This one-shot is inspired by StoriesoftheHeartie's post shared during the Heartie Roundtable. Here is the extended version of the short story!

Nathan Grant's Journal Entry - 1920

Today is a fairytale.As I prepare to propose marriage to Elizabeth I cannot help but reminisce about some of my favorite memories together.

Elizabeth and I have always bonded over being single parents. From Little Jack asking questions about his father to Allie's father breaking her heart, we have supported each other through difficult times. I look forward to merging our lives through marriage and becoming a blended family of four. Perhaps even adding another little one when the time is right.

A heart-to-heart with my Elizabeth heals all wounds. One of my fondest memories is outside the infirmary when Ned was injured. I was taking Newton to the livery when I saw her sitting alone outside in the cold and dark. I immediately offered my blanket and she swiftly declined. However, I was persistent in keeping her warm and persuaded her to use my blanket. After all, I have to serve and protect. We talked about loss, Allie's adoption, and our friendship. I am forever grateful for that conversation. Elizabeth's encouragement and support for me adopting Allie meant a lot. I also realized in that moment that I love her unconditionally so I am willing to wait for her no matter how long it takes.

One of my favorite memories is that spring day when I came across Elizabeth and Little Jack watching minnows. There is nothing I would rather do than watch Elizabeth and LJ laugh and smile. I wanted to join them but it was still early in my arrival to town and I did not want to overstep. I knew my heart was undeniably hers but was her heart mine? Or was there too much turmoil in her heart? I urged her to look deep at her heart by asking "What's in your heart?"

After many trials and tribulations including a broken engagement with Lucas Bouchard, my Elizabeth found her way back home in my arms. Watching her struggle with potentially moving to the Capital City when her home and calling are in Hope Valley broke my heart. She was struggling and no one was seeing it. She took deep breaths to calm herself when the banner for Lucas was raised. That's why I confronted her that afternoon in the schoolhouse and asked her "What do you want?" No one had asked Elizabeth what she wanted or thought about how all the changes impacted her and LJ. But I cared and deep down I knew what was in her heart.

I gave Elizabeth space after her break-up with Lucas but soon enough we both realized our feelings were reciprocated by the other. Our courtship is full of fun, and joyous moments, which brings me abundant happiness! Elizabeth will not let me live down the surprise party fiasco. Truthfully, she still laughs at my antics in front of the school. Seriously! I thought Allie was planning a surprise party! Anyway, one of my favorite memories from the surprise party was the intimate moment between us outside the saloon. Upon further inspection, I saw something shimmer in Elizabeth's hair and noticed a gold star. I reached for the star and we locked eyes. With eyes still locked on one another, I carefully pulled it out of her hair and allowed my hand to linger on her face. Little did she know I kept the gold star of a memento of this special day.

I thought I was smooth by bringing Allie lunch midday as an excuse to talk to Elizabeth about the night of the surprise party. Today of all days, Allie had to remember her lunch! We joked about it and revealed our feelings for each other in vaguely worded remarks. This was yet another moment my girls will not let me forget anytime soon!

Dating my Elizabeth has been an adventure and the greatest year of my life. We went on many dinner dates, picnics, horseback rides, and porch chats.

Elizabeth is beautiful on the inside and outside. I've always known this, but I was left speechless seeing Elizabeth in her wedding dress. Yes, it was the wrong dress intended for her wedding to Lucas. However, she looked stunning and took my breath away. Quite literally, there were no words. As I stumbled for words, the only three words left my mouth were, "You look beautiful." And it's true. Her outward beauty is to be admired. However, perhaps one of Elizabeth's most beautiful attributes is her compassion and loyalty to her family, friends, and students. I am so proud to call her my best friend, my girlfriend, my soon-to-be fiancée, and my future wife.

Elizabeth. The love of my life.

Nathan Grant - 1920