The taxi slowly made its way through the open fields, green forests, and golden valleys leading to Hope Valley. With every fibre of her being, Elizabeth ached for the familiar sites and people of her hometown. It had been nearly 3 months since the fateful night she had hurriedly packed and left for Cape Fullerton and the hope of better medical care that awaited them there.

So much had happened in that time. So much had changed. But not the important things. Love and trust. And Nathan. She shifted her view from straining to stare as far into the distance as possible, awaiting the first glimpse of their Valley, to the man who sat in the front seat, making friendly conversation with their taxi driver.

Over and over, his steadfast love had broken through her fears and reminded her that there is no weakness in loving and truly being loved. Her fierce independence was not threatened by accepting his great love. Instead, she was uplifted and emboldened by his strength and support.

As the curves and dips in the road become gradually more familiar, Elizabeth recognized they were nearly at their destination. She glanced across the bench seat. Allie sat up, leaning forward, apparently quite eager for their arrival as well. Elizabeth was deeply suspicious she knew exactly why. Jack napped soundly between them but not the same, terrifying, unresponsive sleep as their journey away from Hope Valley. Today, it was merely the swaying rhythm of the car ride that had become irresistible. Jack little face was rosy with health. When not asleep, he was a silly, chatterbox. Indeed, the time in Cape Fullerton had been well spent. Now the Hope Valley Insulin Clinic was prepared and ready to treat Jack and many others with the consistent and effective insulin needed to live with this disease.

At last, the first buildings came into view and within moments, they were stopping in front of the last row house. Home. They were finally home.

Elizabeth wondered what Rosemary would think of them simply showing up rather than calling for a drive. But then it wouldn't be a surprise and Elizabeth was longing for this moment and their reunion.

No sooner had their bags, predominantly filled with new clothing purchased in Cape Fullerton, been carried through the front door than Rosemary also came bursting in.

"You're home! Oh Elizabeth, you're home! Jack! How's my boy? Allie!! Look at you! Nathan! Welcome home!" Rosemary exclaimed, wrapping each in a quick but tight hug, making her way around until she was back in front of Elizabeth. Taking both her hands, she looked in her friend's eyes and began to speak but before she did, she realized something.

Focusing for just a moment, she rubbed her thumbs across Elizabeth's hands once more. There was the feminine and dainty ring on her right hand that Elizabeth always wore. A gift from her mother many years ago. But what was that? On her left hand, she felt another ring. Quickly assessing the single diamond and intricate band with her thumb, she looked down.

"Elizabeth! You're engaged?" Rosemary nearly shrieked, her face shifting between shock and pure joy.

"Actually," Elizabeth turned toward Nathan, reaching for his left hand that also displayed a gold ring, "We're married!"

Rosemary's expression ran a full spread of emotion before she smiled broadly, pulling the newlyweds into a hug and laughing.

"Well I suppose it's about time! I do wish I'd been there though. Oh we just have to have a party to celebrate here! Everyone will want to…"

"Rosemary," Elizabeth gently cut her off, "We'd really like the chance to announce this to every one ourselves if you don't mind."

"Oh, well yes, of course," Rosemary responded, more subdued but still glowing with joy for her friends.

Jack, well rested from his nap in the car, dashed through the room and up the stairs before quickly reappearing, his baseball glove and ball in hand.

"Mama forgot to pack them!" he announced with a giggle, excited to have his favourite things once again. "Wanna play catch, dad?" he invited, barely slowing his stride to wait for the expected response.

"Always," Nathan replied with a grin, overflowing with thankfulness for his healthy and active son. Grabbing his own glove from the shelf by the door, he followed Jack out into the sunshine.

"'Dad'?" Rosemary asked simply, tears quickly filling her eyes.

"Isn't it wonderful? More than I ever could have asked," Elizabeth answered, her voice soft and full of emotion.