Chapter 3. The Rescue
On Wednesday afternoon, Julia was alone in the infirmary, stocking shelves and putting away the supplies that Faith had brought the previous day, from Benson Hills. Faith had been called away to tend to an injured lumberjack on one of the timber tracks out past the sawmill. Lee had taken her with his car, in case they needed bring the injured man back to the infirmary.
It had been a slow day, and Julia had looked across the street several times, but had still not seen the Constable enter or exit. She huffed to herself, wondering why she was even letting herself think about him.
As she emptied the first box, she heard a motor approaching. But didn't think anything of it, until suddenly, Jesse burst in the infirmary, calling for Faith.
Julia turned on her heel and came quickly. "Jesse, Faith is not here, she's been called away. What seems to be the problem?"
Jesse was very animated as he told her. "Joseph has been injured up the mountain and Nathan asked me to come and get Faith."
"Well, Faith won't be back for a while yet, is it urgent? I can come with you. And, who is Nathan?" Julia inquired, feeling like she should remember that name.
Jesse explained, clearly excited. "Nathan is our Mountie. Constable Nathan Grant? A tree fell on Joseph's wagon, and he was trapped until Nathan found him. His leg is pretty busted up and he needs medical attention right away."
"Jesse, calm down. Just let me get some supplies and my medical bag, and we can be on our way. Did Constable Grant ask for anything in particular? You said it was a leg injury?" Julia asked him, trying to correctly assess the situation.
"Yes, it's Joseph's leg. And, no, he didn't mention anything in particular." Jesse responded. She grabbed morphine, gauze, two different splints, and some other supplies useful for a leg injury.
Julia followed him out, but her mouth fell completely open when she saw his motorcycle. "Are we going on that thing?" she asked, nervously.
"Yes, it's Lee's, but it will have to do. I didn't find his car anywhere." Jesse told her.
Julia explained, "Lee and Faith took his car up past the mill to help an injured worker out on one of the remote timber tracks."
Julia realized there was no better option, so she hopped on the back of the motorcycle, and held on. She placed her medical bag between them for protection.
They rode for quite some time, and once under the cover of the trees, it started to turn cooler, signaling late afternoon. Up and up they rode, climbing one mountain and then another; on and on they went.
Eventually, they came upon the wagon. A tree lay fallen across the front, the hitches broken completely, and no horses in sight. One of the wheels was completely broken down and had been removed.
On the other side of the wagon, was a man laying on the ground, covered with a blanket, with the Constable watching over him.
As they walked up, Jesse announced, "Faith was out, so Julia agreed to come." Jesse asked, "How's Joseph?"
Julia followed Jesse, but didn't miss a beat. She came immediately over to Joseph's side, she took the side opposite Constable Grant, and looked at him. He met her gaze and explained, "I found him under the tree, pinned to the wagon. His leg is not in good shape. The horses were gone, the impact must have snapped their hitches. I don't know how long he was trapped there, but I managed to free him and get his leg elevated. He has a compound fracture, left leg. I administered morphine and disinfected the wound as much as possible." the Constable explained.
Jesse added his part, "I was supposed to meet him here, at the cabin," motioning to the cabin about 30 feet to the left of them. "But I stopped farther down the mountain because of the very strong winds." Jesse looked at Julia, and seemed to explain on her behalf. "This mountain is known for dangerous winds, and they kicked up strong this morning. I guess he decided to come up anyway, and the wind blew the tree down on him. I feel terrible now, not knowing how long he was trapped."
The wind seemed calm now, but Julia had to admit, she was concerned about how long he had been trapped, for infection's sake.
Julia moved down near his leg and looked at Constable Grant. "Let me take a look." She lifted the blanket and confirmed the compound fracture. The wound had been cleaned nicely, and she was quite happy with what had been done till now. "Good work, Constable. You might have successfully staved off any infection." Julia told him.
"Please call me Nathan," he said simply.
And she quickly replied, "Feel free to call me Julia". She was happy to dispense with the formalities, under the extreme circumstances. They didn't have time for them, if they were going to properly care for Joseph.
Nathan came over next to her, near Joseph's leg, and they got to work together. Julia decided to clean the wound one more time, with the stronger antiseptic she had brought from the infirmary, just by precaution. Jesse watched why they conferred between them, at each step, one talking and the other nodding. Then they worked together to stabilize Joseph's leg with a splint. As late afternoon moved towards dusk, they decided it best to move Joseph into the cabin nearby, until he could be transported.
Nathan went to the wagon and removed two boards from the side. Together, they tilted Joseph up longways on one side, and slid the board under the whole right side of his body, all the way from his head to the heel of his right foot. Nathan took another board and did the same on his left side, with Julia taking care to secure the splint as they laid him back down. Nathan then tied the two boards together at the top and the bottom, to secure them together. This made a make-shift stretcher so they could carry him into to the cabin, without the risk of his leg shifting. Julia secured a rope around his midsection and around his legs so he couldn't slide off the stretcher as they moved.
Nathan went to inspect the cabin, and Julia followed him inside. It was simple, but there was a fireplace, which would be vital for keeping Joseph warm. She walked over to the bed, which seemed to be clean enough and soft. She pulled the blankets back and looked over at Nathan.
"This will be fine for now, but how are we going to get him down the mountain and back to the infirmary? Horseback is not an option, with the extent of his injuries. Is his wagon a possibility at all?" Julia asked him.
"The wagon is too badly damaged, and the horses are nowhere to be found. Our best option is to send Jesse back down the mountain to fetch Lee and his car. I think we could stabilize his leg quite well in the back seat of a car, with the splint you brought." Nathan surmised.
"Okay," Julia took one more look around. "That seems our best option, and a decent plan. Let's get Joseph in here and comfortable before the evening gets too cool. Is there wood outside? It would be good to get a fire going to keep him warm, to ward off any shock." Julia stated.
"I can take care of the wood and fire. Let's get him moved." Nathan said, and she followed him back over to where Joseph lay, on the makeshift stretcher.
Nathan spoke authoritatively, "Jesse, we are going to move Joseph into the cabin, where we can keep him warm. Then, we need you to head back down to town to see if you can locate Lee and Faith, and send them up in Lee's car. We need a stable way to transport him, and Lee's car is our best option." Jesse nodded and the two moved into position to move the stretcher, with Nathan at the head.
Julia looked at Nathan, as if to ask what she should do. "Julia, can you help us get him off the ground, and then guide us?"
Julia nodded and moved into position shoulder to shoulder with Nathan. He gave a count, "One, two, three," and the stretcher was up. Julia let Nathan take it from there, and she guided them. "Back, back...tree trunk, stone," until they were at the steps of the cabin. "Up, up...one more," and Nathan had his side of the stretcher up on the porch. Julia guided him in the door and Jesse followed. They laid the stretcher on the bed, and Nathan untied the ropes he had used to secure it. They tilted him up on one side to remove one board, and then the other side to remove the second board. Julia secured the splint while Jesse placed the pillows, to prop Joseph's leg up.
Nathan walked Jesse out, and got him off to town. Nathan asked him to also send someone to alert Minnie and Allie to he and Joseph's whereabouts. Julia checked Joseph over, taking his vitals: pulse, temperature, and respiration rate. All seemed fine, so she began to rummage through the cabin, looking for a glass, so she could keep Joseph properly hydrated.
Whack. Julia nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard the sudden sound of an axe cutting wood. It was so quiet up here, the sound had startled her. She took a deep breath and looked out the window, to see the Constable chopping wood. He had removed his red serge, and his hair was a bit a mess as he placed each piece of wood and expertly split it.
Julia came outside to the porch and quietly asked, "Any chance of me finding water out here?"
Nathan stopped what he was doing, and came around her, to the other side of the cabin where Newton was tethered. He came back with an extra blanket and a canteen, and handed them out to her, smiling up at her from down the porch. She gratefully took both items from him, and muttered "thanks."
The axe returned to action, as she went back in and tried to get Joseph to drink water. Julia found a second glass and brought it out to Nathan, who was sweating now. "Constable, I might need to take some lessons in wood chopping from you. I never learned that in Calgary." Julia lightly joked, "And my woodpile is already starting to dwindle." Nathan looked up at her and smiled, and took a drink from the glass she had brought him. Now, up close, Julia realized just how handsome the Constable was, with his blue eyes that seemed to so easily penetrate. "Thanks for this," he said and went back to chopping.
Julia looked out and saw the sky was now a myriad of colors. She walked past him, and reveled at how beautiful it was here. A chill was now in the air, and Nathan saw her shiver as she walked away. She stared at the sky for a minute or two. And then, Julia walked around the cabin, over to Newton, hugging her arms tightly to keep warm.
Julia came close and spoke to him. "Hey, Buddy", she said, petting him. Newton nuzzled his nose into her chest, and she let out a loud giggle. She went back into the cabin, found a basin, and poured a little water for Newton. Julia brought it back out to him, and untied him just enough to allow him to reach it. He lapped it up all up quickly. From this angle, she realized there was a water pump next to the cabin, and she went over and tried it out. Water flowed, so she filled the basin again, and brought it back to Newton, who drank freely.
When Julia returned to the cabin, Nathan already had the fire going. She sat next to it for a moment, to warm up. He went back out to tend to Newton, and found the water basin. "You found a new friend, eh, buddy?" Nathan asked him. He tied a more generous tether line between two trees, so Newton could reach grass to graze on. He removed the saddle and the blanket, and placed them on the porch of the cabin. From the window, Julia watched him work, and then she came over to Joseph's side to give him water again. Julia found a pitcher in the cabin, and stepped outside to fill it at the pump. She realized it was really cold now.
"The cold moves in fast here, in the evenings." Julia stated, as Nathan brought in more wood.
"It might be springtime, but we won't see warm evenings until summer." he told her. Julia followed him out to the pile of wood he had chopped, and helped him carry in loads, one after another, until it was all inside. She found two oil lamps and lit them. After hearing Nathan's stomach growl, Julia began to rummage, looking for anything to eat. She found two cans of beans, and some salt and pepper. Julia pulled them out and found a pot in the cupboard. Nathan disappeared back outside, and came in with his saddlebags. He took out bread, cheese, and an apple, and placed it on the small table.
Julia opened one can of beans, and poured them into a pan. She placed the pan on the fire, and began to rummage again. Julia found two bowls, two spoons, and washed and dried them.
She looked over at Joseph, who was still out, certainly thanks to the morphine. Julia decided not to wake him, but she put some bread and cheese to the side in case he woke hungry, later.
When the beans were ready, Julia turned around with the pot, and realized the table was already set, everything laid out already. She looked up at Nathan, surprised, and couldn't contain a little smile. He noticed, and of course, now found himself trying to contain a little smile. To escape this little exchange, Julia went over to check Joseph again. His pulse was strong and his breathing regular.
Julia came back and sat across from Nathan, wanting anything to break the awkwardness between them. It was obvious that they were both introverts, and on the timid side. Finally, she decided to try conversation. "How long have you been in Hope Valley?" Julia asked him.
"Almost four years now, we moved here from Fort Simpson." Nathan replied.
"We?" she asked, realizing that she had not even considered that he might be married. Julia hadn't noticed if he was wearing a ring, but as good-looking as he was, he was most likely already taken.
"My niece, Allie, and I. She's been with me since she was 4 years old, when my sister died." Nathan answered.
Wow…handsome and noble, Julia thought to herself.
"I'm very sorry to hear about your sister." Julia looked down at her bowl, with her own sadness in her eyes. Then, she asked, "How old is your niece now?"
"She'll soon be 13. I officially adopted her last year, so she's my daughter now, but I still slip up sometimes and call her my niece." Nathan smiled as he thought of Allie.
"And, her name is Allie?" Julia asked.
"Yes, it's short for Allison. According to her, I give nicknames to people I'm fond of, though they rarely stick. Her's did for some reason, and she's been going by Allie every since." he said, and then continued, "She's heading full steam into the adolescent years, I'm afraid I'm going to be soon over my head with her."
Julia couldn't imagine what it was like to raise a daughter as a single father. But, she knew what it was to be raised by a single father. Julia smiled at him, and told him, "As her father, you are the most important person in her life right now. As long as your love and acceptance is steadfast and sturdy, she will be just fine. Your love is the love by which she will compare and contrast all other loves, whether it be from a boy, a friend, or even a classmate."
Nathan looked at Julia and smiled. He discerned something and replied, "You sound like you know that from experience."
Julia slowly nodded and smiled sadly. Her mind was now somewhere else, and they ate in silence for a while.
When it came time to clean up, Nathan rose and took another basin. He went outside to fetch water, and when he came back, he started to wash the dishes. She was surprised, but imagined that he must have to do everything at home. She found a dish towel and stood next to him, ready to dry. He looked down at her and smiled, then handed her the dishes as he rinsed them. They were done in no time, and Julia went over to make Joseph drink again, as Nathan tended the fire.
"How long do you think it will take them to get back?" Julia asked him.
"A few hours for Jesse to get down to town, and then a few hours up for Lee with the car." Nathan told her. Then he added, "Let's just hope Lee is back in Hope Valley, with his car, when Jesse gets there."
He turned the chairs around and brought them closer to the fire. Nathan positioned both to have good placement in front of the fire, but still a line of sight on Joseph. Nathan offered Julia a seat, and she took it gratefully, suddenly realizing how tired she was. He sat down next to her, propping his feet up on the hearth. Nathan looked at her and then at the fire. And, Julia did the same. Again, the awkwardness.
Nathan ventured with the conversation this time. "So what made you decide to come to Hope Valley?"
Julia looked at the fire and propped her feet up, too. "I needed a change. I was working in a large hospital in Calgary. Everyday seemed the same, one patient out, another patient in to replace them. One after another. Long days and long nights. And, well, the disappointment of losing a patient, which seems to happen a little too often in the big city, wears on you after a while. And, then the task to tell the family. I just felt weary of it all." Julia looked over at Joseph, and then back at the fire. "One day, I bought a newspaper from the newsstand, which I never do," She gave a little laugh, remembering. "And I happened upon Faith, um, Dr. Carter's, advertisement for a nurse. I wrote to her that very night, not really intending to take the job. But, her reply came quickly, and the opportunity seemed to be the answer to my heart's questions, and my prayers. The more I considered moving, the more excited I got about a new beginning. Here I am two months later, and I can hardly believe it." Julia shared. He smiled then, knowing what she meant about the heart's questions. He seemed to have been asking so many lately, and waiting for the answers was hard.
Nathan looked at her, and encouraged her. "I hope you will find what you are looking for, here. Hope Valley is a very special place. When we first moved here, it was really hard for me. The Mountie who had the posting before me left really big shoes to fill. He was killed in an accident, in the line of duty, and was dearly loved by everyone in town. It took a long time for people to accept me, but now, Hope Valley feels like home. I was offered an inspector position a couple years ago, a really prestigious promotion for me. But, the position was in Union City, and I just couldn't bring myself to leave. In large part, because of Allie, and how well she had adjusted to life here. She finally had friends and a community around her." Nathan stopped and paused, then looked back at the fire. "The other reason, was my safety. I'm all Allie has, so if something happens to me…" Nathan said frowning. "My mother and father are still living, though neither one would be a good fit for Allie." Nathan looked back at Julia. "So I turned down the promotion, and we stayed."
"That's very selfless of you, Nathan. I can see you adore her, and I'm sure she feels the same way about you. How could she not? I truly believe that all things work together for good. So, if you turned down a promotion, because of what was best for Allie, I'm sure something even better is waiting just around the corner for you. When we let go of something good, something even better will come along." Julia said, smiling at him, sure of each and every word she said.
He hoped it were all true, but didn't feel like it, at the moment. The best thing that had ever happened to him was Allie, and that was enough.
Nathan smiled at her. "I like that way of looking at things. I just don't know if it's true in my case. But, I can honestly say that Allie is the best thing that has ever happened to me. She's the most important person in my life." Julia was touched by his comments, and knew that he absolutely meant it. She was sure Allie felt the same about him, and was convinced that they must be quite a pair. "What made you want to become a nurse?" he asked her.
Julia smiled and replied, "I spent one summer with an Aunt in New Brunswick. She was a widow, and a doctor. She was my mom's sister, and I absolutely adored her. I was 15, and she was so exciting and fun. Unfortunately, the second week I was there, they had a cholera outbreak in the region. I spent the rest of the summer alongside her, as her assistant, as she treated patients. She taught me everything I needed to know about being a nurse." Julia remembered fondly. "I had previously wanted to be an artist, a painter," She smiled at that memory, too, and he looked impressed. "I had also considered studying law," Nathan considered that one and thought it could also fit. "But, that summer changed everything. I knew that helping people was not just what I wanted to do, but a calling." Julia smiled, and he nodded, understanding completely. "Not to mention that she was one of the first female doctors in all of New Brunswick. She was inspiring, not just in who she was, but the way she looked at medicine. I was hooked. As soon as I was old enough, I enrolled in a nursing program in Halifax."
Julia laid her head back the chair, she felt rather tired. Though, she kept her gaze on him, as she asked. "And, what about you, what made you want to be a Mountie?"
Nathan's eyes were on the fire as he answered, "I enrolled in the military as soon as I was of age. I guess it was to escape a difficult home situation. My older sister Colleen, that's Allie's mother, had run off and gotten married. And, without her there, the house felt sad and empty. Colleen could see the good in anybody, and the positive in any situation. She could turn any bad time into a good one. She was just one of those people you just always wanted to be around, that could have fun anywhere, and make good out of any situation. Once she left, I just couldn't stay." Nathan looked over at her as he continued. "I excelled in the military, I think I tried so hard because I didn't want to be sent back home. And, I had a great mentor who, as I excelled, steered me towards the Mounties. I guess he saw something in me, and knew it would be a good fit." He paused, and then continued. "Though, once I got Allie, my priorities changed and my ambitions slowed. I wanted to make a good home for her, and to be around to see her grow up. So, I began taking postings that were "safer". Even now, I don't take open-ended or dangerous postings. I have no hesitation to turn those down. While I still have to leave town sometimes, Headquarters knows I will not accept more than 2 days away, at a time. Don't get me wrong, I love what I do. But, Allie is my first priority and being a Mountie comes second." he sighed then, and smiled sheepishly.
Julia was sure she had never in her life met anyone like Nathan Grant. He was so selfless and noble. And, not at all bad to look at. Julia was certain he must have the girls' in Hope Valley swooning over him right and left.
Nathan seemed content to just sit then, so she looked away from him, and stared into the fire.
Julia must have fallen asleep then, because at the sound of a light cough, she woke up. She looked around the room confused at first, until she remembered where she was. She shifted in the chair, realizing just exactly how uncomfortable it was. Julia moved to check on Joseph, and realized Nathan had covered her with his red serge. Julia looked over at him, also sleeping. He was wearing only his henley, with his suspenders, and he had missed some buttons at the top. His arms were crossed as though he had been cold and had pulled them tight in an effort to keep warm. She was struck by how handsome he was, how peaceful he looked, his long lean frame stretched out between the chair and the hearth.
As she moved, the scent of pine, clean soap, and fresh mountain air hit her. She realized it was coming from Nathan's serge, she was enveloped by the scent of him.
Julia tried not to think about how warm and cozy she felt in his jacket, and how good is smelled. She decided to check on her patient, a welcome distraction. She stood, turned the serge round to put her arms through the armholes, and buttoned the front a little. It was much too big, and she giggled quietly to herself when she realized how long the arms were. But, she quickly put a few big logs on the fire, her effort to keep him warm.
Julia gave Joseph a good once over. She put her hand on his forehead, thankful he didn't feel hot. His pulse seemed to hold steady, as did his breathing. He seemed warm enough with the addition of Nathan's Mountie blanket.
A few minutes later, Nathan stirred. Seeing the empty chair next to him, he looked around to see where Julia was. He spotted her sitting next to Joseph, standing watch. She was wearing his serge right way around, her legs pulled up to her chest, and fitted up inside. Her arms were wrapped around her knees, and her golden tendrils were loose and falling down one side. Nathan found her very beautiful in the firelight. A little too beautiful, the kind of beautiful that made his thinking cloudy. Nathan took a deep breath but couldn't seem to take his eyes off of her. He remembered his luck with women, and admonished himself for even thinking of her that way. But, it was really hard not to. There was an attraction there from the first time he had laid eyes on her.
Julia looked over at Nathan and realized he was awake. She smiled tenderly, and came back over to sit with him. She moved the chair closer, so they could talk quietly without disturbing Joseph.
Julia looked at him, still a faint smile, and spoke quietly, "Do you remember what time you administered the last dose of morphine?"
"I think it was about 8 p.m." he answered low.
"What time is it now?" she asked, quietly.
Nathan leaned over close to her, and when he did, Julia suddenly felt very nervous. She took a deep breath, but realized he was only reaching into the pocket of his serge, which she was still wearing. He pulled out his pocket watch and handed it to her. Julia took it from him, but when she did, his hand lightly brushed hers. She felt it to her toes. She tried to hide that fact, but she was pretty sure he had felt it too, the way he suddenly looked at her.
"3:20." She whispered, trying to regain her composure. "I'm surprised he hasn't started to get restless yet." She glanced over at Joseph. "How much more morphine do you have with you?" she asked low.
"Two more doses, though I expect Lee and Faith to arrive soon." he rasped.
"Well, he seems to be holding strong, which I'm thankful for. I hope the transport back to Hope Valley won't be too painful. We'll need to give him a good dose of morphine before the car ride. Keep the risk of shock down as much as possible." she stated.
Nathan nodded, agreeing completely with her.
Julia looked at him, suddenly curious about something. "Constable, how extensive is your first aid training?"
"In the Mounties, first aid training is pretty standard. However, I took a special interest in learning more, whenever the opportunity presented itself." Nathan answered. "So, I've had more than most."
"Is there anything you can't do, Constable?" Julia asked.
"Cook." Nathan said, looking her straight in the eye, as he said it. She hadn't expected that one, and her laughter was so loud at first, that her eyes went wide. In a flash, she brought her hand up to her mouth. However, when she did so, the sleeve of his serge was so long, it nearly slapped her in the face. That itself was so comical, they both erupted into laughter again, and neither one could stop. Nathan had forgotten how good it felt to laugh. And, he realized in that moment, he liked her laugh.
Every time they would almost get it together, and stop laughing, she would move her hand, and they would start laughing all over again.
"Ok, seriously now, my sides hurt." Julia told him. He was gazing at her with a huge smile across his face.
"What?" she asked him.
"It just feels good to laugh." Nathan told her. "And, you are quite the comedian. Thank you."
"Your welcome, Constable." She whispered back, "I just hope we didn't disturb our patient."
"Had you met him yet?" Nathan asked.
"No, I hadn't yet had the privilege." Julia replied.
"Joseph is the Pastor of our little town. His wife's name is Minnie and he has two children: Angela and Cooper. Angela is Allie's age, and one of her best friends. Joseph's been a dear friend through some difficulties, these past 2 years. It's important to have friends you can rely on, especially in tough times. And, Joseph is someone you can always rely on, no matter what. And, he gives great advice." Nathan told her, "I'm looking forward to leaning on him and Minnie in the coming years, as we both navigate the early teenage years. I will be so thankful to have Joseph and Minnie's wisdom and support. Allie is as sweet as they come, but I'm sure she will have her moments, as any teenager would, and I just want to do the best I can, for her."
Julia looked over at Joseph then, "I hope to get to know him, and his family better." she said.
Nathan looked at her and said, "I'm sorry your second day was so eventful. Hope Valley is usually a much more boring place."
Joseph coughed a few times, and Julia was immediately up and on her way over to check on him. Nathan watched her as she checked his breathing, pulse, and pulled up his serge sleeve to place her petite hand on Joseph's forehead. Julia sat down in the chair next to Joseph and snuggled into Nathan's serge. As the now familiar scent of him made her a little lightheaded, she looked over at Nathan. "Still holding strong," she whispered, reporting back. She stayed a bit longer by Joseph's side, to see if he stirred or became restless. When she was satisfied that he was back in a deep sleep, she returned to her seat next to Nathan. She realized he was asleep again, so she sat back in her chair and closed her eyes.
Julia awakened to someone shaking her arm gently. She opened her eyes to Nathan's very blue ones, so very close, as he was squatting just next to her chair. "The car just pulled up," he said quietly. With Nathan so close, it was hard to get her bearings, but she managed a nod and stood up, walking directly over to Joseph and checking him over again.
Nathan was already over at the door, opening to Lee and Faith. Faith came right over to Julia, to consult. Faith did her own thorough check, lifting the covers and checking Joseph's leg, the splint placement, and wound. "Great call on sending for the car, great job keeping the wound clean, great splint placement, you guys make a great team." Faith said, looking back and forth between them, thoroughly impressed. Julia looked at Nathan then, who was smiling at her, again with that crooked smile.
With Faith there, Nathan really got to see Julia in her element. He had already been impressed by her ability and skill as a nurse, and her decision making under stress. Now Nathan saw her level of confidence, evidenced in her interactions with Faith, an indication of a great working relationship. Nathan could see a mutual respect right away, likely due to the high level of competence in both women.
Faith gave Joseph another dose of morphine, and they waited some time to let it take effect before moving him. Lee used the time to pull the car up close. Nathan took the time to bring the planks for the makeshift stretcher closer to the bed. And, Julia went out to check on Newton, realizing it would not be long before the sun started to rise. She knew first light would come soon, even though the fog lay thick across the mountain. Newton was grazing now, and she got him some fresh water from the pump. "Good morning, Newt. Can I call you Newt?" Julia asked, laughing softly. He nuzzled her hand then, and she petted him.
Julia didn't know it, but Nathan was spying her through the window, watching his horse becoming putty in her hands. The more he looked at her, and got to know her, the more Nathan knew that he would have to work very hard not to do the same.
When Julia came back inside, Nathan and Lee had Joseph on the makeshift stretcher and they were just tying it up for security. They manage to carry him out, but getting him into the car, and keeping his leg mobilized was quite cumbersome. They ended up half laying him across the back seat, with his leg on an incline and sticking out through the side window.
Julia realized at that moment, that she wasn't going to fit in the car. Lee needed to drive, and Faith needed to ride with Joseph. And, Nathan had only one horse.
Nathan saw the look on Julia's face, and realized she was doing the calculations. So, he came over to her and gently said, "I think you might need to ride back down on Newton, with me." He paused to let her take in that information. "Are you ok with that?" Nathan asked gently. Julia looked up at him timidly, but she nodded without saying a word.
Faith came over and handed her an extra blanket. "Are you going to be okay on horseback with Nathan? He's an expert, you know." Faith said, low and serious.
Julia nodded and said, "Just take care of Joseph, that's the most important thing."
Nathan looked down at his feet then, thinking that's exactly what he would have said. Lee started the car then, and off they went, taking it slow to avoid any bumps. Faith turned around to fuss over Joseph, and as she waved bye, Julia tried to dispel the butterflies that were already dancing in her stomach.