When Sam woke from her rest, she ventured downstairs to the kitchen but found it empty. Deciding she needed some fresh air, she headed outside to walk in the sunshine.
Stepping out of the cafe, she smiled to herself as she looked around Hope Valley, noting the town's growth while keeping the community feeling. She hesitated, wondering which direction to take, and decided to go to the Mercantile first. On the drive from Oakville, Bill had spent some time updating her on the residents from Hope Valley Sam knew. Sam had admitted she was surprised to hear Florence Blakely was now Florence Yost, worked in the Mercantile or ran the switchboard, and was there most days. Sam smiled, thinking of Florence; she had been so resistant to Sam when she stepped off the stagecoach, ready to fight the mining company alongside Bill and Abigail. Sam's only crime was being a woman.
Hope Valley was undoubtedly a town that had embraced women in business; women ran or were involved in most companies. Abigails, the Newspaper, the Barber and Oil Business, Quinn helping Bill and the Mayor once elected, all women. Hope Valley was very progressive.
Sam was so glad Quinn had found a home in Hope Valley, making a place for herself; with or without Nathan and Allie, this had become her home. Sam knew she would miss Quinn and accepted she wasn't coming home. Until she had seen Quinn again, she had hoped Quinn would come back to Oakville. After watching Sam with Nathan, Allie, and Bill, she realised Quinn was home.
Stepping into the Mercantile, she heard her name called and was shocked to see Joshua Fielding standing before her, being served by an angry Florence. Sam queried, "What are you still doing here, Joshua? I thought you would have taken the first chance to get back to Oakville and resolve matters." Frowning, Sam watched his face, looking to see his reaction. While she felt sorry for the young man and knew he was innocent of what his mother and brother had done, she felt uneasy.
"I wanted to talk to Quinn before I left, to speak to her about coming home," Joshua explained. "There is no longer any reason for her to exile herself here in Hope Valley."
Sam shook her head, "Joshua, she isn't exiling herself, she has found a home here, and she is happy. You need to accept it and let her be."
"Don't you want her to come home, back to work for you?" he asked, confusion clouding his face. "I thought you would feel the same, be on my side."
"I am on Quinn's side; happiness is all I want for her; surely, you can see that being here makes her happy," Sam exclaimed. "If you truly care about her, leave; let her be happy."
Florence listened intently to the conversation, interjecting, "Oakville and the people there have treated Quinn appallingly; that isn't how you treat family or those you care about. I suggest you take Sam's advice and leave Hope Valley and Quinn alone." Looking at Sam, Florence leaned in, whispering loudly, "I don't mean you, of course, Ms Madison."
Sam smiled at Florence, "thank you, it's lovely to see you again, and Quinn is fortunate to have you and this town on her side."
"I would do anything for Nathan, Allie and Quinn. She trusted me with her story, and I knew immediately she was innocent. With Nathan and Bill believing her and you, I was sure she hadn't done it." Florence finished her impassioned statement by once again glaring at Joshua.
A slight sound caught her attention, and she turned to see Allie standing in the doorway to the room housing the switchboard. Florence stepped closer to the young girl, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "It's okay, Allie," she whispered, seeing the sadness in the young girl's eyes, her lips quivering as she attempted to contain her emotions.
"I believe you have everything you need for a long trip Mr Fielding, and I suggest you be on your way; you don't want to delay too long." Sniffing, she dismissed him as he stood staring at her. "So, Sam, how long can you stay in town?"
Sam waited for Joshua to collect his items as he prepared to leave, "see you in Oakville when I get back, Joshua; travel safely." Sam's words and tone left no doubt she wanted him gone.
Tipping his head to Sam, he looked at Allie once more, seeing the distress the conversation had caused her, finally understanding the bond that had formed between herself and Quinn. What Sam had said was true; this town, these people made Quinn happy; this was where she would make her life; his stomach dropped with the realisation. Walking out of the Mercantile, he could hear Florence speaking to Sam, "really, Sam, I cannot believe he ever thought Quinn would forgive him." Joshua realised that was also true; she wouldn't forgive him; he had betrayed her by believing the lie told about her.
Walking slowly toward the Queen of Hearts, he thought about Quinn, what had happened in Oakville, and Hope Valley. Joshua admitted he was being selfish, his life in Oakville was falling apart, and he wanted Quinn to come home so he wouldn't have to face the fallout alone. Sighing, he acknowledged his father wouldn't cope well with what would come next; Joshua would need to be the strong one, and the first step in doing that was to leave Quinn alone and face what was coming on his own. His mother's part in Harold Standing's death, her transgressions before her marriage to his father, and his half-brother's existence and actions would soon become public knowledge; there was nothing he could do about it.
Joshua looked down at the items he had purchased; yes, they would be enough to start his journey to Oakville. All that was left to do was collect his things from the Saloon and let Mr Bouchard know he wouldn't need a room. He would write to Quinn, apologise again, and promise justice for her father.
Energised with his new purpose, Joshua strode away from the Mercantile to the Queen of Hearts and resolved to start for Oakville immediately.
Nathan stood at the bar in the Queen of Hearts, talking with Lucas about collecting Andrew Booth's belongings. He had yet to broach the subject of Joshua Fielding but hoped Lucas would agree quickly with what he would ask of him. As he thought about what he would say, the Saloon door opened, and Joshua strode inside, stopping when he saw Nathan.
Nathan's jaw clenched when he saw Joshua, and he could feel Lucas tensing beside him, anticipating trouble. His eyes narrowed as he took in Joshua Fielding, wondering what the packages he held in his hands meant, were these items he needed to extend his stay?
"What can I do for you, Joshua?" asked Lucas before Nathan could speak.
"I would like to settle my account with you, Lucas; I intend to leave for home immediately after collecting my things. Are there any outstanding charges from...my...Andrew Booth's stay here, I would like to cover them?
"That won't be necessary, Joshua, but thank you for offering. The Constable and I are about to go up and clean out his room; his personal items will be sent with him to Oakville when he leaves." Lucas explained their plan to Joshua, hoping he wouldn't ask to see his room.
"Thank you for organising that, Lucas, Constable Grant. I would prefer not to associate with him outside of the trial." Looking at Nathan, he spoke directly to him. "I would like to thank you for ensuring my brother was brought to justice, and the people responsible for Quinn's father's death will face what they have done," Joshua confessed, his eyes barely meeting either of the men. "I intend to write to Quinn and let her know I have left Hope Valley, and I will do everything to ensure justice for her father."
Nathan acknowledged his words, remaining silent to see what else Joshua had to say.
Joshua turned to walk up the stairs to his room but turned back as he reached the first step. "I am glad Quinn has found a home in Hope Valley after my family's action drove her out of her own." Not caring that Lucas was listening, he continued, "the connection between you two, the love, is evident to anyone who sees you together. While I admit I wish it had gone differently, I know there is no hope. Quinn has decided her future is with you and your daughter. Be good to her."
Nathan acknowledged his words with a nod; taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes, glad there was one less obstacle in his and Quinn's future.
Quinn lay in bed and stretched, taking a moment to think back over the last week, smiling because it had been a perfectly normal week for the first time in as long as she could remember. For once, nothing was hanging over her head, nothing intruding on the relationship she was building with Nathan and Ali, and no one to take away the joy she had found.
It felt as though a burden had been lifted off her. Although she still missed her father, finally knowing what happened and that he would get justice had allowed her to grieve properly. Andrew Booth had been transported to Brookfield to await trial, and Joshua Fielding had left as well, as he had told Nathan he would. Joshua had left a simple note behind for her, apologising for his behaviour and what he had put her through. Joshua acknowledged his selfishness, in not wanting to face Oakville alone, knowing her support would have made it easier. Joshua didn't ask for her forgiveness, and she was glad; she hoped one day to be able to give it to him unconditionally, but she couldn't yet.
After the brothers had left, the Town calmed down, and Hope Valley settled back into its routine. The Mayoral race continued to be an area of contention for those in the running and those supporting them. Hope Valley was still a small town, so loyalty and votes were divided.
Nathan, Allie and Quinn had taken the much-anticipated fishing trip; unfortunately, they hadn't been able to travel far, Quinn's ribs wouldn't allow her to ride comfortably on a horse, so they stayed close to home and walked to the fishing spot. Quinn had been lucky or unlucky enough to catch a fish and, much to the amusement of Nathan and Allie, cleaned and gutted it without any assistance. She felt she was making progress, at least this time, when she was finished it still resembled a fish, unlike her previous attempts. Quinn grinned as she remembered sitting at the fishing spot, watching Allie fish as she leaned back against Nathan's chest, his arm resting gently around her. It felt like they were a family, and she wanted nothing more.
Bill had given Quinn the week off, but she decided she wanted to spend some time working, showing Sam around the office and updating her on the current cases. Sam and Bill worked well together, bouncing ideas off each other on how they would manage certain things; it didn't feel like work when she was with them.
Quinn thought about the other times she had spent catching up with Sam, showing her around Hope Valley, discussing the changes since she had been there all those years ago. Sam was still infamous in Town due to her win over the mining company so many people were delighted to see her again, even Henry, who recognised a worthy opponent. Quinn was glad she had the chance to introduce Sam to Fiona and Faith; neither one had been in town during her last visit. She had spent several lunches at the café with the three of them, Rosemary, Florence, and Minnie, joining when they could.
Elizabeth hadn't been seen around town and indeed hadn't joined in any of their lunches at the café or Saloon. While Quinn made a point of not asking after Elizabeth, she couldn't avoid hearing from several sources that Lucas and Elizabeth had decided they needed some time apart. Lucas had suggested Elizabeth needed to understand what it was she wanted for herself and Jack, and until she knew, there was no point in pursuing a relationship.
Quinn sat up; she knew she had to stop stalling and get out of bed. Today she was leaving with Sam, heading back to Oakville. She knew she had to go, she had to settle the sale of her father's home, and business and Sam was helping her to do that. The investor would be passing through Oakville and wanted to finalise all the details. Quinn knew this would be the last link she had to Oakville, other than Sam, and she wanted to conclude it but wished she didn't have to leave Hope Valley, Nathan, or Allie. Thinking about spending even a short time apart from them made her feel gloomy; how would she feel when she had left them. Nathan and Allie were firmly entrenched in her heart and life, she spent at least some of every day with both and would miss that.
Quinn had finally motivated herself to get dressed and finish packing and walked lightly down the stairs to the café's kitchen when she paused on the stairs, listening. A smile formed as she heard the friendly voices of the people she loved waiting below. She could imagine the gentle teasing and easy-going banter flowing amongst them, and tears filled her eyes. The tears were a mix of happiness and sadness; she would miss this so much.
Taking a deep breath to calm herself, and blinking back tears, Quinn continued the rest of the way down the stairs. Reaching the bottom, she saw Nathan before her, his face breaking into a smile when she came into view. He really was the most handsome man she had ever seen, and as always, her heart leapt at the sight of him. Quinn hoped she would always feel this way, and never take for granted he loved her.
Nathan approached her and leaned down to kiss her gently on the cheek, squeezing her hand as he did so. He lingered after the kiss, whispering, "Good Morning, I missed you." Quinn shivered as she felt his breath, warm on her neck as his voice rumbled in her ear. She knew she was blushing, but she couldn't help how he affected her.
Clearing her throat softly, she whispered back to him, "Good morning; I missed you too." She smiled as her soft breath on his cheek seemed to affect him the way he affected her. Holding on to his hand, she walked into the room and greeted everyone already waiting there, giving Allie a special hug.
Sam passed her a cup of coffee, smiling as she asked, "looking forward to our trip?"
Quinn wanted to say yes to her friend and wanted to be excited; she admitted, "I am excited about spending time with you and tying up loose ends, but I can't be excited about being away."
Sam grinned back at her and, looking at Nathan and Allie, said, "if it's any consolation, I haven't seen two people so miserable in a long time; now you can add yourself to them and be the three most miserable people I have seen. If it makes you feel any better, they will miss you too."
"It doesn't," Quinn joked, smiling to take the sting out of her words.
After breakfast, Bill came to Nathan's rescue, asking Allie and Sam to help him bring the cases from upstairs. He looked at Nathan and winked, saying, "I will keep them up there as long as possible."
Quinn and Nathan laughed, grateful to have a few moments to say goodbye privately. The moment they were alone, Nathan drew Quinn into his arms, kissing her deeply, the way he couldn't when there were people around. Quinn melted into the kiss, her fingers threaded through his hair, and she pressed herself against him. Nathan broke the kiss, pulling back to look into Quinn's eyes, "I will miss you so much; I don't even have words to describe it."
Quinn felt the tears threatening again and did her best to hold them back; Nathan saw them anyway and held her close to his chest. Quinn stood in his embrace, listening to his heartbeat, knowing this was what she would remember when she missed him, the sound of his heart, the feel of being in his arms, knowing he was waiting would sustain her. Quinn would let Sam know she wouldn't stay a moment longer than she had to; she knew she would understand. "I will miss you too; I will be back as soon as I can."
"I know it is only a car ride away; if it gets too bad, I can always get someone to drive me to you," Nathan said to her.
Quinn laughed, "Nathan, it is a whole day. You can't do that; besides, I won't be gone long enough for you to need to do that." Quinn knew he would come to her if she needed him, but she didn't want that; she wanted to move on from being someone that required looking after, that had issues. "Sam has a telephone in her office and home, we can talk to each other through the day, and maybe you could visit Lee and Rosemary at night if something comes up." Quinn was staying with Sam while in Oakville; she didn't consider the house she grew up in home anymore.
Nathan smiled at Quinn, "that sounds wonderful." Nathan didn't like to hide things from Quinn, but he had planned a surprise for her, well, for both he and Quinn. Fiona had agreed to reprise her old role and install a telephone in his house. He would be able to talk to Quinn from the privacy of his home, plus he knew having a telephone was inevitable. Sam knew about his plan and would make sure Quinn was home at the prearranged time so he and Allie could call and surprise her. If they couldn't see her every day, they could hear her voice at least.
Quinn hugged Allie hard when it was time to go, promising to be back as soon as she could; she was grateful to feel Allie squeezing her back just as hard. "I love you, Allie; I promise I will be back as soon as possible. Take care of your dad, won't you," she whispered. Allie nodded against her chest but didn't let go. "Take care of yourself; I hope I get to talk to you while I am away."
Letting go of Allie, Quinn gave Bill a quick hug, "Thanks for the time off, Boss," she said, smiling at him. "I promise to be back at work soon."
Bill hugged her back and said, "you probably should hurry back; I will need your help more than ever to clear up some cases. I need to make sure my workload is manageable when I become Mayor." Looking at Sam, he said loudly, "maybe you could spend some time talking this one into coming back with you; the three of us make a great team."
Sam shook her head at Bill, laughing as she got into the car's driver's seat. The others stood back as Nathan walked Quinn to the car, opening the door for her. Before she got into the car, Quinn hugged him one more time, placing a quick kiss on his lips. Quinn settled herself in the car before looking back at everyone, smiling and waving. As the vehicle took off, she looked at Nathan, laughing as he smiled and blew her a kiss.