Chapter 17: Would you Stay?

"Uncle Nathan?" Allie's voice broke through Nathan's sleep, and he opened his eyes. "Allie?" He looked up and smiled to see her standing in the doorway, Ned and Florence standing behind her smiling. When she saw that he was awake, she rushed over to his bedside and threw herself into his arms as he extended them out to her. "I'm so glad you're alright!" she breathed happily. "I didn't sleep a wink last night. I was so scared!" Nathan smiled and pulled her back to look at her. "I'm sorry I scared you" he murmured, running his hand lovingly through her hair. "But I'm alright. Everything's going to be okay now." Allie nodded but bit her lip in an effort to keep her tears back. All of the emotion that she had felt from the night before was starting to catch up with her. "I thought I was going to lose you" she said in what sounded more like a whisper. "I don't ever want you to go Uncle Nathan. And I'm sorry about the other night… When I said that I missed Mom. If I'm all that you need, then you're all that I need." Nathan took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "It's alright to miss your mom Allie" he reassured her. "I miss her too, you know." Allie nodded, but still looked concerned. "It's just that… You're the most important person in my life" she explained. "And I don't want to lose you, no matter how much I miss her." Nathan smiled. "Hey…" he murmured softly. "Remember my promise? I'm never going to leave you, and I'll always be right here for you." Allie smiled and leaning down, kissed his cheek. "I remember…" she said with a little smile. "I love you Uncle Nathan." Nathan held her close for a minute and kissed the top of her head. "I love you too" he said, a gentle smile brightening his face. From the doorway, Florence sniffed and wiped a tear away at the sight. Ned saw her and wrapped an arm around her lovingly as they both watching the scene. It was good to see Allie happy after such a terrifying ordeal.

It was two days before Nathan was strong enough to be moved to Hope Valley. Rosemary pulled up the car to the front of the cabin while Lee and Dani helped him into the back seat. Nathan was still very weak and pale, but everyone watching could clearly see that he was happy. Allie felt a warm glow of thankfulness come over her as she looked at the peaceful smile on his face when Dani took the seat next to his. While she was grateful that her uncle was going to get well again, it was nice to see that his heart had experienced some healing also. Lee saw the joy in Nathan's face and smiled as he took the front seat. "How are you holding up there Nathan?" he asked cheerfully. Nathan smiled. "A little tired" he said, before turning towards Dani. "But never better." In response, Dani's eyes lit up with an affectionate sparkle as she laid a hand over his. "I'm glad to hear it" she murmured softly, unable to contain her smile. Lee nodded cheerfully and turned around again. He and Rosemary exchanged knowing glances as they looked through the mirror at the pair sitting in the back seat. Despite everything, they could both see that Nathan was radiant. In all his time in Hope Valley, neither had ever seen him look like that before. Rosemary smiled and gave Lee a little nudge.

The drive home was fairly quiet and uneventful, as the car was followed by Allie and Bill who rode Newton and Hero and Faith and Mike, who manned the wagon. As the little party made their way down the long lane of rowhouses however, Lee and Rosemary noticed that a crowd had gathered outside of Nathan and Allie's house. Dani saw it too and gave Nathan, who had dozed off, a little nudge. "Look Nathan" she whispered. "Everyone wants to welcome you home." Nathan opened his eyes in surprise and looked at the faces eyeing him happily. Clara, Jesse, Fiona, the Yosts, the Canfields… A smile spread across his face, though he also felt it reddening slyly. His exit from the car with Lee's help was greeted with applause from the onlookers. He felt himself blushing, despite the paleness of his face and gave them all a shy wave, as Jesse and Ned came to his side to help Lee support him up the stairs. As the four of them made their way through the door, Dani stared after Nathan, feeling both proud of him and worried about him instantaneously. Having spent the last few days at his bedside, she knew how weak he really was. Still, it would be good for his morale to see of the community's support for him With a faint sigh and a wave to Rosemary, she followed the dispersing crowd towards town to watch the infirmary while Faith tended to Nathan.

Even with the short trip from the car to his room, Nathan was completely worn out. He felt his temples pounding as the others helped him out of his boots and coat and got him settled in bed as comfortably as they could. As he allowed his aching head to sink back into the pillows, he closed his eyes wearily and sighed. The voices of Lee, Ned, and Jesse all began to run together in his ears, until they faded out altogether and sleep overtook him. It wasn't until hours later that Nathan opened his eyes to the light of the setting sun streaming rosily through the windowpanes and across his bed. It felt good to be in his own bed again, safe, and warm. He could hear the sounds of voices downstairs as a little smile came over his lips. He recognized Allie's familiar laughed and the animated voices of the Coulters. It was nice to hear the lively activity downstairs, even if he wasn't partaking in it. All of it made his tiny rowhouse feel more like home somehow. As he breathed a deep sigh, the sound of footsteps mounting the stairs reached his ears. They were big steps and not those of a child, he determined. He was therefore not surprised when Lee came into view in the doorway and wrapped his knuckles on the open door. "Hey Nathan" he murmured, smiling brightly. "Mind if I come in?" Nathan grinned. "Not at all…" he welcomed him. "Come on in Lee." Lee nodded and pulling the chair out from under Nathan's bedside desk, sat down next to the bed. "Rosie and I stopped by to see if you and Allie needed anything." He explained. "I'm glad to see you on the mend." Nathan gave a faint laugh. "Yes… slowly, but surely…" he admitted. "Faith says it will take time." Lee nodded and smiled. "You make sure you listen now" he advised, wagging his finger. "Allie's not the only one who needs you healthy. The town is counting on you to take your time healing." Nathan felt his face redden a little at the comment and couldn't help but smile. "I know" he murmured quietly. "I promise I'll take it slow." Lee patted his shoulder approvingly. "Good man" he chuckled. "I know, it can't be easy, but… We're all looking forward to seeing back on your feet again." Nathan smiled and nodded. "Thanks Lee" he said. "That means a lot." Lee grinned, before slapping his knees and standing up. "Well, I should probably let you rest" he suggested, putting the chair back in its place. "I'll be staying downstairs tonight. Jesse, Ned, and I will be taking shifts this week, just in case you need anything." Nathan opened his mouth to protest, but Lee held up his hand warily. "Now Nathan" he warned. "Don't make a fuss. It's just a precaution, and it's for Allie's sake as much as it is for yours." Nathan sighed and couldn't help but smile. "I appreciate it" he murmured tiredly. "Thanks Lee…" Lee smiled. "That's what neighbors are for" he grinned. "Now, it looks like a pretty bad storm out there, so I might go bring in some dry wood, just in case." Nathan's eyes widened. "Lee…" he called after his friend as Lee turned toward the door. "Dani's not on the road, is she?" Lee smiled and shook his head. "She's safe Nathan" he reassured him soothingly. "She's staying with Jesse and Clara at the café. Don't worry." Nathan sighed with relief and laid back again. "That's good" he breathed softly. Lee nodded to himself, and quietly shut the door, muffling the laughter rising from below. Nathan looked back at the window, which was darker now. Ominous, dark clouds had begun to roll slowly onto the horizon, and the wind had begun to pick up. He hoped that Dani was safely indoors, wherever she was in town. He felt his heart ache as he found himself missing her gentle presence at his bedside. Shutting his eyes, he recalled to memory the clear happiness in her eyes when she had seen him awake for the first time. She had stayed with him for hours… Their foreheads had touched… Nathan curbed his hopes and dreamily reminded himself of his duty to her. He would be a good friend to her, the best friend that he could be. And if this was what it was like to be her best friend, perhaps it wouldn't be so difficult. He felt closer to her now than he ever had. The realization washed over him peacefully as he drifted off to sleep, his mind traveling back to her. By the time Rosemary had gone, and Lee came back upstairs to check on him, Nathan was sleeping tranquilly, the faintest traces of a smile on his face. Lee grinned to himself, and remembering Faith's orders, covered him with another blanket before heading downstairs again to make things comfortable for himself on the settee.

The sky was rapidly getting darker as the impending storm began to creep over the horizon. Faith wrapped her thin coat around her a little more tightly as she walked against the wind towards the café where Clara had invited her to share dinner with she and Jesse for the evening. The warm interior of the café was inviting as she trudged over the gravel path, her blonde curls blowing in the wind. A gust of wind seemed to blow her through the door as she entered to find Clara and Jesse setting one of the tables for dinner. "Oh my!" she cried. "It's so windy out there!" Jesse grinned. "Kurt figured we were in for a real blower" he chuckled. "I guess you brought Nathan back from that hunting cabin just in time." Faith nodded in agreement. "It would appear so" she murmured, shrugging off her coat and fluffing her hair. "It's not safe in the woods in a storm like this." Clara came in bearing a plate of warm buns. "And no one knows that better than you do Jesse" she said, throwing a loving glance in his direction. Jesse grinned, and wrapping an arm around her shoulders, kissed her cheek lightly. "I would have to agree with that statement" he relented, before turning back to Faith, who was watching them with a gentle smile. "Here, come and sit" he said, motioning her to take a seat, as he and Clara took theirs. "We don't want the food to get cold." Faith smiled and slid onto the wooden chair. "Thank you so much for having me over tonight" she murmured, admiring the array of food before her as the rich aromas of sweet potatoes and roasted chicken rose temptingly. "Isn't Dani supposed to join us tonight also?" Jesse opened his mouth to speak, but Clara cut him off. "She'll be here" she said quickly. "She just had an errand of sorts." Faith nodded, a little doubtful of Clara's secrecy. "Alright…" she said slowly and with some bewilderment. "Well, I'm glad that she'll be coming later at least." Jesse looked up from his plate, his mouth full. "Speaking of Dani…" he mumbled, still chewing. "How's Nathan?" Clara shot him a look of exasperation. "Jesse!" she cried, giving him a light jab with her elbow. Jesse shrugged. "What?!" he cried innocently. "Everyone knows those two like each other! There's no secret in that!" Clara frowned, though her eyes were laughing. "Well, saying it out loud might jinx the whole thing" she reprimanded him, giving him a light, but loving rap on the back of the head. Faith smiled and folded her hands. "Well, because you asked, Jesse" she said slowly. "Nathan still has a lot of healing to do. I can't divulge much, but… I think he and Allie could really use all the support they can get right now." Jesse and Clara nodded. "Of course…" Jesse murmured. "We'll be sure to do our part. I've been shot before, and it sure isn't fun." Clara nodded, linking her arm in Jesse's. "I can't imagine how horrible it must be" she murmured softly. "Although Nathan never seems to complain… about anything, really." Faith nodded in agreement. "Yes" she said, smiling. "He's a good patient." Jesse smirked. "Although I imagine that has something to do with who's nursing him" he joked, dodging playfully as Clara threw him another jab, although this time she was laughing. "Jesse, you scamp!" she cried. "Don't jinx it!"

Since Nathan's injury, Dani's mind had been a whirlwind of pain and emotion. She didn't know what to do, or what to think. She wanted to help Nathan through his recover, but should she? She wanted to tell him how she felt about him, but was it too late now? During the last few nights, as she had remained loyally at her post by his bedside, her feelings for him had quickly come to the surface. She understood now just how important he had become to her; how dear he had become to her. After locking up the Infirmary, she had excused herself to go and sit in the darkened, quiet church. There was no one there, and only the whistling sound of the wind outside disturbed the silence. The silence and the emptiness finally allowed Dani to think clearly. She had never felt for anyone what she felt for Nathan. It was a closeness and deep caring that she couldn't quite describe but could feel keening every time she thought about him. She sighed heavily, folding her arms, and sitting back against the pew. "I don't know what to do…" she moaned under her breath. There was a faint sound from the back of the church. "Perhaps, I could be of assistance?" Dani looked up in surprise to see Florence walking down the aisle. "Florence…" she breathed. "What are you doing out here so late? And with this storm?" Florence smiled. "A little bird told me you came here" she said with a kind smiled. When Dani gave her a questioning look, she laughed. "Clara. She told me you were struggling and came here." Dani sighed and made room from Florence beside her as the older woman sank down onto the pew. "I don't even know what to think Florence" she murmured softly. "I don't know what to do…" Florence smiled. "I suppose you're talking about Nathan" she guessed, giving Dani a knowing look. Dani bit his lower lip and nodded. She felt the tears coming into her eyes. "I think I love him Florence" she admitted. "I don't know how else to describe the way that I've been feeling since… Since Lee told me he was shot." Florence nodded in agreement and sighed. "And now you are afraid to lose him." she concluded. Dani shrugged and shook her head. "It didn't frighten me away" she said softly. "In fact, I think it drew me closer to him." Florence glanced at her thoughtfully. "Before you came here Dani… I almost lost my Ned. We weren't married at the time, but I knew that I had feelings for him and that he had feelings for me. Then one day, he got very sick and nearly died. But as I sat there at his bedside, I came to understand just how much I loved him and needed him." Dani nodded in agreement. "These last few days have really changed my perspective" she said. "I thought I had all the time in the world, but… Life moves too quickly and changes too suddenly for us to take our time. I just don't know what to do now. I should have told him sooner." Florence patted Dani's hand reassuringly. "Dani" she murmured softly. "You haven't lost him yet. He needs you now more than ever." Dani covered her face with hands and drew in a deep breath. "Florence" she said despairingly. "I told him I wasn't ready before all of this happened. And now I don't know what to tell him." Florence smiled sympathetically. "Then, perhaps words aren't the answer" she murmured. "The words will come. For now, don't tell him; show him."

Dani thought about Florence's words as the night went on. Standing outside of the while leaning against the wooden railings, she stared up at the stormy sky. There was a sound behind her at the door. "Are you coming inside Dani?" Clara asked, propping the café door open with her foot. "We're having popcorn and telling stories. You should join us." Dani turned and smiled faintly. "I'll be there in a minute" she murmured. "Go ahead and start without me." Clara nodded and disappeared back into the warm glow of the café dining room. The heavy air of a stormy breeze caressed Dani's face, and she pulled the white embroidered shawl a little more tightly around her. Her eyes looked out over the empty streets and strayed towards the road that led to the rowhouses. With a sigh, she lifted her eyes to the darkened sky again, hoping to suppress the tears that threatened to spring into her eyes. She wanted Nathan to know how she felt about him. She wanted to stay by his side and care for him until he was well again. She wanted to show him how much she cared. A familiar ache pulled at her heart as she remembered his pale face. Despite what everyone had been saying for the last few days, she continued to worry about him. He was still so weak. Hugging herself tightly, she looked into the sky and saw a few straying flecks of lightning among the clouds. Perhaps the storm would hold up for a little longer. Maybe there was still time for her to go walk to Nathan's house and back, even if just to ask after him. Dani straightened up with resolve and made her way out onto the gravel street, her long strides leading her towards Nathan.

It didn't take her long to reach Nathan and Allie's little house, though big droplets began to fall as she noiselessly mounted the front stairs. Knowing Nathan and Allie were probably already asleep, she knocked softly on the faded blue door. Lee's head emerged through a crack, and he looked up at Dani in surprise. "Danielle!" he exclaimed in a loud whisper. "What are you doing here?" Dani smiled gently and shook her head. "I'm sorry if I startled you Lee" she murmured softly. "I just wanted to drop by quickly." Lee nodded understandingly and beckoning, held the door open. "Come in" he invited her. "It's about to blow out here." A flash of lightning blazed across the sky and a crack of thunder shook the house as Lee shut the door behind her. "Just in time" he laughed softly as he turned the lock against the wind. "Looks like quite a storm out there!" Dani nodded. "Yes…" she said, as her eyes wandered aimlessly around the darkened room. Finally, she glanced at Lee anxiously. "How's Nathan?" she asked. "I couldn't stop thinking about him tonight." Lee smiled reassuringly and patted her shoulder. "He's a little better" he informed her happily. "And he can't stop talking about you. Would you like to see him?" Dani shook her head quickly. "Oh no, Lee" she declined. "He's probably sleeping. I wouldn't want to wake him." Lee raised an eyebrow, amused. "In this storm?" he laughed. "Not a chance. Come on, I need to go and check on him anyway." Dani followed Lee quietly up the stairs to Nathan's room. She was relieved to see that the light was on in his room, indicating that he was awake. He was sitting against a few pillows quietly when Lee wrapped softly on the door. "Hey Nathan" he called softly, so as not to wake Allie in the other room. "You have a visitor." Nathan looked up quizzically and was surprised and delighted to see Dani follow Lee in through the door. "Dani…" he breathed softly. "How did you get here…? With the storm, and the wind?" Dani smiled softly and seated herself in the chair that had been set beside his bed. "I made it just in time" she said, throwing a playfully glance at Lee. Wordlessly, she took his hand and squeezed it tenderly. A grateful smile took over Nathan's tired face. "I'm glad you came" he murmured, gazing at her with a dreamy lull in his eyes. Dani nodded, and once again, was forced to fight back tears on account of that look. "Me too" she whispered, holding his hand up to her lips and kissing it. "How are you feeling?" Lee asked, feeling like he was invading their moment by his presence. Nathan roused himself from gazing in Dani's eyes and looked up quickly. "A little sore…" he admitted, before lifting his eyes to meet Dani's again. "But I feel much better now…" Lee nodded knowingly and grabbed the empty glass on Nathan's night table. "I'll bring you some warm milk" he said, moving towards the door. "It should help you get some sleep." "Thanks Lee" Nathan called after him, without moving his gaze from Dani. When they were alone, he sucked in a deep breath. "You didn't have to come, you know" he murmured, his face glowing tranquilly. "I didn't want you out in that storm." Dani laughed softly and held his hand a little closer. "Did you forget?" she teased, "I'm as stubborn as you are Constable." Nathan nodded. "Apparently…" he chuckled, before giving a faint sigh. Dani rested her chin against his hand in hers and eyed him a little anxiously. "How are you holding up?" she asked quietly. "You look very tired." Nathan let himself relax a little against the stack of pillows and shut his eyes. "I'm counting the days until I can get out of this bed" he said, a little sadly. "It was an exhausting day. Faith examined me and said that my blood pressure is still low. She says I need to eat more, but I haven't really had much of an appetite." Dani nodded and felt her lower lip start to tremble. "Promise me you'll try" she asked softly. "You need your strength to get better." Nathan nodded in agreement. "I'll try" he promised, recognizing the concern in her voice. He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "I'll be better before you know it" he comforted her. "I promise." Dani nodded and caressed the locks of hair that hung over his forehead with her fingertips. "I know" she murmured bravely. There was another flash of lightning and a rumble of thunder before Lee came back into the room, bearing a cup of warm milk as promised. "Here you are Nathan" he whispered cheerfully. "Just the thing for a blustery night like this." Nathan accepted gratefully and was able to drink half of it before the glass started to shake in his hand. Seeing the shakiness and realizing that he looked suddenly worn out and pale, Dani took the milk from his hand and set it down on the night table. "Rest Nathan" she murmured softly. "Will you be alright tonight? Can I see you again in tomorrow?" Nathan smiled. "I'm already looking forward to it" he murmured. "Good night Dani." Dani smiled, and leaning forward, kissed his forehead lightly. "Good night Nathan" she whispered. "Sleep well." Lee followed her through the door after turning down the lights for Nathan. Shutting the door behind them, he turned to Dani and put an arm around her shoulders as they descended the stairs. "A few more visits like that" he commented, "and he'll be completely back to normal. It was good of you to come Danielle. And I think it did him a lot of good too." Dani looked down at the ground modestly and breathed a heavy sigh. "I hope so" she murmured. "Thank you for letting me see him." "Can I drive you back to town?" Lee asked. "It sounds like the rain has let up a little, but there's no telling how the roads are." Dani touched his arm and shook her head. "No Lee" she refused, smiling. "Nathan and Allie need you here. I'll be fine. Plus, you have no idea how refreshing a walk in the rain can be." Lee smiled and shrugged lightheartedly. "Suit yourself" he relented. "I'll see you in the morning then."

Ned Yost was surprised to see Bill wandering around the Mercantile the next morning, looking listless and unhappy. "Bill!" he called from behind the counter. "You look like you've got the weight of the world on your shoulders." Bill looked up gruffly, before looking away again. "Well, I've kind of had my hands full" he muttered. "I've taken charge of things for Nathan while he recuperates. It's a lot to think about." Ned nodded, though he felt a little bewildered by Bill's attitude. "That must be tough" he agreed. "Although, we all have to do our part if we want him to get well again." Bill scowled darkly. "Oh, it's not that!" he hissed impatiently. "I've just… got a lot on my mind." Ned nodded. "It's been a rough last few days" he admitted. "For everyone." Bill nodded. "Yeah…" he agreed. "It stirred up a lot of memories." Ned looked curious for an explanation, but Bill wasn't ready to give one. "I'll see you later Ned" he muttered, before disappearing out the door. Meanwhile, at the back of the store, Dani shook her head wearily as she scanned the shelves. "Faith, I'm lost" she groaned, shifting the weight of the basket on her arm as a frown furrowed in her brow. "I know Nathan will eat just about anything. But what sorts of foods would be good for him, especially in his condition?" Faith grabbed a bunch of carrots and placed them in Dani's basket. "You can never go wrong with fruits and vegetables" she said cheerily. "It's a start anyway." Dani looked around the store again, still dissatisfied. "I wish we could find something heartier for him" she mourned. "Maybe some chicken… or beef…" Faith smiled. "Well, we're in luck then" she said brightly. "I just so happen to have a half a pound of beef in my icebox. Why don't we pick it up on the way to Nathan's house? It would give me a chance to pick up my medical bag." Dani's face lit up. "That's so kind of you Faith" she murmured, her eyes sparkling. She rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "I think I know what I want to make him tonight." Faith giggled girlishly. "Good" she said. "Because I can't cook to save my life. Why, most nights, I end up eating out of a can." They both laughed as Dani laid the basket down on the counter. Ned looked up cheerfully. "Hello ladies" he grinned, before eyeing Dani curiously. "Danielle" he murmured. "I have to say, I'm surprised to see you in town on a Tuesday. You usually do your shopping on Thursdays." Dani smiled, fishing her little purse out of her apron pocket. "I'm going to be in town for the next few days" she explained. "Clara and Jesse have been kind enough to let me stay with them at the café." Ned nodded, taking in the information. "Oh" he breathed. "I see… So, you're staying in town to help out Nathan and Allie?" Dani and Faith looked at each other and Dani blushed. "I'm just doing my part" she admitted, before adding more seriously, "We all want to see Nathan well again." Ned nodded in agreement. "That we do" he murmured. "Tell him I said hello, when you see him." Dani smiled warmly. "I will" she promised.

Dani's soft hum filled the Grant kitchen as she chopped and stirred, preparing a hearty beef stew on the stove. As the aromatic mixture of tender vegetables, bubbling broth, and meat filled the house, she turned her attention to the dusty and somewhat cluttered living space. It had been several days now since Nathan's injury, but throughout that timeframe no one had thought about the upkeep of the house. Whistling softly to herself, Dani snatched a clean rag that hung near the wash basin and began dusting the furniture and putting the room back in order. She was nearly finished when Faith came down the stairs from giving Nathan his daily check-up. Dani eyed her with nervous anticipation. "How is he?" she asked in a low voice. Faith sighed as she snapped her leather bag shut. "He's a little better, though his blood pressure is still low" she murmured. "However,…" she took a deep sniff of the rich smells coming from the stove. "I think that stew you have there will do him worlds of good. You wouldn't mind if I…" Dani waved her hand generously. "Go on" she encouraged. "Help yourself. I'll bring him some while you eat. Allie should be back any minute. She and Robert wanted to get in some fishing before sundown."

As Dani appeared in the doorway of Nathan's room, bearing a tray of the steaming, rich stew, she noticed that his eyes were closed. Not wanting to startle him but knowing that he needed to eat to regain his strength, she set the tray down on his writing desk and laid a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Nathan" she whispered, loudly enough for him to hear. "I brought you something to eat." Nathan's eyelashes fluttered. Opening his eyes, he gazed up at her happily and smiled. "Dani…" he breathed. "You're here." She smiled and nodded. "Yes" she said. "I hope you're feeling a little hungrier today." Nathan chuckled softly. "Whatever you brought me… It smells delicious" he laughed. Dani helped him to sit up a little by straightening his pillows before setting the tray on his lap and settling herself on the edge of the bed. Knowing that his hands would still be shaky, she dipped the spoon into the rich stew and with her own hand, held it up to his lips. "Be careful" she warned. "It's very hot." Nathan accepted it gratefully. He hadn't realized how hungry he was until the rich scent filled his head. He was able to eat a good amount of it, before he finally sank back against the pillows with a sigh. "Thank you Dani" he murmured faintly. "I've never tasted anything so good." Dani moved the tray aside and smiled. "I'm glad you liked it" she said in a low voice, as she instinctively reached out her hand and rested it against his cheek, which now had more color in it. "I'll be back with more tomorrow afternoon. For now, I think you should get some sleep. Hopefully, you'll get to join us downstairs sometime soon." He grinned up at her lovingly. "I hope so" he murmured. "That would be nice." Dani smiled and nodded. "I think so too" she said. Nathan felt his eyes closing, but he managed to smile. "Thank you Dani" he whispered affectionately. "For taking care of me." Dani nodded, running her hand down the length of his arm, and taking his hand. She could feel the tears rising in her eyes as she tried to keep her voice steady. "I just want you better again" she breathed, closing her other hand around his and caressing it tenderly. She stared down at him wistfully as his breathing began to even out and a peaceful look crept into his face. Leaning forward, Dani opened her mouth to speak, but didn't quite know how to say what she wanted to. "Nathan…" she began softly. "I… I…" But Nathan couldn't hear her. He had already drifted off to sleep, feeling strengthened by her presence.

Late into the night, Nathan woke up in a sweat as the searing pain of his wound shot through him like a knife. Perhaps he had rolled over in his sleep, causing him to irritate the injury. Whatever the explanation, he was now staring wide-eyed up at the ceiling, trying to lie still until the pain subsided. As he lay there, his chest falling and rising rhythmically, a small shadow made its way into his room. It was Allie. She set down the candle in her hand and sat on the edge of his bed. "Are you okay Uncle Nathan?" she asked. "I heard you waking up just a minute ago." Nathan smiled and took a firm hold of her little hand. "I'm alright Allie" he reassured her. "Just a little sore. It acts up from time to time" he added, pointing to his bandaged midriff. She nodded, though her face still looked doubtful. "Would you like me to tell Jesse to get Dr. Carter?" she asked. Nathan shook his head. "Don't worry about me Allie" he murmured. "I'm fine." Allie shrugged. "Can I at least get you a glass of water, or something?" she asked anxiously. Realizing that doing something for him was the only way she would feel better, Nathan nodded, relenting. "You know, a drink of water does sound good" he said. "Thank you Allie. Just be careful not to wake up Jesse" She smiled, happy to do something for her uncle and was back shortly, cup in hand. She handed it to Nathan, who took a few sips to ease her worry. "Much better" he sighed. "Thanks Allie." Allie nodded and climbing up onto the bed, seated herself next to his shoulder, hugging her knees pensively. Nathan looked up at her quizzically. "What's up?" he asked with the faintest traces of a smile at the corners of his mouth. Allie shrugged sadly. "How much longer?" she asked. "Until you're better? I miss going fishing and riding with you. And it makes me sad when you aren't feeling well." Saying this, her eyes filled with tears and her voice trailed off. Nathan painfully pulled himself to an upright position and put his arm around her shoulder. "Hey…" he whispered. "Dr. Carter came by today and told me that it won't be long now until I can walk downstairs again. I miss spending time with you too Allie, but it'll be no time at all before I'm better. Sometimes things just take longer to heal." Allie nodded and laid her head against him. "Dani's going to teach me how to make chocolate cookies tomorrow after school" she said, changing the subject. In the dark, an unconscious smile came over Nathan's face. "Really?" he marveled. "That sure sounds like fun." Allie nodded. "Yeah" she agreed. "I love spending time with her. If I could grow up to be like anyone, I would want to be like her." Nathan felt a glow of warmth in his heart, as the love for both of them was merged into a single, contented sigh. "She's been a true friend" he murmured thoughtfully. Allie noted the distant look in his eyes and smiled. She could see that his feelings about Dani were much the same as hers, if not stronger. But she could also see that he was getting tired again. "Well, you should probably get back to sleep" she said, sliding off the bed. "You'll need rest if you want to get better faster." Nathan chuckled and the lines at the corners of his eyes spread like sunbeams across his smiling face. "Good night Allie" he murmured softly. "Thanks for checking on me." Allie nodded, and grabbing her candle, disappeared through the doorway.

Dani was surprised the next day when Bill arrived, knocking lightly on the open door. "Bill!" she cried excitedly. "What are you doing here in the middle of the day? It's so good to see you!" Bill chuckled. "I had a little time and I figured I'd drop by" he said, smiling. "How's the invalid?" he asked, raising his voice for Nathan, who was within earshot. "I heard that!" Nathan called back playfully from upstairs. Dani laughed. "He's been simply impossible" she teased. "Haven't you Nathan?" Bill crossed his arms, amused. "Oh, I'm sure he has" he grinned. "Nathan's always been bullheaded. Makes a terrible patient I'm sure." Nathan laughed. "Thanks, you two" he quipped. "I feel so loved right now." Dani laughed and handed Bill a tray with some tea and scones on it. "Why don't you take this up to him" she suggested, smiling. "I think he could use the company." Bill nodded and took the tray from her, internally realizing that he could use the company himself. Nathan was propped up comfortably against a stack of pillows when Bill tip-toed in, balancing everything on the tray as carefully as he could. "You know, Bill" Nathan laughed, "I never thought I'd live see the day when you performed room service for me." Bill smirked. "Don't laugh. You almost didn't" he muttered with a grin as he set the tray down on Nathan's lap. "You're chipper today. How are you holding up?" Nathan sighed and shook his head. "Everyone's been so kind" he said, eyeing the flowers Dani had put on his night table, as well as the many letters that lay next to them. "I can't complain." Bill nodded. "If there's one thing about Hope Valley" he said, "It's that the people here look out for their own. And the bullet wound… how's that?" Nathan sighed and relaxed against the pillows. "Still sore" he admitted. "It wakes me up at night sometimes. But Faith says it's mending really well, so…" Bill nodded thoughtfully, but was silent for a moment. Nathan looked at him and frowned faintly. "Bill?" Bill lifted his head quickly and tried to smile but was unable to look Nathan in the eye. Nathan leaned forward a little, concerned. "Is everything ok?" he asked. Bill finally looked up, and Nathan realized that there were tears in his eyes. He glanced up at Nathan before looking away self-consciously. "Nathan…" he faltered emotionally. "Last week, when you were… when you were unconscious, all I could think about was when I lost my son Martin. You've always reminded me of Martin. He was quiet, meticulous… stubborn. A lot like you. When I saw you lying in that wagon, in so much pain… It hit a little too close to home. I felt like I was losing Martin all over again." Nathan had been listening silently, sympathetic tears filling his own eyes. He tried to smile to reassure Bill but didn't really know exactly what to say. "I'm sorry Bill" he murmured, a little awkwardly. "I can't imagine what you must have gone through. I have the unfortunate tendency to remind people of their late relatives, I guess." Bill looked up at Nathan's last comment and shook his head. "You remind them of the people they loved Nathan" he pointed out. "How could that be a bad thing?" Nathan lowered his head humbly and took in a deep breath. "Thank you" he said in a low voice. "I guess I never thought of it that way…" He was silent for a moment before going on. "I'm sorry I put you through all that Bill. And I'm sorry about your son. I wish I could have met him." Bill nodded sadly. "Me too" he murmured. "He was a good kid." There was a companionable silence between them for a moment as both reflected on Martin Avery. Finally, Bill looked up at Nathan and chuckled faintly. "Martin and I used to argue quite a bit" he remembered. "I guess that explains a lot about the two of us." Nathan laughed. "It all makes sense now" he agreed. Bill stayed for a while, talking with Nathan, and helping him finish some of the scones until he noticed that Nathan grew quiet and suddenly looked exhausted and pale. He lifted the tray from the bed and stood up. "Get some rest Nathan" he murmured. "And if you do what Dani tells you, who knows? I might even come back to visit." Nathan laughed, but Bill could see that it hurt him to laugh. "I'll do my best" he murmured with a faint smile. "Thanks for coming."

Bill set the tray down on the kitchen table and looked around the little rowhouse. Everything was neat and tidy. He was sure Dani had something to do with that. She had extended her stay at the café with the Flynn's just so that she could come every day to cook and clean for Nathan and Allie. Even now, Bill guessed she was probably picking Allie up at school. "Nathan, you are one lucky man" he muttered to himself, fingering the crumbs and empty tin cups on the tray. As if by some instinct, he suddenly felt the need to wash all the dishes he and Nathan had used. He had time on his hands. "Why not?" he said with a grin, plunging the tray, plates, and cups into the wash basin. Time flew by faster than he though as the sun began to go down and Dani and Allie returned from town after picking up a few things from the mercantile. Allie quickly ran upstairs to say hello to her uncle, while Dani looked around the sparkling kitchen and then at Bill, who threw a rag over his shoulder proudly. "Bill!" she cried. "I don't even know what to say! The kitchen is immaculate!" Bill shrugged and nodded towards the stove, where he had set a bubbling pot. "The chili should be ready any minute" he said proudly. "And there's cornbread in the over. Now, if you don't mind, I should probably get to evening rounds in town before it gets dark." Dani held up her hand in front of him. "Wait!" she murmured, before pulling him into a hug and kissing his cheek. "Thank you, you sweet man" she whispered. "I know it wasn't easy for you to come here today." Bill cleared his through gruffly, but his eyes were tender. "I'm glad that I did" he admitted, before adding. "Thank you for taking care of him Dani. It means the world, to all of us in Hope Valley."

The next two weeks passed in similar fashion. Bill came by to visit, Faith made her daily calls, and Ned, Lee, and Mike each took turns watching over the rowhouse, until Nathan was well enough to come downstairs again. All the while, Dani returned each day to make dinner, pick up Allie, and attend to household chores. On the first day of the second week, there was already a sharpness in the wind now, and flocks of geese soared across the deep blue sky, in search of a warmer climate for the upcoming winter. The sun shown brightly through the open door as a gentle breeze blew through the rowhouse. "It's a bit chilly out there" Nathan commented, bearing a few logs from the woodpile to rekindle the fire. "The leaves are already starting to turn." Dani looked up from the biscuit batter she was mixing and smiled. "There's a tree in town that's already bright red" she grinned. "I pressed a few of the leaves in my little book." Nathan's eyes sparkled. "I never thought of that" he marveled admiringly. "Maybe Allie and I will try it sometime." He walked over to the fire and bent down to place the logs over it. The effort however agitated his injury, causing him to wince sharply and let out a faint grunt. Dani looked up sharply, and seeing the beads of sweat on his forehead, came, and knelt down beside him. "Here, let me help" she said softly. "You don't want to hurt yourself." Nathan was surprised by her reaction and stared at her quizzically as she took the logs from him, before placing them over the flames herself. He could see a faint trembling in her hands as she did it. When she had finished, she helped him gently to his feet. "Thank you…" Nathan murmured, though he continued to watch her face. He could tell something was bothering her as she looked up at him, stubbornly biting her lower lip. "Dani…" he murmured softly. "Is something wrong?" Dani eyed him, conscious that tears were forming in her eyes. She turned her gaze away quickly with a shake of her head. "It's nothing…" she breathed. "I just don't want to see you in pain. That's all." She turned to go back to her biscuits, but Nathan reached out and caught her by the arm. "Dani…" he said, deep concern in his beautiful, blue eyes. "Please tell me." Dani looked up at Nathan and swallowing emotionally, let her voice drop. "Nathan…" she murmured. "I don't really know how to say this, but…" She looked up at him earnestly. "When I heard what happened to you, that day… I was so scared. It was like the sun went out and I didn't know if it would ever be coming back again. I've never prayed like that before. If you had died…" "Hey…" Nathan took her hand with a gentle, reassuring smile. "I'm alright now. You helped me through it, and you stayed with me. It's only fair that I stayed with you. You know, returned the favor?" Dani smiled at his attempt to lighten the mood, but something still weighed heavily on her heart. She took a deep breath. "And if I were to ask you to give me a second chance…" she asked "To take back what I said after the Founder's Day dance… Would you still stay? Because I love you Nathan Grant. And I will always love you." Nathan didn't know what to say, he was so shocked. Looking down into her eyes, he felt an openness and affection in her gaze that he had never felt before. Slowly, he pulled her closer in his arms, his heart overwhelmed by his love for her, as well as the feeling of being loved. "I love you Dani" he breathed softly. "And I will stay, no matter what." But even words weren't enough to express his utter happiness. By pure instinct, he leaned in slowly and kissed her instead.

EPILOGUE

Ever since that night at the book reading, Elizabeth had begun to feel homesick and restless. Nothing in Hamilton seemed to satisfy her. None of the fancy gowns nor the champagne dinners gave her the sense of home that Hope Valley used to. Even the company of her family or Lucas could not fill the intense longing within her for something to remind her of home. At every street corner, she found herself searching for a familiar face. Every night, she would rummage through her belongings looking for something, anything that might remind her of her home in Hope Valley. With every book reading, signing, and presentation, the loneliness and emptiness increased, until she became acutely aware of the disconnect between her own life from the one she had written about. Lucas noticed the change too and was bewildered by her distraction and occasional coldness towards him. One evening, he found her staring sadly out the window at the sunset and came to stand beside her chair. "Elizabeth" he murmured. "Would you like to go for a stroll with me in the garden?" Elizabeth looked up startled and quickly got to her feet. "Lucas…" she breathed quickly, not wanting to look him in the eye. "I can't…" Lucas looked around confused and gave a soft laugh. "Why not?" he murmured. "It's a beautiful night." Elizabeth finally looked into his eyes, and he recognized a strange resolve in them. "Lucas…" she said again, this time with more composure and determination. "I need to go." Lucas frowned a little. "Elizabeth, the reading isn't until nine o'clock…" Elizabeth cut him off. "You don't understand" she murmured. "I need to go home. To Hope Valley." Lucas took in the information and nodded slowly. "Alright then…" he said slowly. "I'll have the servants pack our things." Elizabeth shook her head. "No Lucas" she declined. "I am going to go alone. I need some time to think, and I need you to continue with the book tour." Lucas looked disappointed but nodded. "When will you go?" he asked, more seriously. Elizabeth drew in a deep breath. "At first light" she said. "There's a train leaving early in the morning."