A/N So these next two chapters, I think, are the ones everyone has been waiting for though there is LOTS more to tell in this story. I want to say a special thank you To MELISSA ATWOOD, EOIN MCLEAN, AMY MEFFORD, and NANCY NASH, who helped me bounce storylines, fact-checking, and Beta reading. This story is as much yours as mine. These will also conclude the prewritten chapters.

"Can you tell me what happened the night she was taken and what happened after?" William asked.

"I can tell you what Elizabeth told me," Gabe offered. "Elizabeth was reading a story to Jack when she heard someone trying to get in. She was able to give the Mountie hide-and-seek command to Jack. The two Mounties, the ones from Brookfield, pulled her off. Then they used Chloroform on her just as the train departed."

"The man killed in the yard is positively identified as Henri Dixon," Gabe said.

"Who was the other man," Charlotte asked suddenly. "The one inside the cabin?"

"A known henchman of the Dixons and a close friend of Henri's," Patrick replied.

"That reminds me, he died of two bullet wounds to the chest. How were you able to fire twice before he reached you?" Gabe asked.

"Lizzie had her gun ready, just like I did. We knew something wasn't right. So when we heard the scuffle outside, we were ready for him when he burst through the door." Charlotte said, her voice a bit shaky. They added one more name to the list of those who had been scarred.

"My daughter carries a gun and knows how to shoot?" William asked incredulously.

Bill nodded.

"What did you think, Mr. Thatcher," Charlotte said. "A good Mountie ensures that his family knows how to protect themselves in case danger comes calling while he is away. Jack deeply loved Lizzie and would have done an extensive training her to protect herself."." The old resentments were evident in her tone, revealing to others that there was still bitterness over his treatment of Jack.

Feeling chastised, William nodded. "Charlotte, I am sorry, and I saw firsthand how much Jack loved her. I don't doubt he would have done what you suggested, which comforts me."

"I'm sorry too, William. I'm sure it came as a shock." Charlotte said.

"Rosemary, being a daughter of a Mountie herself, worked with her too. It was her and Elizabeth that came up with much of what saved her, and it appears Allie." Bill added.

"What happened after?" Bill asked.

Jameson, Patrick, and Sam Collins began making notes as it was the first time they had been able to get everyone together and able to fill in the gaps.

One by one, Charlotte, Tom, and John spoke of the night Elizabeth arrived. Bill and Nathan listened intently.

"If it wasn't for Elizabeth hearing them talking about drugging the food, who knows where we would be right now," Tom said. "John began planning and had us only eat what we had to so we could stay strong."

"But then they figured out we were on to them, so then they devised a new way to keep us compliant," John growled. Nathan and Bill felt a sense of dread at seeing the looks that came over their faces and braced themselves.

"By using Elizabeth," Charlotte choked out. "as a punching bag." John, Tom, and Charlotte cringed as visions of Elizabeth's treatment began playing in their head, making the others grimace as they began to get an idea of them.

"How did you manage to get away?" William asked Charlotte.

John took over the conversation and explained. "Elizabeth, willing to take another beating, distracted Spurlock enough to maneuver him to the bars for Charlotte to grab him from behind. If she hadn't, we would probably still be there waiting for an opportunity. We didn't even have to use the weapons we had with us." The Mounties were shocked when he spoke of the number of weapons they had between them while captive.

"Then, while Charlotte held him against the bars, Elizabeth grabbed the keys and kicked them over to me so I could let the others out. Your daughter is courageous, Mr. Thatcher, and kept a cool head when others probably wouldn't have. You should be proud of her because she probably saved us." John said before getting up to get some coffee.

"I know she did because they intended to end the line of Jack Thornton, and had they gotten Jack, they would have killed us for sure." Charlotte choked out before going back to watching the children. Bill, Sam, and Patrick also left to give William and Nathan privacy. They refrained from further discussion and sat down to wait for news. A lot had been revealed in a very short time, and everyone was in need of time to process it.

Nathan recalled the letter he had in his pocket and his decision. "Sir, can I speak to you about an important matter while we wait?" William eyed the young man and had a feeling what the young Mountie wanted to discuss, and he was happy to grant that request. It impressed him that Nathan asked Charlotte and Bill to be part of the conversation. Bill had arranged for the room to be empty save for the children, who were asleep, and Gabe guarded the doorway with Patrick.

"Nathan, I know we didn't interact much since I arrived because of everything going on, but anyone my grandson calls Daddy will never call me Sir or Mr. Thatcher. So please call me William, all right?"

"That would be fine, sir; I mean William," Nathan said.

Then looking over at Charlotte and realizing that she might be offended by Jack calling him Daddy, he went to explain. "Mrs. Thornton, I want to assure you that though he calls me Daddy Nathan, your don is known as Papa. It is not something I have insisted on, but I haven't discouraged either because I love him like he is mine."

"You can call me Charlotte, Nathan. We are practically family with everything we have been through and your relationship with Elizabeth."

"That is what I want to talk to you about," Nathan said. I am in love with Elizabeth, and things have been rough over the past three years. Not even a month ago, we were estranged, and she was courting another man—her fear of losing another husband, although now we know that man is behind the Syndicate."

For a few moments, no one said anything. In a choked whisper, William cleared his throat and asked, "Nathan, do you and Bill still believe that Bouchard specifically targeted Elizabeth?"

"Without a doubt, William," Bill said sadly. William blanched but just nodded and indicated that Nathan should continue.

"I have in my possession a letter that I would like to read parts of if you would allow me to," Nathan said. "Some are too personal, but after I share the one part, I feel I need to; I hope you will understand. I assure you that Bill can vouch for the letter's contents."

"I don't need any reassurances on that score, Nathan," William said. "Do you have any misgivings, Charlotte?"

Charlotte said, "None, William."

With that, Nathan began to read the letter quietly to preserve privacy.

I have come to my senses and realized that by being afraid to lose you, I already have my own choices. You have done nothing but be careful of my heart and try to give me space. You have been stronger than I in fighting off our obvious attraction. Even as I write this letter, I still think of our kisses and long to feel your lips on mine once more. After Jack appeared to me in a dream showing me the secret sorrow you carry within you, I finally realized what I meant by the fear of losing you as I did him. While you being a Mountie does scare me, that's not what has held me captive. Nathan, I realize now that it's the fear of just losing you, of waking up and your gone. I think you could be a preacher, and I would still be afraid to be vulnerable to that level of pain I felt when Jack died.

Please, Nathan, say you'll give me a chance to make it all up to you and Allie. Let me prove that I speak the truth now. Just know that I'd marry you tomorrow if I could. In fact, when I'm due to arrive back in Hope Valley, I will make sure you know the time. I'll be all yours if you meet the train with a ring and Bill by your side.

"Now, I wanted to read that because, after these past few weeks and possibly facing my worst nightmare, I've come to a decision. I'm asking for her father's blessing to marry her, William. However, I also need your blessing, Charlotte as Jack's grandmother. I know that she is like a daughter to you. Charlotte, as I said a few minutes ago, I want to assure you that I will love that boy as my son. I promise I will honor your son's memory, not seek to replace Jack Sr. but raise his son as he would have with love and compassion.

Furthermore, please consider the family Elizabeth and I are creating as an extension of yours. However, that may look like this for you and Tom. You and Tom will always be part of my family if you give me your blessings." Nathan said, looking at both William and Charlotte.

Bill looked at the young man before him, so proud at that moment. He had always loved Jack Thornton as a son from the moment he was born. Bill suddenly realized the man before him was like a son and best friend. He knew Nathan saw him as a mentor, but he valued the younger man's opinion. He thanked God that Elizabeth had woken up and come to her senses. It went without saying that Nathan already had his blessing. Bill had supported Nathan as much as he could during the last six months. Nathan also appreciated that Bill thought of Elizabeth and Clara as daughters and had been hurt deeply by her.

Charlotte smiled and said, "I appreciate your care of our feelings Nate," Charlotte said, "As far as I am concerned, you have the Thornton blessing, not that you require it. As for being members of your family, that was already a given." Then she winked for good measure lightening the mood. William readily gave his blessing as well.

"So, what exactly are your plans to make that happen, Nathan?" Bill asked, knowing that the letter had a particular pledge. "Are we talking about a train station, then?" Bill teased.

Charlotte chuckled. "

Before anyone could say any more, the doctor came in and said I'm assuming that everyone is here for Elizabeth Thornton?"

"Yes!" They all said. The doctor nodded before introducing himself. "I'm Dr. Jensen, and may I ask who all of you are?"

"I'm her father," William said, stepping forward. "William Thatcher. This is her mother-in-law Charlotte Thornton, Judge Bill Avery, and her fiancé Nathan Grant."

"Good evening to all of you. Mrs. Thornton made it through surgery. The bullet came close but missed the heart. A quarter of an inch more to the left, and I would be giving different news. It narrowly missed the aorta too. It did minor damage to nearby organs before the bullet lodged next to her spine. There is a possibility of temporary paralysis from all the swelling and the minor injury to the spine from the bullet itself. She is also extremely weak from all the blood loss, so we could use a few donors. I'll have my nurse take you down where we do the procedure. However, barring infection, it's my expectation that she will recover fully from the assortment of injuries over time. I have also spoken to your doctor in Hope Valley and advised her of Mrs. Thornton's condition."

"What about her ribs?" Charlotte asked.

"I was about to ask about them. Mrs. Thornton has some deep bruising along both sides of her ribs. Two are cracked on her right side but appear old. Then there's one on the left that appears fresher. She will be hurting for a while and cannot draw more than shallow breaths. She is also malnourished, which has further weakened her. Can you tell me how she came to be in her condition?"

"Tell him what happened, Charlotte?" Bill asked gently. "That way, Dr. Jensen can ensure that all of Elizabeth's injuries are addressed. He may be able to help relieve some of her pain."

Charlotte's eyes welled up with tears, and the pain was evident as she explained in detail to the doctor what had happened to Elizabeth. By the time she was done, Charlotte could barely speak because of the emotion that had been stirred up.

"Can you tell me how she came to be shot?" the doctor asked.

"She threw herself in front of a bullet meant for me," Nathan said, choking on the words as the memory played in his mind.

"When she fell to the ground, she had to defend against another woman trying to get the pistol that was knocked to the ground. I helped subdue the woman, and Elizabeth appeared fine but struggling to breathe." Charlotte said.

"With regards to her breathing, would you say it was worse before she was shot or afterward," Dr. Jensen asked gently, knowing his questions were wreaking havoc on the other's emotions. "I'm sorry to ask Mrs. Thornton, but it is important."

Charlotte just nodded and, with a shaky breath, said, "When it happened, I didn't think it was worse, or I wouldn't have …." She left the words off. The men immediately picked up on what she wasn't saying. Charlotte felt guilt over leaving Elizabeth to come outside with Bill.

"So, you are saying that her breathing was worse, in your opinion?" the doctor asked.

"Yes, but it wasn't much worse. I honestly thought maybe she was hurting from the ribs," Charlotte said, her voice catching.

"Mrs. Thornton, I want to assure you that your assessment would have been sound given you had not observed that she had been shot. That would have been the first thing I thought as well, and I would have instructed her to sit until everything was settled to prevent unnecessary movement, which could have injured a lung if it broke loose."

Seeing that Charlotte needed time, Nathan moved to end any more conversation. "Can we see her now, Dr. Jensen?" Nathan asked softly. He couldn't bear to think of what Charlotte had spoken of because it stirred up pictures to accompany it.

"Why don't you follow me? She's not awake, but you can visit for a few moments."

Charlotte stayed back with the children in case they woke up. Only Nathan, Bill, and William went with the doctor. They approached the bed, shocked at how pale she was. Elizabeth looked so still, but they could see her breathing, but barely.

"When she wakes up, she will be hurting, but I think she can go home in about a week. She will need help afterward, so you'll need to prepare for that. If possible, I'd like her to stay in Union City for a few weeks to monitor her until I'm sure she is on the mend. Then I see no reason that Dr. Carter can't continue monitoring her care in Hope Valley."

"One last thing that I'm concerned about is the psychological injuries that may also be present though it doesn't change my discharge timeline. She will likely be easily overwhelmed and highly anxious about situations or people. Even people that may not pose any danger can trigger a reaction. I suggest that while she is here that you seek professional intervention for her. They can help her find techniques to cope during periods of anxiety. It is why we will need to be cautious when giving her news. Until I can determine how well she handles what happened, I will only share what she asks or needs to know. I would ask that, for now, you do the same. I think I will have an associate who deals with men who have been in a battle to come and evaluate her.

"Is there anything else I can do for you before I leave?" Dr. Jensen asked.

"How long before she wakes?" Nathan asked.

"It's hard to say, but certainly within the next 24 hours. If the children want to visit here, they may, but only briefly. Once she wakes, I can reevaluate her again, and it will change. As I said earlier, I only anticipate about a 3-day hospital stay. But she will need to stay in Union City until I release her. Do you need help arranging for lodging?"

"No," William said. "I will obtain lodging for us and let you know what they are as soon as I have them made, Dr. Jensen."

"Very good, Mr. Thatcher. Please let me know if you require anything for her medical needs during your stay."

"Thank you, Dr. Jensen; other than the chair and the name of the doctor you recommended for her to see, we will be fine."

He turned to leave but was stopped by Bill. "I'm not sure if you are aware, but Mrs. Thornton will be guarded while she is here," Bill said. "There will be two in the corridor," then, looking at Nathan, he added, "and one in the room,"

"We also need to have the names of those caring for her," Nathan added. "Then any changes to the roster need to be done through the Mountie in charge."

"Rest assured, I will be the only doctor treating Mrs. Thornton. If she requires any specialist, I will always accompany them while they are with her Constable Grant. I will also give you the nurse's roster within the hour. May I know who the Mountie in charge will be?" Dr. Jensen asked.

"ME!" Nathan said firmly.

The doctor nodded and left. Shortly after he left, Charlotte came and let the children see that Elizabeth was resting. After an hour, Patrick stopped by to take all but Nathan and Bill home. Bill and Gabe would stand guard in the hall until she woke up while Nathan sat by the bed. Bill brought him some lemonade and a sandwich ordering him to eat. Pushing the chair beside the bed, Nathan grabbed her hand and fell asleep, dreaming of Elizabeth, train stations, and interrupted kisses. It was his first restful sleep since she had been taken.