A/N This has been brewing in my mind over the past week and could not be contained any longer. Special thanks to Chrissy Sengle, Melissa, Abbie, and Gracie Atwood for being the betas for it. I will be updating my other stories beginning 7/30. I may begin posting a few updates here or there before then, but that is my plan. It is the first of what I am sure will be many rewrites as S10 begins to air.

Nathan sighed as he led Newton back to the jail after they completed evening rounds. He recalled Elizabeth letting him know the other day that Allie had approached her about wanting help in finding him a wife. She assured him that she had discouraged her but felt like he should know. It was still awkward at times talking with Elizabeth about personal parts of his life, but time was beginning to ease that.

He had been feeling like a laughingstock in Hope Valley for quite some time now. After enduring a difficult year, he had heard rumors that some of the single ladies in the town were eyeing him as a potential romantic interest. However, after the foolishness of growing a ridiculous mustache and allowing Allie to get close to yet another female like Mei, Nathan realized he needed to take a step back and focus solely on his daughter. He believed that Allie deserved his full attention, and perhaps by doing so, she would stop trying to match him up with other women.

Three prominent ladies were considered front runners in the game for his hand. The first was Fiona, who was undoubtedly beautiful, but there were never any sparks between them. Then there was Faith, who had a couple of qualities Nathan appreciated, but she didn't measure up to what Elizabeth, his past love, had made him feel. Moreover, he felt that Faith was a little flighty and not someone he could confidently open up his heart to. He also suspected that she was still hung up on Carson. Lastly, there was Mei, with whom Nathan had too much baggage. To be honest, he was still angry over how Bill had kept Geoffrey Lewis a secret. Something that she herself should have told him when things seem to be moving into a deeper connection. It actually served as proof that he should never have even attempted to jump into something, especially when she talked to Bill behind his back, revealing private information he had confided to her. After not speaking to him at all, she came back and expected to pick up where things left off.

Despite everything he had been through with Elizabeth and having to deal with Mei and Faith, one thing had become clear to Nathan - he didn't need a woman in his life to be happy or to raise Allie. He had been doing it since Allie was four years old, and he would continue to do so. He never intended to fall in love in the first place and now couldn't envision anyone else in what should have been Elizabeth's place. What he had felt for Elizabeth had been real and deep and not something easily pushed aside. Nonetheless, Elizabeth had made her choice, and Nathan was going to move on, but on his terms - without a wife. Maybe after Allie finished school, he would even put in for a new posting.

He was nearing the jail when Fiona approached with a wheelbarrow full of boxes, "So, did you hear?" she asked.

"Hear what?" Nathan replied.

"Faith, Mei, and I will be moving in together," Fiona said.

"Oh," Nathan responded.

"Don't worry, we don't talk about you," Mei said as she and Faith joined the conversation.

"At least not much," Faith added with a giggle.

Nathan was a bit irritated at the assumption that he was concerned about them talking about him. He had finally had enough of all the innuendos and people making jokes at his expense.

"I don't recall expressing concern about that. "In fact, now that you three are here, I'd like to clarify something," Nathan said. "Firstly, there's a lot of speculation going around about me having certain aspirations for finding love, and you three seem to be the top contenders. I don't know how this started, and I don't mean to be presumptuous or offend any of you. But I am not interested in any competition or another love triangle, even in reverse. Secondly, although I am still getting over Elizabeth, I'm not pining away, nor do I appreciate my lack of a love life becoming the topic of jokes. I am moving on, and I do not require some consolation prize. Thirdly, while I am flattered, I really have no interest in pursuing anything other than friendship with any member of the opposite sex.

My only focus is on raising Allie and doing my job as the town Mountie to keep the town safe. Part of that is to be the example of the man I want my daughter to choose, which isn't one that is the butt of jokes or the town clown.

So, if you could help me squelch the rumors, I would be grateful. I strongly believe that true love is worth fighting for, and I genuinely hope that you find someone that will fight for your love. Unfortunately, it is not me. Have a great day, ladies."

As Nathan walked away, the three ladies stood in the middle of the street, speechless, with their mouths hanging open. Unknown to Nathan, Allie had been standing nearby and had watched the entire thing. She made a vow that she would do as Mrs. Thornton had suggested and stop trying to interfere in her dad's life. Where she thought she was doing something to make him happy, it was having the opposite effect. She walked over to where he had just finished tying Newton to the rail and gave him one of her bear hugs, and held on tight, rejoicing as his arms wrapped around her, pulling her tighter.

"What's the occasion?" her father teased.

"I just wanted to show you how much I love you and am so glad you are my dad."

"I feel the same way about you, Allie Girl," Nathan replied, his heart full as he gently kissed the top of her head.

Elizabeth remained hidden in the shadows as she watched the scene unfold. She couldn't help but feel ashamed as she watched Nathan speak to the three women and saw the emotional exchange between father and daughter. She began to question her decision to continue on with the charade with Lucas, realizing that her paralyzing fear had caused her to become disconnected from her true self. Although she had thought she loved Lucas before, she now knew that it was never really the case. She wondered if it was too late to change things. As she looked at her engagement ring, she decided to remove it. A feeling of peace and contentment washed over her, and she thought she heard Jack's voice whispering, "Finally. It's about time you came to your senses."

She giggled as she pictured him saying it and silently agreed. It was time to make a series of changes starting with ending things with Lucas and then beginning the journey of redeeming herself, hopefully into a woman that Nathan might feel is still worthy so that she could prove she was willing to fight for his love because like him she believed with all her heart true Love was worth fighting for even if it meant fighting her fears. Nathan Grant was a man worth any amount of risk, just like Jack had been though they were both different and definitely MORE THAN A SERGE! ;)

THE END