With less than two months until the baby was supposed to arrive, Allie began the nesting phase of pregnancy where she insisted on cleaning and organizing everything in the house. Robert had been busier than usual with reports and an investigation of a local business break in and robbery. Worried about the nursery being ready in time, Allie decided to enlist the help of the Thorntons and her dad to spend part of Saturday finishing the baby's room. She decided to discuss it with them and hoped they all agreed.
Thursday morning, Allie sat on the porch swing to wait for Nathan and Elizabeth to return from their daily walk, which had started getting longer in recent weeks. She wasn't sure if it was because Nathan was able to go a longer distance, or if the two of them just wanted to be together longer now that they had admitted they were in love. She grinned, proud of herself for being the mastermind behind bringing them back together. Even though her dad had never complained about being lonely, Allie saw a shift in him that made her heart fill with gratitude. He had been selfless and always put her first for the majority of her life, but now was his time to find a love of his own and share his life with a good woman. Even though she was now an adult and close to being a mom herself, somehow she felt the need for a mother even more and hoped Elizabeth would someday fill that role for her. Not only that, but she had come to absolutely adore Jack Jr over the past couple of months and saw him as the little brother she never had.
As they slowly walked back from the pond, Nathan marveled at the way Elizabeth's touch ignited a fire in him every single time. Just holding hands brought out feelings he never expected, especially as he was getting older. She made him feel like a young man again, yet their age had given them wisdom and provided a depth to their relationship that he never could have imagined even a decade ago. Since the first time they confessed their love, their bond had only grown stronger as they saw each other every morning and many evenings as well. Jack's desire to join the Mounties was put on the back burner, since he had a while before he would have to make a decision. But Nathan made sure to sneak in Mountie stories while they worked together, so he had more context to his decision.
"What's going through that pretty little head of yours?" Elizabeth asked, stopping to study him. "I hope you aren't too tired. Maybe we should shorten our walks since you are working so hard on the house these days."
Grabbing her other hand so he held both, Nathan admired the woman who had stolen his heart for a moment before answering. "I'm fine," he promised. "However, I'm thinking we need to switch it up tomorrow and go riding instead. I think I'm finally ready to try again. Maybe I'll ask Bill if you can borrow his mare."
Her eyes widening with excitement, Elizabeth pulled her hands away from Nathan and clapped them together. "That sounds wonderful!" she exclaimed; then suddenly, her demeanor became more serious. "But are you sure you're really ready to ride again?"
He put his arm around her, and they continued walking toward home. "I haven't even brought a cane on our walk all week or used one at home for almost three weeks. I know I was going to try sooner, but I finally feel confident in the stage of my recovery and can't wait to finally ride again."
Stopping again, Elizabeth turned and put a hand on Nathan's cheek, looking deep into his eyes. "I think physically you are ready. I guess I'm more concerned about you mentally being prepared to be on a horse after the accident. You've come so far, and I don't want all that to be undone if you were to get hurt again."
Nathan's heart swelled at the love and concern Elizabeth had for him, but he felt slightly defensive at the implication that he would be afraid of his trusty horse. "Newton won't let me get hurt; plus, I haven't had a nightmare in several weeks." He grabbed her hand that was on his face and kissed her palm. "I'll work out the details and let you know the plan; but I need to get to work soon, and Allie is going to come looking for me if I don't get back."
Biting her tongue, Elizabeth just smiled and tried not to worry. They made small talk as they rounded the corner toward their houses and saw Allie sitting on the porch swing when they got closer. "Hey Sweetie," Elizabeth greeted. "How are you feeling this morning? I can't believe how close you are getting to delivering that sweet little one."
"That's what I wanted to talk to the two of you about. With everyone's busy schedule, and my desire to get everything ready, the only day I've found to finish the nursery is this Saturday. Can I count on your help? Sarah was planning on spending the day with me to finish some sewing projects for the baby; I figured Jack would want to come over if she's here. I could make dinner for everyone so we can eat after we finish."
Glancing at each other then back at Allie, both nodded in agreement. "Her nesting has been in full swing," Nathan explained to Elizabeth. "I'm sure we will all feel much better once the baby's room is ready. I've been discussing it with Robert, and we have a few surprises up our sleeves. With six of us, I'm sure we can knock it out in just a few hours."
Allie stood up to stretch and scratched her large, round belly. "We can start right after lunch on Saturday and be done by dinnertime. I'm going back inside so I don't interrupt your goodbyes." She gave them her best eye roll, but what they mostly saw was a sparkle that said she was pleased the two of them had finally gotten together all because of her meddling.
After she went back in the house, Nathan wrapped his arms around Elizabeth and kissed her softly. "Thanks for being willing to help with the nursery. Honestly, I can help with furniture, but interior decorating otherwise is not my strong suit. Elizabeth, I know Allie needs a mother figure to help her through giving birth and learning to be a mother herself. Sometimes I think I failed her."
Running her hand through his hair, then letting it rest on his strong jaw, Elizabeth shook her head. "Nathan, she is an amazing woman. You are a wonderful father to Allie, and I wish I could have given her what she needed before now; but I promise to be there for all of you now. Although, it will be a little strange kissing a grandfather." Elizabeth winked then brushed her lips against his one more time. "We better both get to work."
Nathan groaned exaggeratedly. "Do we have to?" he teased, kissing her cheek and releasing her to go back to her own house. "I'll stop by and see Bill to ask about Betty. See you later." They reluctantly went their separate ways and readied themselves for the workday ahead.
After finishing his work in the warehouse, Nathan made his way to the official "Office of the Judge" before meeting Jack to take him to work at the new house. He was looking forward to seeing Bill again, since he had been out of town visiting some old Mountie friends in Union City. He entered to find Bill reading legal briefs as he tried to catch up from being gone. Nathan was extremely happy that his friend was still in Hope Valley. He was a big reason Robert and Allie moved back and had always been one of his best friends and mentors. Even when he moved to Union City, he knew Bill had been supportive of him moving up the ranks.
"To what do I owe this surprise visit?" Bill inquired, as Nathan walked in and sat down across the desk from him. "Wow, you are walking so much better and without your cane! I ran into some of your former co-workers in the city. They have all been concerned about how you are doing."
Brushing off the attention, Nathan quickly replied: "I'm fine. Actually, I haven't felt this optimistic about making a full recovery since the accident. I'm here because I'm finally ready to ride Newton again, but I need a favor."
Bill eyed him carefully, "You sure that is wise? Especially right when you are getting back to normal physically?"
"Do I have some reservations? Sure, I do. But if I've learned anything from my years as a Mountie and a father, it's that you have to get back in the saddle when you fall off the horse." Trying to stay calm and not get annoyed, Nathan took a deep breath and remembered why he had actually come. "I'm wondering if I can borrow Betty tomorrow morning. I wanted to take Elizabeth riding with me, but she doesn't have her own horse yet. I figured they would help keep me and Newton calm as well as being good company."
Feeling more like a father figure and mentor to Nathan than just a colleague or friend, combined with his fondness for Elizabeth and Jack Jr, made Bill's heart swell. "Elizabeth is more than welcome to ride Betty. I probably don't get the old gal out enough, and I can't think of someone I would rather have ride her. Speaking of Elizabeth, how is your relationship going? At your age, I would hope you wouldn't waste precious time and just get on with it already."
Nathan felt heat rise up his neck. "I'm in love with her, Bill. I love Jack Jr like a son. I'm just so busy building the Thornton's new house right now, and I'm going to be a grandfather soon. I don't want to rush too fast, but I can't imagine letting Elizabeth out of my life again."
"If I can give you some advice," Bill offered, leaning forward for emphasis. "Don't wait. I let a few women slip out of my life in the past, because I was unwilling to act when I had opportunities. You and Elizabeth have been given a second chance; don't take that for granted."
Standing up and extending his hand, Nathan readily agreed as Bill followed his lead to stand and shake hands. "I don't plan to wait long. I always thought I would just stay single forever and have been content having Allie and Robert and now grandchildren. But when Elizabeth arrived back in Hope Valley and we reconnected, for the first time in a decade I knew I could have more. But I have to feel whole again first, and riding will be a big step in figuring out if I am moving in the right direction."
As they both walked to the door, Bill patted Nathan on the back. "Son, no one is completely whole in this life. I'm thrilled at how far you've come since being back here, and I'm not just referring to the physical progress you've made; although that has been impressive for an old man like you." Both men chuckled.
"Thanks, Bill. I hope you know that in many ways you've been more of a father to me than my own father was. I'm glad I was able to make amends with him before he passed, but you have been there for me even after I abruptly left. And all you've done for Allie and Robert; I don't know how to ever repay you. Why don't you come over to dinner on Saturday? We are finishing up the nursery for the baby and I know everyone would love to see you."
Both men stepped outside, and Bill thought for a moment. "That would be great. I haven't been able to catch up with anyone since I got back into town. Let me know what time you need me to be there." Nathan nodded and left for Lee's office to meet up with Jack.
Early Friday morning, Nathan got up early and made sure his sore leg was stretched and felt strong before going to the livery. He found Elizabeth waiting on her porch, finishing a cup of tea. As she stood to greet him, his eyes surveyed her from head to toe and was shocked to see her wearing pants with a summery blouse.
"Good morning, Mr. Grant," Elizabeth welcomed him playfully. "Are you ready for this?"
He grabbed her, breathing in her roses and vanilla scent while enveloping her in a hug. "I don't think I've ever seen you in pants before," he whispered next to her ear. "You look beautiful."
"My fashion-forward sister Julie gave me these last year, but I never felt like wearing them until today." Elizabeth peeled her head off his chest and looked up into his sky-blue eyes. "Are you ready to go? You look strong and confident; plus, this light blue color on you always sends my heart a flutter." She blushed, looking down as she played with the unbuttoned portion of his shirt beneath the collar.
Clearing his throat to get his mind off his own racing heart, Nathan turned his focus on what they were gearing up for. He kissed her temple and took her hand as they began walking to the livery. "Bill said Betty should have no problem and will probably be excited to get out for a ride today."
"I'm glad he's back," she admitted. "I would like to spend more time with him. I feel bad he was kind of abandoned when we all left town."
Nathan nodded. "I know. He was so excited when Robert was able to take the posting here, because Allie is like a granddaughter to him. I should have kept in better contact, but at least I have a chance to rectify that. He is coming to dinner with all of us tomorrow night."
They reached the livery and went inside to prepare the horses for their ride. Both Newton and Betty were excited to be brushed and saddled. Nathan and Elizabeth worked together and led the horses outside when they were ready. Before mounting, Nathan took a deep breath and scratched Newton's neck just the way he liked. "You won't let anything happen to me, will you boy?"
Elizabeth watched Nathan step up and throw his leg over the saddle, sitting tall on his trusty steed. She mounted Betty and they both led the horses through town at a slow walk headed toward the meadow leading to the church and beyond. Both horses longed to go faster, but when they began at a trot Nathan suddenly froze. He brought Newton to a stop right at the steps of the church and dismounted. Panic began to set in as he collapsed on the steps. Elizabeth stopped quickly and tethered both horses to the railing. She hurried over to Nathan and wrapped her arms around him, rubbing his back and speaking soothing words into his ear. He leaned his head on her shoulder and felt his heart rate slow and the panic abate.
They sat for several minutes in silence, then Nathan finally lifted his head off her shoulder. "I feel better now; let's try again."
"Nathan, are you sure? We aren't far and could just take the horses back and try another time." Elizabeth worried if he got scared while the horses were going faster, Nathan could fall off and get reinjured.
Cupping her face with his hands and looking into her eyes, Nathan assured her: "Newton won't let me get hurt. I have to face this before I feel completely healed." He gently kissed her lips to erase her worries, but he still saw concern in her eyes when he pulled back. "Elizabeth, I'm fine. This is why I wanted you with me. You are the only one who can help calm this feeling of dread. Thank you for being my lifeline and support."
A single tear slid down her cheek. "Of course. You mean the world to me, and I want you to move past this horrible event. I will be here for whatever you need."
Nathan stood and helped her up. He grabbed the reins, and when they were both in the saddles again, he asked: "Where do you want to go?"
She felt nervous, but Elizabeth decided it was worth suggesting the place she wanted to visit. "Can we go to the cemetery? I want to introduce you to Jack and let him know we are moving on together. It might sound crazy, but I've been thinking about this for a while."
A lump formed in Nathan's throat. "I think that is a great idea. I paid my respects to him when I first came to Hope Valley but haven't been back. I actually have some things to say to him." He took a deep breath and led Newton into a trot without another episode. Betty kept stride and Elizabeth watched closely to make sure Nathan stayed calm.
When they reached the beautiful green graveyard, instinctively Elizabeth pulled some flowers while Nathan tied the horses to a tree and joined her near the gate, squeezing her hand and walking side by side to where Jack Sr had been laid to rest. He let go of her hand as she placed the flowers and ran her fingers along his name carved in stone. She sat on a patch of warm grass and patted the spot next to her for Nathan to sit.
"Jack, I've brought someone special to meet you today," she began. "I know you never met Nathan Grant when you were still with us, but you both were incredible Mounties who served with dignity and honor. I've missed you every day for the past sixteen years, wishing you could be here to help raise our son. He's growing to look so much like you, and I just found out he has your artistic ability. But Jack Jr wants to be a Mountie, just like you and your father and I just…" her voice cracked, and Nathan took her hand, stroking his thumb over her knuckles in support. "I don't know if I could handle that; but as you see, I now have someone to hold my hand again when I need comfort." She looked at Nathan who was more somber than usual and soaking in every word she spoke. "I will always love you Jack, but I know you told me to move on and love again. Even though Nathan and I could have been together a long time ago, I am glad we got another opportunity to try again. He said there were things he wanted to say to you."
Elizabeth gave Nathan an encouraging smile, and he cleared his throat. "Jack Thornton, it's good to finally have this talk with you. I felt guilt for so long over you replacing me and getting killed on that training mission. Then I came and fell in love with your widow and son, so I was too scared to pursue a relationship then and cowardly ran away. But I'm back now and want to have them both in my life for as long as we live. I promise to take care of them and live with Mountie honor like I did every day of my life for the past thirty years. Thank you for bringing me to Hope Valley all those years ago, even though the circumstances were the worst-case scenario. This town, and the people in it, have given me and my family so much through the years. Rest in peace, brother." Nathan gave a salute then gathered Elizabeth in his arms, both reflecting on their feelings for several minutes.
"Thank you, Nathan. Most men wouldn't be so understanding about visiting my dead husband." Elizabeth stood and ran her hand over the top of the headstone one last time. "Let's go finish our ride." They walked back to the horses and rode toward the construction site on the Thornton's land. Nathan began feeling confident in his riding and pushed Newton from a trot to a canter, with Elizabeth maintaining the same speed on Betty. Workers weren't set to arrive quite yet, so the worksite was still and peaceful when they slowed the horses down near the large partially enclosed structure.
Nathan carefully jumped off Newton and protectively put his hands on Elizabeth's waist as she slid off Betty. She turned around to face him, putting her hands behind his neck. "So, how are you feeling about your house so far?" Nathan asked, turning his head slightly to take in the handiwork from his design. "I'm sure you and Jack are anxious to finally live in a home of your own."
"It will be a dream come true." Twirling a loose curl on the back of his head, Elizabeth tipped her head to examine Nathan's face. "Can I ask you a serious question?"
"Of course," he responded, a little confused. "You know I'll share anything with you."
She looked away, contemplating the gravity of her question. "When you are finished building this, then what? I don't think you want to live with Robert and Allie forever, especially with a new baby. I know you still have your house in Union City with a neighborhood full of friends. I just…worry. Maybe all of this sounds crazy; I just can't lose you again."
He pulled her nearer, then put his forehead on hers and closed his eyes. "I think you know what I would like my plan to be, but I don't want to get ahead of myself or mess anything up." Nathan opened his eyes and found Elizabeth wide-eyed and staring at him. He pushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear and kissed her forehead. Their trance was broken when they heard vehicles approach them. Workers had arrived, and it was nearly time for both of them to be at work themselves. They rode back to the livery and got the horses settled before walking home hand in hand, the air between them thick with unsaid promises of a future together that had yet to be vocalized.
After lunch on Saturday, Elizabeth and Jack made their way next door to help finish the Wolf's nursery. Allie was finishing a sewing project with Sarah when they arrived, explaining that Nathan and Robert had taken the car to pick up a few things. Jack and Sarah immediately went upstairs to the nearly empty room to start hanging some shelves.
"We've been doing sewing projects all morning," Sarah babbled. "And the bedding for the crib is so soft and cozy. It will look great for either a boy or a girl! We used pale shades of yellow and green with white."
Jack tried not to stare at his friend, who was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. He had thought that the more time they spent together, the easier it would be to remain as such; but instead, his desire for more would not subside. She was almost exactly a year older than him, but he was already built like a grown man. She was sweet sixteen, and by all accounts a woman. As he looked up, he realized Sarah was expecting an answer to something she had asked him when his mind was wandering. "I'm sorry, what?" he stammered. "I was just thinking about what I need to do about these shelves."
"Do you want to go riding after dinner tonight?" she repeated. "We could watch the sunset on your land."
Their eyes met for a brief moment before Jack turned around to avoid her seeing the color he could feel rising to his cheeks. "Um, I'm sure the horses would love a nice evening ride. But we better get this work done first."
Once Elizabeth and Allie made it upstairs, the four of them worked on decorating until they heard Robert and Nathan return home and yell for Jack's help. He hurried down to the car to help carry pieces of a crib upstairs with Robert.
When they were ready to assemble it, realization hit Sarah and she exclaimed: "Wait, is this my crib you made for me, Robert? How amazing that my little niece or nephew will get to sleep in the bed their father made!"
A sob escaped Elizabeth and she hurried from the room, down the stairs, and outside. Nathan excused himself, unsure of why she had gotten so upset. He followed her to the front porch where she was crying on the swing. Sitting down and taking her hand, Nathan didn't say a word until she was ready to speak.
Wiping her eyes and breathing deeply, Elizabeth turned to face Nathan. "I'm sorry I left like that. It's just that Jack helped Robert make that crib while he was home from fighting in the Northern Territories at Christmas. It's so special that Robert and Allie's baby will get to sleep in a bed that was built with such love and holds so many memories." She looked away and sighed. "Nathan, are you sure this is what you want? I have so much baggage, and grief has a funny way of sneaking up on you sometimes."
"Elizabeth, we both have pasts," Nathan reminded her. "I love every part of you and will never be upset when you have memories that cause you to grieve your husband or other loved ones." After a few more minutes of silence, he spoke again. "Are you ready to get back up there?"
She nodded and tried to stand, but accidentally tripped and fell back down on the swing right into Nathan's lap. She sucked in a breath, but then her arms naturally slipped around his neck as he pulled her closer. Their lips met with a fiery passion that was partially drawn from past memories, mixed with hope of a future that would be filled with more joy than pain. Breathless, the two of them finally parted. Elizabeth jumped up and stood flushed at the porch railing, while Nathan took a deep breath and focused on calming the hormones coursing through his body.
They were then found by Jack, who looked at the two of them a little perplexed. "Are you ok, Mom?"
She put her arm around him, giving a tight squeeze. "Yes, Jack. I'm great. Let's go back upstairs, and I'll let Robert tell you all about how special this crib is to all of us."
Everyone was touched remembering how Jack helped Robert make the crib at Christmastime for baby Sarah. Nathan and Allie felt closer to both the Wolf and Thornton families as they worked together to make a beautiful room for the baby. They talked and laughed until it looked nearly perfect. Nathan and Robert snuck away for a few more minutes, and when they returned Nathan gave his daughter something he had worked on nearly every day for weeks.
"Oh, Dad! I can't believe you made this for me!" Allie squealed, sitting in the beautifully handcrafted rocking chair Nathan made for her, slowly rocking while holding her ever-growing baby bump. "Thank you all for helping make this dream of a beautiful nursery a reality. This rocking chair completes the room, and now we are almost ready for this little one to arrive."
Everyone gathered downstairs when Bill arrived with a fresh strawberry pie from the cafe for dessert. As they ate together, everyone told stories from their earliest memories of living in Hope Valley. Bill recounted his experiences from his trip to Union City, and Nathan gave a full report on the house he was helping build for the Thorntons. He was impressed with the work they had all put in to make the nursery exactly what had been dreamed up by Allie, and all agreed he or she was coming to a very loving family.
After pie, the group said their goodbyes and disbursed. Sarah and Jack went riding together, Robert put Allie to bed, Bill went home, and Nathan and Elizabeth went to her house for a cup of tea on the porch as they enjoyed the lovely evening weather together. "I heard back from a Mountie friend in Union City today," Nathan informed Elizabeth. "I have a surprise for you and Jack that is set to arrive next week, but it's going to require me to build a barn and fences on your land as soon as possible. That might set back the house a week or two.
Elizabeth eyed Nathan with a hint of suspicion. "What do you have up your sleeve this time, Nathan Grant?" He looked at her with his classic crooked grin, excited to finally share a secret he had been keeping from her for weeks.