Chapter 17. The Morning

Nathan awoke groggy, a little confused about where he was, until the pain reminded him. He felt pain all down the left side of his body and tried not to move too much, as he opened his eyes and looked around. Light was beginning to stream in the high windows of the infirmary, illuminating everything in a soft glow. He was surprised to find a cot pulled up just next to his bed with Allie sleeping so peacefully, almost right beside him. But what he wasn't expecting to see was Julia curled up behind her. They looked so beautiful and peaceful, both of them, one in front of the other, sprays of hair encircling both of their faces. He couldn't help himself, he just stayed still and watched them for a little while. Finally, when he couldn't stand it any longer he spoke.

"Allie girl?" Nathan called out low and hoarse.

Julia woke and saw Nathan roused and looking so very contentedly at them. They must have been a sight, the two of them curled up together on the tiny cot. Allie started to stir at the sound of her name, and she was up in a flash.

"Dad!" she cried out as she rushed over to his right side and into his arms.

"What a nice surprise to find you here." He said into her hair. After a long embrace, Allie moved to sit in the chair next to him. Nathan looked at Allie so lovingly it made Julia's heart melt. She walked out around the curtain to give them some privacy.

"Weren't you supposed to sleep at Opal's last night?" He asked her.

"Miss Matthews said I could come to check on you, day or night. And I just couldn't sleep, I had to come and see that you were alright. I didn't mean to stay all night, last thing I remember I was sitting right here in this chair." Allie laughed.

Faith came in, happy to see Nathan awake. She came over to check on him, "How are you feeling, Nathan?" she asked.

"I'm trying not to move around too much. My body seems to be warning me." He answered.

"I'm afraid you will be sore for quite a while, but we will get a better idea of what we are dealing with, when can do a more thorough assessment. Can I get you anything in the meantime?" asked Faith.

"Perhaps some water?" Nathan replied.

"I would also recommend you keep taking the pain medication, until we know the full extent of your injuries. It seems to keep your pain at a manageable level." She added.

"Yes, doctor." He nodded in agreement, with a friendly smile.

Faith went out around the curtain to prepare the medication and retrieve glass of water, and came back and delivered them.

Through the window, Julia saw Mrs. Weiss approaching in a hurry, and she stepped out on the porch to intercept. Immediate relief washed over Mrs Weiss' face when Julia told her that Allie was in the infirmary. They continued to talk for a while.

As Julia turned to walk back in, Bill came up the steps with a tray of food and coffee. He called out, "door, please." And Julia quickly opened the door for him.

"Good morning, Bill." She said as she followed him in and closed the door behind them. Bill set the tray down and stood there a moment, awkwardly, so she added, "He's awake if you'd like to go see him."

Bill walked around the curtain, and was surprised to find Allie. "Good morning, Uncle Bill," she said as she came to give him a hug.

Julia felt like she was intruding, so she decided to go get washed up. She spoke to Faith and then walked past them to the door of her apartment. She didn't look over and didn't realize that Nathan had followed her with his eyes. But Bill noticed, and smiled to himself.

Once in her apartment, Julia washed up and changed her clothes. She towel dried her hair as best she could, brushed it, and left it loose around her shoulders to dry. She had not intended to stay gone too long. However, when she caught sight of herself in the mirror, she stared at herself blankly. Her mind was reeling. She started to think back, and images played through her mind. So many scenes, so much had happened in the short month she had been in Hope Valley. She had met so many wonderful new friends, and each and every one had been endeared to her. But, there was one who had touched her heart more than all the others. Nathan.

Julia had not intended it to happen, but try as she might, she couldn't help herself. There were so many small ways he had affected her. The way he and Allie interacted with each other, reminding her of her own precious relationship with her father. The noble and selfless way he protected everyone, with a gentle and quiet strength. His sense of humor that was so quick and clever, that most people probably missed. And, then there were the butterflies, and the spark. Oh, they definitely had the spark. Nathan was a mystery she found herself entirely intrigued to know more about. And, as much as she had tried to slow things down, he was now completely and totally invading her life, and her space at the infirmary. She was no longer given the option to put any distance between them. He was in her infirmary bed and probably wasn't going anywhere anytime soon. She was going to be forced to deal with her feelings, even if they were only in the beginning stages. And, she had absolutely no idea how he felt about her. Except, of course, that he had asked her to dinner, and been nervous while doing it.

When Julia walked past to her apartment, Nathan had not looked away, but watched her all the way. Sure, if she had turned and caught him, he would have broken his gaze. But, when she thought no one was watching, she walked with a grace and strength that he liked very much. It was the same when she was focused and working, she was open and honest about her strength. He thought they were a lot alike. Both took their work seriously, always protecting and serving, selfless and caring. Committed to doing everything to the best of their abilities, for those they care about. But he wanted to know her challenges too, the defining moments that made her defenses so steadfast. But, then he knew there was more to his story too, and hard stuff, that he hadn't yet been ready to face. And, he didn't know if he was ready to share any of it with anyone, let alone with this kind, selfless, intriguing, and beautiful new nurse. And, yet, he had asked her to dinner. And, she had accepted. He had been unable to leave her without doing so, but even now he questioned if he was ready. Normally, he would have taken these days away on assignment, to contemplate. But, here he was, unable to run, unable to hide, defenseless and completely at her mercy. Forced to spend time with her and to accept her help. Forced to face his growing feelings. He had no idea how she felt about him, only that she had accepted his dinner invitation.

Later that morning, when Julia came back into the infirmary, Allie and Bill were gone. The two Mounties who had brought Nathan in, were with him behind the curtain. She could hear a lot of joking and teasing, so she went out and sat on the bench outside.

When they came out, Julia stood and they approached her.

The dark-haired one told her, "We are heading out this morning, we just wanted to stop by and say goodbye to Grant."

Julia responded, "I'm sure Constable Grant appreciated you checking on him."

Then he asked her, "Your brother is Matthews, right?"

Julia replied, "Yes, my brother is Constable Jake Matthews. Are you acquainted with him?"

"Yes, we were on a security detail together once. He's a good friend." He told Julia. She nodded in agreement, Jake was a great friend.

Julia looked at both of them and said, "Have a safe journey back home, wherever that is for both of you."

The red-headed one said, "Nurse, please take good care of Grant. He saved our lives."

She smiled shyly and replied, "I'll do my best."

They both nodded, and headed to the livery to get their horses, and start their journey home.

When the infirmary was quiet again, Julia and Faith completed their assessment of Nathan's injuries. Julia worked tirelessly, all business, determined to give him the best care possible. Nathan could plainly recognize the level of excellence in their work, both of them, and had no doubt about the exceptional care he would get.

After all the probing, poking, turning, and touching, not to mention all the note taking, Julia told him to get some rest. She and Faith returned behind the curtain and began to compare notes. They talked in whispers and Nathan was so tired and spent, he drifted off easily.

Hours later, he was in and out of fitted sleep, with blurry dreams of soft hands touching his face and forehead.

When Nathan was able to open his eyes, Julia was sitting in an arm chair a little too far away, reading in one of her medical books. Her legs were hooked over the arm of the chair and swinging. Her hair was up in a messy bun again and he knew he was catching her unaware, raw, and unguarded.

"Hi", he whispered low. When she realized he had spoken, she shot up and came over to him, caught completely off guard.

"Hi", Julia whispered back as she looked down at him, "how do you feel?"

"Like I got run over by a horse," Nathan answered her, "a big one."

"Are you in pain? Faith left some more pain medication for you." She handed him the medication and some water and he gladly took it. "She went home for a little while".

"You are still reading. Is it more serious that you thought?" Nathan asked.

Julia came a little closer and said, "Nathan, Faith and I will go over everything when she gets back." Julia couldn't stand the uneasy look on his face. He shifted and looked alarmed. She didn't want him to worry so she continued a little more in depth. "For now, I just need you to be honest with me, related to the pain. No brave face, just honesty. I also need to know if you feel any pressure, nausea, lightheadedness, dizziness. Can you please alert me immediately, Nathan, if you feel any of those?" He nodded. He liked the way she took care of him.

"Thanks for letting Allie sneak in here last night." Nathan looked up at her with that intense gaze.

"It was quite shocking for her, to see you like this. I wanted her to have room to express her feelings, no matter the hour. And, it's important that she be reassured if she's feeling afraid." Julia responded.

Nathan said, very sincerely, "Thanks for making room for her. She won't soon forget it. Neither will I."

Julia smiled then and disappeared around to corner to retrieve the plate Clara had dropped off for lunch. As she brought in, she said, "should I ask if you are hungry or just cut up your meat?" She asked with a coy smile, remembering what he had said the last time.

"Do you have a knife handy?" He joked.

Julia pulled the table closer and brought his plate and set it down. She cut up the chicken pot pie, opened the napkin, spread it across his chest, and handed him the fork.

"Chicken pot pie is Allie's favorite," Nathan said absentmindedly, as he took the first bite. She smiled, sitting back in her armchair.

"What's your favorite, Nathan?" Julia asked, smiling curiously.

Nathan was a little caught off guard by her question, and looked at her then. "I'm not sure, that's a hard question. I like so many different things, it would be hard to choose." He answered.

"You must have one meal that you like above all the others. Or cake. Or cookies. Like if Allie wanted to cook you something special on your birthday? Or your Mom wanted to spoil you?" Julia asked.

"I don't think anyone has asked me that since I was a boy." Nathan replied. "So, I would have to say, I don't know."

She nodded and went back to her reading. They sat quietly for a little while, him eating and her reading. She was content just to sit with him, and he seemed the same.

Then, Julia heard someone come in the infirmary, and Bill whisper "Hello?"

Julia called out, "We're behind the curtain, Bill, come on in. The patient is awake and just finishing your chicken pot pie."

Bill came over and sat down on the other side of Nathan, who had just put his fork down. Nathan removed the napkin from his chest, wiped his mouth, and set it on his plate.

"How are you feeling?" Bill asked, looking at Nathan.

"Like I got hit by a train." Nathan joked. Julia stood and started to leave but Bill looked over at her and raised his finger, so she sat back down.

"Julia, I got a little more information out of two Mounties who brought Nathan in, which might help in understanding his injuries." Bill looked back at Nathan, "They say you saved them from what would have been most probably death, or very close to it. John Williams and his two hoodlums had set a trap at the cabin, where you had tracked them, Nathan. That cabin, however, was a decoy, as you had suspected. It was wired with enough dynamite to blow up half of Hope Valley, which I am guessing you discerned at the last minute." Bill looked at Julia then. "Pendergrass and Jones, the two Mounties under Nathan's command, were to approach the cabin from the front, sending Williams' out the back, where Nathan was waiting on Newton. The other three Mounties were already in place to catch the other two in their real hiding place, another cabin about 100 yards away. After the dynamite was lit, I'm assuming Williams' plan was to join up with his hoodlums at the second cabin." Bill stated.

"I was on horseback and saw the flash of the dynamite fuse through the window, just as Pendergrass and Jones approached the cabin. The flash sent me into action and I knew I had to get them out of there. But, they were almost on the front porch by the time I reached them." Nathan recounted.

"Jones said you arrived in the nick of time, and that you and Newton shielded them as they ran away and took cover. They said they would both be toast if it weren't for you. And, by their description of what was left of that cabin, which was absolutely nothing, I think they are probably right." Bill concluded.

Julia imagined how it must have happened and surmised, "That's how you were knocked from Newton, and probably fell on the fencepost. The blast was from your back as you were retreating, and blew you both forward."

"I don't remember much after the huge bang and the flash of light." Nathan smiled shyly.

Bill got serious and stated simply, "You are a hero, Nathan." Julia nodded in agreement.

Nathan protested, "I'm not a hero, I'm the one who sent them up to the front of that cabin in the first place. I was their commanding officer."

"Not according to them. They said the plan was iron-clad and had been agreed upon by the whole team. I know you feel responsible as the one in charge, but no one could have foreseen the danger. And, if it had been any other commanding officer, those two guys wouldn't be alive right now." Bill stated, plainly.

Bill ventured further, "And, according to them, it's why all the guys are clamoring to work with you. They know you take their safety into consideration, first above anything else. No other commanding officer does that. They know they can trust you, and that you have their back." Nathan blushed and looked over at the curtain.

Bill continued, "I spoke with Commander Collins at Headquarters. He said the other three guys on your detail, the ones who had been waiting at the second cabin, brought Williams in, along with his two sidekicks. They left Buxton this morning, on a transport back to Union City. They should arrive at Headquarters sometime tomorrow." He paused, and then continued, looking at Nathan very proudly, "Your plan worked perfectly, even with the hiccup of the explosion. The story of your heroics is all over Mountie Headquarters. You are probably going to get a commendation. Although, Commander Collins tells me you have plenty already, though I have yet to see any of them displayed in your office." Julia looked from Bill to Nathan, and couldn't hide the admiration that was evident in her eyes. In that moment, she determined to do everything in her power to take care of him, and take care of him well.

Bill stood, and shook Nathan's right hand, like a proud father. He looked Nathan square in the eye, and gave him the affirmation he so deserved, "I'm proud of you, Nathan. You cannot know how much." Bill paused, "You are exemplary."

"Thanks, Bill." Nathan said with misty eyes. Julia stood and wiped a single tear that had escaped at this beautiful exchange. She went outside on the porch to get some air and let them have their moment.

Bill came out a little bit later and found her sitting on the bench outside the infirmary. He sat down next to her and said, "He's one of a kind."

"I know, Bill. I'm having a little trouble staying objective. If anything was to compromise his care…" Julia took a deep breath and looked a long way off, down the road. "I would never forgive myself." She told him, with sincere honesty. After such an exchange, her heart was so full, it was impossible to hide her feelings. And, she knew Bill was a safe place.

"Don't be so hard on yourself. He's tough and will get through this." Bill said.

"He has to, for Allie." Julia said.

"Yes," Bill stated, smiling at her vulnerability, "for Allie."

Bill left, and Julia went back in to make some notes. She remembered his plate, and went back in to retrieve it. Julia handed him a fresh glass of water. Nathan watched her every move, but she couldn't look him in the eye. She was afraid her feelings would betray her, so she stayed in nurse mode.

She left her medical book in the armchair, and stayed out behind the curtain until Faith came back. Then they came in together, to talk about their conclusions from the assessment this morning.

Faith started first, "Nathan, you have several severely injured ribs. Without an x-ray we cannot be sure, but we believe they are cracked. That means you will have some pain and discomfort for quite some time. You will need to restrict your movements as much as possible. No horseback riding, running, fishing, or exertions of any kind. I think the pain level will dictate what you can or cannot do, as you will feel every movement for quite some time. And you will need a lot of help to do ordinary things." Faith paused, and then continued, "We want to keep you here again tonight, for observation, but can release you home tomorrow morning. Julia and I will work out a schedule to make house calls several times a day, to check up on you. But, you must realize that you will not be able to do much for a while. The more you rest, the more you heal."

"Nathan, is there someone that can come and help you at home, also with Allie? So many people in Hope Valley have offered to help, meals, cooking, cleaning. Perhaps it would be helpful if there was a more stable presence. Is there anyone you would want me to contact?" Julia asked.

Nathan thought for a minute and then said, "I could reach out to my mother, though it might be a while before she could get here."

Julia continued, "Rosemary and Florence have already started making a schedule for those who want to help out. I suspect you will be well taken care of. Hope Valley really seems to love you, Nathan, and now is the time they intend to show it." She smiled at him. "But, I would be happy to send a telegram for you, just say the word."

Faith continued with her assessment, "I'm sure you covered a lot of this in your Mountie first aid training, but it's very important that you alert us immediately to any changes in your condition: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or lightheadedness." She paused, "Also, if you feel any pressure, or heat, or sharp pain out of the ordinary." Nathan nodded.

Julia stated, "And I have to mention that we are both concerned about your spleen. It could be bruised or injured as well, so if you feel feverish or have any sudden or sharp pains, please bring it to our attention. Do you have any questions?" She finished.

"No, thank you for all your hard work taking care of me." He looked at Julia then, "and Allie."

They both nodded and went around the curtain, back to work.

Nathan had many visitors that afternoon. Allie came back and stayed until dusk, when Ms Weiss and Opal came to get her, for dinner. Allie and Opal were excited about one more sleep over, and on a Saturday night when they could stay up late. Julia was so thankful that Allie would be distracted by her friend.

Rosemary came by to speak with Julia and Faith about the schedule she and Florence were working on. Faith informed her that Nathan would go home in the morning, so they could start meals from lunch time on. Nathan and Allie would need help with cleaning, cooking, laundry, and all household chores. Also, was it possible to get their groceries delivered? Rosemary would talk to Florence about them delivering but was sure if either Nathan or Allie made a list, Florence would work it out. Rosemary would even make Lee's car available for the delivery, if there was a need. Faith asked about Newton, and Rosemary would speak to Bill about that.

When all the visitors had gone, Julia brought Nathan his plate and a glass of water. When he was finished, she gave him his medicine. He drifted off to sleep almost immediately, spent from all the day's activities and the pain.