Chapter 55 – A Dangerous Situation (Three Months)

October 13th, 1918

Rosemary's parents, Lee's sister, and their niece are back in town for the Christening, all opting to stay in the hotel this time. They can't believe how much Isabella has grown in the past three months. She smiles and can hold a rattle for a little while if you place it in her hand. Her light brown hair is starting to lighten and curl at the ends, and her eyes are even bluer than when she was born.

On the morning of the Christening, Rosemary wakes up before Lee and Isabella. She takes the time to thank God for her many blessings. Over the last year, Rosemary has been in awe of how her life has changed for the better. God does indeed work in miraculous ways. Lee opens his eyes and sees his wife lying there, looking completely happy and at peace. He whispers, "You are so beautiful this morning," as he wraps his arms around her, pulling her close.

Rosemary rubs his cheek, whispering, "Isn't life wonderful?"

"I agree, sweetheart. I can't imagine a better life than we have here in Hope Valley."

"Me neither, sweetie," replies Rosemary. Isabella starts to stir, and Lee jumps up to get his little girl. He climbs back in bed next to his wife and hands her Isabella.

Rosemary coos, "Good morning, princess," and Isabella rewards her with the smile she thinks is like her papa's.

Patrick comes running in, leaping onto the bed, exclaiming, "Good morning, Mama, Papa, baby sister!" Patrick sits between his parents, questioning, "Can I hold her?"

Rosemary answers, "Of course, I am sure your sister will enjoy that." She puts Isabella in his arms but keeps a hand underneath to support her. Patrick kisses Isabella on her forehead as she watches his every movement, grinning. Rosemary takes in the small moment, revealing, "She adores her big brother." Patrick giggles, handing Isabella back to Rosemary.

The Christening with pastor Joseph goes well, with most of the town showing up to support the newest resident of Hope Valley. Isabella wears the gown her mother wore to her Christening, the one Rosalind brought to Rosemary when they came a few months ago. When Rosalind found out Rosemary was expecting, she worked on the gown to make it unique. Rosemary and Lee happily announce Elizabeth and Nathan as guardians and her parents as the godparents. After the church service, everyone walks to the café, where Clara throws a small reception with coffee, tea, and desserts.

Isabella doesn't seem to mind all the attention she is getting. She is content in her mother's arms, listening to Rosemary's voice as she speaks with all the guests. However, eventually, Isabella squirms, whimpers, and sucks on her hand. Rosemary immediately knows her daughter is hungry because of her tell-tell signs. Rosemary finds Clara, inquiring, "Can I sneak upstairs? Isabella is ready to eat."

Clara responds, "Of course. You can use Cody's old bedroom."

"Thank you," remarks Rosemary as she hurries up the stairs with her now screaming daughter. She sits on Cody's bed facing the window and covers herself up while Isabella latches on and hungrily nurses.

Rosalind comes looking for Rosemary not long after, calling out, "Rosie, darling. Are you up here?"

Rosemary shouts, "Yes, mother. I am in the first room on the right."

Rosalind steps inside, asking, "When do you think she'll finish?"

"Soon. I think Isabella is almost full. Why? Did you need something?"

"No, Clara thought you might want to say goodbye to your guests. A few people want to leave. And between you and me, I think Patrick is one of them. He is bored and is ready to go home."

"Thanks for letting me know, Mother. I should be down in five minutes."

Rosalind nods and goes back down, announcing, "Mother and Daughter will be down shortly."

Isabella finishes eating, giving Rosemary a nice loud burp. "Good job, my sweet baby girl. Shall we see what all our friends and family are doing? They probably are all waiting to see you, their guest of honor." Isabella happily gurgles as they pad down the stairs and join the crowd, who soon forms a circle around Rosemary. Then, one by one, they say their goodbyes and take their leave until the only people left are their family and closest friends. Lee invites them back to their house to spend the rest of the day together, the last day the family will all be together. Since Isaac and Rosalind go home the next morning and Susannah and Catherine leave the following afternoon.

October 24th, 1918

Lee is on a business trip in Benson Hills for the day, Patrick is at school, and Rosemary and Isabella are in the office. Rosemary is working on an article for The Valley Voice about a string of thefts in Hope Valley. She had interviewed the people who were affected and what was stolen, trying to see if she could figure out who was behind it all. Rosemary has suspicions but is still deciding whether to voice her opinion to Nathan or Lee. She thinks it must be someone with a family who is down on their luck. Why else would they only steal food, a pair of children's shoes, a sweater, and a coat? Rosemary racks her brain, thinking of any families in Hope Valley that might be desperate, but nothing comes to mind. Then, she glances at her bulletin board again, going over the different possibilities in her head, when the sound of Isabella whimpering interrupts her thoughts. So, she walks over to check on her daughter, who whimpers one more time before going back to sleep. A relieved Rosemary sits down at the typewriter to finish her article when a man walks in, wearing well-worn gray pants and a blue button-down shirt. Rosemary thinks it is odd because she has never seen this man before. And she thought she knew everyone in town and all their business. "Where is the mayor?" demands the tall, thin, light brown curly-haired man who speaks with a dark and menacing accent.

Rosemary replies, "I'm sorry. May I ask who wants to see him?"

"It doesn't matter," the man grunts back when another man, who is the spitting image of the first, swaggers in the door.

The second man closes the drapes on all the windows, locks the four back doors, and struts up to the first man, mumbling, "I spoke to one of his workers at the mercantile, and he mentioned Coulter will be back in town this afternoon."

"Should we come back when he is here? I don't want any trouble," states the first man.

The second man replies, "It must be today. Otherwise, where will they sleep tonight?"

Rosemary can't help but overhear their conversation, offering, "I am not sure when the mayor will return. Perhaps Judge Avery or Constable Grant can help?"

The second man snaps back, "No judges and no Mounties."

Rosemary feels a knot forming in her stomach while several things immediately pop into her mind, "Should she get Isabella and try to run out? Should she use her charms and merely talk the men into leaving her alone? Do they realize she is the mayor's wife?" Rosemary decides the best action plan is to speak with the men; if it doesn't go well, she will grab her daughter and get out of there. She inquires, "Can I help you with something? Can I tell him you stopped by?" She finds a pen and paper, ready to write down their information.

The first man sinisterly responds, "I think we will wait, Missus Coulter."

Rosemary tries to hide her gasp as she walks a few feet to pick up Isabella. Then, she nonchalantly inches towards the back door, distracting them with a question. "Have we met?"

"Everybody knows who you are, Missus Coulter, the editor of The Valley Voice and the mayor's wife. And who might you be holding? Your daughter?" questions the first man.

Rosemary clings to Isabella and hurriedly rushes the rest of the way to the back. She quickly unlocks the door and opens it, but the second man is right behind her, slamming it shut and locking it. Rosemary steps back, pleading, "Please don't hurt us."

The first man remarks, "We don't want to hurt either of you. You and your daughter will be fine if you do what we say." He leads her to the chair in front of her desk, ordering her to sit down and be quiet. The second man checks around the office, noticing the page in Rosemary's typewriter and the bulletin board showcasing the stolen items. He pulls the sheet out of the typewriter and reads what Rosemary wrote. He gives it to the other man, insisting, "You need to read this, Ewan."

Isabella starts to cry, and Rosemary bounces her up and down, hoping she will stop. "It is okay, princess. Mama will take care of you. I know you are hungry, but they may get bored and leave if you can wait a little longer. Or Papa will show up and save us," coos Rosemary in a whisper.

Ewan orders, "Quiet your baby down now," as he tries to read Rosemary's article.

Rosemary switches Isabella's position, whispering, "Ssshhh, pumpkin. Mama's not going to let anything happen to you," but Isabella doesn't stop.

The other man points to the bulletin board, asking, "What is all this? Are you investigating something?"

Rosemary feels the knot getting bigger but decides to answer his questions anyway. "We've had some break-ins here in Hope Valley, and I thought people should be aware." Isabella's cries start to get louder.

Ewan yells, "I thought I told you to quiet her down."

Rosemary responds, "I am trying. She is scared." Then an idea pops into her mind, and she suggests, "Why don't you let me bring her to a friend, and we can wait for the mayor."

The other man shouts, "No one is going anywhere."

The loud voice frightens Isabella again, and she screams louder. Rosemary tries to comfort her frightened daughter, but nothing is working.

Hannah leaves the dress shop and walks to The Valley Voice to meet Rosemary. When she gets halfway up the steps, she hears two men speaking loudly and Isabella screaming at the top of her lungs. Hannah stops in her tracks and backs down slowly, hoping no one sees her. She turns and rushes to the jail to find Nathan, who happens to be sitting at his desk. Hannah doesn't give him a chance to speak before she describes what is going on at The Valley Voice. When Hannah finishes, Nathan stands up, asking her a few questions. "Were they talking loudly, or were they arguing? How do you know Rosemary is there if you didn't see her? Do you think the men saw you?"

"I don't think they saw me. The men were too busy arguing about something, and poor Isabella was screaming. I got out of there as fast as possible and ran here." Hannah stops and starts to hyperventilate. "I was on my way to meet Rosemary. Oh, no. What if they hurt her, or…Isabella?"

Nathan places his hands on her arms, reassuring her, "It's okay, Hannah. Breathe." Hannah takes some deep breaths composing herself. "Now, do you think you can do something for me?" inquires Nathan. Hannah nods, and Nathan continues, "Run and find Joseph or Lucas. Tell them I said to alert everyone in town, ordering them to stay inside. And then I want you to lock yourself in the dress shop."

"What will you do?"

"Whatever I must do to ensure Rosemary and Isabella are safe."

"Are they dangerous?"

"You said they had an accent you've never heard before, right?"

"Yeah, I have no idea how to explain what it sounds like."

"In any case, I must err on the side of caution, but if it's who I think it is, then yes, they might be dangerous. Hannah gulps, standing there in shock. "Now, go, Hannah." She snaps out of it and rushes out the door. Nathan immediately calls Bill, ordering him to get over here fast. Something is happening at The Valley Voice.

A panic-stricken Florence returns the phone to the switch hook after listening longer than she should. She calls for Ned, and he joins her at the switchboard, where she suggests, "I think something is wrong." Ned listens as Florence recounts what she overheard.

Florence is about to go out and find Molly, but Ned stops her, revealing, "I don't want you going out there. Let Nathan and Bill deal with whatever it is, and you stay here where it's safe."

Joseph runs into the mercantile and gathers everyone inside, instructing, "You all need to stay in here, lock the doors, and stay away from the windows."

Florence screeches, "What is happening, Joseph?"

"I am not sure, Florence. I am just here making sure the rest of the town stays safe."

In the meantime, Bill jogs into the NWMP Office, inquiring, "Why did you call me over here? I'm busy."

Nathan rolls his eyes, answering, "Hannah came over here to alert me of two men arguing at The Valley Voice and Isabella crying. Lee is in Benson Hills, so she thinks Rosemary and Isabella might be in trouble."

Bill gruffly mentions, "Can't you go over there and check on things? Why do you need me?"

"Because I believe the men who are arguing are responsible for the thievery in our town, but I haven't been able to prove it yet. The only thing we can fully pin on them is they weren't paying their rent. So, Lee and I evicted them yesterday, hoping they would leave town, solving both issues. But I guess they are mad about being homeless and don't want to go anywhere."

"Then why are we standing here? We should already be over there rescuing Rosemary and Isabella."

Nathan rolls his eyes, responding, "I am well aware, Bill. Can I go over the plan with you now?"

Rosemary is finally able to quiet down her daughter a little bit. Ewan is pacing the floor, and the other man is watching from the front window. She can tell both guys are increasingly getting agitated the more Isabella cries. "When's your husband going to be back? I can't take this screaming much longer," the second man lashes out.

Isabella screams again, and Ewan snaps, "Stop yelling, Lachlan. You are the one causing her to scream."

Rosemary shakily answers, "He didn't mention when he would be back." She contemplates what to say next, pleading, "Please, let us go. I won't tell anybody about this. You can wait here for my husband."

Lachlan barks, "Do you think we were born yesterday?"

Lee drives into town, thinking it's odd how nobody is on the street. He wants to speak to Nathan first, so he parks in front of the jail. Lee wants to see if the men they evicted yesterday gave him any trouble. He slips inside and sees Nathan and Bill staring at something on the desk. They look up, and Nathan inquires, "Have you heard?"

"Heard what?"

"About Rosemary?"

"What about Rosemary?"

"She and Isabella are being held in your office by those brothers. The ones we suspect are behind the break-ins."

Lee turns to run out, but Nathan and Bill stop him. Nathan explains, "We have a plan, and you can help us."

"Anything for my girls. What do you want me to do?"

Nathan remarks, "Great. I knew I could count on you." Nathan points to the paper on his desk, explaining the plan to Lee. Then, he glances outside, asking, "Did you see anybody on the street?"

"No, the whole town seems deserted."

"Perfect. It is time to go then." Nathan, Bill, and Lee go the back way behind Fiona's salon and then to Lee's office, keeping away from the windows and doors. Nathan whispers, "The two back doors are unlocked, correct?"

"Yes, all five doors are always unlocked during business hours. Remember, I built the two rooms on the backside of the building."

Back in the office, Rosemary is racking her brain on what to do. She doesn't have it in her to sit there and do nothing. Rosemary wants to see what is happening in town, so she speaks up, "My daughter needs a diaper change," hoping they will let her get out of her chair.

Lachlan responds, "What do you need?" Rosemary points to the pink bag hanging off her desk chair. Lachlan brings it to her, points at the corner, and tells her, "I don't want to see or smell anything."

Rosemary takes the bag, and she and Isabella walk over to the settee Lee recently bought for her, sitting in the front right corner of the office. She lays Isabella down and lifts her cute yellow checkered dress out of the way. Rosemary changes her diaper, and something catches her eye. Rosemary glances over there again and sees Nathan, Bill, and Lee crouched down behind the salon talking. She catches herself before showing any emotions. Rosemary fastens Isabella's diaper and picks her daughter back up, saying a silent prayer, "Thank you for sending help." She sits back down and puts her guard back up, but she now at least has some hope, at least until Isabella sticks her fingers in her mouth and cries again. Rosemary quietly coos, "I know. I know, pumpkin. Mama will feed you as soon as she can."

Nathan offers, "You two stay here. I want to peek inside to see if I can see or hear anything." He sneaks closer to the front right-side window and listens intently, but unfortunately, he can't hear much over Isabella's crying. Nathan carefully jogs back to Bill and Lee, telling them the only thing he heard was Isabella crying. Lee tries to race to his office, but Bill and Nathan stop him again. "Wait. The crying works to our advantage because now we can get into the building without them hearing us. Plus, if the three of us surprise them, this will likely end quickly, with no one getting hurt."

"You better be right. I cannot lose…Rosemary…or my little angel," studders Lee.

Bill chimes in, "Nathan is right. It is the best way to handle the situation."

"Okay, let's go," suggests Lee.

Nathan reviews the plan again, reminding them, "Lee, you head to the front door, making sure you duck under the windows. Bill, you take the back door on the right, and I'll take the back door on the left. Bill, you, and I will sneak in when I signal. We will quietly use the back outside doors and enter the main office through the inner doors ten seconds later. Lee, listen for us. We might need your help if they try to escape through the front door. Now, does anyone have questions?" Bill and Lee nod no, and they walk over to the office.

Rosemary is wondering what is taking them so long. Her mind starts racing, and she thinks maybe they are waiting for a distraction. Then, she ponders, "Well, if they need a distraction, I can certainly provide them with one." So, Rosemary asks, "Can I get her blanket from my husband's desk?" Lachlan is busy watching out the left front side window, so Ewan nods. Rosemary gets up and pretends to grab the blanket, but instead purposely knocks over the phone and taps the switch hook. Lachlan and Ewan turn in her direction, and Ewan quickly runs over and hangs up the phone. "I'm sorry. It was an accident," Rosemary remarks as she wraps Isabella in her blanket.

Lachlan yells, "Sit down and don't move." Isabella whimpers a few times ending in a full-blown scream.

Ned sits down at the switchboard to answer the call. It is The Valley Voice, but no one is there. Still trying to figure out how to proceed, he calls back, and it rings and rings.

Ewan and Lachlan are arguing about whether to answer it or not. Then, Lachlan shouts at Rosemary, "Tell whoever it is it was an accident and then hang up."

Rosemary picks up, "Valley Voice, Rosemary Coulter."

The first thing Ned hears is Isabella screaming. "Rosemary is everything okay?" he inquires.

"Yes, nothing going on here. I accidentally knocked over the phone and called you. I am so sorry to bother you."

Ned questions, "Is somebody there with you?" Lachlan motions to hang up the phone.

"No, it is just Isabella and me. I need to go and change her diaper. Thank you for checking on us, Ned," remarks Rosemary as she abruptly hangs up the phone.

Ned is not sure what to think, but he is confident Nathan has everything under control.

After giving Lee enough time to get near the front door, Nathan signals to Bill. They try opening the two back outside doors, but they are locked. Next, Nathan gets Bill's attention and forms a square with his hands, mouthing, "Window." They both run around their corner and try to open the window, and fortunately, they open. Bill and Nathan climb in and tiptoe to the inside doors, which they find are sadly locked. Nathan listens for a minute, hoping to hear either Bill or Lee. Bill does the same but nothing.

When Bill and Nathan don't rush into the office, Lee wonders what happened. All he knows is he needs to get inside and get to his girls. He quietly opens the front door and shuts it behind him. For once, he is relieved Isabella is crying. Nobody heard him come in. He peeks to the right and left, noticing the brothers are distracted, watching out the front left side window. Rosemary glances in his direction and bites her lip when she sees him. He puts his finger in front of his lips, mouthing, "Ssshhh." Lee moves secretly to the right, past the settee and his desk, ending at the back door. He realized what had happened with Nathan and Bill. The doors are locked, so Lee unlocks the door in front of him and heads to the other side when he accidentally bumps into a chair. The chair falls over with a loud thud, and the two men finally see Lee. He thinks on his feet and inquires, "What can I do for you, gentlemen? I didn't expect to see you in Hope Valley again."

Ewan is the first to speak, saying, "We were hoping you would change your mind. We can get you the money."

Lee remarks, "How can you prove to me this won't happen again? There is already a line of people asking if they can rent the place, and they won't miss a payment."

Lachlan loudly snaps, ordering in a grave tone, "You will change your mind or else…."

Once Nathan and Bill hear the threat, they know it is time to intervene. They both try to open their doors again, but only Bill can get in. Bill struggles with Ewan but quickly overtakes him, forcing his hands behind his back. However, during all the commotion, Lachlan grabs Lee from behind.

Rosemary screams, "No! Lee!"

"Rosemary, the door!" shouts Lee. Rosemary looks at her husband, confused, so he eyes the back left door, yelling, "Your printing press!" An expression of understanding crosses her face, and she recognizes what she needs to do. Rosemary holds on tight to Isabella and rushes to the left back door, unlocking it. Nathan immediately races in to confront Lachlan.

Lee fights the best he can to escape, but Lachlan holds him too tight. Then, he turns to his terrified wife and figures out what he needs to do. Lee stops fighting for a moment and stomps on Lachlan's foot as hard as he can. Finally, Lachlan lets go of Lee, falling to the floor and clutching his injured foot. Lee gets away, allowing Nathan to capture and slap handcuffs on him. Lee runs to Rosemary and his daughter. She hugs him tight, and he frames her face, ensuring she's okay. Next, he grabs Isabella, cradles her with one arm, and wraps Rosemary in the other.

Nathan and Bill don't waste any time and lead the two handcuffed brothers to the front door. Ewan snaps at Lachlan, "Why did I listen to you? We should have come back when Coulter was here. We wouldn't be in handcuffs right now."

Lachlan chides back, "It is your fault we are even here. I wanted to move on to a different town."

"That's enough," mentions Nathan as he and Bill force them outside.

Lee calls out, "Thank you," right as the door closes.

When they are finally alone, Rosemary embraces Lee, holding on to him as if her life depended on it. She breaks down into uncontrollable sobs, and Lee lets her cry until nothing is left. When Rosemary has no more tears to shed, she looks over at Isabella, who is gurgling in her father's arm. Rosemary kisses Isabella's cheek and tells Lee she needs to sit down. Lee loops his arm through hers and helps her to the settee, where they sit side-by-side. He asks, "Are you sure you're alright?"

"Yes, I am fine now that you are here," answers Rosemary. She straightens Isabella's sock and looks to her husband for the courage to speak. "I have never been so frightened in my life. Not for me but for her. What if something happens to our precious angel? What if something happens to me, and I cannot protect her? Nothing can prepare you for when your child is in danger. It is much harder than them being sick or hurt. I never want to feel this way again."

Lee wraps his arm around Rosemary, and she rests her head on his shoulder, revealing, "I never want you to feel that way again either."

Rosemary pats his chest and rubs Isabella's back, mentioning, "I can't believe you came in here like it was nothing and bested them so easily. Who are you?"

Lee chuckles, replying, "I did what I had to do to keep you and Isabella safe."

Rosemary smirks, asking, "Now, how did you know we needed help? And most importantly, who were those men, and why did they want to talk to you?"

"Hannah heard them yelling and got scared, so she ran to Nathan, who enlisted Bill. When I got back into town, I luckily stopped at the jail first. They were finalizing their plans and were about to come over here." Lee clears his throat, continuing, "We think it had something to do with Nathan and I evicting them yesterday for not paying their rent."

Rosemary gasps, questioning, "Are they the ones responsible for the burglaries?"

"Nathan thinks so, but he couldn't prove it. So, Nathan and I devised the plan to evict them, get them out of town, and hope the crimes stop. I had no idea they would do something this drastic." He pauses and inquires, "Wait, how did you figure it out?"

"I figured it out because of how they reacted to my bulletin board and the article I was writing."

Lee apologizes, "I am sorry for getting you involved in this, sweetheart."

"No worries, honey. How could you have predicted this would happen? We live in Hope Valley, and for the most part, we are safe."

"Well, maybe you shouldn't work in here alone while I am out of town."

Rosemary intertwines their fingers, asking, "Is there anyone you can think of who might have an issue with you?"

"I don't think so."

Rosemary half-smiles and remarks, "So, we have nothing to worry about."

"Rosie, I never want to put you or our children in danger again."

"I know you don't, but we can't alter our lives for something that could possibly happen."

"Did I mention how much I love you?" questions Lee.

"A gal can never hear it too much." Rosemary giggles and Lee leans in, kissing her. "I realize I don't always say it, but I will always love you, Lee Coulter." The tender moment is interrupted by Isabella crying and sucking her lips. Lee hands her over to Rosemary, and she can finally nurse their starving daughter while they both gaze into the eyes of their little miracle.

November 2nd, 1918

On a quiet Saturday afternoon, the Coulters are relaxing at home. Lee and Rosemary are in their room reviewing the Christening pictures while Isabella naps in her bassinet. Patrick is across the hall, playing with Nanny. He peeks into his parent's room and sees they are busy, so he skips down to the kitchen to get a drink of water. Laika is lying on the settee, sleeping, and Patrick notices the basket full of his dirty laundry and the washer filled with water. Patrick debates whether to surprise Rosemary by doing his laundry or running up to get her to help. He takes a couple of steps towards the stairs and stops himself. Patrick tries once more before convincing himself he doesn't need their help. He has watched Rosemary do the laundry time and time again. Patrick pulls up a chair next to the washer, stands on it, and reads the soap container, wondering how much he should put in. It doesn't say, so Patrick guesses how much to use, plus a little extra. Then he throws in his clothes and turns the machine on. Patrick jumps down, heads to the kitchen table, and pours him a glass of water, joining Laika on the settee. After petting her for a few minutes, Patrick is distracted by the puppet show idea that just came to him. He quickly finds a piece of paper and jots down his great idea, not noticing the suds flying out of the washing machine. Laika barks to get his attention, and Patrick immediately sees the mess he created. Patrick mumbles, "Not again. Mama will be so disappointed in me." However, Patrick has learned it is better to involve his parents instead of handling it himself. He hurries up the steps, with Laika following close behind, barking. Patrick races into his parent's bedroom, loudly whispering, "Mama, Mama. I need you. I tried to do my wash, and suds are flying everywhere."

Rosemary and Lee look at their panicked son, and she immediately hops up, grabs Patrick's hand, and rushes down the stairs. Lee offers to stay in case Isabella wakes up. When Rosemary sees the mess, she gasps and immediately runs to the washer, turning it off. She turns to Patrick, questioning, "Why didn't you ask me if you could help?"

"I'm sorry, Mama. I really thought I could do this by myself. And I thought it would free up your time so you could play with me."

Rosemary half smiles, and Patrick runs to her, wrapping his arms around her waist. "I love how you always try to help me. I am pretty sure there are not many little boys willing to help their families as you do," reveals Rosemary. She kneels to his level and taps his nose. "But next time, please get Papa or me when you want to help with something like this."

Patrick whines, "I know, Mama. I should have. I thought about it, but then I talked myself into thinking I could do it myself."

"Maybe next time you want to help, you'll remember this mess and come find us."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Now, let's clean up this mess, and I will show you the proper way." Patrick grins and gets the mop and some towels. It doesn't take long for them to mop up the mess and dry what they can. Rosemary hands the bucket to Patrick, instructing him, "Dump this in the back." While Patrick is outside, there is a knock. Rosemary opens the front door and is surprised to see Nathan. "Hello, Nathan. What can I help you with today?" She moves out of the way for Nathan to enter.

"Is Lee here?"

"He is in our room with the baby. Should I get him?"

"Yes, I want you both to hear what I have to say." So, Rosemary jogs up to get him while Patrick flies in from the backyard.

"Hi, Mountie Nathan!"

"Hi, Patrick."

Rosemary and Lee walk down the stairs together, with Lee holding Isabella. Rosemary sits on the settee, Lee hands her their daughter, and he sits next to her. "You don't mind if Patrick and Isabella are here, do you?" asks Rosemary.

"It depends on you. I have news about the brothers."

It doesn't take them more than a second to realize what Nathan meant. They look at one another, and Lee replies, "He can stay. We told him some of what happened." Lee offers Nathan a seat, and he sits on the chair.

Nathan clears his throat, beginning with, "We found out why the brothers were stealing and why they came to find Lee the other day. I am not sure how we missed children living out there when we visited them, but it wasn't just the brothers, twins, living out there. Their wives and their children lived there too. They were struggling and needed money to feed their families." Rosemary reaches for Lee's hand, squeezing, preparing for what he will say next. "So, after the eviction, they didn't know what to do. The twins didn't want their children sleeping outside in the woods again, especially in the colder weather. It was Ewan's idea to talk to you, but for some reason, Lachlan got too carried away and took things too far. He feels so guilty. They both do, but especially Lachlan."

"Where are their wives and kids now?" inquires Lee as he gets mad at himself for not realizing kids were involved. "How did we miss that? Why didn't they go to school?"

Nathan leans back in the chair, answering, "They're too young."

Rosemary gasps, "How many children and how old?"

"There are four children. Twin girls, who are four, and two boys, aged three and two."

Lee turns his attention back to Nathan, questioning, "Where are they, Nathan?"

"The Mounties in Buxton put them on a train to Ewan's wife's family. They live in Red Deer." Lee and Rosemary sigh in relief.

Lee asks, "Where are the brothers now, and what will happen to them?"

Nathan replies, "That is what I wanted to discuss. Since nobody got hurt, I thought maybe what they needed was a second chance. I spoke with some friends in Red Deer, and jobs are waiting for the brothers, provided they want to take advantage of this opportunity, and you two are willing to drop the charges."

Rosemary and Lee don't need long. Lee speaks for them, responding, "If you think they are worthy enough for a second chance, we will drop the charges right away." Patrick hops into his father's lap, and Lee hugs him from behind.

"I knew you two would feel the same way," remarks Nathan as he stands up, excusing himself. "I better get going. I need to get in touch with the Mounties and do my rounds."

As Nathan heads to the door, Lee mentions, "Keep us updated on their progress. I hope they take advantage of this second chance, get their lives on track, and provide a better life for their wives and children.