Chapter 23: Man in the Middle
"Mountie Grant?" Opal asked timidly, as she eyed the tall Mountie as he sat stride Newton. "You don't think anything will happen when we're at Miss Dani's… Do you?" Nathan smiled at her question but remained silent and let Allie answer the question. "Opal!" she said indignantly. "I told you! Dani knows how to look out for us, just as well as Uncle Nathan does. We will be just fine." Dani had decided to make good on her promise and invite Allie and her two closest friends, Emily, and Opal over to the homestead for the day. She had promised them a real tea party, as well as a lesson in baking, which they were all excitedly looking forward to. It had fallen to Nathan however, to deliver the three of them safely to her house. Even now, he threw a glance in their direction to make sure that they were all comfortably secure on Hero's back as they made their way down the quiet country road. "Uncle Nathan!" Allie arrested his attention once again. "Did I tell you that Mrs. Coulter wants to give me voice lessons after school?" Nathan smiled in surprise and shook his head. "No, you didn't Allie" he admitted. "That's exciting!" "If I could sing, I would want Mrs. Coulter to teach me" Emily admitted. "I can't sing as well as Allie can though." "I'm sure that's not true" Allie said humbly. "Mrs. Coulter said anyone can sing with proper training." "Do you sing Mountie Grant?" Opal asked, generously not wanting the Mountie to feel left out of the conversation. Nathan blushed and smiled ruefully. "Well…" he faltered. "Not much, but… I know Dani can sing. You should ask her to perform for you while you're visiting." Nathan smiled to himself as he recalled in his mind, the few times that Dani had sat by his bedside and sung him to sleep while he was recovering several months ago. Her voice was deep and rich; unlike anything he had ever heard before. The memory of drifting off to the rhythm of her sweet voice was something he could never forget, not matter he sick he had been. "She has a wonderful voice" he informed the girls. Allie smiled proudly. "I'm sure she does" she agreed. "She's good at everything."
Nathan felt his heart soar as he watched Allie and her friends being ushered into the house by Dani, who looked as lovely as ever, in her flowing blue dress and white, embroidered shawl. Her hair hung loosely in the breeze and made her look so free and full of life. After guiding the three girls inside, she threw Nathan a happy wave of gratitude before disappearing inside with them. With a contented sigh, Nathan urged Newton and Hero back in the direction of Hope Valley, the cold breeze now at his back, causing him to shift a little uncomfortably in the saddle. The cold weather caused his old injury to ache sometimes, making rounds a bit harder on bitter days like this. It would be good to enjoy the warm summer sun again. The thought of the golden glow reminded him of all the beautiful sunsets that he and Dani had shared together. The thought brought a smile to his face, dispelling any signs of discomfort from the soreness of his injury. The sun might rise over the mountains surrounding Hope Valley, but Nathan's days were always brighter when Dani was a part of them. Already, he was looking forward to seeing her again later that evening, when he returned to bring the girls home. It was a happy life he was living, and for now, he didn't want it to change in the least.
As Nathan got closer to Hope Valley and could hear the subtle bustle of the town in the distance, he spied a figure walking along the road alone. He was surprised when he came up beside the man and discovered that it was Richard Shaw, the new substitute teacher. "Good Morning Richard!" he called, pulling Newton to a halt, which Hero quickly imitated. "What are you doing all the way out here?" Richard gave Nathan a half smile and glanced at the road behind. "I just needed a bit of fresh air" he explained. "I used to go out for early morning walks in the Moor. Missed it I suppose…" Nathan nodded sympathetically. "I'm sorry…" he murmured quietly. There was an awkward pause between them before Nathan finally lifted his head. "You know, it's still a long way from town. Can I offer you a ride home?" Richard looked from Nathan to Hero, whose saddle rested vacant on his proud back. "If you insist" Richard agreed, a faint smile coming over his face.
The two rode in silence for a good leg of the trip. Nathan wasn't opposed to a companionable silence like this in the least, but upon glancing up at his friend, he realized that the wordlessness of Richard was not on account of a desire to relax his mind. He looked unhappy to Nathan, something that he felt homesickness was not entirely responsible for. "Richard…" he said finally, unable to stand the despondence in Richard's face. "Is there something else on your mind?" Richard glanced up at Nathan and shrugged. "I guess you could say that…" he admitted candidly. He paused briefly while Nathan waited. At last, he heaved a sigh. "Your Doctor Carter is an extraordinary woman." Nathan grinned to himself and nodded slightly. "She is" he agreed. "She's a wonderful doctor… And good friend. Do you think you might have caught some feelings for her Richard?" Richard shrugged. "Admittedly…" he sighed. "I suppose I have." Nathan frowned in bewilderment, unable to understand Richard's despairing tone. "Is that a bad thing?" he asked, confused. Richard looked up at Nathan sadly and shook his head. "I guess not" he admitted. Nathan looked out at the road ahead of them, still frowning. "Well…" he murmured slowly. "Then what seems to be the problem?" Richard's shoulders were visibly slumped as he adjusted his position in the saddle. "I think…" he said slowly, eyeing Nathan with a touch of timidity. "I think she has feelings for someone else." Nathan frowned faintly before giving a faint nod. "Carson…" he murmured quietly, his eyes drifting toward the waving grass. "Sometimes it just takes a long time for people to move on Richard…" When Richard didn't answer, Nathan returned his gaze to the teacher and was surprised to see a look of dread written on his face. "Nathan…" he said slowly and deliberately. "It isn't Carson she has feelings for…" Nathan frowned, surprised by this revelation. "Not Carson…?" he marveled, greatly perplexed. "But she told me…" "Nathan…" Richard cut him off sharply. "Don't you understand?" Nathan stared at Richard blankly for a long moment before the realization suddenly washed over his face. "Oh…" he breathed softly before an anxious, thoughtful pause. "I didn't know…" Richard's head hung sadly. "You see…" he said sadly. "I suppose my feelings are in vain. How am I supposed to compete with what she feels for you? You know very well I can't…" Nathan stared at Richard, his eyes full of sympathy. He shook his head slowly. "Richard…" He murmured. "I don't know what to say… Are you sure?" Richard nodded, somewhat bitterly. "I walked her home the other night" he explained sadly. "She wouldn't stop talking about you. It's hopeless… I shouldn't even bother." Before Nathan could even respond, he realized that they had arrived at Richard's little house at the end of the row. He dismounted and quietly thanked Nathan for the ride and the company before disappearing through the door, his head bowed. Nathan sat pensively and looked after him for a long moment before he hung his head and returned to the gravel path. He knew how Richard felt; to miss out on love before he even had a chance to do anything about it. Squaring his shoulders as he urged Newton and Hero toward the livery, he tried to think of what to do. He couldn't rob Richard of the chance to make his feelings known. He just couldn't…
"Bill!" Clara's brow raised in surprise as the dark skillet in Bill's hand slammed down on the iron stove with a tumultuous thud, causing even the guests in the dining room to look up in surprise. "What's come over you? Are you alright?" Bill looked at Clara and shrugged despondently. "I guess I just haven't been myself for the last few days" he muttered grimly, a deep furrowed scowl creasing his brow. Clara nodded, a faint smile on her lips. "That…" she stated. "…would be an understatement." Bill eyed her grumpily and grunted faintly to himself. "Fair enough" he muttered. "I just… I just have a lot on my mind these days." Saying this, he picked up the two plates on the kitchen counter and carried them out into the dining room, as Clara watching him, shaking her head. Bill was visibly disconcerted when taking the food to Rosemary's table meant that he would be forced to say "Good morning" to Abigail. Both Abigail and Rosemary, who had been sharing a lively conversation about the eastern town that Abigail had lived in during the past few years, grew silent the minute Bill placed their meals in front of them with a glowering scowl. "Thank you Bill" Abigail offered, trying to be civil. Bill just gave her a withering side glance and disappeared into the kitchen again. "What on earth is wrong with Bill today?" Rosemary ejaculated, loudly enough so that Bill probably heard. "That man has got a bee in his bonnet!" Abigail gave a weak smile and shook her head. "Oh, let him be" she murmured softly. "He's just… taking it hard that I've been spending so much time with Henry lately." Rosemary frowned and shook her head. "Why shouldn't you be able to spend time with whoever you please?" she asked bluntly, spreading her napkin over her lap. Abigail sighed and shook her head. "Normally, I would agree with you, but…" she looked toward the kitchen. "It's a little more complicated than that, I'm afraid." Rosemary gave Abigail a sympathetic glance. "Oh…" she sympathized. "That's too bad. You two are usually on the same page, even if Bill can be… well, Bill. Sounds like you could use a night away from the café tonight." Abigail leaned forward, intrigued. "And what exactly do you have in mind Rosemary?" she asked playfully. Rosemary leaned in as well, lowering her voice. "Lee and I were planning on inviting Nathan, the new Mountie, for dinner tonight. And there is always room for one more at the Coulter table. Besides, it will give you a chance to get to know him a little better." Abigail considered for a moment, before remembering that Cody had planned to organize a baseball game with the factory boys after practice. She smiled to herself. "Well…" she slowly admitted. "I have been meaning to get to know the new Mountie… And I could never resist an invitation from you Rosemary, even if I wanted to." Rosemary laughed and clapped her hands together. "Of course, you couldn't!" she cried excitedly. "Besides, I plan to make my famous chocolate cake for dessert. No one could resist that." Abigail laughed. It would be nice to get away from the café for a little while and catch up with the Coulters. As for meeting the new Mountie… That was something she had been hoping to do for a long time now.
Faith had just sat down to write a letter to her ailing father when a knock at the door caught her attention. "Come in…" she called absently, believing it to be Molly and not bothering to look up. When the door sounded, but Molly's voice did not meet her ears, she glanced up and caught her breath at the sight of Nathan standing there, tall, and dark in that blue plaid shirt that always brought out his eyes. "Nathan…" she gasped, jumping to her feet, and feeling her cheeks redden with the heat of awkwardness. Nathan looked uncharacteristically uncomfortable but did not lower his gaze. "Hi" he said quietly. "I didn't mean to bother you…" Faith quickly shook her head and smiled. "Nonsense" she chuckled softly. "I was just writing a letter to my father. You're never a bother Nathan." The remark did not have the intended effect however, and only served to make Nathan visibly more uncomfortable than before, to Faith's utter dismay. She swallowed quickly and forced a tentative smile. "What can I do for you today?" she asked, drawing in a deep breath. "I hope your eye isn't giving you any trouble." Nathan subconsciously lifted a hand to touch it, but silently shook his head. "It's much better actually" he said, a noticeable blush in his face. "My injury has been acting up a bit lately though. Do you happen to have any liniment that might help the soreness?" Faith's gaze softened at his request, and she smiled again, more naturally this time. "I just got a new shipment yesterday." She ducked behind the screen for a moment, before returning with a bottle in hand. With friendly smile, she held it out to him. "Here you are" she chirped cheerfully. "It's probably the cold weather that set you off. Apply it twice a day for the next few days. If the pain doesn't go away, I want you to come back and let me take a look at it." Nathan held the bottle in his hand, his fingertips moving over it with a nervous energy. "Thank you…" he breathed, his eyes not quite meeting hers. There was a long pause, and Faith felt her heart quicken when he finally lifted his head, his brow creased with worry. She felt moisture forming on the palms of her clenched hands. "Oh no…" the voice in her head panicked. "Faith…" Nathan finally managed to say, the blue of his eyes guarded by uneasiness. "The liniment isn't why I came here today…" Faith drew in a sharp breath and eyed him anxiously. "Oh?" she answered breathlessly. "Why did you come then..?" Nathan looked more uneasy than ever, but he didn't back down. Blushing with embarrassment, he pressed on. "You've been a good friend Faith" he said quietly. "And you were there for me during some really… dark times… But…" "Nathan" Faith cut him off, shaking her head. "Please don't say what I think you're going to say…" Nathan stared at her helplessly, wondering how on earth he could settle the issue without saying anything. Still, he maintained a respectful silence, afraid to overstep the boundaries she had laid. His eyes looked so big, and blue to her as he waited. Seeing the look, Faith glanced down at the floor and drew in a deep breath before facing him again. "Nathan, I…" her voice sounded so high and squeaky as she said it, but it didn't appear to affect him. She went on. "You're a very special person" she tried again. "And you've made a big impact on my life. Your words of encouragement… They gave me the courage to go on, after Carson left." The guarded look in Nathan's eyes didn't not go away as he delicately weighed his words. "Faith, I just said what anyone would say" he murmured. Faith's lower lip quivered, and she shook her head. "No one has ever said anything like that to me" she explained. "My father… He called me a fool for going to medical school. And my fiancé, Peter told me that I had to give up my dream of being a medical nurse if we were to be married. And Carson…" she drew in a deep breath, it was so painful to admit. "Carson didn't show me respect once I became a doctor. But you…" she paused with emotion, the tears running down her face. "You believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. Even when your life was in my hands… How could I help it?" Nathan, who had been listening quietly, stiffened. "Help… what?" he faltered, afraid to hear the answer and hardly daring to breath. Faith's eyes grew big, but the earnestness did not abandon her face. "How could I help falling in love with you…" she finished. She saw his eyes widen as her own drifted to the floor. A long, agonizing silence ensued, so deep that the sound of a cricket in the corner was like a thunderous roar. When she finally dared to face him again, Faith could only see pain in Nathan's eyes. "Faith" he murmured, so gently that it made her heart flutter. "I'm sorry. I can't give you what you want…" She nodded slowly, her demeanor calmed by his gentility. "I know" she whispered, nodding slightly. "Dani… she's given you more love in ten months than I have in four years…"
"That's not true Faith..." Nathan said shaking his head earnestly. "You were always there when I needed you, and you saved my life." He paused for a long moment, trying to find the right words. And when he looked up again, Faith could see a deep vulnerability in his face. "Do you remember that day, when I hurt my hand on that barbwire?" He asked slowly. "And you took care of me?" Faith nodded tearfully and managed a smile. "Yes..." She murmured. "I remember..." Nathan nodded at her recognition and went on. "I was having a really rough day that day" he explained, before pausing briefly. "I could have taken care of that cut myself... I've done it so many times before... But I came to you because I just needed to talk with someone, you know? I know I don't say much, but... It's hard for me to be alone with myself sometimes... And in the moment, you made me feel less alone. You made the hardest day of my life a little easier... I'll never forget that." Tears streamed down Faith's face as she looked up at him, and then, suddenly, and a little unexpectedly for both of them, she rushed forward and threw her arms around him. She sobbed uncontrollably, her face buried in his red serge, her shoulders shaking as he looked down at her. Instead of pulling away in his surprise however, Nathan gently wrapped her in a hug and let her cry. He had dealt with his share of grieving wives and sweethearts during his years in the force, and while he wasn't quite sure what these tears were for, he knew that Faith needed to relieve them freely.
At last, she looked up at Nathan, and he was surprised to find pure compassion in her eyes. "No one should ever have to feel alone" she murmured. "Not even the quiet ones, like you… Ever since you came here, you've been treated differently because you weren't Jack." She looked up at him sadly, taking a step back. Nathan noticed her face was whiter and her fists had clenched. "I'm glad Dani wasn't here to see any of it" she murmured in a low, somewhat angry voice. "Because I'm ashamed the way you were treated… By Elizabeth… By this town… By all of us… It would have broken her heart." Nathan was so overwhelmed by Faith's words that a lump in his throat began to choke him. He sucked in a sharp breath and shook his head. "No…" he murmured, distraught. "That's not true Faith… That's not true…" He reached out for Faith's hand, but she drew back sharply, tears streaming down her face. She looked up at him despairingly before shaking her head. "Nathan don't…" she murmured helplessly. "Please just… Just leave me alone. I need time…" Nathan swallowed hard, his face plagued by guilt at her request. But he understood… When Elizabeth had broken the truth to him, he had needed time to himself in order to heal. With a slight nod, he agreed. "Okay…" he murmured softly. "I'm sorry Faith… You have no idea how sorry…" "Don't be" Faith cut him off, not lifting her eyes to meet his. "You did nothing wrong. It's just the way things are…" Nathan didn't know what to say to that, so he simply nodded and slowly made to leave. At the door, he stopped, wanted to say something to comfort her, but realized that it would be wiser to leave her alone, as she had asked. With an inaudible sigh, he made his way out onto the boardwalk, and shut the door behind him. Faith heard the door close, but it had a greater significance for her. As it shut, it took with it any hope she had been holding on to regarding her feelings for Nathan. As she felt the quiet settle in, she also felt the emptiness taking a hold of her heart. Burying her tear-stained face in her hands, she seated herself on the edge of the bed behind the screen and wept.
For the rest of the day, Nathan's mind was clouded by thoughts of his conversation with Faith, and her tearful reaction. It wasn't fair for her to love him if he didn't love her. She should have a chance at true love, not an affection that couldn't be returned. Nathan's mind went back to Richard. He had been so melancholy. So distraught. "I never meant to come between he and Faith" he told himself. "Never…" Surely Richard and Faith deserved better than unrequited love? Still… It had been difficult to tell Faith the truth. And he wondered sadly if she would ever want to be friends after this. He couldn't expect her to forgive him for breaking her heart, and he knew from experience that a broken heart could take a long time to heal. He sighed as his thoughts whirled in his brain like an exhausting storm. Even at baseball practice, Lee noticed that he was preoccupied. "Hello" he called. "Earth to Nathan…" Nathan looked up from staring at the frozen ground and giving Lee a rueful, but faint smile, sighed. "Sorry Lee, I've just… Got a lot on my mind…" Lee chuckled. "I can see that" he joked, patting Nathan on the shoulder as they both faced the crowd of boys on the field in front of them. "You know… Rosemary is still determined to have you for dinner. Maybe tonight would be a good night. You seem to need the relaxation." Nathan looked out over the field and shrugged. "I don't know Lee…" he murmured thoughtfully. "I'll have to talk to Dani first. She has the girls today, and I'm supposed to have them tonight for a sleepover." Lee laughed. "You, my friend, are in no state of mind to host a sleepover" he chuckled. "Especially, one that involves a group of little girls. Take it from me, a sleepover is the last thing you need right now." Nathan couldn't argue, knowing full well that Lee was right. Still… It didn't seem fair to dump the responsibility on Dani. She had looked after the girls all day after all. Lee smiled at his seriousness. "Think about it Nathan" he insisted. "Dinner is at six thirty, and Rosie's making a fabulous dessert. We'd be happy to have you if you want to come. I know she'd like to have you." Nathan smiled and nodded. "Thanks Lee" he murmured. "I appreciate that."
Faith felt her heart breaking all over again as she woefully made her way down the boardwalk, her head down. Her heart ached as she replayed her conversation with Nathan in her mind. He was right of course. Nathan was always so wise and so kind. She could see in his eyes that he had no intention of hurting her. Still, it had hurt… And as she walked, she realized that the source of the pain was not his words, but the realization that she would never meet another man like him; so strong and brave, yet so soft spoken and kind. How could there ever be another Nathan Grant? He was one of a kind… "Why are you crying?" The voice cut through her thoughts, and she found herself face to face with Richard Shaw, the new schoolteacher. "Are you alright Dr. Carter?" he asked with visible concern. Instinctively, he laid a hand anxiously on her arm. Faith was surprised by herself when she didn't fight the gesture. It was comforting and sweet, and Richard looked so distressed over her tears that she almost forgot her own misery. "I'm alright" she assured him, wiping her eyes with a sniff. A wry smile came over him. "Well, that's obvious" he teased. "Is there anything you need? Anything I do for you?" Faith smiled and shook her head. "No, thank you Richard" she insisted. "You asking is enough for me." Richard nodded doubtfully, and a little disappointedly, though Faith chose to ignore that. "Alright then" he murmured sadly. He paused timidly for a moment in front of her, before shrugging and shaking his head. "Whatever it is Faith" he said seriously. "I am so sorry. And I wish I could help somehow." Faith smiled again and dabbed her face with a handkerchief that he handed to her. "I know you do Richard" she murmured. Why did she have to keep using his name? Such a again that evening as she pulled a can of beans from her pantry. As much as her conversation with Nathan had hurt, she was not too proud to admit that Richard's concern and attention toward her had been consoling. Comforting, even. Where Nathan's eyes were a piercing, crystal blue, Richards were softer and more muted. But like Nathan's they were kind and full of heart. And if she was honest with herself, it had felt more natural to meet Richard's gaze. A knock at the door roused Faith out of her thoughts. "Come in" she called, but no one answered. Brushing her air castles aside, she opened the door, only to find a wrapped paper bag sitting proudly at the doorstep. It was not light and smelt richly of Minnie's shepherd's pie. And on the front of it, a little note had but left. For Faith Carter. From a friend.
"Dani!' Allie called from the door of the house. "Uncle Nathan's here!" A rush of swishing dresses and female voices all came hurrying through the door until all of the girls, followed by Dani came out of the house to greet the Mountie. He smiled at their excitement and tying Newton up at the fence, approached them. "How was your day?" he asked, eyeing the excited trio in front of him. "We had a real tea party" Opal explained. "And Miss Dani taught us how to make teacakes." Emily and Allie nodded in confirmation, before Allie gave her uncle a pleading, yet mischievous look. "Can I take my friends to see the lake?" she asked hopefully, folding her hands. "I'm sure you and Dani have a lot to catch up on…" Nathan looked up at Dani for permission, and when she smiled her approval, he smiled. "Go have fun" he agreed. "But don't go too far." "We won't!" Allie, who was already making for the shining lake with her two followers, called over her shoulder. Their silhouettes stood out against the orange sun as they trotted merrily away. Nathan and Dani watched them, laughing, before they turned to face each other again. Nathan took a step closer and lifting a hand to her cheek, guided her forehead to his lips and gave her a light kiss. "Hey…" he said in a low voice. "I missed you. How did everything go today?" Dani smiled up at him and gave a little laugh. "Those three are lovely" she murmured sweetly. "They helped me clean up after the tea party and everything. We were sorry you couldn't join us" she teased. Nathan gave a faint laugh. "Tea parties aren't really my thing" he admitted. Dani smiled mischievously. "Not your cup of tea?" she giggled. Nathan shook his head. "No" he agreed. "Not really." He smiled, but Dani could see that something wasn't right. He looked tired and distant, as if something was troubling him. "Nathan…" she murmured softly, letting her hand rest against his shoulder. "Are you alright? You don't seem like yourself tonight." Nathan looked into her eyes, those beautiful, brilliant blue eyes of hers, and knew that trying to mask his distress would get him nowhere. Not when she looked at him like that… "I…" he began hesitantly. "I had a hard day Dani. A really hard day…" Dani's eyes filled with compassion as she looked up into his troubled face. "I'm sorry Nathan…" she murmured softly. "I'm here if you want to talk about it." Nathan nodded gratefully and managed a smile. "I know Love" he assured her, pulling her slowly into his arms. "I want to share everything with you. But this time… This time I can't." Dani nestled her head against his chest and looped her arms around his neck. "It's okay…" she reassured him, as they rocked back and forth ever so slightly. "I understand. I just want you to know that I'm always here if you need me." Nathan nodded and gave her a loving kiss on the head. "And I don't know where I'd be without you…" he said gratefully. He looked down and tipped her chin upwards with the crook of his finger. "Hey…" he murmured, smiling softly. "Thanks for always making me happy, even when I'm down." Dani grinned, and standing on her tip-toes, leaned forward, and kissed him. "You deserve to be happy" she said when their lips parted. "You and Allie both. You two are the greatest thing that's ever happened to me." Nathan glanced over to where the girls were throwing rocks into the water and smiled thoughtfully. "And I think…" he said slowly. "That the best is yet to come… Dani," he said, turning to face her again. "I am going to make a beautiful life for us; the three of us. I promise you that." Dani's heart was so full at his admission that she didn't know what to say. Instead, she smiled, a little breathlessly, and took both his hands in hers. "You already have" she answered gently. "But as you said… The best is yet to come." She looked up him lovingly, and noticed that, despite his smile, there were still lines of worry in his face. She gave his hands a light squeeze. "Nathan…?" she reprimanded, crossing her arms. Her eyebrows raised at him, as if he were a guilty child. "What aren't you telling me?" Nathan eyed her cautiously before taking a deep breath. "The Coulters want to have me over for dinner tonight" he confessed. Dani's face lit up. "Then why don't you go?" she exclaimed excitedly. "It sounds like fun!" "Dani…" Nathan injected. "I don't want to have to leave the girls with you. You've been entertaining them all day already." Dani laughed. "You'd be surprised how welcome a noisy group of girls is" she pointed out. "With life being so quiet here on the homestead, I am always glad to have company. Let them stay. I will be just fine." She eyed his worried face and smiled reassuringly. "They're happy and peaceful… And it seems like you could use some quality time with friends." Nathan wanted to refuse, but there was something soothing about the way she said it. That fact that she knew he needed to get his mind off of things… It was comforting. He grinned sheepishly and gave her a grateful look. "That does sound nice…" he murmured. "Are you sure?" Dani smiled and laying a hand on his shoulder, nodded. "A chance to have more girl time?" she asked. "How could I pass that up?" Nathan nodded doubtfully. "Girl time…" he repeated, as if the idea intimidated him. "You mean… Like your tea party?" Dani shook her head. "No silly" she laughed softly. "Girl time is when you all sit around the fireplace and talk about boys…" Nathan's eyebrows raised at the word "boys." He shook his head with a hearty chuckle. "I knew I shouldn't have asked…" he joked. Dani laughed and taking a firm hold on his hand, walked with him toward the front gate. "We'll be just fine here" she assured him. "Just be sure to tell Lee and Rosemary that I send my regards." Nathan smiled, and leaning down, kissed her cheek lightly. "Thanks" he murmured softly. "I will make it up to you, I promise." As he put his champagne hat securely on his head and swung up into the saddle, he smiled down at her adoringly as she leaned against the picket fence, meeting his gaze with her soft, blue eyes. "I love you Danielle Lemont" he grinned, wrapping Newton's reins around his wrist. She smiled and crossed her arms. "And I love you Guardian Angel" she answered sweetly. "More than anything. Have fun!"
Nathan felt his mind begin to relax later that evening as he wiped his mouth with his napkin, having finished the meal Rosemary had put in front of him. "That was excellent Rosemary" he murmured quietly, setting his used fork and knife down. "Thank you." Rosemary beamed from her side of the table and got up to collect the plates. "Well, I suppose a bachelor such as yourself doesn't have many opportunities to enjoy a good, homecooked meal, but I'm flattered all the same." Lee threw her a reprimanding looked from his place at the head of the table. "Rosie…" he censured. "I'm sure Nathan and Allie make do on the own just fine." Nathan shook his head. "No, it's okay Lee" he defended his host. "I'm not that great at cooking. At least, most cooking. Sitting across from him, Nathan could feel Abigail's eyes on him as he spoke. She seemed kind and wise, something he could tell from those eyes. Even now, he could sense she was thinking as she listened to him, eyeing him as if the sight of him brought on some new inspiration.
Abigail stared at Nathan for a long moment before she finally chuckled. "Constable" she grinned. "You have no idea how many memories that black eye brings back to me." Nathan blushed and lifted a hand to the black eye. "Really?" He murmured. "With Cody?" Abigail smiled and shook her head. "No..." She said, still smiling warmly. "With Elizabeth... And Jack... When they shared their first meal together. Although, it wasn't the Mountie with the black eye then." Nathan felt his mouth drop open. "You mean..." He faltered. "Elizabeth?" Abigail smiled and nodded. "Yes" she chuckled softly. "It was Elizabeth. Good heavens, it feels like a lifetime ago." Nathan sat silent, processing this new information. He tried to picture a younger Elizabeth, with a black eye like his, sharing dinner with Abigail and Jack. Somehow, the mental image seemed to make her seem more... Human. The thought was strangely comforting. It was nice to know that he wasn't the only one who got into scrapes... Something about Abigail's story brought a great peace over him. Life was often a struggle for him, but to know that other people, even Elizabeth, struggled too seemed to put his mind at ease. Picturing her with a black eye was so foreign to the Elizabeth he had known. And yet, the black-eyed Elizabeth almost felt more familiar. Lee and Rosemary saw the thoughtful look creeping into Nathan's face and looked at one another in anticipation. "Nathan..." Lee said at last. "There's something Rosie and I would like to talk to you about. For a long time actually…" "Huh..?" Nathan shook himself out of his thoughts at the sound of his name and looked up expectantly. Rosie looked from Nathan to Abigail and stood up from her place. "Why don't we moving to the parlor and talk over some coffee and cake?" she suggested, going to fetch her famous chocolate cake for the group. Nathan drew in a deep breath. What on earth they were about to tell him?