SECOND CHANCES FOR NATHAN

Chapter 3, Part 2

It wasn't long before Bill came in the door to talk again with Nathan. Nathan had just hung up with Mountie headquarters and looked with anticipation for Bill's discovery.

"Yes, there was a purchase of the saloon, '' Bill said without even a hello, "I just knew it, Lucas has skipped town and who did he sell it to? None other than Wyman Walden! That lousy son of a gun!"

"That is what I was afraid of, Nathan informed Bill, I just got off the phone with headquarters and asked to check if there were any accidents or mishaps, but none were reported. Only the good Lord knows where he is now!"

Bill nodded his head, "That's the problem, we have no lead yet, but in all fairness the deal is legitimate and Walden is now the proud owner of the Queen of Hearts. Damn. Before Lucas bought it, Henry and I wanted to purchase it. If I had only known I would've asked Lee and approached Lucas. I doubt we would've been able to pay what Walden did, but I sure would've liked to try."

"I plan on talking to Walden as soon as he shows up. We need to talk to him about this, before he moves in." Nathan advised.

"I'm with you there buddy, if you or I see him come into town, let's get to him right away. This isn't going to be pretty." Bill warned. "I'm going to talk to Lee about this now."

When Bill left, Nathan's thoughts went right to Elizabeth. How would she handle this? It was clear from yesterday when she was looking for Lucas, that she didn't know where he was. Today she had to be busy being the last day of school before summer break, he figured, and hadn't had a chance to look for him.

He knew it wasn't his business, she had made it clear that she wasn't interested in pursuing a relationship with Nathan, but he truly loved her and his heart felt for her. Yet, he had to protect himself from caring too much. The hurt from yesterday had cut him to the core. How could she say she was "looking for Jack" in him? It was bad enough that she told him she wasn't in love with him, but to say that - well, that just added salt to the wound.

He was more than a Mountie, he was a good-hearted, loving man who took care of his niece when his beautiful sister passed away and Allie's own father deserted her! He loved her enough to adopt her for heaven's sake! Didn't Elizabeth see how devoted an uncle, now father he was? Didn't she see what a family man he would be for all them including LJ?

If her fear prevented her from loving him, he had even offered to leave the Mounties, but no, she wouldn't hear of it. Elizabeth was always running, running scared from her own feelings and into Lucas's arms.

Nathan snapped out of his thoughts when he heard Bill rushing in yet again. Lee was with him and the two of them were very determined to buy the Queen of Hearts Saloon come hell or high water. Lee had promised to Rosemary to build her a stage and that dream was forefront in his mind right this minute. Lee was searching for something more than owning a lumber mill, he wanted to explore other opportunities. Bill too wanted to continue hosting an entertainment venue for the families who enjoyed their movie night that Lee had made a reality for the townsfolk. Besides, Bill, Nathan and even Carson had plucked a few strings together in their men's time at the saloon. Yes, this was going to be great for Hope Valley!

"Look," Lee said, "let's not get ahead of ourselves, I need to know what he paid Lucas first, but I'm confident that I can match it, or even add to it if need be."

"Hey look," Bill added, I still have that money and I'm also selling some of my land," so it won't be all on your shoulders Bill."

"I'm sure Walden will be in town any minute now, Nathan jumped in, "so we'll get this taken care of as soon as we can." Just as he was finishing, they all heard the rumble of a car and looked out to see Wyman Walden parking in front of the Queen of Hearts.