The Grants arrived at the Canfield's home bearing a decadent cake that Elizabeth had baked before church that morning. Cooper answered the door with a wide grin. "Hi!" he said, standing to the side. "Come on in." He took the cake from Elizabeth. "Thanks, Mrs. Grant!"

Joseph and Minnie came forward to greet them as they came into the house. "Welcome!" Joseph said warmly as his wife embraced Elizabeth. "We're so happy you could come."

Allie gave both Canfield adults a hug, then walked to where Angela was sitting in the living room. The two girls began talking immediately. Cooper came back for Jack, taking his hand and leading him to a large carpet where several toy cars were stationed. Jack was intrigued by the toys and happily began playing with them.

"Why don't we have a nice cup of coffee while we wait for dinner to finish?" Minnie said. "I hear Nathan and Joseph have some business to attend."

Elizabeth raised her brows, looking at her husband. He smiled sheepishly. "It's a surprise," he said, shrugging lightly.

Interested in the surprise, Elizabeth sat beside Nathan while Minnie poured the coffee. "What is it?" she asked once everyone was seated.

Joseph took a long piece of paper from the counter. "Nathan brought these by a couple days ago," he said. Spreading the paper out on the table, Joseph smoothed it out so it lay flat. Elizabeth peered at it, her eyes widening. "Are those blueprints?"

Nathan nodded, searching her eyes for a reaction. "I drew them up and asked Lee how much lumber we would need and how long it would take to build. I know we'd talked about the fact that I was making the plans, but I wanted the reveal to be a surprise."

Elizabeth's mouth dropped. She stared at her husband. "You drew these?"

He nodded again, vulnerability creeping into his eyes. "Do you like them?"

She looked at the drawings again, amazed at the detail and beauty of the plans. She could almost see the house itself. "I love them."

"Do you approve?" Nathan asked quietly. "I can still make changes…"

Elizabeth shook her head. "These are perfect," she said, her eyes shining. "Thank you, Nathan." She impulsively leaned over to give him a kiss on the cheek.

The Canfields exchanged knowing smiles. Elizabeth blushed and bit her lip. "Sorry," she said, starting to apologize to their hosts, but Minnie waved her off.

"We remember what it's like to be in the throes of new love," she said, her smile sweet. "Don't apologize for it."

Knowing that the Canfields knew her story allowed Elizabeth to relax fully in their presence. Joseph smiled between them. "Lee has most of the lumber cut," he said proudly. "We will be ready to build once we have the final plans."

"We?" Nathan asked, looking confused. "Who's 'we'?"

"Me, you, and a whole bunch of Lee's men," Joseph said. Nathan looked ready to protest, but Joseph held up a hand. "You and Elizabeth do so much for this community," he said firmly. "Let us help you with this. It will make the process go much faster. I would even say you two could move into your home by April."

That was only a couple months away. Elizabeth felt hope well in her heart. "So soon?" she asked, nearly whispering.

Joseph nodded. "Even with installing electricity and plumbing, it shouldn't take long with many hands. You deserve to have your own home." He looked at Nathan. "Can we help you?"

Tears were swimming in Nathan's eyes, but he blinked them back along with his pride. "Yes," he said, his voice raspy. He held out his hand. "Thank you, Joseph. This means the world to us."

Joseph chuckled, shaking Nathan's hand. "It's our pleasure, believe me. We'll work on days where there isn't any snow. Hopefully the remainder of the winter will be more mild than not."

Excitement built inside of Elizabeth. A home of their own before the baby came. It was a dream come true. She clasped Nathan's hand under the table, giving him a smile that he readily returned.

They might be facing judgement soon from others, but they had friends in Hope Valley who loved them and showed them care. What more could they ask for?

The scritch-scratching of Nathan's pen was the only sound in his office. A mountain of paperwork had met him this morning after his rounds. He'd stifled a groan when he saw it, knowing he had to tackle the unpleasantness sooner or later. Sitting down, he'd gotten to work, determined to make a big dent in the pile. So intent was he on his task, he jumped when the phone rang several hours later.

Reaching for the bellowing device, he answered. "Hello?"

"Constable Grant, there's an Inspector Mortenson from Union City. Shall I patch him through?"

"Yes, Florence, thank you."

She connected the call, and Nathan heard the phone click as she hung up on her end. He settled back in his chair and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Hello?" he said again, this time with the polite formality due a superior.

"Constable Grant." Mortenson's voice was rich and deep. "How are you?"

"I'm doing well," Nathan replied. "How can I help you today, sir?"

"I'll get right to the point, Grant," Mortenson said. "There's a thief in your general area. The Mounties a couple towns over in Silver Lake have asked for your help tracking him. Everyone knows you're one of our best trackers. Your assignment is to figure out where he's going. We'd like you in Silver Lake tomorrow morning."

Nathan's heart dropped. "So soon?" he asked, his mind immediately going to Elizabeth. She wasn't going to be happy about him leaving.

"Time is of the essence," Mortenson said. "You'll report to Constable Jefferson while you're there. He has all the details."

He would have to leave before first light to get to Silver Lake while it was still morning. Stifling a sigh, Nathan gave a sharp nod. "Yes, sir."

They said their goodbyes, and Nathan hung up. He stared at the phone, feeling the weight of his assignment pressing on him. He hadn't been away from Elizabeth overnight since their wedding. How would she react to his news?

Nathan tapped his pen against the desk. He didn't like the thought of being away from his wife for any length of time. While he appreciated having a steady job, sometimes the lack of control rankled.

Like right now.

Elizabeth would be alone at night. He shuddered, remembering her nightmares. She hadn't had one since they'd been sleeping in the same bed, where he could hold her and be a strong presence for her.

What would happen while he was gone?

The rest of the day passed slowly. Nathan intentionally went on his rounds early, determined to get home and spend as much time as possible with his family before he had to leave them. When he walked through the door late in the afternoon, he was relieved to find only Elizabeth in sight.

"Nathan!" she exclaimed, smiling at him happily. "I was just about to brew some tea before figuring out what to do for dinner. Would you like some?" She wrapped her arms around him as he came toward her, reaching up on her tiptoes to place a sweet kiss on his lips. Nathan held her close, his eyes drifting shut as he returned her kiss.

She pulled back first, letting out a contented sigh. Eyes still closed, she smiled. "One day soon, I'm going to ask you to really kiss me," she murmured.

Nathan's pulse sped up, but he couldn't find the words to respond. He wanted nothing more than to pull her tightly to his chest and kiss her with the passion he felt inside, but he knew she needed to be the one to decide when that happened. He also needed to tell her that he had to leave in the morning, but he was loath to bring it up.

Elizabeth leaned back, her trusting eyes taking in his features. Some of the lightness on her face dimmed. "Nathan? What's wrong?"

Apparently she could read him easily.

He cleared his throat, his hands flat against her back. "I received an assignment from headquarters," he said, his voice shaking slightly.

Elizabeth's eyes widened, fear replacing the sweetness from moments ago. "An assignment?" she asked, a squeak in her tone. "What kind of assignment?"

Nathan realized his mistake immediately. Her mind had automatically jumped to a long-term assignment, like Jack's last assignment. He shook his head, placing a hand on her cheek. "Just a tracking mission," he said softly. "They're generally safe. I'm simply trying to find a thief, and it'll be up to the local Mounties in whatever town we find him in to arrest him. I promise you I will come home as soon as possible."

Tears welled in her eyes, but Elizabeth nodded slowly. "The children and I will be fine," she said, though Nathan couldn't tell if she was trying to convince him or herself of that statement.

Hating the pain in her eyes - pain he had caused - Nathan rested his forehead against hers as he held her tightly. "I'm sorry, Elizabeth," he murmured. "I wish I didn't have to leave you."

Her body was trembling against his. Nathan closed his eyes, a lump forming in his throat. Elizabeth pressed closer to him, so close he could feel the gentle swell of her stomach where their baby grew. He could feel the fear emanating from her, a fear he was powerless to take away. Nathan simply held her as she processed what was coming.

Finally, she let out a sigh, then looked up at him. The fierce look on her face startled him momentarily. She gripped his serge in her hands, balling the fabric at his chest in her fists. "You come home to me," she said, her voice strong and steady. "Do you understand?"

Nathan framed her face with his hands, giving her another gentle kiss. "I understand," he said softly, gazing into her eyes. "I will do everything in my power to return to you."

She nodded, her grip relaxing. "Good. Now, did you want some tea?"

Amazed that she had returned to her original question, Nathan smiled. "Yes, please. That sounds good." He shrugged out of his serge, then followed her into the kitchen. "Where are the children?"

"Lee took them on a drive," Elizabeth replied. "They should be back soon." She began the process of steeping the tea, then looked at him calmly. "Do you need to pack for your trip?"

She was being so strong. Nathan was amazed at her composure. She was even giving him a small smile. His heart hitched in his chest, and he nodded briefly. "It shouldn't take long. I can do it later." He slid an arm around her waist. "For now, I'm all yours. I don't want to waste a single moment."

Elizabeth smiled, going back into his arms. She rested there for a few moments, then pushed back. "What should we make for dinner?"

"How about roasted chicken with mashed potatoes?" Nathan suggested.

"That sounds delightful," Elizabeth answered. "Let's get to work."

They sipped their tea as they prepared ingredients and brought the dinner together. Neither one mentioned Nathan's upcoming trip. Both were determined to enjoy their night together before he left for however long the mission took.

Lee brought Jack and Allie home when dinner was nearly halfway done cooking. They greeted their parents with hugs, and Lee stayed for a few minutes to chat before going home to Rosemary. His eyes lit up as he told them his trip to Brookfield with his wife was just one week away. The trip had been delayed several times, but they were finally able to go to New Hope Orphanage. Nathan could see the joy and excitement in Lee's eyes at the prospect of being a father.

When Lee left, Nathan glanced at Elizabeth, knowing they had to tell the children about his imminent departure. The family gathered in the living room. Allie had a look of knowing dread on her face, while Jack looked between his parents and sister, oblivious to what was coming.

"You have to leave, don't you?" Allie asked. Her voice wavered slightly.

Nathan nodded, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "I have to leave very early in the morning, probably before you wake," he said softly. "I'm sorry, Allie."

She pressed her lips together. Jack's brow furrowed in confusion. "Daddy has to leave?" he asked, looking at Elizabeth for confirmation.

She nodded, pulling their son into her lap. "Yes, sweet boy. Daddy has to go to work in another town."

Jack's lips formed a pout. "Why?" he asked, casting a forlorn look at Nathan.

His heart constricted painfully at the look on Jack's face and the sadness in Allie's eyes. "I have to help catch a bad guy," he said, hoping the simple explanation would appease both children.

They still looked downcast. Elizabeth shot Nathan a sympathetic look, then smiled at the children. "Why don't we do something as a family tonight?" she suggested. "We can all spend time with Daddy before he goes on his trip."

Jack perked up instantly. Allie looked cautiously optimistic. "What would we do?" she asked.

Nathan gave Elizabeth a grateful smile. "What would you like to do?" he asked. "It can be anything at all."

"Camping!" Jack shouted.

"Games!" Allie said at the same time.

Elizabeth chuckled along with Nathan. He felt a lightness in his chest that hadn't been there moments ago. "Why don't we combine the two?" he said, eyes twinkling.

Elizabeth's brow wrinkled. "Camping?" she asked, tilting her head. "It's freezing outside. How is that going to work?"

Allie's eyes were glowing. "I know!" she exclaimed. "Dad and I used to build a tent in the living room on cold nights. We'd build a fire, drink hot chocolate, and play games. It was so much fun!" She looked at Nathan. "Can we do that again?"

Nathan grinned. "Absolutely," he agreed, excited at the idea. "After dinner we'll get everything we need and build our camp."

"Yay!" Both children clapped their hands in unison. Dinner was soon ready, and as they sat down to eat, Nathan was amazed at the atmosphere. What could have been a sad evening had turned into a joyful affair. Once the dinner dishes had been washed and put away, they changed into pajamas and then set to work building a tent. Using some large sheets and the living room furniture, they constructed a sturdy tent that easily received heat from the fire Nathan built to keep them warm. Elizabeth made four mugs of hot chocolate. Blankets were spread on the floor, creating a comfortable seating arrangement. They sipped their chocolate as they played a lively game of I Spy. When it came to Nathan, he slid a smile Elizabeth's way.

"I spy something blue," he said, his eyes twinkling with merriment.

Allie and Jack guessed five times each, but every answer was wrong. Elizabeth was studying him, knowing it was something unusual, but she didn't come up with a guess of her own. Finally, Allie pushed his arm. "What is it, Dad?" she asked, leaning forward to hear his answer.

He grinned. "Your mother's stunning blue eyes, of course."

Elizabeth laughed as Allie rolled her eyes with a groan. "There should be a rule that it can't be anything mushy!" she exclaimed, looking slightly exasperated.

"Nope, I think mushy is just fine," Nathan said, winking at Allie. "You'll understand someday." He realized what he'd said and quickly amended his statement. "In the far distant future, of course."

They switched to a game of charades. Jack did a wonderful impression of a bear, while Allie mimicked a queen. They made their way through various characters, laughing and cheering each other on. It was a couple hours before they slowed down. Jack started yawning, and even Allie looked sleepy. Instead of telling the children to go upstairs to bed, Elizabeth found some children's books and brought them into the tent. "Maybe we should do some reading," she said. "What do you think?"

Jack nodded from his spot on Nathan's lap. Allie was propped up on her elbows, and she nodded too. Hope sparked in her eyes. "Can we all sleep in the tent tonight?" she asked. "Since Dad has to leave in the morning? We can all spend the night together."

Nathan rested a hand on his daughter's hair. "That sounds like a wonderful idea, Allie," he said, meeting Elizabeth's eyes and seeing her gentle nod of approval. His wife's soft voice filled the tent as she read. Eventually, both children were falling asleep. Nathan carefully laid Jack beside Allie, kissed both children goodnight, then reached for Elizabeth. She went into his arms willingly, laying beside him and using his shoulder as a pillow.

Surrounded by his family, Nathan felt a sense of peace. He might be leaving for a time, but he had every reason to come home again safe and secure. He fell asleep listening to the sounds of his children's deep breaths and feeling Elizabeth's warmth in the circle of his arms.

Early the next morning, Elizabeth woke to find herself bereft of Nathan's embrace. She sat up abruptly, a momentary panic seizing her. Just as quickly, it faded. She knew he wouldn't leave without telling her goodbye.

As if summoned by her thoughts, Nathan appeared beside the tent. He gave her a tender and slightly sad smile. "It's time," he said quietly.

Elizabeth nodded, crawling out of the tent. Nathan gently woke the children, kissing them goodbye and telling them he loved them. They responded in kind before quickly falling back asleep. Nathan and Elizabeth were left to their own goodbyes.

He was dressed in his serge, but he had yet to button it. A bag was sitting by the door, evidence of his upcoming departure. Elizabeth felt tears sting her eyes at the sight. She didn't want him to leave. The last time a husband had gone on an assignment, he hadn't come back. A sob escaped without her permission at the thought of Nathan never coming home.

His strong arms enveloped her, holding her close and providing the comfort she desperately needed. Elizabeth closed her eyes and prayed he would be okay.

After a long time, he released her. Raising a hand to her cheek, he traced a line down her jaw. "I'll miss you," he whispered, his voice rough with emotion.

Elizabeth nodded. "And I you," she said. "Be safe, Nathan."

"You know I will," he said, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I love you, sweetheart."

"I love you too." A spark of boldness ignited her into action. She slid her hands into his open serge, gripping his suspenders and pulling him closer. "And just so you have more reason to come home…" She raised herself on her toes to press her lips against his. Casting her fear and caution and reserve away, she kissed him passionately, letting him know the full extent of her feelings. Nathan's lips parted in surprise before he responded in kind. Their kiss was long and deep, their hearts fully melding together in a union of love. Elizabeth's heart was pounding, and she wished more than ever that he didn't have to go. Their kiss slowly moved from passion to tenderness, until finally the pressure of Nathan's lips was as light as a feather. Giving her one more soft kiss, he pulled away, breathing hard. Smiling wryly, he nuzzled her nose gently with his.

"You had to make it harder to leave, didn't you?" The teasing note in his voice told her he didn't mind in the least, and his breathing told her that he was just as affected by their kiss as she was.

She nodded, trying to calm the racing of her heart. "If it means you'll come home sooner, I'll do it again in a heartbeat."

Nathan grinned at that, cupping her face in his hands and claiming her lips for another kiss. Elizabeth felt a hunger in it that made her insides melt. She responded wholeheartedly. Too soon, he pulled away, letting out a long sigh. "I'll be back as soon as I can," he promised.

Elizabeth reached for the buttons on his serge, doing them up one by one. She helped him into his winter coat and then buttoned that too. They shared a final kiss before Nathan walked to the door. He gave her a lingering look, and then he was gone.

Trying not to cry, Elizabeth placed her hands on her stomach. "He'll come home," she said quietly, speaking to the baby girl within her. "Your daddy is a brave, smart man. He'll do whatever it takes to come back again."

Her daughter kicked lightly in response to Elizabeth's words. A smile tugged at her lips. She would miss Nathan, but she had faith that he would be fine. She knew it was likely that she would experience some fear and anxiety until he returned, but for now she embraced the peace that told her everything was going to be alright.