"I missed this place, Sam," Quinn said, walking into Sam's office, where she used to work; she was happy to feel nostalgic for it after having felt nothing for the town. Quinn had always loved working with Sam and the type of work, so she was glad to continue it with Bill.
"I have missed working with you," Sam replied with a smile. "It just isn't the same being here by myself, and I can't seem to bring myself to replace you."
"There is a solution, you know," Quinn said, her eyes bright with laughter.
"I know, I know, Hope Valley has enough work for Bill and me." Sam tilted her head and said, "let's talk again when Bill becomes Mayor; he will need some help then. Hope Valley is growing so fast Bill can't do everything."
"I see Bill has convinced you he is going to win! If that does happen, we have a deal, and I will hold you to it." Quinn agreed. Changing the topic, she asked, "What can I expect of the Lalors?" allowing herself to wonder about the buyers for the first time. Until now, she trusted Sam to investigate and ensure there was no connection to the Fieldings; she remained adamant they were not to profit from her father's death.
"Peter and Chelsea Lalor are a couple in their late fifties with one child, a son Thomas. Thomas works in the family business with his father while his wife Rebecca looks after their child Sarah. Peter Lalor is buying the business, and Thomas will run it; he and Rebecca will live in Oakville, in your home." Sam explained what she knew about the Lalors, glad Quinn was curious at last; she had wanted her to feel comfortable with the sale but hadn't wanted to push her.
Sam continued, "I haven't met Thomas or his family, but the way Peter and Chelsea talk about them, it's clear they adore them, and the family is close. The older Lalors live in Hamilton and will continue to do so."
Quinn nodded, "Thank you again, Sam, for all your work making the arrangements; I know others could do this, but I trust you." Quinn hugged her friend quickly, releasing her as she heard the door opening.
Turning, Sam walked toward the stranger who entered; she had been expecting to see the Lalor's and hoped nothing had happened to them. "Good Morning. Can I help you?" she asked.
"Judge Chambers asked me to deliver this to you immediately," the young man explained, handing her a large, sealed envelope.
Sam realised this must be the new Clerk working for Judge Chambers; she hadn't met him since he started while she was in Hope Valley. Sam made the introductions between herself, Quinn, and the young man whose name was William Smith. He left as quickly as he arrived, and Sam took a moment to review the letter's contents.
Sam was frowning as she read the envelope's contents, and Quinn grew nervous the more prolonged the silence. "Is everything okay, Sam?" Quinn asked tentatively.
"it's okay, Quinn; it has nothing to do with the sale to the Lalors or the case against Andrew Booth and Mary Fielding. It's another case; one Judge Chambers wants me to look at urgently." Sam explained, the frown deepening as she continued to read. "I am so sorry, Quinn, I may not be able to take you back to Hope Valley tomorrow as planned. I had cleared my schedule, but I cannot ignore this case."
Quinn shook her head, "Please, Sam, don't think anything of it. I will go back when I can. I always knew there was a chance my visit might extend. This case seems very important."
Sam's face turned grim, "a young woman, falsely accused of a crime. Judge Chambers is aware of the case but isn't presiding over the matter; he feels it would be a conflict of interest as he knows her father."
Quinn's heart ached for the unknown girl; she knew exactly what it felt like to be in her position. She was opening her mouth, about to offer her assistance, when the door opened again, this time it was a couple which she presumed were the Lalors.
Sam confirmed her hunch as she greeted them, putting the papers from the envelope face down on her desk. However, throughout the transaction, Quinn could tell Sam was distracted; the Lalors didn't appear to notice. Quinn tried to cover the shortfalls in the conversation and enjoyed talking to the couple. As the transaction progressed and they signed the papers, a sense of peace settled over Quinn; she was pleased to be selling the business and house to this family.
As their business concluded, Peter asked if they would like to join him and his wife for lunch. Quinn looked to Sam for her thoughts and realised that she wouldn't want to go when her eyes flicked to the file on her desk. Quinn felt obligated to show them around the town and suggested Sam continue with her other matters; Sam agreed, gratefully smiling as Quinn and the Lalors ventured out to eat.
Over lunch, Quinn and the Lalors discussed Oakville and what it was like to live there and grow up there, particularly in the Standing home. Quinn knew the Lalors knew her history with the town, so she glossed over that part, declining to dwell on the negative. Quinn was able to talk happily about her childhood in the home, living with her father and the friends she had made in town.
Quinn also spoke about Hope Valley, her new home, the people there and her work with Bill.
Chelsea chuckled as Quinn talked about Hope Valley; "you make me want to see the place you live; it sounds lovely. I am sure you are keen to get home."
"Yes, I am. I miss everyone very much," Quinn said quickly.
"Anyone in particular?" Chelsea continued, laughing as Quinn blushed, "It's alright; no need to answer; your cheeks gave it away."
Quinn once again cursed her complexion, "there is a special someone there, the town Mountie and his adopted daughter. I miss both terribly and can't wait to get home."
"When do you get to go home? Will you leave now our business is concluded?" Peter asked her.
Quinn was careful with her words; she didn't want to appear ungrateful to Sam, "I need Sam to be free; she is driving me back, we had planned to leave tomorrow, but I think a case has come up and it may delay it."
Peter and Chelsea Lalor exchanged a glance, "Would you be willing to travel with us?" Peter asked, "Chelsea and I are heading close by to Hope Valley on the way to visit my cousin. A small detour wouldn't inconvenience us; I agree with my wife; after hearing about your home, I would love to see it?"
Quinn realised her mouth had dropped open, and she quickly closed it, "I couldn't possibly ask you to do that."
"You're not, dear," Chelsea replied. "Peter and I had already planned our trip to allow us to take detours when we wanted to. We haven't been to this part of the country and wanted to take the time to explore different places."
Quinn wanted to say yes; instead, she said, "Let me talk to Sam. Can I tell you later today?"
"Of course, we will be leaving tomorrow morning," Peter confirmed.
Sam sat behind her desk, reading the case file Judge Chambers had sent to her. Sam knew he wouldn't have sent it to her to investigate if he didn't believe the young woman had been unfairly treated. Sam had a great deal of respect for the Judge and knew she had to prioritise this. Quinn would understand if there was a delay in returning to Hope Valley, but she would still do her best to get her home. As she continued reading, she knew she needed to bounce her ideas off someone and reached for the phone; Bill Avery was just the person.
The door to the Mountie office being pushed open startled Nathan out of his thoughts. He had been trying to figure out the perfect way to ask Quinn to marry him, thinking of ideas and quickly discarding them. He knew it wasn't all about the proposal; the marriage was what was important, but still, he wanted to make it memorable.
Nathan smiled as he saw his visitor was Bill. "Good morning, Bill; what brings you here today."
"Nothing much, just wondering if you have heard when Quinn is coming back?" he asked.
Smiling, Nathan leaned back in his chair and said, "Quinn was signing the papers today, and after that, she is free to travel back. I think Sam was free to drive her home tomorrow." The smile grew broader on his face at the thought of her coming home, and he didn't care if Bill teased him for it.
"I just got off the phone from Sam; she has been given a new case, it's very involved, and she needs to begin working on it immediately," Bill explained. "A young woman has been accused of stealing, but Judge Chambers thinks she has been framed; he asked Sam to help her."
"What are you trying to tell me, Bill?" Nathan asked, wondering why Bill had walked over to tell him about it. "Is Quinn not travelling home tomorrow?"
Bill bit his lip, "I am not sure, and Sam didn't say it, but I wondered if Quinn might stay and help Sam with the case, she knows how it feels to be wrongly accused of a crime."
Nathan's stomach dropped; surely Quinn wouldn't stay in Oakville indefinitely. He thought back to their conversations; she missed him as much as he missed her; he knew it. He wanted her to come home as soon as possible; he knew that was selfish? Quinn would feel for the young girl and want to help. "So should I prepare to hear she isn't coming back tomorrow?"
"I don't know, Nathan; I hoped you had spoken to her. I know I am being selfish," Bill said, echoing Nathan's thoughts. "We make a good team, and I want her back at work, but I know Sam wants her help too."
"I will not borrow trouble, Bill. I will wait to talk to her tonight. If I hear anything, I will let you know." Nathan wouldn't give up on her coming home until he heard it from Quinn. He wouldn't tell Allie either.
Quinn burst through the door into Sam's office, a little out of breath, "Oh Sam, I have some news I think will make you happy," she exclaimed.
Sam looked up, distracted by the file but trying to take in Quinn's words, "what is it?" she said hurriedly. "Sorry, Quinn, I was distracted; what news do you have?"
"The Lalors have offered to drive me back to Hope Valley; they are driving in that direction tomorrow and don't mind making a small detour," Quinn said. "This way, you don't have to leave off from reviewing the file, and I get to go home." Finally noticing the look on Sam's face, Quinn felt embarrassed at her enthusiasm to be leaving. "I am sorry, Sam, it isn't that I want to be away from you," she explained.
Sam smiled, "please, Quinn, I understand you want to get home. I won't deny I love having you here and wish you could stay, but I know you can't." Sam stood and walked to her friend, "this case will be tough. I could use your help, but you being in Hope Valley isn't going to stop me from reaching out to you; in fact, I have already reached out to Bill."
"I keep telling you, Sam, there is enough room in Hope Valley for you, and I would love to have you close by," Quinn said. "You being there would make it perfect!"
"It isn't already perfect?" Sam teased.
"It is pretty perfect already," Quinn admitted laughing with her friend. She counted the hours until her call with Nathan this evening, and she saw him and Allie the next day. She couldn't wait to get home.
Quinn contacted the Lalors and took them up on their generous offer; they would collect her early in the morning, wanting to get an early start to their trip. Quinn hurried around her room, packing, not wanting to leave anything behind. Once she had finished, she returned to the office to check for any personal items she may have left behind and see Sam.
"How am I ever going to repay you for everything you have done for me? Giving me my job, supporting me through the trial and being there for me afterwards. If it weren't for you and the time you spent with me, I wouldn't be where I am today. I am so thankful you were in my life and that you're still in it." Quinn said, hugging her friend.
"You don't need to thank me, Quinn; I enjoyed having you in my life. You are my family, and I will miss you when you return to Hope Valley. I'm so close to packing up and joining you."
"Do it; that would make me so happy!" Quinn laughed.
"Let's see what happens with this case; we might need to get it transferred out of Oakville; it is too controversial," Sam explained. She explained to Quinn that a young woman employed as a Nanny for a wealthy family had been accused of stealing jewellery. The young girl, Isabel Manning, had denied the charges, suggesting the accusation had been made against her because of the wife's jealousy.
"Do you know the Piper family, Quinn?" Sam asked.
"I have heard of them but don't know them; they have only recently arrived in Oakville, haven't they? I hadn't felt up to making new friends until recently," she said ruefully.
Sam grinned at her friend, understanding the pain behind the light-hearted comment. "Yes, they have been here less than six months; the Nanny Isobel arrived with them. Archibald Piper has a lot to do with the Mayor and town council, so there could be a conflict of interest if the trial stays here. Judge Chambers is already proposing a relocation after recusing himself; I will suggest Brookfield with a visiting judge."
"Not Bill?" Quinn asked, surprised.
"No, I want Bill on my side helping me investigate; I feel there is more to the matter than we know."
"I hope you know you can reach out to me anytime. I will work with Bill in Hope Valley on this. It sounds like Isobel needs all the friends she can get." Quinn said, meaning it; she felt a bond with this girl she had never even met.
Sam and Quinn had a quiet dinner at home that night, finalising Isobel's defence plans and what Bill and Quinn could do to help.
Quinn was disappointed when she tried to call Nathan, and the call wouldn't connect. She had grown used to speaking to Nathan and Allie every night, imagining them all cosy in their home in Hope Valley, going about their typical day and night until the phone rang and the three of them caught up.
It would be too early to call them when she left the following day. Quinn resolved that if she couldn't talk to them, at least she could surprise them by coming home to Hope Valley and being there in person.
Quinn woke early the next morning, eager to be up and on her way home to Nathan and Allie. When Sam came down, she was ready with coffee and breakfast prepared for them.
The Lalors were right on time, and Quinn's luggage was quickly loaded; after saying another goodbye to Sam, they were on their way.
Quinn woke suddenly, and it took a few moments to remember she was in the back seat of the Lalors car; she was embarrassed to have fallen asleep. Yawning, she stretched and said, "I am so sorry to have fallen asleep. I apologise," she said earnestly, "How long was I asleep?"
Chelsea turned to Quinn and said, "it has been a while; you must have needed it," she said kindly. "You have been asleep for almost two hours."
"Oh No," Quinn exclaimed, "I didn't realise how tired I was, but your right, I haven't been sleeping well, and last night I was so excited to be going home I was awake most of the night."
"Well, sleeping the trip away will help the time until you arrive go much faster," Peter said, laughing. "We will stop for lunch in a moment; we have some food with us so that we can stop anywhere."
Nathan stepped into the cafe, hoping to order an early dinner. Allie was staying at Opal's, so he was at a loose end and didn't want to cook for himself. Despite knowing Quinn wouldn't be there, he looked for her anyway. He realised he had been doing it the whole time she was gone, looking for her. Hope Valley wasn't the same without her; Nathan realised she brightened Hope Valley for him. Talking with her, laughing with her, and being near her made him feel more alive. He missed her so much.
Nathan ordered the dinner special and sat reading the latest edition of the Valley News while he waited for his order. He felt someone approach his table and saw Elizabeth standing beside him. She looked gaunt, her face pale and her eyes dull. He went to stand, but she waved her hand, indicating he should stay in his heat; Nathan complied, wondering what she wanted with him. Since Lucas had suggested they needed a break, no one had seen much of Elizabeth, so he was surprised to see her out and about.
"Elizabeth. Are you having dinner at the cafe?" Nathan asked.
"I hadn't decided; Jack is with Rosemary and Lee; they asked to spend some time with him, so.." Elizabeth trailed off. "If you are eating alone, I could join you."
Nathan was confounded, he didn't want to have dinner with Elizabeth, but his manners and innate kindness forced him to agree, "of course, join me for dinner? I have only just ordered."
"Thank you, Nathan; I would love to," Elizabeth said. "Let me go and place my order with the kitchen; that way, it will come out at the same time as yours." Smiling, she turned away and hurried to the kitchen.
Nathan sighed, he had really hoped she would say no, but he would make this dinner go as quickly as possible.
"Minnie, can you please add another dinner special to Nathan's order? He has asked me to have dinner with him this evening." Elizabeth explained as she put her head through the curtain separating the kitchen and dining room.
Quinn walked into the kitchen at the cafe through the private entrance. The Lalors were planning to eat at the cafe later, she offered to join them, but they understood she would prefer to be with Nathan and Allie, agreeing to catch up for breakfast instead. Quinn dropped her bag on the floor, waved to Minnie, and noted Elizabeth Thornton peering through the curtain.
Elizabeth asked, "When did you get back, Quinn?"
"I have only just arrived. Did I hear you say Nathan is in the cafe?" Quinn replied, stepping forward to go and see him.
"Yes, he asked me to dinner," Elizabeth advised, her tone clear the invitation wasn't being extended to her.
"How lovely," Quinn replied, ignoring her, refusing to be jealous. Walking around Elizabeth, she pushed aside the curtain, her face lighting up when she saw Nathan sitting at the table.
Nathan looked up as the curtain moved, expecting to see Elizabeth returning. His mouth dropped open when he saw Quinn, and he leapt out of his chair, his long legs allowing him to cross the room quickly. Nathan's smile matched Quinn's, his voice excited as he asked, "When did you get back?" gathering her into his arms. Not waiting for an answer, he held her tightly, placing a kiss on her head. Moving his mouth to her ear so he could whisper, "I have missed you so much," he said, his voice breaking with emotion. "I love you, Quinn."
Quinn smiled, pulling back to look into his eyes; she rested her palm on his cheek, "I am so sorry I couldn't let you know I was coming back today; I couldn't get through on the telephone last night and I left too early this morning to call." She stood on tiptoe and kissed him quickly on the cheek. "All I could think about was getting home to you and Allie."
When Nathan realised the patrons in the cafe were looking at them, he was glad it was early, and the place wasn't full. Deciding they needed privacy, Nathan dropped his arms from around Quinn, grabbed her hand, and spun her around toward the kitchen.
Quinn laughed at his enthusiasm, glad it matched her own and happily followed him back out into her home. She had forgotten about Elizabeth. Nathan stopped suddenly as he stepped into the kitchen, causing Quinn to bump into his back; she guessed he had forgotten her too.
"Oh Elizabeth, sorry, I had forgotten about dinner. You will have to excuse me, please; Quinn is home."
"Oh well, can't we eat while Quinn settles in? I am sure Quinn won't mind." Elizabeth said.
"I will mind, Elizabeth; I'm sorry, it isn't like we had planned to have dinner; we were really just two people eating at the same time," Nathan said. He did feel bad, but he wouldn't be able to concentrate knowing Quinn was close by.
Elizabeth's cheeks reddened, and she said to Minnie, "I will take mine to go, please."
Minnie said, "you're welcome to eat here with me. I would love the company." She turned her back to her, looked at Nathan and Quinn, and said, "Nathan, would you mind helping Quinn take her bag upstairs? I don't want anyone to trip over it."
"Of course, Happy to help," Nathan said, grinning. Without letting go of Quinn's hand, he picked up her bag, guiding them upstairs. While being alone upstairs wasn't entirely appropriate, he didn't care. He needed a few moments alone with her before they went to find Allie.
Reaching the top of the stairs, he dropped Quinn's bag and drew her into his arms, kissing her soundly. His mouth was urgent on hers, his arms crushing her to his chest. As he deepened the kiss, he slid one hand up into her hair, the other arm wrapped around her waist, lifting her off her feet.
Quinn held on as Nathan lifted her; her arms around his neck tightened, making sure he didn't let her go; she wasn't ready for him to let her go yet.
Quinn felt the heat between them building as the kiss went on, both unable to get enough of each other, to get close enough.
Nathan broke the kiss eventually; breathing heavily, he stared at Quinn, then smiled at her, his beautiful blue eyes capturing hers. "Welcome home."
"I might need to go away more often if that is how you welcome me home," Quinn said, her face beaming, her eyes shining with love. "I missed you and Allie so much, Nathan," tears welled in her eyes and spilled over. Laughing, she said, "Look at me;" wiping her eyes, she said, "I'm sorry, I am just so glad to be here with you; it felt like I was gone for an eternity."
Nathan leaned down and kissed her again, a sweet kiss "don't ever apologise for loving Allie and me, for missing us. We were miserable without you too. I thought Sam was never going to bring you home to us."
"She didn't; it's a long story. Would you be willing to share your dinner with me? I can tell you and Allie together at your house." Quinn suggested.
"Sounds good to me; we can stop at the Wiese's and collect Allie on the way past." Nathan agreed. "We should probably take some chocolate cake home with us so she isn't too disappointed about leaving Opal's", he teased, knowing Allie would be over the moon to see Quinn and spend the evening with them.
"Sure, I wouldn't want to disappoint Allie," Quinn said with a wink, grabbing his hand and pulling him downstairs.