A/N I want to thank my readers that are still following this story through my long absence. I am still not 100 percent I will post as often as I can though I can't promise every week just yet. I do hope to be there soon, though.


Nathan walked downstairs smiling as he thought of Elizabeth and their earlier session with Matthew. He couldn't help but wonder what Patrick needed to talk to him about. When he arrived, he discovered that Chief Superintendent Collins was there, and others were smiling at him as he walked in.

He had heard them discussing the Hope Valley Posting with Gabe and thought he heard something about promotions and more Mounties.

"Nathan! Glad you could finally join us." Bill teased.

"Stop teasing the man, Bill. He is technically on a honeymoon of sorts." Collins reprimanded.

"Trying to be anyway," Nathan muttered, not realizing the others heard.

Collins smiled apologetically as he turned to Nathan. "I'm sorry to pull you away, but there were some updates that I thought you would want to know. Have a seat."

"An hour ago, we got a tip on the current locations of Helen, Amos, and Hargraves. They have been discovered hiding in Hamilton. We should receive word any time that they have been apprehended."

"Can they be trusted?" Nathan asked.

The older man chuckled. "Bill asked me the same thing. I hand-picked them myself. They are without doubt loyal to the Thorntons." Collins assured him.

I want to commend your exceptional leadership abilities and impeccable analytical skills. Your unparalleled ability to identify critical information that others may have missed has not gone unnoticed. In recognition of your outstanding contributions, we have decided to immediately promote you from your current position as a Sergeant to a Staff Sergeant.

Moreover, I am delighted to share with you that Kinslow will also be receiving a well-deserved promotion from Corporal to Sergeant. I understand that we do not usually promote individuals so quickly, but in light of the current situation, it is necessary.

We have plans to establish an outpost in Hope Valley, and we are entrusting you with the responsibility of leading this mission. Your primary role will be to oversee the day-to-day operations of the outpost and supervise a team of three other men, including Gabe.

In addition to your new leadership role, we would also like to utilize your expertise in cold cases and other forensic work. While occasional travel may be required, we will keep it to a minimum, especially since Elizabeth's mental well-being requires you to be close by.

"So, you are posting 5 Mounties in Hope Valley?" Bill said in shock.

"At least to start. But your post will be more of an investigative hub, at least for you and Gabe, while the others will have the duties of the Town Mountie and surrounding area, including Brookfield. It seems like a good move since the town appears to be captivating some of our finest Mounties to settle down there—Jack, Bill, now you, and Kinslow. I do not doubt that as soon as the word becomes public, the others currently there will be putting in a request.

Nathan smiled at his use of the word town since he and Lucas once referred to Elizabeth that way. In Nathan's eyes, the town was captivating, and she was his. But the entire community of wonderful, caring people was also part of the draw.

Collins posed the question with confidence, already anticipating the answer. "I assume this change meets with both yours and Kinslow's approvals?" he inquired.

Nathan replied thoughtfully, "I will give you a tentative yes, for now, Sir. But it will be contingent on Elizabeth and Allie being okay with it. After what she has endured, our previous issues, and my own experiences of being worried, I can't fully accept it unless she is all right with it. Not to mention the worry that Allie has endured since she has been with me. Plus, Jack has already lost a father that he never met because his father was a Mountie. You may think I am crazy for even considering it, sir, but there's nothing the Mounties can offer that can even come close to what my family means to me. If they aren't okay with me remaining a Mountie, then you should know I will be leaving the Mounties at the earliest opportunity."

Collins nodded, taking in Nathan's words. "Understood," he said. "For now, I will take my leave and return to HQ to learn more about Hargraves and the Dixons. I will also return to Hamilton in the morning, so could you let me know in the next few days? Whatever you decide, we have a lot to do."

Nathan acquiesced, "Of course, sir. I will keep you informed in the coming days."

Nathan sat there as Patrick walked Collins out, unsure what to make of the offer he had just been given. It was an honor, but he had meant what he said. It would be a hard no if his girls weren't okay with it. He even had some ideas of what he would do if he did leave the Mounties.

Patrick returned, bringing Nathan back to the present. Knowing Nathan would need time, they moved on to the more urgent matter.

"Nathan, there is one last thing that Bill and I want to go over with you about tomorrow concerning the meeting with Bouchard."

"What would that be?"

"I'm sure you probably already know, but I have a feeling that he will do whatever he can to get under your skin, hoping for a reaction. I think things will go downhill once he finds out he wasn't successful in killing Elizabeth and that you are her husband." Patrick said.

"Whatever happens, don't let him goad you into reacting in a way that he could say was threatening because I have no doubt that is the plan," Bill warned.

"Can you handle that, Nathan?" Patrick asked.

"I can. I spent a lot of time suppressing feelings about him when I only wanted to take off my Serge and punch him. Let him do his worst because Elizabeth and I will have the last laugh." Nathan assured him, "I will leave before I allow him to have a reason to get a lenient sentence or get off scot-free."

All right, the only thing left to say is that tomorrow you will be in civilian clothes and not in uniform.

Nathan sought Elizabeth before dinner to talk to her about Collins's offer to him. Only after Elizabeth gave her okay would they even talk to Allie about it. She was alone, sitting propped in their bed, reading a book, when he entered. He shut the door and locked it to prevent unwanted interruptions. She only raised her brow questioningly at him.

Nathan approached Elizabeth with a grave expression on his face. "I have something we need to discuss, and I want you to promise me that you will be completely honest with me no matter what."

"That sounds serious, Nathan. Did I do something wrong? Are you angry at me?" Her smile had immediately disappeared; he could sense her fear, almost as if it was tangible. Quickly, he moved to her side, taking her in his arms and holding her close.

"No, no, don't worry, love. It's not a bad thing. I'm sorry for alarming you," he reassured her. He then explained the promotion offer he had received and how Collins had promised minimal trips away from her.

Elizabeth's face lit up with excitement. "That's fantastic news, Nathan! You've always wanted to be an Inspector, and this opportunity seems perfect for you. It will give you the best of both worlds. I think you should tell him you will accept it."

Nathan couldn't help but feel unsure, however. "But what about the dangers of the job, Elizabeth? As a Mountie, I can't promise that something won't happen. Not even in this position in Hope Valley."

Elizabeth's response was immediate and heartfelt. "Nathan, when Jack and I were just starting to court, he was given orders to Cape Fullerton. It was his dream assignment, but my father diverted him from it to come to Coal Valley and watch over me. When the opportunity arose again, he was going to decline it for us, even though it could have cost him his career. I couldn't let him do that, just as I can't let you leave the Mounties because I'm afraid. It means everything to me that you're including me in this decision, and I will support you no matter what you choose."

"Are you sure, Elizabeth?" Nathan asked, still feeling torn.

"I truly am Nathan, without a doubt. I can't promise not to worry or that I won't have to fight my fears at times, but I won't run from them, and I promise to talk with you when I am struggling. I think you should accept the promotion."

"I can live with that, Lizbeth," Nathan said as he gently kissed her.

Just as Nathan was about to take the kiss deeper, there was a knock on the door. Their children began calling out for them. With a groan, he pulled away and went to answer it while Elizabeth giggled.

"You guys have perfect timing," Nathan said. Your Mama and I want to discuss something with you."

"I think that is the first time you have said that, Dad," Allie teased.

"Very funny, sweet girl," Nathan chuckled, ruffling her hair which earned him a glare. Allie's reaction was the same as Elizabeth's; of course, his son went along with whatever Allie wanted. Charlotte came in shortly afterward to gather the kids to go down to dinner, and once they shared the news, she was excited for them as well.

Nathan helped Elizabeth get cleaned up, changed into a skirt and blouse, and carried her downstairs to dinner. After Nathan made the call to Collins formally accepting the promotion, the dinner became celebratory, especially after Collins let them know that the Hamilton Mounties had successfully apprehended the Dixons and Hargraves. It meant that now that all the major players were in custody, they could safely begin returning to Hope Valley. It was time to start taking back their life from the hands of the Nexxus Corporation and regain a sense of normalcy. Lee and Rosemary would leave the next day to arrange for Nathan and Allie's belongings to be set up in Elizabeth's rowhouse before they returned. They would also find places for Matthew, Charlotte, and Tom to stay.

Later that night, Nathan attended to Elizabeth's needs, carefully tending to her dressings and administering her pain medication to ensure that she could rest comfortably. Once he finished, he slipped into bed beside her, enfolding her in his arms and taking in the scent of her hair. As she sighed contentedly in his arms, the sound brought a smile to his lips, and Nathan's heart flooded with love and a deep sense of contentment. He was grateful for the warmth of her body against his own.

Once again, Elizabeth wore the top to his pajamas while he wore the bottoms, although in case he was needed, he kept a robe and Henley close by in case. They began locking their door as an extra layer of security to help Elizabeth feel safe but wanted to remain available to their children. However, Charlotte, needing comfort, had also made herself available to the kids, and they automatically sought her out instead. It was a matter of need recognizing a need and left Nathan to be able to focus on Elizabeth's recovery.

Charlotte had also begun to work with Allie on lessons since she was missing school. While he and Elizabeth had been in therapy with Matthew, Lee, and Bill had contacted Katie Yost, who was substituting for Elizabeth while she had been gone. Katie would remain for a while as a teacher even after they returned to Hope Valley until Matthew was confident that Elizabeth could manage the stress properly. She and Charlotte had easily agreed on a lesson plan to catch Allie up where the rest of her class was working.

Elizabeth sighed once more. "I don't think I will ever want to wear a nightgown for the rest of my life."

Nathan chuckled. "I like sharing my pajamas with you, so you'll get no argument from me, my love. "Together, they drifted off into a peaceful slumber, grateful for the comfort and security of each other's arms, feeling deeply grateful to be together and surrounded by their loving family.