Half an hour before noon, Elizabeth climbed the stairs to wake Nathan. She wanted to let him sleep, but her father would be there shortly and she wanted to give her husband time to get ready. When she got to the room, she let out a smile.

Nathan was sitting on the edge of the bed, a huge yawn splitting his face. His tousled hair and sleepy eyes were much too appealing. He gave her his crooked smile, blinking as if to be sure she was really there. "Hey," he said, his voice heavy with sleep.

"Hi," she responded, walking into the room. She stopped in front of him, running her fingers through his unruly locks. "You look like you could use a comb," she teased.

Nathan shut his eyes, leaning into her touch. "If you're acting as my comb, I won't complain," he murmured. Unexpectedly, he reached out, pulling her onto his lap. "That's even better," he said, a smile in his voice as he buried his face in her neck. His lips brushed the tender skin just below her jaw, and for a brief moment, Elizabeth froze. Memories threatened to surface, but she managed to push them away. Standing abruptly, she placed her hands on either side of Nathan's face, hoping he didn't see how his tiny kiss had affected her. She forced a smile, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. He looked up at her in confusion. Before he could say anything, Elizabeth took his hand, tugging him up from the bed. "My father will be here in thirty minutes," she said brightly. Too brightly.

She nearly winced at her own tone. Nathan studied her, clearly concerned. "Elizabeth?"

Shaking her head, unwilling to admit that his kiss to her neck had threatened to unleash memories she'd rather forget, she let out a breath. "I'm just nervous about my father's visit," she said. It was the truth, but it wasn't the reason for her reaction. Nathan nodded slowly, though she could tell he didn't believe her.

His finger brushed her cheek. Elizabeth closed her eyes, leaning into his touch. How was it possible that different touches from him evoked different reactions? A kiss to her lips filled her with longing and desire, while that kiss to her neck had nearly reduced her to fear and trembling.

Not wanting to dwell on it, she smiled at him and stepped back. "Lunch will be ready soon," she said. "Why don't you get ready and meet me down there? Jack and Allie are excited to see you again."

He nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. Elizabeth almost cracked under his penetrating gaze, but she hurried from the room. Leaning against the rail of the stairs, she exhaled slowly.

"I'm safe with Nathan," she murmured to herself. "I am safe with Nathan."

The words had a calming effect on her. Feeling a little better, she walked down the stairs. As she reached the landing, another set of nerves hit her. This time, it was the reality of her impending visit with her father.

What in the world were they going to tell him?

Elizabeth bit her lip. Maybe her strange reaction to Nathan's kiss stemmed from the fact that she knew they were about to relive what had happened to her all those months ago. The thought brought a measure of comfort. At least it hadn't been due to the kiss itself. It couldn't have been. Elizabeth took a breath to calm herself, then filled a kettle with water and put it on the stove to boil.

Jack and Allie were reading together on the floor. When the sound of Nathan's footsteps came down the stairs, both children leapt up to meet him. He received their hugs happily, settling on the floor with them as they peppered him with questions about his trip. After the water in the kettle boiled, Elizabeth placed tea inside to steep before joining her family on the floor. Nathan smiled, wrapping an arm around her and pulling her to his side. Jack climbed into her lap while Allie detailed her sleepover at Opal's. Elizabeth leaned her head on Nathan's shoulder, content to spend time with her family.

Too soon, a knock sounded on the front door. The four Grants froze momentarily. Nathan recovered first. He squeezed Elizabeth's shoulders and stood, walking purposefully toward the door. Pulling it open, he greeted their guests.

"Hello, Mr. Thatcher. Julie," he said, his tone polite.

Julie came in first, wrapping Nathan in an embrace. "Welcome to the family!" she enthused, grinning at him. "I'm pleased to know I have a new brother."

Nathan smiled at her. "I'm honored to have a new sister," he replied. Julie chuckled, patting his cheek before stepping to the side so her father could enter.

Elizabeth stood on shaky legs as William walked into the house. He glanced at Nathan, giving him a nod, before turning to Elizabeth and scanning her body with his eyes. They stopped at her stomach. Her hands automatically pressed against her unborn child, shielding the baby without thinking. In doing so, she unconsciously made her condition obvious.

Her father's lips pressed together. "So the rumors are true," he muttered, glancing between Nathan and Elizabeth.

Nathan stepped between William and Elizabeth, clearly ready to do battle. "Mr. Thatcher, Elizabeth has done nothing wrong."

William raised a brow, regarding his son-in-law with an unreadable expression. "I didn't say she had," he said, his voice surprisingly mild. "But I would like to know why I had to find out that my daughter is pregnant from strangers instead of from her directly."

Elizabeth felt a twinge of guilt prick her conscience. It had been nearly six months since she was assaulted. She was carrying her parents' grandchild. The news should have come from her.

She walked to her father, holding out her arms. He stared at her for a moment before pulling her into a tight hug. They stood there for several long moments. When they pulled back, Elizabeth was surprised to see tears in her father's eyes. "We hadn't heard from you in months," he said, his words choked. "Your mother and I feared the worst, Elizabeth. She insisted I come to Hope Valley to check on you. Julie wanted to accompany me. When you weren't at your rowhouse, I panicked." He glanced at Nathan. "As we were heading back to town to inquire about your whereabouts, I saw you in the arms of your...husband." He said the word hesitantly, as if it was difficult to believe. "That's why I reacted so strongly. I apologize for making assumptions." He looked into her eyes once more. "I know you to be a noble, virtuous woman, Elizabeth. I also know there are rumors in your town about your sudden marriage to Constable Grant. People are speculating you married him to cover up your pregnancy. The last we heard, you were being courted by Mr. Bouchard. That same Mr. Bouchard came to your defense in the saloon this morning when those men were talking badly of you. There is a lot that doesn't add up." His gaze flitted between her and Nathan. "I want to know your version of the story."

Elizabeth sighed. She should have known the rumors in town were flying. It hurt that her father had learned of them his first day in town, though it also made the prospect of telling her story easier. Her father already knew about the baby. Now it was just a matter of filling in the details.

She also felt gratitude toward Lucas for defending her and Nathan. She knew what his defense would make people think, but he had done it anyway. She would have to remember to thank him later.

"Why don't we sit?" she suggested to William. Catching sight of her children, she smiled. "But first, there is someone I'd like to introduce you to." She walked to Allie's side, taking the girl's hand with a reassuring look. "This is your granddaughter, Allie."

William's face softened even more as he smiled at his only granddaughter. "Hello, Allie," he said, extending his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"You too…" Allie began, only to cut off her words with a confused look. "What do I call you?"

William chuckled. "Grandpa is fine," he said, his eyes twinkling.

"Grandpa!" Jack repeated, claiming some of the attention. "We have your picture!"

To Elizabeth's shock, William crouched down on Jack's level, grinning at the boy. "And I have your picture at my home," he said. "Your mother sent it to me."

Jack smiled, clearly proud of the fact that his picture was displayed somewhere besides his own house.

Nathan looped an arm around Elizabeth. She smiled up at him, thankful for his presence. Once more, she turned her attention to the children. "Allie, Jack, why don't you go upstairs and play for a bit while Dad and I talk to Grandpa and Aunt Julie? I'll call you when it's time for lunch."

"Okay." The children scampered up the stairs. Elizabeth looked at her father and sister. "Can I offer you some tea?"

"Maybe with lunch," William said, gesturing toward the sofa. "For now, I would like to hear what happened, Elizabeth."

Not wanting to think back to that awful day, but knowing she had to, Elizabeth tried to calm her anxious heart. Nathan's gentle arm around her helped. He guided her to the settee and sat next to her, his hand reaching down to clasp hers in a sign of support.

William and Julie took the chairs across from them, waiting for the explanation. Elizabeth breathed deeply once more, then began her story.

Nathan was proud of Elizabeth. Though her hands shook, she spoke clearly and calmly, telling her father and sister about the awful night of her assault and the subsequent chain of events that led to the joining of their two families. Nathan watched as Julie's eyes rounded and filled with tears, her hands going to her mouth in shock. Mr. Thatcher's face paled considerably when he heard his daughter had been hurt in such a way, then reddened in anger at the man who had harmed her. By the time Elizabeth had finished, her father was pacing the floor.

"Are we sure this Spurlock character is in prison for life?" he asked, directing his question at Nathan.

Nathan nodded firmly. "Yes, sir. I was reassured that there is no possible way that man will ever regain his freedom. He will be in prison until he dies."

"Good," Mr. Thatcher muttered. "Though if you ask me, he doesn't deserve to live after what he did to my little girl."

Nathan couldn't blame his father-in-law for the sentiment. If anyone dared attack Allie the way Spurlock had attacked Elizabeth, Nathan would be tempted to tear him apart with his own two hands. From the look on Mr. Thatcher's face, he felt the same.

Abruptly, he turned to Nathan. "I want to thank you for protecting my daughter," he said. "You sacrificed for her in a way not many would." A smile tugged at his lips. "I can see Elizabeth loves you, Constable. It's clear you love her as well. Despite the circumstances, I'm glad you two are happy together. It gives me a measure of peace."

"Thank you, Mr. Thatcher," Nathan said. "And please, call me Nathan. We are family, after all."

Mr. Thatcher smiled. "You may call me William."

Julie stood, claiming the spot on the other side of Elizabeth. She threw her arms around her sister, the tears on her face sparkling. "I am so sorry you had to endure what you did," she whispered. She reached out, touching Elizabeth's stomach gently. "Does the baby ever remind you of what happened?"

Nathan looked at his wife, wondering what her answer would be. Elizabeth paused, then smiled at her sister. "Every once in a while I am reminded of what happened. But most of the time, I'm simply reminded that this little child led to one of the greatest blessings in my life." Her smile turned to Nathan, becoming soft and intimate. She didn't have to say anything else. His heart flipped at the look in her eyes.

William inadvertently broke their connection. "Elizabeth, are you planning on addressing the rumors in town? They are nasty, and they implicate others besides you."

She blinked, looking at her father. "I...I don't know. I'd rather not tell everyone what happened." Her words sounded uncertain, as if she had been considering otherwise.

Her father nodded slowly. "I can understand that." He reached out, taking her hands. Nathan could read the fatherly concern written on his face. "But Elizabeth, it might be for the best. People are going to assume the worst if they don't know what happened." His face crumpled slightly and he swallowed. "When I saw you on your porch with Nathan this morning, I automatically assumed the worst, and that was without knowing you were pregnant." His eyes glistened with tears and he pressed her hands to his lips. "Can you ever forgive me for being such a fool?"

Elizabeth's eyes held matching tears. She snuggled into her father's embrace, closing her eyes tightly. "Of course I forgive you," she whispered. "I love you, Father."

"I love you too, Beth," he said, running his hand in soft circles on her back.

Nathan had to blink back tears of his own as he took in the tender father-daughter scene. It was clear, for all his exterior gruffness, that William Thatcher deeply loved his middle daughter. When the two finally pulled apart, both were wiping tears and smiling.

Julie stood beside Nathan, her hands clasping at her heart. "That is probably the biggest display of emotion I've ever seen from our father," she murmured to Nathan.

He smiled, sliding an arm around his new sister's shoulders and giving her a side hug. "I'm glad you're both here, Julie."

She smiled back. "So am I."

The next week passed happily for the Grants and Thatchers. William took to his role as grandfather like a duck to water. Elizabeth had never seen him so informal or solicitous. He fit into their lives seamlessly. Julie was a ray of sunshine, delighting in her niece and nephew and spoiling them with gifts.

When Lee and Rosemary returned from their trip to Brookfield with their new son and daughter in tow, William was the one to cater a dinner from the café to celebrate the adoption. Everything was brought to the Coulter's home, and the six adults and four children enjoyed a stellar meal created by Minnie and Bill.

Elizabeth was in awe of the newest additions to Hope Valley. Baby Danny was adorable and mild. He enjoyed being held, cuddled, and talked to, his little mouth opening in a toothless grin anytime he was given attention. Little Reagan was quiet but sweet, her large blue eyes taking in everything around her. Both children had honey-blonde hair and striking blue eyes. If Elizabeth hadn't known better, she would swear they were Rosemary's natural children. They looked like her.

When she mentioned the fact to her friend, Rosemary looked genuinely confused. "You think so?" she asked, studying her daughter carefully. Reagan sat on Lee's lap, thumb in mouth, observing the adults in the room. She then turned her attention to Danny, who had fallen asleep in Elizabeth's arms. Her face softened, an undeniable joy shining there. "I hadn't even noticed," she whispered, running a hand over Danny's soft curls.

Elizabeth smiled. "Have I mentioned how happy I am for you?" she asked quietly. "Seeing you full of excitement and happiness is wonderful. This has been your heart's desire for so long."

"Yes," Rosemary said, her eyes sparkling with tears. "There was so much pain throughout our struggle with infertility. But now…" Her eyes slid between her son and daughter. "Now all the pain feels like it was worth something. I don't know if I would be quite this happy if we hadn't first gone through the fire."

Elizabeth knew exactly what she meant. She placed a hand on her friend's arm, smiling her agreement. Rosemary caught the silent message. The two friends sat for a moment, amazed at the ability of pain to turn to joy.

As the other adults turned the conversation to the building of Nathan and Elizabeth's home - which was already progressing rapidly - Rosemary leaned closer to Elizabeth, lowering her voice. "How are things between you and Nathan?"

Elizabeth smiled, warmth spreading through her entire body. "Good," she said, unable to keep the sparkle from her eyes. "I love him so much, Rosemary."

Rosemary regarded her with understanding. "You two are perfect for each other," she said. She lowered her voice even further. "Have you two considered taking your relationship further?"

Elizabeth didn't have to ask what she meant. Blushing lightly, she looked at Nathan. He'd said they could take things as slowly as she needed. They had only just begun to show each other passion in their kisses, but that passion was building a fire inside of Elizabeth. Her desire for him only grew with each kiss they shared. Yet she couldn't shake the nervousness that nagged at her every time she remembered her reaction to him kissing her neck. What if they tried to be intimate and she couldn't follow through? What would that do to her? What would it do to Nathan?

She brought her mind back to Rosemary's question. "I don't know," she admitted. "Part of me wants to while the other part of me is terrified at the thought."

Rosemary nodded slowly. "I understand. What you went through was very traumatic. You could easily be triggered again." She paused, a considerate look on her face. "Why don't you and Nathan have a nice dinner, just the two of you? Make it as romantic or laid-back as you want. Maybe you can talk through your fears, or maybe you'll discover you're more ready than you realize. Lee and I can keep Jack and Allie overnight. That'll give you and Nathan some time alone. You haven't had that since the night of your wedding, have you?"

Elizabeth shook her head, shooting her friend a thankful look. "That would be wonderful," she admitted. A smile tugged at her lips. "Actually, that sounds perfect."

Rosemary grinned. "How's Saturday?"

Two days away. Elizabeth felt excitement build inside at the thought of time alone with Nathan. She reached out, squeezing Rosemary's hand. "Perfect," she said again, smiling at her friend. "Thank you, Rosemary."

A grin split Rosemary's face. She winked. "My pleasure."