"I had enough," Ally said, turning her head from the spoonful of butterscotch pudding that Nathan held up.
Nathan sighed internally. His natural instinct as a father was to argue the point. A quarter of the oatmeal and half of the butterscotch pudding was hardly a proper meal. However, Faith had told him not to force things. That Ally needed time to recover from both the trauma of the accident and the surgery she had gone through.
"All right," Nathan said, putting the spoon back in the bowl of butterscotch pudding. Reaching out, he picked up the tray. Getting to his feet he took it over to the desk and sat it down next to his as of yet untouched sandwich. He did plan on eating, but Ally's needs came first.
"Dad, is something going on?" Ally asked.
Nathan turned back to the bed his daughter lay in. Though her eyes were open, her face was still pale. Pain and exhaustion etched her features.
"Why do you ask?" Nathan replied, stalling for more time to formulate an answer. There was a whole lot going on. The most obvious was the recovery period that Ally had ahead of her. A period that Nathan intended to be at her side for. There were the harsh words that he had said to Elizabeth that he still needed to find a time to apologize for. He only hoped that Elizabeth would give him a chance to do just that.
If that wasn't enough, there was the news that Gabriel had finally shared with him this morning. The news that the parole hearing he had been going to would not take place. There was no need for it now that Dylan had escaped custody. If the man was caught, he would be put in jail to finish out his sentence. Perhaps time would be added to that sentence but even if it wasn't, he would not be considered for parole again any time soon. Until he was back in custody though, Nathan knew that Dylan posed a threat to him and to Ally. Recent events had only given his brother-in-law more reasons to not like him. As for Ally, Dylan would not hesitate to use the girl as leverage to get what he wanted.
The Mounties had people out looking for him. Dylan's description had gone out to the surrounding area. People would be on the lookout for the man. Two constables from Union City had arrived in Hope Valley just before noon. They would help Bill keep a watch on Hope Valley. Gabriel had appointed himself as a type of bodyguard for the time being. The only reason his friend was not currently at his side was because he was discussing strategy with the two other Mounties over at the office.
"You are wearing your side arm," Ally stated. "You never wear it when you are out of uniform."
Nathan smiled. It was further proof that Ally's injury had not injured her cognitive ability. His girl was as sharp as ever.
Now if the paralysis would just go away. Nathan also prayed that infection would not set in but he trusted Carson and Faith. Both doctors were being careful to ward off infection.
Returning to the chair at Ally's bedside, Nathan sat down. Like with the extent of her injury, Nathan knew that the best route to take was honesty. He had told her that her birth father was up for parole. She deserved to know about his escape as well.
"Remember how I told you I was going to speak at your father's parole hearing."
"Yes," Ally replied. "You were going to try to keep him behind bars where he couldn't hurt either of us. You should have been there this morning instead of here with me."
"No, right here with you is right where I belong right now," Nathan told. "You are more important than any parole hearing, trial, or work assignment no matter who is involved. Do not ever doubt that Ally."
Ally smiled a little.
"Did they grant him parole?" Ally asked.
Nathan shook his head. "There was no parole meeting because he escaped custody yesterday. There is a manhunt going on for him."
"Will he come here?" Ally asked, her voice fearful.
"He might," Nathan told her. "Don't you worry though. I am going to look out for you. The only thing that you need to concentrate on is getting better."
"Who is going to look out for you?" Ally asked.
Before Nathan could answer, another voice spoke up.
"I will," Bill said, standing just inside the door. Both Ally and Nathan looked in his direction at the reply. "And I have the Mounties to help me," Bill added, his gaze meeting the young girl's. "There are two in town already that are going to keep an eye on people coming into and out of town. Two more regional Mounties will patrol the area further out and there are quite a few parties out searching for Dylan Parks. We plan on keeping both you and your uncle safe," Bill informed Ally.
"Good," Ally replied, her eyes drifting shut. "I think I need a nap."
"You go ahead and rest, Sweetie," Nathan told her, reaching out and giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.
Letting go of Ally's hand, Nathan got to his feet and headed toward Bill.
"I just wanted to let you know that I sent Gabriel off to get some proper rest. He'll be back to stay near the infirmary afterwards. In the meantime, Constable Edwards is going to be just outside keeping an eye on things if you need anything."
"We'll be fine, Bill."
"I plan on making sure of that just the same," Bill said. "You're my friend, Nathan, no matter how we started out. You concentrate on Ally and let us worry about Parks."
"Thank you," Nathan replied, knowing that there was no point in arguing with the older gentleman even if he wanted to. If he were honest with himself, Nathan did not want to protest the back up. Even if he was a coward, Dylan Parks could still be dangerous. The man had proved that when he had lassoed Nathan from his horse last spring. His brother-in-law had taken him by ssurprise even though he had been expecting Dylan to try something. Nathan did not want to make that mistake a second time.
"You two here alone right now?" Bill asked, glancing around.
"Just momentarily," Nathan replied. "Faith is over at Lee's office stitching up one of the men who cut his hand. Given the risk for infection following Ally's surgery she does not want to see other patients here for the time being. Carson just stepped out to see if he had a reply to a telegram he sent earlier."
Bill nodded. Spotting the untouched sandwich, he motioned to it. "You should eat while Ally sleeps. You getting sick is not going to help anyone."
Nathan smiled. Though Bill's voice held its normal gruffness, Nathan had learned that the man cared a whole lot more than he tried to let on.
"I will," Nathan assured him.
"If you need me for anything have Florence track me down. If I am not in my office, I won't be far."
"Thanks, Bill," Nathan replied.
As the former Mountie stepped back outside, Nathan turned to the sandwich. Picking it up, he unwrapped it as he sat down in the chair by the desk. Glancing out the window, Nathan saw a man in a red jacket walking past the infirmary. Though he would like to pretend he did not need help, Nathan had to admit that knowing back up was just outside made him feel better.
Carson drummed his fingers on the counter as he waited for Ned to finish helping a customer. He was not sure how long it would take to receive a message back from his supervisors for his fellowship but he hoped it would be soon. No matter what their answer was though, Carson knew that there was only one choice for him. He had promised Nathan that he would be here for Ally's recovery. It was a promise that he did not intend to go back on no matter what the cost. Nathan and Ally needed him. He had been Ally's only chance at survival. He was thankful he had listened to the nudge to get on that train when he had. He knew yesterday could have had a different outcome if he hadn't. If he had been told about Ally in a letter . . .
But that had not happened. He had arrived in time and Ally was stable. She had a good chance of recovery, though whether that recovery included the use of her legs, Carson was not sure. Either way though, he knew that he needed to be here in Hope Valley for the time being to over see Ally's recovery. If that meant showing Ally that she could lead a fulfilling life without the use of her legs, than that is what he would do.
Ned finished with the customer and turned his attention to Carson.
"Ah yes, I have a reply for you," Ned said, before Carson could ask about any messages. "One moment."
"Thank you," Carson replied, as Ned turned to retrieve the message from a slot.
"There you go," Ned said, handing over the paper. The mercantile owner watched the doctor as he read the short reply. "It wasn't the answer you were hoping for, is it?" he asked, when Carson looked up from the message.
"No," Carson answered. "However, the answer is not a surprise to me," he replied. "I need you to send a reply back for me Ned."
Ned grabbed the form he needed and a pencil. "Go ahead," he told Carson.
"I will not be able to return by the set date. I am officially forfeiting my fellowship position."
Ned glanced up from the paper. "Are you sure that is a decision you want to make so quickly?"
"It is the only decision to make. I would need to be on a train back to Baltimore tomorrow evening to make it home in time. I am not leaving my patient that quickly, even without the promise I made to Nathan."
"You know we will all be glad to have you back in Hope Valley, don't you?"
Carson smiled. "If I have to give up the fellowship, it certainly is nice to have a home to come home too," Carson told him. "You will send that message for me."
"I will go do that now," Ned assured him.
"Thank you, Ned," Carson said as he turned from the counter and headed out of Mercantile.
Carson headed toward the infirmary. He knew eventually he was going to have to tell people that he had given up the fellowship as people would start asking questions. Especially Faith. Faith would soon be asking about why he did not head back to Baltimore. He had told her if he came home he would only be able to stay about two days.
Home.
Carson stopped walking. It had been a long time since he had referred to any place as home. After losing his wife on the operating table, no place had really felt like home. Until he had come to Hope Valley, he had never really formed relationships with those around him.
Carson looked around the little town. Things seemed a bit more subdued than it usually did in the little town, but after the events of yesterday, that did not seem out of place. Carson was well aware how this town pulled together when one of their own was injured.
A red uniform outside the infirmary reminded Carson that Hope Valley was not the only group that closed ranks when one of their own was in need. A second Mountie was on horseback further down the road. Until Dylan Parks was found, Carson had a feeling the red serge clad men were going to be a familiar sight in Hope Valley. Not exactly the man in red that the season called for, but Carson was thankful for their presence. Nathan and Ally did not need anything more to worry about other than Ally's recovery.
As Carson continued walking toward the infirmary, he felt a wave of peace wash over him. Perhaps a part of him had hoped they would not grant him more time off. As interesting and challenging as his fellowship had been, Baltimore had been lonely. He had missed this town and the friends he had here. He had missed Faith.
More important, he was needed here, more so than he was needed in Baltimore. He knew they would have a replacement for him before he was even suppose to be back. In Baltimore he was replaceable. Here in Hope Valley, he was an integral part of a caring community.
This was where he belonged. Carson just didn't know what had taken him so long to realize it.
Later that evening, Nathan finally left the infirmary for the first time since going back after Ally's surgery. The fresh, cold air felt reviving. The fact that Gabriel was at the infirmary with Ally eased some of his anxiety of leaving her side. Gabriel would protect her with his life from any outside threats and Carson was there if any medical intervention was needed. His little girl was in good hands.
Right now, he had an apology and a request to make.
Reaching Elizabeth's home, Nathan stood on the road staring at the door for a few moments. A wreath, with a red bow and dusted pine cones hung on the door. It reminded him of the one Ally had made for his office a couple of years ago. When he had hung the wreath inside the office, Ally had reminded him that wreaths went on the door.
Nathan blinked away the tears filling his eyes. Ally had always loved Christmas, even more so since the Christmas he had told her they were staying in Hope Valley. Just a couple days ago, Ally had excitedly led him and Faith for the hunt for the perfect tress. They had helped Faith decorate her tree but the one for their own home still stood undecorated. The plan had been to decorate it tomorrow afternoon with Opal and Byrony if she was staying with the Weiss.
Nathan realized that he did not even know if Byrony had chosen to stay. Yet that very decision was what had brought Gabriel to Hope Valley when he had needed his friend. Nathan resolved that he would ask about Byrony the next time he saw Gabriel. He also found himself wondering if the tree would even get decorated this year.
Taking a deep breath, Nathan let it out slowly. He was not accomplishing anything standing out on the road staring at the Christmas wreath.
Approaching the door, Nathan remembered the last time he had knocked on Elizabeth's door. He had stopped by to drop off Florence's bouquet from the wedding. That seemed like a lifetime ago. He had been so filled with joy and hope then. He had still believed that finally things were starting to fall into place. That he could finally start putting all the heartache and pain that had defined his life until then behind him.
How naive he had been.
After knocking on the door, Nathan stuck his hands in his coat pocket. Assuming that Elizabeth did not immediately shut the door in his face when she saw him, he would make the necessary apology and then tell her that Ally wanted to see her. He had no plans to repeat what Ally had told him. It was up to Ally to repeat as little or as much as she wanted to her teacher.
The door open and there stood Elizabeth. The shock on her face told Nathan that he was the last person she expected to see standing on her doorstep.
"Hello, Elizabeth," Nathan said, calling her by her first name for the first time since that day in his office.
There was no reply to his greeting, as Elizabeth continued to stare at him. As she did not look to be in any danger of fainting he remained where he was, giving her a chance to get over her shock and say something to him. Or shut the door in his face. Either response would have seemed more normal than the silence that hung between them.
Nathan was about to just jump into his apology right there on the doorstep when Elizabeth finally spoke.
"Did something else . . . Is Ally . . ."
Elizabeth could not finish either attempt at formulating the question but Nathan knew what it was she was trying to ask. He was even more certain that he needed to apologize. Despite what had happened between them, Ally was still one of her students and Elizabeth cared about each and every one of her students. Nathan had realized that from the very beginning.
"Ally is stable," Nathan assured her. "She still has no feeling in her legs but she has been awake and talking to us. Her appetite is improving. She wanted Gabriel to make his chili for her, and Abigail was kind enough to let Gabriel use the café kitchen to do so. She almost finished the bowl of chili and she did finish her pudding. It was the most she has eaten all day."
Elizabeth let out the breath she was holding. "I am so glad she is improving," she said.
"Mama, cold air," came Jack's complaint from inside the home.
Her son's comment caused Elizabeth to blush. "Where are my manners? Come inside out of the cold, Con- Nathan," she said stepping aside.
Nathan did so. Seeing him, Jack got up from where he was playing with his toys on the blanket and came over to him.
"Nathan," Jack said happily, much as he had a couple of days ago in the woods. The boy held up his hands to him and Nathan reached down and picked the boy up.
"Hey there, buddy," Nathan said easily as he settled the boy against him. Jack put his arms around his neck and Nathan closed his eyes. It felt good to be hugged, even if that hug came from an almost three-year-old.