"Nathan!" Lucas called, seeing his friend walking down the street. Nathan stopped and turned, shading his eyes from the morning sun. Lucas tried to walk quickly, but sometimes the cane made it difficult.

"Hello, Lucas. What can I do for you?" Nathan asked, taking a few steps toward him so Lucas didn't have to walk so far.

Lucas paused, suddenly wondering if his concerns were for nothing. But he just couldn't shake the uneasy feeling he'd had since last night. If anyone would know how to handle this, it would be Nathan.

Nathan was studying him, and Lucas got the impression he was on high alert. "What is it, Lucas?" he asked, his tone taking on that of the constable of Hope Valley.

"It might be nothing," Lucas admitted. "But I had three men check into the hotel last night, all at different times, and they all made me uneasy. Especially the third. That doesn't happen often."

Nathan's eyes took on a look Lucas had only seen once or twice: the steely-eyed determination to not let anything happen on his watch. "Who are these men?" Nathan asked.

"I can only remember first names," Lucas said. "Jon, Carl, and…" He frowned, not sure how Nathan would take the last bit of information. "And Matthias." He looked at Nathan. "He's Allie's father, isn't he?"

The look in Nathan's eyes hardened even more as he gave a stiff nod. "Matthias came by my house last night, saying he was going to take Allie. I told him to leave or I would lock him up for trespassing."

"Should I kick him out?" Lucas asked, his own eyes hardening. Allie had been one of the first kids to talk to Lucas when she arrived in Hope Valley, and he'd always had a bit of a soft spot for the girl.

Nathan shook his head. "No, I'm glad he's somewhere that's well known," he said. "Let him stay." He eyed Lucas. "Why did you feel wary about these men?"

Lucas let out a breath. "They were up very late drinking and gambling, and they got into some heated arguments. I've never had anything quite like it in the saloon. Most people keep things civil. These men were loud, drunk, and vile." He hesitated. "And Nathan, I got the sense that they were dangerous, especially when provoked. One of them had a gun at his hip."

Nathan processed that information, his eyes on the saloon. "Okay. I'll be sure to drop in tonight to keep the peace. I'll ask Elizabeth if she can watch Allie." He stretched out his hand to Lucas. "Thank you for the information."

Lucas shook his hand, and then Nathan tipped his hat and continued down the street on his rounds. Lucas watched him go, feeling an admiration for his former rival. Nathan was facing a lot right now, but he was handling it with more courage than Lucas thought most men would be able to. He felt a strong desire to help his friend, to somehow make things easier for him, though he had no idea what that would look like. Feeling slightly helpless, Lucas resolved to keep a close eye on Matthias whenever he could.

He walked slowly to the saloon, thinking back to his conversation with Nathan in their shared suite in Union City after the concert.

"I actually had a good time," Nathan said, a smile on his face as he yanked his tie off, letting out a relieved breath. "But am I ever glad to be rid of this thing!" He tossed the tie onto the small coffee table.

Lucas chuckled. "You could get used to it if…"

"Nope!" Nathan said, cutting him off with a chuckle. "I don't want to get used to it. I'm perfectly happy with my typical wardrobe."

"That's good," Lucas said, pulling his own tie loose. "It's always good when you're comfortable enough to be yourself."

"Speaking of comfortable," Nathan said, sinking into one of the sitting room chairs, "you and Fiona seem to have become very comfortable with each other very quickly." He raised a brow. "Do I hear wedding bells for you two in the near future?"

"You do know that just because we're courting, that doesn't mean marriage is coming quickly, right?" Lucas asked, giving Nathan a look. "You and Elizabeth are moving faster than most couples do."

"True," Nathan said, chuckling. "I keep saying we should take things slow, then something conspires to move our relationship along much quicker than we intended."

Lucas laughed. "At least you know nothing will be able to speed up your wedding!"

Nathan nodded. "Thank goodness! Things have been moving so quickly, I feel like we've barely had time to catch our breath." He frowned. "Sometimes I worry that Elizabeth is going to wake up and realize that I'm not the man she's been looking for. What if I fail her?"

"You can't think like that," Lucas said, sitting in a chair across from Nathan. "And of course you're going to fail her. And she's going to fail you. That's part of being in a relationship. The important thing is telling each other you're sorry when you do fail and moving past it together."

Nathan stared at him. "When did you get deep?"

Chuckling, Lucas steepled his fingers. "It's a fact, Nathan. My parents used to emphasize that to me all the time. They told me not to be afraid of failing, because failure is a part of life. It's the sincerity of the apologies that matter when those failures happen." He smiled. "You and Elizabeth are clearly meant to be. I think I knew that even before our rivalry started. You always were going to be her choice."

Nathan shook his head. "I certainly couldn't see that. You seemed like the obvious choice."

"Nope," Lucas said with a shake of his head. "Elizabeth and I were never meant to be. And though it hurt initially when she chose you, I'm so glad she did." He grinned. "Now I've found the woman who was truly meant for me."

"Which brings me back to my original question," Nathan said, laughing. "Do you think you'll ask her to marry you?"

"Yes, I do," Lucas said matter-of-factly. "But I have no intention of rushing this. We're going to take it slow."

Nathan raised his brows. "Be careful with those words. They have a tendency to come back to bite you. Hard."

Lucas laughed softly to himself as the memory faded. Nathan was right about things speeding up when he thought they would go slow. Lucas had thought nothing could move up the wedding, but he had been wrong. Two days from now, Nathan and Elizabeth would be husband and wife, brought together in circumstances beyond their control, but embracing the change happily. They were both ready to be married to each other. Lucas was surprised they had set the date so far out in the first place.

He just prayed that everything worked out for them with Allie.

The early May sunshine streamed through the classroom windows. Elizabeth glanced at the clock. "Five more minutes," she called out, giving the children ample time to wrap up their tests. Most of the children were still working, but she could see Allie sitting back, finished with her test. Usually she would be playing cat's cradle while she waited for her friends to finish, but today she just sat in her seat, staring listlessly out the window.

Nathan had told Elizabeth about Matthias showing up at his house last night. He said Allie had been very shaken up about it, and Elizabeth couldn't blame her. She offered to keep Allie with her after school, and Nathan said he would meet them at the school to walk them home. He didn't want them to have any run-ins with Matthias.

"Alright, boys and girls, bring your tests up to my desk, and then you are free to go," Elizabeth said, ringing the bell. The usual end of the day flurry occurred, and then the students filed out quickly, saying goodbye to her as they went. Soon it was just her and Allie.

A movement at the door caught Elizabeth's attention. She looked up, expecting to see Nathan, but it wasn't. Her jaw dropped in delight and surprise. "Faith!" she exclaimed, hurrying up to her friend to give her a hug. "I didn't know you were coming back to town so soon!"

Faith grinned. "We finished classes sooner than expected, and now I'm back for good. It's so wonderful to be back home!"

"As happy as I am to see you, what brings you out this way?" Elizabeth asked, not used to seeing Faith at the school.

Laughing, Faith said, "I heard a rumor that you're getting married in two days! I had to come see if it was true."

Elizabeth nodded. "It's true." She glanced at Allie, lowering her voice. "And I'm sure Carson can fill you in on all the details."

Faith's eyes softened. "He already did," she said. "How's Allie holding up?"

"Okay," Allie said, overhearing their conversation and coming to join them. "Uncle Nathan said he would do whatever it takes to keep me safe, and I know he will."

"Your Uncle Nathan may not have a say in the matter," a sneering voice said from the door. Allie's face took on a look of fear. Elizabeth faced the intruder, as she and Faith unconsciously formed a barricade with their bodies between him and Allie.

"You are not welcome here," Elizabeth said calmly, though her heart was racing. This was obviously Allie's father, and he reeked of whiskey even at a distance. Elizabeth tried to hide her disgust and stood her ground as Matthias moved closer. "You may leave my classroom. Now."

"I ain't goin' anywhere without Allie," Matthias said. "And you can't stop me. Step outta the way."

Elizabeth didn't move. Neither did Faith. Matthias's sneer took on a dangerous look. "Well, if you're not gonna move, I guess I'll have to make you."

"Matthias, if you take one more step toward those women, I will arrest you for harassment." Nathan's ice cold voice echoed in the room. Elizabeth looked toward the door, seeing Nathan's eyes trained on Matthias as he deliberately walked toward him. His normally warm blue eyes were as icy as his voice. He stopped two feet from his brother-in-law, hands on his hips. "You heard the lady. Leave. Now."

Matthias turned, giving Nathan a mutinous look. "By rights, Allie is mine."

"No, she's not," Nathan said, staring him down. "I'm her guardian, and unless the law clearly says you have a right to her, she's mine. And you may not be anywhere near her." He jerked his head toward the door. "Get out."

Suddenly, Matthias reared back his arm, aiming a punch straight for Nathan's face. Elizabeth gasped, taking a step forward, but she didn't have to worry. Nathan deftly dodged the punch, grabbing Matthias's arm and using his forward momentum against him. He shoved him to the ground, yanking his arms behind his back and holding him there. "You just attempted to assault an officer," Nathan said, the ice back in his voice. "I've arrested people for less. You're going to hang out in a jail cell for the afternoon." He hauled Matthias to his feet, keeping a firm hold on him. Looking toward Elizabeth and Allie, his eyes softened, and he asked, "Are you alright?"

Elizabeth nodded, though her heart was beating double time. Allie pressed against her side, hugging her tightly. Faith watched the proceedings with wide eyes. "We're fine," Elizabeth assured him.

"Good," he said. "I'm going to take this man to the jail, and then I'll come find you. Bill wants to talk to us in his office."

Elizabeth wondered if that was a good thing or a bad thing, but she didn't want to ask that in front of Allie, so she simply nodded. Nathan led Matthias out of the school, and Elizabeth's knees suddenly felt too wobbly to hold her up. She sank onto one of the school benches. Allie huddled next to her, holding on tight. The exchange between her father and uncle had clearly frightened her too.

"Judge Avery won't let that man take me away, will he?" she asked in a small voice, her head pressed against Elizabeth's shoulder.

Elizabeth knew better than to answer a question she didn't know the answer to. "I don't know, honey," she said, hoping she sounded soothing. "But I know Judge Avery will do everything he can to keep you with us."

Faith put a hand on Allie's shoulder. "Allie, would you like to come with me to the cafe?" she asked. "I heard Mrs. Flynn made some delicious chocolate scones this morning. Maybe we can go get one while Mrs. Thornton and your uncle talk with Judge Avery."

Allie looked up at Elizabeth. "Can I?" she asked, her tone pleading.

Elizabeth smiled. "Of course, Allie. That sounds perfect." She looked at Faith over Allie's shoulder, mouthing the words, "Thank you." Faith smiled and nodded.

"Come on, Allie," she said brightly, holding out her hand. "Those scones aren't going to eat themselves."

Allie giggled and took Faith's hand. All three of them walked toward town together, then Elizabeth waved as they parted ways. Her steps quickened as she made her way to Bill's office. She saw Nathan come out of his own office, and she jogged a little to catch up to him. "Nathan!"

He turned, a smile lighting his tired face when he saw her. She slipped her arm through his as they walked to the Office of the Judge. "Do you know what Bill wants?" she asked.

Nathan shook his head. "I don't know whether to be optimistic or worried," he said. He squeezed her arm. "But in happy news, Mr. Jenkins sold me the land. I had enough to buy it outright. It's all ours."

Elizabeth's face lit up in a smile. "Nathan! That's wonderful!"

He nodded. "Now we just need to go over some blueprints, and we'll be able to get the house of our dreams started. Lee already said he will supply all the lumber we need for a very reasonable cost."

As they climbed the steps to Bill's office, Elizabeth smiled up at Nathan. "It's all coming together."

He nodded, pressing a kiss to her cheek. "It is." He sighed. "Now I pray this meeting goes our way too."

They walked into the office, where Bill was sitting behind his desk. He motioned for them to have a seat. Elizabeth knew from the look on his face that they weren't going to like what he had to say.

Nathan must have noticed too, because he tensed next to her, as if bracing himself for what was coming. "What is it, Bill?"

Bill pressed his lips together, looking for all the world like he would rather be doing anything else. "I wish I had better news for you," he said, sighing. "As you know, I was looking into Gabe's claim that if you two were to marry, you'd have a better chance of keeping Allie." He looked down for a moment, collecting his thoughts. "It turns out, that's not the case. Unless proven unfit, a biological parent still has custodial rights over a child even if that child has been adopted by a married couple."

"What?" Nathan exclaimed. "Are you serious?"

"I'm afraid so," Bill said. "I wish this was all just a bad dream." He shook his head. "So you two don't have to get married this soon after all. I'm afraid it won't make a difference for Allie."

Elizabeth felt tears in her eyes as she thought of them having to tell Allie this new information. She cleared her throat, trying to speak through the tears that threatened to fall. "Isn't there anything we can do, Bill?" she whispered. "You said 'proven unfit.' It seems to me that is obviously the case with Matthias. He's in no place to care for a young girl. He threatened me and Faith in the schoolhouse just now, and tried to assault Nathan."

Bill raised his brows. "Is that so?" He nodded. "Good. We can use that. If nothing else, we can stall his claim to Allie while we look into this more. We need more evidence. We need to find out where he was before, and what his behaviors were like there."

"Has the background check come back yet?" Nathan asked, his voice sounding stronger than it had moments before.

"Not yet," Bill said with a shake of his head. "It should be here by tomorrow."

Nathan stood. "Keep digging, Bill. We have to find something that will allow Allie to stay with us." He sighed. "I can only keep Matthias in a jail cell for so long."

Bill laughed. "You put him in that cell for trying to assault you?"

A smile cracked Nathan's face. "Yes, I did. It is an offense, you know." He sighed. "But I suppose I'll have to let him out by suppertime." He took a stance that told Elizabeth he meant business. "But I'll be keeping an eye on him in the saloon tonight. I told Lucas I would stop by to monitor three men who have him worried, and one of those men is Matthias."

Bill nodded. "Good plan. I think I'll join you."

Elizabeth felt the beginnings of fear curl in her stomach, and she stood, putting a hand on Nathan's arm. "Promise me you'll be careful?" she asked, looking at him, then at Bill. "Both of you?"

Bill nodded his assent. Nathan leaned down to kiss her, soothing away her fears with his touch. "Always, sweetheart."

Nathan sat with Bill and Lucas at a table in the corner of the saloon, keeping a surreptitious eye on the three men playing poker in the middle of the room. Lucas hadn't exaggerated that morning when he'd told Nathan there was something sinister about these men. The more they drank, the louder and cruder they became, with angry words often flying when a hand didn't go the way they wanted. Nathan winced at their vulgar language, hoping no children were passing by the saloon. It was nearly 9:00, so the likelihood of that happening was slim, but Nathan still didn't like it.

"They haven't done anything yet that we can arrest them for," Bill muttered. "But they're sure making me wish we could."

Lucas wore a look of distaste. "This is how it was last night, late into the evening." He shook his head. "I might have to cut them off this time. They're going through drinks at an alarming rate."

Nathan just watched and listened. The next hour was much the same. He kept up some conversation with Bill and Lucas, keeping his eyes on the three men at the other table. Suddenly, one of them swept the cards and money off the table, launching himself across it and grabbing Matthias by his suspenders. A yelling match ensued, and punches were thrown. Nathan and Bill quickly stood and rushed over.

"Break it up!" Nathan yelled, pulling Matthias to one side while Bill pulled the other man away. He glared at both men. "This is Hope Valley, and we do not stand for saloon brawls here."

"He cheated!" the other man spit out, glaring at Matthias. Nathan remembered that Lucas had said his name was Jon.

"No fighting," Nathan repeated firmly. "If you two have a problem with each other, you need to talk it out. This is not how we act in this town." He let go of Matthias and Bill let go of Jon. "Work it out like adults. If this happens again, you're both going to be spending the night in a jail cell."

Matthias huffed and headed for the door. Nathan hid a sigh as Jon stalked after him. They could hear their raised voices start again, language flying that made Nathan's hair curl.

"Unbelievable," he muttered. Motioning to Bill, he said, "Come on. Looks like they're going to be cooling off in the jail."

"I'll get this mess cleaned up," Lucas said, righting the chairs that had been knocked over in the fray.

Nathan opened his mouth to say something when he heard three gunshots fired in rapid succession. He and Bill shared a look, then ran for the door, Lucas following close behind them.

Matthias lay on the ground, while Jon was running down the main street. Bill took off after Jon, and Nathan knelt beside his brother-in-law. Matthias's eyes were staring at nothing, and Nathan knew before he pressed his hands to his neck that he wouldn't find a pulse. He closed Matthias's eyes, then looked up at Lucas. "He's gone."