Elizabeth woke up to the smell of coffee and bacon. She could hear what sounded like Mary and Allie singing and making breakfast together downstairs. She stretched herself out in Jack's bed for a moment relishing the thought that in mere hours she would be Nathan's wife.

Jack had slept in Allie's room the night before, to give Elizabeth a more restful sleep the night before her wedding. Tonight, Allie would stay with the Canfields and Nathan's parents were moving over to the hotel. Jack would be staying at the Coulters with Charlotte for the night. Elizabeth felt more comfortable having Jack next door. He was doing remarkably well under the new clinic's care, but she still worried.

This left Nathan and Elizabeth to have their house to themselves for their first night as husband and wife. Their house...she still couldn't believe it. The path that had led them here had had so many bumps and twists, some of her own making. Yet here they were. She was about to marry her best friend.

She knew she needed to get up and get started with the day. Rosemary and Julie would be over shortly to help her get ready. Rosemary, Julie, and Allie were serving as her bridesmaids. Bill, Lee, and Little Jack were serving as Nathan's groomsmen. As Elizabeth rose to go downstairs, she couldn't help but think of Nathan and wonder what he was doing this morning.

As Elizabeth made her way to breakfast, Nathan sat astride Newton, thinking of Elizabeth. Nathan had woken up hours ago, and found he was unable to go back to sleep. He decided he'd take Newton out for a ride, since he'd be gone for almost a week. He didn't have a plan of where he wanted to go, and yet, he ended up in front of the cemetery as if it had been his intended destination.

Nathan dismounted and walked to the grave he knew had beckoned him. He'd only been here a few times before, but he knew exactly where the fallen Mountie's grave was.

He stood in front of Jack's headstone and gave a salute. "Sorry it's been awhile Jack. I'm sure you know that today is the day I marry Elizabeth. I don't need to tell you what a special woman she is. And Little Jack, well he's something else. He's an amazing young boy. I love them Jack, I'd give my life for them. I will do everything in my power to keep them happy and protect them as you would have."

Out of the corner of his eye he saw movement near the entrance of the cemetery. He glanced over and saw Charlotte and Tom. Nathan bowed his head towards the grave and walked over to Newton, tipping his hat to the Thorntons. He wanted to give them time with their son and brother. They smiled back at him and made their way to Jack's grave.

Nathan made his way back into town, it was time for him to get back to the Canfields so that he could get ready with the rest of the men in the wedding party.

Elizabeth looked at herself in the mirror, the dress Rosemary had made was perfect. It was modest, yet modern. It had a beautiful gauze overlay over an off-white satin gown, with loose mid length sleeves of lace, and a cord to synch the middle and show off her figure slightly. It was definitely a lot more comfortable than her first wedding gown.

Julie had gifted her a beaded head piece to wear that matched perfectly with her gown.

She had just finished arranging her hair around the head piece when there was a knock on the door.

"Come in."

Allie entered in a beautiful soft blue dress. "Elizabeth, you look beautiful."

Elizabeth put her arms out and pulled her in for a hug. "So do you Allie."

"Dad wanted me to give you this." Allie handed her a long box. "He said he thought you might be able to wear it today."

Elizabeth opened it and saw a beautiful silver chain with four heart charms dangling from it.

She opened the note folded in the box.

My Dearest Elizabeth,

You are making my dreams come true today by becoming my wife. The four hearts on this chain represent the family we are joining together today. I'm counting the minutes until I see you walk down the aisle to me.

Yours Always,

Nathan

Elizabeth tried to stop the tears that were forming in her eyes.

"Here, let me put that on you." Rosemary had come in to witness her opening the box. She reached for the necklace Elizabeth was holding. "Allie, can you get the handkerchief in my bag over there? Alright Elizabeth, just one more hour to go, let's try to keep your eyes dry."

Elizabeth chuckled, let out a breath, and gave Allie and Rosemary a smile.

Over at the Canfields, Lee was handing Nathan his own box from Elizabeth. Inside was a set of blue cufflinks, as Nathan had opted to wear a tux for the wedding, as opposed to his serge. Nathan unfolded his note from the box.

Nathan my love,

Thank you for being patient with me and for loving me through the hard. You have the most loving heart I have ever known. I feel truly blessed to be the woman that gets to be by your side, and I can't wait to start our forever together.

You once asked me a question, well my love, I can finally answer, it's you, Nathan Grant, you are what is in my heart.

Forever Yours,

Elizabeth

Lee looked over at Nathan and passed him a handkerchief.

The day seemed to go in slow motion, and yet, before he knew it, Nathan was standing by the pond. Beside him stood Bill, Lee, and Jack. Jack was wearing a tux that matched Nathan's. He knew Elizabeth, her bridesmaids, and family were in the church, waiting for their moment to join them.

He heard the door to the church open, and saw Minnie come out and walk over to Angela, who was waiting to play her ukulele.

Nathan looked over at his parents seated on the front row, his dad had his arm around his mom. His mom was beaming at him with tear filled eyes.

Angela started to play, and Nathan's heart sped up.

Elizabeth's mom walked out and took her seat on the front row. She looked up at Nathan and gave him a smile.

Next came Allie. Nathan had to take a deep breath, his little girl looked very much the young woman she was. He saw her glance over and Oliver as she made her way down the aisle, and he could see the growing affection in their faces. Normally this would have put him into panic, but today, he was just happy to see his girl so happy. Then she looked up at him, Nathan walked down to meet her. He held her for a moment and kissed the top of her head. Around him, he could hear everyone gushing as they took in this heartwarming scene between a father and daughter. As they stood there, Jack ran up and hugged their legs. The three of them turned and walked hand in hand up to the front.

The door to the church was cracked just enough that Elizabeth had witnessed the whole scene. Elizabeth's heart was soaring.

She and her father followed after Rosemary and Julie.

Nathan looked up and saw her. His Elizabeth. She was stunning. His eyes locked with hers, and he had to remember to breathe. He had thought about this moment so many times since he first kissed her, longer if he was being honest, but nothing could compare to the pure joy and peace he felt at that moment.

There he was, her Nathan. All other thoughts went out of her head, all she saw was his ocean blue eyes, pulling her forward. How had she almost missed this moment, this moment that felt so right. There at the end of the aisle stood her love, the other half of her heart. She felt the invisible thread pulling her down the aisle to his side. Her father handed her over to Nathan, and she took his hands as she felt that recognizable spark, the one she first felt all those years ago reaching for a library book.

Joseph started the ceremony and led them to their vows.

"Nathan and Elizabeth have written their own vows to share with each other today and pledge their love to one another, in the presence of their friends and family. Nathan, will you share you vows to Elizabeth."

Nathan looked into her eyes and started, "Elizabeth, you know I'm not one for words, and yet, somehow you have always managed to pull the words out of me. You are one of the few people I'm able to bear my soul to. You've helped me know myself. You've helped me become myself. I fell for you the day you showed my Allie grace. You have been a constant in my life and in Allie's life. It may not have always been an easy road, but we have built something amazing, not only between us, but with our children. I have never known a love like what I feel for you, Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton. You are my best friend, an amazing mother to Allie and Jack, and you are the love of my life. I will love you all my days and after."

Tears were dripping down Elizabeth's face. Nathan reached over and wiped them away.

"Elizabeth, will you share your vows with Nathan."

Elizabeth closed her eyes and took several breaths, then looked back up at him.

"Nathan Grant, when you came to this town, I was a broken woman. I didn't know if I would ever be able to let love back into my heart. You have shown me patience and kindness like I've never known. You let me find my way to you. You have been my best friend, my confidant, and my protector. You helped me find my way out of the darkness. You and Allie have been a ray of light in my life. Your dedication to your family and those you love Nathan is fierce, and I feel so blessed to be the one you have chosen to spend your lifetime with. I love you so very much and I love the family we have made. You, Jack, and Allie are my world, and I can't wait to start this new life together."

Elizabeth held onto one of Nathan's hands, but beckoned Allie and Jack over with her other. Allie stood beside Elizabeth holding her hand and Nathan swung Jack up into his free side.

"Nathan and Elizabeth would now like to include their children in their vows." Joseph explained.

"Allie and Jack, you are huge blessings to your father and I, and we vow to be here for you as a family for the rest of your lives." Elizabeth said through tears.

"Allie and Jack, your mother and I love you very much, you are our greatest joys in this life, and we vow to never leave you." Nathan looked at Allie and winked. Allie smiled remembering the words she asked him to say at her adoption.

With that, the four of them huddled together in a group hug. Allie then took Jack from Nathan, and Elizabeth and Nathan proceeded with the exchanging of rings.

When it came time to pronounce them husband and wife, there were barely any dry eyes in the audience.

"It is with great honor and privilege, that I pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Grant. Nathan, you may kiss your..." before Joseph could say bride, Nathan had already scooped Elizabeth up and kissed her. "Bride." Joseph got out, as he chuckled and everyone applauded and stood.

The crowd then moved over to the saloon for a reception.

Nathan only had eyes for his bride that night, he even failed to watch as Oliver danced several waltzes with Allie. The day was more than either Nathan or Elizabeth could have ever hoped for, full of family and love.

As the night wound down, they said goodnight to all of their friends and family.

Lee drove Rosemary and the newly married Grants, with a sleepy Jack back to their row houses. Nathan carried Jack into the Coulter's house and handed him over to Lee.

He walked over to Elizabeth's porch, no, our porch he thought, and saw his bride waiting for him. He gave her his lopsided grin and walked up to meet her on the stoop. He pulled her in for a passionate kiss, then swiftly lifted her up into his arms. She gave a slight exclaim of surprise, as she was reminded of a fever dream, she had had not too long ago. He opened the door to their house and carried his bride over the threshold and into their new life together.