Bill and Nathan were just leaving the office when Elizabeth walked by with Jack holding her hand. "Hi Bill, we were just coming to say hello. It's been awhile since we have seen you." Elizabeth's eyes moved passed Bill and saw Nathan. His head was lowered and his hands were playing with the Stetson he was holding. "Looks like you are busy, see you again soon Bill?" Bill cleared his throat. "Nathan and I will be back for dinner, maybe I'll stop by your house?" Elizabeth gave Bill a smile. "That sounds nice. Thank you Bill." With Elizabeth and Jack gone Bill and Nathan each mounted their horse. Painful reminders everywhere he turned on what he was missing out on.
"Well, are you ready Bill?" Nathan quickly changed the thoughts that were swirling in his head with something else. "Oh, you bet. Nathan. Let's go!" And just like that the two of them were off.
It was a pretty silent ride. Bill wanted to ask Nathan some more questions but didn't want to hurt him more than he needed. He could tell it still bothered him quite a bit. And to be completely honest Bill was baffled by the whole thing. It's not like he didn't like Lucas, he just didn't seem like the right man for her. That was one of the reasons why Bill had said he'd go over to her house and maybe try to talk to her about those feelings.
Bill's thoughts were interrupted by a gunshot. Bill quickly looked at Nathan. The shot was fired from the east which is the opposite way of where they were headed. Nathan nodded at Bill. they knew they'd have to check out the gunshot first. They both turned to the left and before they could get much farther another shot fired. "That one sounded closer." Bill said with a slight concern showing on his face.
"Let's tie up the horses and go the rest on foot, it'll be easier to be quieter." Nathan jumped off Newton and started tying him to a tree. Bill nodded and started to do the same.
"Lord, help Bill and I to be safe and give Allie peace as she's at home waiting for me to return. Amen." Nathan always said a silent prayer before heading into a situation. It gave him comfort knowing that no matter what happened or would happen God would be in control.
Bill motioned toward Nathan to split up. He nodded and crept quickly but taking note of where he was stepping to make sure not to step on something that would give him away. Nathan had only gone a few yards then stopped. He could hear voices. He could hear two different voices. One was being raised and sounded upset. But he couldn't quite make out the words. He'd have to get closer. Nathan stealthy began getting closer as he got closer he could finally see.
Now why'd you go and do that?" Nathan could see a man bend down and pick up some rocks. He then turned around and threw one as far as he could. It struck a tree and black birds flew out of the top. Nathan could hear sinister laughing. But he couldn't see the man that was making the noise. "Ahhh, you worry too much Randall." The man that was speaking spoke with a heavy accent. Nathan hadn't traveled much so he wasn't sure where he might be from. "You said no one would get hurt Jameson." The shorter man said while sitting down on a log. He grabbed a rifle and shot into the sky. A bird came down. Which made the man (Randall) grin.
Nathan could hear footsteps closing in behind him. He quickly turned to see Bill coming over. Nathan motioned to move away from where he was just crouched down. And led Bill back to where they tied their horses. "What was all that about?" Bill asked. "We will have to come up with a plan. There were 2 men, a shorter guy named Randall. And the other guy I couldn't see but he had a thick accent name Jameson. I'm guessing it's our man." Nathan finished untying Newton and hopped on to him.
Bill jumped on his horse. "Smart of you to wait and come up with a plan, I'm guessing we aren't headed to the old Canfield cabin?" Nathan nodded. "Let's get home and have some dinner and then we'll come up with a plan. I've got a daughter to get home to." Nathan smiled though he had always cared for Allie it felt so much better to be able to call her his daughter. "You know, I love hearing you say that Nathan." Bill grinned and led his horse. "Has she called you "dad" yet?" Nathan slowed Newton down so now the were riding side by side. "Yep, she has." Nathan had a big grin on his face. Bill was happy to see him like this. "But at first it didn't even register to me. I guess I was just so used to being "Uncle Nathan" that it was as if I didn't hear her. But then it hit me. She was calling me "Dad" I have to admit Bill, it made me tear up." His eyes were misty just thinking back on that special moment knowing he would never forget that day.
"I thank God everyday for bringing Allie into my life. I don't tell her that enough though. In a way she has shown me how to love. Does that make sense to you Bill?" Bill could only nod. But he found his voice. "It's true, I've heard people say they learned more from being a parent than anything else. It's hard work, yeah. But so rewarding. You know, you should probably tell Allie how you feel about her. It would mean the world to her. Hey, speaking of rewarding. Let's hurry up and get back I'm starving." Nathan chuckled. It felt good to know his return was anticipated by Allie at home but he was also excited to get home and give her a hug and tell her how much she means to him.