AN: Apologies for the delay in posting this update. I got caught up with life and the November Remembrance day story. Thank you again for reading and for your lovely comments. I appreciate it. Jill

Quinn sighed as their car pulled up at their home. Staring at her home, drinking in the familiar comfort, she couldn't believe how much she had missed being there in the few short days she had been in the Infirmary. A lot happened in those short days, she supposed. She left the house to go to work and came home with two children. It still took a few moments for her brain to catch up; she had two children, twins.

Glancing down at the bundle in her arms, she smiled. In the future, she hoped they came one at a time. Two children or ten, she would be happy with whatever number they were blessed with having.

Nathan rushed around the front of the car to her door, holding it open. He held out his arms, and she placed their son, Samuel, in them. The sight of her husband cradling their children still melted her heart. Allie had already taken Avery inside and was giving her the grand tour. Quinn could hear the excited tone of her voice and wondered what she was telling her.

"I think we should all nap when we get settled inside." Nathan smiled, too, as he listened to Allie chattering to the baby. He needed to figure out where she got her energy; he was exhausted.

"The time for us to decide when we will sleep has passed." Quinn laughed, "the two little ones are in charge for the moment until they settle into a routine."

"And just when that happens, the next newborn will be here, and it will start all over again," Nathan commented, smiling at the thought of more children.

"The next one!" Quinn said, incredulous. "Let's spend time with these two before we start thinking next time."

"Fine," Nathan said, wrapping his free arm around her shoulders. Addressing Sam, he said, "Let's go inside, find your sisters, and give you a tour; you need to know where everything is as well."

Quinn laughed at his silliness, but inside, her heart skipped a beat as it always did around her husband. Nathan was the most handsome man she had ever seen, but talking to their baby, he was magnificent.

Quinn and Allie spent some time marvelling over the gifts and other items they received. Hope Valley and its residents were incredible, and she was so grateful to have such close friends surrounding her. Allie was invaluable in putting everything away for them and offered to help write the thank you cards to everyone.

Lying in bed, Quinn contemplated her life as she gazed down at the Twins. She had just finished feeding them, and they were content to fall asleep near her. Nathan had stepped out to wash up before coming to bed, so she had a few moments alone. She thought about the past, her father's death and the accusation's against her. At the time, she had felt so alone and didn't think she would ever be happy again. Thanks to loyal friends like Sam and new friends like Bill, she had freedom and a place to call home. A lift she had barely dreamed would be possible for her.

Meeting Nathan, the most wonderful man, father and husband, was one of the best things to happen to her. Meeting Allie enabled her to become a Mother for the first time, and then the twins completed their family. They had a home they loved and land to explore and develop; Quinn thought there would be time to expand their family, maybe in a few years. It sounded like their family would grow again soon if it were up to Nathan.

Quinn thought of her husband again; Nathan was perfectly suited to his role as a Mountie. He was honest and acted with integrity in everything he did. He was a natural protector, and watching over Hope Valley allowed him to shine. His protective instincts transferred over to her and his children, family, and friends. His presence in their lives blessed those around him.

Sighing in contentment, she snuggled Sam and Avery closer. Despite knowing she should sleep when they did, she was mesmerised by them again, their perfect features, soft, smooth skin and the fine hair on their heads. She was overwhelmed once more by a sense of protectiveness; there was no way she would allow anyone or anything to harm these babies, and that protection extended to Nathan and Allie too.

Nathan found Quinn asleep with the twins when he returned to their bedroom. He smiled at his family, knowing it was best to move the babies so everyone would be more comfortable, although he was reluctant to disturb them. He stepped toward them, moving silently across the room toward the bed. Grinning, Nathan thought about his Mountie training and how they were taught to track and follow people, making as little sound as possible. He bet his instructors didn't imagine their recruits using their skills like he was. Either way, it was coming in handy.

Reaching out, he lifted Sam into his arms first. He took a moment to cuddle him close against his chest, ensuring he didn't wake him but needing a moment to savour the feel of his child in his arms. Although Quinn, Sam and Avery were home now, it still felt like a dream to him. A dream come true if he was honest. There was a time in his life before Allie came to live with him, and again when Elizabeth rejected them, he thought he might never have a family of his own.

As he held Sam and then Avery in his arms, he swore to always be there for them, to protect and guide them, to do everything in his power to make them as happy as they had made him. He would do anything to keep those he loved safe. Sliding into bed beside Quinn, he drew her gently into his arms and made her the same promise.

Three months later

Joshua stood quickly, pushing his chair back and stalking toward the office door. He had barely managed to keep his tone civil during his telephone call with Mr Franklin, the Pipers' lawyer. He shouldn't have been surprised when the man requested another delay to starting the trial of Isobel Manning. He had been delaying for months, and just when the trial had been ready to begin again, he found another seemingly legitimate reason for another extension. A reason that Joshua was unable to deny.

Quinn Grant had joked that she would be back at work by the time the trial started, and it might turn out to be true. The twins were three months old, and the prosecution had barely made it past opening statements. If Mr Franklin had his way, one of the Grant twins might be a lawyer themselves before the trial was over.

When the trial had initially been delayed, he offered to move out of the office he was sharing with Lee Coulter, but Lee declined. Laughing, Lee told him that while Joshua was using the space, his wife would continue to stay home with their daughter. If Rosie found out he was working alone, he knew she would be there in moments, and his office would become a creche. He loved his wife and daughter, but they would be distractions he couldn't afford. He would always choose to play with his daughter and spend time with his wife over the business, but he knew he couldn't do that every day.

Whatever Lee's reasons, Joshua was pleased to have the space. It was easy sharing an office with Lee. He was often out during the day visiting the timber mill or in meetings, and when he was there, he was working hard. Joshua was pleased Lee was out at the Mill at the moment, meeting a new business owner; he didn't need anyone to witness his frustration at the ongoing Manning trial. Sam, Bill and Isobel were ready and had been extremely patient with the stalling tactics of Mr Franklin. Joshua was pleased he had released Isobel into Sam's care; otherwise, she would have been in jail for months longer than necessary. The only positive with the ongoing trial delays was the additional time he spent in Hope Valley and with Faith.

Joshua stopped mid-stride and decided to forget his frustration and instead take advantage of his free time to see if Faith was available for lunch. The change in tactic would allow him to see his favourite Doctor and enable him to cool down before confronting Mr Franklin again.

Joshua knew Mr Franklin was delaying because the case against Isobel Manning had little substance, from what he had seen so far. The trial had to proceed, so each party had a fair and equitable chance to present their case. Joshua had reviewed all the evidence he had received, plus read the additional statements Bill had brought him. In addition to what he had read, he had conducted witness interviews via telephone, where the person was too far away to interview. Once he saw all the evidence, he could make a sound judgement based on the facts before him. Joshua needed the Pipers to present their case and Isobel's defence to produce theirs; this trial had to end sometime; the sooner, the better.

Opening the office door, he put a smile on his face and headed to the Infirmary to see Faith. He didn't want to burden her with his concerns, and he couldn't talk about his thoughts regarding Isobel's guilt or innocence. It wouldn't be the right thing to do. With the trial not proceeding, there wasn't much he had to hide from Faith, and he spent as much time with her as she would allow. If he had his way, they would spend all their free time together, but he knew she was more cautious, and the last thing he wanted to do was scare her away.

He and Faith had come a long way already. From the first few weeks after he arrived in Hope Valley when she would barely acknowledge his presence, they were now courting. They ate at the Cafe and the Saloon several times a week; they had ventured out for picnics and travelled to Benson Hills for lunch several times. If Joshua wished their relationship was moving faster than it was, he still wouldn't complain. He was prepared to wait for Faith as long as it took; she was worth every moment he had to wait. When she finally agreed to court him, he was the happiest he could ever remember being.

Thoughts had Faith had turned his forced smile into a genuine one, and by the time he got to the Infirmary door, he was feeling like his usual self.

"Joshua, hello!" Faith exclaimed, surprised and happy to see him. She knew she was smiling widely, but she couldn't help it. She was pleased to see him, and she didn't care who knew it. Faith was glad she had allowed him into her life after her initial reluctance. In the months Joshua had been in Town and she had allowed herself to get to know him, she had been happier than she could remember. She was happy in her relationship with Joshua and saw a future with him. Seeing the joy, Lily brought to Lee and Rosemary and how the twins did the same for Quinn and Nathan made Faith want more from life. She knew Joshua was the person she had been waiting for, the one she wanted to share her life and future with, and she was glad she had waited for him. She wasn't going to wait anymore.

"I know this is unexpected, but I needed a break and couldn't think of anyone else I wanted to spend it with," Joshua said as he kissed her lightly. "Can you get away for a little while?"

"It's perfect timing, actually." Faith explained, a little breathless from his closeness. "I have no patients this afternoon because I planned to do a stocktake. Unless there is an emergency, I have the afternoon free."

"I have the whole afternoon, too," Joshua replied, although he didn't allow his frustration about why to dampen his mood again. "I can't think of anything I would rather do than a stocktake."

"Really?" Faith said, doubting anyone would enjoy doing a stocktake.

"Really! I have never done one before."

"Well, after this, you will probably never want to do one again, but alright. I always like your company." Faith smiled, "why don't you get us lunch so I can finish this and be ready to start when you get back?"

"Sounds perfect. I'll be as quick as I can." Dropping another quick kiss on her lips, Joshua left. He found he was in a much better mood now than he had been before. Spending time with Faith always had that effect on him.

Fiona stood outside Abigail's cafe, wondering if she wanted to go inside and have another solitary lunch. With Quinn and Rosemary at home with their babies, the opportunity to have lunch with them was rare. She used to be able to rely on Faith, but she was busy in the Infirmary and with Joshua, and she didn't like to be the third wheel. It was her fault, she supposed; Mike had asked her to lunch many times as friends, but she didn't want people to get the wrong idea, so she only went occasionally. Kevin had asked too, and she said no for the same reasons.

"Fiona!" Joshua called. "It's good to see you. Are you getting lunch?"

"I was deciding if I wanted to eat here or not. I don't know if I feel like my own company today, and I have the whole afternoon free."

"I'm here to pick up lunch for Faith and me; why don't you join us?"

"I don't want to impose."

"We are having a quick bite and then doing a stocktake; I am sure she would appreciate the help."

Fiona hesitated, Faith could always use help with a stock take, and the offer from Joshua seemed genuine. "Alright, I will join you, but you have to let me buy lunch."

"Absolutely not," Joshua said firmly.

"Dessert?"

"Maybe, I'll have to think about it."

Faith was, as expected, delighted to have the additional pair of hands and spend time with two of her favourite people. Fiona had insisted on buying dessert, and after much haggling, Joshua had allowed it. Fiona was finishing the last bite of her chocolate, groaning.

"Why did I eat so much cake?"

"Because Minnie is a fantastic cook!" Faith offered.

"Yes, she is," agreed Joshua. "If I am not careful, I might have to let my pants out."

"That will never happen if you rely on me to cook."

Joshua and Fiona laughed; Faith was a notoriously bad cook, but then with Minnie around, she didn't need to know how to cook.

Fiona jumped when the Infirmary door was thrown open, and Lee rushed in, out of breath and calling for Faith.

"I need your help now, Faith." Lee cried out.

"Tell me what it is, Lee; I need to know what to take to the Mill." Faith was already on her feet, preparing to follow Lee to wherever the emergency was. She had her usual bag but needed to know if there was anything else to add.

"There was an accident at the Mill. Alex Hillman is injured. He isn't at the Mill; he's in my car. I thought it was better to bring him to you to save time." Lee rushed out of the door and back onto the street. Joshua followed closely behind; at least he could help Lee get the injured man inside.

Lee and Joshua were struggling to get Alex Hillman out of the car when Nathan and Bill arrived and offered to help. The four of them had no trouble lifting the semi-conscious man from the backseat and carrying him inside.

"Tell me about the injury. How did it happen?"

"The men were loading some wood; the load slipped when one of the straps holding it snapped; the strap flung out and hit Alex in the head. The metal buckled caused his injury. He was knocked unconscious and hasn't woken up since." Lee rushed through the exclamation, reliving his horror as he watched the strap flailing around before it hit Alex. It had happened in seconds, but it seemed to take forever when he remembered it.

"Okay, everyone. I need you to give me some space to work." Faith said, examining her patient as she spoke. The men hurried away, but when she glanced up, Fiona was still there, staring at Alex Hillman. "Are you okay, Fiona?" she asked, concerned. Fiona was very pale.

Fiona glanced at her friend, "I know him. I know Alex."

"How?"

"He is a family friend, I have known him since I was a child, but I haven't seen him for years."

"Okay, Fiona. I still need you to leave, but you can wait outside if you like. Is there we need to contact? His wife?"

"He had a Fiance; I guess she is his wife now; I can reach out to my family and get her details." Fiona was pale and hadn't moved from where she was standing.

"Fiona, you need to leave. Could you please wait to make the call? I might know something more soon."

Fiona stumbled out of the Infirmary, sitting on the seat on the boardwalk outside. She couldn't believe Alex Hillman was here in Hope Valley. The last time she had seen Alex, she had been humiliated. She had finally found the courage to tell him how she felt about him, that she was in love with him and moments later Anna Cameron, his fiancé, had arrived at the party. Anna's arrival interrupted whatever Alex had started to say to her; she would never know what he wanted her to know. His face had told her enough; he had gone pale as she spoke about her feelings, eyes wide with an emotion she didn't recognise.

Fiona hadn't known he was courting anyone and hadn't heard he was engaged. Apparently, the happy couple wanted it to be a surprise, and it had undoubtedly been for Fiona. She had rushed from the party, making excuses she was unwell. She hoped she would never see Alex Hillman again when she moved away from home. She was grateful to him for keeping her secret; no one knew about their conversation or her rejection. When she became engaged shortly afterwards, he didn't say a word to her but sent a card of congratulations which she had promptly thrown away.

What was Alex doing in Hope Valley? Did he know she was living there?

Hopefully, she could avoid seeing him while he was in Town. She would call her mother, so Anna could be told of his injury, and then she would stay away from him while he was in Town. Fiona took a steadying breath; if only Alex had changed, he was still the most handsome man she had ever seen. Even lying there, unconscious, pale and bloody, her heart had raced at the sight of him. Just when she had finally thought she had gotten over him, gotten him out of her mind, he was back, and all her work at forgetting him was wasted.

What was she going to do?