at the children, both of whom ran to meet him as he shrugged out of his coat. Elizabeth watched as Nathan hugged both of them, then placed kisses on their cheeks. A warm blush stole over her as she remembered doing the same to him last night. It was meant to be a gesture of affection and gratitude. She hadn't been prepared for the sparks that had zinged between them. When Nathan's eyes opened in surprise, her first instinct had been to apologize. But the words had died in her throat when she saw the tender way he looked at her, the wonder that filled his eyes.

She didn't regret kissing him. In fact, she was wondering if she was brave enough to touch her lips to his cheek every night before they fell asleep. It was the least she could do to show him that she cared.

Because she did care. Very much. Nathan was quickly becoming very dear to her. He was worming his way into her heart without any effort. She wondered if she should be more careful, build up those walls she'd felt earlier. Then Bill's words flowed over her once more. Choose love, then you feel it.

She took a deep breath. Pushing Nathan away wasn't the answer. She'd done that enough already. If it was in her power, she wouldn't hurt him again.

Nathan's welcoming smile turned her way. His eyes softened as he came to stand in front of her. "Hi," he said, his warm voice wrapping around her and melting the reserve that still remained.

"Hi," she replied, finding a genuine smile for him. "How was your day?"

"Uneventful," he said. "Though I did come across a few people who had heard we got married. Their shock was rather strong." One corner of his mouth tipped up in a wry grin. "The suddenness seems to be a sticking point for people. I think we're going to be getting a lot of questions in the next few days. News like that won't stay private long."

"Opal and Emily were asking questions all the way home," Allie said, plopping into one of the kitchen chairs. "I didn't know what to tell them."

"We'll simply tell them the truth," Nathan said, placing one hand on Allie's shoulder and the other on Elizabeth's. "We got married quickly for the sake of the children, even though love was a part of the equation." He smiled gently at Elizabeth. "We don't have to tell them it's one-sided."

Allie was looking between Nathan and Elizabeth, seemingly unconvinced. "You think that's going to satisfy people?"

Elizabeth didn't hear Nathan's response. She was too busy turning his words over in her mind. The constant reminder of his love was both a balm to her soul and a force she felt she couldn't return. Not yet. And that frustrated her inside.

"Elizabeth?" Nathan's voice broke through her haze.

"Hmm?" she asked, turning her attention back to him.

He looked from her to the oven. "Is that chicken pot pie I smell?"

"It is," she confirmed, heading to the oven to pull them out. "Allie told me that's your favorite meal, so I thought it would be nice to have it this evening as a family."

As a family. The words warmed her more than she expected. Though not as much as the look on Nathan's face did. "You made that because you knew it was my favorite?"

She nodded, keenly aware of the tingles racing up and down her spine as his blue eyes pierced her soul. His smile lit his face. "That's…" Something else caught his attention and his mouth dropped. Elizabeth followed his gaze to the apple pie cooling on the counter. Nathan looked at her again. "And did you know apple pie is my favorite dessert?" he asked. His voice sounded slightly raspy.

Elizabeth nodded again, keeping eye contact. When Allie had told her his favorite dessert, Elizabeth had immediately flashed back to the day Nathan had brought her an apple and exchanged flirty banter with her in the school. Now that she knew he loved apples, the moment took on a new significance. He had shared something with her that he loved. It made the gift that day even more special.

Nathan's eyes remained fixed on Elizabeth. She could feel herself thawing under the warmth of his gaze. He lifted his hands, placing them carefully on her arms. Elizabeth could swear she saw tears in his eyes.

"Thank you," he whispered, not even trying to hide his emotion. "This means so much to me. You didn't have to go through all this trouble."

Elizabeth was already shaking her head. "It was no trouble, Nathan. After everything you've done for me, this was the very least I could do." She looked up, holding his gaze with hers. "I'll spend the rest of my life showing you how much you mean to me. I care about you a great deal."

Nathan's throat worked. His eyes closed briefly before he pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. "I love you, Elizabeth."

"I know," she whispered. "Your love is helping me to heal." She framed his face in her hands. "Thank you for that."

He didn't reply. He just gazed at her. The love in his eyes was undeniable. It wrapped Elizabeth in a warm embrace, touching places of her heart she thought were long dead.

Allie cleared her throat, having witnessed the entire exchange between her aunt and uncle. The moment was broken. Elizabeth and Nathan each took a step back, smiling awkwardly. Allie raised a brow, looking between them with an inscrutable look on her face. Elizabeth wondered what the girl was thinking. Was she feeling protective of her uncle? Was she worried Elizabeth would break his heart again? Was she excited to see the sparks that clearly existed between the adults?

Whatever her thoughts, Allie kept them to herself. She simply smiled and pointed to the food. "Dinner's getting cold."

"Right," Elizabeth said, a little flustered. "I'll get that on the table."

Nathan lifted Jack into his arms, holding the little boy easily. "Ready for dinner, Jack?" he asked, bouncing the boy up and down.

Jack giggled loudly. "Yes!" he exclaimed. "Me hungry! Mama made pie!"

"That she did," Nathan said, settling into a chair with Jack on his lap. "Mama made a very special meal." His eyes collided with Elizabeth's as she placed the pie on the table. The heat from his gaze warmed her entire body. She recognized the tell-tale sign of attraction, something she'd felt for him many times before but pushed away in fear. For a brief moment, it startled her. Then, instead of pushing it away, she embraced it.

Maybe that was the first step to falling in love with her husband.