Author's Note: First of all, I apologize for how long it's taken to get this chapter done. I had completed about 1/3 of it and my computer up and died- completely done. I hadn't made a backup yet so it was gone—needless to say, this left me quite frustrated and it took a while to get started again. Thank you to those who left reviews with the last chapter- I greatly appreciated it. This is the final chapter but will be followed by an epilogue.

Chapter 14

"Hey, hey, hey! Settle down, have a seat and we'll tell you what the plan is…you just need to let me talk," Andy said to the packed room in town hall. "If you keep interrupting and yelling at me we'll get nowhere."

Slowly the crowd began to settle down and take their seats, impatient to get answers and be reassured that everything was being done.

A panic had taken over the town after the attack of the clansmen, understandably so- everyone was scared especially now that the sun was beginning to make its descent into the western sky. The threat of nighttime just made things even more frightening.

Charlie and Bass were sitting up front off to the side of Andy- Charlie, for her part, was holding it together despite an attack of nausea and near fainting after the clansmen's final words. Bass sat with his arm around her protectively and Miles and Nora, as well as Deputy Rick, stood behind Andy.

Some of the townspeople glanced Charlie's way although most seemed to actively avoid her, as if looking at her made it all too real- like it wasn't already. Those who did took in her ghostly white complexion and the fact that she was hugging her womb protectively; these people simply felt thankful they were not in her shoes.

"Let's get started," Andy began, "Thankfully, we didn't lose anybody in this latest attack but four were wounded. Dr. Porter is currently seeing to those people down the hall. If anyone can go help him out after the meeting that would be greatly appreciated.

First off, I have decided that for everyone's safety we are all going to stay here tonight—this is not a choice." There was some grumbling from the crowd but most seemed okay with it. "If, however, you do go home tonight I cannot vouch for your safety or protection. We have limited manpower as it is so to put it bluntly- you'll be on your own. There is plenty of room here—we can set everyone up in the lounge area- it's carpeted, there's a fireplace and sofas- we can better protect you there.

Secondly, I need some volunteers to go with Miles Matheson to bring the bodies of the clansmen inside our town walls." Shocked voices and surprise and disgust rang through the crowd as people reacted to this news. "Let me explain why…" he waited for them to settle down, "When they come back, and you'll notice I said when, not if, we don't want them to be able to use the bodies as cover- also, we'll probably find some weapons left on these men and on the ground outside that we will need. We are running low on ammo—if you have any more at home you are ordered to bring it here to me or Rick. We are all in this together…we need to act like it. It's going to be a long night- we want to be prepared."

A man in the back raised his hand to speak, "What about," he paused seemingly uncomfortable, "what about what they asked for?"

An audible gasp went through the crowd followed by whispering- Bass stood, staring down the man like he could kill him on sight; Miles put a steadying hand on his shoulder.

Andy spoke first, "We're not paying any attention to what they said…"

"But what if something could…" another man offered.

Miles cut him off, "Anyone who was in the ravine the other day knows these men will stop at nothing…and I mean nothing…until they kill us all. Yes, they have a disgusting propensity for infants…but they have been making their way through Texas killing everyone in their path. And if any of you think for one minute that we are even going to consider handing over my niece to these bastards…I'll kill you myself!"

Everyone in the room sat stunned- no one knew what to say or think. It was Andy who spoke next, "We have to be a town united- Miles is right…these men will stop at nothing to try and kill us all- and if anyone is caught trying to give them what they want or anything even close to that…I will personally make sure you are banished from this town for good- I'll escort you to the gate myself!

A chorus of voices rose from the crowd as people grew angry—not that they all wanted to hand Charlie over- most would never consider it. But the fact that they were being threatened didn't sit well at this particular moment. Andy and Miles tried to get control over the meeting but it was no good.

Out of nowhere came a voice, "Enough!"

A silence fell over the crowd as everyone turned to see who had spoken. Emma Colson stood in the last row, fists clenched and looking tense.

For the first time since the meeting started Charlie looked up at the faces in the crowd- their eyes met.

"I was in the ravine the other day…if not for Charlie, Becca and I would probably be dead. And I feel quite certain that if not for Miles, my little boy would be gone as well. These people are not human- they have no conscience; I watched that day as a man swung little Lizzie Eldard in the air and threw her on the ground…and he was laughing!" Tears began to swell in her eyes. "If any of you think that giving them Charlie would put an end to this you're wrong…and to even think of such a thing is abhorrent and disgusting. I know my husband Rob…if he were here…would be standing behind both Charlie and Bass…and I could never forgive myself if I didn't do the same—they have been so good to my family…to all of us. Causing discord and anger between us is exactly what these animals want—Andy is right, we have to stick together—we have to fight for each other."

Charlie who had tears streaming down her face mouthed, 'thank you'. Emma smiled somberly and nodded.

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Things moved rather quickly after that- many people went home to gather bed rolls, blankets and cots if available to bring to the lounge area of town hall- a fire was made in the giant fireplace to warm up the space. Boards were nailed across windows and all but the main doors were nailed shut and barricaded.

Miles led a group of volunteers outside the main town gate and began loading bodies into wagons to bring into town- discarded weapons were found on the ground- mainly knives, hatchets and machete's; nothing was left outside. Afterwards, they sealed up the gate again and barricaded it extra tight- the town's perimeter was inspected and guards stationed every hundred yards. It was going to be a particularly cold night so they worked out a schedule so guards were relieved every three hours. All ammo was collected and counted and rationed out; a group of people went with Marion to the bar to create makeshift Molotov cocktails for extra defense.

Nothing was left to chance.

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The wounded were brought to the lounge area and set up in the far end of the room on cots; most of the families set up around the room on bedrolls. Many of the elderly were given the sofas to sleep on but all agreed that Charlie should have one too. Everyone knew just by looking at her that she was in pain and the stricken look upon her face as well as her nausea made it an easy decision for all. At first she protested but Bass convinced her to take it and helped her down onto the soft cushions to rest- he sat down on the floor in front of her vowing to not leave her side.

"Gene took Flame back to the stable for us," he said.

"Oh, Flame…I'd forgotten she was even outside," Charlie murmured.

"It's okay…try to get some rest, babe- you're exhausted and sick; I'm not goin' anywhere," he reassured her.

"Okay," she said softly, resting a hand on his shoulder and lightly twirling her fingers through the curly soft tendrils of his hair.

She eventually fell into a restless sleep.

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As everyone began to settle in for the night a big kettle of chicken soup and some bread were brought over from the bar.

Bass sat down on the sofa and rested Charlie's feet in his lap and they ate together quietly.

"It's going to be a long night," she whispered.

"Yea," he agreed, "but try not to worry babe- I've got your back and I'm not going to let anything happen to you."

"I love you, Bass, more than I've ever loved anyone in my life," Charlie breathed.

"I love you too, Charlotte…so, so much," he said.

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Not too many people actually slept that night save for the children but they were all still alive the next morning.

The clansmen had made a return sometime after midnight but they were no match for the Molotov cocktails. Suffice it to say that a collective sigh of relief was shared by all.

That evening they were just finishing dinner for a second night in town hall when screams were heard from outside.

Someone ran inside and screamed, "The roof is on fire!"

Panic spread quickly through the room as a mass exit began- everyone ran outside to see that the town hall roof was indeed on fire as well as some other buildings.

"They're trying to burn us out," Bass seethed.

"The livery!" someone screamed.

"The horses!" Charlie cried. Even though Flame and Cola were at home in Gene's stable most of the towns horses stayed in the livery. "We need them!" If they had to escape the horses and wagons would be their only chance of getting away.

A flurry of people ran to the stable and began to free the horses- Bass ran inside after them.

"Stay right here! Do not come in there!" he yelled.

The horses were in sheer panic- as they were freed from their stalls they flew past the doorways to safety. Bass emerged just as the roof began to cave in. Everyone got out in time.

Rat a tat tat tat tat! They could hear shooting coming from the other side of the town wall. Clansmen didn't have assault weapons- unless they had attacked another unit sent to rescue them.

Bass and Charlie made their way to the front gate; as the gunfire ceased there was a chorus of 'hurrah' from the guards up on the gang plank. A voice could be heard from the other side of the wall.

"I am Captain Connor Bennett of the Texas Ranger's- sent here by President Frank Blanchard in Austin. I believe many of you remember me and recognize my face so you have no need to be scared- we are here to protect you!"

The entire crowd began celebrating in the street.

"Where is my father? Sebastian Monroe?" Connor continued.

Bass ran up on the gang plank, "Damn, Connor, you sure make a helluva entrance! And just in time- open the gates! Help has arrived!"

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Hugs were shared all around before getting back to work- the clansmen were all dead- taken out by Connor's men.

The town's livery was destroyed by the fire and would have to be rebuilt as soon as possible due to the cold weather. The fire in town hall was able to be contained although the roof would need to be rebuilt. The horses were all put in the corral where there combined body heat would help to keep them warm for the night as well as being blanketed down.

A short celebration was had before most people returned to their homes, happy to feel safe once again. Connor and his men took guard duty but the rest of the night was very quiet, thankfully.

He and Bass and Charlie, along with everyone else would have time to catch up the next day- right now the townspeople were exhausted and it showed.

As Bass and Charlie crawled into bed that night holding each other tightly they were just happy to be back home- even though it had only been one night it had felt like an eternity.

"Bass," Charlie whispered as he was spooned right behind her, his face nestled in her hair.

"Hmmm?" he murmured.

"I simply can't say it enough….I love you," Charlie said.

He lifted his head over hers and gently kissed her lips, lingering there and whispered, "I love you too, Charlotte."

"Bass," Charlie said again after he had rested his head behind hers once more.

"Yea, babe?" he asked sleepily.

"We're going to have a baby," happiness abundant in her voice. They both rested their hands upon her womb.

"Yes we are," he smiled.

"Bass," she said almost giddily.

He chuckled, "yes, Charlotte?"

"I think I can sleep tonight," she smiled.

"Me too, Charlotte, me too."

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A/N: I hope you have enjoyed my story- I have a lot of love for these characters. Please leave a review if you have a minute- they are greatly appreciated.