Lunch was a lively affair, thanks to Catherine and Moira. Looking at the couples as they sat around the table eating, Catherine said, "I must say that married life looks good on all of you." causing all the couples to blush.

"I have to agree," Moira said. "The wedding photos are beautiful but seeing the four of you together, well, they pale in comparison. Wonder why that could be?" Moira teased.

If it was possible, the couples blushed darker. Nathan choked as he had been taking a drink, prompting Allie to hold up her arms and say, "biggie girl, Unca Nathan," Everyone laughed because that was what she was taught to do when she choked. Elizabeth had reached under the table and squeezed his hand in comfort.

Lunch was a simple one consisting of rolls and stew. There were still things to be done, and conditions were worsening. Allie wanted to play in the snow for a bit, so they took her with them as they finished battening down the ranch. The snow had started picking up, and the men ran a rope from the porch of the cabin to the back door in case Gabe or Faith needed to come to the house for anything if it got really bad. They were expecting whiteout conditions, and they couldn't be too careful.

Figuring that Elizabeth and Faith might want to have some time, Moira announced that she and Catherine would do the cleanup. Faith immediately jumped on the opening and invited Elizabeth to see the cabin.

"So, how are you and Gabe doing, Faith? How was it going on rounds?" Elizabeth asked as they walked to the cabin.

"Oh, Elizabeth, we are doing great. Going on rounds with him this morning was wonderful. That couple he wanted me to see, the Larsons, were so sweet together. There was another family that we stopped off to see, The Taylors, who have four children and another well on the way. They have a huge farm and the cutest farmhouse." Faith giggled and said, "Gabe is so sweet, kind, and caring. He is like a dream come true for me." As they walked into the house, Elizabeth looked around and saw that it had two rooms.

The cabin had a front room which was a combination sitting area and kitchen. The other room appeared to be a bedroom that ran the length of the cabin.

"Oh, Faith, this is so cozy and perfect for two people," Elizabeth said. She saw that Gabe had decorated the cabin for Christmas with a tree in the corner and some greenery over the stone fireplace, where a settee and two wingback chairs were arranged along with a braided rug.

The other side of the room held a stove and a small table with four chairs where Faith's bouquet sat in a vase as a centerpiece. Faith led her into the bedroom, and Elizabeth noted that the furniture looked similar to Nathan's and had a beautiful quilt upon it. She could see now that there was a small third room where the bathroom had been located and a closet.

Elizabeth giggled and said, "This looks identical to Nathan's room," Then, realizing what she had said, she turned crimson.

Faith giggled and said, "You mean yours and Nathan's room, don't you?"

Elizabeth laughed and said, "Yes, but I'm still trying to think of it in that way, I guess. Of course, it has only been one day."

"I'm just teasing you, Elizabeth," Faith said, putting an arm around her and leading her toward the kitchen area. "I'm trying to do the same thing. Why don't I put some tea on, and we can talk?"

"I would like that very much, especially if it looks like we may not be able to once the weather really hits," Elizabeth said as she looked out the window and saw the rope again. It didn't take long before the tea was ready, and the women settled in front of the fireplace.

"So, tell me, how are you and Nathan settling in?" Faith asked. Elizabeth told her about what had happened, including the accidental kiss and morning cuddles.

"You know what you call accidental I would use another word for what happened." Faith mused.

"Oh?" Elizabeth said, pausing from taking a sip of her tea. "What word would you use?"

"Well, I would go more with fate or destiny," Faith said.

"Faith!" Elizabeth said, "Don't be ridiculous,"

"I'm being serious, Elizabeth," Faith said. "It's pretty providential that you and Nathan found each other.

"What do you mean? I would say it just so happened that everything worked out more than fate," Elizabeth stated.

"Really! Well then, let's examine the facts, shall we?" Faith said with a smirk. "You needed a place to go because your father wanted to marry you off. At the same time, Nathan is looking for a wife. Your Aunt Catherine, who runs a mail-order bride service, just so happened to be visiting your Aunt Agatha when you went running to her. Nathan happened to be home and mentioned to his mother that he was ready to consider a mail-order bride. Moira just so happened to call Catherine to inquire about a bride for Nathan. It just so happened that they were discussing your situation right before that when she made the call.

"You have to have a lot of faith to believe that all these things just so happened, Elizabeth. I would know, don't you think?" Faith teased.

Elizabeth went to say something, but Faith interrupted. "I'm not finished laying out the facts, my friend."

"Now, where was I? Oh yes, let us not forget that you are considered Hamilton Royalty, although you would never know it because you never put on airs. From what Gabe has told me about Alice, she is the complete opposite and isn't nearly as prominent as you. However, she broke Nathan's heart and commented that he wasn't worthy of her time."

"Yes, Nathan told me about her and how she didn't want Allie," Elizabeth said. "I just can't understand how anyone in their right mind could turn away from them."

"Exactly my point Elizabeth. When you add it all up, you can't help but see that it wasn't chance and all those things happening exactly at the right time. But rather, it was a much more powerful and providential one, which, by my definition, means it was destined to be. You, Nathan, and Allie were meant for each other. Didn't you tell me that you longed to be loved and accepted for yourself and not for your family or connections?" Faith asked.

"Yes, I did," Elizabeth said, beginning to see what Faith was pointing out.

"Seems like Nathan might be wanting the same after that woman so callously broke his heart, don't you? Maybe that deep connection that you and Nathan felt from the beginning is because you are kindred spirits and brought together as an answer to each other's prayers. Otherwise, it would take a lot of accidents and just so happens to be a coincidence. Don't you think?" Faith asked.

Elizabeth had tears of happiness as the truth of Faith's words flowed through her mind and settled in her heart. "One last thing I will say is that the two people who stood up with you and also married yesterday were named Faith and Gabriel. Then when you add in that, Nathan's name means Gift of God, and yours means My God is abundant, it all seems ABUNDANTLY clear." Then Faith chuckled, adding, "Pun intended. The four of us are bound in love and friendship now. So don't think of timelines or what society has drilled into your head from birth, Elizabeth. You and Nathan belong together, and God made it happen. As long as you and Nathan are on the same page with God moving forward, that's all that matters." With that, Faith finished her summary.

"Oh Faith, I love him so much already, and I know his heart will need time to mend. But he is so worth the wait." Elizabeth said. "Don't even get me started on how much I love little Allie,"

"It's obvious how you feel about them, Elizabeth. As for Nathan's broken heart, I don't think it is going to take as long as you believe. From what I see, he is already in love with you or getting there." Faith said.

By this time, they had finished their tea and could hear Allie and their husbands out front, so they bundled up and went to join them. Allie spotted them as soon as they stepped off the porch and ran over to them. Gabe and Nathan stood transfixed as the two women teased each other and Allie.

"Nathan, we are two very fortunate Mounties being married to the two most beautiful women on the frontier," Gabe said with a smile.

"We will surely be the envy of everyone at the Mountie ball this year, I think," Nathan said. "I still have to pinch myself that I'm not dreaming and that I'll be waking up alone."

Nathan felt a sharp pinch at his side and gave Gabe a look of annoyance as he rubbed his arm. "Why in the world did you do that?"

"Just so you would realize that this isn't a dream, and those are now our wives that are farther away than they should be, come on," Gabe said as he headed over to where they were.

When Nathan stepped up beside Elizabeth, he was pleasantly surprised when she moved closer and placed her hand in his. She smiled that smile that always made her light up within. Soon Nathan would come to realize that smile was reserved for him. Though their children could bring it forth, it would always be its brightest for him.

"Did you two get everything done? Are we all set for the storm?" Elizabeth asked Nathan.

"That we are, and it looks like just in time, too," Nathan said as the snow began to really come down and the wind began to howl. He reached over and took Allie from Elizabeth and, after a quick goodbye to Gabe and Faith, ushered his little family into the house where it was safe and warm.

Dinner that evening was a subdued affair, and Allie fell asleep earlier than usual after playing so hard outside. Catherine and Moira had settled by the fireplace, and after putting Allie to bed, he and Elizabeth sat at a table with a chessboard. Before long, the adults were yawning and seeking their beds once more as the fierce wind blew outside. Elizabeth had already changed into her nightgown and robe, so she went to check on Allie for the night. Nathan banked the fires and took one last look around before changing for bed.

He was surprised to find that Elizabeth wasn't in bed yet, but as he put his clothes away, she came in and shut the door quietly.

"Everything okay, Elizabeth?" Nathan asked.

"Oh yes, it's fine, Nathan," Elizabeth said. "I just got caught up watching her sleep," Elizabeth looked sheepish at her admission, but Nathan just went and hugged her.

"Don't be ashamed because I can't tell you how much time I have spent doing that myself," Nathan said with a chuckle. "It makes me happy that you feel that way too."

Nathan turned out the light as Elizabeth took her robe off and slipped in on her side. As they settled in, they moved towards the center and clasped hands. "It's really chilly tonight," Elizabeth said, shivering a bit and moving closer to Nathan.

Without hesitation, he put his arm out and pulled her into him. She instantly felt warm, and they clasped hands on his stomach. Neither felt like it was something to discuss, and both were very happy with the arrangements.

Elizabeth said, "Where did we leave off last night?"

"If I recall, I think I told you about Alice. So, I think it's your turn to answer one." Nathan said with a chuckle.

"I think you are right," Elizabeth said, yawning. "So, what is your question, kind sir?"

"Why don't we skip the questions tonight and sleep," Nathan said. "I think we could use it after the last few days."

Elizabeth just nodded and said, "Goodnight, Nathan," and he could tell by her breathing that she was already gone.

"Goodnight, Elizabeth," He whispered before placing a gentle kiss on her head. Though the wind howled outside, inside, they were content, warm, and together.

A few hours later, they were woken up by Allie, who became afraid of the howling wind outside, and came looking for comfort. Seeing her aunt beside her uncle, she quickly shifted and went around to Elizabeth's side and climbed up. Nathan showed Elizabeth how to wrap her up, and she cuddled up to Elizabeth's front. So, as they settled back to sleep, Allie fell asleep held in Elizabeth's arms. Nathan curled up behind Elizabeth and held them both for the rest of the night.

Nathan was the first to wake up, and his heart warmed at the sight. Elizabeth held Allie, and her little head was tucked into the curve of his wife's neck. He could only smile as he realized that this was a dream that he had never thought he would see. At that moment, he knew without a shadow of a doubt that Elizabeth had his whole heart and that Alice never did.

He could feel her shifting, and then she turned to look back at him. There was his favorite smile again that made her seem like she was glowing. "Good morning, husband," Elizabeth said huskily.

"Good morning, wife," he said, his voice full of emotion. The urge to kiss her was too strong, and he leaned down to kiss her softly before pulling back. They just looked at each other solemnly for a moment as their hearts communed.

"Should I apologize?" Nathan asked.

Elizabeth blushed, shyly smiled, and shook her head. Then they saw Allie begin to stir before burrowing deeper under the covers and falling back asleep.

"Let me take her back to her room so you can get up," Nathan said, coming around to her side. "But you don't have to get up because I am. I am an early riser by nature, being a Mountie."

"I like to get up early and start the day unhurried. Maybe we could finish talking after breakfast?" Elizabeth suggested.

After he left, Elizabeth sighed happily, stood up, and quickly found her slippers. She definitely missed Nathan and Allie's body heat as she came out from the covers. Before long, he was back and said, "I think that we are the only ones awake right now. Why don't I make us some coffee, bring a couple of muffins, and we stay here instead?" Nathan asked shyly.

"Breakfast in bed sounds divine right about now. Can I help you with anything?"

"No, I'll be right back. Why don't you get yourself situated until I get back." Nathan said, his crooked grin making her heart do flips before he was out the door.