By request, I've continued "The Perfect Kiss" for Tis the Season Tuesdays (brought to you by Instagram's HeartieMusings). As I began writing the scene that every father dreads, this story popped up first. The theme is "gingerbread houses," and, not to worry, the more anticipated chapter is coming soon, where gingerbread houses will make an actual physical appearance for an evening this family of four won't forget.
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Chapter 2: Moms and Daughters
"Allie, Can you stay after for just a moment, please?"
"Sure, Mrs. Thornton," Elizabeth's daughter responded, intrigued as to why she might be held after class.
At the schoolhouse, Hope Valley's beloved teacher had just excused her students for the day, but there was one singular topic she needed to urgently discuss with Allie. That frosty December morning, Elizabeth inadvertently discovered the blossoming relationship between her daughter and Robert when she'd spotted their sweet interactions outside the kitchen window.
As much as Elizabeth hated to pry, she knew how upset Nathan would be to learn about his daughter's first romantic interest the way she had that morning. Nathan Grant valued honesty above all else. The longer this went on without him knowing, the greater the risk that he would find out and feel betrayed by the secrecy.
When Allie approached the teacher's desk at the front of the room, Elizabeth leaned in and assured her, "No need to worry, Allie. I'm wanting to talk to you as your mom," she said, "not as your teacher."
The schoolgirl smiled. "Well, that's a relief! The last time I remember being held after class was for that card trick Mr. Bouchard taught me."
Elizabeth chuckled at the memory, "You've grown up just a little since that time, don't you think?"
"I'd hope so," Allie grinned.
"I was wondering if you'd go for a walk with me around the lake," Elizabeth asked. "I feel like we haven't had many opportunities to talk lately."
"I'd love to," Allie agreed, just as delighted with the outdoors as her dad had been growing up. To her, even the barrier of the winter cold was an easy fix. "I'll grab my coat."
Even though Allie correctly assumed by intuition that there was indeed a specific reason for this walk, she'd never turn down some alone time with her mom. Afterall, she'd waited her whole life for these moments.
As their feet hit the dirt path, their steps took on a different feel than in the seasons just past. In the spring, Elizabeth remembered looking out over the lake, feeling helpless about Higgins' abusive behavior. Although she felt the early warmth of the ground seeping in through her shoes, it was only in Nathan's arms that she felt any comfort. Then, in the summer, all eight feet in their family of four scuffed happily along the well-trodden trail toward their memorable picnic, where after four years of starvation, Nathan and Elizabeth were finally sharing kisses.
Only six weeks ago now, leaves littered the path when she and Nathan indulged in a stroll around the lake as Bill graciously babysat Nathan's Mountie desk, anxious to give his favorite couple the alone time they needed. Elizabeth smiled, remembering the sparkle in Nathan's blue eyes. It'd been such a gift to walk across the crunchy carpet of leaves while he shared why fall was his favorite season
And here it was winter, a time of new beginnings for their family. Since that memorable walk, she and Nathan had been married. They'd blended their space and lives as Elizabeth's row house became the Grant family home, a place where Allie was already settling in and making memories. After all, Elizabeth secretly knew, Allie would remember that tree in the backyard all her life as the place of her first kiss.
Unfortunately, since Elizabeth was on a timeframe, needing to get home to bake the gingerbread for tonight's Christmas family fun, she didn't spend long on chit chat. After brainstorming ideas for the decorative candies, a natural lull prompted Elizabeth, telling her it was now or never. Still, she hesitated, wondering how best to broach the subject.
For a moment, each of their breaths seemed to hang in the air, visible and cold, before melting away into the stillness.
"Speaking of growing up…" Elizabeth said, referring back to her comment in the schoolhouse, "I know there have been a lot of changes for you lately, Allie. I can't say enough how proud I am of you in how well you've handled it all. But, I want you to know that Little Jack and I are your family now. We're not going anywhere. So, you, Allie-girl, can just focus on being you, okay? Instead of trying to be 26 and 36, I want you to settle in to just being sixteen."
Allie beamed at Elizabeth's comment, as the late afternoon sun flooded the lake with a warm, golden glow. "I know what you mean, Mom, about being 26 and 36. Sometimes I'm herding children. Other times, before you and dad got married," she smiled, still so in awe of her reality, "I'd be making dinner, or heading over to the Canfields if Dad wasn't home when bedtime came around."
"Oh, honey," Elizabeth said, pulling Allie into her arms. As much as Allie loved her dad's firm hugs, she loved how close her mom's face felt to hers just now, the way their heads gently touched. In her dad's arms, she felt protected, and in her mom's embrace, she felt seen.
"That's exactly what I'm talking about, Allie. Between your dad and me, we've got this. We're your parents. Of course, we'll want you to help with chores, and watching Little Jack is always such a gift for the two of us to have some alone time. But, beyond that, I'd love nothing more than to see you be sixteen." With this perfect lead in, Elizabeth added with some trepidation, "which is why I loved catching a glimpse of you and Robert this morning, cuddled up on the bench outside."
First, Allie's eyes grew wide, as if she'd been caught. But, then, as she was flooded with all the emotions of that morning, every last word spilled out, especially since she'd confessed nothing as of yet to her friends.
"Oh, Mom! It was the best morning! I knew Robert cared for me. I could just feel it, you know. And me … well, I've liked Robert for a long, long time. I tried to be friends, just like Dad told me. That did make it all easier, to be honest, for a while anyway. But when Robert graduated from school, I just missed him so much. Any time I wasn't actually doing an assignment, my mind always wandered, wondering what he was doing, and …" Suddenly Allie turned shy, realizing the enormity of all she'd just released into the stillness of the crisp, fading afternoon, "...well … I couldn't help wondering if he missed me, too."
Elizabeth's heart couldn't be happier that Allie felt comfortable to share so freely. She honestly was a bit surprised, actually. Yet, remembering the way Allie had so naturally attached to her during Allie's early days in Hope Valley, perhaps it wasn't so unexpected after all.
"So what changed?" Elizabeth asked, "Just a couple of weeks ago, you told me you and Robert were just friends."
"That's true," Allie replied, giving her mom's question some thought. "But, you know how it is, and my dad, too. You're kind of 'just friends' until you're not." Though just a teenager, Allie had landed on a truth that regularly frustrated relationship hopefuls.
Suddenly, Allie grew quiet, glancing down, then out at the lake, and then back toward Elizabeth.
Sensing that her daughter needed a side by side activity to feel less in the spotlight, Elizabeth suggested, "Shall we keep walking?" gesturing to the path.
Allie nodded quickly, grateful for what her mom intuitively knew. As they fell into step, it was far easier to talk, where Allie didn't feel the pressure for eye contact. It was difficult to share what was so close to her heart. It was one thing to tell her dad that she "like liked" Robert. That was hard enough. But, what she felt now for Robert was far more than just a schoolgirl crush.
"So, since we last talked, Robert held my hand," Allie revealed, pressing her lips together to temper her excitement. "That means something, don't you think? I thought so, especially the way he looked at me after, like he was nervous, too. I'm glad we were outside, where it's cold. Actually, now that I think about it, we've been outside each time he's held my hand. Otherwise, what if my hand got sweaty? Then what? That hasn't happened yet, thankfully …"
Allie continued this pattern of rattling off details, followed by a self-conscious lull, where her eyes tended to drift, waiting for all the support she'd always hoped a mom might give. But, it wasn't just that, she quickly realized. Even if it had been a bit awkward to talk to her dad about Robert, he'd definitely been there for her. And she loved her dad to the moon and back for that act of selfless love. She knew it wasn't easy for him.
What he couldn't give, though, was that girlish excitement that Allie hoped to feel from her mom. Moms and Daughters. They were cut from the same cloth. Moms had once been girls, too. Before Allie's parents married, she'd definitely seen Elizabeth giddy about her dad, the kind of head over heels love that can bring a blush to your cheeks in an instant. Although Allie had been surprised to see even her Mountie dad smitten, it was still different.
As Elizabeth picked up on what Allie needed, she offered her practical support paired with a hint of humor. "Don't worry, they will."
Overcome by all the thoughts swirling in her head, Allie had become distracted.
"They will what?"
Elizabeth laughed and put a loving arm around Allie's shoulder. "Your hands." Elizabeth smiled, tipping her head to affectionately touch Allie's. "They'll get sweaty."
Allie turned her head abruptly toward her mom, her eyes searching for a twinkle that might reveal she was joking. Finding nothing telling, Allie groaned into what must be the truth, "But won't that be kind of gross?
"There are plenty of swoon worthy moments to love about love, Allie, but there are also times that are uncomfortable and hard and even painful. Sweaty hands will be a little awkward, yes, but it might be more important to think of what made them sweat in the first place."
Based on Allie's limited experience, she imagined that being nervous is what might draw out moisture for her.
At the same time, Elizabeth was remembering on the first date she'd planned with Nathan how his hand grew clammy before opening up about something that was close to his heart. Even though that was nearly two seasons in the past now, her heart still ached with love for the man who'd truly given her his heart, every curve and every point.
"When it comes to love, it's better to resist reacting to the situation and focus instead on understanding the person," Elizabeth wisely counseled.
"So how would that relate to sweaty hands?" Allie asked, needing a practical example.
"Well," Elizabeth began, "scientifically speaking, that particular response is often caused by feeling nervous or excited. So, for instance," she continued, thinking of what may literally happen in the near future in the presence of Nathan, "if Robert's hand gets sweaty it's likely because he's feeling those emotions, unless he just ran to the house and is warm from the exercise, of course."
Allie nodded slowly in response, processing this information thoughtfully.
"So," the teacher in Elizabeth circled around to summarize, "if Robert's nervous, the best choice is to give him support by continuing to hold his hand."
Elizabeth could tell by Allie's questioning eyebrow that she didn't love that answer.
"But, if it's really getting slippery…" Elizabeth continued, chuckling at how Allie's look had disaster written all over it, "...then what you can do is squeeze his hand before releasing it and find another way to be close, like this," she said, squeezing Allie's shoulder, reminding her daughter of the comforting arm she'd extended across Allie, "or this," Elizabeth suggested, slipping her arm around Allie's waist.
"Or, if you're sitting, it's always a nice touch to rest a hand above his knee. With any of those gestures Robert would feel cared about, even if he has sweaty hands. Otherwise, if you just pull away because it's uncomfortable and do nothing else, you'll likely send the wrong message, and maybe even make him feel more self-conscious and unsure of your feelings. Does that make sense?"
"How do you know all of this?" Allie asked incredulously, slowing her steps to a stop, intent to give full attention to her mom's answer.
Not wanting to own up to her 11 years of dating experience in just Hope Valley alone, Elizabeth simply said, "I guess I've just figured some things out along the way."
As sweet as this conversation was, Elizabeth was suddenly feeling pressed for time, thinking of all the panels of gingerbread she had yet to bake for tonight's festivities. So, she narrowly focused the conversation, trying to guide Allie as to what their next steps might be with her dad.
"So, you'd said you and Robert held hands. Have you talked about what that might mean?"
"Well, that's what I was saying before, that I felt like he must care about me. We held hands a few more times for the rare moments we were alone. But, Mom!" she exclaimed in sudden exasperation. "This town is impossible! As much as we tried to find time together…just in public places, I promise…it's not like we were sneaking around or anything. Anyway…we kept getting interrupted! All. The. Time!"
Elizabeth stifled a laugh and instead easily offered up a look of empathy.
"So, that's why we met this morning. We weren't trying to be secretive. We just wanted more than two minutes alone!"
"I know, honey. I know the feeling." And did she ever.
"I've wanted to tell you everything," Allie confessed, in an instant rush of words, "but at the same time, I didn't know exactly what to tell when we'd just held hands a few times. But now, I know he cares, Mom. It was perfect this morning, absolutely perfect. Robert brought a blanket. Wasn't that sweet? He set it on the bench to keep our pants dry. So, we were sitting there on the bench and it didn't even matter that it was cold outside. That's probably when you saw us. Robert held my hand. It even felt romantic with gloves on! And you wouldn't believe what Robert brought up—that we should tell my dad about us! Mom, he likes me! Robert likes me!
Allie was back to the pattern of rattling, only this time, Elizabeth held tightly to her own secret, knowing just where Allie might be going with this fragmented story.
"And then…" Allie gushed, her shoulders shrugging up in anticipation, her heart pounding just as it had with Robert under the tree that morning. Suddenly dropping her voice to a whisper, Allie squealed softly with delight and said, "Mom, he kissed me!"
Allie grabbed her mom's hands, ecstatic to share all the joy of this moment with the first woman she'd come to love besides her mama, the first woman she'd ever began confiding in.
"Oh, Allie! I'm so excited for you!" Even though Elizabeth had in fact, by accident, seen the actual kiss, all the exuberance she felt now was tied to Allie's contagious enthusiasm. Besides, Elizabeth wasn't too far distant from how enraptured she'd felt after her first kiss with Nathan. She wrapped Allie into a hug, squeezing her close, even bouncing a few times out of sheer delight.
"I'm excited, too!" Allie exclaimed, breaking away and suddenly twirling around.
After catching Allie's hands once she'd circle round, Elizabeth held them affectionately and continued to repeat what was becoming an oddly familiar conversation. "And now you're together?"
Allie nodded. "But you're not going to tell Dad, right?"
"Oh, Allie, I don't —"
"No, I mean…What do I mean? Ah! I can't think!"
Elizabeth chuckled, endeared with this new side of Allie. She'd often been so grounded, ten going on seventeen, Nathan had said, so…grown. But this, Elizabeth thought happily, this is what sixteen looks like—twirling, squealing, whispering, worrying—and Elizabeth couldn't be happier to see Allie letting go of her adult years. Those would come soon enough.
After a few stabilizing breaths, Allie said, "Sorry, Mom. That didn't come out right. What I meant to say, is that I'm not asking you to keep this a secret from my dad."
Assuming her usual maturity, Allie then disclosed, "Robert and I are planning to tell him tonight. So I just didn't want you to tell him before then. That's all."
"Tonight? We're making gingerbread houses, remember? We just talked about it." Elizabeth felt bombarded by the conflicting details, instantly concerned as to how this was all going to play out in light of their family festivities. She hated to suggest a shift in Allie's plans but considering the night already seemed fairly full… "Could you think about tomorrow instead?"
The conversation descended quickly into a mess of details. Considering Elizabeth had yet to make the gingerbread houses, she suggested maybe they do that tomorrow as a possible solution and have a nice dinner with Robert at home tonight, which felt a little more fitting since Nathan would likely want to have a private chat with the lucky lad.
But, come to find out, Allie had already invited Robert to join them for gingerbread houses specifically and tonight. When Elizabeth made the simple suggestion of asking if Robert was available on another night instead, this flexible mother soon came to terms with the fact that this was happening …and tonight, in two hours to be exact.
With a furrowed brow much like her father's, Allie told her mom, "Robert's gone to Benson Hills until tonight, getting some supplies with his dad. I won't see him until he comes over at 6pm! He knew doing both would be a long day for him, but he was insistent on talking to Dad. I think he was worried that Dad might hear something about us before we got around to telling him, even in just a day or two."
Allie paused a moment and locked eyes with her mom. An understanding passed between them about Robert's sense of urgency. Considering the consequences of Nathan finding out about his daughter dating Robert from someone other than Allie, Elizabeth voiced what they both knew, "I think he made the right choice."
The problems started piling up in Elizabeth's mind, but she tried to remain calm for Allie, whose brow was furrowing deeper by the second. "I'm sorry, Mom. I thought it would be fun to have Robert come tonight. It seemed like it might be less formal and less stressful just having dinner and making gingerbread houses. That way, telling Dad about Robert and me would just be a part of the night instead of it suddenly being the focus of the night."
Elizabeth could tell her daughter was becoming a bundle of nerves. Allie shifted from foot to foot, glancing from her mom, to the lake and from the sky to the ground. Her hands fidgeted with the buttons of her coat. Eventually, she sighed into what concerned her the most. "I just really want it to go well, Mom! I care a lot about Robert, and…well, you know how Dad can be."
She did, yes, but at the same time, she didn't. Elizabeth really wasn't sure how Nathan would react to this news. Still, she was certain she could find a way to smooth over this pivotal transition of Allie's. It was a matter of urgency, in fact. She wanted this night to be special for Allie, too. Despite their most recent conversation diving deep into concerns over Nathan, Elizabeth felt a surge of excitement and wonder, channeling her inner Rosemary as she watched her daughter, a young woman, experiencing the magic of her first love.
This was a moment to cherish, to celebrate the beauty of new feelings, not to be weighed down by worries over how Nathan might react. While Elizabeth resolved to find a way to gently ease Nathan into the news, she focused on reassuring her daughter, grateful to be sharing in the joy of this unforgettable chapter. They'd get this Dad business settled in no time. She was sure of it.
"Not to worry at all, Allie. It will be wonderful to have Robert join us."
As calming as Elizabeth appeared on the exterior, her mind was in the midst of a dozen different cartwheels. For one, Elizabeth was already pushing the time on getting their four gingerbread houses baked. But in order to avoid any unnecessary awkwardness, there clearly needed to be five. Elizabeth made a mental note about the extra, and moved on to the most pressing matter, which she'd incorrectly assumed had already been settled.
"So what did you two decide about how to tell your dad?"
When Allie responded with a blank stare, Elizabeth realized she and Robert had only made the decision to talk to Nathan, but hadn't included the critical component of discussing the details. Oh dear, Elizabeth thought.
"Well, for starters, would you like to talk to him alone first?" It wasn't by accident the wise mom suggested that direction rather than a surprise announcement from the two of them. Nathan definitely needed to be gently guided into this.
Allie began wringing her hands, clearly flustered. "This has all become such a mess. Maybe I would, if I had another day or two. But, Dad won't be home from work until after Robert's already there at our house."
The sixteen-year-old in Allie, newly smitten in her first relationship, looked to Elizabeth in desperation. "I don't want it to be weird for Robert, you know? Think of how it might look, for me to need to talk to my dad first, just me, like to smooth things over or something. Robert is AMAZING, Mom. I don't want his first moments around our family to feel like he may not meet Dad's approval."
"Hmmmmm," Elizabeth murmured, seeing Allie's point. "So, you and Robert would like to tell your dad together?" If that were the case, Elizabeth naturally followed with, "Just him, or all of us?"
Faced with more questions, panic flooded Allie's eyes nearly to the point of tears, as she shook her head in an overwhelmed silence. "I just want this moment to be special, and now that we're talking about it, I'm all of the sudden anxious about the whole night. Why does this have to feel so complicated?" Allie's wave of worry finally settled on her most pressing question, "Do you think Dad will be upset? He did tell me to just be friends with Robert for a while. But, then again, if you remember, you did, too."
"Oh, Allie, honey," Elizabeth said, pulling her emotional daughter into the comfort of her nurturing arms. "Can I offer you some advice?"
"I think I need it," Allie willingly admitted.
While Elizabeth lovingly stroked Allie's back, she also acknowledged what they both knew to be the truth. "For your dad, I don't think it will ever be the right time for you to grow up. But, what I do know is that your dad has all the confidence in the world in you. He knows you can do anything you put your mind to. He also wants you to be happy, and only you can decide what that means for you." Elizabeth brushed a kiss into Allie's hair, sensing the weight her daughter carried on the brink of this new chapter in her life.
"You're right, though," Elizabeth reassured Allie, pulling back just enough to look in the eyes of this unusually mature teen standing before her. "Robert is amazing. As his former teacher, I know that to be true. Your dad and I both trust your instincts, and we'll be here for you in whatever ways we can. If anything, Allie-girl, your dad, who loves you more than anything in this world, just wants to keep you safe. No matter what happens tonight, his heart will always be in the same place—wanting to protect you from any harm, including heartbreak."
Allie nodded her understanding and took a few deep, calming breaths, recognizing that, for her, too, this was an emotional leap, the beginning of her stepping away from the man who'd been her world, the only father she'd ever known. Without her realizing it, her dad had been her north star, a shining beacon of the qualities she'd unknowingly looked for as she chose who to trust with her heart.
Like her Mountie dad, Robert was firm in his ways, but soft in his heart. She loved how Robert truly saw everyone, even little Lily. He worked hard, which she knew her dad would value. Robert took on every job he could find and approached each one with pride. But, beyond being industrious, she loved how Robert lifted her from the weight of responsibility. They laughed, a lot, and they teased, just like she'd seen her mom and dad do. Over the course of their relationship, which had gradually blossomed over the past year, Robert was always gentle, allowing her to take the lead, much like her dad had with her mom.
Seeing the similarities to her parents' relationship brought a sense of calm. Her feelings for Robert weren't just a crush anymore; this was something that, in time, could grow into a deep love—maybe even marriage. Her parents had married four years after falling in love, and she could picture herself at twenty, ready for that kind of commitment. But that was where the parallels ended. Four years was fine, but she'd gladly skip the struggles her parents endured on the way to their "I do's."
Suddenly faced with a whirlwind of emotion, Allie admitted, 'I didn't expect to feel a little sad, too.' Tears welled in her eyes as she pressed her lips together, trying to stem the unexpected wave of nostalgia for her fading childhood.
With empathy for Allie's surge of new beginnings, Elizabeth offered her steadfast love. "Change can be daunting, it's true, but remember, no matter where life takes you, we're always here—your constant, your home."
Allie's returning smile warmed Elizabeth's mother heart. "And speaking of home, my dear, we have a night of celebration ahead of us!"
With that, the mother and daughter duo resumed their path, their steps infused with a lighthearted bounce and a growing anticipation, the clock ticking down to the start of what had become an even more momentous night than the joy of gingerbread house making.
As they rounded the last curve of the frozen lake, Elizabeth debriefed Allie on their plans. "Why don't you head home and take Little Jack to the mercantile. We already have a few fun decorations for the gingerbread houses. But, let's add to that some of your dad's favorite candies."
The two who knew Nathan's sweet tooth best exchanged knowing looks and smiles. Elizabeth openly admitted, "It can't hurt to butter him up a little, right?"
They shared a laugh, their eyes sparkling with affection for the man who often defied his own instincts regarding propriety by taking at least two treats when offered just one.
"And as for you and Robert," Elizabeth said, circling back with the confidence of a teacher ready to set in motion her executive decision. "Let's all sit down after making gingerbread houses, and you and Robert can make your announcement. We can't forget your dad is a Mountie, and you're his little girl. So, my guess is, he'll notice enough sparks between the two of you that he'll have a good hour or so to settle into your happy news before you make it official."
"Thanks, Mom," Allie managed to say, her voice catching as tears welled up once more.
"Of course," Elizabeth smiled, stretching an arm around her daughter and giving her a squeeze. "I'll be there to lend a hand, if needed. Plus, Jack is bound to say something that will make the whole conversation feel lighter and less formal." They both giggled at the thought, warmth and love in their eyes for that precocious bundle of joy.
Allie sighed, feeling renewed by the soft, warm hues of the late afternoon light and the comforting assurances from her mom. Her heart was once again fluttering with thoughts of Robert, no longer burdened by worry for their upcoming plans. Her mom had a way of bringing out the best in people, and Allie was certain that this evening Elizabeth would work her magic on her dad, just as she always did.
This walk couldn't have been more perfect, Allie thought. Her mom understood her somehow, as if she could read her thoughts without needing words.
She was falling in love, and could easily find reasons to swoon at a moment's notice. Somehow, Allie didn't quite feel ready to tell her friends. But her mom…Allie could tell her anything. She'd felt that most often through the times she'd struggled with her friends, Robert included, and wondered where she belonged. Sitting side by side on her teacher's front porch, Elizabeth let Allie know she'd always belong with her.
Although their relationship became strained for a time, only by association, the stars were always aligned for this teenage girl to have a mom in Elizabeth by the time these formative years rolled around, especially someone who'd navigated such a painful journey to finding both her lifelong passion in her profession and her lifetime love in sharing her heart.
As the mom and daughter approached the fork in the path—one leading back to the schoolhouse, the other to their home, Elizabeth said with finality, "See you at home?" opening up her arms for one last hug.
"If I can pull Jack away from the candy at the mercantile," Allie joked, as she snuggled into the coziness of her mom's warmth.
"Well, let's hope so," Elizabeth replied, drawing back to see Allie's face, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Because, you, my dear, have a date to keep!" she said enthusiastically, a knowing smile spreading across her face as excitement lit both of their expressions.
Allie's heart soared at the reminder. "Thank you, Mom, truly. I've always been able to be myself with you."
"It's been my greatest pleasure, Allie. I love you, honey. I always have. You'll belong with me, forever."
Allie reached for both of Elizabeth's hands, grasping them tightly as a silent gesture of affection. "I love you, too. See you soon?" she asked, her eyebrows raised in delighted expectation.
"Soon." Elizabeth mirrored, both in word and expression.
With their goodbyes and their hurried checklists, each turned to go her separate way, one hand holding on as their fingers traced the last few moments of connection until the very last touch faded away.
As Allie walked along the path to her home, another place where she felt she belonged, a serene smile spread across her lips. The joy of having Elizabeth as her mother was every bit as wonderful as she'd imagined—no, even better.
Allie wasn't sure how the evening with her dad would unfold, all things considered. But it didn't take being a Mountie's daughter to know how differently the same news would play out between a father and his little girl—sixteen or not.
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Author's Notes:
Thanks for reading! To some, Allie's personality here may seem out of character. But, with her first love, I imagined seeing more of her bubbly side we've seen surface from time to time, especially as she's finally been able to step out of a self-sufficient role as a Mountie's daughter and into a place of family where she has space to be the sixteen-year-old she really is.