It was the morning after the engagement. Rosemary and Elizabeth sat outside in the wicker chairs between their row house porches while Allie, Jack, Goldie and Scout played in front. Nathan was inside making some phone calls and helping Gabriel out with some reports.

With a raised brow, Rosemary said, "Well? Did you think I wouldn't notice that gorgeous ring on your finger? What do you have to say for yourself? Please! Spill it!"

Elizabeth chuckled. Only mere minutes had passed since Rosemary had joined her. She, herself, had prepared some tea and scones to share with her friend. "Oh, I well knew that you'd notice, which made waiting for you to say something so much more enjoyable."

"Ha ha, very funny, Elizabeth." She waved a hand towards herself. "Come on, now, let me see it. And then I want to hear everything."

Elizabeth reached her left hand towards her friend and began to tell her the story.

After hearing what transpired, Rosemary put a hand to her heart. "Oh, Elizabeth! While, you know I'd rather your wedding...well every wedding...be a spectacular splash, I have to say that this not only makes perfect sense...but it's simply breathtakingly romantic. It's also very much you and Nathan." Her eyes traveled to where the kids were playing. "And it's probably so much better for them.

You know you can count on me and Lee to do whatever you need to make this happen. Not only with the ceremony and or celebration, but childcare/guarding and even reorganizing your home to fit a teenage girl who will most definitely need some privacy."

"Thank you, Rosemary. Making all of this happen while still keeping everyone safe will be a challenge, but I can't imagine waiting indefinitely to get on with our lives. And, you know that the talk is already starting. Ned told Nathan that he and Florence have been firmly shutting it down."

Rosemary put a hand over Elizabeth's. "Don't you worry about that. You've been chaperoned. It's just people who don't have all of the facts and find the need to fill in the blanks instead."

Elizabeth gazed at the kids, who'd now been joined by Opal and Emily, laughing and playing so patiently with little Goldie. Even Scout was being gentle. She sighed. "They'll make things up when we marry quickly. And, if this marriage were being forced, I may have a problem with it. But, I find that I only care about the marriage and not the talk."

She looked at her friend, a slight frown marring her brow. "You know, why is it that when Lucas spent an unchaperoned night in my house a couple of years ago that no one seemed to blink so much as an eyelash?"

Rosemary's eyes narrowed a bit. "Is that what you thought, Elizabeth? Maybe because it was just a night, it was let go fairly quickly. But, you can be sure that there were folks who were shocked by it. Can you blame them, really? Didn't you tell me that you were in your nightgown on the floor with him?"

She squirmed a little bit. "Rosemary, Nathan has seen me in my nightgown. I fell asleep with his arm around me on the settee. How is this any..."

"With Gabriel four feet away from you, after you having nightmares about Jeanette and Higgins. You and Lucas had a three year old boy with you, and that was it."

"So, exactly what are you saying, Rosemary?" Elizabeth asked a bit sharply.

Rosemary sighed and held up a hand. "I'm only saying that this really is not the same thing. You were preoccupied, so you must have somehow missed the gossip."

Elizabeth's shoulders dropped. "I was preoccupied. Busy trying way too hard to make it work."

"Well, those days are past now. Time for you to focus on your future. And, speaking of that future, let's talk about your wedding ceremony and celebration."

xxxxxxxxx

The next morning, the Grants and Thorntons began some reorganizing. Elizabeth and Nathan realized that the sooner they did this, the quicker they'd be able to marry.

There was still a cloud hanging over their heads, but the fact that they were deciding to forge on together, as a family, made it so much easier to endure. They'd decided that once Jack and Allie's spaces were set up, and the beds shifted around (Elizabeth learned that Nathan's was extra long to accommodate his height, so Allie would take Elizabeth's bed), that they could have their ceremony.

It took a couple of days to sort and move just what was in Elizabeth's house. It was lunchtime the second day and everyone needed a break. Joseph and Angela came by to collect Allie and Rosemary took Jack home with her.

Nathan offered to make lunch for Elizabeth while she put her feet up. Fortunately, she'd worn her old walking boots for this endeavor or she'd be finished for the day. When she heard humming from the kitchen, she angled herself so that she could let her eyes get their fill of him.

Her man had a dishtowel thrown over his shoulder while he sliced up some bread, ham and tomatoes for sandwiches. He seemed oblivious to the fact that he had an audience. Elizabeth couldn't help the small, satisfied grin that took over her mouth. Oh, how she loved this man and couldn't wait to be his wife.

He looked up and smiled at her. "You keep looking at me like that, Mrs Thornton, and there won't be any lunch..."

"And, just how am I looking at you, Constable? Surely you can't blame me for just enjoying the view." She could well do without lunch if it meant getting a few private moments in his arms.

Feeling suddenly revived, she got up and sauntered over to where he stood at the table. She took the knife from his hand and set it down, then gave his suspenders a yank which brought him close to her.

Her lips hovered close to his and she whispered, "We've probably got about five minutes before someone, either man, child or beast, interrupts us and I find I'd like to spend at least three of those minutes doing this..." Her mouth took his in a blazing kiss.

Nathan sank right into it. It was getting harder to pull away every single time and he was glad to know that it wouldn't be too much longer until she was his. With a sigh, he pulled back. They were both breathing heavily, and his heart was racing and he groaned.

She gazed up at him, desire darkening her eyes. She had no idea how much longer she could resist him, but she had to try. No sense in creating more fodder for the gossip mill.

"Whew." Nathan said. "I think we'd better make those sandwiches before..."

Elizabeth chuckled. "Um, yes. We probably should."

xxxxxxxxx

They'd just finished eating when her phone rang. Nathan answered, and Florence had Bill on the line. "Bill, what is it?"

"I have someone here at the jail who wants a meeting with Elizabeth, and with you. You're going to want to get down here right away. Rosemary's coming with you, she's got Lee's car. She's waiting for you."

Elizabeth looked alarmed. She could hear some of what Bill was saying. Her heart started racing. Surely he would've said if it were Higgins.

Nathan hung up and said, "I'll call the Canfield's and let Allie know where we'll be and to stay put until she hears from us. I take it you heard?"

She nodded, looking around to make sure everything was in order. Then she walked over to make sure that the back door was locked. "Let's go, then, shall we?"

They stepped outside, Nathan locking Elizabeth's door behind them. It wasn't something often necessary in Hope Valley, but with Higgins missing...

Rosemary was behind the wheel of Lee's car waiting for them to get in. As soon as they were seated, she started driving. Before Nathan or Elizabeth could utter so much as a syllable, she said tartly, "No. I don't know who it is. Bill's not telling me a thing."

Nathan leaned in and whispered to Elizabeth, "Did she just growl? I thought I heard a growl."

A giggle escaped from Elizabeth's mouth. "I think it was more of a snarl."

Rosemary looked into the rear view mirror. "You two know that I can hear you, right? You're worse than your kids with those stage whispers."

Nathan and Elizabeth grinned at each other, and she reached over and grabbed his hand.

xxxxxxxxx

The trio walked into the jail to see Bill, at Nathan's desk per usual, and Gabriel staring down a rough looking man who was probably about 30 years old. Dirty dark red hair, several days of growth on his face. He looked like he hadn't slept in days, and his eyes kept shifting around the room.

Bill had a glimmer in his eye. "Once everyone has a seat, we can begin."

The man glared at Bill. "I said I wanted to talk to Mrs Thornton and Hope Valley's Mountie. Not the rest of you." He shot a glare at the group.

"Pipe down." Bill said. He waved a hand at Elizabeth and Nathan. "This here is Elizabeth Thornton and Constable Nathan Grant."

The man focused on the pair, then at Bill. "Well, I'd like to talk to just them, then."

Rosemary's mouth became mutinous, Bill grimaced, but Gabriel stood and said he'd be out on rounds and would check back in when he returned.

With a frown, Rosemary stood and mentioned that she needed to check in at the Valley Voice. She walked, or rather stomped, out - fully wondering if she could sneak around back and get inside without being heard. The jail was a bit smaller than Bill's office, so probably not feasible.

That left Bill, who looked at the man and in his grumpiest Judge voice said, "You're stuck with me. I'm not going anywhere. So you can start by telling Mrs Thornton and Constable Grant just who you are and why you're here."

The sighed, cleared his throat and said, "Um, Mrs Thornton, my name is Hamish Moriarty and I..." He swallowed hard. "I, uh, I owe you an apology."

Elizabeth gasped. Nathan clenched his jaw. Bill spoke. "Why do you think you owe Mrs Thornton an apology?"

Moriarty squirmed in his seat. "Well, uh, I might've made some claims about her husband...her late husband, that weren't exactly true."

Now it was Bill's jaw that clenched. He looked at Moriarty like the man was something he wanted to scrape off the bottom of his shoe.

Through gritted teeth, Nathan said, "Spill it. All of it. You're not here just to apologize to Mrs Thornton. If there weren't more to it, you'd just retract your claims and walk away. So, did someone put you up to it?"

Shifting nervously, Moriarty sighed. "Things have been tough. I got in deep debt with some big players. Next thing I know, a high and mighty sort comes to see me, saying that he could get me out of that trouble but I had to do a job for him first. When I found out what that job was, I immediately said no.

That night, I was beaten up pretty bad by some men who worked for my debtor. Next day, 'Mr Fancy' was back and I was scared enough to do what he asked. He instructed me to go to Superintendent Hargreaves and make some claims about Constable Thornton being negligent and how my injuries were responsible for me not being able to work. He'd done his homework. Knew all about the landslide. I didn't really think anything would happen after so long, but Hargreaves, he seems to only care about more notches in his belt."

"Who is this 'Mr Fancy', Moriarty?" Bill asked. "We think we know, but we need to hear it from you."

"It's a guy by the name of Thomas Higgins." Moriarty pointed to a flyer with Higgins' picture on it. "That guy there." He then looked at Elizabeth. "He's got it in for you, Mrs Thornton. He means to make you pay. And, after this claim against your husband was tabled..."

Elizabeth gripped Nathan's hand, all color leached from her face. Both Bill and Nathan noticed the shift in her. That powerless feeling was clawing it's way back to the surface.

"He came back looking for me the other day. He was disheveled and, well, really scary. It's like he's got nothin' left to lose now that his original plan fell through. That's when I decided I was done and I set out to come and warn you."

Moriarty looked at Nathan. "You gonna lock me up now? I'm probably safer in one of them cells there than outside. I'm prepared to tell the whole thing in court, too."

xxxxxxxxx

Nathan ushered Elizabeth outside and ushered her quickly to Bill's office. They were assured privacy there. Bill planned to stay behind at the jail until Gabriel returned. They'd wait there for Rosemary and ride home with her.

Once inside, Nathan pulled Elizabeth into his arms. She was shaking. "You probably need to sit down." he suggested.

She shook her head. "No. Just hold me, please." So he did.

After her body stilled, she lifted her head. "I'm sorry. I just...I guess the confirmation that Higgins is behind this, well, it brought up all of those feelings of helplessness again. And knowing that he's becoming unraveled..."

"Elizabeth, yes, that unraveling can mean he's more dangerous. But, it also means he'll be more likely to make some mistakes. Now that we've got him on colluding with Moriarty and confirmation that he's threatened you, the Mounties can officially begin a manhunt for him."

She sighed. "I know. And I'm glad to have the Jack issue resolved. This is real progress. But, Nathan, I..." She looked up at him through her lashes. "I want us to be married. Today. Now. No more waiting. I don't want you just sleeping over anymore as my guard. I want you with me. Always." Her cheeks turned a deep rosy color.

He tightened his hold on her. He wanted nothing more than to be her husband, but he wanted to make sure this wasn't just about Higgins. "Lizbeth, are you sure? You're pretty emotional right now."

She raised an eyebrow. "I couldn't be more sure about anything, Nathan. Maybe we'd wait a bit longer under normal circumstances, but this situation certainly offers me the freedom to do as I actually please, which is to not wait at all. We can redo the ceremony after this crisis is passed, if you'd like. Invite more people, but I want to grab the kids, Rosemary, Lee and Bill and do this now. I want to us walk back into the house as Mr and Mrs Grant tonight."

xxxxxxxxx

There was a flurry of activity after that. Rosemary and Bill had arrived and were filled in. Of course, questions were raised about whether they were sure. Once those questions were satisfactorily answered, Bill may or may not have mentioned something about it being 'about time' and Rosemary drove off to get the kids, Lee and Goldie. Bill sat down to get the paperwork in order and make some calls.

Nathan sat with Elizabeth and they talked softly about what needed to be done for the family to all stay comfortably in the house tonight. One being that Nathan's bed needed to be moved right away.

Obviously eavesdropping, Bill said, "We'll help you all get that settled. Don't you worry about a thing. Good news. O'Reilly is sending a couple of Mounties here until Higgins is caught. They should be here by tomorrow morning, at the latest."

Bill went back to his paperwork and calls. Elizabeth suddenly gasped. "Oh, Nathan! Wedding bands, we don't have..."

It was his turn to raise an eyebrow. "Lizbeth, do you really think that I purchased an engagement ring and no bands? When we were organizing earlier, I brought the wedding bands to your house and put them in my bag. Rosemary will have Allie bring them."

Elizabeth's eyes warmed, and a smile curved her lips. "That's what you were whispering to Rosemary about." She grabbed his hands, and whispered low, "Have I mentioned that I can't wait to be your wife, Nathan?"

Bill cleared his throat. "I'm still here, you two. I know I've accused you of being molasses in January, but...I think you can slow it down for a few more minutes. Now, Nathan, do you want Gabriel to be here? We can get someone to cover the jail for long enough."

Nathan pondered this for a moment. "Let me give him a call."

xxxxxxxxxx

Gabriel told Nathan that he'd love to be there, but felt like it was important to have law enforcement covering the jail while Moriarty was being held there. "Gabe, I'd still like for you to stay at our place, though, while Higgins is still on the loose."

"Of course, Nathan. Bill's planning on taking over for me here later this evening. I'll be there before bedtime."

"Thanks, Gabe. For everything."

They rang off just as the Coulters arrived with Allie and Jack. Jack rushed in like a miniature hurricane. "We're getting married today? Yay!" He wrapped his arms around Nathan's legs. "I can call you Dad then, right?"

"Yes, you can, Jack. Always." His heart melted as he smiled down at the boy. His looked around until he located Allie. He wanted to make sure that she was okay with the sudden change in plans. He felt his heart lift when she came over with a grin on her face.

She held out a jeweler's pouch with one hand, and then she brought her other hand from behind her back. She was holding a bouquet of wildflowers tied with a purple ribbon. "I thought that Mrs Elizabeth would like to have these today, and maybe you could give them to her." She leaned in for a hug. "I'm really happy for you, Dad. I love you."

"I love you, too, Kiddo. I really don't know what I would ever do without you." He felt a lump in his throat, knowing that he never wanted to find out, either.

Allie chuckled. "Someone's gotta keep you in line. Now, at least I'll have some reinforcement. And, I love you, too, Dad."

xxxxxxxxx

Rosemary had immediately whisked Elizabeth upstairs to Bill's apartment. "Rosemary, this really isn't necessary." Elizabeth insisted.

"Nonsense." Rosemary snapped. She pointed to a chair at the kitchen table. "Sit. I'm just going to help you get freshened up. You'll see that I resisted the urge to bring you and Nathan a complete change of clothing. I believe I showed an impressive and, frankly - quite exhausting, amount of restraint. So, you'll just have to humor me here, my friend."

Elizabeth giggled. She was about to, finally, marry the man she'd loved for years...she could tolerate a little of the Rosemary treatment. "Thank you, Rosemary."

As Rosemary started to touch up Elizabeth's hair, she asked, tongue in cheek, "Are you ready to take the plunge?"

"I see what you did there." Elizabeth laughed. "And the answer is a wholehearted 'yes'. With everything around us feeling so wrong, this somehow, feels so right. Does that sound crazy?"

"No, Elizabeth, it doesn't. You're both finally on the path that you're meant to be on. Now you'll be able to take on those things that aren't right as a team, a family unit."

Elizabeth smiled. After a few minutes, she asked if Rosemary would please put a brief announcement in the Valley Voice about the marriage and then a mention of a forthcoming celebration. Date to be determined.

Feeling adequately refreshed and both excited and nervous at the same time, Elizabeth followed Rosemary downstairs. The sight that met them took her breath away. Bill stood in front of his desk, Allie on his right and Nathan and Jack on his left. Her family.

As she walked towards them, she noticed a bouquet in Nathan's hand. He held it out towards her when she approached him. He leaned in close and whispered "You look beautiful. Oh, and while I'd love to take credit for the bouquet, you have Allie to thank for that."

She turned and smiled brightly at Allie and took her place next to Nathan. They looked at Bill expectantly. Bill smiled back at them.

"Well, I could read from a script, but I think that all of us here agree that we can dispense with that." They all laughed, and Jack looked a little confused, but joined in the laughter anyways. Allie looked over and reached out a hand to the boy and he went and stood beside her.

"Personally, I couldn't be happier to be officiating this union. Elizabeth, we've been through a lot together and you've become the daughter I never had. I've watched you struggle to find your path after Jack passed and it brings me great joy to see that you're finally there.

Nathan, we got off on a very wrong foot when you arrived in town. Like others, I was determined to not like the new Mountie because he wouldn't be Jack. You wore me down, won me over. A more honorable man I'd be hard pressed to find and to be able to call you my friend? Well, that's something I'm right proud of."

"I recently accused Nathan of being slower than molasses in January. Well, you two sure knew what to do when you finally got onto the same page, didn't you?" Everyone chuckled.

In a stage whisper, Jack asked "Are we married yet?" More laughter.

Allie leaned down and whispered back, "Soon, Jack, soon. We have to be extra quiet or it won't happen." The boy's eyes grew wide, his mouth clamped shut and he nodded.

Bill cleared his throat and continued. "Okay, then. Nathan and Elizabeth, please turn and face each other as you say your vows."

Elizabeth handed her bouquet to Allie, then turned and took Nathan's hands. As always, his thumbs worked her hands in his comforting way. Her heart kicked up as she gazed into his crystal blue eyes that were so full of love for her.

"Do you, Nathan, take Elizabeth to be your lawful wedded wife? To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, as long as you both shall live?" Bill looked to Nathan.

Nathan squeezed her hands lightly. "I do." he said in that husky low voice of his. Elizabeth smiled at him.

Bill continued. "Do you, Elizabeth, take Nathan to be your lawful wedded husband? To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, as long as you both shall live?"

With joy shining from her face, Elizabeth replied, "I do!"

"Now for the rings?" Bill asked.

Nathan reached into his pocket and pulled out the rings. He handed his to Elizabeth and told Bill that he'd like to speak from the heart.

He looked at his bride, and in true Nathan fashion, kept it simple. As he slid the band onto Elizabeth's left ring finger, he said "Elizabeth, I give you this ring as a symbol of my undying love for you. With it, I promise to always walk by your side in both joy and sorrow."

Elizabeth took Nathan's left hand and slid the ring onto his finger and said, "Nathan, you are more precious to me today than yesterday, and you will be more cherished tomorrow than you are today. I give you this ring as a symbol of my eternal love for you. A love that transcends all our yesterdays, todays and tomorrows."

"Because you have now both declared your intention to take each other in marriage through these vows you have accepted and these rings you have exchanged, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Nathan, you may kiss your bride." Bill finished with a grin.

Through their smiles, Nathan leaned in and placed a light kiss on Elizabeth's lips. He was careful to remember just whose eyes were watching at this moment. He couldn't ever remember being as happy as he was right now. Elizabeth was his wife.

"Are we married now?" Jack asked. He tugged Nathan's pants. "Why you gotta kiss? I don't have to, do I? Dad?" Everyone laughed.

Everyone shared hugs and Rosemary finally announced, "Okay everyone, Operation Grant/Thornton home has commenced. We need to get back home and make sure your house is ready for a family of four to occupy tonight. Let's go!"