"Elizabeth, let's go inside," Bill said.

Elizabeth walked in the office with Bill and Gabe walking behind her. She immediately went and sat in Nathan's chair. 'I guess she is in charge here,' Bill thought to himself.

Elizabeth just sat in the chair and waited for one of them to talk. She wasn't mad. She felt empty. Nathan left taking part of her heart with him and she wouldn't be ok until he was back in Hope Valley with her.

Gabe started. "Elizabeth, I am so sorry. I got a call to arrest Nathan on the charges of assault of a prisoner in your custody, abuse of power, and theft. I was told that the transport was already on their way but I would be able to get to Hope Valley quicker to put him into custody. I left as soon as I could knowing that I could at least give Nathan a little heads up before they arrived. No one would give me more information than that."

"But who would accuse Nathan of such things? We all know he didn't do any of that."

"Of course we do. Nathan and I were thinking that Edward or Charles may come back to try and get revenge for the arrests. The last we heard Charles was still on the loose and Edward was in jail so I am not sure why accusations would be coming to light now. I will get in touch with some contacts I know at headquarters to make some inquiries," Bill said.

"What do you need me to do?" Elizabeth asked.

"Today, just go home to the children. After I went to find you, I found Allie at your house. I told her that you would be home later this afternoon if she could stay and watch Jack. I knew that you would probably want to talk to her alone."

"Thank you Bill. Thank you both. I will go home but I will be back tomorrow. I won't let Nathan stay in jail a minute longer than he has to." Elizabeth stood from her chair and walked out of the office, shutting the door behind her.

"You are staying in Hope Valley, right?" Bill asked Gabe.

"I am. I agree with Elizabeth. We need to figure this out. The longer Nathan stays in custody, I think the harder it will be to get him out. We need to work fast."

———————

Elizabeth went home, trying to compose herself on the walk home. She didn't want to worry the children before she had a chance to explain. Jack was too young to really understand what was happening. Elizabeth would just tell him that Mountie Nathan had to go on a trip. Allie was a different story. She knew she would need to tell her everything.

When Elizabeth walked in the house, Allie knew something had happened. Elizabeth put her hand on the young girl's arm telling her, 'later after Jack goes to bed.' Allie nodded in understanding and the two of them got ready for dinner.

After reading Jack two books, Elizabeth walked back downstairs to find Allie on the settee. Elizabeth walked over and sat down next to her. "Allie, I need to tell you something."

"Is everything ok? Is it my dad?"

Elizabeth could tell Allie was expecting the worse so she tried to calm her fears.

"Your dad is ok, honey. He did have to leave town though."

"Where did he go?" Allie asked. She was used to him leaving for the Mounties but he usually told her when he was going.

"Allie, someone accused your father of some awful things. We all know it isn't true but your dad had to go with other Mounties to Capital City until we get it straightened out. Bill, Gabe, and I are going to do everything we can to bring him home as soon as possible."

"What will I do while he is gone? I didn't even have a chance to talk to him before he left," Allie said looking down.

"Oh Allie, he wanted to say goodbye to you but there wasn't time. He knew he couldn't explain what was going on and he didn't want to frighten you. I promised him that I would talk to you and take care of you while he was gone."

"Really?" Allie asked looking up at Elizabeth.

"Yes, of course. Actually there is something else I need to tell you but it needs to stay between us for right now."

"Ok," Allie said hesitantly, not having any idea what Elizabeth would say.

"When your dad was leaving, it was really important for me to be able to stand by him no matter what. Even though I couldn't go with him, I wanted to be able to call headquarters to find out where he is and if he is ok. But because we were engaged, there is no way that someone would talk to me. The only way they could do that is if I was his wife."

"I don't understand."

Elizabeth turned to Allie and held her hands. "I married your dad before he left. We are a family. We were going to talk to you about adoption when we got married but there wasn't time. Instead, I signed a paper saying I am your guardian while he is away. You will stay here while your dad is gone and when he gets back, hopefully we can all move into your house together."

"You got married, really?"

"We did. I am sorry you couldn't be there, but we will have another ceremony when he gets back to celebrate. Maybe we can put yours and Jack's adoptions as part of it. I know that is a lot to take in right now. Are you ok Allie?"

Allie sat for a minute thinking it over and then jumped into Elizabeth's arms for a hug. The two of them sat like that with Elizabeth rubbing her back. "I think I have an extra nightgown that you can wear tonight and we can get some of your things tomorrow, how does that sound?"

"It sounds wonderful, Mrs. Thorn… wait, what do I call you now? I know you said we had to keep it between us that you and dad are married, but why?"

"I will talk to Bill and Gabe about what to do about my name tomorrow. What do you want to call me?"

"You wanted to adopt me?"

"Yes, I did. I do, Allie. As soon as your dad gets back."

"I'd like to call you mom. I know it won't be official yet, so if you rather I'd wait…"

"Nothing would make me happier, Allie."

Elizabeth stood with Allie and gave her a hug again. The two of them cried happy tears at the change in their relationship. Elizabeth wished she could tell Nathan because she knew how happy he would be for them. She knew then that she didn't want to hide the fact that they got married. She would be Mrs. Grant when she walked into town and it would not be changing. Starting tomorrow, she would do everything she could to bring her husband back to her and their children.