(Chapter Thirty-Six)
Explaining
It was a beautiful October morning. Carson had arrived half an hour earlier, and Faith was to arrive any minute. Carson was in the back when the infirmary door opened.
"Faith," he called. "I'm glad you're here – " his voice trailed off when he saw Sofia standing in the office. "Good morning, Sofia," he greeted her, giving her a quick hug.
"Good morning, Carson."
"What can I do for you?"
"Well, nothing really. I just came to tell you something."
"Oh? And what's that?"
"I'm engaged," she announced happily.
"You're what?"
"I'm engaged to be married," she repeated.
"Who's the lucky fella?"
"Carson, I hope you're not disappointed," she avoided the question.
"What? Me, jealous? Never. So – "
"So?"
"Who is he?"
"Charles," she stated simply.
"Charles? Doesn't he have a last name?"
She smiled shyly, "Kensington."
"Kensington? Charles Kensington . . . Hmmm . . . the name sounds awfully familiar. Wait . . . isn't that the name of Elizabeth's old friend?"
"I believe so," she laughed quietly.
"Where will you be living?"
"Well, before the wedding I'm staying in one of the row houses. And I believe we will be staying here, in Hope Valley, after the wedding."
"Well, I hope we can still be friends."
"Of course we will be."
He smiled at her, thankful for their friendship. "Well, you look very happy. I wish you two all the best."
"Thank you, Carson."
He embraced her one last time.
The door opened and Faith entered.
"Well, I'd better go. Goodbye, Carson," she said shyly, backing away from him.
"Sofia," he nodded to her as she left hurriedly.
Faith stood awestruck at the sight she had just seen.
"Good morning, Faith," Carson greeted her.
"Good morning nothing," she whispered in disgust.
"Is anything wrong, Faith?"
"Is anything wrong?! Carson . . ." she started sobbing.
"Faith," he held his arms out to her and pulled her to him. She pushed away from him.
"Carson, how could you?"
"How could I what?"
"How could you – hug me after you just hugged another woman?"
"Sofia?"
"Yes, Sofia."
"Faith, I – I'm really sorry. She's my friend."
"You're friend?! Ha! You don't hug a friend like that! I can only imagine how many times you've kissed her, and how many other women you've kissed."
"Faith . . . I – I have never kissed her. Ever."
"Oh really?"
"Really, Faith. I have never kissed a woman I didn't love. To be honest with you, I've only ever kissed three women in my entire life, Faith. Please, believe me."
"Three?"
"Yes. My mother, my wife . . . and you. Faith, I love you."
"Then why was Sofia in here?" she ignored his last sentence.
"She wanted to tell me something."
"What, that she's in love with you?"
"No, Faith. She's engaged."
"What? En – engaged?"
"Yes. His name is Charles. Charles Kensington."
"Elizabeth's childhood friend from Hamilton?"
"Yes, Faith. Can't you see? I don't love Sofia. She's only a friend. You – are more than a friend, Faith. I love you."
Carson pulled her to him gently. This time, she did not resist the strength of his arms.
"Oh, Carson. I'm so sorry! I will never doubt your love again," she cried into his chest.
"It's alright, Faith. You may doubt me as much as you wish. Just as long as you promise to make up afterwards."
"I promise," she replied pushing back only a bit to kiss him.
"Friends again?" Carson asked cautiously.
"Hey, I thought you said we were going to be more than friends?"
He chuckled softly. "Oh, that's right. I did, didn't I?" Well then, more than friends it is," he teased her, lifting her chin with his hand and kissing her gently.
"I love you, Faith Carter," he whispered before kissing her again.
"I love you too, Carson Shepherd," she said around the kiss.
There they stood, kissing. What if somebody came in and saw them, Faith wondered. And at the thought of being caught, she pulled away reluctantly and leaned against his chest as he held her tight.