I don't own anything. I just come here for fun.

.

.

They received a wire two days ago saying a group of outlaws were headed in their direction. Nathan had wired Gabe in Brookfield and asked for his assistance keeping watch. He should have known that involving Gabe would mean narrowly escaping serious injury.

"Ouch"

"Hold still Nathan".

You hold still was Nathan's uncharitable thought as Carson poked his ribs again. Nathan sucked in a breath and instantly regretted it.

"2 bruised ribs on your right side" Carson declared. "You also have some significant bruising on your abdomen that I want to keep an eye on. You'll need to take it easy for the next few weeks".

Nathan sighed. He had promised Allie a camping trip but if he couldn't ride he'd have to postpone. He hated disappointing her.

Carson watched the emotions filter over his face. "You were very lucky the injuries weren't worse. I'm going to keep you here tonight for observation. You can go home to Allie in the morning".

Nathan sighed again. He just wanted his nice warm bed. Staying the night in the infirmary wasn't his preference. He opened his mouth to argue when Gabe walked in. He smiled at Nathan. "Well, at least it wasn't an explosion this time".

Faith, Carson, and Molly all looked at Gabe in alarm and Nathan lowered his head. Just what he needed, more questions.

"Explosion?" Molly asked, turning back towards Nathan. All other eyes followed her.

"Long story." replied Nathan.

Gabe walked over to the foot of the bed. "Nathan Grant, always so modest. I'll go get Allie and bring her by to say good night."

"Thanks Gabe, '' Nathan said. "She's a Cat Montgomery's."

Gabe turned to Molly "Can you show me the way? That will give me time to fill you in on your dear Constable as we walk". Gabe winked at Nathan and steered Molly out the door.

Carson moved to Nathan and started wrapping up his ribs while Faith arranged pillows. All the adrenaline was wearing off and Nathan could feel his exhaustion creeping in. He hoped Gabe was back soon. Making sure Allie knew he was alright was imperative. He knew she would worry.

As Carson finished, he helped Nathan rest against the pillows. Nathan winced. "I'll get you something for the pain". Nathan nodded and decided to close his eyes, just for a moment.

"Dad".

A door slammed open and Nathan's eyes flashed open in time to see Allie run into the infirmary. Had he fallen asleep? "Dad, Gabe said you were hurt. Are you in a lot of pain?" It warmed his heart to hear her refer to him as Dad.

"I'm going to be fine".

Allie rolled her eyes. "That's not an answer"

"It's ok Allie, I'm here and all in one piece". Nathan shifted on the bed and instantly regretted it. Allie caught the look on his face."

"You're not ok. Can I do anything?" Allie turned to Faith, who rested her hands on her shoulder. Faith and Carson exchanged a look over Allie's head. Carson spoke softly.

"Nathan is going to be fine. He will have some minor pain and will need to take it easy for a few weeks. He will still be in charge but you will have to help him around the house and monitor his activity so he doesn't try to do too much."

Allie grabbed Nathan's hand. "I can do that." Nathan smiled at her. Carson looked between them. "Allie, I'm going to keep Nathan here tonight. There is nothing to worry about, I just want to make sure nothing else is wrong."

Nathan squeezed her hand. "You can stay at home if you want. Gabe can look after you and bring you back here in the morning."

Allie smiled. "As long as you are ok.".

Nathan smiled back. "I'm good. I promise." He turned to the rest of the infirmary. "Now what's a guy got to do to get some sleep around here?". Everyone chuckled. Allie leaned over Nathan and gave him a quick kiss on the forehead.

"I'll see you in the morning," Nathan whispered. He looked over to Gabe who nodded and replied "I'll have her here first thing". Allie waved goodbye. As soon as she was out the door Nathan closed his eyes and drifted off.

He could hear someone moving in the room but couldn't bring himself to open his eyes just yet. His nostrils filled with the smell of bacon. He took a deep breath.

"Oh. You're awake."

Nathan's eyes opened. Standing at the foot of the bed was Fiona. He glanced around the room.

"I was at the café this morning and Bill asked me to bring some breakfast over for you. I told Faith I'd wait here while she ran to freshen up. She'll be back in a jiffy."

Nathan tried to sit up but the pain flared up and he winced. Fiona rushed to his side. "Here, let me help". Together they managed to get him into a seated position, resting comfortably against the pillows.

Fiona moved the plate of eggs, bacon, and biscuits over to him for easier access. Nathan tried to resist another deep inhale. It smelled so good. "Thank you for the help and the breakfast".

Fiona smiled. "Anytime". She paused slightly, as though she wanted to speak but was thinking better of it.

"What?" Nathan asked, having not missed her curious look.

Fiona sat in the visitors chair and rested her hands on her lap. "It simply occurred to me that you are always taking care of other people. Keeping them safe, helping them. A protector."

Nathan nodded, not sure where Fiona was going but agreeing silently with her analysis.

Fiona tilted her head and continued. "I was just wondering, who takes care of you?".

Nathan stared at her. Who took care of him? Other than Allie there was no one. Bill maybe - Nathan smirked as he imagined BIll fussing over his bedside. He was saved from replying by Faith returning through the infirmary door.

"Ah, I see you got your breakfast."

Fiona stood up. "Yes. Delivered as promised." She paused, "Well, I better be off." She glanced towards Nathan. "I hope you feel better soon. Please tell Allie to come find me if you need anything."

Nathan nodded. He seemed to be having trouble speaking. Fiona nodded back and then walked out the door.

As Faith moved into the room, Nathan returned his attention to his breakfast. Maybe it was time to find someone who would help take care of him.