Chapter One Hundred Two: Reception Finale & Valentine Surprise

After the Send-off of the Bridal Couple, everyone returned back to the Queen of Hearts to continue the Party.

In their absence, Lucas had rearranged the tables in order to enlarge the Dance Floor, and all the Guests now took the opportunity to use the Floor and the Orchestra to full maximal effect.

Rosemary was feeling tired, so she offered to take the Children home with Lee, if Nathan and Elizabeth wouldn't mind staying with the Guests, making sure they were tended to properly.

Secretly, the Couple was more than happy to take advantage of that offer and get some Dancing in of their own!

It was Valentine's Day, after all! Their very first…

The Orchestra was one of the best and from the Union City Area. They had taken their break when everyone had slipped away for the Send-off, and now they were refreshed and ready to play the Night through, if that's what the Guests wanted.

"This is so romantic. I never dreamed we were going to get to Dance together beyond the Wedding Dance!"

"Dancing with you, my Love, is always romantic! In fact, I can't think of much that's not romantic if I'm doing it with you!"

"Flatterer!" she teased.

And he drew her closer for their slow dance.

"Let's see if I recall correctly, I've been called both a Flirt and a Flatterer today. Boy, I'm doing my job well!" he laughed.

"And both correctly so, I'm afraid. In fact, both titles very well earned!"

"You do know, we were going to dance tonight whether or no, don't you?" he whispered in her ear.

"Is that so, Chief Inspector?"

"Oh, that's definitely so! Midnight was not going to come without Dancing the Night away with my Love. Not on Valentine's Day!"

"So, is that a Promise we Dance together every Valentine's Day?"

"You better believe it is!"

She laughed, "I like that Promise! And I'm holding you to it."

"Your job is to hold me to all my Promises!" he winked. "Every single one of them."

"It was a really beautiful Wedding, wasn't it?"

"Yes, really special. You could just feel the love, couldn't you?" he smiled.

"Yes, you could; you still can! Why is that so?" she wondered.

"Because it was an authentic Wedding. They made it personal and kept it true to their authentic selves. At Least that's what I think!"

"I think you're right!"

"That's what I want too!" he said, very seriously, as he looked into her eyes.

"What do you mean?"

"I want a Wedding that's authentically you and me! For instance, we hesitated when Adeline insisted on including the Children, and I think in many ways, they made the Wedding!"

"As worried as I was, you're right! And they were all three so very proud to take part!"

"And how could we not be proud of them? They really did beautifully!"

"Yes, they did! So very proud of them!"

She reached to kiss him as the Dance came to a close, "Thank you, Nathan!"

"What for?" he asked as he escorted her back to their Seats.

"For being there for me when I needed you. For stepping in and taking care of Jack so beautifully tonight!"

"Lisbeth, you don't ever have to thank me for that! We're a Team! I already love Jack like I love Allie! In many ways, I already feel like we're a Family."

"Another one of the Million reasons I love you. Happy Valentine's Day, Darling!"

"To the start of our Valentine's Weekend, Love!" and Nathan lifted his Glass in a Toast.

"Oh, I love the sound of that! To our Valentine's Weekend!"

"It's going to be a big one, Lisbeth!" winked Nathan.

"You two look mighty happy coming off that Dance Floor. I don't believe I know of another couple anywhere that Dance more beautifully together than the two of you!"

"Mrs. Blake! What a lovely compliment. Have you and the Commissioner had a good time?" asked Elizabeth, as she smiled up at her. "Here, come sit with us!"

"It's been absolutely delightful! Harold and I haven't had such a good time for a very long time. I had no idea Hope Valley was so charming! The Wedding was so beautiful. And this Party tonight, just wonderful. Harold said he had no idea Bill could cook like that!"

"Why, thank you! I know Bill and Adeline were delighted to have you come and help with the Wedding. We Girls so enjoyed you helping us get ready, and it was just so nice of the Commissioner to give Adeline away. Both Adeline and Bill were so honored! And yes, Bill's quite the Chef! He keeps us all very well fed!"

"Do you mind if I join you?" asked the Commissioner, who had been waylaid by one of his Officers.

"Of course not! We'd love to have you. Let me get you a Seat, Sir!" offered Nathan.

"I just wanted to say how proud I am to see you in your new Uniform, Chief Inspector. I'm getting great reports from the Field, on the way you've prioritized the current Top Case Load. The Superintendents are quite impressed, and they've already reassigned their Case Load as you've suggested, with some initial resolutions already coming in. I know that alone was a huge undertaking, and you finished it in record time. I was wondering if you could make time to do the same for the local Top Ten Case Loads as well, just the ones that desperately need attention. There are probably less than a hundred per Province. And you'd need a Rep from each Province to help you, but do you think that's doable before we come back to your Wedding in June? I can have the Reps travel to you. I think your input would be invaluable, and help us perhaps to clear out some of the Dead Case Files, while at the same time check for any overlap of similar Cases that could have the same set of Perpetrators."

"Actually, that's not a bad idea! Why don't we shoot for a Week per Province? That should give the two of us enough time to cover the Cases. Of course, it will depend on the experience of the Reps you send me as well!" laughed Nathan.

"I give you my word; I'll see that you get our best. That's the only way this can work!"

"I greatly appreciate that, Commissioner. I'm ready when you're ready!"

"Now, that's what I like to hear!"

"Harold, are you quite finished, Dear? This is a Social Occasion, and here you've got Nathan working!"

"Sorry, Sweetheart. You're right! Sorry, Nathan. I'm just so excited about what you've already accomplished and what you're going to accomplish. Oh, and the word has gotten out about you manning the Academy. We're already getting a record number of Applicants for your Fall Class."

"That's exciting news, Sir!"

Then the Commissioner turned to his Wife.

"One last thing, Dear. Please forgive me."

"Nathan, If this gets to be too much, you tell me. We can always go at a slower pace. The last thing I want to do is overwhelm you before we even get the Academy built!"

"I'll do that Sir. It's really hard to say, till I see what I'm working with. But I will tell you this, it was pretty exciting going through those Top Cases. Amazing what one could see just from the Briefs! Plus, I feel like I have a pretty good feel for each of the Top Cases now. At least enough to intelligently discuss them without notes!"

"Well, that's more than my Superintendents could do! But, I'm going to disagree Nathan, and change what you just said to 'Amazing what YOU could see just from the Briefs.' My Superintendents didn't see any of those things you did. And believe me, I had several of them to tell me personally, they felt bad, even a little embarrassed, they had missed all the details you picked up on! You have a real talent. Now this next piece, well, I'm not really sure how to tell you. So, I'll just get on with it. You have another significant Medal or two, Son. The ones for saving the Judge's Life. I purposefully didn't give them to you at the Awards Ceremony, because Bill felt you'd think it was too much with everything else. But saving an Officer's Life is something not to be taken lightly, and yes, although Bill may be retired from the Force, once a Mountie, always a Mountie, and now that he's a Judge to boot, that raises the stakes even higher. Well, what I'm trying to tell you is, I'll dispense with the formal Ceremony this once out of deference to Bill's request and to you, but I want you to know this is a huge honor, huge, one with real significance. In fact, they rank just under your two Lifetime Achievement Awards. And yes, it is already Officially on your HR Record and our Records. But, on a more personal level, I want to thank you for saving my dear Friend, from the bottom of my heart! Can't imagine life without that Man!"

"Thank you, Sir. It was my honor, Sir. But truthfully, Sir…"

"You saved his life, pure and simple. And that, Officer, is an extraordinary thing. Don't underplay what you did. Not many Mounties would have been brave enough to grab the barrel of a loaded Rifle. The Medals are in a Leather Box on your Desk with your Certifications and Certificates as well. But I expect to see you wearing both new Medals the next time I see you, which I'm sure will be before the Wedding! At least I hope it will be!"

"Yes, Sir! An Honor, Sir! Thank you, Sir!"

Both men stood and shook hands.

"Come, Dear. I think it's time we older people get to Bed and let the younger ones play a bit! Nathan, Elizabeth, it's a pleasure to spend time with you, as always. If we don't see you before, we sure will at your Wedding! Looking forward to it!"

Elizabeth kissed Mrs. Blake, then so did Nathan.

"Safe Travels! Would you have time for Breakfast in the morning?" asked Nathan.

Mrs. Blake looked at her Husband for their Schedule.

"I wish we did, but our Train Reservation is so early, we'll just have to have it on the Train instead! But we do appreciate the Offer. We'll make sure to arrange for it next time! You two have a Good Evening! And Nathan, keep up the great work!"

The Commissioner hugged Elizabeth, saluted his Chief Inspector, and then the older Couple turned to go upstairs to their Room arm in arm.

"Nathan, two more Medals! And I had no idea you had finished that Top Case Load. That's phenomenal. You really are doing what you were meant to do, aren't you, Love?"

"I think so, Darling. At first, I was concerned I'd miss being a Constable, but I'm beginning to truly believe this was what I was meant to do. Dance with me, Lisbeth?" he asked.

"Now, Chief Inspector, how can I resist those sparkly blue eyes..."

When Nathan and Elizabeth had finally said their Goodbyes to the last of the Wedding Guests, Nathan helped Elizabeth into the still Garland Bedecked Sleigh to go by the Coulters and pick up the Children.

"You know It's a shame to waste all these beautiful Roses! Once around the Pond under the Moonlight?" and he flashed that crooked grin she adored.

"Yes, please!" she smiled.

"Are you sure you're warm enough?"

"Maybe if you hold me?"

"That's not a problem, Darling! Come here…snuggle under the fur with me."

But as they approached the Coulters, Nathan noticed every single light in the House was on.

"That's odd. They never have more than two lights on at this Hour," noticed Nathan. "Maybe we'd better make sure everyone's okay first."

Nathan helped lift Elizabeth out of the Sleigh, then helped her to the Coulter's Front Door.

Lee, carrying Ollie, met them there before they could knock, and he looked a bit bedraggled.

"What's wrong, Lee?" asked Nathan.

"It's the Children. Apparently, they've all three caught some bug. Rosemary is trying to get their fevers down, but she's not having much success. Allie's seems to be the worst."

Elizabeth had already flown upstairs to check on Allie and Jack. Nathan was right behind.

The Couple wasn't at all prepared for what they saw.

All three Children were burning up with fever, and Rosemary was beside herself.

Elizabeth looked at Nathan panic-stricken, "What do we do?"

Nathan sat down on the edge of the Bed by Allie.

"Let me see something. Allie Bean, are you broken out anywhere other than your face? Sweetie, let me see your arms," instructed Nathan. "Pull your collar down from your neck just a little. Thanks, Sweetie!"

She had a mild rash both on her arms and chest just as Nathan suspected.

"It's the Measles. Allie's never had them before. Let's check Jack."

"He's broken out mostly on his chest, but a little on both arms."

"Frederic, you're next Son. Are you broken out too?" asked Nathan.

Same for Frederic; but not quite as much as Allie and Jack.

"Nathan, I'm so sorry. I didn't even know to look! Why I didn't even notice their faces broken out!" exclaimed Rosemary. "Oh, I'm a horrible Mother!"

"You absolutely are not. You are a wonderful Mother. It's more difficult to see on their faces, as the rash appears to just be starting. But Rosemary, You've now been exposed times three. Have you ever had the Measles before?" and Elizabeth could hear the concern in Nathan's voice, although he was successfully hiding it from Rosemary and Lee.

"Yes, I had the Measles as a child, and pretty much everything else Children typically have. In fact, I had two different kinds of Measles or at least that's what they said. It was the Chicken Pox I didn't have till last year!"

"Oh, thank goodness! Here, you've got your hands full. Let us take Allie and Jack. Lee, will you go get Carson, and if you don't mind, stop by the Livery and ask them to come get the Sleigh and the Horses. Lisbeth, can you carry Jack, and I'll get Allie and take her home."

"No, Nathan, please no. I need you and I need to care for Allie. Bring her to my house. Rosemary, will you send Carson to my house, too after he sees Frederic?"

"Of course. I'm just thankful we know what it is! Thank you, Nathan! I just feel terrible."

"Absolutely do not! You've done a great job, Rosemary. Thank you for caring for them! I think this is the Three-Day variety. The rash is comparatively mild on all three Children. Of course, it looks like the rashes are just starting, so don't be alarmed if it worsens and it will probably spread to their legs. That's normal."

"How did you learn all this, Nathan?" asked Rosemary.

"You'd be surprised what Mounties get called in to assess!"

Nathan carefully lifted Allie up, and Elizabeth did the same with Jack.

"They're going to be alright, Rosemary," she told her Best Friend, who was in desperate need of encouragement.

This was the very first time Rosemary had dealt with sick children, much less one of her own as a Mother, and Elizabeth could see she was getting more worried by the minute!

Nathan and Elizabeth covered Allie and Jack with Blankets and carried them next door, then took them up the Stairs to Bed.

It was as though Rex and Reggie, who had been banished to the Kitchen before Laura left, knew something was wrong.

You could hear that they were there, but not a single bark.

"Let's put Allie in the Guest Room, and if you don't mind, I think we should roll Jack's Crib in there too. They'll do better together, and it will be easier for us to care for them. How could I miss this, Nathan?"

"They didn't seem sick at all before the Wedding or even during it. There's no way you could have known, Love!"

They placed both Children on the Guest Room Bed, and Nathan left them with Elizabeth just long enough to roll Jack's Crib into the Room as close to Allie as he could, so they would be able to see each other, but he and Elizabeth could still get in between.

"Let me go Downstairs and get a couple of Basins of Cold Water. Do you need anything else?"

"The Basins are on the Back Stoop, Nathan. And can you let Rex and Reggie out? Laura was planning to leave them in the Kitchen..."

Nathan let the Pups out, grabbed the Basins and filled them with Cold Water, then carried both upstairs.

When he returned, Elizabeth started bathing Allie with the Cold Water, and Nathan did the same for Little Jack.

After he finished bathing Jack in the Cold Water, he placed him back in Bed in his PJs and turned to leave.

Elizabeth used one of her own Gowns to dress Allie for Bed.

"Let me go back down to the Kitchen to get Rex and Reggie back in and get the Children something cold to drink. We need to keep them hydrated."

By the time Nathan retrieved Rex and Reggie, got them settled down, fixed the cold drinks, and returned Upstairs, both Children already seemed less feverish and more comfortable from their cold baths, but of course, their rashes, as expected, were worsening.

"Allie Bean, can I scoot you up a bit more on the Pillow so you can drink this for me?"

Nathan scooted her, and although she was fairly listless, she did her best to drink the cold fluid.

"That's a Good Girl. Proud of you, Allie. Sweetheart, you know you're going to be alright. We've just got to nurse you and Jack through the next few Days, so you'll both feel better!"

She nodded weakly but reached for her Dad's hand

Nathan took her hand, which he brought to his mouth, and tenderly kissed.

Then he bent and kissed her forehead, "Chin up, Allie Bean. You just rest!"

Elizabeth finally got Jack to swallow most of his cold drink, convincing him to follow Allie's lead!

Both Parents sat on the edge of Allie's Bed, wondering if there was anything else at all they could do.

"I think we just have to wait to see what Carson says, Darling. Let me go get some more Towels."

"There are some extra in the Hall Closet, up here."

"Mrs. Thornton, will I really be alright? Did Dad really mean it?" asked a worried Allie.

"Yes, my Darling. We think you and Jack have the Measles."

"Frederic, too?"

"Yes, Sweetie, Frederic too! Dr. Shepherd is coming in a few minutes. Right now, we just have to get your fevers down. Don't scratch, Love. Is the itching bad?"

"Not too bad, but it's starting to."

"Jack, don't scratch, Honey!"

"I know what we're going to do!"

Elizabeth reached into the Dresser Drawer and grabbed the only thing she had in there that she thought might work.

"It's Puppet Time, Kids! We can't scratch, so we're going to put these old thick socks on our hands and pretend they're our own friendly little Puppets! How does that sound?"

Allie tried to smile, but she simply felt too bad. Instead, she simply held her hands out so that Elizabeth could cover them with the Socks, with Little Jack watching, who decided he also wanted 'Puffets!'

"Now, Jack, you have Puppets just like Allie! But both of you listen. Do NOT let your Puppets scratch, promise?"

Allie nodded, so Jack did too.

"No scratching, Jack, not for you or your Puppets!"

Nathan finally found the Towels, but they had been freshly laundered and were on a Chair in the Kitchen, instead of the upstairs Hall Closet as Elizabeth had thought.

He carried the fresh stack up and then into Elizabeth.

"Sorry, they were in the Kitchen."

"Oh, I'm sorry, Nathan. I forgot about Laundry!"

He dipped a fresh Towel in one of the Basins, wrung it, and gave it to her for Allie, and then he did the same for Jack and started bathing him down a second time.

But Little Jack was so lethargic, that he just wanted Nathan to hold him. So, Nathan sped up the bathing process, then picked him up and walked with him, while Elizabeth finished bathing Allie.

By the time they completed those tasks, Carson had let himself in, but he had totally forgotten about the two new Dogs.

They were barking vociferously at whoever this Stranger was, who had the audacity to enter their Home uninvited.

At first, their barking from the Kitchen startled Carson, but he quickly recovered and came bounding up the Stairs.

"Nathan, you were right about Frederic! It's the Three-day Measles and I'm fairly certain – yes, I can already tell by the rash, that Allie and Jack have them too! How are their fevers?"

"We've given them two cold water baths each, and they're not nearly as hot, so definitely both fevers coming down, but more so with Jack," explained Nathan. "And they've both kept a little cold liquid down."

"What else can we do, Carson?" pleaded Elizabeth.

"Just one sec," Carson was already checking his patients' eyes for redness, and lymph nodes for tenderness and swelling, which were all positive for both Children.

"Really there's nothing right now to do, except what you're doing. Tomorrow they may experience headaches, runny noses, and achy joints. Almost like a case of the flu. All that's to be expected with this. But we'll manage it. For now, keep them hydrated and keep trying to bring those fevers down, that's the most important thing, and whatever you do, don't let them scratch. But I see you've already taken care of that! Great idea with the socks. I'll have to remember that! I think we've caught this early enough, that it shouldn't be a problem for any of the three."

He turned and rummaged in his bag.

"They need sleep too! Give Jack ½ teaspoonful of this and Allie a full teaspoonful four times a day and at bedtime, It will also help them rest. And apply this topically at least three-four times a day for the itching. They're both tough, Elizabeth, but it is going to be a bit harder on Allie, because she's older. Her joints are probably going to ache a lot more than Jack's. How has she escaped these before now, Nathan?"

"I think we just missed them moving around so much. She's had pretty much everything else. We've gone through many sleepless nights with Chickenpox and Whooping Cough, but up until now, not Measles! You said it would be harder on her. What can we do to make it easier?"

"Just what you're doing, then later as she improves, distract her with Books, Drawing, anything she loves to do, She won't really feel like it, but push her as much as you can. For tomorrow, let her sleep as much as possible. Jack too. Since they're exposed together, it's okay to even let them sleep in the same bed. Just don't let them eat after each other and cross-contaminate. I honestly think they'll do better together."

"Oh, they're staying right here where I can take care of both of them!" exclaimed Elizabeth. "I'm not letting either one of them out of my sight!"

"Elizabeth can you think of where they might have been exposed? It would have been two to three weeks ago."

"Probably a couple of weeks after we got back from Regina? I can't think of anything, unless it was through School. But none of the other Children had the Measles during that time period."

"Unless their younger Siblings did, and they just hadn't caught it yet. Oh, well. No matter. I just wanted to make sure I don't have an epidemic on my hands. But I'm sure there will be other cases! Now, you two do know although they're called the Three-Day Measles, we're looking at probably closer to a five-day recovery for Jack and maybe even a week for Allie."

Of course, this wasn't the news any Parent wants to hear.

Carson continued, "Since Faith isn't here, and Bill is gone, I'll sleep Downstairs. If you don't mind, that is. Not that you all need a Chaperone, but you all know how people talk."

"Thank you for that, Carson. I wouldn't have it any other way! I hated to ask Lee with Frederic sick too. I think Rosemary is rather overwhelmed. The Baby is okay, isn't it? She's sure she had Measles as a Child."

"Thank God for that! Yes, her immunity will take over for the Baby. That's one thing we all need to remember to thank Him for tonight when we pray! It could have been very bad for the Baby had she not had them. I shudder to think!"

Carson paused before he was able to continue.

"I tell you I'm doing everything in my power to get little Violet here safely, and yes, Rosemary's convinced me too, that it's Little Violet, but I can't tell you how many Prayers I've had to pray over that Pregnancy. And if Little Violet comes out a little Victor, I don't know what in the World I'm going to do!"

Nathan laughed, "Maybe not tell Rosemary till after she recovers?"

"Now that's an idea!" laughed Carson. "I like it!"

"Well, if you two don't mind, I'll go get set up Downstairs and try to catch some shut-eye. Brought a Bedroll with me this time, so don't worry about getting me anything, Elizabeth."

"Well, I'd feel so much better if you'd grab an extra quilt or two, along with a pillow out in the Hall. It will make that Bedroll so much more comfortable. And at least grab you a Snack in the Kitchen. Just make yourself at Home, Carson!"

"If you insist. That does sound a bit more comfortable! Now, if either of you needs me through the night, wake me up! Do you understand? Even if it's just that their fevers aren't coming down. I'll be able to help."

"Understood. We promise we will! Thank you, Carson. You are wonderful, and you have to be tired after rushing around all night taking all those Photographs! But I know Bill and Adeline are going to appreciate them so much!"

"My pleasure, Nathan! If you're sure you don't mind. I might grab some Coffee and write Faith a letter!"

"Carson, while you're here, this is your Home. So, make yourself at Home, completely! And if you can't find something, just call up to one of us!" insisted Elizabeth.

"That's nice, Elizabeth! I'll see you when you need me. Good night all!"

"Good night, Carson!"

"Good night!"

Carson grabbed his Medical Bag and started down the Stairs, but stopped and called back to them.

"They're both going to get through this fine. No worrying! And that's an Order..."

"Darling, I'm fine, you go on and get some sleep," suggested Nathan.

"I can't Nathan. Not till we get these fevers down!"

Nathan could tell Elizabeth was going to be insistent on this point.

"Jack's feels a little better. How's Allie's fever?" and Nathan gently rubbed Little Jack's head.

"I think we need to give her another cold water bath," suggested Elizabeth.

"I'll go get the water. Do you need anything else?" asked Nathan.

"Maybe a Cup of Strong Coffee, Love?"

"Coming right up! But at least lie down on the Bed beside Allie, if you won't use your own Bed. Please for me, Lisbeth! Here, let me help you…"

Nathan helped Elizabeth lie down by Allie, then reached for the Quilt on the Quilt Stand and spread it over her. He bent to kiss her cheek, "Try to get a little rest, Love. You're going to need your strength."

It hit Nathan, that this was his Family in this Room, the three People he loved most in the World, and here, the two of them he and Elizabeth were responsible for were both sick!

He then held Elizabeth's hand and said a little prayer, before he turned to go Downstairs and complete his tasks.

"Dear God, please help Allie and Jack to weather through this ordeal and come out stronger and better. Please give Elizabeth rest so she can help care for them, and please give me the strength and wisdom to know how to do the best by all three of them. Amen!"

"I love you so much, Nathan. Thank you for the Prayer. I needed that..."

On the way Downstairs, Nathan noticed Carson was still up writing to Faith.

"How about a fresh Cup of Hot Coffee? How do you like yours?"

"Strong and black. That would be nice, Nathan. Want some company?"

"Actually, that would be great, if you're at a stopping point!"

The two men went to the Kitchen, and Nathan started the Pot of Coffee as Carson found a Chair. He then ran some water into one of the Basins and added some ice to chill it.

Rex and Reggie immediately went straight to the Good Doctor to see if they approved or disapproved of his presence. After a few sniffs and lots of licks, Carson had won them over.

"These two are the cutest Pups ever! What are they? Border Collies?"

"Yes, Chocolate Border Collies. Elizabeth found them and fell in love! Have to admit, I was a little surprised she was brave enough for us to take on two, but she was right! And they're also great company for each other. The Children sure do love them. They're pretty much inseparable. And I have to admit, Elizabeth and I are pretty attached too! They're really good Pups!"

"Nathan, you look tired, and you still have your Dress Uniform on. Why don't you go home and get you some comfortable clothes while I'm still up? I can watch the Coffee."

"I hadn't even realized I still had my Serge on! No, it's okay, I have on a Henley under all this. That will be plenty warm enough. I just hate to leave Elizabeth until their fevers are down. But I do appreciate the offer!"

"Understood. It's a lot on you two to have them both so sick. But honestly, this is the best way to do it, rather than staggered, and you do know both were going to get it. It was just a matter of time. Truthfully, I'm still a little concerned about how many more patients I'm going to have that will come down with it. The Kids got it from somewhere!"

"I know. It is a bit overwhelming to have them both sick, though. Why is it, Carson? It's the hardest thing in the world to see your Children sick. They just seem so vulnerable, and you, as their Parent feel absolutely helpless."

"Because Children are so vulnerable and as a Parent, I'm sure aside from the medicine, cold water baths, and food, you do feel helpless. But Nathan, we just have to let Mother Nature take its course. Both Allie and Jack are healthy Children. They're going to be fine in a few Days. I promise I'll see to it! Frederic, too!"

Nathan nodded.

"You don't even realize what you just said, do you?" asked Carson.

"What do you mean?"

"You said 'your Children.'"

"I did, didn't I?"

"Yes, and I think that's wonderful! Because everyone already sees that they're both your Children. That was so beautiful to see Jack just nestle into you at the Wedding earlier. I envy you, Nathan. I would love to have that."

"You will! If we can ever get Faith out of Medical School!" smiled Nathan. "Oh, Carson…"

"I bet this wasn't the way you and Elizabeth had planned to spend what was left of your first Valentine's Day together."

"No, this was not on the Plan. In fact, Elizabeth didn't know, but I had such big plans for us, a weekend of surprises actually. Really big ones, some little ones too," Nathan couldn't help but smile through his worry, thinking about them, but the smile lasted just for a second. His mind was firmly on his Children.

"You know Nathan, tomorrow will be the roughest day, and after that, you'll be amazed at how rapidly they're going to improve!"

"Thank you for that, Carson," but Nathan heard someone at the front door and jumped up to see who it was.

"Lee, is Frederic okay?"

"We're having trouble getting his fever down."

By this time Carson was standing in the Kitchen doorway, "I'll go with you!" and he grabbed his Bag.

"I'll leave the Front Door open, Carson..."

Back in the Kitchen, Nathan found a Tray for the fresh Basin and Elizabeth's Coffee, and on second thought, he decided to add a second cup for himself.

It was going to be a long night.

He grabbed a couple of treats for Rex and Reggie, "You two be good, okay, so Allie and Jack can get some rest and feel better!"

When he said the Children's names, both Pups whined like Babies.

"It's okay. They're just not feeling very well. Definitely not enough to play. Toys are going to have to do for now!"

He grabbed their favorites and placed them in front of their beds, then turned to get his Tray.

As he carried it up the Stairs, he thought about the events of the evening, but he found he couldn't focus on a single one of them. So, he gave up trying.

When he reached the Guest Room, the Children were all in the big Bed with Elizabeth.

All of them had fallen asleep, and it brought tears to Nathan's eyes.

He thought it was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen.

Nathan hated to wake them, so he thought he'd use the privacy to change out of his Serge.

He turned his back to the Bed, unbuttoned his Uniform, and gently hung his Jacket on the Hook by the Door. He then clasped his hands over his face and ran his fingers through his hair, sighing before he turned to take his Tray closer to the Bed.

But when he turned, Elizabeth had opened her eyes and been watching him, and he wasn't sure he had ever seen so much love reflected from those beautiful deep pools of blue.

He was overcome, and he very quickly and silently asked God for strength and thanked Him for placing this marvelous woman and all the love she brought with her into his and Allie's Lives.

"Your Coffee, Love. Is Allie's fever any better?"

"Maybe a little, but Nathan I still think we need to bathe her again, in a few minutes. I hate to wake her just yet. Did I hear Lee?"

"Yes, they're having trouble getting Frederic's fever down, so Carson has gone to help."

"That's good."

Elizabeth took a sip of her Coffee and motioned for him to get his and come sit beside her.

He hesitated, because he wasn't sure he could be that close to her without holding her, and she saw his hesitation, understanding it because she was feeling the same. So, she got up and moved the Rocker closer to the Bed for him to sit in and she sat back down on the edge of the Bed with her feet on the Floor where his would soon be.

But when he came to sit in the Rocker, instead he lifted her up to him, and in a low, rough voice begged "Babe, if you don't change into something relatively ugly really quickly, I don't think I can sit here and look at you in that beautiful White Wedding Gown. And could you please muss up your hair or something?"

"I forgot I still had it on, Baby. Let me change before we give Allie her bath. I love you."

"I love you so very much, Lisbeth."

She kissed him quickly, then turned back at the Door to smile at him once more.

He winked back at her.

Neither consciously noticed that each had called the other a new term of endearment, one they hadn't used before.

They needed each other desperately, both as a Couple and as two Parents worried about nursing their Children back to good health.

And although they couldn't bridge that gap physically, they had done it with words.

As she turned to go change, he set his Coffee down, and grabbed a clean Towel, then wetted it in the Cold Water, and brought it to his face, holding it there, letting it drip down from his forehead, over his face and neck, till he felt he could breathe again.

"June fly to us. Please fly to us!"

When she finally reappeared, it was in her old ratty Robe, the one she had worn when he first kissed her, and he wasn't at all sure this was any better.

She unclasped her hair and he watched mesmerized as it fell about her face, as she stood in the Doorway, and he knew he had to hold her now.

He walked to the Door and enveloped her.

"You couldn't be more beautiful if you tried. Oh, Lisbeth, we have to focus and we have to focus now. This Robe doesn't help at all."

"I know, but you're not exactly helping matters with that Henley, either."

"This old thing?"

"Yes…that…old thing!" she was struggling slightly to catch her breath.

Breathing in deeply, she reached up to kiss him tenderly, and because she knew this was to be their last kiss for a long while, and because they needed each other so desperately on so many levels, given their current concerns, it turned into something more, and both had to immediately stop themselves from getting completely lost in each other's many kisses that were always there one for the other.

Both cleared their throats at the exact same time, turning their attention back to their sleeping Children.

Nathan took her hand and led her to the other side of the Bedroom where she could get to the Children easier if they needed her.

They concentrated on trying to wake Allie, but she was sound asleep and still feverish, so Elizabeth bathed her while Nathan handed her the wet Cloths, both praying this would do the trick of taking her very high fever down.

As they bathed her, Allie kept saying "Rex. Reggie," but she never fully opened her eyes.

"Yes, Allie Bean, they're staying in the Kitchen tonight so you and Jack can get some rest. They'll visit in the morning when you're feeling better."

She still felt hot to both of them when they had finished, and both Elizabeth and Nathan were hoping Carson would return before too long so he could check on Allie and possibly give her something to help control her rising fever.

"I think her fever is spiking again. I'm going down to the Kitchen to make some Icepacks. Is there anything else you need, Lisbeth?"

"No, Love. But if Carson is back, will you please ask him to come up quickly? I think Allie needs Medicine."

"Of course."

Little Jack woke up just after Nathan left and Elizabeth picked him up with his Blanket and rocked him, hoping against hope he would go back to sleep. His fever was not nearly as high, but now, Allie seemed just as feverish as when they had begun the Baths, to Elizabeth.

"If not higher," Elizabeth whispered aloud.

Downstairs in the Kitchen, Nathan was getting worried too.

Yet all he could do was take a moment to kneel by the Kitchen Chair and pray…