Gabe's cough didn't improve the next day. If anything, it seemed to get worse. Colleen was worried. Her husband was lethargic and slept most of the day. When she checked on him mid-afternoon, his skin was hot to the touch.

He had a fever.

Her worry intensified. Over the next twenty-four hours, his fever increased. His breathing became ragged. A sickening rattle started in his chest. By the next afternoon, she couldn't get him to wake up. Terrified, she ran to the Coulter's home and begged Lee to find Carson.

When Lee returned, he had a boy with him. Colleen looked behind them, searching for Carson and his trusty black bag. She knew he would help her husband. When she didn't see him, she looked to Lee for an answer.

"Carson is out of town," Lee told her gently. "This is Dr. Hyde."

Colleen stared at the boy. Doctor? He was too young to be a doctor. A closer inspection revealed that he was indeed an adult, but he had to be fresh out of medical school. Colleen felt a sense of dread, but she pursed her lips and introduced herself to the young man.

"Pleased to meet you," he replied. Colleen had to fight to keep her mouth from dropping. He even sounded young.

Clearing her throat, she turned toward the stairs. "Follow me," she said. "I'll take you to Gabe."

The three of them marched up the stairs and into the master bedroom. Colleen sat beside Gabe on the bed, taking his hand in hers. "He won't wake up," she said tearfully. "He came home two nights ago with a terrible cough, and then developed a fever. Now his lungs are rattling, and…" She stopped suddenly, staring at Dr. Hyde. His face was pale, and his hands shook as he placed his bag beside the bed. Confused, she looked at Lee, but he seemed just as puzzled at the doctor's reaction.

"Thank you for the rundown," he said, his words clipped. "This shouldn't take long."

Colleen watched as he examined Gabe. The paleness didn't leave his face. When he finished his exam, Colleen was struck by an extreme sadness in his eyes.

"Mrs. Kinslow, your husband has viral pneumonia," he said, the solemnity of his words contrasted by the pitch of his voice. "There's nothing I can do. He needs to fight this on his own."

Colleen's brow furrowed. "There's nothing to be done?" she asked, her voice trembling. "Nothing at all?"

He shook his head. "If he wakes, you can attempt to get fluids into him. And pray. Pray hard." He hesitated, the sad look intensifying. He placed a hand on her shoulder, pressing his lips together. "I've seen this before, ma'am." He hesitated again, then closed his eyes briefly. "You need to prepare yourself for the worst."

All color leached from her face. "What?" she whispered, a hand flying to her throat.

His own throat worked. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Kinslow. I've never seen a patient recover from viral pneumonia." He swallowed. "I'm sorry."

The repeated words did nothing to calm her. She dissolved into tears, burying her face in Gabe's chest. Her tears fell harder as she heard the rattling in his lungs while he drew in each breath.

Lee must have ushered the doctor from the house. She soon felt his comforting hand on her back. Colleen sobbed, shaking her head. "He can't be right, Lee. He can't!"

"I know," Lee said, his voice soothing. Even so, Colleen could hear hesitancy in it. "I've known several people who recovered from this illness," he said. "Gabe is young and strong. I'm sure he'll pull through."

Colleen tried to cling to his words, but all she could hear was the death knell sounded by a man she'd never seen before. It felt cruel that she had finally realized her love for Gabe, only to face the possibility of him being taken from her. With Lee's hand on her back and Gabe's still form beneath her, Colleen let her tears fall.

Nathan felt stunned. He'd gone over to Colleen's to check on his best friend, only to find that Gabe had been given a death sentence. He couldn't believe it. He and Lee stood in the living room, listening helplessly as Colleen's sobs sounded from the room upstairs. She'd shooed Lee from the room and said she didn't want to see anyone.

"Did he really tell her to prepare for the worst?" Nathan asked.

Lee nodded. "He did." He frowned. "There was something to that, Nathan. Dr. Hyde seemed truly shaken. But to make such a bold statement? I've known lots of people who recovered from viral pneumonia. Myself included."

"Yes," Nathan said reflectively. "My father recovered from it as well. I do know a few people who didn't make it, but they were already in poor health." His brow crinkled. "I wonder why this diagnosis seems so grim."

Lee shook his head. "I'm at a loss. Gabe does sound awful, but I don't know that I would say he's at death's door." He chewed his lip. "Though I will admit the fact that he won't wake up concerns me."

"When does Carson get back?" Nathan asked.

"Tonight," Lee replied.

"Good," Nathan said. "I'll visit him first thing in the morning and see if we can get a second opinion." Resolve grew inside of him. "I refuse to believe that my best friend is going to die."

"I can't believe Dr. Hyde said there was nothing to be done," Lee mused. "That seems odd."

"Oh, he's wrong about that," Nathan said, shaking his head. "I might not have gone to medical school, but even I know ways to help. In fact…" He made his way to the stove, putting on some water to boil. "We'll start with steam therapy." He prepared some towels, then looked at Lee. "Can you go to the mercantile and get all the garlic Ned has?" he asked.

Not stopping to ask why, Lee nodded. He quickly went to fulfill Nathan's request. Minutes later, Nathan had a steaming bowl of water and some towels balanced in his hands. He went up the stairs and into the room where his friend lay and his sister wept.

"Colleen," Nathan said, alerting her to his presence.

She looked up, red-rimmed eyes bleak and hopeless. "He's going to die," she cried, collapsing into sobs again.

Nathan placed his items on the table, then took his sister's hands. "Colleen, listen to me," he said firmly. The tone of his voice caught her attention. He looked into her eyes, his own fervent with a promise. "I'm going to do everything I can to help Gabe. Carson will be here tomorrow, but until then, I have a few tricks to make Gabe more comfortable."

Colleen sniffed, hope warring with disbelief on her face. "But the doctor said there was nothing we could do."

"He's wrong," Nathan said bluntly. "I know there are a few things we can do." He held up a towel. "Steam therapy, for one." He showed his sister how to soak the towels in the hot water and then hold them over Gabe's face, allowing him to breathe in the steam. Colleen quickly got the hang of it. When Nathan went downstairs to boil more water, Lee returned with the garlic. Nathan tasked his friend with taking the water to Colleen, then set about making a pungent garlic poultice to apply to Gabe's chest. He'd learned these medical tricks in his time as a Mountie, when doctors were scarce and life and death situations required him having some medical know-how. He lost count of the times he'd used steam therapy and garlic poultices to help someone through an illness. He was thankful now that the knowledge might be able to help his dear friend.

If he had anything to say about it, Gabe would live a long and happy life with Colleen.

With the poultice completed, Nathan went back upstairs. Colleen was applying the steaming towels to Gabe's face. Nathan packed the poultice against his friend's bare chest. The smell of the crushed garlic was strong, but if it worked it would be well worth it.

A vigil was set up around Gabe. Lee and Rosemary alternated caring for him with Nathan and Elizabeth. They also took turns watching the two small Kinslow girls. Colleen was never alone, though Nathan could see his sister's pain and fear. They had a moment alone late at night, when Elizabeth had gone home for the evening and the Coulters took Allie and Daisy to their house.

Colleen was in her spot beside Gabe's bed, still holding his hand. She rarely let it go. She stared at her husband as she spoke to her brother.

"I love him, Nathan."

He took her free hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I know." He looked at his friend, then paused, realizing what Colleen had just said. "Wait, what?"

She laughed sadly. "Ironic, isn't it? I finally recognize the fact that I'm in love with my husband, and he's sick. Very sick." A tear slipped down her cheek. "How is that fair?"

He floundered for words. "I don't know," he said finally. "If you and I have learned anything in this life, it's that fair is not a given." Leaning forward, he drew her into his arms. "We're not giving up on Gabe, Colleen," he said. "That doctor was wrong about there being nothing he could do. He could very well be wrong about the severity of Gabe's illness."

Gabe suddenly coughed again, the sound harsh and sickly, though Nathan thought it sounded a little less awful. The sound did nothing for Colleen's nerves. She whimpered, leaning against Nathan and clutching his shirt like a lifeline.

Nathan bent his head to speak into her ear. "Gabe is fortunate to have your love," he said quietly. "Talk to him, Colleen. Tell him you love him. Maybe he'll hear it somewhere in that mind of his, and maybe it will give him the strength to fight. Give him a reason to fight."

Colleen looked at him, a slow determination crossing her face. She nodded slowly. "That's a good idea."

Nathan smiled. "I have those occasionally," he said, fondly kissing her cheek. "I'm going to boil some more water, but I'll give you some time with him. Call if you need anything."

His sister smiled. "Thank you, Nathan. You're the best."

He smiled in return. "I don't know about that, but I do know I'm glad to be your brother," he said. With that, he went to the door and let them have some privacy.

Gabe felt like he was wandering through a terrible dream. His lungs hurt, his throat hurt, and his body hurt. Someone placed a hot towel over his face, and suddenly he was able to breathe a little more freely. Gradually, he became aware of a voice speaking to him.

Colleen.

"You have to get better," she was saying. Gabe struggled to make out the context of her words, but he couldn't. Get better from what?

"We can't lose you now that we've found you," she said. Gabe was suddenly aware of her hand clinging to his. He tried to open his eyes, but he couldn't. It felt like they were glued shut. He tried to give her hand a reassuring squeeze, but he was frozen in place.

"I came to a realization while you were in Lytton," she continued. "A realization that I should have come to much sooner, but I was too stubborn to see it." She stopped talking, leaving Gabe wondering what she was talking about.

What realization?

He felt moisture on his hand. His heart clenched as he realized his precious wife was crying. He wanted to comfort her, to take her in his arms and hold her until her pain went away. He strained against the invisible bonds holding him captive.

"I love you, Gabe. I love you with all my heart. I've never loved anyone but you."

He stilled. What?

She was still talking. "You are the one who showed me what it is to love another person. You are the only man to love me romantically while actually caring for my heart. You give instead of take. You've been my rock through so many storms. I wish I'd known sooner what a gift you are. I love you. I figured that out before you came home, but I didn't tell you the night you came back because I thought we had time." She let out a small sob. "Please wake up, sweetheart. If I need to tell you all this again, I will. I'll tell you every single day that I love you. Just wake up."

That was the key to loosening Gabe's tongue. "Love…you…too," he wheezed, forcing the words past his sore throat.

Colleen gave a strangled cry. "Gabe!" He felt her hands on his cheeks, patting gently. "Open your eyes, love. Come on, you can do it."

He struggled for a bit, but finally his eyes slit open the smallest bit. Even the little intake of light made him moan. But when his eyes found Colleen's beautiful face, it was well worth it.

"I love you," he repeated, the words a little stronger. He slowly reached out, searching for her hand. She took it, holding it to her heart.

"I thought we were going to lose you," she whispered brokenly. "I was so scared."

His eyes opened a little more. A cough shook him, but it didn't last as long as he feared it would. "How long have I been sick?"

"Three days," she replied. "Carson is supposed to come check on you in the morning." Her eyes hardened for a moment. "The doctor who was here while he was away…well, let's just say he gave me reason to believe the worst." She uttered the next words under her breath, but Gabe heard them nonetheless. "If I ever see that boy again, he's going to get a piece of my mind."

He didn't try to make sense of the words. Instead, he honed in on the ones he'd been longing to hear for so long. "Colleen, can you repeat what you said earlier?"

Her eyes softened. She leaned forward to kiss his cheek, her face glowing. "You mean about love?"

He nodded, almost holding his breath.

She smiled. "I love you, Gabriel."

Gabe sighed happily. "I thought that's what you said. I just wanted to make sure."

Colleen nodded. "Please forgive me for taking so long to figure things out."

"It must be a Grant family trait," Gabe said, teasing her lightly.

Amazingly, she laughed. "If you're making jokes, you are definitely feeling better," she said, relief written all over her face. She pressed his hand to her cheek. "I don't think I'll be able to let you out of my sight for some time."

"You already haven't been letting him out of your sight."

Gabe and Colleen looked toward the door, where Nathan stood with a smile on his face. "Glad to see you awake, buddy," he said, coming toward them. "I brought a friend with me."

Carson came through the door behind Nathan. "Hey, Gabe. I heard you received a pretty grim diagnosis."

"He did," Colleen confirmed. "Dr. Hyde said he'd never seen someone recover from viral pneumonia. He said to prepare for the worse."

Gabe couldn't hide a smile at Colleen's indignant tone. He had a feeling it was the wrong reaction, but he was so happy in that moment, knowing his wife loved him back, that he thought anything would make him smile. She turned and saw his look. His sweet Colleen raised a brow, her indignant look falling on him. He chuckled. "Have I mentioned lately how much I love you?"

Her face softened. She pressed his hand. "Just as much as I love you."

Gabe saw Carson smile. "It's about time," the doctor murmured. He came over to the bed, pulling out his stethoscope and placing it over Gabe's lungs. He listened for a few moments before moving it to the other side. "Breathe deeply," he instructed.

Gabe tried, but he began coughing. By the time he stopped, he felt tired. He glanced at Carson wryly. "Was that necessary?"

Carson chuckled. "I understand your consternation, but yes, that was necessary. And I need you to try again."

Gabe listened, though he was hesitant. This time, the coughing fit was less. Carson nodded. "Good, good," he said, removing the stethoscope from Gabe's back. "You definitely have pneumonia, but it doesn't seem too serious. At least not now." He wrinkled his nose, looking at the garlic poultice on Gabe's chest. "Looks like someone knows an old remedy. Potent, but helpful."

"That was Nathan," Colleen said. Gabe heard the gratitude in her voice as she looked at her brother.

Carson smiled. "It was a smart move. It definitely helped Gabe heal faster. Keep applying it." He looked at Gabe. "And you need to drink lots of fluids, my friend. You need to rehydrate yourself."

Colleen tightened her hold on his hand. "Why did Dr. Hyde think Gabe was going to die?"

Carson's face became serious. "He lost his entire family to this kind of pneumonia," he said gently. "He associates it with death because of his personal experiences." He shook his head. "He needs to learn that pneumonia is not automatically a death sentence." He rested a hand on Colleen's shoulder. "I'm sorry he frightened you, Colleen. I doubt Gabe was ever truly in danger of death." He gave Gabe a sympathetic smile. "Though I'm afraid he will be pretty sick for a few more days."

Gabe sighed. "Great."

Colleen pressed closer to him. "At least you're alive."

He smiled at her. "Yes. There is that."

She took a cup of water from the nightstand and propped him up. "Here. Let's get you hydrated."

Gabe sipped obediently. When he finished, Colleen set him back against the pillows and ran a finger down his cheek. "I'm going to take good care of you, my love. I promise." She kissed his cheek. "Now sleep. I can tell you're tired."

He wasn't about to argue. Gabe closed his eyes, happily wrapped in his wife's love.