While the idea of using Elizabeth as bait had been discussed and how it would work, nothing would be done unless or until they had a bead on where Higgins was. There was no way this pampered dandy could survive in the wilderness on his own. With more Mountie manpower, they should be able to narrow down a location.

Rosemary suggested that they contact some of the schoolteachers in the surrounding areas. He'd intimidated young women before...could he have forced one of them into hiding him? Elizabeth knew the names of the teachers in Jameson, and Benson Hills, but she also knew that Buxton was actively searching for a new one. Gabriel was planning to have the Brookfield teacher approached. A male, but possibly someone whom Higgins had something to hold over him.

So once that afternoon meeting ended, Elizabeth, Nathan and Rosemary headed down to Nathan's old home to make sure it was prepared for Lillian's arrival. She and Gabriel would stay there and Bill would stay at the Grant's. Lee was going to bring his car out so that Nathan and Elizabeth could gather anymore items from the house.

Nathan went out back and came in with a tool box. The ladies were shocked when he started to pull the trim off of one side of the back door. "Nathan? What are you doing?" Elizabeth asked.

He shot her a half grin and held up the board. Her eyes grew soft when she saw measurements and dates. Allie's growth since they'd moved to Hope Valley. She ran her fingers down the writing and thought she needed to start doing this with Jack. "Nathan, we need to put this on our back door and..."

"And add Jack to it. I know. Lee's got it covered. He's bringing the trim from your door and we're going to replace it here.

She threw her arms around him and whispered in his ear. "Have I mentioned how much I love you, today?"

Goosebumps popped up on his arms when he felt her breath on his neck. "Hmmm...I'm not sure, but maybe you should keep reminding me in case I missed it."

Rosemary smiled softly and discreetly set about loading a few items that Allie had requested into a crate. She looked up when she heard the car pull up out front. Clearing her throat, she said "I'll be back in a few minutes, you two."

The newlyweds were still gazing at each other and quickly closed the distance, Elizabeth pressing her lips to her husband's. Nathan wasn't going to waste the moment and coaxed her lips apart to deepen the kiss. They pulled apart quickly when they heard footsteps on the porch, both of them grinning.

While they were working, Nathan mentioned that once Lillian was gone back to Brookfield that the Mounties who were in town could stay here for as long as necessary. They made a note to get some cots to add to Allie's old full sized bed, which she no longer needed.

Once they Nathan and Lee had the trim replaced and the group was satisfied that the place was ready for guests, they loaded up as many things as possible and Rosemary opted to drive the car to the Grant home while the other three walked.

As they neared the Canfield's, Joseph stepped outside to greet them. "Well, hello, neighbors! Nathan, Elizabeth, Coop and Angela have asked for Allie and Jack to sleep over here tonight. I wanted to see if that would be alright with you. School will start soon enough and they won't be able to do this very much for awhile. We'd be pleased to have them.

He came closer to lean in. "Don't worry. I know what's going on, and you can be assured that Minnie and I, we won't let anything happen to either one of them."

Elizabeth looked at Nathan and they both nodded at the same time. Nathan said, "We really appreciate it, Joseph. Always. The kids love spending time with your family."

Lee agreed to bring by Allie and Jack's things when he went into town and the trio continued on to the Grant's. Rosemary had parked the car and gone into the Coulter's.

The hair on Nathan's neck was suddenly standing up. He stopped short and said lowly, "Hold up. Go on into the Coulter's, Lizbeth." He turned and looked into her eyes.

She'd opened her mouth to protest, but at the look in his eyes, she nodded and whispered, "Be safe."

He leaned in close to Lee. "Bill went back into town, right?"

Lee nodded. "You want me to go in and call him or Gabriel?"

Nathan glanced around. "I have that feeling of being watched. Yeah, you know what? Let's both go into your house and do that. I'll wait for back up."

xxxxxxxxx

It didn't take long for Bill to show up. He went inside the Coulter's and told Nathan that Gabe and two of the Mounties were flanking the area. Nathan asked Lee to stay with the ladies, Bill handed him a pistol. Then, with a nod, both men went outside to check the perimeter of the house. Nathan went to the far side around to the back and Bill checked the Coulter's side around to the front.

Then Nathan entered the back door while Bill went inside from the front. The cleared the entire house and agreed that no one had been either inside or just outside. Bill went next door, and the entire group convened at the Grant's.

When Elizabeth entered, Nathan went right to her. He knew how upset she was by the stony look on her face. "Right now, I think I'd like to be able to fire a gun and take care of this man myself. Do you guys really think he's out there? What happened, Nathan?"

He motioned to the kitchen table. He'd already explained briefly before reinforcements arrived, but he knew how stressed his wife was. "Rosemary, would you please make some tea?" She nodded and got up to put the kettle on. Nathan looked back to Elizabeth. "I had a sense that we were being watched and realized that our home had been empty for awhile. For one, I couldn't take a chance that we'd walk into an ambush and two, I wanted to get some men searching the surrounding area. Neither Bill nor I could find any evidence that anyone had even been at the windows or inside."

Elizabeth stood and started pacing. Rosemary brought a tray with the tea to the table, set it down and shared a look with Nathan. The poor man looked helpless. She nodded and went over and stood in front of her friend, halting Elizabeth's pacing. Rosemary grabbed her hands. "Elizabeth, it will be okay. We'll get through this - all of us - together."

Bill, who had gone out to search with the other Mounties, came back in, Lee following directly behind him. He reached into his pocket and pulled something out. Handed it to Nathan. "We found a pocket watch. Open it...there's an engraving."

Everyone else crowded around Nathan while Bill went to the phone. Nathan opened the watch and inside was engraved T.H. From behind him, Elizabeth gasped. He wanted so badly to go get Newton and not stop until he found this man. "We need to call Joseph. Now."

Bill was already on the phone, updating Superintendent Collins, who was sending more reinforcements immediately.

Before Nathan picked up the phone, Elizabeth said "Do we bring the children home? Or will they be safer away from me?"

Nathan looked at Bill, who said, "We need to discuss this further but, for now, I'm going to call Joseph and let him know what's happening. Gabriel said that he'd check in after they'd done some more searching."

A whimper escaped Elizabeth's lips and Nathan noticed she was very pale. He rushed to her side, wrapping an arm around her and guiding her to the settee. Once they were seated, she put her arms around him and burrowed her face against his shoulder.

This was killing him. If he got ahold of the weasel...well, he guessed that was why it was wise for him to not be leading this investigation. He needed to be here for Elizabeth and the kids. He stroked her back softly. He could hear their friends talking softly around them, but all he could think about was the woman in his arms and how his heart was breaking for what she'd endured and how helpless she was feeling right now.

After a few minutes, Elizabeth sighed. She pulled back, wiping her eyes and apologized to everyone. Nathan gently cupped her cheek. "You have nothing to apologize for, Lizbeth." He looked at their friends, and gently guided her back to the kitchen table. Rosemary poured some tea and set out muffins. Once she was seated, the discussion began.

Bill went first. "So, there were a few nearby teachers that we were able to follow up with, but there are two that are unaccounted for. One Harriet McLeod in Jameson, but she's 48 years old, and lives in a boarding house. She's apparently visiting family in Union City. Then, in Buxton, a Francine Fessler..."

Elizabeth gasped. "Did you say, Francine Fessler?" At Bill's nod, she gripped Nathan's hand. "It's her, and she wouldn't be harboring that man if she had a choice. When Thomas Higgins cost me my job years ago, Francine was teaching in Cape Fullerton. She was the one who came forward with proof that Higgins made advances. It was because of her that I got my job back. If he's hiding out at her home, she could very well be in danger."

Bill was immediately back up and calling Superintendent Collins, after which, he called Gabriel. Once Bill had come back to the table. "Well, the good news is that Buxton RCMP has just gotten a visit from Miss Fessler. She had been out of town visiting her sick mother. She was approaching her residence when a neighbor came out to ask about the man she was having stay at her home. Miss Fessler is engaged and the neighbor was attempting to shame her for cheating on her fiancé.

Her future brother-in-law is with the Buxton RCMP, and she immediately turned around and headed directly for their office. They were getting ready to go investigate her residence when she noticed the Wanted poster for Higgins. She mentioned it, and everything began to click for them. They're on the way there now. You'll be happy to know that Miss Fessler will be safely ensconced with her fiancé's family, including his brother, until Higgins is incarcerated."

Elizabeth let out a breath. "I'm so glad to know that, well, that she wasn't there when he..." Everyone knew what she meant. "I'm happy that she has people there to stand with her, too. She really went out on a limb for me."

There was a brief knock at the door, and Gabriel entered. It was too soon for word from Buxton, but someone was going to call Elizabeth's as soon as they could. At that point, Lee stood. He had to get into the office for awhile and pick Goldie up from daycare. "Do you still want me to drop off things for Allie and Jack on my way into town?"

Nathan and Elizabeth looked at one another, then nodded. Elizabeth stood. "I'll go gather some of their clothing." She turned and headed upstairs.

Nathan held up a finger. "Thank you, Lee. I'll be right back." He rushed up the steps after his wife. He found her in Jack's room, leaning back against the wall, with tears running down her face. "Oh, Sweetheart." As he said it, he drew her into his arms and held her tight.

She buried her face into his chest and let it all out. She felt his strong arms holding her up and his hand stroking her hair. It steadied her. He didn't try to talk her out of her feelings or ignore them. He just held her while she went through them, released them. She sniffled and lifted her face. "I love you, Nathan."

He ran a hand down her cheek. "I love you, too, Lizbeth. As much as I'd love to stay like this with you for the next, say, forever, Lee might leave without the kids' things if we don't hurry. Why don't I pack for Jack and you for Allie? I doubt Allie wants me going through her things."

She lifted on her toes and kissed his cheek. "That sounds like a good idea." Regretfully, she let go of his hand to go to Allie's room. It didn't take the two of them very long and they were able to send Lee on his way. Rosemary insisted upon staying put, saying that they were having leftovers for dinner, so she had plenty of free time.

Elizabeth noticed that the men had brought all of the boxes in from Lee's car while she and Nathan were upstairs. "Thank you all for bringing everything inside. I completely forgot about it."

It wasn't long before the phone rang and Bill went ahead and picked it up. He nodded and held it out for Gabriel. "Buxton RCMP, they need to speak to you."

It was as if everyone else in the room forgot to breathe as they waited for the phone call to wrap up. "Okay, yes. Keep me posted. Thank you." Gabriel hung up the phone. Before anyone could speak, he held up a hand. "Why don't we all have a seat at the table?"

Everyone sat down with their eyes on Gabriel. "First of all, he's not yet in custody. They've been very discreet and they now have Francine's house well staked out. He will come back there. They were able to search and it's clear a man has been staying there. With neighbor corroboration, they've gotten a credible identification. Meanwhile, we will continue to keep you and your children safe while our extra Mounties keep surveilling the area for him.

Your kids should be safe at the Canfield's tonight, I'll be right next door along with a couple of other Mounties. One will be at the jail all night. They've discreetly moved Moriarty to a safe house, which was arranged by Superintendent Collins. Nathan, Elizabeth, what I want you two to do this evening is sort our your household and just try to enjoy an evening alone...well, sort of alone...Bill will be here...so that will be...fun."

Bill scowled while everyone else laughed. "Yeah, I've got newlywed duty tonight." he grumped as he rolled his eyes.

"And you love it!" Rosemary added.

Gabriel stood and said that he'd check back in with any news. Bill got up as well, saying that he'd be back in a couple of hours. That left Nathan, Elizabeth and Rosemary. "I could give you two some time alone or we could tackle some of those boxes. What do you think?"

Nathan looked at his wife. He could tell she was tired from all of the emotion and, well, the fact that they hadn't done much sleeping the night before...but, he really wanted to be on alert and if he was left alone with her right now...they would end up being vulnerable. "Lizbeth, if you want to go lie down, we could get some of this finished for you."

While it was so tempting, she didn't want to be alone and she was sure that Nathan wanted to be on guard until Bill returned. She shook her head. "I'd rather be down here with you. Let's work for a little while and we'll heat up one of the meals that was sent to us when Bill returns."

It was agreed upon and the three of them started sorting through some of Nathan and Allie's boxes...well, Allie's wound up in her room and most of the other things were household items. Nathan took the rest of his clothes upstairs. When he came back down, he noticed that Elizabeth had laid down on the settee and fallen asleep. He covered her with a throw blanket, then continued to - quietly - help Rosemary unpack his things.

xxxxxxxxx

Elizabeth woke to the smell of chicken soup and baking biscuits. Rosemary had gone home. She looked around and her jaw dropped. The place was spotless. How had she slept through Nathan and Rosemary unpacking boxes and putting things away? She turned towards the kitchen to see her husband setting the table.

"Nathan?" She stood up and walked towards him.

He looked up at her and quickly set down the dishes. All he had to do was open his arms and she moved into them. He held her snugly in his arms for a minute, then leaned back to he could see her. "Lizbeth, do you feel a little better? You were out like a light."

"You know? I do. I just got so exhausted and only meant to sit down for a few minutes. I barely remember lying down and then I opened my eyes just now. You and Rosemary got everything done! I feel bad that I didn't help."

He brushed a hand down her cheek. "You've met Rosemary, right? A drill sergeant has nothing on her. We worked surprisingly well together and were able to do so without waking you up. You needed the rest." He pressed a light kiss to her forehead.

She was having none of that. She grabbed his head and pulled him to her, kissing him like she was dying of thirst and he was the only source of water on earth. In the recesses of her mind, she knew that they shouldn't get too carried away - not with Higgins still missing and him having gotten so close to them. But...they were married and she wanted him so badly...right now.

Nathan gentled the kiss. "You're killing me, Lizbeth." he rasped.

"I'm killing me, too." She laughed. It was her turn to run her hand down the side of his face. "I love you, Nathan. More than I think you even know yet." They heard a knock at the door, then a key in the lock. "Consider this a place holder for later."

"I love you, too. I'll take that place holder. Now, let's get some dinner on the table."

xxxxxxxxx

They'd just finished dinner and Elizabeth was washing dishes while Bill and Nathan talked at the table when the phone rang. Bill rushed over to answer it. She looked at Nathan and quickly dried her hands. They watched Bill expectantly.

He hung up and said that there was no news yet, but Mounties will remain surveilling the Fessler property overnight. His things were in that house and he would return there, eventually. Francine had come home a day earlier than she'd planned, so he wouldn't be expecting her. He walked to Elizabeth and touched her shoulder. "We're close. They're going to get him, and he will be going away for a very long time. I heard from Henry before I came over. He said that since the wanted poster had been posted, many women have started to come forward with stories similar to yours, some much worse. Thomas Higgins' sins are coming back to haunt him, and while the man is a power hungry manipulator, he's not a seasoned criminal. He's a coward. With the amount of manpower hunting for him, he won't stand a chance."

She swallowed hard and looked from Bill's encouraging eyes to Nathan's. "With you two in my corner, I can be brave. I'm sorry about earlier. I'd just hit a tipping point."

Bill squeezed her shoulder. "You have nothing to apologize for, but thank you for doing so just the same. Now, where's that apple pie that Minnie sent over? Let's make some coffee to go with it."

After a little while, Bill chased them off. "I don't plan on being a third wheel anymore tonight. You two head on up. It's been a long day. I'm going to work on a few case files, then get a little rest. Mounties will be checking in during the night. We've also got them down at your old house, Nathan. Goodnight, you two."

And, they were dismissed. Trying to walk, not run, the newlyweds made an acceptably mature amount of haste up the stairs. If they had listened carefully, though, they would've heard a chuckle from Bill. Nathan locked the door behind them and turned to his bride. Before he could speak, she said, "Finally!" Then she grabbed his suspenders, as she was wont to do, and yanked him against her, picking up where they left off a little while ago.

Elizabeth sighed as she lay cradled in Nathan's arms. Nothing in her life had ever felt more right than this and a thought struck her. She'd apologized to him, but she knew that she needed to say more. "Nathan? Honey?"

He nuzzled her neck. "Mmm hmm?"

Goosebumps raised up and down her arms. "Okay, you need to stop that for just a minute..." she warned with a chuckle. She turned towards him and reached up to touch his face, so he would open his eyes and look at her. "I need to say something to you, and it's important. I should have said this before."

Nathan's eyes opened a little wider. "You have my full attention."

She laughed. "Well, thank you, but I'm pretty sure I already had that."

He grinned. "You most certainly did and always do, my love."

She blew out a breath. "Remember when you told me that you could sympathize with Tom about being in Jack's shadow?" When Nathan nodded, she continued. "It's my fault that you felt that way. I was too uncertain about things at that time, but I should've addressed it then. Nathan, I was never looking for Jack in you or trying to replace him with you."

Nathan was stunned. At first, he hadn't wanted to believe her when she'd first said that - but he'd had to admit defeat. His heart was effectively broken at that point. He opened his mouth to respond, then closed it as he worked through what to say to her.

"I know now that it was something I'd convinced myself was true. But it wasn't. I was never 'not in love' with you, either. When I apologized for letting fear get in the way - well, this was all part of it. It was never your job or Jack. It was only the depth of my feelings and the fear of losing you - in any way - that terrified me. I finally started to realize that I was missing out by not being with you. Wasting time that could've been spent like this or with our kids as a family, or even making our own family. I will forever be sorry for the depth of the pain I caused you and the time I've wasted."

He brushed a hand over her hair. "We've walked a broken road to get us here. I will never stop you from sharing and I appreciate you telling me this. I forgive you, Lizbeth."

Her hand gripped his back. "There's another thing." This one was hard to get out. "I need to apologize for how I treated you when you had to arrest Lucas. I had no right to treat you the way that I did, you were just doing your job. I'm ashamed of my behavior and that you had to forgo justice for yourself and Newton to get Lucas out of trouble. I see now that, in order to continue my charade, I had to look the other way on a lot of things."

She was slowly mending every single broken corner of his heart. "I got Lucas out of trouble because he truly was innocent and it was the right thing to do. Sometimes that comes with a price."

"Nathan. It was a price that could've been avoided if he hadn't tried to take the law into his own hands. I see that clearly now. I didn't then. I acted petulant and entitled. Two things that I have consciously tried to avoid in my life."

"Again, forgiven. I really do like to think that the two of us are stronger for what we went through to get here. I really do love you, Lizbeth, and I always have. I put it away for a long time, but it was always there. It always will be." With that, he decided the best thing to do was show her how he felt...so he leaned in and took her mouth with a fiery kiss, effectively ending confession time for tonight.