A/N: Thanks for the review, Brian! It's much appreciated. So... I guess that means I'm not uploading too fast? Was just asking because I know how it feels when someone keeps uploading new chapters that I don't have time to read.

Chapter 8

Oliver had been waiting in line for almost an hour, and, like most of the people, was getting fairly impatient. The apologetic announcer was heard every ten minutes, so most people had tuned out. That's why it took them a few moments to realise that there was a new message this time.

"Attention please, we regret to inform you that due to heavy snowfall all flights for today are cancelled. Your ticket will still be valid tomorrow. We advice you to find a place to stay for the night. For questions, please go to one of the information desks. Our apologies for the inconvenience. I repeat, we regret to inform you that due to heavy…"

Oliver rolled his eyes. Just his luck! Well, looking at the lines forming already at the information desks, he figured he'd best find himself a place to sleep.

"Doctor Crane!"

Surprised, Oliver looked up, but he saw no familiar face in the throng in which he found himself.

"Doctor Crane!" he heard again, and this time he saw two uniformed men, making their way through the crowd.

"Major Doss?" Oliver said, completely surprised at seeing the military man here. Wasn't he supposed to be abroad?

"Doctor Crane, what a surprise to see you here," the Army Major said, as they finally stood face to face.

"Not as surprised as I am to see you here, I'm sure," Oliver said.

"Oh, may I introduce to you, my fellow officer, Captain Frank Jenkins," Major Steven Doss said, giving a quick nod towards the man standing next to him.

"Doctor Oliver Crane," Oliver said as they shook hands.

"So what brings you here, doctor?" Steven asked.

"Medical conference. It ended today, but unfortunately, my plane home was cancelled." He looked at the two officers curiously. "What about you? I thought Tippy said you were abroad and unable to make it home in time for Christmas."

Steven gave him a half smile. "It looks as though I still won't be able to, doctor," he said, nodding towards the screens that showed only cancelled flights. Oliver sighed. "Yes, I suppose we have the same problem. I was about to secure myself a room."

A satisfied look came across the Major's face. "Actually doctor Crane, I had another idea…" He proceeded to give a short overview of his plan. "Would you like to join us, doctor?"

Oliver raised his eyebrows, not sure what to make of it, but then he shrugged and nodded. "Well, it's worth trying," he said hesitantly. Of course, he had nothing better to do, so why not…

"Tippy, you ready to go?" Clint asked, shrugging into his jacket as he walked up to the reception desk. Tippy looked up. "Oh, oh yes, I'm almost ready. Just let me get my coat, and I'll be as ready as I can be." Within moments she had grabbed her coat, and her bag which contained a change of clothes.

Doctor Hebert ran into them just as they were about to leave.

"Hey Tippy, Clint, are you leaving?"

"Yes, doctor Cassidy and Nancy invited me over for dinner tonight," Tippy explained with a smile. Derek exchanged a look with Clint and smiled. "That's very nice. I guess we'll see each other at church then?"

Clint nodded. "Yeah, we'll be there. Don't wanna miss hearing Gracie sing after all," he said with a wink towards the older doctor. Beaming, Derek smiled widely. "Yes, she's very excited to be singing with the Sunday School class."

"Well, tell her we're looking forward to hearin' her."

"I will! Thanks," Derek said.

"Anyway, we should be goin', or else Nancy will have started supper anyway," Clint said grinning. Derek chuckled. "Wish her my best. See you tonight!"

"See you doctor D." "Goodbye doctor Hebert!"

When they arrived at Nancy's apartment, Clint knocked once, then opened the door, hoping Nancy would be sleeping like the day before. No such luck.

"Hey Tippy, hey Clint!" Nancy's voice greeted them.

"Hi Nancy!" Tippy said, going over to greet her friend. "Oh my, you look so much better than a few days ago! How are you feeling?"

"Feeling much better too, thanks," Nancy said, rising from the couch where she'd been reading a magazine.

"Hey Nance," Clint said, coming to stand next to her, touching her elbow briefly. He gestured towards the dinner table which was all set and ready for dinner, and raised his eyebrow. "I thought we'd agreed you'd take it easy?"

"Yup," Nancy agreed, "and before you ask, I have taken it easy – I've had the whole afternoon to set the table after all – and I've slept some and read some magazines, so I've had plenty of rest. And now at least I don't feel too guilty about letting you take care of everything," she said with a grin, finishing her well prepared argumentation.

When she looked at him like that, Clint knew he didn't stand a chance. He noticed her eyes had some of its sparkle back which had been missing the past few days. With an exaggerated sigh he gave in, and smiled at her. "Alright, alright already."

Nancy felt herself somewhat lost to the world as she gazed up into his eyes. Clint felt his heartbeat quickening, acutely aware of how close together they stood. Suddenly he knew with absolute certainty that this was the woman he loved. And as he searched her eyes, it was as if they were mirroring back everything he felt.

As soon as the realization hit, they became aware of the fact that they were not alone. They'd forgotten Tippy. Breaking eye contact, they both looked at the receptionist, who'd quickly busied herself with her purse, trying to hide a satisfied smile.

"I, eh… what time was your father coming again?" Clint asked, breaking the silence.

"Ehm, around seven," Nancy replied, feeling a blush creep up her cheeks.

"Right. I eh, should get started on supper then," Clint said, not moving despite his words. Nancy nodded, just as reluctant to put more space between them. Tippy broke the silence this time. "Is there somewhere I could change? I brought some clothes…"

Nancy nodded, finally looking at the other woman. "Yeah, yes, of course. Come, I'll show you."

Taking a quick look at Clint, Nancy turned around to show Tippy where she could change, leaving Clint in the living room.

As the door closed behind the two women, the country doctor took a deep breath. His head was spinning, all kinds of emotions warring for his attention. He shook his head. He'd have to think about these revelations with a clear head. Right now, he had a meal to prepare.

TBC