The sun was shining as Elizabeth walked to the Mountie office in the morning. She had been up for hours already, eager to see what Nathan had planned. She made breakfast for both Allie and Jack and left sandwiches for the two of them. Elizabeth wasn't sure how long she would be gone but Allie assured her that the two of them would be fine. Rosemary had also said she would check on the children when she saw Elizabeth walk out of her row house.

Elizabeth had chosen a lace white blouse and a long pink skirt. She had shortened the hem on most of her dresses but left a few long for riding. She held her hands in front of her and nervously moved her fingers. 'Why am I nervous' she thought. 'What if he is going away and that is why he wants to talk to me, to say goodbye like Jack did before he left?' As she got closer to the office, Elizabeth saw Nathan standing out front with the reigns of Newton and Sergeant in his hands.

"Hi, are you ready for our date?" Nathan said as he smiled towards her.

Elizabeth stared at his face and then blurted out, "Are you leaving?"

Nathan's face fell, "What? What do you mean, am I leaving?"

Elizabeth looked down at her hands and said, "Is this date to tell me you are going on a mission? Is it your way of saying goodbye to me?"

Nathan understood. Elizabeth had been hurt when Jack left. He made the decision without her and she barely had time to understand what he was saying before he was gone. Nathan let go of the reigns of both horses. He knew that since they were Mountie trained, the horses would not go far. Nathan walked slowly towards Elizabeth but she didn't raise her head. He could see a tear on her cheek so he reached out with one hand, lifting her chin so she would look at him. He wiped the tear from her cheek and put his hands on either side of her cheeks.

"Elizabeth, I am not going anywhere. I told the Mounties that I would not accept any positions out of Hope Valley once I adopted Allie. When we started courting, that only confirmed that decision. Also I would not make any decisions about our future without you, ok? Today is just about us."

Elizabeth reached her arms around him and gave him a light kiss. Both of them wanted more but they were aware that they were in the middle of the street. It was early and most people weren't out in town yet. Nathan heard her sigh as she pulled him in for a hug. He wanted to get started on the ride but he knew that his was an important part of what he had planned. Assuring her that he would always be there for her and her son.

As he pulled back, he tucked a piece of hair behind her ear that had flown in front of her face from the wind. "Are you ready for our ride?"

"Yes."

Both of them mounted the horses and Nathan turned to her saying, "follow me".

"Anywhere," Elizabeth said with a smirk.

——————-

'The ride was short but very beautiful', Elizabeth thought. There was a small clearing among the trees with wildflowers on the side. Nathan dismounted Newton first and then came over to Elizabeth to help her down. Nathan held her waist as she slid down to her feet. The two of them stood there in between the horses and Nathan kissed her the way he wished to earlier. He felt her move closer to him as their lips molded together. Nathan couldn't imagine being without her for a single minute and hopefully after today he wouldn't have to for much longer.

After tying the horses to the trees, Nathan got the blanket from the back of the horse and all of the food from the saddle bags. He reached out his hand towards Elizabeth and she took it walking with him on this land. She wasn't sure exactly where they were but she thought she would ask him about it later. She didn't want to interrupt the moment. Elizabeth was happy to have some time with just the two of them.

Nathan put down the blanket and the food, helping Elizabeth to sit. The two of them enjoyed their meal and talked about a number of things. Nothing too important or deep, but just general conversation. Nathan was quieter than normal Elizabeth thought so she began to tell him about her students and some of the lessons she had planned. It was almost the end of the school year. Elizabeth was hoping that her and Nathan would have more days like this when that happened.

The two of them finished eating and Nathan packed the things up. He reached out his hand to help Elizabeth stand and said, "come with me for a minute?"

"Of course. Where are we going?"

"I want to show you something."

The two of them walked through a group of trees and Elizabeth could hear the water. Through the trees, Elizabeth saw the stream and a waterfall over to the side. "Oh Nathan, this is beautiful. How have I never seen this place?"

Nathan was quiet. He was looking out over the water. All of a sudden he was nervous. He thought he knew what she would say. Her reaction earlier had him worried that she would decide she couldn't marry another Mountie.

Elizabeth reached out her hand and put it on his arm, "Nathan are you ok?"

"Yes, yes of course."

Elizabeth looked at him hesitantly and Nathan sighed. He wouldn't get less nervous so now was the time.

"What do you think of this place?"

"It's wonderful. All the flowers and this beautiful waterfall. Did you and Allie find this place when you were fishing? This stream looks like a great place for that."

"No, we haven't fished here but I wanted to bring her some time."

"How did you find it then?"

Nathan took both of her hands in his and she turned towards him. "Bill showed it to me. I asked him about available land in town and he said he owned a piece of land with a stream. When I came here, I thought it would be perfect."

"Perfect for what?" Elizabeth asked as her heart started to speed up.

Nathan smiled and knelt down on one knee. Elizabeth's hands flew up and covered her mouth. 'This was it!', she thought.

"Elizabeth, from the first moment we met I knew we would end up here. I wasn't sure how long it would take since you were still moving through your grief and dealing with my job as a Mountie. We have been through so much already. I would like to build a house on this land for us. For you and me, for Allie and Jack, and for any other children that may come along one day. I love you Elizabeth Thornton. I am asking to be your husband and for you to be my wife. To continue to be my partner in every way. Will you marry me?"

Nathan reached into his pocket and pulled out the ring. Elizabeth's eyes went wide at the light blue sapphire ring. She nodded and said, "I would love nothing more. Yes, I will marry you." Nathan slid the ring onto her finger and stood in front of her. He lifted her hand and kissed her right above the ring. She through her arms around him and he lifted her off the ground. She kissed him deeply with a longing for more.

After needing to catch his breath, Nathan put his forehead against Elizabeth's. "Please tell me we can have a short engagement."

"Oh yes, the shorter the better." Elizabeth said laughing.

The two of them stood in front of the waterfall sharing kisses. Nathan walked her back to where they had the blanket and he shared his idea for where the house would be. It was starting to get late and they wanted to get home to the kids for dinner. They promised to make house plans soon but for now they were enjoying the fact that they were going to get married. The future was looking bright and both of them couldn't wait for it to start.