September 1923

The last several months had been a whirlwind of activity. They celebrated Allie's seventeenth birthday in March, Mia's fifth birthday in April, Aurora's fourth birthday in May, and the twins' first birthday in June. By July, Elizabeth was happy but tired. Allie and Jack were on summer break, so all six of her children were home. Allie was good about watching the kids when Elizabeth had counseling sessions, but during the summer months the amount of women seeking her and Minnie's services dwindled. Elizabeth had noticed a pattern. There seemed to be an increase of counseling in the fall and winter months, with a slow dwindle in spring and a near halt in summer.

Elizabeth was fine with the slow-down. It gave her a chance to breathe and to be with her children. The summer was leisurely and happy, with plenty of family activities, fishing trips, and playful moments with their neighbors and friends. Now it was nearly over. School would be starting soon, taking Allie into her final year before college. Elizabeth couldn't believe their eldest child was growing up so fast. It was as if she blinked and Allie had turned into a young woman.

One quiet September night, after all the kids were finally asleep, she and Nathan cuddled together on their porch swing. It was still warm from the heat of the day, but night had blessedly cooled things down a bit. She rested with her head on Nathan's shoulder, content to listen to the singing of the crickets and the rustling of leaves in the breeze. These little moments with her husband were some of her favorites. Tonight, especially, she had a reason for wanting to have a private moment with him.

"Nathan?"

"Hmm?" he responded, absently running a hand through her hair.

"How would you feel about a change in our family life?" she asked, nearly holding her breath.

He blinked, lifting his head to look at her. "What do you mean?"

Elizabeth drew in a breath. "I mean, how would you feel about adding another child to our lives?"

Nathan relaxed, smiling. "I would love to have another child with you," he said, pressing a kiss to her forehead. His eyes twinkled. "Why? Do you want to start trying to conceive again?"

Reassured by his reaction, Elizabeth returned his smile. "Not exactly." She took his hand, pressing it to her stomach. "I'm already pregnant. Faith confirmed my suspicions this morning. We should meet our new baby in March."

Nathan blinked several times before the news sank in. He laughed softly, caressing her stomach where their unborn child safely grew. "What a blessing," he murmured. His hand moved back and forth over the baby. A smile lit his handsome face. "How long have you suspected that you were pregnant?"

"A couple weeks," Elizabeth admitted. "At first I thought I was tired because of how busy things were. But then I realized I missed a few cycles, and I started to get excited." She smiled up at him. "I just wanted to be sure I was actually pregnant before telling you."

He chuckled, nuzzling her cheek. His hand remained firmly in place on her stomach. "I didn't think I could get any happier," he said. "You just proved me wrong." He let out a long, satisfied sigh. "Another baby. The kids are going to be thrilled."

And they were. The next morning, when Nathan and Elizabeth told them the happy news, pandemonium broke out. Allie clasped her hands together in glee, Jack whooped and jumped around, and Mia and Aurora joined hands and swung in excited circles. Nate and Ella watched their older siblings in confusion. Ella toddled over to Elizabeth, holding up her arms to be held. Elizabeth obliged, kissing her daughter's cheek. "You're going to be a big sister," she said, smiling at her fifteen-month-old. "Mama has a baby in her tummy."

Ella regarded her with a tilt of her little head. "Ba-by?" she echoed.

Elizabeth grinned. "That's right, Ella. Baby."

Nate refused to be left out. He clutched Elizabeth's skirt in his hands, looking up at her. "Ba-by," he said proudly, looking at his twin with a smirk as if proving that he too could speak new words.

"When is the baby coming?" Jack asked, wrapping his arms around Nathan's waist. "Can it be another brother?"

"I want a sister!" Aurora chimed in before Nathan could answer. That set off a chorus of desires for what gender the baby should be. Even Millie seemed to chime in with her enthusiastic barks. Elizabeth chuckled, shaking her head.

"That's not up to us," she said. "We'll see if you have a brother or a sister when the baby comes in March."

Mia frowned. "But Allie's birthday is in March," she protested. "The baby can't come then."

Allie smiled, pulling Mia into a hug. "It's alright," she said, gazing down at her sister. "I don't mind sharing my birth month with the new baby."

"Are you sure?" Mia asked, concern still written on her features.

Allie chuckled. "I'm positive."

That seemed to settle the debate. Excitement over the coming baby was high as school started up and life settled back into the school year routine. Elizabeth dealt with bouts of morning sickness, but by the time November rolled around, her sickness passed. She was thankful. This pregnancy was much easier than her pregnancy with the twins. Still, Nathan seemed to hover at times, as if Elizabeth would break at any moment. It was a chore to convince him that she was fine. His overprotective tendencies sometimes annoyed her, but she knew he did it out of love, so she couldn't stay rattled for long. It was good to have him at her side, knowing he was as excited as she was about their new child.

"I have a surprise for you," Nathan announced, grinning from ear to ear.

Elizabeth looked up from her journaling, taking in the eager look on his face. She lifted a brow. "Oh?"

He came closer, and his grin only seemed to grow. "Our anniversary is in three days," he said.

Elizabeth smiled. He remembered. "That it is," she said softly. "Five wonderful years of being married to the most selfless, caring man in the world."

Her words made him blush. Elizabeth's smile became a grin. She rose, slipping her arms around him. "I love that I can make you blush," she teased, standing on tiptoe to kiss him. Nathan recovered sufficiently to give her a toe-curling kiss in response. When he pulled back, Elizabeth felt entirely breathless.

"We're going on an anniversary trip," Nathan said, revealing his surprise. "Just the two of us."

Elizabeth gaped. "What? Who's going to watch the children?"

He chuckled. "Joseph and Minnie volunteered. They said they would come stay here at the house and take care of our kids. We'll have five days all to ourselves. I booked us a nice hotel in Calgary." He pressed another kiss to her lips. "We leave in two days."

"Oh my goodness!" Elizabeth gasped, staring up at him. "Two days? Time to ourselves?" She pictured the trip in her head, and a slow smile crossed her lips. "This is going to be fun." She leaned against Nathan, resting her head on his chest. "Thank you, my love. This is the perfect anniversary gift."

Two days later, Nathan helped his wife off the train and onto the busy streets of Calgary. He quickly hailed a driver, then got their luggage settled in the car before climbing into the back beside Elizabeth. She snuggled close to him, letting out a happy sigh. "I can't believe you pulled this off," she murmured. "We haven't had time away like this since our honeymoon."

Nathan settled an arm around her. "It seemed like a good time for a getaway," he said. "And the children adore Joseph and Minnie." He chuckled. "Though I'm sure they'll have their hands full with our little ones."

Elizabeth smiled. "Cooper said he was going to help out, and Allie acts like a little mother most of the time. I'm sure everything will be fine." She glanced up at Nathan. "You did give them the number to the hotel in case they need us, right?"

Nathan chuckled. "Yes, ma'am. They will be able to contact us if anything comes up." He leaned his head against hers. "But I have full confidence that everything will be fine."

His wife must have agreed, because she relaxed against him. The drive to the hotel didn't take long. They settled into the spacious, comfortable room. A balcony overlooked the mountains in the distance. A table and two chairs were nestled on the balcony. Elizabeth slid into one immediately, her eyes glued to the vista before them. "It's lovely," she murmured.

Nathan sat beside her, reaching for her hand. They sat there for a long time, drinking in the beauty and quiet around them. Suddenly, Elizabeth started laughing. Nathan glanced at her, brows raised.

She grinned at him. "I keep expecting to hear a little voice calling for Mom or Dad," she said, a smile stretching over her lovely face. "It's strange knowing we have just ourselves to care for over these next few days."

"Ourselves and our little one," Nathan said, his hand reaching out to cradle Elizabeth's stomach, which was firm and slightly round. She was five months along, and their little one was making his or her presence known. Nathan felt a strong kick against his hand. He smiled as it came again. "And a strong little one he is."

Elizabeth chuckled. "Him?"

Nathan smiled sheepishly. "A slip of the tongue. I'd be happy with a boy or a girl."

Elizabeth's hand wrapped around his. "I think you're right," she said. "I think this baby is a boy."

"Or it could be a boy and a girl," Nathan teased. "What if you're carrying twins again?"

The shocked look on her face made him laugh. She shook her head, a slow smile tugging at her lips. "I doubt there are two of them this time," she said. "I'm smaller than I was with the twins." She eyed him. "But if there are two, I fully expect you to help just as much as you did with Nate and Ella." Her tone had taken on a light teasing note of its own. She knew he would happily help with the babies, and he would with this baby as well. He smiled at her.

"You know I will. After all, I have plenty of time these days." His duties as a Mountie had lessened considerably with Robert in town. There was talk from headquarters of stationing another constable in Hope Valley. He would have even more time to spend with his family.

A secret desire had been growing in Nathan's heart for months, one he hadn't spoken to anyone. His grip on Elizabeth's hand tightened. Was now the time to bring it up?

Elizabeth must have sensed something was on his mind. She turned to face him fully, her blue eyes training on his. "What is it, Nathan?"

He drew in a deep breath. "I'm considering retirement," he said softly.

Elizabeth gaped. "Retirement? But you're so young!"

Nathan chuckled. "Many law enforcement officers retire in their forties," he replied. "I've served for over twenty years. The pension would be more than enough for us to live on, even if you stopped counseling." He played with her fingers absently. "But Elizabeth, I wouldn't stop working. Not yet. There's something else that has been pulling at me lately."

She gazed at him, the surprise gone from her eyes. In its place was an understanding that said she would support him in whatever venture he mentioned. Nathan took courage from that look. He plunged ahead.

"I would like to open a woodshop," he said. "Nothing big or fancy, just a small shop on our land that would allow me to carve things and maybe even build furniture. I could sell them or make them as gifts. It's something I would like to do to give back to Hope Valley. Woodworking has always been a passion of mine. I'd love to use it now."

His wife's face softened with a smile. "Nathan, I think that sounds wonderful," she said. "I love that you want to follow another passion." She reached out to cup his cheek. "I will support you however you need me to," she vowed.

He returned her smile, turning his head to press a kiss into her palm. "Thank you, love. I'm thinking of talking to headquarters in a couple months. I think I'll continue as a Mountie until the summer, and then retire. That should give them plenty of time to find a replacement and maybe even send him to town so I can train him like I trained Robert." He winked. "I can't wait to spend more time with you and the kids."

Elizabeth chuckled. "I'm sure they'll love having you around even more." Her smile grew. "How exciting to know that we'll both be living and working on our property."

Nathan nodded. He squeezed her hand gently. "Thank you for being supportive of this, Elizabeth," he said. "It means a lot."

Her look was tender. "If it's important to you, it's important to me," she said. "Always."

They spent the rest of their anniversary trip exploring Calgary, taking in the shops and restaurants, going for long walks each day, and even finding a spot to hike. They bought some small souvenirs for their children, packing them carefully when it was time to return home. Both of them felt refreshed by their one-on-one time. A sense of excitement seemed to permeate the air around them. Things were going to be changing again, and it was the kind of change that was a cause for joy.

Nathan put in his request for retirement a week after they returned home. Though the Mounties were sad to see him go, they told him he deserved a happy life after more than two decades of service. They promised to send a replacement in the spring so Nathan could train him and acquaint him with the town.

Their neighbors turned out in droves when they heard that Nathan wanted to build his shop before winter began. For two weeks, every spare moment was spent crafting the building across from the barn. When it was complete, Elizabeth and Nathan threw a dinner party for everyone who had helped. It was an evening full of laughter and stories and friendship. Elizabeth was proud of her husband for going after his dream. She knew he was still committed to the Mounties until June, but the excitement on his face when he carved something and shared it with her showed her just how passionate he was about woodworking.

Elizabeth made preparations for their new baby's arrival. Nate was moved into a room with Jack, while Ella was put in Aurora and Mia's room. The nursery was repainted. Nathan made repairs to the cradle and dresser. By February, everything was ready for the baby's birth. Elizabeth felt relaxed knowing things were under control. Her body felt stretched to its limit at the seven-month mark, but she knew it had the capability to expand further, as previous experience taught her.

Though the baby wasn't due until early March, one day in late February, Elizabeth felt the tell-tale signs of labor begin. Since the initial symptoms were mild, she didn't think she had to call one of the Shepherds yet. Her previous labors had taken hours. She didn't want to bother her friends until she had to. But this labor was different. Within a few hours of the contractions beginning, Elizabeth suddenly knew the baby was coming. Nathan was still in town on rounds. Allie and Jack were at school. The Shepherds were also in town at the infirmary. Feeling a slight sense of panic, Elizabeth picked up the phone and called Faith. Her friend asked a few questions then let out a yelp.

"Try not to push until I get there," she instructed. "I'll be there as soon as possible."

Elizabeth agreed, panting for breath. How could hard labor have come upon her so quickly? She paced the living room, watching the front window for any sign of Faith. Mia had Ella and Nate on the floor, playing with blocks, but Aurora watched Elizabeth with wide eyes.

"Is the baby coming now, Mama?" she asked. Elizabeth could only nod as another contraction took hold.

The door burst open and Nathan came charging in, Faith close on his heels. He scooped Elizabeth into his arms and made his way to their bedroom. Elizabeth laughed despite the pain in her stomach.

"Sweetheart, I can still walk."

Nathan shook his head before depositing her on the bed. "From what Faith told me, you're about to give birth," he stated.

Faith set about examining Elizabeth. "I passed him on my way here," she explained. "I thought he might faint dead away when he heard you were in labor." Her eyes widened. "Oh my! I can see the head!"

"What?" Elizabeth exclaimed. "How is that possible? I haven't been in labor long at all!"

Faith chuckled. "Sometimes the baby comes fast, Elizabeth," she said. "And this baby wants to come now." She quickly set out the tools she needed. Elizabeth's pains grew, and she let out a sharp hiss as the baby crowned. The hiss was followed by a long scream as pain radiated throughout her body. Just as quickly, the pain ended and an infant's cry filled the room. Panting and unable to believe it was over so fast, Elizabeth craned her neck to catch sight of her baby.

Faith had the child wrapped in a towel. She was grinning. "Congratulations," she said. "You have a son." She handed the baby to Nathan. Elizabeth took in the awe on his face as he beheld their little boy. He sat beside her on the bed. "You did good, sweetheart," he murmured, passing her the baby.

Elizabeth held her son, tears of joy spilling down her cheeks. "Hello, little one," she said softly, tracing a line over his petal-smooth cheek. She smiled up at Nathan. "William John?"

Nathan nodded. "William John. Our little Willie."

As if acknowledging his name, Willie let out a gusty cry. Elizabeth set about feeding him, while Nathan went to tell the children about their new little brother. Her contractions continued for a short time as Faith massaged her stomach to release the afterbirth, but Elizabeth barely felt it. She was too busy staring at the newest member of the Grant family.

Another beautiful little miracle.

Willie's arrival was only one of the changes that came to Hope Valley. In March, Allie turned eighteen, an adult in her own right. Nathan couldn't believe his little girl was officially grown up. In only two months, she would graduate from school and make her way in the world. On her birthday, Allie announced that she had talked with Rosemary. As soon as she graduated, she was going to apprentice under the older woman as a reporter for The Valley Voice. The town was growing and there was always something to write about. Allie was excited to have direction for her future, and Nathan and Elizabeth were thrilled that she would be staying in Hope Valley.

The Mounties were true to their word. Soon after Allie's birthday, they sent a new constable to town. There was a general commotion as people discovered the identity of their newest member: Constable Cody Stanton. He and Robert had a joyous reunion that made Nathan smile. Clearly those two had been friends at one time. Though Nathan had never met Cody, he was impressed with the young man's bearing and demeanor. He instinctively knew the town would be in good hands with Cody at the helm.

Elizabeth was overjoyed to be reunited with one of her former students. She peppered Cody with questions about his life and his mother. She was delighted to hear that Abigail was planning to visit sometime in the coming months. Cody, for his part, was quite taken with their family. He immediately charmed baby Willie, who had been watching the reunion from the safety of his father's arms, and it didn't take long for Elizabeth to issue a standing invitation to Cody to have dinner with them weekly. The young man accepted graciously, happy to get to know them better and to meet their plethora of children.

When Cody came for dinner the first night, Nathan saw at once that the man couldn't keep his eyes off of Allie. His daughter noticed as well. A pretty blush stained her cheeks, making her look all the more lovely.

As the weeks went on, it was apparent that Allie wasn't the only one who liked Cody. Jack managed to convince Cody to show him some baseball tricks, Mia and Aurora commanded his attention for a story, and Nate and Ella were happy to be bounced on his thighs after dinner for a "pony ride". Little Willie was content to rest in Cody's arms, cooing happily the whole time. Millie

"I think Cody has just been granted a part in our family," Elizabeth murmured to Nathan. "The children have taken to him like ducks to water."

Nathan nodded. "They have." He became reflective. "One more than most."

Elizabeth smiled, her eyes traveling to where Cody and Allie sat together on the settee, heads close as they poured over a book of poetry. "You think they're sweet on each other." It wasn't a question. It was a statement.

Nathan simply nodded again. He was surprised not to feel any of his usual protectiveness welling up inside. Reflecting on that quietly, he wondered if it was because he already trusted Cody not to break Allie's heart.

The day Allie graduated from school, Cody asked to court her. Nathan gladly gave his blessing, much to his daughter's delight. He couldn't help feeling a small pang, seeing her as the adult she was. She had a beau and she had a job. But he also knew it was time for her to spread her wings. She still lived at home, so they saw her all the time, but the reality was that things had changed. Nathan slowly accepted the fact, as did Elizabeth. Things were changing for their family. Mia would start school in the fall, a fact that was harder to wrap their minds around than Allie being an adult.

When June arrived, the town threw a retirement party for Nathan. Every person whose life he had touched was there to congratulate him and wish him well on his next endeavor. Though he didn't particularly care to be the center of attention, it moved him to hear the kind words from his friends and neighbors. Lucas closed the saloon for the evening to host the event, and Bill provided the food. Carson and Minnie made a large cake that fed everyone in attendance. There were toasts and cheers all around. Later that evening, when they were back home, Nathan shook his head in amazement.

"I can't believe so many people came to the party," he said.

Elizabeth smiled, cradling Willie in her arms. "I can," she declared. "You've been a staple in this town for years, Nathan. You've kept people safe and you've been devoted to justice. That is something that people admire. And you are a good man. People can always trust you to do the right thing." She kissed his cheek. "You deserved all that, my love, and more."

He pulled her into his arms, their son nestled between them. "I had a good woman beside me to encourage me to do the right thing," he said, smiling down at her.

Elizabeth turned a pretty pink. "I don't know about that," she said. "You were a good man well before we got married. I think you've been this way your whole life. It's who you are."

Now it was his turn to blush. Elizabeth chuckled, lifting on her toes to kiss his cheek. "Come on," she said, taking his hand. "It's been a long day. Let's turn in."

Nathan let her lead him to their room. He silently thanked God for all the blessings he'd received over the past years. Since coming to Hope Valley, he'd found a home, acceptance, and true love. He couldn't have asked for more.