Ned Yost approached Elizabeth with a package in hand. "Elizabeth!"

Elizabeth turned around and smiled. "Ned! Is everything alright? I don't believe I ordered anything."

"Oh you didn't," Ned exclaimed. "But this package has been waiting for you for a few days and I thought it might be important."

Elizabeth looked at the return address. It was from Abigail! Abigail Stanton, her beloved friend, had been back East for several years. She had gone to take care of [look up] and she had yet to return to Hope Valley. Elizabeth hoped that one day she would but she knew that decision was not up to her.

"Thank you Ned," Elizabeth quickly replied, realizing that Ned was still standing in front of her. Ned walked down the schoolhouse steps and Elizabeth moved towards her desk. She found a pair of scissors and cut the twine. Inside there were three envelopes and a wrapped package. Elizabeth opened the top letter which was in Abigail's strong handwriting.

My Dear Elizabeth,

How I wish I had better news I was hoping that Cody and I would be able to return to our dear Hope Valley for a visit—and for your wedding. However, my [insert] has had very fluctuating health and I do not feel as if I can leave. How I miss you and my family there in Hope Valley. My heart longs to see Clara with her Jesse, meet Lee and Rosemary's children, and see how the town is faring with the oil business. I feel I have missed so much. Your letters have helped but it is not the same.

I wish I knew your beloved Nathan. I know he has to be an amazing man to have your heart. I appreciated the picture of you and Jack with Nathan and his niece, Ally. It enabled me to picture you as a family. Elizabeth, that is all I have ever wanted for you. When you arrived on that stage so many years ago, I know you did not expect to stay in Hope Valley. But even when you have felt low, Hope Valley has been there for you, to remind you that a family is so much more than blood or even marriage. It is who we love and welcome into our hearts. You are my family Elizabeth. And now, Nathan is yours as well.

I hope what I am about to write and share does not bring you pain. But I have to send you these letters. They are from Jack. What you do not know is that before he left for the Northern Territories, he left me these other letters—letters I was to share with you in the event you got remarried. One of them is for you; the other was to be for your beloved, so please, give the letter to Nathan.

Elizabeth, I do not know what is in the letters. But I know Jack. He loved you and wanted your happiness above all others. He adored you. I know he does not intend pain or reopening of old wounds. So read them, savor them, and then walk down that aisle proudly, knowing you have found a second opportunity at love.

Cody, Becky, and I will be thinking of you. The package is from all of us. Open it with Jack, Ally, and Nathan, alright? But not until after you have returned from your honeymoon. You will understand in due time.

Send my love to everyone there. I miss you all.

Abigail

Elizabeth's hands shook as she set down the letter. She looked at the other envelopes in the box. Yes, they were in Jack's hand. To have words from Jack that she had never read or heard before left Elizabeth with the craziest of feelings. All she knew was that she needed to see Nathan. She could handle anything with him by her side.

Nathan's face went from carefree to concerned as soon as Elizabeth walked into the Mountie office. "Lizabeth, what's wrong? You look like you have seen a ghost!"

Elizabeth fell into his arms. "You could say that I have." She handed Nathan Abigail's letter.

Nathan read it, his face staying expressionless. Elizabeth then handed Nathan an envelope. On the outside it said "To The Man My Elizabeth Loves."

"I didn't read it." Elizabeth said simply. "It's addressed to you."

Nathan looked deep into Elizabeth's eyes. "Did you read yours?"

"No," Elizabeth shook her head. "To be honest, I needed to feel your arms around me before I did."

Nathan sat down in a chair and encouraged Elizabeth to do the same. "I know better than to ask if you are having second thoughts."

Elizabeth gave Nathan a sideways glance. "Far from it." She looked away, her mind transported to a different time and place. "I just didn't expect this."

Nathan touched the side of her face. "I know. And I certainly did not expect this envelope." He held up the letter for effect. "I have an idea. Why don't we go home and read them together? Or at least in the same room as each other? Laura has Jack for another hour and Ally is eating dinner at Opal's tonight. We have moments to ourselves."

Elizabeth watched Nathan put on his Mountie hat. That this man would be so open with her, so courteous of her feelings, reminded her once again how happy she was to be marrying him in fourteen days.

Nathan started a fire in the fireplace and made Elizabeth a cup of peppermint tea. She hadn't asked for it; he knew the little pleasures that made her happy. He smiled as he sat down. Fourteen days until Elizabeth would become Mrs. Elizabeth Grant, his beautiful, beloved wife.

Nathan sat down on the couch and slowly opened Jack's letter. This first reading he wanted to keep to himself. Perhaps he would share with Elizabeth later.

To Him Who Elizabeth Loves,

I want to begin this letter by thanking you. Because if you are reading this letter, it means that my dear Elizabeth has opened herself to love again. You and I will be the only two men in the world who know just how much love she has to give. She loves deeply, passionately, honestly with such grace and humor. I always thought as a Mountie, I would never have a wife. Yet Elizabeth changed all of that and I am ever so grateful.

Everything happens in life for a reason. I wasn't even supposed to come to Hope Valley. But I did. I met the love of my life. I made friends. It was my home as it had my heart. Since you are reading this, it means I was only to love Elizabeth for a short time. I don't know why. I wish I had been able to spare her the times of pain and loneliness my leaving her caused. That my death caused. You have helped ease that pain. And for that, I am grateful.

If Elizabeth has given you her heart, it means you deserve it. I trust it to you, my good man. May you honor her with your body. May you challenge her with your mind. May you love her with all your heart as she has with you.

Jack Thornton

Nathan set the letter down, amazed at the words he had just read. If he had ever had any doubt about Jack's blessing, it was here in black and white. He would have it always. Nathan didn't want to share Jack's words just yet. Perhaps on their honeymoon.

"Jack was an amazing man," Nathan whispered. "I wish I had known him."

"If you had," Elizabeth replied, "Then you wouldn't have me. We wouldn't be getting married and all of us becoming a family in fourteen days. Everything in this life, in my life and in your life, has happened for a reason."

Nathan reflected on Elizabeth's words. They were the ones Jack had also said. They were true to be sure.

"I think you should read yours," Nathan smiled. "I'm here for you as you do."

My Dear Elizabeth,

This is a letter I wish I didn't feel the need to write. But I also don't know what I am heading into by going to the Northern Territories. Doug's death reminded me of that. It reminded me that nothing in life is sure, that we should make the best of every moment that we are given. I wish I had done that earlier in our relationship. We wasted so much time taking things slow, being in our own way.

If you are reading this letter, it means that you have found love again. That you have opened your heart and met a man who you feel safe with. A man who you trust with all the deepest parts of you. A man who will give you his name and his heart. I don't know what sort of man he is—what he does for a job, what his interests are, what his story is. But I know you wouldn't love him so well if you had doubts. Elizabeth, I am so glad that you do not have doubts.

I want you to head into this marriage with no fear. Do not fear the same outcome as you and I. Do not hold back any part of yourself. Love him passionately. Believe in him unconditionally. Embrace this man as you did me. I will always be with you, watching over you and your future family. Know that I am smiling on you, so happy for our love together and yours with him as well.

Yours,

Jack

Elizabeth also set her letter down, her lashes wet from tears. She handed the letter to Nathan.

"Are you sure you want me to," Nathan kissed Elizabeth's hand. "Especially since I did not show you my letter?"

"You have never had anything from Jack. I understand wanting to keep it to yourself for now." Elizabeth clasped Nathan's hand. "But I do want to share. I'm sure about this."

Nathan tenderly put his arm around Elizabeth, encouraging her into the side of his body. He took the letter from her and read it carefully, slowly.

When he was finished neither of them spoke. The silence was welcome, both with their own thoughts. Finally, it was Elizabeth's voice that broke the stillness. "I don't have fear."

Nathan knew exactly what she mean. "About my being a Mountie and something happening."

Elizabeth nodded. "Once Jack and I were in a mine and it started to collapse. He pushed me, or rather rolled on top of me, and got me out of the way."

"You never told me that before," Nathan said, his voice laced with concern.

"It really was nothing," Elizabeth assured. "But in the end, Jack told me that while I had been concerned about danger for him as a Mountie, it was just as dangerous being a teacher. He was right. If I wanted to avoid anything scary, I wouldn't leave my bed. Life cannot be lived that way and it isn't how I want to live it. So no, I don't fear, Nathan."

Nathan kissed Elizabeth's temple. "I'm glad. I knew that, but I am still glad to hear it."

The two sat in each other's arms for a while longer. There was no need to speak. They were together and that was what mattered. Elizabeth glanced up at the clock and slowly got up. "I better go get Jack and then we will be back for dinner."

Nathan gave Elizabeth a slow, lingering kiss. "You know," Nathan spoke sensually, "If there ever is a day you don't want to leave the bed, can I stay with you?"

"We'll see," Elizabeth whispered seductively as she left the room. Of course the answer would be yes but she wasn't going to tell Nathan that. Yet.