The next morning, everyone tuned in to the governor's radio broadcast, in which he announced he would return to Capital City the next week. He also announced that in place of a resort, he was going to establish the territory's first national park on the same land, right there in Hope Valley.

Elizabeth spent the morning at the school, preparing everything for the start of the year Monday. She walked into Bill's office, the only person in town she expected to be working.

"How's Rosemary? I heard about her little scare last night."

"She's gonna be fine."

"That's a relief. So what brings you in here?"

"Would you deliver this letter to Nathan at some point today?"

"Special occasion?"

"No, just a date invitation. We really haven't had much time to ourselves with everything going on."

"I'll be sure to get it to him."

"Thanks, Bill."

Later in the afternoon, Bill dropped off the letter at Nathan's office. He opened the envelope which read:

Meet me at the schoolhouse after you're off duty. —Yours Truly

Considering it was Saturday, he decided to take the rest of the day off. He walked over to the school house. She walked back to him, laying a delicate kiss on his lips.

"I got your invitation. What's the occasion?"

"Nothing, I just figured I'd show you my first lesson of the year." She pointed at the board which read:

A is for Amazing news!

B is for Baby Grant

C is for Coming soon,

D is for Daddy-to-be!

Nathan stared at the words for a moment, his mind racing. He turned to her, eyes wide with amazement.

"Are you serious?" he asked, his voice trembling with excitement.

She nodded, her own eyes shining with tears. He immediately wrapped his arms around her, lifting her off the ground in a tight hug. "This is incredible!" he exclaimed, his voice full of wonder. He set her down gently and placed a hand on her belly, a huge grin spreading across his face. "I love you," he whispered, his eyes bright with unshed tears. "We're gonna have a baby!" He wrapped her in his arms, overwhelmed by the happiness of the moment.

He smiled and said, "How are we gonna tell the kids?"

"I have an idea."

"Whatever it is, I'm in."

After leaving the schoolhouse the day prior, the two walked by the plot of land that Elizabeth and Jack had owned. Elizabeth discussed the idea of building a home there. Nathan loved the idea.

That night, she showed her the plans Jack had drawn up while he was still alive. She and Nathan made a few small changes, but for the most part, liked the floor plan the way it was.