It was Carson who had ended up relieving Elizabeth at Rachel's house that afternoon. The doctor intended to be the one to stay overnight with Rachel and Autumn. The first thing he did was conduct an exam, declaring both Rachel and the baby healthy, though in his opinion, activity from Rachel at this point could result in another episode like Friday evening. While the baby would have a good chance, Rachel being around eight months along, every day the baby spent in the womb was another day it would develop further before facing the world. Carson had told Rachel that she could go into labor any day and he would prefer if she remained on bed rest to delay that as long as possible.
With that news, Tyler suggested to Rachel that they have pastor Zeke marry them as soon as possible in a simple ceremony so that he could truly help. If they were married, he would be at the cabin at night for now, meaning their friends could sleep in their own beds. He could help care for Autumn, though he did express to Carson that they would need someone to stay with Rachel while he was working. Carson assured him that there would be nursing help whenever it was needed, even if it happened to be he.
Rachel's first protest was that she did not want to be married while lying in the bed. Clearly trying to hide his amusement, Carson assured her that sitting in a chair while she said her vows would be permissible. Her next concern was Autumn's reaction to the news. Her daughter still new nothing of Tyler's proposal and though she adored Tyler, Rachel was not sure how her daughter would react to the change of having another step father again. Was she ready to allow someone to fill that spot in her life?
Knowing that only Autumn could answer that question, Carson left the room and sent Autumn in to see her mother and Tyler. The Mountie has moved a chair close to the bed, facing Rachel as she leaned back against the headboard.
"Come sit next to me, honey," Rachel patted the mattress beside her in invitation.
Autumn happily came over to the bed and let Tyler help her up on the bed. She then settled next to her mother. Her curious young eyes went from her mother's face to Tyler's and then back again.
"Is something wrong?" Autumn asked quietly, leaning in against her mother for comfort. She moved her head back to look up at her mother. There were tears in her eyes. "You are not going to die are you? Some of the boys at the library were saying that mama's can die while carrying a baby. I do not want God to take another parent from me," she said, her voice trembling now.
Tyler's heart broke for this little girl. She had already lost so much and now this worry. Even as Rachel hugged her daughter close, Tyler reached out a hand and placed it, he hoped comfortingly, on her shoulder.
"No, sweetie. I am not going to die," Rachel told her. "Dr. Shepherd says that the baby and I are both perfectly healthy. However, for the protection of your little brother or sister, the doctor wants me to stay in bed as much as possible until your sibling joins us. It is called bed rest."
"Does that mean you are sending me away fro awhile?" Autumn asked next. "Bridget said she had to stay with a neighbor when her mama was carrying Ivy inside her because her mama was ill, like you have been. I know it is hard for everyone to look after me and you but I can help out, Mama. Really, I can! The Coulters are nice but I do not want to stay there until the baby comes. I want to stay here with you."
Rachel kissed her daughter's forehead, as she smoothed her hair with one hand. "You can stay right here with me," Rachel assured her. "Though there will be others around, and I expect you to mind them, just like you would me."
"I will."
"I have also heard how helpful you have been, and I am very proud of you, Autumn. I need you to continue to be helpful, all right?"
"Yes, Mama," Autumn replied, the tremble no longer apparent in her voice. Her mother's actions and words had done their job with soothing the little girl's concern.
Rachel gave Autumn a few moments of quiet comfort before moving onto the topic that they had brought the girl into the room for.
"Autumn, you know I have been tired a lot," Rachel began.
Autumn nodded. "It can't be easy carrying a baby that you cannot put down."
Tyler bit his lower lap to keep from laughing at the simple truth of the child.
"No, it is not," Rachel agreed. "However, other things are making me feel that way. Some of it is worry about how to properly care for you and now your sibling alone. The hours I put in working and then here at home."
"I try to help here at home," Autumn interjected.
"You are a big help," Rachel assured her daughter. "However, you can only help so much and it is a big job for one person especially as raising children is intended to be a two-person job."
"I wish Daddy was still here."
"So do I, honey," Rachel told her. "I miss him every day. A place in my heart will always be your Daddy's, but our hearts are big. They have room to love multiple people."
"Like Mrs. Grant and her new family? Or the Coulters, giving Bridget and Ivy a new family?"
"Exactly like that," Rachel confirmed. She was thankful for the blended families that her daughter had been exposed to. She hoped it would help Autumn understand and accept the current situation."Constable Tyler wants to be a part of our family. To help raise you and your new sibling and help me with my responsibilities. How would you feel about that, Autumn?"
Autumn looked from her mother to the Mountie who had sat quietly up until this point, letting Rachel break the news to her daughter.
"I like you," Autumn said, directing the words to Tyler. "But I don't want anyone taking Daddy's place."
"I wouldn't want to," Tyler assured the girl. "Your Daddy was my friend. He loved you and your mother very much. I know I can't take his place, but I would like to find my own place. I would like to take care of your mother, you and your new brother or sister, Autumn. Your Daddy would like knowing that you all were loved and cared for as he can no longer do those things himself."
Autumn studied him quietly, a thoughtful expression on her face. Tyler and Rachel gave the girl the time she needed to mull over their words.
"Ivy says it helped fill an empty hole inside being able to call the Coulters, Mom and Dad, though she still loves her other Mom."
"And you will always love your Daddy, no matter how many good times we share," Tyler told her. He reached out a hand to the girl. Slowly, Autumn placed her hand on top of his. "You can even continue to call me Mountie Tyler if that feels more natural to you."
"What about Papa Tyler?" Autumn asked shyly.
Tyler felt his heart swell with emotion and a lump form in his throat. If Autumn felt better about using his first name, then he was fine with that. The fact that she wanted to include the title Papa from the start, meant the world to him. He knew he should respond but he could not quite form the words.
Rachel came to his rescue.
"I think Papa Tyler sounds just right," Rachel assured the girl, placing a kiss on her head.
With assurance from her mother, Autumn removed her hand from Tyler's and instead through her arms around the Mountie. Tyler folded his arms around her, the knowledge that this little life would soon officially be entrusted to him sinking in. Though she was already special to him that feeling for Autumn was quickly becoming more powerful.
"When is it happening?" Autumn asked, her arms still around Tyler. "When can Mountie Tyler tuck me in at night and stay with us?"
Tyler looked over at Rachel. He knew he would go and drag Pastor Zeke back to the cabin right now if it was up to him.
Rachel smiled at him. Though it could have been his imagination, Tyler thought that already some of the strain and worry had left her features.
"How about tomorrow evening," Rachel said. "I know it can't be anything fancy. I am not even sure I want to make it too fancy," she admitted, a wave of sadness passing over her. Tyler knew it was caused by thoughts of Gilbert and not reflective of him. "However, I would like to be properly dressed and some flowers would be nice."
"I can pick flowers tomorrow," Autumn volunteered, clearly wanting to be involved. "Maybe Mrs. Grant could take Ally, Bridget, Ivy and me after the library program?"
"I will definitely check with her," Tyler told her, not doubting that Elizabeth would agree. "I will also ask Nathan if he and Elizabeth can be our witnesses, if that is all right with you," he said looking at Rachel.
Rachel nodded her consent.
"Is there anyone else you would like to include?" Tyler asked.
Rachel shook her head. "If you don't mid, just Elizabeth and Nathan present, while we say our vows will be adequate. Perhaps I will feel more up to celebrating on our first anniversary," she said.
Tyler heard the apology in her voice. He didn't blame her for not wanting to make a big deal of things given how this marriage was coming about. Nor was she in a condition health wise for a big celebration.
"That will be fine. As for the future, we'll figure it out as we go," Tyler assured her. Keeping one arm around the little girl who still clung to him, Tyler reached out for Rachel's hand. He wasn't sure what he could do about rings with such short notice, but Tyler did plan on making sure there was a cake. Hopefully a red velvet cake which he knew to be Rachel's favorite.
Nathan was seated at the desk in the Mounted Police office when Tyler came in that afternoon. From the easy expression the man wore, Nathan did not need to ask which way his conversation with Rachel had gone.
"I know the situation isn't ideal, but congratulations," Nathan told him with an easy smile. He knew how much Tyler cared for Rachel. Had known it since the Mountie had first sent out inquiries.
"Thank you," Tyler replied. "I know Rachel still has some grieving to do, but I am relieved I will soon be able to properly care for her, Autumn and the new baby."
"How soon?" Nathan asked, wondering if they had decided on the date yet.
"Tomorrow evening if you and Elizabeth could be available as witnesses?" Tyler replied, as he sat in a chair across from Nathan. "Waiting will not make anything easier for Rachel."
Nathan nodded, agreeing with that assessment. "I will need to confirm with Elizabeth, but I am sure she will be willing. What time?"
"Pastor Zeke suggested six o'clock."
Nathan nodded. "Elizabeth and I will provide dinner for everyone. Anyone beside us and Pastor Zeke going to be there."
"Just Carson," Tyler replied, the doctor insisting that he wanted to be present. Tyler felt relief that the doctor would be close by and from her expression, he had a feeling Rachel did too.
"All right," Nathan nodded. "So, the telegram from Gabe said that the transport team should be arriving around seven tonight. They have requested that one of us keep guard while they get settled and something to eat, but then they will take over guard duty until they depart. As for tomorrow evening, I am sure Bill will not object to being here."
Tyler nodded. Though the thief being here would allow him to stay in Hope Valley, it would also mean that someone one needed to be in the jail at all times.
"I was thinking if you could take over a lot of the regular day time duties, I can split the overnight guard hours with Bill," Nathan said, anticipating his fellow Mountie's thoughts. "Especially now. I think Rachel will need you nearby at night more than Elizabeth or the kids will need me."
"You don't have-"
Nathan held up a hand to stop the protest. "I want to do this, not just for you but for Rachel and Autumn as well. Besides, if you want me to pull rank, seeing as this is my permanent posting, I can."
"That will not be necessary," Tyler replied. "Thank you."
Nathan nodded. The two Mounties discussed business a little longer and then Nathan headed out the door. Instead of heading home though, Nathan headed toward Bill's apartment in search of Dylan. He had noticed his brother-in-law's attendance at church this morning. He had also taken note of Dylan's hasty departure. However, Nathan wasn't sure what to make of it. Had the man simply been uncomfortable appearing in church or was he unsure of whether he would be wanted or not?
Nathan supposed either could be possible. Though he had never forbid Colleen from attending, Dylan had been an infrequent attendee of church. The man had seemed to have little use for religion. Perhaps that was why he had learned to go to the bottle for consolation.
Reaching Bill's apartment, Nathan knocked on the door. Bill greeted him. When Nathan inquired about his brother-in-law, Bill said he was there and invited Nathan in. Instead of seeking Dylan out immediately, Nathan chatted with Bill for a few moments. He told Bill of Tyler and Rachel's intended marriage ceremony and Bill easily agreed to being on guard during that time with plans to stop by the jail in the morning so that a guard schedule could be worked out. After a few more minutes of chat, Bill returned to the dinner he had started preparing while Nathan went to Dylan's room and knocked.
"Nathan, hello," Dylan said upon opening the door. It was clear that he was surprised by the visit. "Can I help you?"
"Can we sit for a few minutes?" Nathan asked, not wanting to have this conversation standing face to face with Dylan. The position seemed confrontational to him, and that was not how Nathan wanted this conversation to seem.
Dylan nodded, and stepped back to allow Nathan into the room. As he stepped inside, Nathan noted the open Bible on the desk. Apparently his brother-in-law did have more time for religion these days. That, more than anything else so far, gave Nathan hope that Dylan truly was trying to change.
Dylan told Nathan to take the desk chair as he headed for the bed. Nathan turned the desk chair around so that he could face his brother-in-law. Dylan said nothing, simply waited for Nathan to speak.
"Ally saw you at the work site yesterday," Nathan commented.
Dylan nodded. "I did as you ask. I did not approach her."
"I know. She told me," Nathan replied.
"The boy that was with her? Is that your wife's child?"
"Yes," Nathan admitted. "She was married to a Mountie who died in the line of duty before Jack Jr. was born. I am adopting Jack just like Elizabeth is adopting Ally."
"Those kids are lucky to have you as a father, Nathan," Dylan said.
"Thank you," Nathan replied. "Speaking of Ally, she has decided that she would like to meet you. She has questions she wants to ask."
Nathan heard Dylan take a sharp breath. It was clear he had not been expecting that turn of events. "I will answer her questions as best I can."
"Ally wants me with her, Dylan," Nathan said.
Dylan smiled. "To be honest, I was surprised you had not made that a stipulation in the first place."
"Believe me, I wanted to," Nathan admitted. "However, Ally and I had a disagreement over her seeing my father. In the end, she got her way and I reconciled with my father. That taught me that I need to respect that she is getting old enough to have a say in important life decisions."
Dylan nodded. "I am just thankful she has consented to meet with me. I think I would let the whole town be witnesses at this point if that is what Ally wanted."
"She has endeared herself into a lot of folks hearts in the short time we have been in Hope Valley. I am not the only one looking out for Ally."
"Believe me. I am well aware of that. A few comments from the other guys working on the Coulter house have let me know that any transgressions on my part will immediately find their way to your ears," Dylan confessed. "Ally is not the only one this town cares about, Nathan. I hope you are aware of that."
Nathan thought of the support he had gotten over the past year since the prisoner transfer. It may have taken a little while for the people of Hope Valley to warm up to him, but he knew he was no longer thought of as Jack's replacement.
"I am," Nathan admitted, before getting back to the subject he had come to discuss. "I have something I need to do tomorrow evening but if Tuesday evening works for you, why don't we meet at the café. I am sure Abigail will let us talk in the parlor near the kitchen and if things go well, we can all have dinner together," Nathan suggested, thinking that Elizabeth could visit with someone while he and Ally chatted with Dylan. If Ally was too upset to eat at the café, he would have Abigail make them something to take home.
"That would work for me. What time?"
"Ally and I will meet you at the café at five o'clock," Nathan told him.
"I will be there," Dylan replied.
For the first time ever, it was a promise from his brother-in-law that Nathan actually believed.
After the prisoner was transferred from the transport wagon to one of the jail cells and the paperwork filled out, Tyler was left alone at the jail with the prisoner. The man had taunted Tyler when he had first been led from the wagon. Tyler had ignored him, not about to let the criminal get under his skin. He may have escaped the day he had robbed the Queen of Hearts, but justice was finally being served.
While the other two Mounties got the horses settled, checked in at the Queen of Hearts and got something to eat, Tyler tried to distract himself with a novel. He ignored the glare with which the prisoner looked in his direction with.
The door opening caused Tyler to look up from the desk. When Elizabeth walked in, Tyler's thoughts immediately went to Rachel.
"Everything is fine," Elizabeth immediately assured him, telling Tyler that she could read his emotions on his face. He never had been any good at poker. "Could you step outside with me for a few minutes?"
Tyler nodded, marking his place in the book and getting to his feet. "He isn't going anywhere," he commented with a nod toward the cell.
Grabbing his hat on the way by, Tyler put it on his head as he stepped outside with Elizabeth. The woman did not make him ask what she was here to see him about.
"Nathan and I will be happy to witness your vows with Rachel tomorrow," Elizabeth began. "I am thinking with how fast this has all happened that you have not had time to get rings."
"You would be right," Tyler admitted. "There will be a cake. I talked to Abigail. She will bake one for us. As for the rings, I think we are going to have to just do the ceremony without the ring exchange. Perhaps, I will just wait until Rachel is back on her feet and we can go to Benson Hills to select rings together."
"That sounds like a nice plan. You both should have some say in the rings," Elizabeth said. "However, until you can make that trip, I thought you could borrow these," she said holding out a small velvet bag.
Tyler felt confused as he took the bag from her. Opening it, he shook two golden bands from the bag onto his open palm.
"Those were the bands that Jack and I wore. They were Jack's grandparent's rings. I am saving them for Little Jack but he is not going to need them for many more years. You and Rachel can exchange rings tomorrow and then return those to me when you get your own rings."
"Elizabeth, we-"
"You can. Both Jack Sr. and I would be honored. I think the sentiment engraved in them is appropriate for you and Rachel."
Tyler picked up the thicker band and held it in the lamp light to read the inscription. Love is patient. Love is kind.
"I truly believe that once she is done grieving, Rachel will be able to return your love Tyler," Elizabeth told him. "In the meantime, be patient and kind to each other and your home will be happy one."
Placing the rings back in the bag, he closed it securely before reaching out to hug the woman. "Thank you, Elizabeth. We will keep these rings safe for you."
Elizabeth hugged Tyler back, not needing the words to know the rings would be safe. She would not have loaned them otherwise.
"You're welcome," Elizabeth told him, before taking a step back.
"You are not walking home alone, are you?" Tyler asked, noticing how dark the night was.
Elizabeth smiled at his concern. "No, I am not," she told him, nodding across the street. Lucas was leaning against the side of his car. "I have a ride home. Nathan, insisted. The Coulters had supper with us and brought me into town and Lucas agreed to save Lee a second drive out to our place and see me home."
"Good," Tyler replied, offering Elizabeth his arm to escort her to the waiting car. It was no more than Nathan and the others had been doing for Rachel.