Colleen stepped inside the recovery room she had stayed in the previous night. She hadn't realized just how tired she'd been until she sat down on the bed. She laid down thinking about Andrew but her thoughts would have to wait because she fell into a deep sleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow.

Colleen slept until she was awoken by a knock on the door.

"Come in" she called out as she sat up and began to straighten her dress and her hair.

It was Becky. "Hey. I think you would have slept all day if Andrew hadn't sent me up here to check on you"

"Check on me? What time is it?" Colleen asked, still groggy from sleep.

"It's almost noon. I was on my way out and I didn't even realize you were still here. Andrew asked if I minded checking on you. He didn't think it would be proper to come into your room himself while you were sleeping. He said that you probably needed to talk to me anyways? Is it about what happended between you and Jared?"

"Yeah... it's about Jared... But first, how's Zachary? You've been with him all morning?"

Becky blushed "He's doing good. He's still tired and a little out of it but Andrew said he'll be fine. I still don't know why you think he likes me though. He seems uncomfortable when I'm around" Colleen rolled her eyes at Becky. Becky still didn't understand that Zachary was uncomfortable because he did like her. Becky gave Colleen a skeptical look and continued. "Anyways. Tell me what happened"

Colleen relayed the entire encounter of the night to Becky. She told her everything including the events of the morning between Jared and Andrew. It felt good to talk about it again, especially to Becky. Becky had always had her suspicions about Jared's true nature. She wasn't shocked when she heard what Colleen had to say which made it easier and less embarrassing for Colleen.

Becky was shocked however, by how aggressively Andrew protected Colleen. "Andrew did that?! Wow, he must really be sweet on you!"

Colleen blushed but denied it. "I don't think so. We're friends. He just doesn't want to see me hurt. That's all"

Becky doesn't believe Colleen. She knows that there's more between them than that. Colleen just isn't ready to admit it so Becky plays along and nods as a gesture of agreement to Colleen's statement.

Andrew sat reviewing some medical charts of patients he had scheduled later that day. There was a knock at the clinic door and Matthew Cooper, Colleen's older brother, walked in. Matthew wasn't a very large man but he carried himself with authority. He was strong and almost rugged but remained friendly and polite.

"Matthew! Hello. How are you?" Andrew stood up from his desk.

"Fine. thanks. Is Colleen still here? Dr. Mike was starting to get worried about her"

"Yes. She was up most of the night with me" Andrew started but realized that didn't come out right. He tries again. "I mean, she was up helping me tend to Zachary. He had a head injury and we had to check on him every couple of hours. Colleen went to rest some more and fell asleep. Becky is actually with her now."

"Yeah. Dr. Mike explained why she stayed." Matthew said with a nod letting Andrew know it was ok with him that Colleen spent the night there. Matthew still needed answers to something else though. "Did the injury have anything to do with Jared?"

Andrew wasn't expecting that question. "No. Not at all. Why?"

"Well a couple folks witnessed a quick altercation between the two of you this morning. They figured that as sheriff, I might want to know what was going on" Matthew spoke in a firm tone, but not angry or threatening.

Andrew let out a sigh and crossed his arms to mask how uncomfortable he was becoming. First of all, if was hardly an altercation. Second, it was over something he had promised to Colleen to keep quiet. "I didn't realize anyone had even seen that" he admitted and then realized that Matthew was still waiting for an actual explanation.

"Well, what exactly happened?" Matthew asked more straight forward this time.

"Um.. I can't talk about it really.. Colleen asked me not..."

"Colleen?! What does it have to do with Colleen?" Matthew was surprised.

Andrew sighed knowing that he had to tell Matthew something. "All I can tell you is that she and Jared had...a..." Andrew searched for an appropriate word "disagreement." Close enough he thought and then continued, "she didn't want to see him so when he tried to come in, I stopped him. That's all. No one was hurt and Jared walked away" well, almost no one was hurt, Andrew thought as he pictured the bruises on Colleen's arms and gave a visible distressed look over it.

Matthew noticed. "Are you sure that's all that happened?"

"You'd really have to talk to Colleen. I'm sorry."

"I will. Thanks." Matthew said while turning towards the stairs. Andrew nodded and sat back at his desk to work.

Matthew could hear Colleen and Becky talking as he approached the room they were in. The door wasn't closed all the way so Matthew knocked softly while letting himself in. Both girl's stopped talking as they realized they shouldn't have been having such a private conversation with the door ajar.

"Sorry to interrupt." Matthew said to both girls. Then turned towards Colleen. "Dr. Mike and Sully were wondering when you were coming home. We've all been worried about you."

"I'm fine Matthew. It was just a long night. I slept much later than I intended. Sorry."

Matthew knew that there was more though. "Are you sure? Nothing else happened last night?"

Colleen became uncomfortable. Becky did as well and made her excuses. "Umm.. I should get going. I told my Pa I'd be home for lunch. See ya."

When Becky left, Matthew went to sit next to Colleen. "If something's wrong Colleen, you can tell me." Colleen avoided eye contact with him and said nothing so Matthew tried again. "I know something happened between you and Jared." Colleen's eyes shot up to finally meet Matthew's.

"How do you know that?" Colleen's reaction was angry. She had specifically asked Andrew to keep it quiet. She didn't want anyone to know.

"I just talked to Andrew and .."

"He told you?!" Colleen interupted, letting her temper get the best of her.

"No. Calm down. He didn't really tell me anything. I just know that you two had a disagreement of some sort and you don't want to see him."

Colleen took a deep breath to calm herself. She was relieved Andrew had kept his promise. She still wasn't sure what to say to Matthew though.

Matthew saw that Colleen was struggling with her feelings. She definitely had something to tell but was hesitating. He continued with his attempts to get her to open up. "Colleen if Jared hurt you, you can tell me. I'll take care of it"

"What makes you think I'm hurt?"

"Well, Andrew said he can't tell me anything so I figured it was because of a doctor / patient privacy thing. He was also set on keeping Jared away from you. From what I hear, he was pretty riled up about it."

Colleen looked at her brother and finally let go of the tension. She knew he wasn't going go leave until he knew something. Colleen spoke softly and calmly to Matthew to let him know that she was fine. "I'm not hurt. Andrew won't tell you anything because I asked him not to tell anyone." She hesitated and took a deep breath before going on. "Something did happen between Jared and I. Last night I told him that we shouldn't see each other anymore and he got mad. He grabbed me and forced a kiss on me. I tried to push him away but he didn't listen and he did it again." Colleen saw the anger and disdain towards Jared build up in Matthew. This is exactly what she didn't want to happen. Matthew had always been overly protective of her and had a tendency to fly off the handle. "Matthew, I'm fine. He stopped when all the fuss over Zachary started to happen and that was it. You don't have to do or say anything. Jared knows that I don't want to ever see him again. It's taken care of."

"Yeah but... You can't just let..." Matthew was beside himself at hearing such a thing.

Colleen put her hand on Matthew's arm to calm him down. "Thank you Matthew. I really do appreciate that you're trying to protect me. You're the best big brother. But I'm really fine. I talked to Andrew and I talked to Becky. I just want to move on. Please."

Matthew nodded and gave Colleen a comforting hug . She would always be his little sister but he was finally starting to see her as a strong independent young woman. He smiled at her with pride. "Come on. I'll drive you home. You can at least let me do that right?"

"Of course" Colleen said as she walked out of the room with her brother, leaning her head on his shoulder and knowing that he'd always be there for her.

Andrew stepped away from his desk as Matthew and Colleen entered the room. Colleen went over to him to say her goodbyes and give one last thanks for all that he'd done for her. There was an awkwardness between them knowing that Matthew was present.

As Matthew stood off to the side, he observed just why Colleen didn't seem to need him anymore. Andrew had taken care of the situation in his place. He watched the subtle ways they looked at each other. Their smiles and eyes said much more than the words that they spoke.

Colleen turned to Matthew when she was finished. "Are you ready?"

"Yeah. I just need to talk to Andrew for a minute. The wagon's outside, I'll be right there"

Andrew was a bit confused as to why Matthew needed to talk to him. "Is everything all right?" he asked once Colleen was outside.

"Yeah. I just wanted to thank you myself. For taking care of Colleen. For standing up for her. As much as I'd like to be, I can't always be there to protect her. It's good to know she has someone else looking out for her. I appreciate it. You're a good man Andrew." Matthew offered his hand and they shook in acknowledgement of mutual gratitude and respect as two men who genuinely cared about Colleen. Albeit, in very different ways.

Matthew drove Colleen home and she couldn't be more releived to get there. It had been a long couple of days and she needed the comfort that her family and her own room provided. She walked inside to find everyone sitting around the table.

"Colleen! Thank goodness you're home!" Michaela exclaimed as she stood up and gave Colleen a hug. Colleen could barely hold in her emotions but knew she needed to. She couldn't go through explaining everything again. "How's Zachary? Everything ok?"

"Yeah. Minor head injury. Andrew said he'll be fine" Colleen said positively but also still fighting her own emotions.

"Are you alright?" Michaela asked suspiciously

Colleen just nodded which only increased Michaela's suspicion. Matthew noticed Colleen give him a look asking for some support so he quickly interjected. "She's probably just tired. Becky had to wake her up just before noon." Matthew then turned to Colleen. "You should probably take it easy for the rest of the day too"

Colleen was grateful for Matthew's help. She knew that she could always count on her family. It was a good feeling. "I will. I think I'm going to stay around here the next couple of days too. It'll be good to just be with family."

It had been a few days since Colleen had been into town. She enjoyed helping take care of her baby sister, Katie and just spending time with her family. It allowed her to smile, stay positive and move past the events of the previous days. She was eager to get back into town though and start working at the clinic again.

After breakfast with her family, Colleen rode into town with Matthew. He dropped her off in front of the clinic just as Andrew was arriving to start the day.

"Ah Colleen! Good morning!" Andrew flashed a huge grin at seeing Colleen.

Colleen returned his expression and they went inside the clinic. When they got inside they fell into an awkward silence. The last time they were there alone, they had become much closer than colleagues. Colleen had shared her secrets and Andrew had comforted her. It had all happened so fast that they weren't sure how to act now that they had achieved a more intimate friendship.

Colleen seemed to be in a cheerful mood so Andrew didn't want to bring up any subject that may put a damper on it. He asked about her family instead. "Did you enjoy the past couple of days at home? It must be nice to have that extra time with your family"

"Yeah! It was great. It's not everyday we get to all be together anymore. Seems like everyone is so busy all the time. I want to spend as much time with Katie too before I go off to college. She changes so much, so quickly. I'll miss seeing her grow up when I leave" Colleen beamed when she talked about her family. Andrew envied the closeness they all shared. He had lost his mother when he was a young boy and his father was often busy at his own medical clinic to spend much time with Andrew. When he lost his father right before entering medical school, his uncle and aunt became his caregivers but they were not the warmest people.

Andrew longed to be a part of a family like Colleen's and so he stayed on topic. "Katie must be getting so big! I'm sure she's all smiles. It must be fun!"

Colleen couldn't help but be delighted at the thought of Katie's smiles and coos. "She really is! You'll have to come out to the homestead for dinner sometime and you'll be able to see for yourself"

"That would be wonderful" Andrew said as the awkwardness started to fade.

"How are things here? Any interesting new cases?" Colleen asked

"Nothing really. Some scrapes and cuts. A couple of coughs. A little slow but I guess it's good news when no one is hurt"

"Well since it's been so slow, perhaps you'll have time to continue your riding lessons?"

Andrew was happy to see Colleen's mischievous grin and playful persona back. He couldn't resist. "Absolutely. I'm ready to try when you are" he laughed.

"Tomorrow morning? I know Taffy is eager to get back out there"

"I'm sure he is. Lucky for him, I'm available tomorrow morning".

They both laughed and continued to do so throughout the morning. At around noon time, Colleen prepared to leave for the day.

"I have plans to have lunch with Becky and then I'll be heading home with Matthew. Unless there's anything you need help with?"

"No. Should be a slow afternoon. Horace is coming in about his gout but I shouldn't need any assistance with that. Go enjoy your afternoon" Andrew told Colleen to go but really wished he had a reason for her to stay.

"OK. I'll see you bright and early tomorrow then. You better be ready for riding!"

"Oh I'll do my best. No promises though" Andrew laughed as Colleen gathered her things and headed out. On her way to the door, Andrew stopped her.

"Colleen?" He paused as she turned back towards him and then he continued with the most sincere tone "it's good to see you smiling"

"It's good to be smiling" Colleen replied just as sincere.

Andrew walked over to the file cabinet and found the records for Horace Bing. He reviewed the medical history and prepared himself for Horace's appointment. Horace came in shortly after and the appointment was quick and painless. Andrew updated the chart and filed it. He had no other duties at the clinic. He pondered what to do with the rest of his afternoon. Perhaps if Colleen was still in town, they could try a riding lesson and then he could bring her home when they were finished.

Andrew walked towards the door just as Horace came bursting back through. He was half carrying a man named Mr. Frobush.

"What happened?" Andrew asked as he helped get Mr. Frobush on the table. Andrew's confidence had increased since his first medical emergency and he didn't hesitate to spring into action.

"I've got a terrible pain in my stomach! I can barely breath" Mr. Frobush was in clear agony and struggled to get the words out.

"It reminds me of how I felt with my appendix" Horace added. "He sneezed and then all of a sudden grabbed his side and doubled over."

Andrew nodded and turned his attention towards Frobush. "Is the pain sharp? Stabbing?" Mr. Frobush nodded that it was. Andrew located the appendix and found it to be inflamed. "Have you been having abdominal pain at all recently?" The patient relayed that he had cramps since the early morning but now it was much worse. "Mr. Frobush, tell me if the pain is worse when I push down".. Andrew puts pressure over the appendix with no sign of increased pain from his patient. "Or when I release" As Andrew releases the pressure, Mr. Frobush screams. He is in visible pain but manages to respond. "Definitely when you let go."

"Appendicitis. I'm going to have to remove it. You're at risk for it to rupture and if it does, it could be life threatening". Mr. Frobush nods with acknowledgment of what must be done.

"What can I do to help, Dr. Cook?" Horace asks

Andrew doesn't need to think about it at all before he responds. "Colleen. I need you to find Colleen. Please. She was at Grace's with Becky. Hopefully you can still find her there."

Andrew began preparing for surgery and started to explain the procedure to his patient as Horace left to find Colleen.

Horace arrived at Grace's and took a couple of looks around but did not see Colleen. As he walked towards Grace to inquire about Colleen's whereabouts, he saw her over near the livery. She was with Matthew preparing their wagon.

"Colleen!" Horace called out with urgency.

"Horace. What's wrong?" Colleen responded growing worried

"Dr. Cook said he needs you right away over at the clinic"

"Sure" Colleen responded uneasy. If Andrew was asking for her help then something must really be wrong. She turned to Matthew, who told her to go and that he'd drive back into town later to check on her.

Colleen rushed into the clinic to find Andrew ready to operate. "What's wrong?"

"I need to remove his appendix. It's inflamed" Andrew explained

"His appendix?" Colleen was confused. "Are you expecting complications?"

"no. It should be a standard procedure" Andrew said starting to realize that he shouldn't need Colleen at all.

"You've done an appendectomy before. A few actually haven't you? Are you alright? What should I help with?" Colleen was still trying to figure out what the emergency of having her there was.

Andrew blushed with embarrassment. He had done the procedure more than once when he was in medical school and it was really a very uncomlicated procedure. But this would be only his second surgery without the supervision of another physician. Colleen had been there for the first one and though he was growing more confident in his skills now, he still was a bit nervous about cutting someone open. Colleen calmed those nerves simply by being there. He wan't sure how to tell her that though. "well... just to assist me... you were there for my first surgery so..."

Colleen began to understand. Andrew didn't need her there, he wanted her there. She blushed as well and interupted Andrew's stammered explaination, "I'm happy to just be here. I'll help however I can". She smiled, relaxing Andrew, and then put on an apron, washed her hands, and prepared the chloroform.

The surgery was a success. Andrew was able to remove the appendix with no complications, he closed the incision and Mr. Frobush's vitals were stable. Together, Colleen and Andrew helped the patient to a recovery room and made him comfortable. They began cleaning up the clinic.

"I'm sorry if I ruined your afternoon" Andrew said still feeling slightly embarrassed about sending for Colleen.

"It's alright. I didn't have much planned. Plus, I enjoy being here and helping you out."

"Well, still, I'm sorry that I bothered you for such a standard procedure"

"Really. It wasn't a bother" Colleen said smiling sincerely. "It was only your second solo surgery. I'm glad that I could just be here so you wouldn't have to be alone. You've given me so much support recently. I'm more than happy to help you in return."

Andrew smiled at Colleen. He was thankful that he didn't need to explain his feelings to her. He would have just jumbled up the words anyways and it wouldn't come out right. It was nice having someone who understood that. Someone who understood him.