Elizabeth stared at the ceiling, feeling completely bored. There was only so much reading and journal writing she could do in a day. Her ankle throbbed, a constant reminder of the sprain. She shook her head. The roads in Hope Valley were generally smooth. She wasn't sure where such a large rut had come from, but her ankle found it and sent her crashing into Nathan. Thank goodness he was there to catch her. Her cheeks warmed as she remembered his gentle strength in carrying her to the infirmary, then letting her hold his hand as Carson prodded her injury. She was surprised at how right it felt to have him by her side through the ordeal. When he had given her a ride home, it felt like the most natural thing in the world to lean against him and let him support her.
A soft knock sounded at the door. Elizabeth propped herself up to receive her visitor. "Come in!" she called.
The door opened. Nathan's sister came inside, holding a casserole dish in her hands. "Hello," she said, walking toward the settee where Elizabeth was resting. "I thought I'd come over and formally introduce myself." She balanced the dish in one hand while holding the other out to Elizabeth. "I'm Colleen Parks. Nathan's sister."
Elizabeth smiled, shaking the other woman's hand. "Elizabeth Thatcher. Welcome to Hope Valley, Mrs. Parks."
Colleen's eyes shadowed briefly. "Please, just Colleen," she said softly.
Elizabeth nodded in acknowledgement. Colleen held up the dish. "I brought you a beef pot pie casserole," she said. "It's my mother's special recipe. I hope you enjoy it."
Feeling an instant connection with this woman, Elizabeth smiled widely. "Thank you, Colleen," she said. "I'm sure it's wonderful."
Colleen made her way into the kitchen, placing the dish in the icebox. "That should keep for a while," she said, coming back to the living room. Elizabeth motioned for her to have a seat.
A smile formed on Colleen's lips as she sat. "I heard you mistook me for my brother's wife," she said, amusement dancing in her eyes.
Elizabeth groaned, pressing her hands over her face. "I can't believe I made such a huge assumption," she said, peeking at Colleen through her fingers. "You must have been mortified."
Colleen chuckled. "Not at all. I found it rather funny." The smile left her face as a thoughtful look entered her eyes. "I want my brother to find happiness," she said, giving a little sigh. "He insists he'll never marry or have a family, but I think he only says that to protect himself. I've been thinking about that a lot since he told me you thought he was married with a family." She looked reflective. "He was hurt badly in his last relationship. He didn't tell me what happened, but I know it caused him a lot of pain." Eyes wide, she clamped a hand over her mouth. "I'm sorry. I'm oversharing information that isn't mine to share." An apologetic look crossed her face. "And I haven't asked how you are. Forgive my rudeness. Nathan told me about your injury. How are you feeling?"
Elizabeth's mind was working to process the information Colleen had inadvertently revealed about Nathan. He had been hurt in a relationship? She wondered what that meant. Part of her wanted to analyze that bit of information, but she knew it wasn't her place. Even Colleen said she didn't know what had happened. Elizabeth thought it strange that Nathan hadn't opened up to his own sister. He must have been hurt deeply.
Forcing her mind to the present moment, Elizabeth answered Colleen's question. "My ankle is sore, but it should recover fully," she said. "The worst part is being stuck on the settee or in my bed for most of the day. Abigail and Rosemary come by often to help, but it's still rough." She tilted her head. "I believe you are going to be working for Rosemary?"
Colleen nodded, smiling. "I love dressmaking," she said. "I'm very excited for this opportunity." She frowned slightly. "I'm just concerned about my daughter. Rosemary said I could bring her to work with me, but I know that some days Allie won't cooperate. I wish I knew more people in this town. I could use a babysitter a few days a week."
Elizabeth straightened. "I know someone looking for babysitting work," she said, excitement filling her. "One of my former students is looking to work while she takes some distance college courses. Her name is Laura. She's very dependable and great with children."
Hope lit Colleen's eyes. "Really? That would be wonderful!"
Elizabeth smiled. "Then I'll put you two in touch," she said.
Colleen reached out, grasping Elizabeth's hand. "Thank you," she said, the relief in her voice clear. "This means so much to me."
Elizabeth squeezed her new friend's hand. "You're welcome." She paused, wondering if she should mention Colleen's baby. Colleen's stomach was slightly rounded, though if Elizabeth hadn't known about the pregnancy, she wouldn't necessarily think the other woman was expecting. She decided to broach the subject.
"Nathan told me about your baby," she said softly. "How are you feeling?"
Colleen's expression closed momentarily. "What did he tell you?" she asked.
"Not much," Elizabeth admitted. "I bumped into him while you were in the infirmary. He said you just found out you were expecting. He seemed surprised by the news."
Colleen laughed, but it was without humor. "Surprised is a mild way of putting it," she said. "A bombshell would be more accurate."
Elizabeth studied her. "You aren't excited." It wasn't a question. It was an observation.
Colleen sighed. "No, I'm not," she said, guilt riddled in her voice. She closed her eyes briefly. "My husband was an emotionally abusive man. He was distant and uninterested most days. When he died in February, all I felt was relief. I thought I was rid of him for good." She bit her lip. "I know that sounds awful, but it was truly miserable living with him. The thought of living my own life, free of his manipulation and unkindness, was very appealing. When Nathan asked me to move here with him, I jumped at the chance for a new life. But then I found out I'm pregnant." She shook her head. "This baby has my emotions jumbled and confused, Elizabeth. I don't know what to do. Part of me wants to give this child up for adoption. Another part of me resists the thought of letting my baby go to someone else."
Elizabeth tried to imagine how Colleen must feel. Their circumstances were so different. If she and Jack had been married when he died, Elizabeth would have been delighted to know she was carrying his child. It would have been a reminder of the love they shared. In Colleen's case, the baby was a reminder of the abuse she had endured.
"I'm sorry," she said, sympathy filling her. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
Colleen shook her head. "I appreciate that, Elizabeth, but this is something I have to figure out on my own." She sighed again. "And I don't think I have much time to do so."
Elizabeth's brow furrowed. She counted backwards. If Colleen's husband died in February, that would put her around four months pregnant. "You have several months to go. I'm sure you'll come to a decision in that time."
"I wish there was more time," Colleen said. "Dr. Shepherd thought I was five months along."
Elizabeth blinked, once again looked at Colleen's middle. "You don't look five months along."
A strangled laugh escaped Colleen. "It's worse than that, I'm afraid," she said. "Initially, my shock was so bad, I didn't even think of how far along I could be. I just accepted Dr. Shepherd's estimate. But when I thought about it, I realized it's impossible that this child is only five months along." A blush stained her cheeks. "My husband lost interest in me after my pregnancy with Allie was noticeable," she said. "He rarely sought me out once I gave birth. The last time we were together was well before Christmas." She looked down at her stomach. "This baby is at least six months along."
"What?" Elizabeth gasped. "You're that far along, and you didn't know?"
Colleen shook her head. "There are multiple factors that play into that," she said. "I won't bore you with the details."
"But…you're so small!" Elizabeth exclaimed, shocked. "And wouldn't you have felt the baby moving by now?"
"For typical pregnancies, that is the case," Colleen said. "But I carried small with Allie. Most people didn't know I was pregnant until I was six months along. When I was carrying her, I only felt her move late in the final months of my pregnancy." She shrugged. "It seems to be the same with this baby."
Elizabeth sat back, stunned. "Wow." That was all she could think to say.
Colleen smiled sheepishly. "Tell me about it," she said.
Their conversation turned to lighter, safer topics. Elizabeth's heart went out to her new friend. She promised herself to be there for Colleen in the weeks ahead. The poor woman was struggling, and it wasn't good to struggle alone. Elizabeth knew that firsthand. Colleen needed a friend. Having a brother around was good, but she knew women needed the companionship of other women.
She would make sure Colleen felt welcomed and safe in Hope Valley.
Gabe tapped his pen on the desk, staring at nothing. As it usually did when there was a lull in his work, his mind automatically turned to Colleen. Though he had been utterly dejected when she spurned his love, a slow determination had been growing within him since that day. At first, he hadn't recognized what it was. But after days of thinking it over, he knew what he had to do.
He was going to fight for her heart.
Gabe firmly believed love was worth fighting for. He knew he couldn't give up. Colleen might think him less than Prince Charming, but if they didn't end up together, it wasn't going to be for lack of him trying. He wanted to win her love. He wanted to show her what that love would look like in day to day life. He wasn't comfortable with grand gestures and over-the-top romance, but if it took a few of those to show her he was serious, he would figure something out.
He glanced at the calendar on the wall. It was Wednesday, which meant Colleen had been working at the dress shop for three days. Nathan told him Colleen had been able to find distraction in her work, which seemed to have lifted her spirits. Gabe wondered if perhaps he could raise them even more.
He pushed back his chair and donned his hat. Bill looked up sharply from his spot on the other side of the desk. "Where are you going?"
Gabe smirked. "Don't worry, Dad. I have a little errand to run. I'll be back shortly."
Bill stared, shock written on his features. Before he could come up with a scathing reply, Gabe laughed and slipped out the door.
He made his way down the street to the flower shop. Going inside, he greeted the woman behind the counter, then began making his way around the store, searching for the perfect bouquet. There were several beautiful, tasteful, and extravagant arrangements that Gabe knew Colleen would consider romantic. He stopped in front of a lavish arrangement of roses. It looked like something out of a fairy tale. He put out his hand to pick it up, then paused.
It was too lavish. Too extravagant.
Gabe struggled within himself. It was exactly the kind of bouquet the romantic suitor of her dreams would give her. But Gabe would feel like a phony bringing something like that to Colleen. The longer he stared at the flowers, the more he knew he couldn't do it. With a sigh, he turned and continued looking at arrangements.
His gaze kept returning to the extravagant bouquet. He began to doubt himself. If Colleen would like it, why not buy them? The flowers weren't for him, after all. They were for the woman he loved. She deserved the best.
Yet Gabe knew Colleen didn't care for roses. She liked the idea of them because they signified love and romance, but he knew her favorite flowers were daisies. If she were to choose flowers for herself, she would always choose the unassuming white and yellow ones.
As if brought up by his thoughts, a simple bouquet of daisies met his eyes. He smiled when he saw them. They were exactly what Colleen would like. Maybe she wouldn't consider his gift romantic, but she wouldn't be able to deny that it came from his heart. He knew they were her favorite, and he gave them out of love. That would have to be enough.
Gabe purchased the bouquet along with a simple, pretty vase to hold them. The florist arranged the daisies in the vase and filled it with water, then gave it to Gabe. He thanked her and made his way to the dress shop.
When he opened the door, Rosemary was the only one in sight. She smiled at him, though her eyes immediately honed in on the flowers in his hands.
"Hello, Constable Kinslow," she said. "Are you here to see Colleen?" Her blue eyes pierced him, missing nothing.
Gabe fought the urge to squirm. "Yes, ma'am. Is she here?"
Rosemary nodded. "She's sewing a dress in the back. I'll get her." She disappeared behind a door. A minute later, Colleen came into the main room.
"Gabe," she said, greeting him with a smile. "What brings you here?"
He held up the flowers. "I wanted to give you these."
Colleen's face lit up. "Daisies!" She accepted the flowers, burying her nose into them. "I love daisies."
"I know," Gabe said softly, unable to help the tender look on his face.
Colleen glanced up at him, her cheeks turning pink. "Was there a reason you bought these?" she asked.
He nodded. "Yes. I wanted you to have something you loved. I thought they might bring you some happiness." And I want to prove that I love you, he added silently.
Colleen's eyes softened. A smile graced her lips. "Thank you, Gabe," she said. "These are beautiful."
"So are you," Gabe said without thinking.
Colleen blushed. Gabe's own cheeks reddened, though he didn't take back the words. She was indeed beautiful, the most beautiful woman he'd ever known. He wasn't about to apologize for that.
Inhaling deeply, he took another chance. "Can I walk you home today?" he asked.
Colleen studied him for a few moments. Gabe thought she would turn him down, but to his surprise she nodded. "I'd like that." Her words were soft, punctuated with a gentle smile that turned his knees to jelly.
He smiled back, determined to get out of there before she changed her mind. "Wonderful. I'll see you at four thirty," he said.
"See you then," Colleen echoed. She held up the flowers. "Thank you again for these."
"My pleasure," Gabe said, tipping his hat. "See you later, Colleen."
He headed back to his office, whistling. It felt like a small measure of progress had been made. That gave him hope.
Colleen sat behind the counter in the dress shop. She had helped the single customer in the store, and with nothing to occupy her mind, her eyes flitted to the daisies sitting on the counter. A warm feeling spread through her at the sight. All her suitors in the past brought her ostentatious bouquets. She'd been delighted to receive them, thinking they spoke of the man's affection. They were grand and romantic, just the kind of thing she craved.
But they always left her feeling like something was missing. It felt like the men didn't truly know her. Now, after receiving Gabe's bouquet, she knew why.
Those other men hadn't known her. Not like Gabe did. He knew her favorite flower, unlike any man from her past. He'd seen her take delight in a field of summer daisies. He knew she loved the simple flowers because they reminded her of sunshine and happiness. And rather than trying to impress her with a magnificent bouquet, he gifted her with one that truly mattered.
It touched her heart. She couldn't deny that. Gabe's gift came straight from his heart. It was why she agreed to him walking her home. She'd promised Nathan she would think about giving Gabe a chance. To do that, she needed to spend time with him, keeping an open mind to the possibility of more than friendship with her childhood friend.
Rosemary came to the front room, joining Colleen at the desk. She glanced at the flowers like she had a million times since Gabe brought them. If she had to guess, Colleen would think Rosemary assumed a relationship existed between her and Hope Valley's new Mountie.
Soon enough, Rosemary confirmed that suspicion. "So, how long have you and Constable Kinslow known each other?" she asked casually.
"Our entire lives," Colleen replied. "Our families were neighbors growing up. Nathan and Gabe were best friends, and I also formed a friendship with him."
Rosemary's eyes glittered with emotion. "Childhood sweethearts!" she exclaimed. "Oh, that's so romantic!"
Colleen raised a brow. "Romantic? Hardly. Gabe is just Gabe. He's a dependable, reliable friend."
Rosemary stared. "You make him sound like a car."
A little laugh escaped Colleen. "I suppose I did. That wasn't my intention."
Rosemary's brow furrowed. "But…I thought the two of you were courting or in love or something."
Flustered, Colleen's eyes dropped to the desk. "Why would you think that?" she asked.
Placing a hand on her hip, Rosemary pinned Colleen with a stare. "Anyone can see that man harbors feelings for you," she said, her tone authoritative as if stating the obvious. Which Colleen supposed she was, since Gabe was indeed in love with her. But Rosemary's next words shook Colleen. "And it's plain as day that you return his feelings."
"What?" Colleen sputtered. "I do not!"
Rosemary arched a perfectly manicured brow. "No? I'm not the only one who's noticed. Elizabeth saw the way you and Gabe interact as well. We're both of the mind that you care for him as more than a friend. You flirt with him, you know."
No, she didn't know. Colleen stared at Rosemary, suddenly feeling overwhelmed. "I didn't realize that," she whispered. Her hands flew to her cheeks. "What must he think of me?"
Rosemary laid a hand on her arm. "He probably didn't notice," she said sympathetically. "Men are notorious for that. But are you sure you don't feel anything for him? It seems obvious to me that something is there."
"There can't be," Colleen said woodenly, dredging up all the reasons Gabe couldn't be the one for her. "I want romance, Rosemary. I want someone to sweep me off my feet. Gabe is comfortable. If I accepted his love, it would be because I'm settling."
Rosemary looked at her for a long while. "I thought I wanted romance too," she said quietly. "I wanted a grand love, a great adventure, with lots of demonstrations and promises that told of my suitor's love."
Something in her tone caught Colleen's attention. "What happened?"
Rosemary smiled tenderly. "I met Lee," she said. The way she spoke his name told Colleen just how much her new friend loved her husband. "He wasn't at all what I imagined. I thought for sure he wasn't the one for me. I knew he liked me, but I thought I couldn't give him what he wanted." Her smile softened, her eyes lit with memory. "But I gave him a chance. And he turned out to be everything I never knew I wanted."
Her words touched Colleen in a deep place inside, a place that held a secret hope she couldn't quite name. Longing filled her. It was so strong, it took her breath away. Colleen didn't even know what it was she was longing for, but it was undeniable.
The door opened, and Gabe walked in. He smiled at the women, though his look lingered on Colleen. "Good afternoon, ladies."
Rosemary smiled at Gabe. "Good afternoon, Constable." She turned to Colleen. "I have some things to finish in the back. You enjoy your day." She winked, making Colleen blush, then headed for the back of the store.
Gabe came up to the counter, holding his hat in his hands. "Are you ready?" he asked, his smile for her alone.
Colleen felt nervous, but she nodded. As she stepped around the counter, Gabe offered his arm. His gentle eyes were fixed on hers, sending an unexpected flutter through her stomach. Colleen blinked. Was it a flutter? Or was the baby moving? She couldn't be sure. She hoped it was her child's kick. The implications of it being in response to Gabe's kindness were unnerving.
Pushing away the thoughts, she accepted his arm and allowed him to lead her from the store.