Chapter 2 - Faith and Trust

Faith Carter caught sight of Constable Grant as soon as she stepped out of the door to the clinic. How could anyone miss such a clean-cut sight?

Nathan rode like a warrior into town on his dark horse, stoic and on a mission.

Everything he does seems to be with a purpose, Faith thought. Indeed, Nathan was a man of very little words. Despite the short, and sometimes terse, exchanges that Nathan had with people, Faith had no doubt that there was a heart of gold beneath the broad shoulders.

As with every heart, she continued to muse, they all stand a chance to be broken.

The two of them had both suffered heartache on the very same day - a record in such a small town like Hope Valley.

"What are the odds?" she asked herself. Whatever they were, it was clear that both she and the Constable were in the minority. Outliers. "At least I have company," she finished and gave a warm smile as Nathan tied up his horse.

"You're in town early for a Saturday," she called as she approached him. "What brings you in at such a quiet hour? You know the Cafe doesn't open for another forty-five minutes."

For a brief moment Nathan flashed her his elusive smile. His teeth were a brilliant white. Faith considered it a great triumph every time she was able to make them surface.

"What else do you think drags me out of bed in the morning?" Nathan replied. "I mean, besides my badge. It's Allie. You didn't happen to see her come this way?"

The mention of the young girl, newly adopted by her Uncle, caused Faith to smile.

"Pre-teens give a parent all sorts of anxiety, don't they?"

Nathan nodded. "Especially when they're as quick on their feet as Allie. I swear, I need to keep that girl on a leash. Do you think they sell those at Ned's store?"

"Not for children," Faith laughed. "Maybe if you ask, he can special-order you one."

"I appreciate the sarcasm," said Nathan. "It's hard to trust kids when they grow so quickly. One second she's playing with dolls, and the next she's almost as tall as me and chasing after boys. Don't even get me started on how many times she's asked for new clothes."

"I'm sure she's fine," said Faith. "Have a little faith that it will all work out. It usually does."

Nathan paused at that. "Does it usually work out? I wouldn't really know."

The blunt response was one that not only Faith, but the rest of the residents of Hope Valley were still getting used to when it came to Constable Grant.

She glanced down at the dusty roadway. "Give it time."

He nodded. "I guess the other question I have for you is, have you seen Robert?"

"If I've come to know anything about the older children in the town, it's that if Robert is around, then Allie is sure to be nearby." She stepped beside him and pointed down the road. "As a matter of fact, I saw Robert head over to the pond. He usually eats his breakfast down there before making his rounds for The Valley Voice. I'm sure you'll find Allie by his side."

"I greatly appreciate the tip," Nathan replied, wasting no time in starting for the small dock alongside the pond. He turned, walking backwards for a second before adding, "If you have any other tips, feel free to send them my way."

"Of course," Faith smiled. "I'm always here to talk, if you need."

It wasn't the answer that the Constable expected, judging by the expression that crossed his features: That telltale crease formed between his brows, casting his gorgeous blue eyes into shadow. Even so, he tipped his hat at her and took off without another word.

Faith stood there, lost in her own thoughts.

"I hope you find what you're looking for," she muttered softly. "I hope we both do."