Chapter 8. Riding Lesson
Monday afternoon, Julia went by the mercantile and picked up some items to make cookies for Wednesday's ride. She also ordered a water canteen and some simple riding boots.
Her next stop was the dress shop, to look at riding culottes. Clara fitted her and found some in her size in a khaki color. Julia also bought a new white blouse with sleeves above the elbow that would be ideal for riding.
On Monday evening, Julia met Fiona and Faith at the café again. She enjoyed spending time with these women very much. It was so precious to her that she already had friends she could share deep things with. The trio had really grown close, in a short time. Faith was still getting over her heartbreak with Carson, and she and Fiona were happy to be there for her. Always with an encouraging word, or to create a distraction when Faith seemed down. Fiona was the funny one of the trio, and anyone in town could see the way Mike adored her. Julia thought that deep down, she adored Mike right back, she just wasn't ready to settle down yet. Fiona was someone who needed to make her own way, and at the moment she was still doing that.
Julia was the sensible, protective one in the trio. Even though she didn't want to be. If she could have her way she would be a little more adventurous. But, with Faith still hurting, and Fiona a little too adventurous, she had somehow landed in the middle. Tonight they had already discussed so many different subjects at the table, she couldn't count them all. Not to mention her sides that were still on fire from laughing so hard at something that Fiona had said.
Finally, Fiona couldn't wait any longer and decided to just ask the question that both she and Faith had been dying to ask, all evening.
"Are things any better with a certain man in red, Julia?" Fiona asked with raised eyebrow.
"You guys know this is not a subject up for discussion, period." Julia said with a shy smile.
"You always say that, but it's obvious to everyone that you two are completely avoiding each other, and well, then that begs the question 'why'? If there is nothing between you two, as you always seem to say, why avoid each other?" Fiona stated. "What happened up on the mountain? You still aren't going to tell us anything?"
Julia made the hand motion of a lock closing on her lips, and then she threw away the key. Fiona frowned and wrinkled her nose at the gesture.
"You two are my dearest friends, and I would love to share with you both, but there's nothing to share. Joseph got hurt, we took care of him, and then we had to ride down the mountain on the same horse. What else do you need to know?" Julia asked.
"See, that right there," Fiona pointed a finger, " I see it in your eyes, Julia. We know you better than that. That's not nothing." Fiona stated firmly.
Finally, Faith said, "Listen, Julia, we are not asking because we are trying to pry. We are asking because we would be ecstatic for you both. Nathan has had it really rough these last few years. In fact, I'm surprised he stuck around in Hope Valley. I don't want to say more than that, it's his story to tell, but if I had been in his shoes, I would have left long ago." Faith paused, "The guy deserves a break. And, he is everything he seems, noble and selfless, and kind. Putting others first and protecting at all costs. He deserves someone great to see who he is and love him for it. If that person were to be you, we would be so happy. That's all. We are not trying to stir up trouble or gossip. I promise."
Julia smiled at the thought of Nathan Grant. It's true, he was everything Faith had said, and so much more. She was cautious because she didn't know anything about the troubles they seemed to be eluding to. Plus, she didn't want to jump to the conclusion that he would even be interested in her, or ready for anything more than friendship. For now, she would be his friend, and for the rest, time would have to tell.
Of course, after this beautiful monologue from Faith, Fiona couldn't leave well enough alone. So, she added, "Hey, it doesn't hurt that he is dreamy."
And Faith chimed in, " soooo dreamy." And just like that, they were in stitches again, laughing heartily. It did feel good to laugh.
On Tuesday morning, Julia went to the livery to speak to Jed about borrowing a horse for her lesson on Wednesday. She found him mucking out one of the stalls.
"Good morning, Jed. It's a beautiful day today, isn't it?" she asked.
"Yes, springtime is so beautiful in Hope Valley. The days will get longer now, and also warmer." he stated.
"I came by to ask if I could please borrow a horse tomorrow morning?" Julia was about to go on when Jed put up a finger.
"Is this about the horse for tomorrow morning at 9 a.m.?" he asked.
She looked confused, but answered, "yes, for a riding lesson."
"Constable Grant already talked to me about it this morning, when he was in for Newton. He asked for the same horse he used to teach Allie. She's a very sweet, gentle mare named Lucy. He wanted to make sure I would keep her reserved for you. Is that okay with you?" Jed asked.
"He's the instructor, so if he insisted on Lucy, I'm sure she's the best choice." Julia replied.
"Ok. Well she'll be ready for you tomorrow morning at 9 a.m." Jed stated.
"Thank you so much, Jed." Julia said before turning to go. She looked in the stall for Newton but was disappointed when she saw he was out.
In the afternoon, Julia went to the mercantile to pick up her water canteen and new boots that arrived in today's order. As she was coming out, Julia saw the flash of red serge riding towards her. She walked confidently down the street this time, instead of trying to duck in somewhere to avoid him. As he rode past, she raised her head with a smile, and said, "Good afternoon, Constable."
"Good afternoon, Jules." He answered and with a tip of his hat, and a crooked smile, Nathan continued on his way.
She liked the way he called her Jules. And he really was dreamy.
On Wednesday morning, Julia woke early. She was just too excited. She tried to tell herself it was just another day, but she knew it wasn't. She was excited for two reasons: First, it had been a dream of hers, since she was a little girl, to learn to ride. Second, she was looking forward to spending time with Nathan. She had resolved in her heart to only think of him as a friend, and once that decision was made, she was looking forward to getting to know him.
Julia washed and dressed in her new riding culottes, the white blouse and new riding boots. She hoped she would be good at riding, but if not, at least she looked the part. She tied her hair back in a curly ponytail, applied some new gloss, and some light perfume.
Julia packed up the cookies she had made, some bread and cheese, some fruit, and then filled her water canteen. She put everything in a basket and started for the livery at 8:40.
When Julia entered the livery, Nathan was already there, talking to Jed. He was wearing a blue checkered shirt, and a white undershirt, both with the top few buttons open. She thought he looked very handsome in civilian clothes, and had to tell herself to remember, he was only a friend.
"Good morning, Julia." Nathan said with his crooked smile, and he felt his stomach turn over, at the sight of her. She looked stunning wearing a crisp white blouse, and khaki riding culottes. They accented her thin frame and small waist, but hinted at just the right amount of curves, in all the right places. Her sandy blond curls were pulled back into a ponytail and falling in waves down her back.
"Good morning, Constable." Julia said, smiling back at him.
Nathan brought Newton out, and he took Julia through all the steps of tacking a horse. He wanted to teach her all the necessary steps, so that she could do it all on her own, once the need arose. As he moved and explained, Julia could not take her eyes off of him. When he lifted the heavy saddle, his shirt was pulled taut, revealing the many muscles in his chest, and she had to step back and take a deep breath.
Next, Nathan brought Lucy out, and asked her to do the tacking.
"Constable, are you going to give me a grade at the end of this exam?" Julia joked.
Nathan gave her his crooked smile and said, "Maybe."
Julia repeated all the steps that he had demonstrated on Newton. Only once had Nathan stopped her to show her something specific related to the blanket placement. She lifted the saddle and managed it well, and got the cinch herself, the first time. He came over to check and was happy with her work.
"You, Miss Matthews, get an A so far." Nathan told her, and she smiled big.
Then, Nathan asked her, "Do you remember from which side we mount?"
"The left, also known as the "near" side?" she ventured. She hoped she had remembered correctly, though she was fairly certain she wouldn't easily forget anything he ever said to her.
"Very good, Miss Matthews. Can you please mount, so I can adjust your stirrups?" he asked.
While Nathan held the reigns, Julia mounted, and he had her stirrups the right length in no time. He looked at her then, seated in the saddle, walked around her, checking the placement of all the tack.
"You look pretty good up there." Beautiful, actually. Nathan brought the reigns over Lucy's head, and came around to stand on her left side. "Now, extend your hands, and hold them at a comfortable position." Julia did. "Ok, giving Lucy direction is pretty easy. You pull right to turn right, and left to turn left. Her head will follow. To stop, pull both reigns back firmly, at the same time." He placed the right reign in her right hand, and the left reign in her left hand. His hands brushed both of hers, but she just tried to stay focused. He was standing so close to her.
Nathan kept eye contact, and kept explaining. "When you want to go, give Lucy a little nudge with your boot. She has four speeds: walk, trot, canter, gallop. Each time you want to move up a level, you give her another little nudge. When you want her to slow down, pull back and hold it until you get to the speed you want. When you want her to stop, pull both reigns back firmly till she does." He was smiling at her and she was wondering if it really was that simple. When he explained, it seemed so easy. Now to try it and see.
"Any questions?" Nathan asked.
"You make it sound so simple, so… no questions yet. But, I'm sure I'll have some as soon as we get moving." Julia smiled back.
"Ok, well let's do that. I'm going to lead you out first, and you just hold her tight while I come back and get Newton. Ok?" he asked. Julia nodded and Nathan led her out.
"Just keep the reigns tight now and she won't budge." Nathan told her, and she did just that.
In a flash, he was back out with Newton and with a little nudge, they were on their way.
Lucy moved slow, at a walk, with Newton setting the pace close beside. They headed up the mountain path. Nathan asked her to steer Lucy right, steer Lucy left. When they came to her clearing, with all the wildflowers, he asked her to pull her to a stop. Julia did. Now get her going again, and she gave Lucy a little nudge, to do so.
"Shall we try a little faster, go up to a trot?" Nathan asked. She nodded yes. "With the trot, you need to use your legs a little bit to get in a rhythm with your horse, other wise it can be uncomfortable for your backside. Let me demonstrate." She pulled Lucy to a halt. He walked Newton past her, and then came back by her at a trot. Julia watched his legs and Newton's rhythm. She was ready to try.
Nathan brought Newton around next to her, and looked over at her. "Ready?" he asked. "Yes," she answered. Julia nudged Lucy into a walk, then once she was comfortable, nudged her again into a trot. She tried to move with Lucy, to minimize the impact of the saddle, and make a smoother ride; in just a short distance, she understood the movement.
Julia looked over at Nathan, and he was smiling at her. Nathan encouraged her, "Exactly. Shall we move to a canter?" She looked hesitant but nodded yes. Julia focused on where she was going and gave another little nudge. Lucy took off then, and the rhythm was much more comfortable. Julia sat back down in the saddle and held on with her legs.
That was the moment that Julia started to enjoy riding. She felt the wind in her hair, and she was moving at such a fast pace, across the field of flowers. Not a care in the world could catch her. She felt wild and free, and felt the racing of her heart. Julia smiled and knew she was hooked.
Julia looked over at Nathan and Newton, racing along beside her, in step with the movement and rhythm of her and Lucy. He too was smiling, and she knew these were precious moments. Moments of discovery of something she had always wanted, but had never been able to do. Moments of pushing herself and letting go, at the very same time. Moments of feeling wild and free, leaving the cares of the world behind her.
They were almost all the way across the field now, so Nathan told her to pull back and slow Lucy up. Once they were back in a walk, he led her through the trees to rejoin the path on the other side of the field.
"That was incredible." Julia said, breathlessly.
"There's nothing else like it." He said, agreeing with her.
They walked on a while longer, to another clearing and Nathan looked over at her.
"Oh, can we?" she asked. He nodded, and they were off again. Julia took Lucy up to a canter again, and Newton matched her perfectly. They rode that way all the way across the field. Julia had the same enormous grin, that showed she was enjoying herself immensely. As they neared the other side, Nathan nodded at her again, and she pulled back and slowed Lucy up to a walk. They got back on the path, and continued a while until they came upon a beautiful stream.
"We should give them a break, and this is a great little spot." Nathan said. Julia agreed and pulled Lucy to a halt. He dismounted and came over to hold her reigns so that she could do the same.
When Julia was on the ground, she took her canteen out of her saddlebag and drank long. "I brought some snacks, if you are interested." she told Nathan.
"I packed some things, too." Nathan said, smiling. Nathan pulled a blanket out of his saddlebag and spread it out, then he took off his saddlebag and set it on the blanket. She did the same with her own. Nathan then led both horses over to the stream to drink. He tethered them up there where they could reach both the water and the grass nearby.
They sat down on the blanket together and started laying out their little picnic. Julia had even made cinnamon cookies, which were one of his favorites, though she didn't know it.
"What do you think so far?" Nathan asked, eating some bread and cheese.
Julia couldn't contain her huge smile. Nathan thought to himself that her smile right there, was exactly the reason he had agreed to teach her. And, just seeing it was all the reason he would ever need.
"It's even better than I had imagined. I feel so free up there, it's incredible. I don't think it's something that can be described by words. It's something we have to discover for ourselves." Julia looked down at the blanket then, pausing. She took a bite of her apple. "Learning to ride has always been a dream of mine. I was supposed to learn with my Aunt, that summer I spent with her, when we worked the cholera outbreak. She had horses and was so excited to teach me. I was 15, and she had been telling me for years to come and spend a summer, so that I could learn to ride. She knew it was my dream, and wanted to be a part of making it come to reality. But, we had only two short lessons before the cholera outbreak. The rest of the summer we were much too busy to continue. And, when we weren't seeing patients, we were too tired to even think about riding. I never had the opportunity to return, since that summer." Julia shared. She munched on some cheese, and drank from her canteen.
"Wow, I had no idea. I thought I was just doing another public servant a favor." Nathan laughed low. "But, I'm glad to help you get closer to your dream." She smiled, thankful, and offered him an apple.
"Nathan, may I ask you where you are from?" Julia inquired.
"I grew up in Airdrie, north of Calgary. My family has a ranch there, though only my mom is still at home. We have horses, along with all of the other typical farm animals, you'd find on a ranch. I don't get back often enough." Nathan said, "What about you?" He drank from his canteen, watching her intently.
Julia looked at him and shared, "Growing up, life was all about the sea...and boats and sailing and fishing. A lot different than the frontier. I'm from a little town in Nova Scotia called Peggy's Cove. I grew up with my Dad and brother, who is 7 years older than me. My mother died when I was about 2 years old, I don't really remember her, only from photos and stories I was told." she shared. "And you, parents, siblings?" Julia offered him one of the cinnamon cookies she had made.
"When I was young, on the ranch, my sister Colleen and I got into all and any kinds of trouble. We were inseparable. She was 4 years older than me. She was my only sibling, and she died 9 years ago. That's when I got Allie. At the time, my mom wasn't able to take her, and I already had such a sweet relationship with her. It seemed only natural that Allie come live with me." Nathan shared so naturally, but Julia could see that there was still quite some pain there, at the loss of his beloved sister. He finished one cookie and took another. "When we were young, things seemed normal between my parents, but when I was about 10 years old, my father started drinking and gambling. He lied to my mother and stole things to pay off his gambling debts. We all begged him to give it up, but he wouldn't. He was in and out of jail a lot. When I was about 16, he just stopped coming around. I think my mother realized we needed stability then, so she forbid him from coming home anymore. By that time, Colleen was 20, and had already met Dylan, a deadbeat just like my Dad. I think she agreed to marry him just to get out of our house, though by that time there was peace at home. Once she left, it was just me and my mother. We turned the ranch into quite a successful business, and she still runs it." Nathan paused then, and looked at her, to see her reaction to the news about his father. She looked at him with such kindness, not an ounce of judgement. He took a deep breath of relief. "I haven't told many people about my father. Growing up, he was a source of shame for both me and Colleen. Thanks for not judging me." Julia was struck by how sad and rejected he looked at that moment.
Julia looked almost protective, and baffled that anyone could think less of Nathan, because of the sins of his father. "Nathan, why would anyone judge you for your father's mistakes? You are nothing like him, and anyone who makes any correlation between the two of you, doesn't know you at all." Julia put her hand on his arm, "Based on what I already know of you, Nathan, I don't think it would be possible to ever think one bad thought about you." She said softly. He smiled shyly at her, his deep blue eyes full of relief.
Nathan put his hand on hers and said, "Thank you for saying that." He held her gaze for a moment, and then removed his hand, as she removed hers. He looked down and asked, "What was it like growing up next to the sea?"
Julia tilted her head and told him. "Growing up, I had two best friends: Sarah and John. Sarah was my age and John was her brother, 2 years senior. Their father was the lighthouse keeper, and they lived in the keeper's house under one of the most beautiful lighthouses on the eastern seaboard. I basically grew up in or around that lighthouse. Most of my childhood memories included either the lighthouse or the grounds surrounding it. I cannot even begin to estimate how many times I went up and down that long, winding staircase with Sarah and John, running and playing. Sarah and I spent a lot of time out on the grassy field just beneath the lighthouse, looking out at the sea. Imagining boat captains commanding their fleet, pirate ships and vicious attacks, and valiant rescues." Julia paused a minute, smiling as she remembered all the fun they had shared. "My older brother and I were also quite close. He taught me to sail when I was 7 years old. Several times, we won youth sailing contests together. We also won a few fishing contests, too. He was very adventurous, and I loved to follow, and basically, do whatever he did." Julia smiled shyly, but he smiled his crooked smile, obviously impressed again.
"I spent a few years posted in Cape Fullerton, before I got Allie. There, I really fell in love with the sea. There is something so beautiful about the coastline, and the rhythm of the waves breaking on the shore. I used to walk every morning along the water, in awe of God's creation." Nathan looked off in the distance, remembering. She drank a bit more water from her canteen, and stretched out on the blanket, looking at the sky.
"I think I'm going to be sore tomorrow." Julia laughed.
"Oh, I know you will be sore tomorrow." Nathan chuckled and stretched out, too.
"The sky here seems so big." Julia said softly, "And blue." She gazed up at the sky, thinking about how lovely the day was, and how she couldn't think of anywhere else she'd rather be.
Julia laid there a few minutes, enjoying the blue of the sky, the birds flying overhead, and the wind in the trees. After a little while, she turned her head to look over at Nathan. She realized he had fallen asleep.
When Nathan came to, he looked around, taking a minute to remember where he was. Julia was no longer beside him. He sat up quick and began to search for her. The horses were still tethered near the stream, and he thought he heard splashing…
Nathan got up and walked over to the stream. And, there she was, pant legs rolled half-way up her calves, in the stream. With a huge grin. She was enjoying herself immensely.
"So, sleepy-head has woken up?," Julia said, teasing him. "Come and join me, the water feels amazing," she said, putting some cold water up on her neck.
"How long was I out?" he asked, sitting on a rock to remove his boots. Normally, he would never consider this, under any circumstance. But something about her excitement encouraged him to live a little. That's something Colleen used to say to him. Live a little, it's okay to enjoy yourself once on a while, Nate.
"Only about 30 minutes. Don't worry, Newton kept me company." she teased him. Julia waded over to a rock protruding in the middle of the stream and sat down, dangling her feet in the water.
He rolled his pant legs up to his knees, and walked down into the water. The stones were smooth and slick under his feet. But, she was right, the water felt amazing. He waded over to a rock and sat down, letting his feet stay immersed in the cool water.
"Ooo, it's a little bit cold." Nathan stated.
"Sometimes I just miss the water." Julia said. "My brother and I used to swim in the early mornings, even when the water was freezing. I don't know if I would be that bold, now that I'm older."
Then, after a few minutes, Julia asked. "Do we need to get back on the trail soon?"
Nathan didn't want to head back anytime soon. He was enjoying this time, with Julia. But, he pulled out his pocket watch and realized the time. As much as he didn't want to, he answered her. "We probably should head back soon." He walked back through the middle of the stream, and over towards the bank. Julia stood and did the same, but as she walked almost next to him, she slipped. He caught her right arm and held her fast. She looked up at him, as she tried to stabilize her feet. Julia burst out in laughter, imagining what she must look like sliding around. Nathan couldn't help himself and began to laugh, too. They were still holding hands and laughing when they came out of the water.
Once back in their socks and boots, they packed up their picnic. They both loaded their saddlebags, refilled their canteens, and mounted Newton and Lucy. Julia still couldn't believe she was riding, and that it had been so easy to learn. She couldn't help but grin as Lucy walked, then trotted, then cantered.
Julia realized they must be almost back now, and she was sad for the lesson to end. She wished they could stay out all day, but she knew Nathan had other responsibilities, and so did she.
As they turned onto the main road back into town, Nathan suddenly heard the motor of a car. It came upon them so fast, and as he unmistakably saw Lucas and Elizabeth in the front seat, his jaw tensed.
The car roared forward, way too fast and right at them, at a point where the road was narrow. It happened so fast, before Nathan could warm her. Lucy got spooked, and took off, with Julia barely hanging on. Nathan clicked Newton off after her without a second to lose, and he very calmly rode up next to Julia.
Nathan's voice was firm but as calming as silk, "Jules, calm down. Hold on tight." She took a deep breath. "I'm here. Listen to my voice. Jules, hold the reigns tight, you are in control. Pull back, firmly now. Now you say to Lucy, loudly and firmly, 'Ho, girl.'" Julia did just as he said. And slowly, slowly she got back control. Lucy calmed, and Julia managed to bring her to a halt.
As soon as Lucy stopped, Julia dismounted and walked away, over between two trees. She put her right arm to the tree, to make sure she stayed upright, and tried to catch her breath. Julia stayed there a while, getting control of herself, trying not to cry.
Nathan was instantly next to her, and put his hand on her shoulder, to calm her. What he really wanted to do was take her into his arms and hold her till both of their heartbeats and breathing returned to normal. He had been just as frightened as she. And, he could see she was blinking back tears.
"Jules, are you ok?" Nathan asked, just above a whisper.
When she regained her composure, Julia turned and looked up at him, nodding slowly.
Nathan was so gentle and soft when he spoke to her, even in the intensity of the ride, and when he had called her Jules. He had talked her out of her panic, out of the shock and daze, out of the fear, and back to control. Nathan could have easily grabbed the reigns, but he didn't, he wanted her to do it.
"Thank you, Nathan." Julia whispered.
"I told you I would take good care of you, and I meant it. I won't let anything happen to you." He rasped gruffly.
"I believe that." She replied, in a voice just above a whisper. She saw the mixed emotions on his face, and knew what he was about to say.
"By the look on your face, I assume you are about to tell me I have to get back on the horse?" Julia managed a little joke, in a shaky voice.
Nathan shrugged, "If you want to overcome your fear…"
Julia nodded then and started walking back over to Lucy.
When she arrived at Lucy's left side, Nathan stopped her before she mounted. He put his hand under her elbow, and said low, "Jules, take a deep breath, and take your time. You are going to be just fine."
Julia took his advice and took a few deep breaths. Finally, after a few moments, to signal she was ready, she nodded. Nathan let go of her arm and held the reigns fast.
Julia mounted and Nathan waited patiently, until she was settled and looked comfortable. He walked around to check her stirrups and the cinch.
When Nathan handed her the reigns, he allowed his hand to linger on hers, and kept his eyes on her. When he was sure she was okay, he walked over to Newton and was up in a flash, and at her side.
Julia bravely gave Lucy a little nudge and Nathan clicked for Newton, and they were off.
After they rode a little while, and her confidence had returned, she asked him, "Can you please teach me the click as part of my lessons?" Nathan chuckled and marveled that she could joke after the fear he had seen in her eyes. But, it sure did lighten the mood.
"Well, I can try, but mine took years of practice." He told her with a smile.
They kept at a slow walk all the way back to the livery. Nathan stayed right beside her, close enough to reach out and grab her, if need be.
They arrived back safely, with no more hiccups. In front of the livery, Nathan dismounted and came to her. He held Lucy fast while Julia dismounted. It took her a minute to make sure her legs would stay beneath her. Then, Julia brought the reigns over Lucy's head, and led her inside. Nathan explained the untacking, demonstrating with Newton. Julia proceeded to do the same for Lucy, just as Nathan had shown her. She brushed Lucy down and found that she also really loved taking care of horses. When she was done with Lucy, Julia came to the opening of Newton's stall.
Nathan was just finishing up with Newton, but Julia couldn't help herself. She approached Newton, and put out her hand. Newton smelled her and nuzzled right into her neckline. Julia laughed a huge laugh and started petting him, long strong strokes down his neck, just like he loved. Nathan watched, amused.
"He really is the most handsome horse I've ever seen." She said, not taking her eyes off of Newton.
Nathan walked over now, and petted him farther back. "And he's turning into a huge flirt." he joked, with a laugh.
"Well it's working, right Buddy?" She said, giggling, as he nuzzled into her again.
When Julia looked up, she realized that Nathan had been watching her, with his horse. He held her gaze, and she wondered if she had ever seen eyes so deep blue.
"Nathan, thank you for today." Julia said with a smile. Nathan couldn't get over the huge smile on her face, whenever she was riding.
"It was my pleasure." He said, and really meant it. "When would you like your next lesson?"
"Well I have a visitor next week, so perhaps a week from Friday? Would that be possible for you?" She asked.
Nathan had to admit he was curious about this visitor, but knew he had no right to ask. "Would it be possible in the afternoon? About 1 p.m.?" He asked.
"That would be perfect. Next Friday at 1 p.m." Julia said with a happy smile.
"Are you headed back to the infirmary?" He asked.
"Yes." Julia answered.
"Can I walk you?" Nathan asked, with his crooked smile.
"I'd like that." She smiled back.
As they walked back towards town, they saw Lucas' car parked in front of the saloon. Nathan wanted to march right in there and tell him off, but not in front of Julia. She noticed him set his jaw at the car, when he spotted it in front of the saloon. Julia was now sure there was a story there, but judging by the look on Nathan's face, it was better not to ask.
Julia put her hand on Nathan's arm, to calm him, as she spoke to him very low. "Nathan, I'm ok and he didn't know any better. It was my inexperience at fault, not his car." He studied her face, with a furrowed brow. She could see his anger was not so easily dispersed.
"He's lucky nothing happened to you. He was careless and he put you in danger." Nathan said in a gravely voice just above a whisper. Julia believed him.
"But, nothing did happen. I'm fine. Really." Julia said firmly, but low.
Nathan nodded slowly, Julia removed her hand, and they started walking again. Once in front of the infirmary, she looked up at him again. "Nathan, thank you."
He liked the way she said his name.
"See you around, Jules", he said with his crooked smile, and she headed inside.
Nathan walked across the street with a furrowed brow as he looked back one more time, at Lucas' car.