With Jack's help and Elizabeth's input, Nathan designed their barn and planned for a large, fenced area just the right distance from the house. He had been vague about the surprise, but they were fairly certain it had something to do with animals since he was so set on getting them finished as quickly as possible. Instead of stopping work on the house construction completely, they split the crew, having men working on all projects simultaneously. They also scheduled longer hours until the fencing was complete, and the barn was done enough to house animals, even if all the final touches inside would have to be finished later.
Things hadn't progressed as quickly as he wanted, so Nathan felt relieved when he got a call from his friend David Marshall that the delivery would be delayed. Jack still rode Newton a few times a week, but Nathan took him out on the other days so he could get more comfortable riding again. Bill didn't mind letting Elizabeth ride Betty sometimes so she could be close to Nathan just in case, but his bond with Newton made the process easier. In no time, they moved from a trot to a canter and challenged the girls to a short race at a full gallop. Feeling the wind through his hair as they sailed over the meadow, reminded Nathan only of the good times he shared with his beloved companion through the years.
Lee and Rosemary invited the Thorntons to Sunday dinner, and insisted they bring Nathan along. Even though he knew the Coulters quite well, he was nervous to go as Elizabeth's significant other. Since her parents were gone and sisters lived so far away, it felt a bit like he would be "meeting the family" with all of the usual grilling of him and his intentions. But as soon as they arrived and started visiting, he felt completely at home and like a member of the family. He especially enjoyed watching Jack interact with Lee and Rosemary's twins Daniel and Daisy. For a moment, a pang of regret filled his heart for not building a family with Elizabeth to give Jack and Allie each other along with additional siblings.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Elizabeth whispered close to his ear as they sat together on the back porch drinking coffee and watching the kids play a game of croquet after dinner. "I hope you are having a good time."
Nathan put his arm around Elizabeth and kissed the side of her head. "I'm not sure why I was nervous about tonight. This is just our first time being with friends as an official couple. I don't want to mess anything up or not have the support of people closest to you."
"You don't have to worry about that!" a cheery voice called as Rosemary and Lee joined them on the porch. "We always thought the two of you would make a perfect couple, so we couldn't be more thrilled."
With a stern look at his wife, Lee shook his head. "Sweetheart, I think you are being too easy on him. We need to ask things like what his intentions are with our dear Elizabeth and how he plans to provide for her. Not to mention that I'll have to take matters into my own hands if he hurts her."
Rosemary playfully slapped her husband on the arm as she burst out into boisterous laughter. "Oh, Lee! You always have to be such a tease."
"No ma'am. I am deadly serious right now." Staring down Nathan he squinted and said, "What do you have to say for yourself, Mr. Grant?"
A cloud passed over his deep blue eyes as he met Lee's stare. "You know, after my accident and finding out my career as a Mountie was over, I really struggled to find motivation to get well. I fought coming back to stay in Hope Valley because of painful past memories. That day Elizabeth and Jack showed up in town was the first day I had made it all the way to the pond on my bum leg. I sat to rest and was in so much pain both physically and emotionally, that for a brief moment I wondered why I even lived through that harrowing experience at all. I began praying for God to show me just one thing that would make life worth living for again. Of course I had Allie, Robert, and the new baby; but they all have each other, and I felt like a burden to them. As I pondered on that dock, all of a sudden, I felt a warm summer breeze and this overwhelming feeling of peace washed over me, filling my heart with hope. Even though I was drained of energy, the pain dissipated enough I felt like I could get back to the house. As I started walking, I saw someone coming toward me and my heart almost stopped when I saw Elizabeth. Something inside told me my life was about to change, but logic told me that I was a fool to think I stood a chance with this woman. My healing process had been slow, especially emotionally, until she helped me work through all of my guilt. So Lee, my intentions are simply to keep Elizabeth and her son in my life for the rest of my days on this earth. I can't see the future, but God can; he guided us back to one another a decade after circumstances took us far away from one another."
Tears were in the eyes of all four adults when Nathan finished speaking. Not caring who was watching, Elizabeth took Nathan's face in her hands and kissed him fiercely with a touch of desperation. "I will never be that fool again who let you go the first time," she promised as their lips parted. "I have every intention of keeping you around for as long as God gives us."
Lee and Rosemary were speechless after hearing both Nathan and Elizabeth declare their intentions of wanting to be together. Wanting to give them privacy, they stood and began walking toward the twins who were playfully arguing about who was ahead in their game. Jack had stopped playing to listen in on the conversation and felt a lump form in his throat. He knew this man was quickly becoming someone he could rely on and wanted in his life. Years ago, Jack had lost hope of his mother ever getting married again and giving him the family he longed for; but even at 15 he hadn't lost his desire for such a man to permanently be in their lives. Not wanting anyone to see his emotion, Jack dropped his croquet stick and quickly walked around the side of the house.
Looking up with a concerned expression, Elizabeth felt the urge to go after her son, but Nathan motioned for her to stay seated as he stood instead. "I'll talk to him. I shouldn't have dumped all that on everyone tonight, but sometimes I struggle to hold my feelings inside." He bent down and kissed the top of Elizabeth's head and walked as quickly as his stiff leg would carry him. He found Jack in a chair on the front porch, staring into his hands that were clasped together. Instead of saying anything, Nathan just sat in an adjacent chair and took in a deep breath of fresh country air.
After a few minutes of silence, Jack finally spoke. "Can I ask you a question, Nathan?"
"Of course, Jack. You know I'll always be honest with you." Nathan turned to face the boy who was still looking down at his hands.
Clearing his throat of the remaining emotion, Jack finally met Nathan's gaze with his own piercing blue eyes. "I just wonder how you let my mom go before. If you loved her then and she had feelings for you, why did I have to endure her almost marrying Lucas Bouchard and then watch her refuse to get serious with any of the men who came calling in Hamilton? I guess I just see the two of you now and keep getting glimpses of when you came around when I was a little boy. Just like my mom, I loved you then and still do now. I mean, wasn't I worth fighting for?"
Another twinge of regret pierced Nathan's heart. He gripped Jack's strong shoulder as he explained, "Leaving you was harder than anything I ever imagined. I've always had a dream to have a son; and even though you have a father who left you a strong legacy of bravery and strength, I wanted nothing more than to help you learn and grow from the time you were small. I made a mistake. Please forgive me for being stupid. I was going to talk to you about this later, but it feels appropriate now. When the time is right, I want to ask your mother to marry me. It's a little soon for that, but I want your permission so I'm all set when that moment arises. And I consider marrying her a package deal. I want to be your dad. You will always be a Thornton, and we will forever love and honor your father; but it would be my greatest pleasure to try and make up for what you've been missing your entire life."
Jack gulped down another lump forming in his throat and held out his hand. "Yes!" he emphatically agreed. "But only if you promise to make it sooner rather than later. My father Jack Sr waited almost five years to marry my mom, but you both aren't getting any younger. Just take that into consideration."
With a relieved chuckle, Nathan shook Jack's hand just in time to see Elizabeth rounding the corner. "Is everything ok?" she asked timidly, her eyes darting between the two men in her life. Seeing their relaxed expressions, she decided they had worked things out as she moved to stand next to her son and put a hand on his shoulder. "Jack, the twins are asking for a rematch back there. Go quick before it gets dark, and we have to head home." When he was out of sight, Elizabeth sat in his abandoned chair and took Nathan by the hand as he also sat back down and moved his chair closer to hers. "What was that all about?" she inquired.
Nathan brought her hand to his mouth and tenderly kissed her palm. "We were just having a man to man talk. He's fine, Elizabeth. I remember being his age and struggling to work through tough emotions. You've given him such a strong foundation; but he really does need a man's perspective at times, just like Allie needs a woman's, especially now as she moves into motherhood. Do you think we failed by not giving them that sooner?"
"We both wish things had gone differently," Elizabeth lamented. "But we can't dwell on the past. What you said back there…it just struck a chord with me. I prayed so hard while I was on the train coming here from Hamilton. I was nervous to be back here and face my past, but that feeling of comfort you described hit me the second the train stopped in Hope Valley. I now fully believe God's hand was guiding us home to find each other again. I used to wonder what life would have been like if Jack had lived and we raised our son together. But when I catch glimpses of you with Jack Jr, my love for you grows as I observe the way you love and teach him. Even when he was tiny, you would take the time to notice him around town; that, combined with the way you raised Allie, are things that really attracted me to you. Other men just never related as well to children the way you always have. Allie's baby is so lucky to have you as its grandfather."
Wrinkling up his face, Nathan pretended to take offense. "That term is going to be banned. I am way too young and handsome to be known as a grandfather. I'm trying to decide what I want the little nugget to call me, once it can speak.
"How about you just allow me to help you feel younger?" Elizabeth suggested with a wink. Looking at the sky, she noticed the sun was getting close to sinking behind the horizon so she suggested, "Shall we get back to our guests? I think we should challenge Lee and Rosemary to our own croquet match." They walked hand in hand back to their friends to enjoy the remainder of the first of many pleasant summer evenings with the Coulters.
After getting cleaned up from her walk with Nathan and readying herself for a day of preparing her lessons at the school, Elizabeth walked out of her house and noticed Allie drinking tea on her porch swing. She waved and made her way over to visit with her favorite former student. "Good morning, Allie!" Elizabeth greeted with a smile.
"Elizabeth, hello," Allie returned. "Dad already left for work."
Nodding in acknowledgment, Elizabeth sat next to her on the swing. "I know. I heard his car leave not long after our walk. I wanted to come see you. How are you feeling today?"
"Well, besides being tired from not sleeping well and feeling uncomfortable, I surprisingly have a lot of energy and have been cleaning and preparing like crazy. I'm nervous and excited, not knowing what to expect with labor and birth since this is my first time."
Memories of Jack's birth on Christmas Eve in a little hunting cabin in the woods flashed through Elizabeth's mind. "I don't think anyone is truly ready for that, but although it is grueling and hard and scary…it is the most beautiful moment you'll ever experience. I was lucky enough to have two close friends help me through it, which really was a comfort."
Allie sipped her tea as she listened to Elizabeth's experience of giving birth to little Jack. She nervously turned and put a hand on her former teacher's arm. "I've been meaning to ask you something, but I wasn't sure what you would think. I wondered if you would be there with me when I give birth? Just to hold my hand and make sure everything is ok? You don't have to, but the past months since you've been back, and especially since you've been with my dad, I feel like you are the only mother I've ever really known." A tear spilled down her cheek, and she quickly wiped it away. "Sorry, the pregnancy has made me a lot more emotional than usual."
Slipping her arm around Allie and pulling her close, Elizabeth kissed her head and responded: "It would be my honor to be with you. Is Robert's mother planning to be there as well?"
"Yes," she replied. "Mary wouldn't miss being there for the birth of her first grandchild. Robert's Aunt Millie is the best midwife in the county, so I plan on having her be the one to deliver our baby. She works in conjunction with Dr. Burton who is usually available if anything more complicated arises during delivery. Sarah is interested in becoming a midwife, so she wants to help as well, to gain more experience."
Rocking them slowly on the swing, Elizabeth thought about the changes she had missed after leaving Hope Valley. "Does anyone ever hear from Carson and Faith anymore? Sadly, I lost touch with quite a few people when I was in Hamilton taking care of my parents."
"They send Ned and Florence a Christmas letter every year that they post at the Mercantile. Can you believe they have four children now? Carson is teaching and practicing at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, and I think Faith works a few days a week in the same hospital. Dr. Burton has been here ever since they left, and he is a wonderful physician; although, I don't understand how a man like that stays single!"
Both women giggled. "He is quite handsome and charming from what I've seen. But I don't know how your father has remained unattached all of these years either."
Allie rolled her eyes. "Elizabeth, he's been in love with you since the day he first saw you. He was so heartbroken for a very long time, but now he is the very best version of himself with you by his side. I just hope he doesn't take too long to pop the question."
Her face immediately turned bright red, and Elizabeth nearly gasped. "Surely it's too soon to be thinking about that," she squeaked. "We haven't been seeing each other that long."
"You've both missed out on so much time together. If I were you, I wouldn't wait too long to be together." Allie jumped as she felt a firm kick to her abdomen. "This baby always gets hyper after I've had my tea. It must be the sugar I put in it or something. Here, feel that." She placed Elizabeth's hand where the baby had kicked and a second later it kicked even harder.
"Oh my goodness!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "This baby is making his or her presence known. I bet you are counting down the days to when you can hold this precious bundle in your arms."
Robert approached wearing his bright red serge and riding Lucky during morning rounds. "What are you ladies up to?" he asked, as he dismounted and swiftly climbed the porch stairs.
Standing up, Elizabeth smiled at Robert. "I was just leaving to get some work done at the school. It was wonderful to see you this morning, Allie. We'll talk more later." She walked past the row houses and toward the school, thoughts swirling in her mind about her future involvement in Nathan and Allie's lives. She wondered if the hint of Nathan proposing was just wishful thinking from his daughter, or if he had brought it up in any conversations. A tingling feeling spread over her, as she held out her left hand and imagined a sparkling diamond ring on her finger. Get a grip, Elizabeth, she thought to herself. You are not a teenager anymore, daydreaming about a handsome man putting a ring on your finger. She shook her head and focused on the work she had ahead of her that day.
Early Friday morning, Nathan rushed over to the Thornton's house and knocked on the door. A very tired Jack Jr opened it and while yawning motioned him inside. "My mom is almost ready for your walk."
"Wait, Jack. I have some exciting news for both of you, so stay here." Their eyes both drifted to the stairs where Elizabeth was descending in one of his favorite summer dresses he'd seen her wear. "Good morning, love. Instead of our morning walk, I have a surprise for you at the train station. I just got a call that my gift to you both has arrived."
Rushing to finish getting dressed upstairs, Jack could barely contain his excitement. When he was out of sight, Elizabeth embraced Nathan and gave him a good morning kiss. "Hi," she murmured softly against his lips.
"Hi yourself," he returned, covering her mouth with his once again. They quickly broke apart when they heard loud teenage footsteps bounding down the stairs. "Is everyone ready?" Nathan asked exuberantly. After a resounding "Yes!" from both Thorntons, they rushed to the car and drove the short distance to the train station.
Once they arrived, Nathan opened the car door for Elizabeth, and they all walked to the cargo pickup area. Bill was already there waiting, curious to see Nathan's surprise. Elizabeth hugged Bill and Jack Jr shook his hand while Nathan was signing paperwork to receive his precious cargo. They were led around back where a beautiful paint mare was waiting for them. Her middle was greatly bulged, and Bill shook his head. "Really, Nathan? You bought a pregnant horse?"
Jack and Elizabeth both stood with their mouths gaping. "This isn't just any pregnant mare," Nathan argued. "She has given birth to some of the best Mountie horses, including Rowdy, who had great potential. But she got pregnant this time not with a certified stallion, so the Mounties decided to put her up for sale, partially due to what happened with Rowdy. My friend David knew I might be interested, and I was able to get an early bid on her. So, Elizabeth, I bought this stunning animal for you. Her name is Gypsy. Jack, her foal will be yours to raise as your own when it is born. I have no doubt that regardless of who the father is, this will be a good horse."
"Thanks, Dad! Uh…thanks, Nathan," Jack masked his embarrassment over the slip by walking over to Gypsy and cautiously petting her.
His heart nearly bursting overhearing the word Dad from Jack's lips, Nathan pulled Elizabeth close and buried his face in her hair. "I hope you like her," he whispered.
"Oh, Nathan! This is such an amazing gift to us both," she sighed. Brushing her lips past his ear she quietly remarked, "It felt pretty natural to hear him call you that." She then took his hand and all of them, including Bill, spent some time getting to know Gypsy and making her feel comfortable. "Hey, Gypsy. You are such a beautiful girl." Having been a bit agitated by the train ride from Union City, Gypsy immediately calmed at Elizabeth's touch and soothing voice.
Everyone marveled at the instant connection, but Nathan wasn't as surprised as Bill and Jack. "I knew you two would get along," he commented. "I've known this beauty for years and was honestly shocked the Mounties would give up such a great breeding horse."
Walking around to inspect the mare closer, Bill patted her neck gently. "She looks strong and healthy. I am surprised they sold her when she's had so many of her foals become great Mountie partners. Their loss is your gain, I guess. We better get her settled in so she can eat and rest after her little adventure."
Bill had ridden Betty to the train station at the request of Nathan, so he could ride his horse and lead Gypsy to the livery. She was set to stay there for just a few more days until the barn they were building would be completed enough to house her, just in time to prepare for her impending delivery. Nathan drove Elizabeth and Jack to meet Bill and the horses, where they made sure Gypsy had everything she needed. While at the livery they visited Newton, who seemed a bit jealous of the attention being given to his new stablemate.
"Can I take Newton for a ride before we go to work?" Jack asked Nathan as they were leaving. "He seems a little restless." Nathan gave him the go ahead, while Bill said his goodbyes and walked to his office across the street. Nathan drove Elizabeth to the barn so he could show her his plans for Gypsy.
Elizabeth hadn't been to see the progress on the barn since the beginning of the week and was shocked to see how much closer to finished it was since then. "This matches the house perfectly and will be able to house quite a few animals." She walked into a spacious room across from the horse stalls. "What are your plans for this area?"
Coming up behind her, Nathan wrapped his arms around her waist and lightly kissed her neck. "Well, when Gypsy gets closer to giving birth, I will probably sleep here to be close in case she needs me. This is your barn, Elizabeth. I can think of many uses for this space."
"It would make a perfect workshop," she suggested, turning to face him. "I imagine you always had plans for a barn to house your horses, connected to a place where you can work with wood and craft many magnificent creations."
Sensing her implication that he built this place for himself as much as her, Nathan felt his heart race as he thought about a future on this land with Elizabeth and Jack as a real family. To keep himself from proposing on the spot, he caressed her face with one hand, pulling her closer to him with the other. He leaned in to kiss her lips tenderly at first, but her response sent chills through Nathan's entire body as they both got lost in the kiss.
As their lips parted to take a breath, Elizabeth locked eyes with Nathan. "I love you, Nathan Grant. Every morning I have to pinch myself to believe this is my life now. After the past fifteen years of so much turmoil and loss, this is the happiest I've been in a really long time. Designing and building us a dream home on Jack's land, and now this barn that will soon be filled with a pregnant horse; it's all too much. I feel like I haven't given you even close to what you are giving me."
Playing with one of her loose dark curls, Nathan shook his head. "Elizabeth, I love you. Being loved by you and your son is the greatest gift I've been given since taking in Allie to raise when she was young. I'm only trying to make sure you have everything you deserve. I have one more surprise to show you, and then I say we get back home and eat breakfast."
He went inside one of the stalls and brought out a beautiful flat board with Gypsy carved in the middle. "This will go on the outside of her stall.
"Oh Nathan, it's perfect!" Elizabeth squealed, rewarding him with another kiss before they made their way back to the car and drove home. They cooked breakfast together, which was ready just in time to eat with Jack when he got back from his ride. As they enjoyed their meal, Nathan contemplated taking another trip to Union City to complete some unfinished business he would have to address before taking the next step in his relationship with Elizabeth.