A/N: Soooooo … I know it's been over a year … but surprise! The Grant kids have been clamoring for their love stories to be told, so here we are, staring with Allie. I actually wrote this back in late September 2022 as a birthday present for Lynn. I debated posting it then, but ultimately decided against it, thinking this story complete. Joke's on me! :) I hope you all like these little snapshots of the continuing story for Nathan and Elizabeth's eight children. Updates might come slowly because life is crazy busy right now, but they'll happen. (Same for Call of the Heart - I know I owe you an update soon) Enjoy!

June 1929

Elizabeth watched her oldest daughter with a smile. Allie paced in excitement, unable to stand still. Tomorrow was her wedding day. Though Allie and Cody had been courting for several years, Elizabeth couldn't believe the big day was upon them. She sat on the settee, stroking Millie's soft fur, her head turning as her daughter moved back and forth. The other children were sleeping in their rooms. All of them were excited about their big sister's wedding. Elizabeth wasn't sure if they knew it meant Allie would be moving out, even though she and Nathan had explained it to them. The littlest ones were too small to understand that life was about to change in some big ways.

"I can't believe I'm getting married in the morning," Allie said, turning on her heel to look at Elizabeth. "Were you this nervous before you married Jack's biological father?"

Elizabeth smiled. "I didn't have time to be nervous. There was a fire in the church a few days before the wedding. Our time was spent fixing it up and making sure it was ready for the ceremony." She chuckled at the memory. "It certainly became a day I would never forget."

Allie let out a breath, plopping onto the couch beside Elizabeth. Her fingers absently found Millie's fur. The dog cuddled into her side, happy to be stroked. Allie looked at Elizabeth. "So you didn't feel any nerves?"

"I wouldn't say that." Elizabeth tapped her chin thoughtfully. "But Jack and I had waited a very long time to get married. I spent so much time fearing for his safety when he was in the Northern Territories that when he finally came home, I just wanted to marry him. So no, I wasn't too nervous." She chuckled. "Marrying your father, however, made me a nervous wreck."

Allie hid a smile. "That was different," she protested. "You didn't love Dad when you married him, and you'd been through an awful trauma. Of course you were nervous."

Elizabeth took Allie's hand. "Marrying him was the best thing to have happened to me," she said, smiling softly. "Yes, I was incredibly nervous and scared, but life has turned out so beautifully." She squeezed Allie's hand gently. "You're about to marry a man you've been in love with for years. Cody is wonderful. He loves you deeply and will take good care of you."

A smile bloomed on Allie's face. "I know," she said, a far-off look in her eyes. She blushed lightly. "I don't know why I'm so nervous. I can't wait to marry Cody. I've not been this excited in a long time." She placed a hand over her stomach. "But these butterflies will not stop beating their wings."

Elizabeth laughed, pulling Allie into a hug. "That's normal, sweetheart. Your life is about to change in a big way. Butterflies are part of the deal."

"Who's feeling butterflies?" another voice asked. Both women turned to see Nathan coming down the hall.

Allie popped up, earning a disgruntled look from Millie, who promptly curled up at Elizabeth's side again. "Dad!" Allie said, taking his hand and pulling him into the living room. "Were you nervous when you married Mom?"

Nathan looked at Elizabeth, a little smile on his face. "Oh, yes. Very much so. I was shaking in my boots."

Elizabeth swatted his arm. "You were not!"

He chuckled, leaning down to give her a kiss. "Maybe that was a little bit of an exaggeration, but I was definitely nervous about joining our families." Allie seated herself beside Elizabeth once more, while Nathan sat across from them in a chair. "Uniting yourself to another person is both thrilling and terrifying," he said to their daughter. "Marriage is the adventure of a lifetime." He smiled at Allie. "You're just twenty-three years old, sweet girl. You and Cody have your whole lives ahead of you. It's going to be an amazing ride."

Allie smiled back, physically relaxing into the couch. "So much is about to change. I know I've been impatient for this day to arrive, but now that it's about here, I can't believe how fast it went." She reached out, taking Elizabeth's hand and then Nathan's. "Thank you for all you've done for me throughout the years." Moisture welled in her eyes. "I've been the luckiest girl in the world to have parents like you. Cody and I already admire your marriage and your parenting skills. We will be looking to you for guidance and advice in our own marriage, and parenting advice once we have children of our own."

Nathan chuckled, shaking his head. "I can't believe it's possible we will be grandparents in the next couple years," he said, his tone teasing. "We're too young for that!"

Allie laughed. Nathan pulled her to her feet, then helped Elizabeth up. "I think it's time to turn in." He enveloped Allie into a hug. "Tomorrow is a big day."

Their daughter wrapped her arms around him, leaning her head against his chest. "Goodnight, Dad." She turned her attention to Elizabeth, kissing her cheek. "Goodnight, Mom."

"Goodnight, Allie."

Allie pet Millie's fur. "Want to sleep in my room one last time, girl?" she cooed, motioning for the dog to follow her. Millie jumped off the couch and trotted down the hall after her.

Nathan wrapped an arm around Elizabeth's waist, leading her to their room. "Tomorrow everything changes."

Elizabeth heard a hint of sadness in his voice. She wrapped her arms around his waist. "Are you alright, love?"

Nathan rested his forehead against hers. "I'm just trying to adjust to the fact that another man will supplant me in Allie's affections." He chuckled softly. "It's only right that Cody becomes the most important and most loved man in her life. That's part of them joining together." He smiled a little wistfully. "But I'm going to miss having her around all the time. It's strange to think she won't be living here anymore. I guess I'm feeling a little melancholy."

Elizabeth kissed him gently. "I know it's hard, Nathan. But you will always be Allie's father. She will always be your little girl."

He smiled, nuzzling her lips in response. "Have I ever told you how grateful I am that you're in my life?" he asked, pulling back to grin at her. "You always know what to say to make me feel better."

She slid her arms around his neck, nestling closer. "I'm glad to help. Is there anything else that would help you tonight?"

He kissed her again, longer this time, seeking the physical comfort he often did when he felt emotionally disoriented. When they broke apart, he cupped her cheek. "There is one thing. Can we cuddle for a while?"

Elizabeth smiled. "Of course we can."

They readied themselves for bed, then extinguished the lights. Elizabeth slid under the covers before going willingly into Nathan's waiting arms. She rested with her head against his chest as he ran his fingers through her hair. He exhaled slowly. Elizabeth felt him physically relax. "Thank you, sweetheart," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I love you."

"I love you too," she replied. She felt the weight of sleep creep over her. Nathan's deep, even breathing told her he was almost asleep himself. With a smile on her face and an excitement for the coming day, Elizabeth succumbed to dreams.

Nathan waited in the little church, watching in amusement as Cody shifted from foot to foot. The look on the young man's face told Nathan he was feeling every bit as excited and nervous as Allie. The groomsmen were already present and waiting. Robert was Cody's best man, while Jack, Nate, and Timmy were standing up with him as well. Allie's bridesmaids were Opal, Aurora, Mia, and Ella. The girls were getting ready in Abigail's rooms above the cafe.

"Relax, Cody," Nathan said, placing a hand on his soon-to-be son's shoulder. "Everything will go well."

"I hope so." Cody absently fiddled with the buttons on his dress serge.

Joseph chuckled from his spot before the altar. "I haven't yet seen a man faint on his wedding day," he said, grinning. "Of course, there's a first time for everything."

Cody gaped at the pastor. Joseph laughed and clapped him on the shoulder. "A little humor, son. It helps calm the nerves."

A small smile tugged at Cody's lips. "Thanks, Joseph."

"Nathan!"

He turned, seeing Elizabeth standing at the doors. Dressed in a rose satin gown, hair piled on top of her head, she took his breath away. She smiled, her eyes twinkling as if she could read his thoughts. "It's time."

Nathan tore his gaze from his alluring wife, then gave Cody's shoulder a reassuring pat. With a deep breath, he headed down the aisle to give his daughter away. As he descended the stairs, his breath caught in his throat once more.

All five of his daughters were stunning, and he told them so, making them glow with happiness. Mia, Aurora, Ella, and Christine wore matching dresses in emerald green, their hair done up in styles so grown-up, Nathan felt tears prick his eyes. There was a twenty year gap between his oldest and his youngest, but they were all growing too fast for his comfort. He had a feeling he would blink, and three-year-old Christine would no longer be his baby, but a young woman he would walk down the aisle to her husband, much like he was about to do for Allie.

The bride herself was radiant. She wore a beautiful white dress that accentuated her natural beauty. Her hair was braided around her head like a crown, with a veil flowing over her golden brown tresses. A green sash that matched her bridesmaids' dresses was tied at her waist. Nathan had never seen her look quite so lovely.

He gathered her into an embrace as the others filed into a line to walk into the church. "I'm so proud of you," he said softly, holding onto her as long as he could.

She smiled at him, kissing his cheek. "Thank you, Dad." She squeezed his arm, her eyes sparkling. "I can't believe I'm about to marry the man of my dreams!"

"He better treat you right," Nathan said, tucking her arm into his. "If he doesn't, he might find himself on the wrong end of my gun."

Allie chuckled, shaking her head. She knew as well as Nathan that the threat was an empty one. Cody would never mistreat her. Nathan pulled her closer, resting his head briefly against hers. "I love you, Allie-girl."

She smiled, a hint of moisture in her eyes. "I love you too, Dad."

The music swelled, the bridal march beginning to play. Nathan smiled at his daughter. "Are you ready?"

Allie drew in a deep breath, a beatific smile on her face. "Absolutely."

They climbed the steps. Nathan took in the scene before them in one sweeping glance. Robert stood beside Cody, while Jack, Nate, and Timmy were lined up behind him, resplendent in suits with emerald green ties. Little Willie stood beside Jack, holding a pillow with the rings. The bridesmaids were lined up on the other side, waiting for Allie to join them. Mia held Christine's hand as the little flower girl tried to throw more petals from her basket. Joseph was standing at the ready, Bible in hand. Nathan's eyes landed on Cody as he and Allie began their march down the aisle. The young man's eyes were glued to Allie, tears welling up, a huge smile on his face. Nathan knew if he looked, he would see a matching smile on Allie's face. He chanced a glance at his daughter.

She was indeed smiling widely.

Father and daughter made the slow walk to the altar, and at the prescribed moment, Nathan placed Allie's hand in Cody's. A sense of loss struck him as her hand left his for another's, but he also felt peace. He knew that Cody would take care of his little girl. Comforted by that notion, Nathan made his way to his wife's side. Elizabeth took his hand as soon as he sat, giving it a squeeze. He smiled and kissed her cheek, thankful for her supportive gesture.

The ceremony was beautiful. Cody and Allie pledged their lives to one another, and when the rings had been exchanged, Joseph proclaimed them husband and wife. Cody took Allie in his arms and planted a kiss on her that would have made Nathan raise his eyebrows in other circumstances. As it was, he smiled and clapped along with the rest of their friends and neighbors.

The bride and groom happily ran down the aisle, followed by the bridal party. The procession to The Golden Phoenix for the reception was a happy one. Nathan and Elizabeth walked slowly, arm in arm, overjoyed at the blatant display of love and support for their eldest daughter and her new husband. When they reached the community center, Nathan paused to take in the decorations.

Lucas and his team had turned the center into a woodland wonderland. The space was a visual masterpiece. Nathan could see that his daughter was thrilled with how it turned out. When he found Lucas, Nathan clapped him on the back. "You've outdone yourself. This is amazing."

Lucas smiled. "I can't take much credit. Fiona was much more involved in the decorating than I was."

Nathan saw Fiona chatting with Elizabeth and Rosemary. A hand rested on her stomach, extended with child. It had been over six years since her last pregnancy. To say that the Bouchards had been shocked by the news that they were having another child was an understatement. Nathan chuckled. "Have you adjusted to the fact that you're about to be a father again?"

Lucas laughed. "I think I'm still stunned. We thought we were done having kids after David was born. Apparently the Lord had other plans." His smile softened as he looked at his wife. "I'm excited, Nathan. I never thought I was cut out to be a father, but Helen and David showed me I could learn. I'm sure this new little one will present a new set of challenges, but I'm ready to face them."

Nathan placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. "I'm sure you will."

"Daddy! Daddy!"

He turned to see little Christine barreling toward him. "Allie said we will dance later!" she exclaimed, holding up her arms. "Up, please!"

Nathan bent down to oblige his baby girl. He nuzzled her cheek. "We will dance later. We'll have some food first, and then there will be lots of dancing."

"Yay!" Christine clapped her little hands. "I love dancing!" She smiled at Lucas. "Hi, Mr. Bouc'ad."

Lucas chuckled at her mispronunciation. "Hi, Christine. Are you having fun?"

She nodded emphatically. "Lots of fun!"

"Good," Lucas replied. Someone called to him. Excusing himself, he slipped off. Nathan turned to find Elizabeth making her way toward him. "It's time to get some lunch," she said.

"Mommy!" Christine squealed, reaching out for Elizabeth. Nathan transferred her to her mother's arms, then guided them to a table. "You two sit and relax. I'll get some plates ready."

The next hour was full of laughter and conversation. Nathan kept tabs on his eight children while eating and chatting with guests. He had a particularly long conversation with Gabriel Kinslow, his old friend from Brookfield. Gabe had spent years with the Mounties, traveling where they took him, before settling once more in the town he'd come to think of as home. Nathan had invited him to the wedding, knowing Allie would enjoy seeing him again. Gabe came with his wife, Claire, and their two children, Rory and Lettie. They were spending a week in Hope Valley. Nathan looked forward to rekindling their friendship.

Allie and Cody made their rounds, thanking people for coming and accepting well-wishes. The bride was glowing, and Nathan noted that she often looked at Cody with a love-struck expression. Despite the fact that they had been together for more than five years, their love had only grown with time. Allie was besotted with her new husband, and the feeling was clearly mutual.

When they took the floor for their first dance, it was obvious they were lost in their own little world. Their eyes never wavered from each other. The dance ended with them sharing a long, tender kiss. The music started up again, and Nathan knew that was his cue. He walked to his daughter, bowing. "May I have this dance, fair lady?"

She giggled. "Of course you may," she replied, allowing him to take her into his arms for the father-daughter dance. Abigail followed suit with Cody, but Nathan was only focused on his daughter. "I can't believe you're a married woman. I always feared this day. Now that it's here, all I feel is happiness because of your joy."

Allie smiled, her eyes glittering with tears. "You're going to make me cry, Dad."

Nathan pulled her closer. "I might join you."

She rested her head against his chest. "Thank you for being there for me all my life. You didn't have to be my father, but you chose me." She looked up at him again, the tears in her eyes larger. "My own father left me abandoned after my mother died. Even though you were grieving the loss of your sister, even though you had no one to help you, you took in a scared little girl and gave her a home and a family. I am so grateful."

Nathan felt his eyes water. He pressed a kiss to Allie's forehead. "You've always been my little girl. And you always will be." He wiped away a tear that escaped from her eye. "I'm so glad you'll still be living close by."

Allie laughed, her eyes slightly red. "As if I would choose to live anywhere else! Cody and I are happy to have you and Mom as our neighbors."

The dance ended, and Cody came to claim his wife once more. Nathan let her go, watching as she began dancing with her husband. An arm slipped around his waist. He looked down to see Elizabeth beside him, looking up at him with a gentle smile. "This is a big adjustment," she said.

Nathan nodded, pulling her close. "It is." They watched their daughter dance and laugh, then Nathan held out his hand to Elizabeth. "Would you dance with me, Mrs. Grant?"

Her eyes sparkled. "I will." She took his hand, and Nathan led her onto the dance floor. With all the changes happening, he was glad he had his wife at his side to help weather them.

The reception ended as dusk was settling over the valley. Cody and Allie said their goodbyes, needing to make their way to the train station. They were spending their honeymoon in Banff for an entire two weeks to begin their married life together. Abigail had volunteered to drive them to the station. Allie was surrounded by her siblings, all of them talking at once as they said goodbye. Elizabeth smiled, watching as Allie hugged each of her brothers and sister and gave them a word of encouragement or love. After several rounds of hugs and kisses, the bride and groom made their way to Elizabeth and Nathan. Allie hugged her first while Cody talked with Nathan.

"I love you, Mom."

Elizabeth held her close for a moment. "I love you too, Allie. Enjoy your honeymoon."

Allie's cheeks pinkened slightly, but her look softened as she looked at Cody. "I'm looking forward to it."

Elizabeth smiled. "It will be a special time that you will cherish forever," she said, brushing back a strand of her daughter's hair.

Allie then said goodbye to Nathan, and before they knew it, the new couple was off to their honeymoon. The various children were rounded up and headed to their friends' homes. Jack, Mia, and Aurora were spending the night at the Coulters', while Nate and Ella were having a sleepover at the Shepherds'. Elizabeth held a sleeping Christine in her arms as she and Nathan made their way to their car. Willie walked beside him, nearly asleep himself. Nathan scooped up their son and laid him gently in the backseat while Elizabeth settled Christine on her lap. The drive home was quiet, both adults thinking about the events of the day. They put their two youngest children to bed, then retired to the porch swing. Elizabeth snuggled against Nathan, then chuckled as Millie came out of the house and laid at their feet.

"I don't think she liked being home by herself for so long," Nathan commented, reaching down to scratch the faithful dog behind the ears. Millie looked up at him with an expression of pure adoration.

Elizabeth chuckled. "She loves you."

"The feeling is mutual," Nathan said, cooing at their pet. Elizabeth snuggled closer to him. She loved his tender side, the side that showed he wasn't afraid to be loving and vulnerable. Finding his lips, she gave him a kiss that made an involuntary groan leave his throat. When she pulled back, Nathan rested his forehead against hers.

"I'm not going to ask what that was for," he murmured, one hand going to her cheek. "I'm just going to fully enjoy it." He pressed his lips to hers again, and for several long, blissful minutes, they simply reveled in one another. When they broke apart, it took a while to catch their breath.

"Mommy?"

Elizabeth straightened, looking to the door where a sleepy Willie was rubbing his eyes. "Yes, sweetie?"

He came toward them. "I had a bad dream." Tears filled his big blue eyes. "I'm scared."

Elizabeth held out her arms. Willie rushed forward, and she pulled him into her lap. He nestled against her, a thumb going to his mouth. Nathan rested one hand on Willie's back while his other wrapped around Elizabeth. "It's alright, son," he said gently. "It was just a dream. You're safe."

Willie sighed, closing his eyes and leaning his head against Elizabeth's shoulder. With Nathan rubbing his back and Elizabeth holding him close, he soon fell asleep once more.

Elizabeth relaxed into Nathan again. "It feels so surreal that Allie is off and married. But we still have seven children at home who need care and love." She chuckled softly. "Do you know, it's possible that Allie and I could become pregnant at the same time? I'm young enough to have more children, and Allie said she hopes to have one of her own soon."

Nathan grinned, nuzzling her cheek with his lips. "I'm perfectly happy with the idea of making another baby," he said, wiggling his eyebrows.

Elizabeth laughed, trying to keep it quiet to avoid waking Willie. "It's just a possibility. I don't know if I can have more children. We thought we were done with Willie. Christine was a surprise."

"Would you like another child?" Nathan asked, his expression becoming serious.

Considering it, Elizabeth slowly nodded. "I think I would. Maybe it's partly because Allie has left home, but the longing has been building for a while now. Christine is three. I miss the baby years and all the milestones that come with it." She glanced up at him. "Are you alright with having another child, if it were to happen for us? We do have our hands full already."

Nathan kissed her gently. "Elizabeth, I would be happy with the eight we have, and I would be happy with any more that we are blessed with. It's a joy having children with you." He kissed her again. "But you're pushing forty, sweetheart. Do you think your body could handle another pregnancy?"

"I feel strong," Elizabeth said. "I think I would be fine." She kissed him this time. "We'd better start trying if we want more babies. The change of life shouldn't happen for me for another five to ten years, but my mother had hers early. It's possible I could too."

"You'll get no complaints from me." Nathan winked. He stood, helping her to her feet. "Let's put Willie to bed, and then you and I have a special date in our bedroom."

Elizabeth chuckled, taking his hand and letting him lead her into the house. Millie followed happily at their heels. They tucked their son in once they reached his room. Elizabeth coaxed Millie onto the bed. The dog curled up beside their son, snuggling into him. Willie sighed in his sleep, a little smile on his face. Elizabeth watched him for a few moments, smiling as well. Yes, she definitely wanted these sweet moments with little ones to last. She and Nathan checked on Christine before making their way to their own room. Once they were inside, Nathan locked the door. As he turned, Elizabeth pressed against him and sought his lips hungrily. He paused only to turn off the lights before sweeping her into his arms and laying her on their bed.

In the quiet moments that followed their celebration of love, Elizabeth reflected on the fact that it had been years since she felt any kind of trepidation over intimacy. Nathan's love had healed her of all her fears and trauma. Joy filled her. She snuggled into her husband's arms, thankful that she could give herself to him fully, despite the pain of the past. He held her close, stroking her hair. With a sigh of pure contentment, Elizabeth closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep.