It had been just over two weeks since Colleen had joined the family; but with everyone getting less sleep, Nathan hadn't been able to do much besides work on the house and try to catch some shut eye where he could. Being Papa to such a sweet baby girl was more than he had ever dreamed it could be. He marveled at what a natural mother Allie was, and Robert had impressed him by taking his role as father very seriously. Nathan had made himself a place to sleep in the room off the barn where Jack Jr had been sleeping since Zeus was born. They planned to take turns sleeping there until they were sure Gypsy had fully recovered and Newton felt more comfortable with the changes. It also gave them more time to work on the house, which was set to be finished near the end of September. Nathan saw no reason why they couldn't get Elizabeth and her son completely settled in their new house before Canadian Thanksgiving in the middle of October. He had been making significant progress and pushed himself and the crew for completion as soon as possible.
With how busy he was, Nathan still hadn't been able to plan a time to propose to Elizabeth. He felt pressure to make it perfect, but just couldn't figure out what that would look like. Jack bugged him daily about asking his mom the big question, and he knew if it didn't happen soon that she would most likely hear about the ring from her son. Feeling frustrated, Nathan drove to the outskirts of Hope Valley and parked outside the modest home of his long-time friend, hoping he would be getting some honest advice.
Bill opened the door looking a little drowsy, like he had just woken up from a nap. "Nathan, or should I call you Grandpa Nate now?" He chuckled and motioned for them to continue their conversation inside. "How are Allie and Robert adjusting to parenthood? I wanted to give everyone some time before introducing myself to little Colleen. I intend to come over and bring a little gift. But first of all, to what do I owe this little visit?"
"Can't I just come see my favorite mentor to see how he's doing?" Nathan quipped. "Ok, I admit I need to talk to someone or maybe get advice on what to do when it comes to…well." He pulled the ring box out of his pocket, opened it up, and handed it to Bill. "Part of my trip to Union City was to have my great grandmother's earring converted into an engagement ring for Elizabeth. But now I have to plan the perfect proposal, and I'm just not sure what to do or when to pop the question. I've been spending so much time working on the house. Every spare minute not working, has been spent at the house with little Colleen and Allie. Elizabeth and I have barely been together since Colleen's birth."
Letting out a slow whistle as he examined the ring, Bill patted Nathan's arm. "I couldn't be happier for you and Elizabeth. At your age and stage of life, I don't think a proposal has to be a big event. Elizabeth is going to say yes regardless of candles or big romantic gestures. She got a lot of that before, but you are both older and wiser with a lot of depth to your relationship. Just being together is all that should matter."
Nathan considered Bill's words, grateful for his insight into Elizabeth's past and his ability to know what Nathan needed to hear. "Can I ask you a personal question?" Nathan timidly inquired.
"Why not?" Bill responded. "I'm an open book these days."
Trying to be sensitive, Nathan proceeded carefully. "Did you ever consider getting married again later in life? I only bring this up, because I thought I had moved past wanting to share my life with anyone. Being a self-proclaimed bachelor was comfortable, and in all honesty, I am worried about changing who I thought I would always be. What if I'm not cut out to be a husband and father to another teenager?"
Sitting up and looking Nathan straight in the eye, Bill tried to calm his fears. "Listen, son; if a woman like Elizabeth had been in love with me the way she is with you, I might have jumped at the chance to get married again. But I was very set in my ways and used to living alone by the time I settled down. Even though I went out with a few women here and there, I never felt the way I needed to in order to commit for life. You have that. Don't give it up for anything."
"Thanks, Bill. You have been such a blessing to me. I regret leaving you the way I did back then." Nathan stood, noticing it was starting to get dark outside. "I need to get home to check on things, but I appreciate your thoughts. Why don't you come over tomorrow and have dinner with us, so you can meet Colleen and spend time with mine and Elizabeth's families?"
Walking Nathan to the door, Bill accepted. "That sounds great. Only if you're sure it isn't too much trouble. Oh, and my last piece of advice is not waiting too long to slip this on Elizabeth's finger." He handed the ring box back to Nathan and shooed him out the door, before going back inside to finish reading and getting ready for bed. He smiled, knowing Jack Thornton Sr would be looking down on his wife and child happily as they finally moved on with an honorable man.
At the cafe, Rosemary and Elizabeth spent time catching up since both had been busy in recent weeks. Lee ordered dinner to go for himself and the twins before leaving the two friends to enjoy a meal together. They talked and laughed through their meal, reminiscing about all of the good times they had spent together both in Hope Valley and the vacations they took together during Elizabeth's time in Hamilton.
While they were waiting to be served pie and coffee for dessert, Rosemary pressed her friend for more details on her relationship with Nathan. "Are we going to hear wedding bells soon? I can't imagine either of you wanting to wait. And that little Colleen is so precious! Just think; you could be a grandmother right away!"
Elizabeth smiled faintly, unsure how to reply. "I don't know what changed, but since Nathan got back from Union City, he has been acting differently. Of course, he is getting less sleep with a baby in the house and taking turns sleeping up with the horses. Not to mention the many hours he is putting in working on the house. We barely get a few short moments together each day. What if he decided to remain single?"
Grabbing her best friend's hands, Rosemary tried to reassure her. "Oh, hogwash! Nathan Grant is hopelessly in love with you, my dear. Becoming a grandfather is probably overwhelming for him, not to mention how determined he is to complete your dream home. I'm sure he just has a lot on his mind right now. What the two of you need is to spend some quality time together uninterrupted. We would be happy to have Jack over anytime you want to have an evening alone with Nathan."
"Thank you, Rosemary. I don't know what I would ever do without you." Their dessert was served, and they enjoyed it with more lighthearted conversation. As soon as they paid and walked outside, they found Lee in his car waiting to take them both back home.
Even though it was Saturday, Jack spent most of the day working on the house with Nathan. School was starting in two weeks, and all of the workers were determined to have the Thorntons moved in before the weather turned. Nathan left early to go help make dinner for both families and Bill, but Jack stayed to care for the horses and take Newton for his ride. He found his way to the edge of the river where he had spent some memorable moments with Sarah. Their fall in the water, followed by holding hands on the blanket while trying to dry off in the sun, played through Jack's head as Newton drank from the stream.
Trying to push aside his feelings for the beautiful brunette, Jack remembered the hike to a waterfall with the other teens that would be taking place in just two weeks. He was excited to not only spend more time with Sarah, but to also get to know the other kids he would be in school with better. In Hamilton, Jack hadn't become close with too many kids his own age. He had spent a lot of time reading books and drawing, then talking to Sergeant in the stables regularly in the evenings. He felt most at home when they would spend vacations with the Coulters. Daniel and Daisy felt like his younger brother and sister, just like Allie and Robert felt like older ones now. Nathan was beginning to feel like a real father, and the home they were building was everything he had dreamed of since childhood. He had so much to be grateful for, and yet Jack couldn't get Sarah out of his mind. Was this the power of romantic love that he had read so much about?
Showing his annoyance, Newton let Jack know he was ready to keep going. He took a break from the ride to eat dinner, keeping Newton outside the row houses so he could ride back to the barn where it was his turn to sleep that night. He went inside his house and cleaned up, changing into his favorite blue shirt and new gray pants and suspenders his mother had recently purchased to accommodate his growth. Looking at himself in the mirror, Jack saw his father even more than he had even as a little boy. I hope someday to be the kind of man you were, Dad, he communicated in his mind. I am grateful to be your son, but I hope you understand that I love Nathan like a father now as well. Shaking his head at how ridiculous it was for him to be lost in a conversation with a ghost, Jack hurried outside and next door.
Working in the kitchen together with Nathan made Elizabeth forget she had ever questioned his feelings for her. It felt like they had been cooking meals with one another for years, and they looked forward to spending time as a big family. Helping him put the final touches on his famous chocolate cake, she jokingly slapped Nathan's hand as he took a finger full of frosting and licked it. An approving sound escaped his lips, which he then pressed against hers briefly, leaving a chocolate smear on them.
"Dad! Gross!" Allie screeched, as she walked down the stairs with little Colleen. "I swear, you two are worse than teenagers."
Elizabeth grabbed a towel and wiped her mouth, trying to hide her embarrassment for getting caught in their flirtatious behavior. She moved to Allie, picking up the baby and inhaling the sweet newborn scent as she kissed her soft forehead. "Hello, my sweet. I think you have grown some since yesterday; mommy must be feeding you pure cream."
Allie groaned. "This girl can eat! I'm constantly wanting food myself, just to keep the supply going." She walked over to where her dad was getting ready to serve the pork chops, mashed potatoes, and fresh green salad. "This looks amazing! Thank you both for putting this together."
The front door swung open, and Robert walked in with Bill, after meeting him on his way home from doing weekend rounds. "Look who I found on my way home. Judge Avery, we want you to meet the newest resident of Hope Valley. Little Colleen Mary Wolf."
Bill handed Allie a wrapped gift, then turned his attention to the little bundle Elizabeth held. "Allie, it's a good thing she looks like you and not Robert," he teased with a wink. "She's beautiful."
"Would you like to hold her?" Elizabeth offered. "She needs to bond with Uncle Bill."
After washing his hands and taking a seat in an unoccupied chair, Bill excitedly held Colleen for the first time. "Open your gift," he encouraged Allie.
She unwrapped the package, and everyone gasped at the immaculate baby quilt. "I'm guessing you didn't make this yourself, but it is so beautiful. Thanks, Bill."
"I have a friend who is an old widow near Benson Hills. I worked with her late husband years ago. She loves to make quilts but doesn't have many people to give or sell them to. I asked her to make one for your baby, and just picked it up on my last trip there. It turned out even better than I thought it would."
Robert excused himself to change out of his serge while the table was being set for dinner. They heard a quick knock at the door, then Jack opened and walked inside. "I hope it's ok that I just came in. Mom, do you need any help?"
Elizabeth smiled and nodded. "You can help me set the table, then we will be ready to eat." They worked together and in no time were all seated around the large table partaking of a meal that felt like what might soon become a regular family gathering.
Looking around at all of the people he loved, Nathan felt a sense of security and pure joy. This is what he wanted for his life. He determined that waiting to be a real family was only prolonging even more happiness that was available to him. He took Elizabeth's hand under the table and threaded his fingers through hers, squeezing as much affection into the gesture as he could. She looked over at him, a sparkle in her eyes that he noticed was partially due to the tears gathering there. He knew they were both feeling gratitude for being brought back together and forming this blended family.
Right before serving dessert, the door once again flew open, and Jack sucked in a breath when he saw Sarah rush in with a look of surprise on her face. "Oh, I'm sorry I interrupted. I was with my friends in town but wanted to see my niece before going back home." She walked to where the baby was laying in the cradle Nathan had made for her, near the table where the adults and Jack were eating. She picked up Colleen and sat down, snuggling and speaking sweetly to her.
Watching her every movement, Jack cursed the fact that she had come and interrupted. Did she know the effect she had on him? Sarah was so natural with babies, especially with her desire and training to become a midwife. Their little niece snuggled into her, and Jack felt his heart skip a beat. She looked over and their eyes met briefly, but the flutters in his stomach forced him to look away and clear his throat. Everyone looked at him, and he quickly stood and offered, "Mom, can I help dish up the chocolate cake for everyone? Sarah, would you like to join us for dessert?"
Everyone agreed, with Sarah flashing a beautiful smile at her good friend Jack. He worked with Nathan to serve cake, tea, and coffee to the dining party. When little Colleen was fast asleep, Sarah put her back in the cradle before joining everyone at the table for dessert. When they were finished, both teenagers stood to leave at the same time. They said their goodbyes and walked down the porch without a word.
"Do you have a ride home?" Jack politely asked. "I can give you a ride on my way back to the barn to settle in for the night."
She searched Jack's eyes for a moment before responding. "Are you sure? I can walk; it isn't too terribly far."
"Come on, your parents will worry if you are too late." He helped her into Newton's saddle, before mounting behind her and grabbing the reins to guide the large animal slowly to the other Wolf home. His heart was racing as he relished her nearness, if only for a few minutes. Unexpectedly, she placed her hands on top of his as they both held the reins together.
As they approached her home, Sarah stopped Newton and jumped down. "I think it's best I walk the rest of the way," she admonished. "I'm not sure my parents would appreciate the two of us riding so close together." Jack dismounted and stood closer than he'd anticipated. Sarah reached up and planted a kiss on his cheek, then quickly turned and ran home without looking back to see his reaction.
Almost grateful she didn't see the dark red color forming on his cheeks, Jack placed his hand on the exact spot her lips had touched near his jawline. He mounted and pushed Newton as fast as he dared back to the barn where his head remained in the clouds for the rest of the night. He fed and brushed the horses, then tried to go to bed with very little success at falling asleep.
After Bill had gone home for the night, Allie and Robert took Colleen upstairs to prepare her for bed while Nathan and Elizabeth worked to clean up the kitchen and wash the dishes. Trying to be quiet so the baby and new mother could try and get some sleep, most of their communication was done with just tender looks and light touches. Once the cleaning was finished, they decided to watch the sunset snuggled close together on the porch swing.
Thoughts of just popping the question right then and there filled Nathan's mind, but he wondered if it was a perfect enough moment with no flowers or embellishments. He remembered what Bill said, but also realized he had left the ring in his bedroom drawer. He pushed aside the idea for the time being.
"What a wonderful evening," Elizabeth commented, as they slowly rocked together. "Bill really seemed to enjoy being here."
Nathan grunted in agreement, kissing the side of her head as he twirled her dark curls with his long fingers. "Elizabeth, can we go for a drive together tomorrow? We've both been so busy, and I feel like we need time for each other."
"That sounds nice," she agreed. "I was just telling Rosemary how crazy things have been since you got home from Union City and Colleen was born. I was getting worried you had changed your mind about us."
His head shot up and he took Elizabeth's face in his hands. "I promise you that will never happen. With a lack of sleep and working to get that house built, it has consumed all of my physical energy. But it is you who consume my thoughts constantly." He brushed his thumb over her lips before leaning down and capturing them with his own.
By the time they parted, Elizabeth was convinced he was still very much invested in their relationship. She put her head on his shoulder and sighed, enjoying the spectacular summer sunset that was on full display. "Jack wanted to go spend time with the Coulter twins tomorrow afternoon anyway. I'm all yours whenever you are ready."
Trying not to laugh, Nathan noted the double meaning in her words. He indeed was ready to make her all his forever; if only he could come up with a plan worthy of the love he felt in his heart. When the sun finally dipped below the horizon, he walked her next door and gave her a quick kiss before wishing her sweet dreams. By this time tomorrow, perhaps they would be even closer to sharing their lives completely. The thought set his mind in motion, wondering if he would get any sleep at all even if the baby didn't wake him up. Inside his bedroom, he carefully picked up the tiny box from his drawer and got to work.
All during church services the next morning, Nathan kept changing his plans. Should he propose at the pond? Maybe at the lookout he had taken her to or somewhere new? Did he need to get flowers? He was not a fan of candles, especially knowing others had used them in excess for romantic moments with Elizabeth. That wasn't his style, but he didn't want to underwhelm her either. Trying not to give anything away, Nathan used his Mountie training to remain calm and collected throughout the meeting and as they walked home and prepared lunch. Allie and Robert were keeping Colleen home for a bit longer while mom recovered, and baby got a little bigger. Jack had gone home with the Coulters to spend the rest of the day, and Elizabeth promised to pick him up after her outing with Nathan. After lunch, they went their separate ways to get ready for their drive. He made plans to pick her up at 4:00, giving him time to take a short nap and make his final preparations.
Immediately after entering his room, Nathan fell onto his bed and slept soundly until a screaming Colleen brought him out of his peaceful slumber. Having felt stifled in his suit, he decided to change into one of his nice blue button-down shirts, pants, and suspenders that he knew Elizabeth was particularly fond of. Nathan took the ring out of the little black box and put it carefully in his pocket. He didn't want her to get a hint of what was coming, but prayed it stayed put until he was ready to put it on her finger. He went outside and gathered some of her favorite wildflowers that he knew she always loved to put in a vase on her kitchen table. Because he regularly took bouquets of them to her, it wouldn't seem out of the ordinary.
Elizabeth had tried to nap as well but ended up just reading a book then writing in her journal about the wonderful family dinner from the night before, along with her feelings about starting school soon and preparing to move into their new house. Shortly before Nathan was set to pick her up, she changed into a more casual summer dress and pulled up on the sides of her hair, letting the rest flow down her back the way she knew he liked. She was just touching up her makeup when he knocked at the door. She had to catch her breath when she saw him wearing one of her favorite outfits, holding her favorite flowers he often gave her before they went out together.
When Elizabeth opened the door, suddenly nerves hit Nathan and nearly knocked the wind out of him. She was a vision in a lavender summer dress with her chestnut locks spilling down her shoulders and back. He held out the flowers and stammered, "You look stunning! I found these flowers for your table before I came over." His throat all of a sudden felt dry, and he wondered if he would actually go through with his plan. "Why don't we put those in water and get a drink. I've packed a snack for us, but it is quite warm out there and we might want to hydrate before leaving."
Looking at him a little curiously, Elizabeth motioned for them to go inside. After the flowers had been put in a vase and his thirst quenched, both walked to the car in anticipation of a grand afternoon together. Suddenly unsure of his plan, Nathan first stopped at the pond and pulled the car over. He got out and opened her door, leading her to the dock that held so much meaning for them as a couple.
They walked hand in hand, looking over the water and just being together without saying anything for a few minutes. Nathan wondered if he should act now, or if this really was the place he wanted to ask her. He decided to wait until it felt right. They sat on the bench where they shared their first kiss, and he let himself start to open up again. "When I saw you here the night you got back into town, I was so broken; but you saved me. Elizabeth, you have made me feel whole again."
"Oh, Nathan. I feel the same way about you." She took both of his hands in hers. "This spot will always hold memories of being brought back into each other's lives. It is a place of healing from your accident, and where we shared our first kiss; not to mention the times you rode by on Newton when you were Constable and Jack was small. Thank you for stopping here today so we could remember." She leaned over and gave him a quick kiss, then stood up. "Where are we going next?"
Ideas swirled through his head, but he decided to just go with the flow. "How about the lookout where I took you on our first official planned date? It might be the last time we make it up there this year in such nice weather. We can eat what I've packed and enjoy the view." He opened the car door for her, then went to the driver's side where he pulled the car onto the road and drove up the mountain.
As they walked to the lookout together, Elizabeth remembered, "Last time we were here you still had a cane and struggled; in fact, I was the one who had to drive. Look at your strength and healing since then." They sat close and breathed in the cool mountain air. "Are you adjusting to civilian life? How was being back in the city and seeing all of your Mountie friends?"
Not wanting to talk about the Mounties, but knowing he shouldn't avoid talking through his feelings, Nathan spoke as he ran his fingers up and down Elizabeth's bare arm. "Honestly, I'm enjoying the home building more than I expected. It was a little strange being back in Union City and seeing all the guys in uniform without me. But there is so much more to life than my career. If the accident hadn't brought me back here, I may have missed out on the birth of my grandchild, among other things."
"Colleen is such a sweetheart, and I know Allie and Robert have really enjoyed having you around." Elizabeth's voice became full of emotion as she continued, "I can't imagine being back here without you, and you've had such an impact on Jack's life this summer."
Sticking his free hand in his pocket, Nathan rubbed the ring and almost pulled it out; but it still didn't feel right, so he stood instead and walked to the car. He spread out a blanket before revealing the last two pieces of chocolate cake and some drinks inside the picnic basket. "Are you ready for your favorite snack to eat up here?"
Elizabeth laughed when she saw what he had brought. "Mmmmm. I didn't get enough last night, so I appreciate you saving this for me." Before Nathan knew what was happening, she had rubbed frosting on his nose again. Elizabeth giggled as Nathan immediately began kissing her face, getting chocolate frosting all over it. She called a truce before cleaning the rest of the frosting from his nose.
Taking a clean cloth, Nathan washed every bit of chocolate off her, before the two of them ate their cake. When finished, they took one more look at the view before packing the car and driving back down the mountain. Holding hands and laughing as they drove, Nathan decided to check on the horses and show Elizabeth the progress they had made on the house over the past few days since she had been there.
Newton was especially glad to see Nathan, and Gypsy ran right to Elizabeth. Zeus was still fairly shy with people and stuck close to his mother. They went to the room off the barn where Nathan and Jack had taken turns sleeping since the colt had been born. Walking around, Elizabeth observed, "This really is perfect for a workshop. You are so talented with woodworking, and I want you to have a place of your own for that."
Staying silent, Nathan led Elizabeth across the property to the house. She gasped at the large front door that was finally installed with beautiful etched glass and two sidelights to match. "This is stunning, Nathan! If this is a taste of what you have done inside, it will be the most spectacular home in the entire country."
And that is when it hit him: he was building this house for THEM. As much as he tried to tell himself he was building it for Elizabeth and Jack, it was always in the back of his mind that he wanted to live there too. He looked into her eyes, seeing more love and adoration than he had felt from any woman in his entire life. His palms suddenly felt sweaty as he reached out and held her hands in his. He tried to clear his head so he would say the perfect words, but instead began speaking from his heart.
"My darling Elizabeth," he began. "I designed this house over ten years ago when I fell in love with a woman I felt was off limits to me. I wanted a home where two families could become one, in one of the prettiest towns in all of Canada. When it didn't work out back then, I put the house plans aside; but when you decided to build on Jack's land, I knew this was the perfect fit. But I have a confession: I don't want this to just be for you and your son. Elizabeth, I want to live here with you."
Elizabeth's eyebrows raised as she listened to Nathan's admission. When he got down on one knee, she knew her life would never be the same again. A part of her was worried he would hurt himself again after such a horrible injury to his leg, but he seemed steady. A lump in her throat formed as her emotions neared the surface.
Trying to ignore the stiffness in his leg, Nathan proceeded. He pulled the ring from his pocket but kept it hidden while he spoke. "Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton, you are the love of my life. I never imagined feeling this way about anyone, and I am fortunate you feel the same way. Will you marry me, and allow me to move into this dream home with you and Jack Jr? I want it to be a place we can gather as a blended family so we can share all the love and laughter we have together for the rest of our lives." He finally showed her the ring, and she placed a hand over her mouth. "I designed this engagement ring for you in Union City using the stones from my great grandmother's diamond earring. Will you wear it and let the world know you're mine?"
Kneeling on her own knees, Elizabeth placed her forehead on Nathan's as a few tears spilled down her face. She put her fingers in his hair and murmured, "Yes! Of course I'll marry you. I never wanted to live in that big magnificent house without you. I love you so much, Nathan Grant!"
Slipping the ring on her finger, Nathan stood and tried to stretch his leg so it wouldn't collapse. Elizabeth admired the sparkling diamond ring on her left hand as she embraced him. "I love you," he whispered in her ear as he held her close. "Just promise me we don't have to wait long to marry. We've already lost enough time already."
"I completely agree," she muttered, right before their lips locked in a passionate exchange of love and desire. It was as if they finally let go and allowed themselves to feel everything for each other that they had tried to suppress for so many years.
Suddenly pulling away, Nathan tried to catch his breath and calm his racing heart. "How soon can we pull off a wedding?" he moaned, picking her up in his arms before opening the front door and carrying her across the threshold. "Soon you will be Mrs. Grant, then this home will be ours for the rest of our lives." He set her down and kissed her quickly. "Let me show you what we have to look forward to here."
Elizabeth felt like she was floating as they explored what would be their home. Nathan's craftsmanship was spectacular, and the house was turning into all she had imagined and more. She was soon going to be Mrs. Elizabeth Grant, a thought that made her happier than she had been in a very long time.