First off, I want to thank all of you who have been reading and leaving such lovely comments on this story. I read them all and try to take them to heart.

Like so many of you, I have fallen for these characters. Our leading duo of Nathan and Allie and their new heroine, Charlotte. I want nothing more than to see them happy. And I hear ya…. y'all want it sooner rather than later. Nathan and Allie like us WCTH viewers have been put through some tough stuff and we just want to see them moving forward. I promise we will get there. But in this story, we still have Charlotte's past to overcome. Her and Nathan cannot move forward together until that is out in the open and she starts to heal and come to grips with her past.

Secondly, if you've made it this far in the story, you probably already know what will unfold from Charlotte's past. I will not go into the "details" in my writing (think PG plus to maybe PG-13 rating), but I did want to put in the warning here that if this sort of topic causes you distress or is a trigger. Skip this chapter and possibly the next. Come back and join us in Chapter 12. (That one is going to have all the feels y'all).

Finally, I in no way want to compare my writing to some of my favorite novels: North and South, Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, and Far From the Madding Crowd, etc. But what's the similar story arc between all these romances? Usually, the leading couple have to go through a bit of angst and "not yets" before reaching the height of their epic love story.

And I will give Nathan and Charlotte that.

Trust me to tell this story as I see best for them to both move forward. Stronger and more in love than if there wasn't this sort of individual character growth/development I feel Nathan and Charlotte need to make before we get all the fun fluffy stuff.

Always remember that a rainbow appears only after the rain.

Chapter 10- The Letter

Charlotte and Allie spent the days following their trip to the upper meadow getting the old bank building turned into a classroom. School would be starting in less than two weeks and there was much to do to transition the vacant building to something suitable to teach in.

Many of Charlotte's advanced summer students had helped to clean out the building and scrub it from top to bottom. Joseph and Jeese built all the desks and seats for both the children and Charlotte in their spare time with wood that Lee had donated. Bill had brought over some old shelves to store books and other supplies. Rosemary and Clara sewed new curtains for the windows and Minnie ensured that anyone who was working in Charlotte's classroom, getting the space ready, did not go hungry. Faith donated an old microscope, the one the children had used in the pond water experiment. Henry had ordered some posters that fit perfectly for the curriculum Charlotte was planning on teaching this year. Even Elizabeth and Lucas chipped in. Purchasing a large chalkboard for the classroom.

Nathan had been busy with his regular rounds, but he was also just returning from an overnight trip to Union City.

"Wow!" He said entering Charlotte's new classroom for the first time in over four days. He had to admit, the thought of having her right beside his office, was a tempting treat. "It's finally coming together, isn't it?"

Charlotte and Allie turned in sync at the sound of Nathan's voice behind them. They really were becoming like two peas in a pod, he thought to himself.

"Uncle Nathan! Want to help us paint?" Allie offered, already armed with a brush in her hand. "Mr. Yost just dropped off these cans that came in this afternoon's shipment."

"It's been a long time since I've painted anything, Allie, I'm not sure if I remember how to," Nathan answered, but he was already removing his gun holster and red serge. Laying them over the back of a nearby chair. He did not care if his painting skills were sub-par, at that moment he would take any excuse to be in the same room as Allie and Charlotte. Spending the night before in Union City, away from them, had been torture. All his thoughts kept coming back to his girls. Memories of their trip to the upper meadow on Saturday, made it hard to focus on the meetings he had to attend while in Union City.

"What?" Charlotte joked, her eyes twinkling with playfulness. "They didn't teach you how to paint a schoolroom in Mountie training constable? Who should I send my formal complaint to?"

Nathan laughed as he picked up the brush Allie had handed to him, before placing it into the pail of white paint that sat on a stool between him and Charlotte. "So… I just place it here, right?"

Nathan had acted like he was going to paint the wall in front of them, but then at the last minute turned and ran the brush across Charlotte's hand and up part of her forearm.

A shocked expression came across Charlotte's face. "I can't believe you just did that!"

"What? This?" Nathan said as he ran his paint brush across Charlotte's other arm.

"Constable. The North-West Mounted Police may not have taught you about how to paint a schoolroom, but surely they taught that you should never start a fight you cannot win!" Charlotte said as she armed herself with a now fully loaded paint brush.

"And why won't I win?" Nathan challenged, re-dipping his paintbrush as if ready to duel.

"Because, you don't have back up for this one." Charlotte quipped as she slipped her paint brush across Nathan's face.

Before Nathan could retaliate, Allie swiped her paintbrush across his back. He was now fighting a losing battle on two fronts. It was time to retreat.

Thankfully, Minnie's voice cut through the girl's laughter. "Do you plan on using that paint for the walls or just each other?"

All three painters turned to face Mrs. Canfield, sheepish smiles crossing their faces.

"I just stopped by to bring you all dinner. Glad I did, because at your current pace, this could take you all night. Unless you run out of paint with all these fun and games first." Minnie jokingly scolded while setting down three helpings of tonight's special from the café onto Charlotte's new desk.

"Thank you for saving me Minnie!" Nathan said, putting down his paint brush to pick up a slice of Minnie's chicken pot pie. "And for dinner. I'm famished!"

"Glad I could be of service constable. Now eat and then get back to work. This school won't paint itself." Minnie said before leaving the room and the messy painters behind.

It had been late that night by the time Allie, Nathan, and Charlotte returned to their respective row houses after finally finishing painting. Dirty, tired, but content with a job well done. With all the help from the residents of Hope Valley, Charlotte believed her classroom would help create an environment for all her students to excel in their studies this year.

She was just finishing up unpacking a few crates that Robert had brought over from the mercantile for her the next afternoon when Mr. Yost knocked on the door of the school.

"Ned! What brings you down here today?" Charlotte asked. "I don't believe there are any more supplies that I am expecting to be delivered."

"Oh no, it's not a delivery. I had just found a letter for you in the mercantile. It had fallen behind my sorting table, and I didn't see it until just now. I felt so bad I needed to bring it over right away. I am sorry about that Charlotte. I hope it wasn't too time sensitive." Ned looked forlorn as he handed over the dusty envelope to Charlotte.

"Thank you, Ned. I'm sure it will be alright." Charlotte said, taking the letter into her hand and following Ned to the door on his way out. "I appreciate you bringing it to me personally."

Charlotte gave a kind smile to Ned as he started down the boardwalk back to the mercantile. When Charlotte saw he was past Fiona's barbershop, she closed the door to the school and locked herself in. Smoothing the crinkled corner of the envelope as she went and sat at her desk. Charlotte ran her thumb over the familiar handwriting.

Ms. C. Thompson

Hope Valley, AB

Charlotte had almost forgotten she had sent the letter weeks ago. It seemed like a lifetime. She had not really expected a reply, which is why holding this piece of paper in her hands caused Charlotte's heart rate to increase. Slowly Charlotte ran a finger under the lip of the envelope and pulled out the paper inside.

Dear Charlotte,

Imagine our surprise when we received your letter this morning! We had not heard from you in so long.

Are you okay? Does your move have to do with Beck? He sent a letter himself that arrived just yesterday. We have not responded to it and never will, but Charlotte if you are in danger. Please let us know.

We care so much for you dear friend. We trust that the people of Hope Valley know what a gem of a person you are and will take care of their newest teacher.

If you ever need anything, know that we are always here for you.

Matt & Megan Lane

Bile formed in Charlotte's throat. Beck had written to Matt and Megan?

Charlotte shuffled the paper in her hand to the second page that had been included in the envelope.

Megs,

Long time no talk.

I just wanted to ask if you have heard from Charlotte recently?

You see we had a bit of a spat a few days ago and she seems to have run away.

I love Charlotte, Megs. She needs to come home.

Please let me know if you receive any word as to her whereabouts. I know you are Charlotte's closest confidante and that she will reach out to you at some point.

Yours Truly,

Beck McEntire

What had Charlotte been thinking? Writing to her childhood friend Megan and her husband Matt. Had she put them in danger as well? Charlotte's letter to them had been short. Simply saying she had called off the wedding and had taken a new teaching position for the summer and if it went well, she would stay for the next school year. Charlotte had wanted to let the Lane's know of her move, so they did not try contacting her back in Potter's Creek.

Charlotte turned over the envelope in her hand to see the date the letter had been postmarked from Matt and Megan.

July 22, 1919

They had sent the letter over six weeks ago! Beck could be anywhere by now. Why had Charlotte thought he would just leave her alone and not try to find where she had run away to? Beck had connections. Bad connections. And what would happen if he found Charlotte?

What would happen to Allie? Her students? The town?

Nathan.

She swallowed the lump that had risen into her throat. Suppressing the scream that welled up inside her. Charlotte looked out the window. Dust swirled in the street as the warm winds had picked up. The skies had darkened. A storm must be coming in.

Like an out of body experience, Charlotte felt herself being carried out of the schoolhouse and back towards the row houses.

She had to get out of here. She had to leave. It was not safe anymore for her to be in Hope Valley. Not for anyone.

Dark clouds swirled in the sky above Nathan as he quickened his pace from the livery back to the house. A strong storm seemed to pop up out of nowhere over the mountains to the west, causing Newton and Nathan to finish their rounds in a rush.

Allie had decided to spend the weekend at Opal's. The girls last planned sleepover before school would be starting soon. It had been a long week and Nathan was looking forward to sitting back, relaxing, and maybe reading a book this weekend. Rainy evenings were perfect for that.

Maybe he would see if Charlotte wanted to join him for dinner tonight? It would be a bold question. Especially since Allie would be away, but Nathan found himself looking for any excuse to be nearer to Charlotte. It would not hurt to ask right?

As Nathan walked past his house on his way to Charlotte's front steps, something stopped him. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed a figure moving behind Charlotte's house. Knowing something seemed off, Nathan crept quietly along the side of the row house before peering around the edge.

Nathan released the breath he had not realized he had been holding. It was just Charlotte. Moving around quickly, working against the increasing winds from the storm, trying to collect the bedding she had hung out to dry on the clothesline that morning.

Not realizing until it was too late, Nathan came up behind Charlotte and placed a hand on her back, reaching with his other hand to help her remove a clothespin that had been holding the sheets in place, his whole body pressed against her side, "Here let me help you."

A scream, like none Nathan had ever heard before, came from deep within Charlotte as she crumpled to the ground. Shaking and kicking her legs out. Pushing her body away from him, clawing at the dirt around her, until she came to rest along the back steps of her row house.

Panic rose in Nathan's chest. What had he just done?

"Charlotte. Charlotte!" Nathan moved to where Charlotte now lay cowering on the ground. "It's just me. Nathan. I won't hurt you."

Nathan started to reach his hand forward towards Charlotte, hoping the connection would bring her out of the real-life nightmare she found herself in. Instead, she batted his attempt away, pulling her arms and legs together into a fetal position.

"Nathan. Go away and leave me. I can't…." Charlotte's voice cracked as her tears flowed down her cheek, connecting with the raindrops that were starting to fall.

"Charlotte, please just let me-" Nathan's voice rising in anguish, "Just let me help you."

"No one can help me, Nathan. Not now." Charlotte's face turned away from him as her hair became damp and matted from the rain that was now beating down on them.

He had to get her inside. But how? There was no way Charlotte would let him touch her. Not now.

"Minnie! Open up Minnie!" Nathan pounded on the back door of the Canfield's house. "Please Minnie! It's Nathan. I need your help."

Soon Nathan heard footsteps approaching the door moments before it opened to reveal Minnie with Joseph right behind her.

"It's Charlotte - She's…" Nathan, out of breath from the adrenaline, just pointed in the direction of where Charlotte's crumpled body lay on the ground beside her house.

"Oh my God!" Minnie cried out turning to Joseph before calling back inside. "Angela. Cooper. Stay in the house. We will be back in a minute."

She and Joseph pushed past Nathan on their way to Charlotte.

"Charlotte. Sweetheart. It's Minnie." Minnie said slowly reaching out her hand to cup Charlotte's face, brushing a wet strand of hair off the woman's cheek.

Charlotte turned her grey face towards Minnie in a subdued manner.

"Charlotte. Joseph is here too. He is going to help me get you inside, okay."

Charlotte nodded her head slightly in agreement, before Joseph gently helped lift her off the muddy ground. Minnie opened the door to Charlotte's house as Joseph carried her almost lifeless body across the threshold before closing it again behind them. Leaving Nathan alone in the rain to replay and regret his actions that had brought on this complete breakdown in Charlotte.

"Nathan!" Joseph said in surprise as he exited Charlotte's house sometime later, almost tripping over Nathan who sat on the stoop of Charlotte's back door.

"I'm sorry Joseph." Nathan replied, quickly jumping up and moving out of the way as he tried to discreetly wipe the tears from his cheeks.

"How is she?" Nathan's voice barely above a whisper as he tilted his chin in the direction of Charlotte's house.

"Minnie's making some tea now and getting Charlotte dried off and warm." Joseph said as he walked closer to Nathan and placed a strong hand on his back. "How are you?"

Nathan looked down at the ground, shaking his head as another tear escaped from him. "I was so stupid Joseph. I know what she has been through. I should have known better than that."

"Nathan. You cannot blame yourself for this. I think we both know Charlotte has been through a lot in her past. Allie and you have been so thoughtful and caring to her. She knows that."

"You didn't see her face when it happened, Joseph. It was like she didn't see me. All she saw was a monster there to hurt her and I could not do anything to fix it. I was the monster. I knew better than to come up behind her. To touch her."

"Get some rest, Nathan. Minnie will stay with Charlotte tonight and make sure she is okay. Things will look better in the morning. You will see."

"Drink some tea, Charlotte." Minnie said as she handed the steaming mug towards Charlotte. "It will help warm you up."

"Thank you." Charlotte reached her hands from under the blanket that Minnie had placed around her shoulders to take the tea that was being offered. Sitting on the couch, her wet and mud-stained clothes clinging to her body, Charlotte was finally beginning to warm up thanks to the fire Joseph had started in the stove.

"Charlotte. Sweetheart." Minnie started, taking a cup of tea herself and sitting down beside Charlotte. "I hope you know that there are so many of us here in town who care deeply about you. Whatever it is you experienced in your past, please know I'm always here to listen."

Charlotte hands tightened around the sides of the warm mug as she stared into its contents. Her shallow, steady breaths creating a ripple across the top of the liquid. "I think I'm pregnant."

Minnie said nothing. Choosing simply to reach out a hand and place it on Charlotte's shoulder, reassuring her it was safe to continue.

Which Charlotte did. Expanding on the days and weeks before she arrived in Hope Valley. How the man Charlotte thought she was in love with, became someone so unrecognizable. Who not only beat her, but attacked her the night before she ran away. She told Minnie about the letter. How she realized Hope Valley was no longer safe for her or the people she cared most about.

And then she cried. Months of pent-up emotions, pouring forth. Unable to be retained behind the walls Charlotte had so carefully crafted inside her.

"Minnie." Charlotte's voice breaking through her sobs. "I know I should be feeling angry, disappointed, hurt, sad, but I don't. All I feel is nothing. I am numb inside. And that's what scares me most of all."

"Oh sweetheart." The only words of comfort Minnie could conjure in that moment as she wrapped Charlotte into her arms. The two women cried together on the couch until exhausted emotions caused both to finally fall asleep.

*Phew…. That was heavy y'all. But I just want to take a moment to say how much I love that the Canfield's came to Hope Valley this year. They really were a bright spot of Season 8 for me and get my MVP awards for this chapter. Taking care of Charlotte and Nathan.