Elizabeth and Allie stared out the window as the miles passed by. The gentle rocking of the train had lulled Jack into a nap. The scenery was changing as their journey continued from the mountains near their beloved Hope Valley, to wide open prairies, and now a mixture of hills and rocks and trees and lakes as they drew closer to their destination.

Elizabeth thought of Nathan who had arrived in Capital City the evening before they boarded their train to begin the journey to Hamilton. He had called from the train station to let them know of his safe arrival and to tell Elizabeth that he had already arranged with Lee to take them to the train station and pick them up there when they returned. He had made sure his wife and family were taken care of even when he couldn't be there. Time apart was always lonely but Elizabeth was grateful for the distraction of a long awaited visit to her childhood home.

Realizing she had been lost in her thoughts for some time with no interruption from the normally chatty Allie, Elizabeth glanced across their cabin. Allie also appeared deep in thought and slightly troubled.

"Are you okay, Allie? Is the motion bothering you?" Elizabeth asked.

"No I feel fine," Allie responded, then quickly realizing that maybe her mother wasn't doing well with the constant rocking she asked, "Are you feeling okay, mama? I know you were sick sometimes in the last few months with even the smallest movement."

Allie thought back to the night she had observed from the stairs, dad and mama dancing in the kitchen. She had only wanted a glass of water but then she saw them and couldn't interrupt or force herself back to bed. She watched enamoured as her tall, strong father swayed only gently, holding her mama close, knowing how her body was struggling with the early months of pregnancy.

"No, no, I'm feeling fine these days," Elizabeth smiled, a hand resting on her belly where the tiniest sign of her growing baby was beginning to show.

"It won't be much longer until we arrive. Probably by supper tonight," Elizabeth stared longingly out the window again, willing the miles to go by faster.

Allie smiled only slightly and stared off into the distance. Mustering up her courage, she finally spoke to the one woman she had always felt comfortable to talk to.

"Mama, do you think they'll like me?"

Elizabeth was taken back by the question. She adored Allie and had for many years now. It had never crossed her mind that her family would feel any different. Yet, her sweet daughter was somehow wondering about her place in this new family. No doubt this was worsened by Nathan having to miss this visit.

"Of course I do, Allie. I love you with my whole heart. I'm sure they will too." Elizabeth attempted to reassure her.

"It's just, dad said you grew up with a lot of money. Like a lot," Allie announced as only she could. "And I didn't. What if I do the wrong thing? Or say the wrong thing? Or eat with the wrong fork? Or...or..?"

Elizabeth was caught somewhere between affection and amusement. It was clear Allie dearly wanted to impress her new found family in Hamilton but her vision of them was humorous to Elizabeth. Though she had to admit, not entirely inaccurate.

Her family had been less than happy about her relationship with Jack. While they didn't outright disapproved of her marriage to Nathan, they did seem less than thrilled about her choosing another Mountie, especially after being engaged to the "right kind" of man.

Elizabeth cringed inwardly. In her excitement to visit her family and introduce Allie to the excitement of Hamilton, she had completely missed the possibility of her family being less than kind to her new daughter. Well she wouldn't stand for it. She would keep a watchful eye and an ear out for an issues which would be promptly nipped in the bud.

"Allie, you just stick with me. We're going to have a wonderful time. I think you'll really enjoy my sister Julie." Elizabeth encouraged her and she could see Allie relax at her words.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth silently prayed for wisdom and favour. This visit had the potential be an unforgettable bonding experience or an irreparably hurtful one.

By the time their train began to slow and finally came to a stop, the scene out their window had changed dramatically. Tall buildings and power lines had replaced mountains and trees. The grand train station that was their final stop didn't at all resemble the one where they had boarded not two days ago.

Elizabeth led the children through the tall doors and then all at once, they heard the happy squeal of Julie and were surrounded by friendly faces and laughter, welcoming them to Hamilton. Allie stood back while they exclaimed over how tall Jack had gotten and how Elizabeth was simply glowing.

"And you must be Allison," Elizabeth's father, William Thatcher said in his standard, dignified manner.

"Allie," she replied quietly, feeling very unsure of herself.

A warm smile softened William's face and he extended his arms to embrace his new granddaughter. Allie's fears melted away with the kind gesture.

"Allie, I hear you're a talented writer and brilliant student. And such a pretty young lady too, I see!" Grace Thatcher, Elizabeth's mother spoke now before wrapping Allie in a gentle hug, "It's so wonderful to meet you."

"You too," Allie replied, and she really meant it.

Julie was next in line. Of course it wasn't her first time seeing Allie but it was a whole new adventure to be introduced as Aunt and Niece. Allie had the feeling Elizabeth was right and she would very much enjoy her time with Julie.

Elizabeth watched the entire exchange, her heart bursting with joy at Allie's kind welcome into the family. She took a deep breath and relaxed, ready to enjoy the blessing of time with her family.

"Someone will bring your luggage to the house," William Thatcher said casually as they made their way to the waiting vehicles.

They climbed into the cars and then were off, being driven through city streets that looked nothing like Hope Valley's dusty roads. Street lights shone in the place of stars. Cars honked and the bell of a streetcar rang as it passed them on its rails. There were constant gasps and exclamations from Jack and Allie. Even Elizabeth found herself caught up in the wonder of it. She loved Hope Valley and its slower pace but she was thoroughly enjoying experiencing Hamilton through the eyes of her children.

Elizabeth pointed out some of her favourite shops and restaurants, a place they could get the best little desserts, and a theatre that put on the finest plays. Julie, who had joined them in their car, pointed out her favourite dress shoppe and an art gallery. It was a whole new world for Allie who had never visited a big city and for Jack who was too young to remember any previous visits to see Grandfather and Grandmother Thatcher.

At last, they pulled into the Thatcher driveway, through the gates, and up to the door of the mansion. Allie had never seen anything quite like it. Her dad said they had money but it must be even more than she had imagined.

Elizabeth watched Allie's glowing and then slightly intimidated reaction to the imposingly grand house before her. She reached for the girl's hand knowing from the look on her face that she had many questions.

"It's certainly no charming Hope Valley home, but you'll see, there's love here too," Elizabeth said quietly. Allie smiled at her mother. The house looked entirely too fancy and stuffy for love and yet it also left Allie wondering how Elizabeth could ever settle for the simple life she had in Hope Valley.

"It's…it's really something," Allie responded with a mixture of praise and astonishment.

Julie offered to show the children around while Elizabeth informed the staff of which bag went to which room. Excited to see more, Allie and Jack followed Julie down shining hallways, through glorious rooms, and finally to their meticulously landscaped yard. It seemed to Allie there was a unique room for each and every possible purpose. The tea room, the library, the reading room, the drawing room, the dining room, offices, bedrooms, and on and on.

Once everything was settled, Grace called for tea to be brought to one of the drawing rooms wherever everyone had gathered. She asked about their trip and included each member of the family in her questions and conversation.

After a little while, William turned to his grandson and asked if he would like to go outside to play. They had bought some outdoor toys for him to enjoy while he visited. Jack was thrilled with the idea. Allie offered to join them and then quickly wondered if she had over stepped. Was she allowed to enjoy the outdoors? Or should she be a lady and sip tea until dinner?

Turning to Elizabeth she asked, "Is that alright, mama?"

"Yes, of course! We were on a train for so long. Go enjoy the fresh air!" Elizabeth encouraged her.

Within only a few minutes, the sound of laughter fluttered through the opened windows as grandfather played with grandchildren. It warmed Elizabeth's heart to know these memories would be there to hold them through until their next visit. Whenever that might be.

"It's a shame your husband couldn't be here," her mother said but not with the kind of softness and sincerity you'd hope. Instead there was just a tinge of accusation and annoyance.

"Nathan got called to work on a case in Capitol City, mother," Elizabeth replied calmly. "I told you that. It was very last minute and he insisted we make the trip anyway. He even arranged our ride to the train station before he left." Elizabeth couldn't help but feel defensive.

"The life of a Mountie I suppose…" her mother replied, still with irritation in her voice.

Elizabeth took a deep breath to steady herself before she confidently replied, "Mother, he is a good man. He loves me more than I could ever describe. He cares for our children. He's honest and loyal and brave. And he's mine. He's my husband and I can't imagine my life without him."

"And what if you have to?" her mother retorted quickly.

Julie gasped from across the room, where she had been avoiding the awkward exchange.

Was her mother's criticism really just a desire to protect her daughter? Elizabeth stared into the eyes of her mother, eyes that were brimming with tears.

"Mother, I know the risk. But I also know the love. I can't wait for you to meet him," she reached over and gently squeezed her mother's hand.

Grace sniffled and blinked away tears, "I just want you happy, my dear Elizabeth."

"I am, mother. Wonderfully happy," Elizabeth responded with genuine warmth.

"Charles will be joining us for supper," Grace abruptly announced.

Elizabeth unintentionally grimaced. She was married. When would this matchmaking end?

"Mother…" she began but quickly she was cut off.

"Oh! Has Julie not told you?" her mother asked with sincere confusion in her voice.

Elizabeth glanced at her sister who was beaming. Her eyes asked the question.

"We've been courting," Julie admitted with a joy Elizabeth had never seen in her sister. Was that love? It sure looked like it.

"Julie! You never told me! Oh that's so wonderful!" Elizabeth celebrated with her sister.

The dinner was a great success. Jack and Allie enjoyed their fancy chef made meal. Allie had known which fork to use for what thanks to subtle nods and winks from her mama. The love was evident between Charles and Julie. Overall, it was a lovely time.

Now, they had all retired to another room in the impressive house meant for lounging and conversation. A grand piano sat in the corner, books lined the far wall. Allie was sure she would be lost if she tried to find her way back to her room alone. Still it was like a dream. She could love her life in Hope Valley and enjoy her time here in this splendor. She began to understand her mama more.

Finally, their long day caught up with them and all three headed up to bed early. Elizabeth showed the children to their rooms. She tucked Jack into his bed, and checked in to bid Allie a good night before making her way farther down the hall to her own room.

With a few quiet moments to herself, Elizabeth picked up the phone in her room and called Nathan. It was so good to hear his voice. Before long it was time to say good night.

"I miss you so very much," Elizabeth confessed, wishing she could be with him.

"I miss you too. More than I can say," Nathan replied, wishing so much to be with her.

Elizabeth had just hung up the phone when there was a quiet knock at her door. Pulling her dressing gown over her nightgown, she made her way to see who was at her door. Opening it, she was met with the sweetest little face looking up at her.

"Mommy, can I snuggle you? My room is so big and so far away from you." Jack asked with big, worried eyes.

How could she resist? "Of course, lovebug," she replied, placing her arm around his little shoulders and leading him to the large canopy bed in the centre of her room.

They had just gotten comfortable and snug under the covers when Elizabeth heard another gentle knock at her door. Retrieving her dressing gown once again, she retraced her steps back to the door. This time it was Allie who was standing in the hallway.

"Mama, could I hang out with you for a while? My room is just so big and so different than home," she looked a little sheepish when suddenly the door was pulled farther open by a giggling little boy.

"Come on, Allie! Sleepover in mommy's room!" he announced with excitement.

Elizabeth looked back and forth between her kids before wrapping her arm around Allie's shoulders and closing the door behind her.

"Alright, but we have to sleep," she said with a laugh.

Jack settled in the middle of the bed with Allie and Elizabeth on either side. Much better. Elizabeth's hand rested on her newly growing belly as it often did these days. This felt like the most cozy, love filled dream come true.

"Good night, my darlings," Elizabeth said just above a whisper.

"Good night mama! Good night Jack!"

"Good night mommy and Allie!"