Nathan stood in front of his mirror and finished buttoning his shirt. He thought about doing it up right to the top for this special occasion but it didn't feel right so he left the top couple unbuttoned. Pulling his suspenders over his shoulders and reaching for his vest, he was almost ready. Ready for his and Elizabeth's wedding. He couldn't keep the smile off his face. He ran his fingers through his hair, took one more look in the mirror, a deep breath, and walked down the stairs.

"Wow dad! You clean up good." Allie said, her tone light and joyful. It was so good to have his girl back! She gave him a quick hug then reached for Nathan again and hung on a little longer. Words weren't really needed in that moment.

"Let's go! It's finally time!" Allie said excitedly, breaking the hug and the silence.

Elizabeth reached into her closet. When she ordered this dress just a few months ago, she couldn't have imagined she would be wearing it to marry her love. Now she couldn't imagine it any other way. Dusty rose had always been her favorite but for so long she hadn't reached for it. It seemed Nathan had brought the color back into her life. Not a traditional wedding dress but there was hardly time for that. The white lacy stitching that covered the fabric made it feel just right for today.

Elizabeth had just finished with the buttons when Jack poked his head in the door of her room. "Wow mom! You're so pretty!" His voice filled with innocence and wonder. She hugged her sweet boy tight.

"And you're looking quite handsome Jack!" she said, after fixing a few buttons where he had skipped one. "Are you ready?" Elizabeth asked, so grateful her son would have a loving father in his life. "Yes mom!" He said excitedly and hurried down the stairs.

Allie and Nathan walked the short distance to Elizabeth's home. Soon there would be no distance. They'd be together. The four of them. The sun shone golden rays across the field making everything glow. It perfectly matched the way they were feeling.

Allie waited while Nathan took the steps two at a time and playfully knocked on Elizabeth's. No more knocking after this evening!

Elizabeth was descending the stairs when she heard the knock on the door. That simple action made her smile. That's the last time he has to knock on my door. This will be his home too. She felt butterflies in her stomach and took a deep, calming breath as she walked toward the door.

She opened the door and there he was, Nathan, her great love, her groom. She smiled at him and blushed, matching her cheeks to the lovely shade of her dress.

Nathan was in awe. Somehow Elizabeth was even more breathtaking than he'd ever seen before and even more breathtaking, she was about to be his wife.

"Lisbeth, you look amazing." He managed to get out. His genuine tone and open appreciation gave her the courage to do a little twirl for him. "Wow." He said quietly, looking right into her blue eyes. Jack clapped and cheered for his happy mom, bringing smiles and laughter from each of them. Allie joined them at the door. "Mama, you're beautiful!" Elizabeth loved that Allie had so easily chosen this new title for her. It was different than Jack and different than how she referred to her own mother, Colleen, and it just felt so right.

"Oh Allie, look at you! You're lovely. And I must say, I love the color!" Allie looked down at her own rose colored dress. It was many shades darker than Elizabeth's but they went together so well.

"Well, are you ready?" Nathan said to Elizabeth with a grin. "Ready." And she truly was, with all her heart.

The four of them walked together toward the church. Just that morning they had gotten together to plan this life altering event and yet it seemed it was the most natural thing in the world. Making their love a lifelong commitment and their family official brought a joy and peace they'd all longed for in their own way over the years.

They had decided on a very short guest list. They loved this town and the people who made it home but with such little time to prepare, it didn't seem right to expect everyone to attend. Instead, they personally delivered invitations. First to the Canfields, asking Joseph to marry them and Angela to play the piano. Then to Bill, who Elizabeth asked to walk her down the aisle. He had been like a father to both of them and was happy to oblige. "How's this for molasses?" Nathan has said with a smirk. Elizabeth had a puzzled look on her face, unsure of the joke, but laughed along with them. And finally, to the Coulter residence. Rosemary and Lee wouldn't miss it of course. "Your first wedding, Goldie!" Rosemary picked up her little girl and gave her kisses.

And so together Nathan, Elizabeth, Allie, and Jack walked the path to the church. On their way to not just become husband and wife, but a family. All the twists and turns, up and downs, wins and losses had lead them to this beautiful moment.

Finally it was here. They climbed the stairs together, ready to walk life side by side, and Nathan opened the door to hold it for his bride-to-be.

"Surprise!"

In front of them stood all the familiar faces of Hope Valley, all smiling from ear to ear. The town they loved so dearly was here to celebrate with them. Nathan and Elizabeth looked at each other, their faces read both shock and happiness as they stepped forward into the crowd.

Henry gave Elizabeth a quick hug and said in her ear "Abigail sends her love." At the mention of her dear friend Elizabeth's eyes filled with tears. She was thankful if she couldn't be there, at least Abigail was celebrating with them in her heart. Lucas stood next to Henry. Smiling genuinely, he patted Nathan on the back congratulating him.

Florence was next to grab Elizabeth in a hug. "I can't believe you didn't invite us!" She began, her disapproving softened quickly as she added, "I'm so happy for you all!" Ned shook Nathan's hand. "The hero gets married!"

Nathan, Allie, and Jack slipped through the crowd to join a very happy Pastor Canfield at the front of the little church while Elizabeth was greeted by each of her excited students. She was so glad they could all be there. They had helped her through many seasons of life in more ways than they could know.

Finally she got to Rosemary. "This was your doing, wasn't it?" she questioned with a smile.

"You have a lot of friends who love you and wanted to celebrate with you! They were happy to help," Rosemary finished with a flourish of her hand. Elizabeth looked around the room. The church was decorated beautifully. The burgundy fabric that draped the bandstand and dance of the choir festival was now flowing around the church. Bouquets of wild flowers and even sunflowers graced the aisle and altar area. It was amazing. It was perfect. Decorated with love.

Rosemary turned to pick something up and handed Elizabeth a lovely bouquet. It was mostly happy sunflowers. And when she looked up, Bill stood in front of her. His expression held a certain tenderness that wasn't usually there. Elizabeth placed her hand on the crook of his arm and the crowd found their places in the pews.

Already part way down the aisle, it was only a few steps until they reached the front. Bill hugged Elizabeth and shook Nathan's hand. His eyes looked a little misty but he smiled at them both before taking his spot in the front row next to the Coulter family.

Elizabeth stood facing Nathan as Joseph greeted the crowd and began their simple ceremony. She heard the pastor's voice but she was completely lost in Nathan's ocean blue eyes and sweet smile. She loved this man. Glancing down, she winked at Jack, standing by Nathan's side. Beside her, Allie was radiant. She wanted to take in every single moment, every detail.

"Do you take this woman to be your wife?" she heard Joseph ask.

"I do." Nathan said, his eyes locked right onto hers. Suddenly, the room filled with people they love seemed to disappear.

"Elizabeth, do you take this man to be your husband?"

It was her turn. "I do," she replied with a voice and heart full of sincerity.

Elizabeth turned and handed her bouquet to Allie whose eyes were also filled with happy tears. Turning back, she and Nathan reached for each other's hands. His thumbs grazed over her fingers as he held onto her.

Together they vowed to have and to hold, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, to love and to cherish one another for the rest of their lives. While the words may be old, the promises were never more true. Standing before God and their friends they exchanged more than vows, they exchanged hearts. Everyone in the room could feel it. Their hearts were home.

"What God has brought together, let no man pull apart," Pastor Joseph finished with a broad smile. "It is my great honor to finally present to you, Mr and Mrs Nathan Grant! You can go ahead and kiss your bride, Constable."

And he did. Nathan let go of her hands and took a step closer, holding onto her waist. Elizabeth's hands rested on his chest. He captured her lips in a kiss to remember. Filled with promises and hopes, all their love and joy, and the tenderness and strength of their new commitment. The crowd clapped, and cheered for their beloved teacher and Mountie. Nathan and Elizabeth beamed as they walked back down the aisle and into their future. Allie and Jack followed hand in hand.

Outside, Nathan and Elizabeth shared one more quick kiss before turning to their children.

Nathan knelt down to Jack's height. "Jack, I married your mom today, but I have a vow for you too. I will always honour your father, but I promise to love you like my own. I promise to teach you to ride and teach you about life. I promise to always be here." Jack reached his little arms out and gave Nathan a big hug. "I love you, Mountie Daddy."

As they talked, Elizabeth turned to Allie. "Allie, I would never try to replace your mother but I'm proud to be your mama. You've already grown into such an amazing young woman. I promise to be here for you as you continue to grow and chase your dreams. I already love you like a daughter, and I always will." Allie hugged Elizabeth and then pulled away and reached for her dad.

They were thankful for these precious moments together as a family before the crowd of well wishers streamed out of the church doors. The sun still glowed over the horizon, painting the sky in pinks and oranges.

"Here are your bags!" Rosemary marched toward them with a small bag in her hand and Lee following closely behind holding two large pieces of luggage.

"Our bags?" Elizabeth said with surprise, turning to see Nathan's reaction. Somehow he didn't look confused at all. "You knew about this?" she asked with a mischievous grin.

"I may have known something. Lee came over today after our breakfast," Nathan spoke like it was only the two of them. His eyes never left hers. "I packed mine and Rosemary put yours together."

"Well we couldn't let you started wedded life without a honeymoon!" Rosemary announced. "It's our little gift to you. And we'll keep the kids! It's just a few nights away."

"Oh thank you! Thank you both!" Elizabeth was so touched by their kindness and so excited to finally have a little time alone with Nathan.

They quickly said their goodbyes to their guests and then turned to hug their kids before leaving. "Hurry, you have to catch the train!" Rosemary encouraged. "Lee can take you in our car!"

"Actually I had something else in mind," Nathan had with a wink toward his bride. Turning back, he asked "Lee, do you mind taking the luggage to the station?"

"No problem, my friend," Lee replied with a knowing look.

Hand in hand, Nathan and Elizabeth walked to the livery where Newton stood ready to go. Nathan walked him outside and easily pulled himself into the saddle. "But what about Sergeant?" Elizabeth asked wondering how she was supposed to get to the train station.

Nathan reached out a hand. "Get on," he said simply. Elizabeth took his hand and he pulled her up behind him. "Hold on," he said over his shoulder.

"Oh I am, I'm never letting you go," Elizabeth murmured in his ear.