The weeks flew by for residents of Hope Valley, including the Grants. Nathan was busy with Mountie work and trying to keep the Town safe from petty criminals. Tess had kept her promise to Allie and brought Sundrop to Hope Valley, and Allie kept her part of the bargain and Sundrop thrived under Allie's love and attention. Quinn supported Bill as he worked hard as both the Judge and Mayor of Hope Valley, and Sam quickly settled into life in Hope Valley, and like Quinn, it felt like she had always lived there.
Rosemary had been delighted to teach Quinn to drive, and the two women and Allie spent a lot of time together, most of it in stitches from laughing too hard. Despite their laughter, Rosemary was a very competent teacher, and soon, Quinn was happily driving back and forward between Town and the Cabin. Nathan continued driving when needed but rode Newton for his Mountie work; he was much better company than a car. Quinn and Allie also spent time riding Misty Dawn and Sundrop. On weekends, the three of them spent most of the hours together, on horseback riding the property or searching out fishing spots to enjoy.
Quinn couldn't believe how happy she was, how content with the way her life had turned out after all that had happened to her. She adored her husband and child, her Town, and the job she did. She had made friends in Town, and spending time with Faith and Fiona was one of her favourite things to do, outside of spending time with her family.
Lee and Rosemary had become favourites with her family too. After their housewarming party, which seemed to include the whole Town, Rosemary and Lee were their first dinner guests. Rosemary and Quinn were close, and Nathan and Lee had become so. The two men had a lot in common, the main thing being their love and devotion to their wives, who they adored. They were both hard-working and more interested in doing the right thing than making a profit. Rosemary was a fantastic cook, and Allie benefited from lessons from her and Quinn; Lee even managed to catch and cook a fish one day.
Nathan was pleased when Lee told him he had purchased land next door to him and Quinn. Nathan worried about Quinn and Allie when they were alone at the Cabin and dreaded the day he may have to leave them alone overnight if he went out of Town on Mountie business. With Lee and Rosemary building next door, they wouldn't be so isolated if he had to go away.
It would be some time before the house was ready; Lee didn't want to stress Rosemary out before the baby was born and had decided to wait until afterwards to start building. Rosemary was determined to focus on carrying and delivering a healthy baby, content to spend time talking to Lee about the plans for the house, interior designs, and furniture.
Lee started to worry about how big the house would be by the time Rosemary had their baby; if she continued to add rooms, it would be the size of a large hotel instead of a family home. They would be able to ask everyone in Hope Valley to come and stay with them at the same time.
As the time drew closer for Rosemary and Lee to deliver their first child, the Town rallied around them both, especially Rosemary, who had been ordered to bed for the last three weeks of her pregnancy. Quinn wasn't sure who the bed rest was harder on, Rosemary or Lee. Lee, she decided, grinning to herself, definitely Lee.
Quinn and the other women in Town ensured Rosemary had company whenever she wanted but still allowed her time to rest. Visiting with Rosemary meant Quinn also spent time with Elizabeth, who was also committed to keeping her friend entertained. Quinn usually scheduled her visits after lunch, so she could travel home with Nathan and Allie. Elizabeth stopped by after school, sometimes bringing Jack with her, much to Rosemary's delight. She and Lee still doted on the little boy.
Quinn sat on the lounge one afternoon listening to Rosemary make plans for her child, convinced if it were a girl, she would marry Jack and join the Coulter and the Thornton families. Of course, if it was a boy, she was convinced he and Jack would become best friends forever, and they would have children the same age who would marry and join the families together then. Quinn was flattered when Rosemary included her and Nathan in her future plans, deciding they should have one boy and one girl and marry into both her and Elizabeth's families.
"It will certainly be a dynasty, Rosemary, a family to be reckoned with," Elizabeth laughed. "It is an awful lot to put on Jack, though, especially at such a young age," she teased.
"Yes, well, you and Lucas," she said, nodding at Elizabeth, "and you and Nathan, better hurry up and add to your families," Rosemary instructed.
"Rosemary! Lucas and I aren't even married yet," Elizabeth exclaimed, heat flaring in her cheeks; "give us time."
Rosemary's face dropped, "Of course, Elizabeth. I'm sorry, both of you. I forget just how long it took Lee and me before this miracle occurred." Her hand drifted down to stroke her stomach, her fingers tracing over her belly, her face glowing with love for the child she was carrying. "I hope this happens much more easily for the two of you."
Quinn smiled at Rosemary and then at Elizabeth, "I hope so too, Rosemary." Quinn reached out and took her hand; winking at Elizabeth, she said, "I bet you're pleased you don't have long to wait until you find out if you're carrying Jack's future wife or best friend."
Quinn left Rosemary's and started walking back into Town; she was meeting Nathan and Allie at the Cafe for dinner before they headed home for the evening. Quinn was quiet on the walk to Town, thinking about what Rosemary had said about having children, and she found her hand drifting down to rest on her flat stomach. She envied Rosemary's expanding belly; she would love nothing more than to be carrying Nathan's child.
One day, she told herself, one day, that dream would come true for them.
"What is wrong, Quinn?" Faith asked, stopping outside the Cafe where she and Quinn had just finished lunch.
"What makes you think there is something wrong?" Quinn asked her friend, surprised by the question.
Faith tilted her head to the side and studied Quinn's face, "the expression on your face. You aren't worrying about Rosemary, are you? I am visiting tomorrow morning to check on her. She will have the best of care when she delivers. If she delivers tomorrow, you can never tell with new mothers."
"I feel terrible now; I wasn't thinking of her. I was thinking of myself. It's probably nothing, Faith. I, I just wondered ..." Quinn bit her lip, tears welling in her eyes.
"Let's go to the Infirmary, "Faith suggested softly, taking her arm. "You can tell me about it there."
Faith settled Quinn in the chair she used for examinations and gave Quinn a moment. Faith was a little concerned by the tears; she saw many of them in her job, but she was worried because they were from Quinn. Quinn was not someone to let emotion get the better of her. Of everyone in Hope Valley, she would have described Quinn as the most even-tempered, someone not prone to emotional outbursts. Faith studied her friend, there was an explanation for her sudden emotional reaction, and she hoped the reason for them was what she suspected.
Quinn wiped her eyes, "I can't believe I am being so silly."
"You are not being silly, Quinn. Take your time and tell me what has you worried."
"Thanks, Faith; I am worried. I think there might be something wrong with me. Physically." Quinn realised she wasn't explaining herself well; poor Faith probably had no idea what she was talking about.
"Tell me what is wrong with you, how you feel." Faith encouraged her.
"I am so tired, Faith. I have no energy, and that isn't like me." Quinn explained. "I feel sick and have a dull headache that won't go away." Quinn swallowed and sat twisting her wedding band around her finger.
Faith smiled at Quinn, her answers confirmed her suspicions, and she asked her quietly, "what do you think it could be?"
"I don't know, Faith. Do you think it's something serious?" Quinn asked, her voice trembling.
Faith questioned Quinn carefully, asking her about other symptoms to see if she was experiencing any of those as well.
"Well," Quinn asked, biting the inside of her lip.
"I don't think you are dying," Faith said, raising one eyebrow. "I do think you could be pregnant."
Quinn burst into tears at Faith's words; she put her hands over her face and let the tears fall.
Faith was shocked and confused; she expected Quinn to be excited by the prospect of growing her family. "Quinn, what is it? Are you upset about the possibility?"
When she had collected herself, Quinn looked up at her friend, her tear-stained face breaking into a smile. "I am excited, Faith, but I don't know what to do; I'm frightened."
"What about this is frightening, Quinn. I thought you would be happy about this. You're young and healthy and shouldn't have trouble carrying a baby." Smiling at her friend, she said, "don't worry about being emotional; it's one of the common signs of pregnancy. I do believe you are going to have a baby, Quinn."
Quinn laughed through her tears, "Faith, it is wonderful news; I want to have Nathan's baby, a sibling for Allie, but..." Quinn swallowed. She knew she had to explain to Faith why such good news caused her to be so afraid. "I think my Mother died because of a pregnancy Faith, what if it is hereditary? What if something goes wrong for me?"
"Tell me what happened with your Mum, Quinn," Faith asked, sliding closer to her.
"That's the thing; I don't have the details. I was only four, too young to remember clearly what happened." Quinn rubbed her temples with her fingertips, "it's more things I heard growing up, things people whispered or hinted at, the odd comment here and there about her being pregnant when she died."
Quinn took a trembling breath, "I am sure she was pregnant when she died, but I was always told it was an accident, no one ever mentioned the baby being the reason, but I am not sure if that is true."
"Who could tell you? Who would know?" Faith asked, concerned for her friend; this was the last thing she needed if she was pregnant.
"No one. I refuse to reach out to the Fieldings," Quinn stated firmly, her decision final.
"But Quinn," Faith began.
"No, Faith, I will never ask Mary Fielding for anything."
"Her husband?"
"No, not him either."
"Well, it's up to you, but I think it would help if you knew; I don't want you being anxious about this," Faith declared, trying to hide her emotions.
"I am sorry, Faith; I know it isn't what you want to hear. Maybe, if I knew for sure, or if something goes wrong...but not right now, okay?"
"Alright, but I want you to share your concerns with Nathan; he needs to know."
"So, you think I can tell Nathan what we suspect," Quinn asked. Thinking of sharing this news with Nathan finally brought a smile to her face.
"Of course, you can tell anyone you want to, Quinn, but you might want to wait and be sure ...". Faith explained to Quinn the signs that would confirm the pregnancy, changes in her body to look out for.
Quinn tried to listen to everything Faith was telling her, but her mind was racing. A baby, she was going to have Nathan's baby. Reaching out, she took Faith's hand in hers, "I am sorry, Faith, but I don't think I heard anything you just said. "I am going to have a baby, Faith. I want to be excited. Can I be excited?"
"Quinn, yes. I am almost sure you are having a baby, but there are other signs we should wait for." Faith paused; she didn't want to upset her friend but needed to tell her, "I think you should consider trying to find out what happened to your Mother."
"I know, Faith; I won't shout it from the roof. I am only going to tell Nathan what we suspect." Quinn stood and smoothed down her skirt, "I will wait before I tell anyone else, even Allie, although I will hate keeping a secret from her. As for everything else," she smiled at Faith, "one of my best friends is a fantastic Doctor. I would trust her with my life, and I will not worry."
"Alright," Faith said, laughing at Quinn. "Once you have calmed down, come back, and see me, we can talk more then, and I can do a proper examination. Quinn," she said, growing serious, "I think you should tell Nathan about your Mother."
"I will, just not today."
Quinn stood outside the Mountie office and took a deep breath. She should probably wait and tell Nathan at home, but Allie would be there, and she didn't think she could wait. Quinn hoped he would be as excited as she was; they had talked about it happening, but it was always some time in the future; this was happening now.
Quinn decided she wasn't going to mention her Mother. She didn't know for sure, and there was no point in worrying Nathan about something that might not happen. She would talk to Faith, her Doctor, about her concerns. With Nathan, she would share the joy.
She was ready. Opening the door, she stepped inside, pleased to see Nathan sitting behind his desk, alone. Her husband looked up as she walked through, his face breaking into a smile when he saw her.
"This is a surprise, Quinn," Nathan said, rising and walking around his desk to stand before her. As he got closer, his smile dropped. "Have you been crying, Quinn," he asked, looking at her face, "what's wrong."
Concern for Quinn rushed through Nathan. "Has something happened to you, to Allie?" he questioned her urgently. Nathan waited for her to respond, but she didn't, and he was confused. It was clear Quinn had been crying; she had tears in her eyes now, but she didn't seem upset; she was smiling.
He gently propelled Quinn toward the chair in front of his desk, urging her to sit down. Once she was seated, he crouched in front of her. Nathan placed one hand on her leg, and the other stroked her cheek gently. "Tell me what it is, Quinn, please. You're scaring me."
"I went to see Faith. You know how tired I've been," She watched him and saw him nod. "I told her about that and how I have had a headache and felt sick nearly every day for weeks," Quinn explained.
"Why didn't you tell me all of that? You just said you were tired," he asked, fear making his mouth dry. "So, what did Faith say she thought was wrong?" Nathan could barely get the words out; his heart was pounding; he didn't know what he would do if something were wrong with her.
"Nothing," she smiled again. "She thinks everything is going to be fine. Quinn reached out and touched his cheek, "she thinks we are going to have a baby."
Nathan didn't know how it happened. One minute he was crouched in front of Quinn, the next, he was sitting on his backside on the floor. He was speechless.
Quinn knew she shouldn't laugh at Nathan, but she couldn't help it. He looked so cute, sitting where he had fallen, mouth open, eyes wide with astonishment. As she watched him, he continued to stare at her; she could see when he finally processed her words.
She had a new favourite smile; this smile was wider than she had ever seen; his eyes were shining with excitement and joy. She could imagine this is what he looked like as a little boy, on his Birthday or Christmas, when he got exactly what he had wished for. This smile turned from a smile into a laugh, then into a 'whoop' of excitement. This smile had Nathan leaping to his feet, grabbing her hands, and pulling her out of her chair. This smile ended with Nathan lifting her into his arms, swinging her around and kissing her soundly. Quinn loved this smile.
"Quinn, I can't believe it. Are you sure?" Nathan asked after he lifted his lips from hers. "Oh, sorry," he said as he realised he was still spinning her in circles. "I should probably stop that," he said as he gently lowered her to her feet.
Nathan could not believe what he was hearing; he thought his heart would beat out of his chest with excitement.
"I think Faith is pretty sure, but not 100 per cent yet; my symptoms all point that way," Quinn explained, unable to contain her smile. "I hope so, Nathan." Quinn took his face in her hands, "can you believe it? If it's true, we are going to have a baby. Allie is going to be a big sister, and we are going to be parents again."
Nathan placed his hand gently on Quinn's stomach, incredulous. "I can't believe it; it feels like a miracle, Quinn. I can't wait to meet our son or daughter. I can't wait to know for sure. When can we tell Allie?"
"I think I would like to be sure first, have Faith confirm it and make sure there is nothing wrong." Quinn frowned, "it isn't that I don't want her to know. It's just I would hate for her to be disappointed if it turns out not to be."
Nathan nodded, understanding her reasoning. "Okay, I would hate that too," He smiled again and wrinkled his nose up, kissing her again, "but when we tell her, she is going to be so excited."
Quinn threw her head back and laughed; she loved playful, joyful Nathan.
Nathan followed Quinn outside, he knew he was leaving work earlier than usual, but this was a special occasion. As they walked out, he saw Faith step outside the Infirmary and smiled at her.
Something was wrong; Nathan expected Faith to show excitement for him and Quinn, indicating she knew about their excellent news. Faith was smiling, but while she was, it was restrained. Her body radiated tension, and her hands were clasped tightly in front of her. Nathan decided to make an appointment with her first thing in the morning; he needed to understand what that was about. For now, for tonight, after dinner, he would take his wife home and cherish her and the life they had created.