Colleen looked around her bedroom to see if she had left anything behind. She knelt and lifted the blanket on the bed to check beneath it, satisfied that nothing was left there. Sitting back on her haunches, she exhaled. She was tired but a good, satisfying tired. She had spent the morning packing up Allie's room and then, after getting their lunch, had done the same for her own.

Allie was excited about the move to Henry Gowan's, although Colleen wasn't sure she truly understood what it meant in the long term. Right now, it felt like an adventure for the two of them, and she didn't want to do anything to dampen her enthusiasm.

Colleen knew Nathan still wasn't thrilled about her decision to move out of their shared home, but he respected her choice and supported her one hundred per cent. Elizabeth did, too, of course; she could always count on her to have her back. Elizabeth had finally come clean with Colleen about why she had been upset earlier in the week. Her heart broke for Elizabeth, and she would do anything to help her sister-in-law, but there was nothing to be done. Elizabeth had made an appointment to speak to Faith, and from her initial examination, nothing was wrong.

Elizabeth finally agreed to let Faith discuss her case with Robert but still refused to have him examine her. Colleen had offered to go with Elizabeth, but she had insisted it wasn't necessary. Colleen decided to invite Robert out to lunch and discuss Elizabeth with him. It was only fair, she thought, considering everyone had spent countless hours discussing her. It felt nice to be on the other side for once, caring for someone else, not being taken care of.

Colleen rose to her feet, marvelling that she still had energy to burn after the day she had spent. Nathan might be worried about how she would cope with running the household for Henry, but she didn't; she could do it. For so long after her disastrous marriage to Dylan, her life consisted of worrying about what trouble he would bring into their lives and how it would impact Allie. Now, she was able to make a life for the two of them, a safe life where she didn't have to rely on Dylan or anyone else. She was standing on her own two feet, able to prove to Allie and herself that she could look after them.

Colleen rushed to the front door when she heard a car outside. Lee had kindly offered to help her move hers and Allie's things to Henry's, a much faster option than a wagon. She didn't want to keep him waiting. The prospect of settling in at Henry's filled her with excitement. She was grateful he had given her until Monday to start work. Despite her initial hesitation, he assured her he wouldn't be home until late Sunday evening, so there was no rush.

Despite her willingness to start work immediately, Colleen was grateful for the extra time to settle in. They would need time to unpack and explore their new home. Having two full days to spend with Allie in their new environment was also a bonus. Her daughter was a very adaptable little girl, but she looked forward to this extra stability.


Nathan stood outside the house, chatting to Lee as they loaded items into the back of his car. As the moving day had arrived for Colleen and Allie, he had come to terms with the two of them leaving. He would miss them, but as Colleen said, she was only moving to another home in the same Town, and they would see each other all the time. He and Elizabeth had discussed whether to move closer to the centre of Town but had decided to remain where they were, enjoying their location, out of the way but not really remote.

Nathan grinned as the door was flung open, and Elizabeth, Rosemary and Colleen rushed through it, arms laden with items to be transported. Allie followed behind; arms loaded high with books. Nathan rushed toward his niece, sliding his arms beneath hers and relieving her of her burden.

"Allie, why don't you let me help you with this," Nathan suggested.

"Oh, well, at least she let you," Colleen exclaimed as she watched Allie release the bundle.

"We all offered, and she refused."

"His arms were empty," Allie explained, holding her hands palm up and shrugging "Your arms were full."

Nathan laughed, "I promise I have been helping," he said as he placed the books on the back seat. "And I am going to get some more things right now." Ruffling Allie's hair, he strode past her into the house and hefted another box into his arms, walking quickly to the car and unloading it. With each of them loading the car, it was only moments before it was packed, and Lee and Colleen were preparing to drive to her new home.

Although Colleen had chosen not to use the wagon, opting for the car, Nathan had arranged to borrow it anyway. He knew the wagon would come in handy for the bulky items that wouldn't fit into Lee's car, and he, Elizabeth and Rosemary could use it to travel to Henry's to help her unpack.

When Nathan pulled the wagon around the back of Henry's home, stopping it behind Lee's car. He could see that the back seat was almost empty; it was clear Lee and Colleen hadn't been slacking off while they waited for them to arrive. He helped Rosemary and Elizabeth from the wagon before reaching for a box of Colleen's clothes and walking toward the front door.

Nathan had been inside Henry's home but had never seen inside the cottage out the back. He wasn't sure what he had been expecting, but stepping over the threshold, he was pleasantly surprised. The Cabin was small and cosy, with an open-plan living style. The lounge room was to the left of the front door, where a soft, comfortable lounge was positioned near a pot belly stove.

The walls were painted a soft duck-egg blue, and framed paintings of Hope Valley hung in various places around the room. Two low bookcases hugged the wall opposite the lounge, and while the shelves contained several books, Colleen still had room to place hers and Allie's. Behind the lounge was a light, airy, well-equipped kitchen, and Nathan could almost smell the beautiful meals Mrs Hagarty had cooked there.

In the back right-hand side of the room was a light, airy space with a large dining table. There were three more doors next to the dining space on the far-right wall, and Nathan could see bedrooms through two open doors. A third room separated the bedrooms, and Nathan assumed this was the washroom. On the right-hand side of the front door, next to the other bay window at the front of the house, were two single armchairs facing a window seat that overlooked the verandah that wrapped around the home.

"What do you think, Nathan?"

"I love it, Colleen. It's perfect for the two of you. I can see you and Allie being very happy here."

"It wasn't that we weren't happy living with you?" Colleen assured him.

"I know; all I want is for you and Allie to be happy, Colleen."

"I know, and I think we will be, Nathan," Colleen said, squeezing his arm and smiling.

"Come on, I will show you which room is mine, and you can put that box down."

Unpacking went quickly as the five of them pitched in to unload the car and wagon and put things where Colleen directed them. When they had unloaded the last boxes from the wagon, Lee and Nathan returned the wagon to the livery. While in Town, they collected the order Colleen had placed at the Mercantile so she would have fresh food for the weekend. By the end of the day, everything was unpacked, and they crowded around the table, enjoying the first meal cooked by Colleen in her new home.

Nathan looked down and smiled as he felt a soft weight rest against his left arm. Allie had finally lost her battle to stay awake, and she sagged against him as sleep overcame her. The conversation around the table petered off as the adults noticed, and Colleen quickly jumped to her feet, lifting her daughter in her arms, and carrying her to bed. While Colleen settled Allie in her new room, the others cleaned up after their meal and quietly carried dirty dishes to the sink, washing and drying them.

"We should probably get going," Lee said when Colleen returned to the main room.

"Of course. How can I thank you all for your help? I couldn't have gotten this done without you."

"We loved helping," Rosemary said. "I know Julie will be out to see you the moment she and Mariah get back to Town."

Julie and Mariah were in Hamilton on a quick trip to discuss fundraising ideas Julie had for medical research and equipment. Julie also wanted to show Mariah around the Town where she and Elizabeth had grown up and introduce her to their parents. Julie had asked Elizabeth to accompany them, but she was caught up with school and personal issues.

Colleen wandered around the Cabin after waving goodbye to the others, ensuring everything was secured before she went to bed. Sliding under the bed covers, she rolled to her side and looked out through her bedroom door to her new loungeroom. It already felt like home, and it hadn't even been twenty-four hours. Closing her eyes, she drifted off to sleep, planning for Henry's arrival home, and her job beginning.


Elizabeth rolled over in bed, stretching as she awoke from a deep sleep. There was something different. It was the silence, she realised. When Colleen and Allie lived with them, they rose early, and there was always the comforting sound of the two of them starting their day, bustling around downstairs, talking, and laughing. Colleen had usually made coffee, and she was sure the smell of it was what woke her each morning.

Today, there were no sounds of happy conversation drifting upstairs and no aroma of coffee or breakfast wafting up to entice her awake. She wondered if this were how it would be forever, only silence from the rest of the house where she and Nathan lived. Would there ever be a time when she rose early to tend to their children? Would Nathan ever insist on her staying in bed while he got up to tend to their little ones? Tears filled her eyes at the thought that she would never fill her house with a child or children.

Elizabeth swallowed her tears, not wanting Nathan to hear her cry or see the remnants of tears on her cheeks. She knew he was concerned about her, encouraging her to take Faith and Robert's advice when it came and wait at least another few months before doing further investigations. It was easy to be told to 'relax and not think about it' but much harder to do. She was trying, she really was, and when busy with school or surrounded by people, she could forget for a while, but when she was alone with her thoughts, it all came rushing back. She would have to find a hobby to take her mind off everything so she could distract herself and stop worrying Nathan.

Rolling over to face Nathan, she managed to smile. He looked so peaceful when sleeping. When he slept, the concerns of his job and his worry for her and Colleen drifted away, and he could relax. She was pleased he was taking advantage of the chance to sleep in. Throughout the week, it was as though he slept with one eye open, ready to respond when needed. Despite not being required to work seven days a week, Nathan checked in most days to ensure everything was running smoothly and that people knew where to find him. Elizabeth was glad they had decided not to try and find a house in Town; the little distance separating their home provided a level of privacy from people who hesitated to disturb them.

Elizabeth's eyes focused on Nathan as he woke slowly. She tucked her hands beneath her cheek where it rested on the pillow and waited for him to open his eyes. When Nathan's eyes fluttered open, his eyes found hers, and he knew she had been studying him. A sleepy smile spread across his face, and his eyes lit up at the sight of her.

"Mmmh, this is my favourite way to wake up," he whispered, his voice still husky from sleep. "I just have one complaint."

"What's that?"

"You're too far away."

Elizabeth gasped in delight as Nathan reached out and wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her toward him. She moulded herself against his warm body, enjoying being in his arms. She closed her eyes and allowed herself to relax as Nathan rubbed his hand up and down her back, glad of this moment with him.

"That's much better," He murmured in her ear, and she couldn't stop the shiver his warm breath caused.

"This is much better," she agreed. Elizabeth tipped her head back and rubbed her cheek against his. His skin was warm, and unlike hers, his was a little rough from the beginning of a beard. His skin would be softer after he shaved, but she liked him like this.

"Maybe you shouldn't shave today," she suggested, running her hand over his cheek.

"Oh, really, you want me to grow a beard," he chuckled as he nuzzled his face into her neck.

Elizabeth laughed and tried to wriggle away, but he held her tight. "Okay, maybe not," she conceded. "I don't care what you do; I love you anyway I can get you."

Elizabeth raised her arm and ran her fingers through Nathan's hair, staring into Nathan's beautiful blue eyes and smiled before raising her head from the pillow and kissing him. Elizabeth immediately got lost in their kiss, and for a time afterwards, she thought only of her husband and the feeling of being in his arms.


Elizabeth ran lightly down the stairs as she finished tying her hair back. She usually left her long curls hanging loosely down her back, but today, she planned to rearrange their home to accommodate the items Colleen and Allie had taken with them. The gaps in the bookshelf, Allie's missing toys, and the absence of Colleen's things only reminded her how quiet their house was. Despite missing the two of them when she had woken, she hoped they were enjoying their new home.

Elizabeth entered the kitchen, where Nathan stood at the stove, preparing their breakfast. Sliding her arms around his waist, she hugged him quickly before stepping away to set the table.

"I hope you're hungry; I cooked far too much."

Elizabeth smiled. It would seem she wasn't the only one who wasn't used to it being just the two of them.

The first weekend they spent without Colleen and Allie was bittersweet. Elizabeth was right; she missed their presence, laughter, and chatting with Allie, but there was also the positive. She had her husband all to herself, for the first time since their trip to Brookfield, and she loved it. After eating as much as she could of her breakfast, Nathan cooked before declaring herself too full to move; she was happy to sit and discuss how they wanted the room to look. Nathan deliberately pretended to misunderstand what she wanted until she threw a cushion at him. His retaliation had been immediate, as he grabbed her around the waist and lifted her off her feet, tickling her sides. It was quite a while before they returned to discussing room layouts. There were definitely benefits to living alone.

As they worked on the home, the hours flew by, and Elizabeth was surprised to see how quickly night was falling. Hastily preparing a meal for them while Nathan went upstairs to bathe, she arranged their picnic on the back verandah. It was a balmy night, and she wanted to take advantage of the weather and clear skies for stargazing and relaxing with Nathan. She could forget everything but being with him on a night like this, wrapped in his arms.


Colleen and Allie spent all of Saturday exploring the surroundings of their new home, including inspecting the stable, which had been semi-converted into a garage for Henry's vehicle. Several smaller buildings were scattered around Henry's property, and Colleen discovered gardening implements used by the groundskeeper along with other assorted items stored in them. It was peaceful on Henry's property, and despite its remoteness, it didn't feel isolated.

When they finally came inside from their ramblings, Allie was exhausted. Colleen had managed to coax her inside for a quick lunch before she insisted on heading back outside to continue their look around. Colleen didn't want to curtail her enthusiasm, and she had to admit she enjoyed exploring just as much as her daughter.

After falling into bed, Colleen and Allie slept through the night, waking early the following morning. Colleen explained to Allie that Sunday would be spent exploring Henry's home but at a much more civilised pace. Allie understood that Henry's house was not theirs and she needed to be respectful and stay out of the main living areas, especially when Henry returned.

Colleen was lucky Allie was an independent child who could amuse herself by looking through a picture book or drawing pictures. She planned on setting Allie up at the kitchen table while working, knowing her daughter would not get herself into any trouble. Allie was a well-behaved child who was mature for her young years.

By lunchtime Sunday, Colleen and Allie had explored every level of Henry's home. Colleen had inspected each of the bedrooms to understand what needed to be done and planned her time around how to cause the least disruption to Henry Gowan. As she and Allie inspected the rooms, she couldn't help but do light dusting and straighten up bedding and curtains, although little was required as Mrs Hagarty had left the house immaculate.

Colleen was surprised at how much she liked Henry's home. She hadn't expected to find the large house so welcoming. The furnishings were a little masculine for her taste, but that was to be expected from a Bachelor. The library quickly became a favourite room as it was so warm and welcoming. She itched to sit before the fireplace, select a volume from the shelf, and spend a rainy afternoon reading the book. The artwork on the walls was of Coal Valley and its surrounds, and she could see the artist's name was 'N Stanton'.

Despite loving the library, the rooms Colleen loved the most were those at the back of the house, the kitchen, and the sitting area next to it. They were light and airy, and from the little time she had spent in them, it was evident they were well used. She wondered if that was Henry or the Hagarty's. If it was Henry, would it continue now that she was working for him. Would Henry spend time there when she was preparing meals, or would he spend time somewhere else? Colleen had talked about Henry to Abigail, who had known him the longest, and she seemed to think he spent most of his time at home, doing whatever he did in his office there, avoiding the Townspeople when he could. It was his house, Colleen thought with a shrug; he would make himself at home wherever he liked, and she would adjust to it.

Colleen pottered around in her kitchen, humming as she finished tidying up after their evening meal. Allie was already bathed and in bed for the evening; the fresh air had worked magic on her little girl, tiring her out. Although Henry had advised there was no need to prepare a meal for him, she had carried a plate of food into the house, a simple meal of baked chicken, bread rolls and a salad that didn't require heating. If he arrived home hungry, at least he wouldn't have to spend time preparing anything.


As Colleen dried the last dish and put it away in the cupboard, she paused, listening to confirm what she was hearing. There was a car approaching. Glancing at the clock, she could see it was still early evening, much earlier than she expected Henry to arrive home, but it was unlikely anyone else would visit now.

Colleen peered out the kitchen window and saw Henry drive into the garage. Should she go outside and greet him? Should she intercept him on his way inside and tell him about the food? Should she cook something more substantial now that he had arrived home early? Colleen bit her lip as she hesitated. This time, she would wait and see what Henry did. He had told her not to start work until the following day.

Stepping out of the car, Henry stretched, pleased to finally be home. He had driven to Benson Hills with no real purpose, just wanting to be out of the house. He had lingered as long as he could over a meal in the Benson Hills Hotel but eventually grew bored of people watching and knew it was time to head back to Coal Valley. He hoped Mrs Parkes and her daughter had managed to move in without incident, finding everything to their liking. He was pleased she had accepted the job offer, and he looked forward to not having to cook for himself.

His stomach rumbled as though responding to his thoughts, and he shook his head, sighing in defeat. He would have to cook something if he did not want to be hungry all evening. Stepping away from the car, he looked toward the house, noting the light spilling from the caretaker's cottage. It was a comforting sight, knowing there was someone close by.

As he got closer to the house, he could see a figure silhouetted in the window of the Hagarty's cottage—well, the Parkes's cottage—and smiled when he saw Mrs Parkes raise her hand and wave. Henry waved back and continued inside. He entered the house via the kitchen door, pleased there was a light to guide his way. Setting his bag down, he looked around and could tell someone had tidied the room despite his instructions to start Monday.

A note on the kitchen table caught his eye, and he read it, pleased at the content:

'Good evening, Mr Gowan,

I prepared a plate of food for you in case you were hungry after your journey.

I look forward to starting work tomorrow.

Colleen Parkes'

Grateful, Henry took the plate from the icebox and removed the cover. It was perfect; the selection of cold meat, bread rolls, and salad was just what he needed. If this were any indication of how Mrs Parkes ran a house, he would be pleased with their new arrangements.