The delectable and heartwarming scent of freshly baked banana bread hung in the air mingled with the sound of laughter and at least a dozen curious questions in response to Nathan and Elizabeth's announcement to Allie and Jack. A baby was on the way, and love and excitement filled their home and hearts at the news.

Jack couldn't contain his joy of finally being a big brother. Of course, between this and his first year of school being almost complete, he was now a very grown up boy and made sure everyone was aware of that fact.

Allie dreamed of helping care for the wee baby that would join their home in the new year. This baby would arrive only 6 months before she would leave for college, if all went as planned, and she intended to soak up every moment.

In the meantime, she determined in her heart to be more helpful around the house. Cleaning, laundry, cooking, and baking shouldn't rest solely on her pregnant mama.

As the school year came to an end and the Grant family settled into their Summer break routine, Elizabeth also began to feel better. The frequent, intense bouts of morning sickness that had made her wonder if she could complete the school year were replaced by a growing appetite and the once draining exhaustion gave way to a renewed strength.

"I've been thinking," Nathan began one night after everyone was in bed, "why don't we plan a visit to Hamilton, if you're up for it."

"Oh, Nathan! I would love that," Elizabeth replied, her eyes instantly filled with happy tears. Pregnancy had made Elizabeth long for just a little time with her own mother but she wasn't sure how Nathan would feel about the travel in her condition.

"Are you feeling up to it?" he questioned.

"Yes! Yes, I'm feeling much better this week," Elizabeth replied with confidence as she snuggled closer to her husband.

"I should be able to take a couple weeks off before my promotion is official. How does that sound?" Nathan spoke into the darkness to the woman laying her head on his chest.

"Perfect," Elizabeth managed to whisper through the emotion that restricted her voice.

"Would a week be enough time to be ready? I can get the tickets tomorrow," Nathan said and then kissed the top of her head. Elizabeth responded with a nod and then, moving her arm across his waist, squeezed him tight in a grateful cuddle.

Nathan went out the next morning as promised to claim their cabin on the east bound train the following week. Elizabeth squealed with delight and threw herself into his arms when he returned with the tickets in hand for the Saturday evening train. Of all the moments that Nathan had been labeled a "hero", none felt as good or true as this one. He stood, his expectant wife in his arms, soaking in her appreciation and joy and the soft, sweet scent that was uniquely her.

In a bustle of excitement, that afternoon, Elizabeth took Allie and Jack into town to do a little shopping in preparation for their trip. Nathan sat at home alone, enjoying a good book when a knock at the door drew his attention.

Covering the distance to the door in only a few long strides, he quickly answered the knock.

"Oh hello Rosemary," Nathan greeted their neighbour with a friendly smile, "Elizabeth is in town right now with Allie and Jack. I think she'll be…"

Before he could finish she cut him off with a wave of her hand, "Oh I know! I just saw her and those two precious children of yours…oh wait! Three precious children!" Rosemary gushed, beyond thrilled at her dear friend's recent announcement.

Nathan smiled and nodded, still wondering what this unexpected visit was about.

"It's you I want to talk to, Nathan," Rosemary answered his unspoken question.

"Me?" Nathan questioned, stepping outside to join Rosemary on the front step.

"Yes, you. Nathan, late last night I remembered a moment from a few years ago. I couldn't get it off my mind. Kept me up half the night! I had to talk to you." Rosemary began to explain.

Nathan nodded, knowing she would continue. He watched as the normally confident and never lost for words Rosemary paused and took a deep breath.

"Do you remember we ran into each other at the library? It would be a few years ago now," she asked.

"Uh yes, I do actually," Nathan responded. It was a conversation that wasn't easily forgotten.

"Elizabeth and Lucas were just beginning to court. I told you that you were the Rosemary to their love story," she said with some drama. "That you should allow them to be happy the way I needed to see that Jack and Elizabeth belonged together."

"I remember," Nathan answered, truly wondering where this was going.

"I was wrong. I just…" Rosemary faltered once more.

"Rosemary, that was so long ago. It doesn't matter anymore," Nathan reassured her with an easy smile.

Rosemary squared her shoulders and lifted her chin, emboldened by Nathan's kindness. "No I need to say this," she continued. "I'm sorry. I felt like Lucas would love her, look after for her, and come home safely every night. That's all I wanted for her after watching her grieve. Now I see she was settling for less than great love." Rosemary gestured theatrically at Nathan making him blush and laugh.

"Thank you Rosemary. I admit, I hadn't actually thought about that moment in years."

"Nor I. But once I remembered, I knew I needed to make things right. I was only trying to protect her. I can see how wrong I was," Rosemary admitted.

"Well, Elizabeth and I, and our children, are blessed to have a friend like you," Nathan said genuinely, thankful for the support his family had in the Coulters.

"You've got me!" Rosemary touched his arm as she continued, "And Nathan, we're family." Then she turned on her heel and marched back toward her own home, leaving little puffs of dust in her wake, content that her purpose was accomplished.

Nathan stood on the step for a moment in the warmth of the Summer sun before turning and heading back inside. It was always good when past wrongs were made right.

Monday, as Nathan arrived at his office, he was surprised to see red serge already seated behind his desk.

Will I always be fighting for that seat? he thought to himself with a smirk.

After greeting his superior and some quick pleasantries, Nathan's latest unexpected visitor got down to business.

"Inspector, you're needed on a case."

"My promotion isn't even official yet," Nathan responded, surprised.

"It is now. We know you're one of our best and this case requires your attention. Report to Capital City by Friday. You'll be briefed about the case then," the man informed Nathan without question or detail.

"I…I'm supposed to be travelling with my family next week, sir," Nathan answered again, trying to hold the line between his professional and personal life.

"Didn't you hear? If the Mounties wanted you to have a wife, they would have assigned you one," he said while stifling a grin.

"But sir…" Nathan began, entirely missing the humour.

"My wife doesn't like when I tell that joke either…" he relaxed and laughed, allowing Nathan to respond in kind, "I do understand, Inspector. But you're expected in Capital City by the end of the week."

Nathan took a deep breath, accepting both defeat and duty, "How long will I be needed?"

"I can't say for sure. Could be a couple months. Or more," he informed him and then added, "Maybe less."

"Yes sir." Nathan shook the Officer's hand and then watched him leave. He reclaimed his desk chair and sat down heavily, feeling all the weight of disappointing Elizabeth and their children. She would be joining him to share lunch in a few hours. He would have to tell her then.

Right at noon, the door to the RCMP office swung open. Elizabeth poked her head into the room with a broad smile and a lightness about her Nathan knew he was about to bring down.

"Hi!" she greeted him joyfully.

"Hey," he answered, trying hard to match her enthusiasm. "Why don't you sit? There's something we need to talk about."

"Can we eat first? Baby and I are hungry," Elizabeth answered, a becoming blush colouring her cheeks. She handed him a thick sandwich and poured two glasses of apple juice. "I brought some fresh hot coffee too, for after our meal, with dessert," she said, completely unaware of the conversation that awaited her.

Nathan couldn't help but smile as he watched her. She made even the simplest things so special. Accepting the sandwich and drink, he worked out how exactly he would start this conversation.

"I had a visitor this morning. The official variety," that captured Elizabeth's attention and she waited with wide eyes for him to continue.

"I'm needed on a case. In Capital City. Next week." Nathan watched as Elizabeth's eyes turned from hopeful to curious to sad as she listened to him speak. Soon those bright blue eyes were clouded with unshed tears.

Elizabeth blinked trying hard not to cry. She knew this wasn't his fault. It was the nature of the job. Hamilton would have to wait.

She cleared her throat, "We can always go to Hamilton another time. It's alright. I understand."

"I've been thinking," and truly Nathan hadn't thought of much else since getting the news that morning, "why don't you and Allie and Jack go. You shouldn't miss this visit because of me. It would still be good for all of you to see each and for Allie to meet her Hamilton family, right?"

Elizabeth thought for a moment as she nibbled at her sandwich. Of course she preferred to have Nathan by her side but maybe they could still make the trip. Allie could help with Jack, and it would be good to see everyone and officially introduce them to her beloved daughter.

She has been looking forward to introducing Nathan as well as her husband. Surely with even just an evening with him, her family would understand why she had married this man, Mountie or not.

"I would much rather go with you," she finally replied.

"I would much prefer that too, hunny," Nathan reached across his desk to take her hand. Rubbing the back of her hand with his thumb, he leaned across the desk and kissed her. She was irresistible to him, no matter the topic of conversation.

"But I would love to introduce Allie to the family," Elizabeth couldn't help but smile, despite her disappointment. For days, she'd been imagining what Allie would think of her family home in Hamilton, taking her to her favorite bakery for a special treat, taking in a concert, and maybe even a little shopping in the big city with her beautiful daughter. It would be a wonderful experience together.

"I would love that too. And I'm sure she will as well," Nathan said in agreement.

Elizabeth sighed. "Then we'll go. But we'll miss you terribly."

"Not as much as I'll miss all of you," Nathan answered and then he got up and moved around the desk. Taking Elizabeth's hand once again he drew her from her chair and brought her close to him.

"Kiss me, Mrs Grant," he whispered against her lips.

"Gladly, Constable," she replied softly between kisses.

The week seemed to fly by between packing and planning and a couple more trips to the mercantile for last minute necessities. The excitement in their home was near bubbling over and yet always tinged with a little sadness that the family would not be making the trip together.

Before they were ready for it, Thursday arrived and with it, Nathan's departure for Capital City. He couldn't be sure how long he would be needed or when he would see his family again. Knowing they were travelling in a similar direction only a couple days later was of little comfort. He wanted to be with them. To watch over his growing family and to be there to officially meet his wife's family.

This would be Nathan's first longer absence since they had officially joined the Thornton and Grant families. It was a very different feeling. Somehow both a mixture of deeper sadness and greater peace knowing their love would reach across the miles and be waiting for him when he returned.

Still, there were teary eyes and long hugs as Elizabeth sent Nathan off at the train station. The children had said goodbye at home and stayed there but Elizabeth had insisted on making the journey with Nathan to delay goodbye for as long as possible.

"I'll be home as soon as I can be. You have a great visit with your family. Call me anytime you want, okay?" Nathan said against your hair, repeating the same words he'd already said more than once that day, reminders of his steadfast love.

Elizabeth just held him tight, memorizing the feeling of his arms around her and his heartbeat in her ear. Finally, at the conductor's last call, she slowly released him from the hug and placed one more memorable kiss on his lips.

"I'll see you soon, darling," she said softly, her hand resting on his cheek.

"Soon." Nathan repeated, his blue eyes locked on hers in a promise. Finally, he picked up his bag and boarded the train.