Elizabeth hummed quietly to herself while she set the table. Nathan was due for supper at any moment. A hearty rabbit stew was bubbling away on the stove, with some fluffy, fresh biscuits sitting in a basket, still hot from the oven. Everything was set.

A soft, warm body twisted around her ankles. Elizabeth glanced down and smiled, seeing Misty looking up at her hopefully. She chuckled, bending to pick up her cat. Happy with the attention, Misty settled into her arms, purring her contentment. Elizabeth petted her silky fur, heading to the settee to wait for her fiancé.

"You're excited to see Nathan too, aren't you?" she cooed, scratching the cat behind the ears. Misty tilted her head to allow Elizabeth better access, looking for all the world like she agreed with the statement. Elizabeth knew as soon as Nathan came to the door, the cat would abandon her for him. She didn't mind. It gave her joy to see how much Misty loved Nathan.

As expected, when the knock sounded, Misty bolted from Elizabeth's lap and sat at the door, tail twitching in excitement. She looked at Elizabeth and meowed, as if to say Hurry up! He's here! Chuckling lightly, Elizabeth followed her pet and opened the door. "You have a welcoming committee," she said, smiling at Nathan as Misty wove around his ankles.

Nathan smiled back, but Elizabeth could immediately tell something was wrong. As was his custom, he kissed her forehead in greeting. When he pulled back, Elizabeth could see that he looked haggard and worried. Deep furrows creased his brow. He bent down to pick up the cat. Burying his face in Misty's fur, he uttered something that sounded like a groan.

Alarm shot through Elizabeth. She took his arm and guided him inside. Leading Nathan to the settee, she gently pushed him down so he was seated. "I'll make some tea," she said softly.

Nathan simply nodded, absently stroking Misty's fur. Hoping the furry pet would provide him with some comfort, Elizabeth went about brewing the tea. She placed the biscuits back in the oven to keep warm. She had a feeling Nathan was going to need to talk.

She also knew he might need a push to get there. He still tried to shield her from his worries at times, but Elizabeth knew if she asked direct questions, he would respond. She silently prayed for wisdom as she poured a cup of tea and took it to the man she loved.

"Thank you," Nathan said, accepting the cup as she handed it to him. Misty, indignant at the interruption, jumped from his lap and began washing herself. As soon as Elizabeth sat beside him, the cat hopped into her lap and curled into a ball. Elizabeth rested one hand on Misty while the other sought Nathan's free hand. She didn't say anything, not yet. Nathan looked like he was gathering his thoughts. His Adam's apple bobbed several times and he blinked rapidly. He was halfway through his cup of tea before placing it on the coffee table and turning to face Elizabeth fully. His hand was trembling in hers.

"Ray Controni escaped prison," he said blankly.

Elizabeth gasped, eyes widening in shock. No wonder he seemed so distressed. Controni had brutally tortured and killed Sarah. Those memories must be resurfacing again with such horrible news. Her grasp on his hand tightened.

Nathan looked at her, his face twisting in anguish. "He will want revenge." Shaking his head, he closed his eyes briefly. "I will not lose you too," he whispered, pressing her hand to his heart.

"Nathan, that man doesn't know about me," Elizabeth replied, lifting her other hand to his cheek. "He doesn't know anything about your life now. He probably thinks you're still a Mountie, stationed in Pine Springs. He knows nothing about Hope Valley or your woodworking or anything else that's happened in your life since he was put in prison." Her thumb gently stroked his cheek. She wished she could erase the fear radiating from his eyes. "We're probably safe here."

Her fiancé stilled at her words. She could see his mind turning. A small sigh of relief left him. "You're right," he said. "I didn't even think about that." He exhaled long and slow. "In my mind, Controni was already on his way to Hope Valley to exact revenge on me by harming those I love." He pulled her to him, holding her close. "I couldn't bear losing you, Elizabeth. That is my greatest fear."

Elizabeth didn't bother telling him not to worry. Truth be told, one of her biggest fears was losing him somehow. Even though he was no longer a Mountie, life was full of danger. She just held him and let their embrace soothe them both.

After a while, Nathan released a shaking breath. He pulled back, but only far enough to settle an arm around her shoulders. "Elizabeth, I'm leaving before dawn tomorrow," he said, looking into her eyes. The fear was replaced by a determination that she'd seen before in Jack's eyes, one that said he had a mission to accomplish and wouldn't rest until it was done. That caught her full attention. His next words, however, made her stomach drop.

"I'm asking for a temporary reinstatement with the Mounties."

It was her turn to feel the sting of fear. Her own hands began to shake, but she tried to maintain a sense of calm for Nathan's sake. She knew this was hard on him already. But having been with the Mounties for years, Nathan was more observant than most. His face softened. "You're worried," he stated.

She nodded. "I am." Swallowing, she let herself meet his eyes again. "You're going after Controni?"

"Yes," Nathan replied. There was an edge in his tone that surprised Elizabeth. She realized she was catching a glimpse of Nathan in Mountie mode. The blue in his eyes had hardened, making Elizabeth shiver slightly, though the anger wasn't aimed at her. Instinctively, she knew she wouldn't want to be a criminal on the other end of that blue steel.

Nathan went on. "I will not stand by while Controni roams free. He is a ruthless monster, and he will be bent on revenge. There's no telling how many innocents he might harm now that he's out." He drew in a breath. "I was the best tracker the Mounties had. Gabe is very good too. I'm hoping we're allowed to track him together."

A part of Elizabeth felt relieved that Nathan would not be alone as he sought the man who had stolen so much from him. He and Gabe had lots of experience protecting each other; she had no doubts they would do so again now. She relaxed slightly. "I hope so too."

Nathan gazed down at her in surprise. "You do?"

She smiled. "As much as I hate the idea of you being in harm's way, I know you're a good man with a strong sense of justice. I know Gabe has those same qualities. If anyone is going to catch Controni, it's the two of you." She leaned forward. "Just promise me you'll be careful."

"I promise," Nathan agreed. A small smile played on his lips. "I have a fiancée to marry soon, after all. I can't miss that."

Elizabeth kissed him softly in response. "You make sure you come back to me," she instructed. "I cannot lose another man I love, Nathan. Just like you can't lose another woman you love."

"I know," he whispered, letting his forehead rest against hers. "And on that note, I would like a promise from you, love."

"What's that?" she asked, closing her eyes and inhaling his scent. It brought her a measure of comfort.

"I want you to stay with Abigail while I'm gone," Nathan said seriously. "There is safety in numbers. I know Controni doesn't know about you or this town, but I'd rather not take any chances." He pulled back, his eyes meeting hers. "Can you do that for me, sweetheart? Please?"

The vulnerability in his eyes melted her heart. Though she believed she would be safe in her home, she would do anything to make Nathan feel better. "Yes," she replied. "I'll do that."

Relief flooded his features. He pulled her into another embrace. "Thank you."

Elizabeth nodded, holding him tightly. If he was leaving before dawn, this was their last night together until he returned. The thought made her sad, but she clung to the hope that he would come back, whole and unharmed.

They spent the rest of the evening talking over their meal and savoring cups of coffee. Afterward, they played checkers and talked some more. Elizabeth was loath to let him go, but she knew she had to. They shared a final embrace at the door. Nathan kissed her, then gazed deeply into her eyes. "I love you, Elizabeth."

Tears welled up, but she fought them bravely. "I love you too, Nathan." She traced the tips of her fingers down his cheek. "Be safe."

He nodded, kissing her one more time before departing. Elizabeth watched from the doorway as he walked down the road. Just before the darkness swallowed him, he turned. Lifting a hand in the air, he waved. Elizabeth waved back, the tears finally falling as Nathan vanished into the night.

Well before dawn the next day, Gabe was ready to travel. He'd tried to convince Colleen to sleep longer, but his wife steadfastly refused to leave his side until he had to go.

"We don't know what tomorrow will bring," she said, her voice trembling. "I am not about to sleep through these moments we've been gifted with. I plan on spending as much time with you as possible, Gabriel. Even if that means just sharing a cup of coffee together until my brother comes to get you."

They did exactly that, chatting over their morning brew. Gabe could sense the tension in Colleen. He knew she was worried about him and Nathan. With all his heart, he wished he could calm her worries, but anything he said would only come across as hollow comfort. They both knew the dangers of his job.

The conversation remained lighthearted, even with his impending departure. Gabe held Colleen's hand as they talked. He'd asked Bill to check in on his wife and daughters frequently, and his friend had readily agreed. Bill said he would place an armed watch on the house until Gabe came home again.

A knock at the door told him Nathan had arrived. Though Gabe offered to meet him at the Mountie office, Nathan wanted to see his sister before leaving. The ensuing scene was a bittersweet one. Gabe watched as Nathan wrapped Colleen in his arms, whispering for her to remain safe. Gabe had told Nathan about Bill's watch the previous day, to which his friend had shown visible relief.

Colleen placed both hands on Nathan's cheeks. "Stay safe, little brother," she said, lifting up to kiss his cheek.

"You too," Nathan replied. He stepped back, glancing between Gabe and Colleen. "I'll step outside now so you two can say your goodbyes." He hugged his sister once more, then walked out the door.

Colleen turned to face Gabe. He took her in his arms. She rested her hands on his chest. "I'll be praying for your safety constantly," she said quietly.

Gabe kissed her for several long moments. "Thank you, sweetheart," he said. "I love you. I'll try to come home as quickly as possible."

She smiled. "I love you too. And I'll hold you to that."

Gabe chuckled. He released her, though every fiber within screamed that he hold on and not let go. He hated leaving his family, but it was an occupational hazard. He was grateful Colleen understood that aspect of his job. He knew she didn't like it, but she bore it well.

Shouldering his bag, Gabe squeezed Colleen's hand. "See you soon."

She nodded, crossing her arms over her body. Gabe glanced in the direction of their daughters' rooms. He had said his goodbyes to them last night, but he would miss them. "Tell the girls I love them," he said to Colleen.

"I will," she promised.

Reluctantly, Gabe headed for the door. Colleen walked with him. He joined Nathan outside. His friend had brought both Newton and Apollo, which Gabe was thankful for. The walk to town would have felt particularly long this morning. There was a final round of goodbyes, and then Nathan and Gabe headed into town.

The ride to the Mountie office was quiet. Both men were absorbed in their thoughts. When they got to town, they hitched their horses to the post and went inside.

Bill was already waiting for them. Gabe was leaving him in charge of the town while he was gone. Knowing that Hope Valley would be in capable hands made leaving a little easier.

"Godspeed," Bill said, after Gabe had given him some final details about the various needs in town. "I hope and pray you catch this monster quickly."

"So do we," Gabe said, looking at Nathan. His friend merely nodded in response.

Bill clapped a hand to Nathan's shoulder. "I know this isn't easy," he said. "But you can rest well knowing that I will watch over Elizabeth for you." He looked at Gabe. "And Colleen."

Nathan unexpectedly hugged Bill. "I thank you for that," he said, his voice rough. "Elizabeth and Colleen are in good hands."

A meow interrupted their conversation. All three men turned as Calico stalked into the room. She sat and looked up at Bill with an expression of accusation on her face. Despite the severity of the situation before them, Gabe couldn't help a laugh. Even Nathan smiled.

"She looks a little indignant," he said, raising a brow. "What did you do?"

Bill was staring at the cat. "Nothing! I told her she had to stay in the office while I came here." He frowned. "I don't know how she got out."

Calico brushed against Bill's legs, leaving tufts of white fur against his gray pants. She continued meowing. Bill pretended indifference, until the cat sat on her haunches and placed her front paws on his leg with another plaintive meow. He exhaled with a huff, bending to lift the cat into his arms. She immediately went limp, purring her approval as he stroked her soft fur.

Gabe opened his mouth, but Bill shot him a look. "Not. A. Word," he growled.

Chuckling, Gabe raised his hands. "As you wish. Have fun toting Miss Calico around town on your rounds this morning." He clapped Nathan on the shoulder, holding firmly. "Are you ready, my friend?"

Nathan nodded. "Ready as can be."

Bill looked between them. "You boys stay safe, you hear?" he said gruffly. "I don't want to have to break in another Mountie and a woodworker anytime soon."

Gabe could hear the affection beneath the words. He pulled Bill into a hug. "Don't worry, Dad," he said, purposefully injecting some humor into his words. "We plan on returning safe and sound."

"See that you do, son," Bill replied, clearing his throat.

The son reference warmed Gabe's heart. He smiled. "It looks like you're coming along," he said, more serious than joking this time.

Bill nodded. "The people I think of as family are few and far between," he said. "You two have become such to me." He nodded toward the door. "Now, skedaddle. Your women will want you back as soon as possible. I don't want them thinking I delayed you at all."

That prompted chuckles from Gabe and Nathan. "We'll see you soon," Nathan said, placing a hand on Bill's shoulder. "And we'll keep you updated as we're able."

"Good," Bill said.

The two men headed outside. Bill watched from the door, Calico in his arms. Securing their bags to the horses, Gabe looked at Nathan as they mounted up. He knew none of this was easy on his friend. "You ready?"

Nathan nodded resolutely, steel in his eyes. "Let's ride."