AN: So, I got to say I am glad I made the two week update commitment as this chapter didn't even get started until Monday. However, here is chapter 2 of Rachel and Tyler's story. As it was pointed out to me that I had not given a description of Rachel, this chapter rectifies that. Hope you enjoy!
As he rode along, Tyler inevitably found himself thinking about Rachel. His late friend's wife had been on his mind a lot ever since the assault that took Gilbert's life. Tyler had been supposed to walk home with Gilbert that day and have dinner with the family. A farmer's complaint of damage to his property that afternoon had changed those plans. Tyler had taken a rain check on the dinner, telling Gilbert he would catch up with him the next day. He had been eating dinner in the saloon when James had come in drunk, bragging about what he had done.
It wasn't guilt exactly that Tyler had felt. After all, he had not done anything wrong. His job had forced him to cancel plans. That happened quite often in a Mountie's career. However, even knowing that had not stopped the 'what ifs' from playing through his mind. Knowing that had not stopped him from wondering why that particular complaint had come in at that specific time. Not that the 'what ifs' ever got him anywhere. They never did.
Tyler would never understand why people, including himself, tormented themselves with those scenarios.
Supporting and looking out for Rachel and Autumn following those events had been automatic for him. He had owed it to his friend and the mother and daughter had become good friends themselves since he had been posted in Landsdale. When he had found out that Rachel had packed up and left without even saying good-bye, he had been hurt. Even through the sting of rejection though, Tyler had known it wasn't about him. He knew that Rachel was just doing what she needed to do to move on. Her black hair and brown eyes had often haunted his dreams and he knew he needed to find out if she was okay. Especially after a Judge Avery had called checking in on her past. He had meant what he had told Rachel, if she had not responded to his letter he would have left her be. He knew Rachel had needed to move on in whatever manner it took, even if that meant cutting all ties from her life with Gilbert.
When that first letter had come from Hope Valley, Tyler had felt like a kid at Christmas time. He couldn't help but think that the name of the town Rachel had found her way to had been an omen. It was what they had all needed - hope in the darkness.
Tyler had devoured the information in that first letter. Writing the second, he had realized that Rachel just wasn't his late friend's widow anymore. She had become special to him in her own right. More than once he had pictured Rachel with her long, black shiny hair free of the pins with which she normally fastened it with. He found himself wondering how her slight frame would fit against his broad one. At his height, it wasn't unheard of for women to be at or near his height. However, at just over five feet, Rachel was still shorter than he and that somehow created a more protective instinct in him.
The first time those thoughts had entered his mind, Tyler had felt guilty. He felt like he was lusting after his friend's wife. However, he realized his thoughts had never strayed that direction when Gilbert had been alive. He had respected his friend enough that Tyler felt sure these feelings never would have arisen if Gilbert had not been murdered.
However, Gilbert was gone and in looking out for his widow, Tyler had developed feelings for Rachel. He wasn't sure how his friend would react to that. He didn't even think Rachel felt that way about him, which was understandable. She was probably still grieving Gilbert. However, Tyler knew that she valued his friendship. That she enjoyed having him around. That she drew strength and comfort from him. For now, that was enough. For now, he intended to look out for her and Autumn. The six-year-old was a miniature version of her mother, though Autumn's eyes were green instead of brown.
Tyler shut his eyes at a sudden burst of sunlight through the trees. He instinctively pulled on the reigns bringing Icarus to the stop as he realized the sunlight should not be in front of him. It was afternoon and he should have been heading East to get back to Rock Creek, not west.
As his eyes recovered from the burst of light, Tyler glanced around him. The scenery was unfamiliar though Tyler realized he must have taken a wrong turn while lost in his thoughts. Not a good predicament for a Mountie to be in. Further examination told him that he had no idea where he was. Had it been one wrong turn he had taken, or had he taken many?
Not bothered by their predicament, Icarus took the opportunity of standing still to grab at some of the tall grasses along the road.
Tyler was about to get out his map when the creaking of an approaching wagon caught his attention. If he could avoid it, he was not about to admit to anyone that he was lost. He did not care how long it took him to get back to Rock Creek. He would do so on his own. He moved the reigns enough to get Icarus' attention and then sitting tall in the saddle, urged the horse on. It wasn't long before the approaching wagon came around the bend. The older couple on the wagon seat were strangers to Tyler. The furniture in the back of the wagon indicated that the couple was moving from one home to another.
Please don't ask for directions. Please don't ask for directions. The plea echoed in his mind as he closed the distance between him and the traveling couple.
To Tyler's relief the couple simply offered him a wish for safe travels as they approached. Touching fingertips to the brim of his hat, Tyler echoed the wish to the couple. He felt a sense of relief as he past by them.
Knowing he was still going in the wrong direction, Tyler continued on for a bit. He didn't want to alarm the couple by turning around and following them. Besides, he should probably still look at the map.
Glancing back over his shoulder, Tyler saw that he was now around the bend the wagon had come around and out of sight. Reigning Icarus to a stop again, Tyler pulled out the map. Looking at it, he was able to pinpoint the last place he remembered being. If he had taken the right road, he should have definitely been heading southeast to return to town. Possibly he should have already back in Rock Creek. Looking at the map, he saw there were at least two intersections and a fork at which he could have made a wrong turn.
Deciding that his best course of action was to turn and head back in the direction he had come from until he located a sign, Tyler tucked the map away and turned Icarus around. He was on a road, and he knew the vicinity in which he was. He knew he would eventually figure out where he was as long as he didn't let his thoughts go wandering again.
Bill looked over the paperwork again making sure everything was filled out correctly. It didn't surprise him that Nathan and Elizabeth were adopting each other's children. Elizabeth had been a mother figure for Ally before she had figured out her feelings for Nathan. As for Nathan, the man was a protector. He loved fiercely those in his care. That love was what mattered to him, not blood lines or actual relationships.
Nathan's adoption of Jack was straightforward. Jack Sr. was gone, leaving Elizabeth as the sole parental figure. Elizabeth would simply sign her approval to the adoption along with Nathan's signature on the form and the papers mailed in for official approval. Like when Nathan had adopted Ally, Elizabeth's adoption of the girl had a waiting period as well. Though he had signed over his parental rights to Nathan, as far was known, Dylan Parks was still alive. As Ally's biological father, Dylan Parks could still protest the adoption. As he had with Nathan's adoption of Ally, Bill would send a letter to that last known address he had for Parks. Whether the man would get the letter or not was not certain, but the attempt had to be made along with the pending adoption being posted in two city newspapers. Parks would be given his sixty days to post an appeal to the adoption. As nothing had been heard from the man regarding Nathan adopting, Ally, Bill expected it all to simply be a formality.
As the door to his office opened, Bill looked up. A man with medium brown hair, which was probably in need of being trimmed though were not unkept, and casual clothes stepped into the office. Though faded, the clothes were in good repair. He clutched a carpet bag that had clearly seen better days, in his left hand, and an envelope in his right.
"Are you Judge Avery?" the man asked.
"I am," Bill stated. "And you are?"
"Dylan Parks, sir," the man replied as he crossed the room to stand in front of Bill's desk.
Bill felt his stomach drop. He did not want trouble for Nathan and his family and this man's presence could possibly cause just that. Nathan had told him about Dylan's drinking issues and inability to deal with Colleen's illness and death. Nathan had told him about the incident with Dylan wanting to take him to court for custody of Ally and the incident outside Nathan's home at the time.
"This letter said that Nathan Grant resides here in Hope Valley?" Dylan continued.
"He does," Bill confirmed. As the letter pertaining to Elizabeth's adoption of Ally had not yet been mailed, he knew the letter the man had pertained to Nathan's adoption of Ally. "Though if you are here to protest the adoption the deadline has passed. Nathan's adoption of Ally has already been made official."
Dylan nodded. "I am aware of that. I did not wish to protest the adoption. I was actually surprised Nathan waited this long."
"Then why are you here?" Bill asked with a little more animosity in his voice than he intended.
"May I sit, Judge Avery?" Dylan asked.
Bill nodded, motioning to one of the two chairs across from him. Placing his bag on the floor, Dylan sat in the one on Bill's left.
"I was not a good husband when my wife was alive. I recognize that now. I loved Colleen, but I loved my liquor more. Colleen always thought the best of me. I always promised her I would stop, and I did try, but the bottle always seemed to win."
Bill nodded again. "I have seen many people with that problem."
"When Colleen passed, I had no idea how to deal with that. I left. I am not sure I saw a sober day after her death for a very long time. My brother-in-law however did what I should have. He stepped in to care for my daughter. In the state I was in then, that angered me. Looking back, I think it was more shame than anger I felt. Signing over my parental rights was probably the best thing I ever did. I was in no condition to be a father much less a single father. Nathan was there for Alyssa when I wasn't. He's put in the time and has probably raised her better than I ever could."
"So, if it wasn't to appeal the adoption why are you here?" Bill asked.
"Nathan once told me that if I managed to get sober and wanted to see my daughter, he would allow it. I have managed to stay sober for a year now. I have had some close calls this past year but I think I have finally managed to conquer that particular demon. I came to Hope Valley to ask for Nathan and my Alyssa's forgiveness. With my brother-in-law's approval, I would like to see our daughter, though I have no intention of trying to take her away. I may have helped give her life, but Nathan is her true father."
Bill felt some relief. If Dylan had truly sobered up, then Ally knowing him could be beneficial to the girl.
"I stopped by the Mounted Police Office but no one was there."
"Nathan was probably out on rounds. However, he and his wife are scheduled to be in my office at four to sign some paperwork."
"Nathan got married?" Dylan said, clearly surprised. "Colleen was always worried that Nathan might let their experiences growing up keep him from opening himself up to love. I know she would be happy that he finally found someone special."
"Elizabeth is very special," Bill said proudly. "She and Nathan and the two children are going to make a lovely family. I will not take kindly to anyone trying to mess that up."
Dylan held both hands up in surrender. "I promise I am not here to cause trouble. I simply want to speak with my brother-in-law. I would like to see my daughter, but if he tells me to move on, I will do just that. You can even escort me out of town if you would like."
"I may do just that," Bill told him. "For now, how about you let me break the news to Nathan that you are in town. I think it would be less of a shock to him if it comes from me."
"Are you related to Nathan?" Dylan asked.
Bill shook his head. "Not exactly. I've only known Nathan for about three years but he is like a son to me. I will do what I need to do to protect him, Elizabeth and the children."
"Understood," Dylan replied. "I will let you tell Nathan I am in town. Is there a place to stay in town other than the hotel at the saloon?"
Bill shook his head. "Unfortunately, no," he replied, seeing immediately what the issue was. It would be better for Dylan if he could stay away from the temptation of a drink. "My apartment above this office does have two bedrooms. You are welcome to use the second bedroom, while you are here."
"Better to keep an eye on me, huh?"
A small smile graced Bill's stern expression. "Something like that," he admitted. He gestured to the door behind him leading to the steps leading upstairs to the apartment. "Go get settled. I will call over to the café and have them bring you something to eat. It may be best if you keep a low profile until you and Nathan talk."
Dylan nodded as he picked up his carpet bag and stood up. "Appreciate your hospitality, Judge Avery," the man told him, reaching out with his right hand.
Bill took the proffered hand. "Don't make me regret it," he told the man.
It was half past four when Tyler finally rode into Rock Creek. As it was later than he anticipated getting back, he took Icarus right to the livery and bedded the horse down for the night. After Icarus was cared for and eating his evening meal, Tyler made the short walk to the Mounted Police office. He was hoping to find the office empty. That perhaps his lengthy rounds would go completely unnoticed.
As soon as he stepped into the office, Tyler knew that wasn't going to happen. Constable Daniel Lassing was sitting at the desk. His injured ankle propped up on a chair. Daniel looked toward him as he came into the office.
"Is everything all right?" Daniel asked.
"Fine," Tyler replied, removing his campaign hat, as he crossed over to the desk.
"You were gone a long time," his fellow Mountie commented. "I was starting to debate about whether I should send out a search party."
"I decided to take the scenic route," Tyler commented, placing his hat on top of the desk as he sat down.
Daniel grinned across the desk at him. "You got lost, didn't you?"
"I may have taken a wrong turn, yes," Tyler admitted, not about to say the word lost but knowing that his fellow Mountie would not let the topic go even if he tried to change the topic.
Daniel laughed. "What were you doing, thinking about a girl?" he teased.
Tyler reached out for a small pile of wanted posters that were sitting on the desk. He could feel his cheeks growing warm even as he feigned interest in the posters.
Not missing the signs of his fellow Mountie, Daniel continued laughing. "It is a good thing Rock Creek is quiet if a girl has got you distracted, Randall," the man kidded, reaching for his crutches that were leaning nearby. The man carefully got to his feet. "Now that I know I do not need to send a search party out, I am going to hobble over to the saloon for dinner. Want to join me?"
"And give you further opportunity to tease me?" Tyler commented without looking up from the wanted poster. "No, thank you. Besides Mrs. Rigel's cooking is much better than the saloon," he said, referring to the landlady of the boarding house he was staying at while in town. "She serves dinner at six. I will just do a little paperwork until then."
"Don't get lost going to the boarding house," Daniel teased as he started moving toward the doorway on the crutches.
Tyler reached for one of the blank pieces of typing paper, balled it up and tossed it as Daniel hobbled toward the door. The ball of paper hit the Mountie squarely between the shoulders of his red serge, causing Daniel to laugh more. Tyler knew Daniel was going to have fun for the duration of his stay in Rock Creek.