A/N: Hello, friends! Thank you so much for the love and support for this story. I enjoy hearing your thoughts. For this chapter, I just wanted to put out a disclaimer: it could be very triggering for some people – potentially more triggering than New Dawn. This may well be one of the lowest points in the story, but don't worry…I'm in the business of happy endings. :)

Elizabeth stared at the ceiling for nearly an hour before getting out of bed on August 12. It was the six-month anniversary of Jack's death. For some reason, six months felt like a significant passage of time. She imagined the actual anniversary of his death would be worse, but for now she felt a strange mix of sadness and peace. She couldn't change the past. What happened had happened. Rather than live in a state of denial, she had learned to accept his death. It still hurt. Part of her knew it would always hurt. A piece of her heart would always belong to Jack, no matter what the future might hold. He had been her first love, her fiancé, her world. Now that he was gone, she had to find out who she was again on her own.

"I miss you, Jack," she whispered into the stillness. "I'm trying to move on while still honoring your memory, but I wish I could hear your voice again." A tear fell down her cheek. "Just one last time."

She finally found the strength to get out of bed. After getting ready for the day, she went downstairs to make some tea.

A knock sounded at the door. Elizabeth went to it, pulling it open to find Abigail on the other side. Her friend stepped forward, wrapping Elizabeth in an embrace. No words were needed for a long time. They just held each other.

When they pulled back, Abigail looked her in the eyes. "How are you, Elizabeth?"

"Better than I thought I'd be," Elizabeth admitted. "Though I miss Jack terribly right now." She voiced the wish she'd felt upstairs in her room. "I wish I could talk to him one more time."

Abigail led her to the settee. "I might be able to help with that," she said softly as they sat.

Elizabeth's brow wrinkled. "What do you mean?"

Her friend reached into her pocket, pulling out an envelope. She handed it to Elizabeth. "This is for you."

Elizabeth looked down at the piece of paper. Her breath hitched as she saw her name written in Jack's familiar script. "What?" she whispered, a hand pressing against her heart. "How?"

Abigail placed an arm around her shoulders. "Before Jack left for the Northern Territories, he gave me that letter," she said. "He told me if he didn't make it home, I should give it to you six months after his death. He didn't say why that timeline was important, but I promised him I would give it to you then if anything were to happen." She squeezed Elizabeth's shoulders. "Would you like me to stay while you read it?"

Elizabeth nodded. "Yes, please," she whispered. Abigail's emotional support had been her rock over the last six months. It felt right that she remain with her as Elizabeth read Jack's letter.

With trembling hands, she pulled out the single sheet of paper and began reading.

My dearest Elizabeth,

If you're reading this, I never made it home. I am sorry for causing you such grief and pain. That was never my intention. Your love was a balm for my heart over the last several years. I wish we could have lived a long and happy life together, but it seems the good Lord had different plans. He has taken me home, and you are left to complete your mission on earth. Know that I will be watching out for you always, my sweet Elizabeth. You will never walk alone in this life.

I hope you have begun to heal, my love. It's been six months since my death. I hope you are at a place where you can hear these words and accept them: please continue to live a beautiful life. Please be open to love again. That heart of yours is so big, Elizabeth. It deserves to find a love that will last a lifetime. Find someone who will love you unconditionally, someone you can spend your life with, share a name with, have children with. You have my wholehearted blessing to find love whenever it comes your way. Maybe it already has, and if so, I rejoice with you. If it hasn't, then I ask that you be open to it when it does come. You deserve nothing but the best.

I love you, Elizabeth. Be at peace.

With all my heart,

Jack

Elizabeth pressed the letter to her heart, tears in her eyes and gratitude in her soul. Jack's last words to her were a tremendous gift, one she would cherish forever.

"Thank you, Jack," she whispered. She placed a kiss on the precious letter, then leaned against Abigail's shoulder. "Thank you."

Nathan felt like he was moving in slow motion. The significance of today's date was not lost on him. It was six months since Jack died, but it was also the anniversary of another painful event. He was so busy fighting his memories, he felt physically and emotionally exhausted.

He knew he needed to make a visit to the graveyard. But first, he wanted to see a familiar face.

Automatically, he made his way to Gabe's office. His friend was alone in the small building, working on an official-looking document. He smiled when he saw Nathan. "Hey," he said, sitting back.

"Hi," Nathan replied. He took the seat across from Gabe. "What are you working on?"

"A letter of approval from local law enforcement that Sheriff Avery is fit and ready to become Judge of Hope Valley and the surrounding areas," Gabe said, his smile growing. "Isn't that something?"

Nathan's brows rose. "Bill a judge?" he asked, mulling it over. He couldn't help smiling in return. "It fits, doesn't it?"

Gabe nodded. "I think he'll be a good one." He leaned back, studying Nathan. "But that isn't why you came here, is it?"

Shaking his head, Nathan sighed. "No, it's not."

Gabe's eyes shone with sympathy. "Is it Jack's death?" he asked.

"Partly," Nathan admitted. "But it's mainly something else." He drew in a deep breath. "Two years ago today was the last time I saw Sarah."

Gabe's mouth formed an O. He stood, dragging his chair with him so he could sit beside Nathan. "Do you want to talk about it?" he asked carefully.

Nathan closed his eyes. "Part of me wants to," he admitted. "But to talk about her would be to open myself to the memories, Gabe. I've been fighting them so hard for two years. I keep pushing away the pain, hoping it makes things better." He sighed. "It never does. I know I need to remember what happened and process it all. But I'm scared it will break me."

Gabe was quiet for a moment. "Avoidance usually doesn't end well," he said. He studied Nathan quietly for a few moments. "It must have been a very painful end if you're still suppressing the memories."

Nathan nodded bleakly.

Gabe folded his hands. His eyes were trained on the ground, moving back and forth slightly, telling Nathan he was looking for a solution. Finally, he looked up.

"Is it possible for you to find Sarah again?" he asked quietly. "Maybe if you talked through what happened, the past might loosen its grip on you."

Pain radiated through Nathan like a brand of fire. He choked on his own breath, once again desperately pressing down the memories that threatened to surface. Long minutes of silence stretched between the two men. When Nathan was finally able to speak, his words were broken.

"That's impossible, Gabe," he said, his tortured eyes finding his friend's. "Sarah is dead." He was quiet again for a moment before admitting the harsh truth. "And it's my fault."

Gabe sat in shocked silence. He then shook himself and leaned forward, placing a hand on Nathan's shoulder. "I'm so sorry," he said. "I didn't know."

Nathan swallowed. "How could you? I haven't exactly been forthcoming about it. It's my own fault for keeping things to myself for so long."

Gabe stood, pulling Nathan up as well. He wrapped him in an embrace. Nathan leaned against his friend, tears falling onto his cheeks. When Gabe finally pulled back, he put both hands on Nathan's shoulders. "I'm here for you," he said, looking directly into Nathan's eyes. "When you're ready to remember, when you're ready to talk, I'll be here."

Nathan nodded. He didn't think he could speak at that moment, but he appreciated Gabe's support more than he could say. He hugged Gabe again before finding his voice.

"I'm going to go to the graveyard," he said. "It feels appropriate on a day like today."

Gabe nodded. "Do you want me to go with you?"

Nathan shook his head. "Thanks, but I think I need some time alone." He smiled wryly. "If someone is there with me, I won't be able to get out the tears that need to fall."

Gabe smiled back, clapping Nathan on the shoulder. "Have that cry, Nathan." He turned more serious. "And if the opportunity presents itself, let the memories come. I'm worried about you, having kept them dormant for two years. I'm afraid that could backfire on you."

Nathan sighed. "It might." He tried to smile and lighten the mood. "But what's the worst that could happen?"

Gabe eyed him. "I'm not sure. That's what worries me."

Nathan waved a hand. "I'll be fine, Gabe." He reached out to squeeze his friend's shoulder. "But thank you for your concern. I truly appreciate it. You're a good friend."

He took his leave. Saddling Newton, he rode to the cemetery, unsure of what he was looking for while there. All he knew was that he needed to be alone.

Except he wasn't alone.

Elizabeth was standing at Jack's grave. Considering the day, Nathan wasn't surprised that she had come here, but he was surprised that they managed to be there at the same time. Maybe he should come back later. He didn't want to disturb her on what had to be a painful anniversary.

Newton whinnied when he saw Sergeant tied to a tree. Elizabeth's head turned, seeing him. She smiled and waved. Nathan waved back, then slowly dismounted and tied Newton beside his friend. He then made his way toward Elizabeth.

She looked surprisingly peaceful, though sadness was present in her eyes. "Hi."

"Hi," he returned. "How are you?"

She smiled again. "I feel…light," she said. "The grief is still there, but Abigail brought me a letter from Jack this morning. It felt like the goodbye I needed from him." A tear sparkled in her eye. "I think I've finally accepted that he is gone."

Sarah's face came to mind without warning. Nathan closed his eyes, willing the memories to stay away. Not here. Not now. He needed to focus on Elizabeth. "I'm glad you're finding some healing," he said, meaning the words. He was happy for her. She deserved to have healing and closure.

She moved closer, leaning her head against his shoulder. "I'm sure I'll have lots of moments of sadness still," she said, looking down at Jack's headstone. "It's a topsy-turvy process." She looked up at him. "But then, you know that. You lost someone you loved too." She sighed lightly. "Isn't it strange how such a loss can tear you apart inside?"

Her simple question broke through the dam holding back his memories. Nathan could do nothing to keep them from flooding his mind. Instantaneously, the cemetery faded and he was transported back two years to the single worst day of his life.

Pine Springs, August 1913

WE HAVE YOUR WOMAN. BRING THE MONEY TO THE ABANDONED CABIN AT 5:00. COME ALONE, OR SHE DIES.

Nathan's hands shook as he read the message for the tenth time. He'd been tracking the Controni gang for months, getting closer and closer until he'd finally located them in a town just outside of Jasper Canyon, ten miles from his home in Pine Springs. They were known to be cold, brutal, and vicious. Nathan had put all his efforts into finding the gang, determined to put them behind bars where they could no longer hurt innocent people. It galled him that their modus operandi was to kidnap civilians and use them against law enforcement, killing them more often than not. He had been thankful that Sarah was away in Montreal visiting her family as he tracked the gang. She was far away and therefore safe.

This note was either a ploy, or she had come home early. Nathan hoped fervently it was the first option, though the shaking in his hands and the dread in his gut whispered otherwise.

He picked up his phone, the one headquarters had insisted was necessary since he was responsible for four towns, and placed a call, alerting his superiors to the location of the gang. He then placed another call to Montreal, but no one answered. With a sinking heart, Nathan went to the bank to gather the money demanded by the gang. Headquarters had a unit heading to Jasper Springs even now. Nathan knew he could get there faster on horseback, but he also knew it would be folly to go out on his own against four armed and dangerous men.

As he headed back to his office with the bag of money, Clarissa Jonson waved at him. "Hello, Constable Grant!"

He tipped his hat. "Miss Jonson."

She smiled. "You must be so happy to have Sarah home again."

Nathan's heart sank to his stomach. He stopped in his tracks, staring at the young woman. "What?" he rasped.

Her brow wrinkled in confusion. "Sarah," she said, giving him a concerned look. "Haven't you seen her? She came in early this morning on the train to surprise you. When I saw her, she said she was heading directly for your office."

Nathan's entire body trembled. He felt sick inside. Without another word, he ran to his office. Once again, he placed a call to Mountie headquarters, informing them of the note and asking permission to head to the cabin alone.

The other end of the line was silent for a few moments. Finally, the superintendent spoke. "I don't like it, Grant," he said, his voice tinged with worry. "Having you face the Controni gang by yourself seems like a bad idea. I understand your concern for the kidnapped citizen, but I would prefer you wait for your backup."

"Please!" Nathan begged, desperate to help the woman he loved. "Even if I can just stall them until backup gets there, it would be worth it. They said they would kill Sarah if I didn't come alone. I have to at least try to get her out of there."

After another long pause, his superior relented. "Fine. But be careful, Grant. If you scope out the situation and it looks too dangerous, you wait for the others. Understand?"

"Yes, sir," Nathan said. He immediately hung up and rushed to saddle Newton. The ten-mile ride to the cabin in Jasper Canyon felt like an eternity. He pushed Newton hard, anxious to get to Sarah. His blood chilled as he considered the fact that she had been trapped in a cabin with four dangerous men for hours. He shuddered to think what they might have done to her.

Finally, he reached his destination. He tied Newton to a tree, then crept toward the cabin as stealthily as possible. The money bag was slung over his shoulder, filled with the required amount of cash. Nathan hoped it would be enough to satisfy the gang. Maybe they would take their money and go. He'd found them once. He could find them again. This time, it would be after he made sure Sarah was safely back in Montreal with no plans of coming home to surprise him.

His heart clenched in his chest when the cabin finally came into view. All was quiet. There were four horses tethered on one side of the house. He could determine no movement through the windows. A twig snapped somewhere to his right. Before he could react, someone pressed a gun to his head.

"Good evening, Constable Grant. Get up nice and slow."

Nathan froze momentarily before obeying the command. He glanced to the side to see Ray Controni, the gang's leader. The man wore a sneer with an air of cocky arrogance. "Now give me your weapon."

Gritting his teeth, Nathan unholstered his gun. Ray took it and tossed it aside. "You didn't think we'd let you come waltzing up here and surprise us, did you?" he taunted. He glanced around. "Though I see you did come alone like we asked. Smart move. We wouldn't want your precious girlfriend to get hurt, now would we?"

Something about the evil smile on his face told Nathan that Sarah had already been hurt. "Where is she?" he ground out. "I want to see Sarah."

"All in good time," Ray said lazily. "First I need to make sure you bought the right amount of money." He gave a shrill whistle. Moments later, another gang member appeared through the trees.

"Count the cash," Ray barked at the second man, ripping the bag from Nathan's shoulder and tossing it to his comrade. This one was named Lyle, if Nathan had them pegged correctly. The Controni Gang was made up of a group of cousins with Ray at the helm. Nathan had no idea what happened to make one family so evil, but apparently it was in their blood.

"It's all here," Lyle said, shouldering the bag and giving Nathan a mocking smile that chilled his bones.

"Did you see anyone else in the woods?" Ray asked.

Lyle shook his head. "He's alone."

"Excellent," Ray replied. He pressed his gun harder into Nathan's temple. "Move, Mountie."

They walked into the clearing. Ten yards from the cabin, Ray forced him to stop. "That's far enough."

Nathan glared at the man. "You have your money. Now let Sarah go." He refused to show the fear that was gripping him like a vice.

Ray smiled icily. "I can't do that quite yet, I'm afraid. She's not finished getting to know all of my men."

A sudden scream from the cabin punctuated his words, a scream that was quickly snuffed out. Nathan felt white-hot rage slice through him. Not caring that a gun was pointed at his head, he shoved Ray out of his path and charged toward the cabin door.

Something tripped him, and he crashed to the ground. Ray yanked him up by his hair. "Pull a stunt like that again, and I'll force you to watch as I ravish her slowly and painfully once Axle is done with her." He leaned even closer. "And I will make it extremely painful, make no mistake. Got it?"

Nathan felt sick. He'd never been so helpless in his life. All he could do was nod. Ray let go of his hair. Nathan's face sank into the leafy ground, his body heaving at the thought of what Sarah was going through. He was supposed to be her protector, yet he was powerless to do anything to rescue her from her suffering.

Ray placed a booted foot on Nathan's back. "She proved to be a lovely method of diversion as we waited for you to show up. Didn't she, Lyle?" He spoke casually, as if he was simply discussing the weather.

The other man laughed harshly. "Oh yes. Very lovely. Several times over."

Nathan's rage grew stronger while his stomach grew sicker. He tensed, ready to take the two men out with his bare hands. Ray's boot dug harder into his back. "Uh, uh," he warned. "Remember what I said? I won't hesitate to fulfill that threat. In fact, I would rather enjoy it." He leaned down, his voice laced with malice. "Go on, Constable. Give me a reason, any reason, to do exactly what I said I'd do. It would make my day."

Never before had Nathan fought such an intense interior battle. If he managed to overpower these two, he could go in and rescue Sarah. But if he failed, he would bring more pain on her. Before he could decide on a course of action, he felt Lyle jerk his arms behind his back. Rough rope circled Nathan's wrists, then clamped them together in a painfully tight knot. The process was repeated with his legs.

Ray sighed. "Shame," he said. "I was rather hoping you'd decide to fight." He hauled Nathan to his feet. "Tie him to that tree," he said to Lyle, jerking his head at a large pine. Lyle obeyed quickly, and Nathan found himself bound tightly against a rough trunk. A man appeared on the front porch, arms crossed in front of him. Nathan recognized Kent Controni. Axle soon came out as well, a self-satisfied smirk on his face. Quiet sobs sounded from the open door of the cabin, breaking Nathan's heart in two.

He looked at Ray, desperate. "Please," he begged. "Let Sarah go. She is innocent. You have your money. You have me. Do what you want to me, but please let her go."

Ray nodded at Axle and Kent. "Bring her out, boys," he said, his lips curling in a smile that was cold and hard. Nathan's heart froze. The man had something up his sleeve. Dread poured over him in waves, but Nathan tried to hide his fear. He knew he was likely going to be killed. He could only hope they wouldn't kill him in front of Sarah. As long as she was free, he didn't care what happened to him.

The two men came out of the cabin, dragging Sarah by her arms. A burlap sack covered her head. Her hands and feet were bound. They stopped a few feet from Nathan. Forcing her down on her knees, they waited for further instruction.

Ray was grinning again, looking between Sarah and Nathan. "I'd say the woman has served her purpose," he said, chuckling. "Take off the sack."

Axle roughly pulled the bag from her head. Sarah blinked in the light. Her face was bruised and tear-stained. Her blonde hair was damp with sweat, clinging to the side of her head. The hazel eyes Nathan often lost himself in were full of fear and pain. They locked on him, dazed with confusion. "Nathan?"

Ray tossed his weapon to Kent. "No witnesses."

Kent positioned himself behind Sarah, taking aim.

Nathan's worst fears were realized. "No!" he yelled, straining against his bonds. He stared at Ray in a desperate plea. "You said come alone, so I came alone! Let her go!"

Ray looked at him without an ounce of pity. "No." He nodded to Kent.

A single gunshot split the air. Sarah fell to the ground, and the light vanished from Nathan's life.

Hope Valley, present day

Nathan felt a hand on his arm and a gentle voice calling his name. He opened his eyes as the horrible memories faded. Elizabeth's eyes met his, concern swimming in the sapphire depths. "Nathan," she said again, her hands reaching up to wipe the tears from his face.

It was only then that Nathan realized he was sobbing.