Hello, friends! This chapter starts the one-shot collection of stories about the Grants. I will try to stick to chronological order so nothing gets too confusing, but I will include the month/year for each one shot so you have an idea about the passage of time. I hope you enjoy these little glimpses into the lives of Nathan, Elizabeth, and their children.

September 1919

September was brilliantly beautiful. The leaves began slowly changing colors. The autumnal beauty made Nathan pause to take it all in as he did his rounds. He loved this time of the year. Hope Valley became naturally vibrant, the hues around them stunning. His ride around town and the outskirts was peaceful. No one was in need of a Mountie's assistance. Nathan was glad. That meant he could get home to his family sooner.

His thoughts turned to his wife. They had grown closer in the past month, ever since they began coming together regularly. Nathan was amazed at how one act could unite them so intimately. It drew him closer to Elizabeth, making him ache with love for her. She seemed to enjoy their intimacy just as much as he did. But recently Nathan had noticed little things that made him worry. Several times over the past week, Elizabeth's body had tensed beneath him as they came together. It didn't last long, and she didn't say anything afterwards when they held each other. Last night, in the height of their passion, she emitted a soft, mewling groan. It hadn't sounded like one of pleasure.

Nathan wasn't sure what to think. He believed Elizabeth would say something if she was uncomfortable, but she hadn't tried to stop him. If it happened again, he was going to ask her directly if something was wrong.

He finished his rounds. The town was quiet and safe. A smile tugged at his lips. Elizabeth would appreciate that. The more boring days he had, the happier she was. He chuckled, then turned Newton in the direction of their home. Once he reached their barn, he swung down and led his horse into a stall, rubbing him down and making sure he had plenty of fresh food and water.

He was met at the front door by Allie and Jack. They were talking loud and fast, one over the other. Nathan couldn't make out what either of them was saying.

"Whoa, whoa! Slow down," he said, laughing. "I can't understand you when you're both talking like that."

"Let me tell him, Allie!" Jack said, dancing around Nathan's legs.

Allie laughed. "Alright, Jack. Go ahead."

Jack clutched Nathan's pant legs. "Mr. Bouchard got a doggie!" he said, eyes bright. "She's a pregnant doggie, and he said we could have a puppy if you and Mama said it was okay!" He bounced up and down on his toes. "Can we, Daddy? Can we have a puppy when it comes?"

Nathan's eyes met Elizabeth's. She was sitting in the rocker, a nearly-asleep Aurora nestled against her chest. Her eyes were sparkling with amusement. "I told them you and I would have to talk about it," she said. "The puppies are due in a couple weeks. Lucas found the dog abandoned in a shed at one of his oil rigs, and he said he couldn't just leave her there." She chuckled. "Clearly she charmed him, because he claims Lucky is his now."

Nathan raised a brow, a smile tugging at his lips. "Lucky?"

Elizabeth chuckled again. "An homage to his gambling habits, I suppose. Though he said Fiona named her."

Allie and Jack were both staring at him with large eyes. Though he had never considered a pet before, Nathan felt himself melting under their excited anticipation. "Tell you what," he said. "Your mother and I will talk things over tonight, and give you an answer in the morning. Does that sound fair?"

The children nodded, hugging him at the same time. "Thanks, Dad!" Allie said. Jack echoed her words. They dashed off to play as Nathan went to greet his wife properly with a kiss before settling in the chair beside hers.

She smiled at him. "I had a visit from Fiona today," she said. "Lucas came too and brought the dog with him. That's how the kids found out about the puppies."

"Ah," Nathan said, smiling. "And Lucas couldn't help promising them one of the pups."

Elizabeth laughed. "Apparently he has a soft spot for Allie. She gave him big puppy eyes of her own when she found out about the babies, and Lucas offered her one on the spot." She chuckled. "Before realizing what he said and quickly saying it was up to you and me."

Nathan glanced toward the kitchen, where the two children were working on a puzzle at the table. "What do you think about having a pet?" he asked, turning his attention back to Elizabeth. "It isn't a small undertaking, especially with an infant."

His wife nodded thoughtfully. "I'm not sure," she admitted. "I love the idea of a puppy for the children, and Lucky seems like a very sweet-tempered dog. Her pups will probably have good temperaments." She looked at their kids as well. "I know how excited our children would be. That alone is enough to make me think it would be worth it. And our property is large and could easily support a pet. The dog could always sleep in the barn with the horses."

Nathan laughed. "You know the kids will beg for the dog to stay in the house with us. They'll want to sleep with it at night."

Elizabeth smiled ruefully. "You're right."

"Does that bother you?"

She shook her head. "Not really. I think having a pet would be good for the kids. It can help teach them responsibility."

"I think you're right," Nathan replied. He smiled, leaning back in his chair. "Does this mean we're going to be getting a puppy?"

Elizabeth laughed. "It looks that way."

Nathan sighed, pretending to be indignant. "If only the pup came from someone other than Lucas…"

Elizabeth swatted his arm, laughing. "I know you and Lucas aren't exactly friends, but he's come a long way since last year," she said. "Ever since he and Fiona got engaged, he's seemed like a new man."

"He has, hasn't he?" Nathan admitted. "Fiona has been good for him." He tilted his head. "What brought them out here today? I assume it wasn't the puppies since you said that was a spur of the moment offer from Lucas."

"Fiona asked me to be one of her bridesmaids," Elizabeth said. "I was a little surprised, but she insisted on me being a part of the wedding party."

Nathan smiled. "That's wonderful, Elizabeth." He chuckled. "Though I can't help finding it ironic that you are going to be in the wedding party for the woman Lucas is marrying." He shook his head. "A year ago, none of us thought things would turn out this way, did we?"

Elizabeth's countenance changed. "No, not at all," she said softly. She reached out a hand to Nathan. "It took a life-changing horror to get my attention, but I'm glad that you were there for me through everything, Nathan. I don't know where I'd be now without your love." Though her words were gentle, a pensive look came into her eyes. Nathan could tell something was on her mind. He looked at the sleeping baby in her arms, then at Jack and Allie, still engaged in their puzzle. He stood, extending a hand to Elizabeth. "Come with me, love," he said.

She let him lead her toward their bedroom. Nathan paused by Allie, putting a hand on his daughter's shoulder. "Allie, do you mind keeping an eye on Jack for a while?"

She nodded. "Sure, Dad."

He kissed her head. "Thanks, sweetie." Wrapping an arm around Elizabeth, he guided her to their bedroom and shut the door.

Elizabeth placed Aurora in her bassinet, smiling down at the little girl. "She's getting so big," she said with a little sigh. "Our baby is four months old already. How did that happen?"

Nathan joined her at the bassinet. "I don't know," he admitted, admiring their daughter. "She's a wonderful baby. Before we know it, she'll be crawling all over the place."

Elizabeth groaned lightly and covered Aurora with a blanket. "Don't say that," she said, shaking her head. "I'm not ready to even think about that yet."

Nathan chuckled, reaching down to take her hand. "Let's sit and talk," he suggested, leading her to the two chairs by the large bay window. The room had a beautiful view of their property. The colors of autumn were prominently displayed. As they sat, Elizabeth let out a sigh. "It's so lovely," she half-whispered. "Autumn was always one of my favorite seasons."

Studying her, Nathan saw the pensiveness was still on her face. "What's going on, Elizabeth?" he asked gently.

She looked at him. "What do you mean?"

He could tell she was avoiding the question. That increased his fear that something was wrong. "There have been a couple things over the last week that have me worried," he said. "And right now, you look like there's something on your mind, but you're keeping it inside." He took her hand again. "Please talk to me, sweetheart. What's on your mind?"

Elizabeth looked down, her throat working. When she looked back up at him again, there were tears in her eyes. "It's been one year today," she said quietly. "One year since I was raped." She shivered, letting out a long breath. "The memories have been trying to come back. I was able to put them off most of this week, but today has been a struggle. I keep remembering the assault and how powerless I felt at that moment. I've even been having some nightmares again." She bit her lip. "I didn't want to burden you with that."

Nathan rose from his chair and pulled Elizabeth up too, tugged her into his arms. He held her tightly, burying his face in her hair. "Elizabeth, I don't want you to ever feel like you need to keep something from me," he whispered. "I'm your husband. We're in this together. That means all the joys as well as the struggles and pain." He leaned back, framing her face in his hands. "I love you. All of you. Your pain, your memories – those are a part of who you are and therefore are of utmost concern to me. Don't keep them hidden, love. Share your heart with me, no matter what it's going through."

Tears welled in Elizabeth's eyes. She pressed close to him, sliding her arms around his neck and burying her face in his chest. "You're so good to me," she said with a small cry. "When I think that I almost lost your love forever because of my fear and pride…" She shuddered in his arms. "I thank God every day that our paths finally converged into one."

Nathan rubbed her back. "So do I," he whispered. "You are my joy, Elizabeth. I love you more than life itself."

She held him tighter. "And you're mine, Nathan." They stood together, Elizabeth accepting the comfort Nathan offered her. He knew they still needed to talk, but for now it was enough to simply be in the moment.

As night fell, Elizabeth felt a little lighter. She and Nathan had talked for nearly an hour in their bedroom. She'd poured out all her fears and pain and worries, holding nothing back. Spurlock's face had been in her mind all day, but as she voiced that to Nathan, the memories lost some of their power over her. They were able to spend time together as a family that evening without her fears holding her in a vice grip. Nathan built a fire in the fireplace, and they had roasted marshmallows on sticks and made up stories as a family. A little before bedtime, Nathan looked at their children with a smile.

"Your mother and I talked about the puppy," he said. "We decided to accept Mr. Bouchard's offer."

Allie squealed loudly, making Aurora jump in Elizabeth's arms. Jack leapt to his feet, unable to stay still. "We're getting a puppy?" he exclaimed, clapping his hands.

Nathan nodded. "We are. I'll have to talk to Mr. Bouchard about the details, since the pups will have to stay with their mama for a time. It could be a few months before we are able to take a puppy home."

Elizabeth smiled. Nathan's words of caution didn't dampen Allie and Jack's excitement in the least.

"We're getting a puppy!" Allie sang, swinging Jack around in a circle. "I've always wanted a dog!"

The excitement continued until Nathan took the children to tuck them into bed. Elizabeth could hear them babbling on about the soon-to-be addition to their family as she retreated to her room to nurse Aurora.

After feeding her daughter, Elizabeth glanced at the clock. She froze.

They had stayed up much later than usual. It was almost ten-thirty. Her body began to shake. She quickly put Aurora in the bassinet, afraid she might accidentally drop her. Her breaths came in ragged gasps and she couldn't tear her gaze from the clock.

Nathan found her like that moments later. Immediately, he went to her. "Elizabeth! What's wrong?"

It was the second time he asked her that today. She was incredibly grateful that her husband could read her so well. Otherwise, she might have closed herself off in a storm of emotions.

She looked up at him, shaking. "The time," she managed to whisper.

Nathan looked at the clock. Understanding lit his face. He drew her into his arms, as if trying to shield her from her memories. "Oh, sweetheart," he said. One of his hands cupped her cheek as he looked into her eyes. "What can I do?"

An idea came to mind. As her breaths came faster, she looked up at him, hoping he wouldn't object. "Make love to me."

His eyes widened. "Now?"

She nodded. "Yes, now." Her shaking increased and tears welled in her eyes. "I need you, Nathan. I need your love to drive away the memories of what happened then." She clutched his arms. "Please."

He hesitated. "Elizabeth, are you sure? You're in a heightened emotional state. Do you think performing the act that was forced on you a year ago would be a good idea right now?"

"Yes," she said. "I'm scared. I won't lie about that. But I need you, Nathan. I need your love to counteract the memories of brutality." A tear slipped down her cheek. "I feel powerless right now, just like I felt back then. Maybe if we love each other, some of that feeling will fade."

Nathan studied her. She could see the hesitation on his face, but he slowly nodded. "Alright, Elizabeth. On one condition."

She swallowed. "What's that?"

He slowly ran a hand through her hair. "You lead," he whispered.

She blinked. "What?"

His crooked smile appeared. "You lead," he repeated. "You just said the old feelings of being powerless have taken hold of you. So tonight, you're in control. You have the power." He kissed her gently. "I will go where you lead, sweetheart."

Elizabeth stared up at him. Nathan gazed back at her, his hand slowly sliding up and down her back. Though touched by his gesture, Elizabeth wasn't sure where to begin. He was offering her a gift, once again caring more about her feelings than his own. Gathering up her bearings, she decided to start with a kiss.

She quickly grew more sure of herself. Nathan was true to his word. He let her have control, responding to her but letting her lead. Elizabeth felt an overpowering love for him wash over her. The bad memories were pushed aside as the unconditional love Nathan consistently showed her once more displayed itself in a gentle, unselfish manner.

Afterward, she lay against his chest, holding him close. "Thank you," she whispered, wishing there were words to adequately describe her gratitude.

Nathan pressed a kiss to her forehead. "You didn't tense this time," he said.

She let out a breath. "You noticed that?"

He nodded. "I did. I thought I might be imagining things the first time, but when it happened again I knew something was off for you. When you didn't say anything, I started doubting myself, especially since you never tried to stop me from loving you."

Elizabeth buried her face in his neck. "I'm sorry, Nathan," she said. "I should have told you that I was struggling with memories. When I tensed, it was because I had a brief flashback to the rape." She sighed. "I didn't want to taint our intimacy by telling you I was thinking of what happened then while you were loving me now."

Nathan's arms tightened around her. "It wouldn't have tainted anything, Elizabeth," he said gently. "But it might have allowed me to help you through your memories." He kissed her. "This might happen again in the future," he said. "If it does, please tell me." He hesitated. "Was our time together ever painful for you?"

"No," Elizabeth said, glad she could put his fears to rest on that point. "You gave me pleasure, Nathan, no pain. When I tensed, there was some brief discomfort, but your love quickly dispelled that." She leaned up to kiss him again. "And now that I know you want me to talk to you if it happens again, rest assured that I will." She let her lips trail a line of kisses along his neck. "I'm sorry that I kept that from you this week. It was my attempt to protect you."

He smiled. "I appreciate that you wanted to spare my feelings, but I'm glad that you're open to sharing the memories that might come when we're intimate." He brushed some of her hair back over her shoulder. "Don't be afraid of telling me the truth, Elizabeth. I can handle it."

She closed her eyes, resting against him in complete trust. "I will."

"Good," Nathan said, leaning his head against hers.

Elizabeth marveled at how comfortable it felt to lay against her husband. A contented sigh escaped her and she relaxed completely. Three short minutes later, she fell into a deep sleep.

No memories plagued her dreams.