AN: In an attempt not to start yet another long story, I decided to write this alternate version to the season 7 finale as a drabble. I think the muse is satisfied. As for this idea, apparently I had too much time to think on my drive home from work tonight.

Nathan groaned. He was not sure if it was the lingering image of Lucas on one knee in front of Elizabeth or the searing pain in his left shoulder area.

"Nathan, it is time to open your eyes."

The command came from Bill. Despite the judge's ever present gruffness, Nathan could hear the care and concern in the words.

For Bill's sake, Nathan tried to obey. As he opened his eyes, the room seemed way too bright.

"Get the blind," Bill told someone. "That's it, Nathan. Open your eyes. You will get use to the light."

Nathan opened his eyes again. Though dimmer now, he still blinked at the brightness. As Bill had promised though, his eyes adjusted and the light didn't hurt his eyes quite as much. Unfortunately the pain did not go anywhere. Nor did he recognize the room he was in.

"Where am I?"

"The hospital in Benson Hills," Bill informed him.

"Why?" Nathan asked even as he became aware of someone holding his right had. Looking that way, he saw a worried looking Elizabeth. "Shouldn't you be with your fiance?"

"Fiance?" Elizabeth asked, clearly confused.

"Lucas. I saw him propose to you. And why am I in the hospital? Was it a complication from the head injury from the car hitting me?"

Now both Elizabeth and Bill looked confused. It was Bill who spoke.

"You are in the hospital because Jenny O'Rourke shot you when Constable Novak went for the rifle under the wagon seat. If I had not been concerned about you, I might have strangled the kid for his stupid move. Jenny was about to give you the rifle."

"But I wasn't shot. Novak was."

Bill shook his head. "No, Nathan. You were shot. Luckily the bullet missed major arteries and your heart, but it did quite a bit of damage to your shoulder and you lost a lot of blod. You have been unconscious for the last week."

"I thought I was going to lose you," Elizabeth added.

"Would it matter? You told me you weren't in love with me?" Nathan said though he was seriously starting to doubt any of the things he remembered happening had actually happened.

"I don't know what went through your head while you were unconscious, but while I hesitated giving you an answer about dinner I never said that. Besides, sitting by your bedside this past week, I realized there is something worse than losing you like I did Jack. Losing you and not having told you that I love you, Nathan Grant, and I would love to have dinner with you."

"I love you too, Elizabeth," Nathan managed, squeezing the hand that still held his. "Where is, Ally?"

"Both Ally and Jack are with Lee and Rosemary," Bill replied. "I think I am going to give the two of you some time alone and call her with the news that you are awake."

"Tell her I love her, Bill."

Bill reached out and let his hand rest briefly on the top of Nathan's head. "I will," he assured him.

As Bill left, Elizabeth spoke.

"Now what is this about Lucas proposing to me?" Elizabeth asked.

"Never mind. It must have all been a dream. Or a nightmare? Perhaps that is why it seemed like I was no longer living in the Hope Valley I first came to?"

"Nightmare sounds about right. Lucas reminds me of all the rich boys I knew growing up who were so full of themselves that they thought they could have any woman they wanted. His attention might be flattering but it never felt genuine."

"So, will you join me for dinner when I am up and about?"

"I would love to," Elizabeth told him, before leaning down and placing a gentle kiss on his lips.

That kiss was enough to make the pain feel distant as he realized his dream was coming true.