November 1919

"Do you have the ring?"

Nathan stopped his pacing to look at Allie. His daughter was dressed in a beautiful dark purple dress with her hair piled on top of her head in an elegant style. Pearls adorned her neck, pearls gifted to her by her Grandma Grace. His throat constricted. When had his little girl grown up?

"Allie, you look beautiful," he said, letting his admiration show in his tone.

Allie blushed prettily. "Thanks, Dad," she said, a smile growing on her face. "You look very handsome in that suit."

Nathan looked down at his black three-piece suit. It was much fancier than anything he'd worn before, but William Thatcher had insisted on loaning him the getup.

"It's not every day my middle daughter renews her vows," he'd said, slapping Nathan on the back. "And since the two of you didn't get a normal wedding the first time around, I'm here to make sure that happens this time."

He'd taken care of the entire bill for a vow renewal and reception. Though it wouldn't be a typical wedding, everything was decorated as if it were. The five Grants were wearing outfits that were common to weddings. Jack was dressed in a miniature version of Nathan's ensemble, complete with a bowtie. Aurora's dress was identical to Allie's, but while Allie's hair was styled in a Hamilton fashion, Aurora wore a headband with a pretty purple bow. Nathan doubted his six-month-old daughter would allow the contraption to remain on her head longer than the ceremony. She had developed a stubborn streak that Elizabeth laughingly told him was inherited from her.

He brought his mind back to Allie and her comment. "Thank you, sweetheart," he said, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I'm glad you think so, since I feel like I'm slowly suffocating in this outfit."

Allie laughed. "You'll be fine, Dad. After today, you'll never have to wear that again."

"Thank God," Nathan muttered.

His daughter was looking at him quizzically. He arched a brow. "What?"

"Do you have the ring?" she asked again.

The ring! Nathan slipped a hand into his pocket, pulling out the simple gold band. "It's right here," he said. He and Elizabeth had purchased wedding bands for each other when they decided to have a vow renewal on their one-year wedding anniversary. Rosemary had provided the ones they used at their first ceremony, but both Nathan and Elizabeth had decided they wanted to choose bands for the renewal. Each of them had a word inscribed on the ring, a surprise for the other person. Nathan had chosen the word "beloved" for Elizabeth's ring.

"Good," Allie said. "Aunt Rosemary wants to tie it onto the pillow Jack will be carrying." She held out her hand. "Can I have it?"

Nathan handed her the ring. She beamed, then headed to the other room where Rosemary was busily finishing last-minute wedding details. This time, she had the help of Grace, Viola, and Julie, all of whom were thrilled to be a part of Elizabeth's wedding. No matter how many times either Nathan or Elizabeth called it a vow renewal, everyone else called it a wedding. Nathan decided to simply accept it. Their true wedding had been one year ago, but this would be their happy wedding. Neither of them had known what the future held when they said their vows last November. Elizabeth had been pregnant and scared, while Nathan had wondered what he was getting into by marrying a woman who didn't love him.

So much had changed since that day. He would always be thankful for that. Though it started with uncertainty, their lives had melded together wonderfully. There were rough patches, but by and large they were a cohesive unit, a happy family. They had three beautiful children, and Nathan hoped someday they would expand their family with more children.

Bill poked his head into the room. "Are you ready?"

Nathan nodded. "I think so."

Bill came into the room, followed soon by William, who was holding Jack in his arms. The excited little boy was chattering away, while his grandfather listened with rapt attention. A few moments later, Archie Grant came into the room, fiddling with his tie.

"I never could figure out how these confounded things worked," he said, staring down at the tie as if it might bite him.

Nathan hid a laugh. If anyone's dislike of ties could rival his, it was his father's. Archie rarely wore one, but for his son's wedding, he chose to make an exception.

"Let me help you, Dad," he said, easily maneuvering the tie into the correct knot. "There. How's that?"

"Fine, I suppose," Archie said. "Though I feel like I'm suffocating in this outfit."

This time, Nathan couldn't hide his laugh. "We are definitely related," he said, still chuckling that his father had voiced Nathan's exact complaint to Allie just minutes before.

Lee was next to make an appearance. Nathan's brother-in-law, Lionel, was on his heels. "The ladies said they're almost ready," Lee announced. "I believe that is our cue to head to the church."

Lionel stopped beside Nathan. When the two men met a few days before, his brother-in-law had been introduced as "Sir Lionel". Nathan blinked twice before saying that sounded completely ostentatious. He'd quickly clamped a hand over his mouth, shocked that he'd said the thought out loud. Lionel had looked shocked as well, but moments later he started laughing. Clapping Nathan on the back, he agreed and professed that he be called simply Lionel while in Hope Valley. Though from completely different lives and backgrounds, the two were getting along famously. Elizabeth had joked that they had to get along since they were brothers. She'd gotten no argument from either Nathan or Lionel.

"You ready, old chap?" Lionel asked, grinning widely. "The whole town is ready to witness your public wedding with Elizabeth."

"Public wedding, huh?" Nathan said good-naturedly.

Lionel chuckled. "I've heard many rumors that your first wedding was secretive and in the middle of the night." He raised a brow. "Where I come from, that usually means something scandalous took place."

Nathan simply poked his brother in the gut with his elbow. "Well, here in Hope Valley, it meant the start of a beautiful life."

Lionel's face softened. "I can see that," he said. "I've never known Elizabeth to be so happy, Nathan. You're clearly meant for each other."

"Thanks, Lionel," Nathan said, pulling the other man into a hug. "I appreciate that."

Bill groaned. "I know this is a wedding and all, but can we please refrain from all the sappiness that comes with it?"

Nathan laughed, gripping Bill by the shoulders and looking directly into his eyes. "Have I ever told you how much your friendship means to me?"

Bill became serious, returning the look. "The feeling is mutual, Nathan." He was the one to initiate a hug.

Lee clapped his hands. "Alright, men! This is touching, but we've got to get going. Rosemary will have my head if we're still in the house and accidentally see the bride."

Nathan laughed. "She does realize Elizabeth and I have been married for a year, right?"

Lee waved him out of the room. "Yes, but that doesn't mean I won't hear about it if you see her before the wedding!"

The men made their way out of the house and began the short walk to the church. Nathan fell into step with his father. Archie looked up at him, eyes glowing with pride. "I'm so glad you're happy, Nathan," he said. "It does my old heart good to know you became such a good man despite my shortcomings as a father."

Nathan wrapped an arm around Archie's shoulders. "I'm glad our relationship has mended," he said. "It's good to have you in our lives, Dad."

Archie smiled. "I'm glad you're calling me that again," he said quietly. "I much prefer it to Archie. Not that I blame you for calling me that for years. I certainly wasn't a good model."

"That's in the past," Nathan said seriously. "You have changed, Dad. Anyone can see that." He smiled slyly. "Even Ma noticed."

A light blush came into Archie's cheeks. He glanced at the passing scenery. "Eva is a very forgiving woman."

Nathan's smile became a grin. "Are you going to ask her to dance at the reception?"

Archie's eyes widened. "That ship sailed a long time ago, son."

With a light shrug, Nathan shook his head. "You won't know unless you try."

His father sputtered for a few moments while Nathan remembered all the looks his parents had shared over the past few days. They weren't divorced. Eva had simply moved to an undisclosed location after Archie was arrested years before. She'd always said she would honor her marriage vows, but that it didn't mean she would let him into her life again. Recently, though, she seemed to have changed her mind. The more Nathan and Allie told her about Archie's transformation, the more curious she became. When both were invited to the wedding, Nathan wondered how things would play out.

He no longer had to wonder. There were clearly still feelings between his parents. Maybe all they required was a nudge in the right direction. Nathan made a mental note to find a way to make sure his parents danced together later. If nothing else, it would allow them to clear the air between them.

As they walked, his attention turned to his wife. She'd looked happy this morning, excited about the day ahead. Having her family around had shown Nathan a new side of her. He'd watched as she squealed with her sisters, talking about everything under the sun. He'd seen the way she blossomed under her father's approval and her mother's affection. He'd seen her take pride in showing off her children to her parents and sisters.

It had made him fall even more in love with her, a feat he hadn't thought possible.

He smiled, a tender feeling inside as he thought of the woman he loved. He couldn't wait to renew his vows to her, this time in front of their friends and family.

"Daddy?"

The little voice made him pause. Jack had come over to him, reaching out to hold Nathan's hand. Nathan happily obliged. He felt a little tug at his heart. His son would turn four in a month's time. He was already growing like a weed, taller than Allie had been at four years old. Nathan smiled down at the boy. "Yes, son?"

"How come you're having another wedding? Aren't you and Mama already married?"

Nathan's smile grew. "Yes, we're already married. But the town wants to celebrate with us since we never had a church wedding." He could have told his son that they were technically just renewing their vows, but Jack was too little to understand the concept. He had caught onto the wedding terminology and believed a wedding was happening.

Jack looked like he was concentrating. "So the town wanted you to have a wedding and a party?"

Nathan nodded. "Basically, yes."

"Oh," Jack replied. "Okay." He smiled. "Let's go marry Mama."

Nathan chuckled, not bothering to correct the child. His simple sweetness touched Nathan. Jack knew his parents were happy, and that was what mattered to him.

Maybe he should strive to be more like his son.

Elizabeth felt happier than she'd been in a while. Getting to have a true wedding day with Nathan had proved to lift her spirits in a way she hadn't expected. Though they'd been married for a year, the fact that they were about to renew their vows in a ceremony much like a wedding in front of those dearest to them made her shed tears of joy.

"Noooo!" Julie squealed, frantically dabbing at Elizabeth's eyes with a handkerchief. "Don't you dare cry and ruin this beautiful makeup it took me forever to perfect!"

Viola laughed, slipping an arm around Elizabeth. "Julie's right," she said practically. "You don't want to look like a racoon at your wedding."

Sniffing and laughing at the same time, Elizabeth shook her head. "No, we wouldn't want that, would we?"

"Definitely not!" Rosemary exclaimed, shaking her head vehemently. "You must look perfect." A smile crossed her face. "Speaking of perfect, I believe your mother just laid out your dress on the bed."

Excitement filled Elizabeth. Grace Thatcher had brought a wedding dress from Hamilton with her to Hope Valley. She hadn't said anything about it, just that she knew it was perfect for Elizabeth's wedding to Nathan. Though her mother was known for extravagance and lavishness, Elizabeth trusted that Grace knew her and did indeed have a fitting gown.

The four women made their way into the bedroom. Allie was there with Grace and Eva Grant, holding Aurora and beaming. "Mom!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining. "This dress is amazing! You're going to love it!"

Grace chuckled at her granddaughter's enthusiasm. "I hope you're right, Allie," she said, winking at Elizabeth. She stepped aside, revealing the dress lying on the bed. "For you, Elizabeth."

Elizabeth gasped, her hands reaching up to cover her mouth. Tears stung her eyes once more. She slowly walked to the bed, lifting the dress to study it more closely.

It was a cream-colored satin, with tiny white pearls covering the bodice. More pearls decorated the skirt of the dress, forming beautifully elegant swirl patterns. The skirt itself was full and swishy, but it was floor length, without a train, which would make walking in the dress much easier. The sleeves were long and would reach Elizabeth's wrists, providing some warmth from the chilly November air.

It was exactly the kind of dress she would have chosen for herself.

"Mother," she whispered, hugging the material to her chest. "This is perfect. Thank you."

Grace smiled, drawing her daughter into her arms. "Consider it my gift to you," she whispered. She looked at Allie and Aurora. "Maybe someday you can pass it down to your girls."

Elizabeth let the thought wash over her. "That would be lovely," she breathed, imagining her daughters grown and wearing the same dress at their weddings.

Eva was watching the scene with a tender smile. "There is something beautiful in gifting a daughter a wedding dress," she said reflectively. "I passed mine down to Colleen. It gave me such joy to watch her wear it on her wedding day." Her face sobered. "Even if her marriage turned out to be rough."

Allie looked up. "Do you still have the dress?" she asked.

Eva nodded, smiling as she placed a hand on her granddaughter's shoulder. "I do," she said softly. "If you'd like, I can show it to you sometime."

"I'd love that," Allie said. "It would be nice to have a piece of my mom again. Maybe I can even wear her dress someday..." She trailed off, eyes widening in horror as she looked at Elizabeth. "I'm sorry, Mom!" she said, looking close to tears. "I didn't mean I wouldn't want to wear your dress, or that I love my birth mom more than you. It's just..."

Elizabeth placed a hand gently over Allie's mouth to stop the flow of words. "Sweetheart, I'm not a replacement for your mother," she said quietly. "Colleen will always have a special place in your heart, and rightfully so." She smiled. "I think it would be a beautiful way to honor her someday to wear her dress at your wedding." She kissed Allie's forehead. "I love you, Allie, no matter what. My love is strong enough to share you with your mother."

Allie gave her a wobbly smile. "Thanks, Mom. That means a lot to me."

Eva placed one arm around Elizabeth and the other around Allie. "That's what makes this family so beautiful," she said softly. "There is so much love. No one is threatened by memories from the past."

Elizabeth hugged her mother-in-law. "I'm so glad you're here, Eva," she whispered.

Eva smiled. "As am I, my dear. I'll always be thankful that you captured my Nathan's heart. I always prayed he would find a good woman to share his life with."

A little "ahem" at Elizabeth's side told her Rosemary was near. Her friend smiled. "Not to break up this tender moment, but we need to get you ready. It's almost time to go to the church."

Elizabeth complied, allowing Rosemary to help her into the dress. Grace fastened a pearl necklace around Elizabeth's neck, one that matched the pearl cluster earrings Eva lent her for the occasion. When she was finally ready, her mother positioned her in front of a full-length mirror, tears dancing in her eyes.

"Elizabeth, you look like a princess," she murmured.

Allie was looking at her in awe. "Mom, you look so beautiful." She grinned. "Dad is going to fall over when he sees you."

That made the adults in the room laugh. Rosemary took Aurora from Allie so the girl could hug Elizabeth. "I love you, Allie," Elizabeth whispered again, pressing a kiss to her daughter's head. "I'm so thankful to have you in my life."

Allie pressed closer to her mother. "The feeling is mutual, Mom."

Elizabeth didn't think she would ever get tired of hearing that word from her girl. They stood for several moments together. The others began quietly filing out of the room. Rosemary eventually placed a hand on Elizabeth's shoulder. "It's time," she said softly.

A swirl of butterflies coursed through Elizabeth. She pressed hand against her stomach and then smiled happily. "I'm ready."

As she stood outside the church doors on her father's arm, Elizabeth felt the butterflies continue to flit through her stomach. William smiled down at her, pulling her closer. "It's sweet to see you nervous, my dear," he said, kissing her cheek. "It tells me a lot about your feelings for your husband."

Elizabeth chuckled. "I don't know why I'm nervous. We've been married for a year, and this is technically just a vow renewal. Yet I feel as giddy as I did on the day I married Jack." She shook her head. "Isn't that crazy?"

Her father laughed. "Not at all, Beth. You're in love and you're making a commitment, albeit one you've already made. But this time things are different. When you married Nathan, you did it for the sake of convenience. Now, you're renewing your vows because you're in love. I think that's beautiful."

Elizabeth leaned her head against her father's shoulder, careful not to disturb the elegant updo Fiona had crafted for her. "Thanks, Father." She smiled softly. "It means the world to me that you and Mother and the family came for our wedding. I'm so grateful to share this day with all of you."

"We're happy to be here," William said. "And we're excited that you're coming to visit us in Hamilton."

Elizabeth felt more excitement build inside. Her parents had requested that she and her family come for a visit, wanting to share their lives with their son-in-law and grandchildren. Elizabeth and Nathan talked it over, and they decided to accept the invitation. In one week, they would board a train and make the cross-country trip to Hamilton, where they would spend two weeks with the Thatchers. Viola, Lionel, and their children would still be in town, giving the cousins more of a chance to get to know one another. Bill was going to take over duties pertaining to the safety of Hope Valley in Nathan's absence. Elizabeth was excited to see her childhood home again. She hadn't been back since the tragic time following Jack's death. It would be nice to visit again in happier circumstances.

The wedding march began to play inside the church. William squeezed Elizabeth's shoulder. "Here we go."

She smiled. "Here we go."

They walked through the doors of the church. Elizabeth's eyes immediately found Nathan. He looked resplendent in a three-piece suit. She never thought she'd see him in something so fancy, but somehow it fit the occasion. He looked devastatingly handsome. As he took her in, his mouth curved into the crooked smile she loved so much. She smiled back, love for him bursting inside of her.

Her eyes then traveled to her small son, who looked like a miniature version of Nathan. Jack's three-piece suit made him seem so grown up. Elizabeth felt a lump in her throat.

She then looked at Allie, who was holding Aurora as she stood beside Julie, Viola, and Rosemary. Her daughters looked beautiful in their purple dresses. Theirs were dark in contrast to the lilac color Elizabeth's sisters and best friend wore as bridesmaids. Lee, Bill, and Lionel all wore suits similar to Nathan's, with ties that matched the dresses the women wore.

When she reached her husband, all else faded for a time. She looked into Nathan's eyes, drowning in the love that radiated from him. He cupped her cheek in his hand. "You're beautiful," he whispered.

She smiled, lost in his love. Joseph discreetly cleared his throat, bringing them back to the present and causing their friends and family to chuckle.

"We are gathered here today on a special one-year anniversary to witness Nathan and Elizabeth renew their wedding vows." Joseph smiled. "This young couple has been through quite a lot, as you all know. Yet their love has seen them through the good and the bad. They are wonderful parents to Allie, Jack, and Aurora. Their commitment to each other is something beautiful and rare." His smile grew. "They have written their own promises to each other to declare in the presence of all gathered here. After they exchange those words, they will renew their traditional vows." He looked at Nathan and nodded.

Nathan drew in a deep breath. "Elizabeth, you know I'm not the best with words. I stuttered and stumbled my way around you for three years. When you accepted my rather unorthodox marriage proposal, I was both sad and happy. Sad because of the circumstances that brought us together, but happy that I would be able to spend the rest of my life with you." He smiled at her. "Even in those tumultuous early days of our marriage, I could see you putting effort into our relationship. You chose love each and every day. You can't imagine how much that meant to me. You had gone through hell and your life was turned upside down, but still you chose to love. That shows what a beautiful heart you have. A heart that I am honored to love in return." His smile grew. "When you were finally able to return my love, it felt like the skies had opened and our future was bright and full of possibilities. It has been such a joy getting to know you better, seeing you as a wonderful mother to our children, and knowing that we have a lifetime to discover more about one another." He squeezed her hands. "I promise to love and cherish you forever, Elizabeth. You are my one true love. I will always honor you and protect you." He leaned down, brushing a kiss over her lips. "Always."

Elizabeth felt tears stinging her eyes. Nathan's were watery as well. When Joseph nodded at her, she began her small speech.

"Nathan, you are everything I never knew I needed. You are true and steadfast and patient." Her voice cracked. "You held me up in the darkest moments of my life. You showed me unconditional love, not knowing if you would ever be loved in return. You gave selflessly and totally, never pushing me and never asking for anything more that I was able to give. Your patience and love were the keys to pulling me out of the darkness. I promise to spend the rest of my life showing you that love in return. No matter where life takes us, I will remain by your side, holding you in my heart and giving my all to this relationship. I will raise our beautiful children with you, children who are so blessed to have you as their father." She smiled, tears swimming in her eyes. "You are my angel, Nathan. I don't know where I would be without you, without your love. You gave me a second chance at life and at love." She reached up, kissing him softly as he had moments before. "I love you more than words can express. Forever." She smiled tenderly. "You are my lifetime love."

They met in a fierce embrace as the church faded around them. For a time, it was only the two of them. They couldn't hear it, but the congregation murmured happily. Not a single person was untouched by the display of pure love before them. When they finally drew back, Joseph continued the ceremony with the traditional vows. Elizabeth spoke hers wholeheartedly, thankful for a chance to renew her vows in love. She'd meant them the first time she spoke them, but she had been dazed and scared a year ago. Today, she gave herself freely to her husband.

"Now we will have the exchange of rings," Joseph announced, motioning to little Jack. The small boy handed the pillow to the pastor, who smiled his thanks. Joseph untied the rings and handed Nathan the first band. Nathan held it up, showing Elizabeth the word engraved inside. "Beloved," he said softly. "Because I want you to know that no matter what, you are the beloved of my heart." He slipped the ring onto her finger, gently caressing her hand with his.

Elizabeth caught her breath, her heart full. Joseph handed her a ring, and she held it up to Nathan. "Steadfast," she said, revealing the word engraved on the band. "You have been my rock, a steady presence in my life, a bastion of love from the beginning." She slowly slid the ring onto his finger, then held his hand tightly in hers. The word fit her wonderful husband so well.

Joseph smiled. "Well, folks, Mr. and Mrs. Grant have completed their vow renewal." He winked at the happy couple before him. "Nathan, you may kiss your wife."

The words had barely left Joseph's mouth before Nathan's lips descended on hers in a passionate kiss. Elizabeth returned it with all the love in her heart, holding him as tightly as he was holding her. Cheers and applause sounded around them, but they didn't break apart until they heard Aurora let out a cry, startled by the loud burst of noise in the small church. Elizabeth reached out to take the baby in her arms. Nathan swung Jack up into his, while Allie stood between them both, an arm around each parent's waist. They smiled happily at each other, unaware that Carson captured the moment on his camera with a smile of his own.

A few days later, when they received the wedding photos from their friend, Nathan and Elizabeth were both in awe over the beautiful family moment that had been preserved for them. Carson had blown up that particular picture so it would fit over the fireplace mantle. He had even framed it in a lovely, golden decorative frame.

Nathan hung it while Elizabeth watched, a hand over her heart. When Nathan finished, he climbed down from his step stool and went to her side, sliding an arm around her waist.

"It's perfect," she murmured, studying each of their faces. "Everyone looks so happy."

Nathan nuzzled her cheek. "That's because we are happy," he said, planting a kiss on the side of her head. "We have each other, and that's all we need."

Elizabeth nestled into him, utterly content. "Yes, it is."