Chapter Eight: Thanksgiving Comes & Goes

"Welcome, Nathan and Allie! Let me take your coats. Bill, Jack, and Elizabeth are already here!"

"Rosemary, I'm afraid my cooking's not the best, so, I brought you these instead!"

"Oh, Nathan, you didn't have to do that, but I love them! We'll put the flowers on the table, and the wine on ice. Thank you," and she reached up and gave him a kiss on his cheek.

Then she hugged Allie.

"Allie, would you be a dear and help me set the table?"

"Be happy to, Ma'am!"

"Happy Thanksgiving everyone!" called out Nathan to all the guests sitting in the Parlor.

Hearing his greeting, Little Jack immediately ran to him, reaching to be held.

"Na'tan! Na'tan!"

Nathan lifted him up high, then back into his arms.

"How's my Big Guy doing?"

"Moun…tee" "Horsee"

"Ah! You've got your toys. Should we play?"

"P'ay!"

Nathan sat down on the sofa next to Bill and helped Jack play with his Toys on the low Table setting in front of them.

At that moment, Elizabeth came in from the kitchen, taking in the sight of Nathan playing with her Son.

Nathan glanced up and smiled as he saw her.

"Happy Thanksgiving, Elizabeth!"

"Happy Thanksgiving to you, too, Nathan," she smiled in return. "I'm here to see how many Coffees!"

Everyone held up their hands.

She laughed, "Well, I'd say that's unanimous! Easy peasy!"

She returned to the kitchen where there was an absolute hubbub of activity.

"Shouldn't we offer to help?" asked Nathan.

"Not if you don't want to get your head bit off," growled Lee.

"Ohhh, got it!"

"Why Rosemary won't even let me help, and I'm a Chef!"

"Can't begin to understand why, Bill," teased Nathan facetiously, which flew right over Bill's head!

"I know, how ridiculous is that? Hey Nathan, can you run out to Lee's car with me for a moment? Need to take care of something."

Nathan transferred his 'play duties' to Lee and got up to follow Bill, wondering what the elder man was in a dither about now...


The two men took the steps two at a time, and since Bill got inside Lee's car on the Passenger side, Nathan got in on the Driver's side, not knowing why, but wanting to get in out of the freezing cold!

"What did you forget, Bill?"

"This. It seems I owe you an apology. A big one and I want you to hear me out. Just because the whole town, myself included, has butted into your business, that doesn't make it right. That story I told you last week, well, I had no business tellin' you that. Because I didn't tell you the whole story."

"What are you talking about, Bill?"

"Love can be true and it generally does last forever, just like I said. But bein' in love is a different animal, and I lumped 'em all together. You, of all people, deserve every single happiness this world has to offer. And I want you to know, even I know, that might not be with Elizabeth, and if that's the case, so be it. We'll still be behind you, cheerin' you on, in whatever you decide. And I mean that! I could make another little statement here, and I think you know what that is, but, I've decided to butt out and not say a word, except whatever and whoever you choose to spend your life with or not, we are one hundred percent behind you. Do you understand me?"

"Much appreciated, Bill. Outside of Colleen, this is the hardest thing I've ever gone through, and you know, I've gone through some pretty tough things with the Mounties. I just pray I do the right thing for both of us, Bill, for all four of us."

Bill slapped his leg and chuckled.

"No pressure, but you might want to up that number a bit, from four to at least five!"

Nathan looked at him quizzically, but Bill just continued on.

"I don't have a doubt that whatever you decide, it will be the exact right thing. Now, let's get out of this cold and go get us some Turkey! That is if those Gals even know how to fix that Bird..."


"There we go, all the leftovers nicely put away. That was really nice of Mrs. Coulter to give us all this food. It was a really great meal, too!"

"Dad, the food was delicious! And I had so much fun at the Coulters! It was a ball! Did you notice, I helped clear the table, even though Mrs. Coulter hadn't asked me?"

"I saw that. Really nice of you as her guest, and Allie, it made me so proud for you to think of that all by yourself!"

"Dad, are you sad?"

"Do I look sad?"

"Maybe just a little bit. I just want you to be really happy again. Like you were before…" Allie's voice just sort of petered out, not knowing if she should say what she was thinking.

She didn't want to hurt her Dad any more than he had already been.

"Allie, you can say anything to me. No secrets, remember?"

"Well, like you were with Mrs. Thornton before Mr. Bouchard," she could barely get the name out and her eyes turned down to the floor in front of her.

"Allie, sometimes adults make mistakes. Sometimes they can be fixed and sometimes they can't. And truthfully, sometimes those mistakes make you a little sad or even a lot sad, but that's part of being an adult. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?"

"I think so. You and Mrs. Thornton were nice to each other today, but…it was different."

He pulled Allie down onto his lap.

"Sometimes different is good and sometimes different is healthy. But, Allie, no matter what happens between us, Mrs. Thornton and I will always be friends. And she will always love and care about you very much, just like I will always love and care about Little Jack very much."

"I know but…I just had so many dreams," she admitted, but with such a despondent look, it tore at his heart.

"I know, Sweetheart. Truthfully, so did I. But you know, sometimes dreams are exactly what we should have and sometimes they're just what we think we should have. And this is very important, Allie, when the dreams are just what we think we should have, there's always an even better dream out there waiting for us!"

"Really, Dad?"

"Mountie's honor, Allie."

He reached down and kissed the top of her head.

"Dad, I miss Auntie Millicent."

"Oh, Baby, I do too. A lot, actually. Goodness Allie, half the town showed up to see her off! They shouted goodbye greetings and even clapped and waved till she was gone."

"Wow, that was really nice of them. Everybody loved her, Dad, right along with us! But, I miss her the most!"

"I know you do, Sweetie. I miss her too. You know, we're going to have to keep extra busy, to keep us from missing her too terribly."

"That's really a great idea. She was all anyone could talk about at school. She's the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. All the kids say so, too. Even Robert."

"He did, did he?"

'Rein it back in, Dad!' Nathan ordered himself in thought, but somehow, he still didn't like the idea.

"Yes, he said she was perfect. But, the biggest thing is, she's the kindest and nicest person we've ever met. She's funny, too! I mean, how could anybody not like her?"

"She always has been those things, Allie, from the time she was a little girl. Did you know that Auntie Millicent was your Mother's very Best Friend?"

"I knew they knew each other and were friends, but I didn't know they were that close!"

"The next time we see her, you'll have to have her tell you funny stories about your Mother. The Good Lord knows, she's told you enough whoppers about me!"

Allie laughed, "Really funny stories! Most of them made me laugh even after I went to bed!"

Nathan grinned with eyes narrowed, "Yeah, I don't remember being quite as bad as she made me out to be in that Paint story!"

"I don't know! She said Gramma would back her up. I personally, think you're toast!"

"How about we don't remind Gramma about it?" he whispered conspiratorially.

Allie laughed, "Okay, but let's see, what do I get for not saying anything?"

"Oh, no you don't, Young Lady! That's called Bribery and it's a Felony. Am I going to have to arrest my own Daughter?" he teased.

"Maybe…" she teased back.

They laughed together.

"Dad, I think Auntie Millicent loves us a lot."

"I think so, too, Allie. In fact, I know so."

"Dad, did she like our presents?"

"Oh, I almost forgot, she loved the Charms, was thrilled we had them engraved with our names. But she love-loved the photo! In fact, she wanted to ask us for one, but I think she was too embarrassed. So, kiddo, you did good!"

"But Dad, are you sure she has a Charm Bracelet? I kept looking, and I never saw her wear one."

"She definitely has a Charm Bracelet with so many Charms, you couldn't count them all, but she left it home, so she wouldn't misplace it or lose any of the charms while she was traveling. She was planning to attach our charms, as soon as she got home!"

"Dad, tell me about Montreal, where Auntie Millicent lives."

"It's a very big City, Allie, located in the Province of Quebec. It's actually the economic and cultural center of all of Canada. The most interesting thing is it's a Francophile City, meaning everyone speaks French!"

"Even Auntie Millicent?"

"Yes, fluently. All of us, including your Mother and me, were taught French by the same Tutor."

"Dad, do you speak French!" asked a shocked Allie.

"Oui, jolie Mademoiselle, ma fille, mon je parle Francaise!"

"Dad, why didn't you tell me?"

"You never asked Sweetie, so I probably just didn't think of it!"

"What does that mean?" she asked excitedly.

"Yes, pretty Miss, my Daughter, I speak French!"

"This is the best! My Dad speaks French. Wait till I tell everybody!"

"I tell you what, I'll find some of our old French textbooks packed away, and I'll teach you if you like."

"Oh, Dad, please. I would love that!"

"Sweetheart, I hate to bring this up, but it's way past time for bed. And you've got school in the morning."

Allie hugged and kissed her Dad, "I love you, Dad. Good night!"

"Good night, Baby. I'll be up to tuck you in, a little bit later."

Allie bounded up the stairs and Nathan went to get a fresh Cup of Coffee.

He always drank Coffee late at night, especially when he needed to think, and he desperately needed to think.

Tomorrow was the day he was having dinner with Elizabeth.

"Dear God, Please, help me know what to do. Help me to do what is best for all four of us. Don't let me get this wrong, I beg of you, and don't let my pride get in the way of this monumental decision."

Then Nathan pulled a little card from his shirt pocket.

He had written the questions down that Millicent had told him to think about.

And he went over them for what was probably the hundredth time.

Is my life better with her in it, or is my life worse with her in it?

Is she the Mother of my Children, or is she not the Mother of my Children?

Does this Woman still make my heart soar, or does this Woman no longer make my heart soar?

As painful as it was, Nathan sat there on his Sofa trying his best to go back all the way to that first Day in his brand-new Mountie Office when Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton had walked in and changed the trajectory of his life.

In fact, without her knowledge, she had already unwittingly done that even prior to that day.

For Nathan was in Hope Valley for no other reason than to protect her and her Son, out of honor and respect for a fellow deceased Mountie, her Husband, Jack.

"Dad!"

"Coming, Allie."

He took the stairs two at a time and knocked on his Daughter's Door.

"Come in, Dad. I'm so tired tonight, is it okay if we skip our story. We can do double tomorrow!"

"Of course, Allie. Here, let's get you properly tucked in just like Gramma always does it!"

Nathan fluffed her pillows and her down comforter, then reached down to kiss her forehead.

"I love you, Princess. Sweet Dreams!"

"I love you, too, Daddy!"

Nathan smiled, and softly closed the door.

He wondered if it would always feel like there weren't enough nights to get all the tuck-ins done!

It just seemed he would never be able to give up these precious moments with his Daughter, although with sadness, he knew, the Day would inevitably come.

He walked softly down the stairs, back to the Sofa, where he picked back up on that fateful day he met Elizabeth.

He stretched himself out as much as he could, with his long legs hanging over the Sofa's end, and brought his hands to his face, covering his eyes, deep in his thoughts of Elizabeth, peppered throughout with beseeching thoughtful prayers!

As memory after memory flooded over him, his body was wracked with pain.

His heart felt as though it were exploding as his mind took in all the exhilarating highs of each treasured moment they experienced between them, as well as each and every single despondent low of those moments that had brought him to his knees and made him question so many things.

It was as though he was living all those moments over again, making it difficult at times for him to even breathe.

As devastating as it was, he had to re-live all of their history one more time, searching for clarity.

But whatever his decision ultimately became, he vowed he would never relive the process that brought him here, ever again.

Not after tonight.

It was too excruciating...


"Sweetheart, you have a great day today!"

"Oh, Dad, I forgot, Emily is planning a sleepover for tonight. May I go, pretty please!"

"I think that can be arranged, if you promise to behave!"

"Dad!" and there was Allie's famous eyeroll!

Nathan hugged and kissed Allie goodbye, but true to his word, this time at the bottom of the Stairs to the Front Door of the Schoolhouse.

He and Elizabeth exchanged friendly smiles, then a quick wave, followed by the tip of his hat, both knowing they'd be meeting tonight for their special Dinner.

Then he turned to start his day, with Elizabeth sadly watching after him as he walked away…


In the Livery, as he was busy saddling Newton, Bill came up behind him, into Newton's stall.

"I've got Fireball saddled and ready out front! He's just waitin' for us!"

"Waiting for what, Bill?"

"Why Rounds, of course!"

"Bill, I thought I was the one who was supposed to do Rounds," chided Nathan gently.

But Bill never had done 'gently' in his entire life, so that was a total fail!

"Hurry it up! Time's a-wastin'!"

Nathan squinted his eyes as Bill walked back outside to wait with Fireball.

"Is that Man going to babysit me all day? Or am I babysitting him? Help me, Lord!"

Even Newton understood, and seemingly bowed his head, too, in a silent plea for help.

Newton was as defensive of being the only Horse on Rounds, as Nathan was about being the only Law Officer on Rounds, but both knew they were losing this battle, even though the two relished their time alone together.

"How does he know Elizabeth and I are meeting tonight?" mumbled Nathan to himself in a very low voice.

"Newton, I tell you that man has a heart of gold, but in a word, he is exasperating!"

Sure enough, much to Nathan's and Newton's chagrin, the Judge and his Steed, Fireball, were crashing Rounds, and there was not a thing they could do about it!

No, Nathan had learned when Bill was like this, you just might as well agree and live with it.

Newton, not so much, so he did what every faithful Horse does in a situation such as this. He reared back and lifted both front hoofs high into the air, just to show exactly which team was in charge here...

"Whoa, Boy!" Nathan said loudly.

Then he bent down and whispered into his faithful Steed's ear, "Great job, Newton! That gets you two apples and two carrots!"

And off they went with Newton in the lead of course! And Fireball, behind at a respectable distance!

"Leaving him in the dust today, are we?" asked Nathan.

Newton flung back his head and neighed loudly in response!

Yep, this was going to be a day to remember, for sure.

Or better yet, to forget...


When the "team" finished Rounds, Nathan tied up Newton in front of his Office, but Bill also tied up Fireball right next to him.

"Bill, what are you doing?"

"Need to use your typewriter."

"You don't have a typewriter?"

"It's broken."

"Broken? I bet it's broken, and it doesn't take any Class 101 Investigative Skills to hazard a guess as to who and how. You know, Bill that typewriter's government property, and defacing said property, well you know the drill. Shall I arrest you now or wait till you tear up mine, and just take care of both felonies at once?"

"Yeah, that one," responded Bill, without missing a beat.

The two walked into Nathan's Office, with Bill heading straight toward Nathan's Chair.

"Bill, that's it! Out of my chair! You can use the Typewriter and my Desk, but you're NOT taking my Chair!"

"My, aren't we touchy?'

At that very moment, Lee burst in through the door, breathless.

"There's…a…fight…Saloon…Guns..."


Both Men ran with their hands on their guns, and not a moment too late.

Two burly, derelict Men were holding Lucas at gunpoint, but both had their backs to the Door.

In two seconds, flat, Nathan and Bill had their Guns pointed into their hefty bodies, jabbing both deep into their backs.

"Drop your weapons now!" ordered Nathan, leaving no room for doubt that he meant business.

The assailants did as they were told, as Lucas fainted dead away on the floor.

"Gustav, get smelling salts," yelled Bill. "I've got these two, Nathan. You get Lucas!"

"How very nice of you, Bill!" as Nathan knelt on the floor to tend to the fallen.

"Lucas, wake up! Everything's okay. Lucas!"

He wasn't waking up, so Nathan did the only thing he could do and slapped the Saloon Owner on the face. But every time he tried to rouse him, still, there was nothing.

No response whatsoever!

So, Nathan did the only thing he could do and loaded Mr. Bouchard, unceremoniously, on his back, piggy-back style, heading straight for the Infirmary as fast as he could...


Out of breath, the Constable kicked the Infirmary door open, and Carson immediately ran to help him.

"Carson, he was held at gunpoint and fainted. Smelling salts didn't work."

"Bring him in! Let's get him on a bed!"

Carson tried the salts one more time, then checked his patient's pressure.

"Good grief, his pressure's bottomed out. Did you slap him?

"Yes, I did! Twice, maybe three…"

Carson couldn't help but laugh.

He had been through this drill, before!

Several times, in fact, as it related to Nathan and Lucas.

'Sorry, Nathan, I hate to inform you, but he's gonna be alright!" chuckled Carson again, in spite of himself.

Nathan slapped Carson on his back, and both men tried to hide their grins, as Lucas came to, wondering where in the world he was.

He was out of it, babbling on and on about those two bad men with the Guns in his face.

"Lucas, listen to me. Do you know those men?" asked Nathan.

One look in his eyes, even his disoriented eyes, told Nathan, Lucas absolutely did know the two men!

"Lucas, what is this, the third, fourth time Nathan's saved your life? I think maybe you should be working on some gratitude!" suggested the Good Doctor. "Quite frankly, this is getting old for both of us!"

Nathan grinned.

"Carson, I've got to go make sure Bill's got everything under control! Call if you need me, and keep asking him for their names! Oh, and Carson, I owe you one!"

Carson chuckled as Nathan tipped his hat and left...


On his way out of the Infirmary, an ominous feeling fell over the Constable, seemingly out of the blue, causing him to pick up his step and race back to the jail!

By the time he reached the Mountie Office, he was more than a little leery.

Upon opening the door, sure enough, there sat the Judge locked in a cell, with nary a prisoner, much less two prisoners, in sight.

"Judge Avery, you've got some explaining to do! Where, pray tell are my prisoners?"

Bill pointed sheepishly to the back door. Nathan ran to check.

"Hey, get me outta here!" yelled the Judge.

"Sorry, Judge, too busy catching escaped Criminals!" as Nathan exited the front door with his Gun drawn, thinking they might circle back.

And sure enough, as his eyes peeled the area, there they were, next to the Café, in between the adjoining Building, headed back to the Saloon to finish their job.

Nathan had both Guns pulled now, and shouted, "Stop and drop your Guns immediately! Now! I mean it."

Then to prove he meant it, he fired two shots, one from each Gun, just to the side of where each was standing, causing both Criminals to be frozen in their stances, not twitching a muscle.

Nathan cuffed them both, making sure they were secure, and marched them across the street, back to the Jail.

He put the biggest guy in the first cell, and locked it, then unlocked the cell Bill was in, while totally ignoring him, and slipped the other prisoner in before Bill could get out.

Then he calmly went to his Desk, sending out a rather lengthy All-Points Bulletin, via Telegram, letting them know two Criminals were caught without identifying info, giving descriptions, hoping some Law Enforcement Officer somewhere had had a recent run-in with them and would have names and supporting info, including Arrest Records.

It was only after all that was done, he unlocked the second cell and motioned for the Judge to exit, who was by this time beyond livid...

First, at being overtaken humiliatingly, by the prisoners.

Second, at being locked up, humiliatingly, by the prisoners.

Third, at Nathan humiliatingly, leaving him locked up alone.

Fourth, at Nathan humiliatingly, leaving him locked up with a prisoner.

Yes, the Judge's livid scale was about to blow, but to be perfectly frank, it truly was his own fault!

"I ought to throw the book at you!" threatened the Judge.

"No can do, Bill, I'm the one that gets to do that! Speaking of which… Oh, and just as a gentle reminder, you're the Judge, who gets to decide what to do with them AFTER I arrest them. You got that? Are we now clear?"

"Yep, 'bout as clear as mud! Hey, got any answers there? How's Bouchard?"

Nathan imperceptibly shook his head, which thankfully the Judge did see, and quickly shut his mouth when he realized what he had done!

Nathan glanced back at his Prisoners, who didn't seem to be paying attention, thankfully.

Nathan wasn't about to go through having to arrest them a third time because of a procedural error made by none other than, yes, you guessed it, the Judge!

Both heard the clicking sounds which meant Nathan was getting a response to his APB.

Bill let out a whistle, "Boy we've got two live ones here!"

And they did, as both men were wanted for multiple Murders. Professional Guns for hire, they were.

2nd response: "sending reinforcements stop"

"We are going to be here all day and all night. And I have…I have an appointment tonight."

"Oh, yeah! I forgot about that!"

"Bill, can anyone have any privacy in this town? Why don't I just let you go talk to Elizabeth and resolve this mess for me!"

"Well, I could do that…"

Nathan glared at him!

"Good grief, Bill, it's only ten AM, and look at what a mess you've already got us in! I'll be doing reports till the cows come home, thanks to you!"

That had zero impact, so Nathan asked a leading question instead, hoping to jar the Judge's memory regarding some possible emergency of his own, at HIS office.

"Bill, don't you have any Judge things you need to be doing?"

"Yep! I'm doin' it!"

Nathan just shook his head...


As soon as the Reinforcements arrived, Nathan headed to The Queen of Hearts to question Lucas, of course, with Bill, in tow.

Nathan noticed Lucas was still pale, but quite frankly after all Lucas had put him through, all Nathan cared about was getting the information he so desperately needed to resolve this case.

Lucas stopped what he was doing to greet the Man in Serge, as well as the Judge behind him, directing them into his office for privacy.

He motioned for them to sit as he took his own place behind his fancy desk.

Neither did.

Instead, they stood staunchly, towering over him, ready to conduct their business.

"Lucas, I'm growing weary of all your connections with the seamier side of life. Who are these men and why were they holding their Guns on you?"

Lucas looked down and nervously fidgeted with his hands, feeling caught, knowing he could no longer keep his charade up, but not wanting to divulge everything, so he did what every Gambler does, and hedged his bet, revealing only exactly what the Constable needed to know for now.

"They're brothers."

"We know that, and we know their names."

Lucas couldn't hide the fact that he was surprised.

"Who are they in relation to you?"

This wasn't going to be as easy to worm his way out of as he thought, and given what had gone down with him and Elizabeth, he most certainly wasn't going to charm his way out, with either gentleman.

So, Lucas took a moment to ponder.

"I've never met the men before in my life, so how could I possibly know why they were holding me at gunpoint."

That did it.

Nathan quietly walked around to where Lucas was sitting and turning his chair, picked him up by the nape of his neck with one hand, bringing him to a complete standing position, not letting up on the pressure around his throat for an instant.

"You listen to me, and you listen to me good. I've given you the benefit of the doubt from the day I arrived in Hope Valley, and I've saved your sorry face more times than a Man of the Law ought to. Till you come clean, and I mean completely clean. I'm through."

He released his grip, sending Lucas sprawling, then abruptly turned, and stomped off, leaving Lucas spluttering, and the door swinging behind him.

Bill looked disgustingly at the human mound before him, then just turned and followed the Man in Red...


Outside of the Saloon, both men kept walking, all the while talking lowly to each other.

"I'm putting out a full-blown Investigation as to the Background of one Monsieur Lucas Bouchard, and I'm talking from the time he was born till now. I don't want one detail of his life left out, Bill, not a single one! You and I, together, are going to get to the bottom of this, if it's the last thing we do!"

The two men walked on in determined silence, till they reached the Mountie Office.

Bill even helped Nathan for much of the afternoon, assisting him with the paperwork he was drowning in, most of which had been caused by the Judge himself, given the duplicate arrests that had been made, not once but twice!

Thankfully, before Nathan needed to leave to get ready for his dinner, four Mounties arrived to help with the prisoners and subsequent transfers.

They were going to take shifts, covering them through the night, then leave at daybreak to transport them to Union City.

There, the prisoners would be held on trial for multiple offenses of murder, as well as a new, additional charge.

Attempted murder of one Lucas Bouchard...


Nathan hadn't gotten a lot of sleep the night before, and needless to say, his day had been an exhausting one!

But he had made a promise to Elizabeth, one he was going to keep.

He heated his water and poured it into the extra-large bath, that was required for his size.

He then brushed his teeth, washed his face, and got in his bath, bathing the aches of the day away, wishing he could bathe the aches of the coming evening and night away, too.

When he noticed the time, he quickly got out, shaved, and dressed.

Then he brushed through his dark unruly hair.

He chose one of the French Cuffed Shirts Millicent had chosen for him.

This one was a subtle plaid with the faintest blue lines, and he selected from his cufflinks, a simple pair, pinning them into place.

Then he stepped into his Navy Suit Pants, stuffing his shirt inside.

"Now for a tie!"

The tie he selected had also been chosen by Millicent, but then again, most of his ties had been, as fashion was not his strong suit.

It was a Blue that was the exact same color as his eyes, flecked with Navy speckles.

He pulled on his vest, then his jacket, at the last minute deciding to add the handkerchief, haphazardly stuffing it into his pocket.

Nathan had already confirmed for the food to be delivered from the Cafe just before they were to arrive.

Which he deeply appreciated, as he knew his requested menu was fancier than they were used to making, but the Staff had confidently and happily agreed to oblige with the special order.

He looked at his timepiece and realized he needed to get going.

Allie was at Emily's with Opal for a sleepover.

And as much as he loved his daughter, he was very grateful for that, because he wanted to spare her the emotion of tonight at all costs.

He knew this was a night only for adults...


He arrived at the Library first, checking over the Food, the Flowers, the Wine, making sure all was well. He lit the two long Tapered Candles he had requested.

And everything looked truly beautiful.

He was doing this for Elizabeth and he wanted everything to be perfect, with all the foods she loved.

As he was lighting the Candles, she knocked lightly and let herself in.

He greeted her with a gentle kiss on her cheek.

"You look beautiful, Elizabeth."

"You look handsome, Nathan."

She reeked of her Lavender with White Lily Perfume, which always sent him reeling.

He reeked of the Leather and Woodsy scent that always sent her reeling.

Elizabeth was wearing his favorite dress, the ecru lace one, she had worn for Jack's Christening, and he thought she had never looked more beautiful than at this moment.

They smiled at each other, and he held her chair, as a Gentleman does.

"Allow me to pour the wine," offered Nathan.

He did and then sat down himself, and lifted his Glass to Elizabeth.

"To us, and to our futures."

"To us, and to our futures," she responded.

They ate their elegant meal, all Elizabeth's favorites, for Nathan knew every single one of them.

The Main Course was Rosemary Beef Tenderloin covered with Creamed Mushrooms, served with Roasted Asparagus and Hollandaise Sauce, alongside a Butternut Squash Risotto.

There was a Salad of Greens with Figs, Goat Cheese, and Glazed Walnuts.

Even the Wine was Elizabeth's favorite.

"Nathan, this is wonderful, all my favorites. Thank you."

He smiled.

"Of course. Wait till you see Dessert," he winked.

She smiled lovingly.

They talked about all sorts of things, having a real conversation for the first time in a long time.

Mostly about the Holidays, how each other was doing, sweet stories about both Children, then Elizabeth surprised him.

"Nathan, Jack and I are going to Hamilton for a while. I really don't know how long. It will just depend on how we adjust."

He looked like he was going to say something, something to make her reconsider. But, instead, he took her hand and listened.

"I need my Family now more than I ever have. And Jack needs to meet them and experience having Grandparents, an Aunt, and lots of extended Relatives! I've made up my mind, and I've prayed about it, even talked to Joseph about it. I have my childhood Pastor who is still in Hamilton, and I've called him. He's committed to helping me through this. I know this is the right thing to do. A wonderful Teacher and her family are coming to take over for as long as I need. Her Husband is in Construction and will be helping Lee out."

Nathan got up and knelt beside her taking both her hands.

"Elizabeth, I have loved you with all my heart. I will always love you. I was in love with you with all my being. But after weeks and weeks of soul-searching, I realize the couple part of us has just been too difficult, too painful. It should be easier than this. Happier than this. Love should flow continuously from one to the other as a constant, trusting each other in all things, never shutting each other out, and ours doesn't seem to do that. We have to somehow end what might have been with our relationship, and move forward in only the deepest of friendships, emphasizing all the good things we have with each other. Because under all this pain, there's a lot of good."

She nodded and caressed his cheek with her hand, knowing inside, it had been her fear that had sent her running to Lucas and caused her to shut Nathan out instead of trusting him and allowing him to help her through her issues, which he would have done gladly. Not only had she shut him out, but she had also given him no love in return whatsoever, no trust, no understanding, no warmth. It had always been him giving, him loving, him trusting, him understanding, and getting nothing in return, except abuse and degradation.

She knew he deserved so much better, in fact, he deserved everything love had to offer!

Both had tears in their eyes.

"I have never loved as I have loved you, and as God is my witness, I can barely bear the pain I've caused you. The pain I've caused sweet Allie and my own dear Son. I want to thank you, my Dearest, Sweetest Nathan, for loving me better than anyone has ever loved me in my life. I am so very grateful for you, for Allie, but most of all for your perfect love."

She paused and slowly continued.

"I will regret to my dying day I did not give you that same perfect kind of love in return, because in my heart, it was always there. Inexplicably and regrettably, I allowed fear to consume it. I'm so very sorry for the hurt and the lies, and the pain I've caused you. It was cruel, and I will never understand it."

As he lifted her to him, she whispered his name, wanting to tell him something she could barely confess, but she knew with all her being, she had to actually say the words.

She spoke them clearly, succinctly, making sure he heard each one of them.

"I never for one single second saw Jack in you. I only ever saw you, handsome, loving, wonderful, giving, perfect you!"

He held her in his arms for the longest of times, both still crying, neither wanting to let the other go.

But both knowing they had to…


Then Nathan offered his arm and walked Elizabeth home for the last time.

At her door, he took both her hands in his, as they had done so many times before.

"Promise me, you'll be alright, Elizabeth."

"I promise you, Nathan, I will give it everything I have! I will do it for myself and for Little Jack, but most of all I'll do it for you, because you deserve that, and that's all I can give you. That and my deepest abiding friendship forever. Please promise me you will not only be alright but that you will be whole again, happy again, joyful again."

He nodded, both unable to define their feelings, except for immense sadness over the beauty of what might have been had things happened differently.

Burning tears rushed up in both of them as they embraced once more, kissing each other on the cheek, with Nathan closing Elizabeth's door behind her.

He turned, in somewhat of a stupor, not even knowing what to do with himself, so he walked to the Pond, and running his hand through his hair, looked out over the dark water, lit by dancing sparkles from the bright full moon, itself.

"How, knowing we've done the right thing, can this feel so very painful?" he asked God.

Although he didn't get an answer in words, a cloak of peace and strength descended over him, and God took his and Elizabeth's painful past away one more time, this time in finality for Nathan, leaving only the joys of what the Couple had experienced together.

And somehow, Nathan knew God was doing exactly the same for Elizabeth, at that exact same moment.

"Thank you, Dear Father. When we think we can't go on, You lift us up and somehow get us through..."


Despite his emotional and physical exhaustion, Nathan walked back past the Rowhouses, even his own, all the way back into Town, for there was still work to do!

As he entered his Mountie Office, the Mountie guarding his prisoners, stood up and saluted him.

He returned the salute and nodded in greeting.

"Brought you some hot Coffee. Everything okay?"

"Yes, Sir! No problems whatsoever. I've completed the reports for Transfer. Just need your signature, Sir, in four places. I've marked them for you."

"Thank you, Silas. I appreciate that!"

Nathan sat and signed the papers.

Then got up from his chair.

"Is there anything else you need, Silas?"

"Not a thing, Sir. We leave at Dawn. Now that the papers are signed, no need to see us off! Sleep in, Sir. You've earned it. These two aren't your ordinary run-of-the-mill Criminals. This is quite a coup!"

Nathan glanced at the Prisoners, both sleeping, but still, he didn't want to take a chance.

So, he wrote his message, instead of speaking it out loud:

'Silas, do you have any idea what Gang or Gangs they're connected with?'

Silas wrote back:

'The Hampton Gang, Sir, but also the Tyler Gang to a lesser degree.'

He handed the note to Nathan, and then remembered something else, adding it to the note.

'There are also unconfirmed rumors of a connection with the Langley Gang, Sir.'

Nathan's face lit up.

That was all he needed, to know exactly what Monsieur Lucas Bouchard had been up to all this time!

He didn't even need the results of his Investigation into Bouchard's Background, although he would wait for those too, as confirmation.

Because deep within, he already knew...


Nathan walked home with a spring in his step, not able to wipe the smile of his discovery off his face.

He made one stop at the Weiss's to talk with Mrs. Weiss. Thankfully, she was happy to do what he so desperately needed.

He then made a stop at Emily's house, to talk to his daughter, telling her that he was going to have to be gone for a week, but would call her every single day and that Mrs. Weiss was happy for her to stay with Opal.

"Mrs. Weiss will help you pack up your clothes tomorrow, and get anything else you need from home."

She nodded in agreement.

"Are you okay, Dad?" Allie asked.

"Yes, Allie, it's been a hard day, but I'm okay. Don't worry about me. I have to take care of something personal, not work-related at all, so no worries, got it?"

"Got it, Dad, are you checking on Gramma and Grappa?" she asked.

"As a matter of fact, I plan to check on both Gramma and Grappa. And Allie, don't forget we'll start those French Lessons when I get back!"

He was being vague, purposefully, protecting his Daughter from possibly experiencing any more monumental hurt in her life, actually any hurt at all.

His Daughter had already gone through more pain than most adults!

And after her last devastation, he would do whatever it took to protect her from more.

They kissed and he took her in his arms.

"You're the best Daughter, Allie. I love you to the Moon."

"Love you to the Moon, too, Dad. Be careful, and try to have some fun!" she instructed, as though she were the one in charge.

"Yes, Ma'am," he smiled and winked.

"I'll miss you, Dad!"

"I'll miss you, too, Sweetheart..."


After saying their Goodbyes, Nathan finally continued on with that same spring in his step that couldn't be erased.

After three years of puzzlement, it was now all crystal clear.

The whole thing had bothered Nathan extensively, from the very first day he had arrived in Hope Valley.

To have something this big going on right in front of him, right here in the Town he was responsible for, had rankled him and eaten away at him for three long years.

Sure, it had all been done covertly, yes, but still in front of him, with his suspicions flowing right and left, and yet he still had not been able to put his finger on it!

But his finger was now not only on it, both his hands were completely enfolding the entire operation.

And it would be both his hands that would crush this nefarious activity dead in its tracks, right before Monsieur Bouchard's eyes...


Tired, yet exhilarated, Nathan walked to his kitchen and poured himself a very strong cup of black coffee.

He carried it to his big leather easy chair by the Phone, the one he had reluctantly agreed to have installed.

Sitting there, he paused for the slightest of moments, then sighed deeply, gathering his courage!

He called the Switchboard and patiently waited for his call to go through.

He loosened his tie.

"How did the big date go?"

"Lousy. He wasn't you," she teased.

"Glad to hear it."

Both were silent.

"Milli…" he began hoarsely. "Come home."

Again silence.

Then he continued, in a low, clear, voice filled with the adoration that was consuming him.

"My life is not only better with you in it, my life is exceptional with you in it."

"You are the only woman who could ever be the Mother of my Children."

"And Millicent, you make my heart soar higher than the strongest majestic Eagle over the highest Mountains of Swan Hills, along the beautiful Athabasca River."

"I love you, Millicent and I think I've been in love with you since the first time I met you when we were all of ten years old!"

She was speechless, but he could hear her soft tears, coming through the line.

When she finally was able to speak, she did so humbly and gently, with her voice full of love.

"I thought you'd never ever see us, but I'm so very grateful to God that you did. I've loved you my entire life, Nathan Alexander Grant."

"And I've loved you my entire life, Millicent Alexandria Bradford."

"I'll be on the 6 AM train out of Hope Valley this morning, Millicent, praying there is not a single delay. Till we meet, my Love, every single thought I have will be of you."

"And of us, Darling," Millicent added. "Safest of Travels, but hurry to me. I'll be waiting with bated breath!"

"Wait, you are in Montreal, aren't you?"

She laughed her joyful, full-throated, lyrical, sometimes wicked laugh.

And it was more exciting, more splendid, and more healing, than an Orchestra playing their most exquisite Symphony.

"Yes, Love, currently in Montreal, working myself to shreds, waiting for my Prince Charming to come rescue me!"

"He's coming, Darling Milli, you can count on that..."