Chapter 20. Downhill
The next morning, when Faith approached for Nathan's house call, Allie was not at school, as she should have been. She was waiting on their front steps. A dark cloud of worry seemed to hang over her, and when Faith saw her face, she quickened her pace.
"What's happened, Allie?" Faith asked, putting her hand on Allie's shoulder.
Allie tried to keep her voice steady as she spoke, but her emotions belied her. "Dad didn't wake up early, like he usually does. I went in to check on him, and his covers were all a mess. He feels hot."
Faith climbed the stairs quickly and came into Nathan's bedroom. Allie was right, he was fitful, evidenced by the big mess he had made of the bedcovers. She came beside him and touched his face and chest, and verified he was indeed, hot. A fever had set in, and they would need to work fast to bring it down. Their suspicions of injury to his spleen were probably right.
Faith sat down in the chair next to the bed and looked Allie in the eye. "Allie, I don't want you to be worried, this is a minor hiccup. But, I need someone to get Julia. Can you please go to the Coulter's and see if Lee is home? If he's there, can you please ask him to go and get Julia with the car? And, I need some things from the infirmary. I'll make you a list, and you give it to Lee, okay?" Faith asked.
Allie's bottom lip quivered, but she nodded yes. Faith fished a pad of paper and pen out of her medical bag, jotted down everything she needed, and handed it to Allie.
Faith reassured her, "Allie, you are strong. And, that's because your Dad is strong and he will get over this hurdle, just like he did on Friday." Allie nodded, and turned and ran.
Faith heard the front door slam closed and she got to work on helping Nathan. She went downstairs and filled a bucket with water and ice. She found some large towels in the hallway, and she dumped them in the bucket. She brought the bucket over close to Nathan, wrung out the towels one by one, and packed them around him, with the ice.
Julia woke late, she had been physically and emotionally spent from the days of caring for Nathan at the infirmary. Two nights of sleeping in shifts in an armchair had taken it's toll on her body. She felt stiff and sore all over. When she finally got up, she took a long hot bath and fell asleep in the warmth of the bathtub. When she woke up again, the water was already cool. She looked at the clock and realized it was almost 9:00. She exited the bath and got dressed and ready for the day, even though she wasn't sure how she would spend her first day off. She thought maybe she would go over to the café for breakfast, and then go for a long walk. It had been a long time since she had visited her field of wildflowers, and it seemed a great place to clear her head. She might even take a sandwich with her, and stay away all day.
She was walking over to her icebox to see what she she had on hand, to put together a picnic, when she heard the rush of feet and a strong knock on her adjoining door.
"Julia, Julia, it's Lee, open up. Faith sent me!" Lee said through the door, in between knocks.
Julia's breath caught in her throat. There was only one patient that Faith was seeing today, that would warrant sending Lee. Nathan. Dread hung over her as she quickened to the door and opened it.
Lee looked stricken as he said, "Faith sent Allie to get me. Nathan woke this morning with a fever. She asked if you can come, and if you can bring all this?" He asked, as he handed her the list.
Julia grabbed her medical bag and came through the adjoining door, into the infirmary. She loaded everything on the list into her bag, and grabbed a few things besides. She walked to the medical books and scanned…finally, pulled one out, and tucked it under her arm.
"I'm ready, Lee." Julia said, and they walked outside and got into his car. As he headed down the lane to the row houses, Julia prayed for Nathan.
When the car pulled up to Nathan's row house, Julia said, "Thanks, Lee," and was out and up the stairs in a flash.
When she entered, she saw Allie sitting on the couch, looking very worried. Julia immediately made a u-turn and headed right back out to talk to Lee, who was just about to put his car in gear.
When Lee saw Julia come back out, he stopped what he was doing. Julia said, "Lee, I'm so sorry to ask, but is there any way that you and Rosemary would be able to take Allie for a little while? Occupy her somehow? She looks so worried and I don't think sticking around here is going to do her any good?"
Lee nodded and understood completely. He turned the car off, and got out to come inside and talk to Allie. They climbed the stairs together and he followed her in the house.
Lee approached Allie, and sat down next to her. "Allie, Rosemary and I were just about to make cupcakes at our house. We could really use your help. Would you like to come over and spend some time with us? Julia and Faith are going to take great care of your Dad, and they can come back and get you when he's feeling better?" Lee asked.
"I won't leave my Dad." Allie said, sniffling.
Julia came over and knelt down in front of her, took her hands, and looked her in the eye, "Allie, I promise that Faith and I will do everything in our power to get him better. We will not stop until he's better." Julia paused, "There's nothing you can do, sticking around here, but worry. And, that's not good for you, for any of us. You should go and have fun with Rosemary and Lee. Or at least try to have some fun. Your Dad wouldn't want you to worry. Would he?" Julia finished, and Allie shook her head no. She reluctantly stood, and walked towards the door with Lee.
Tears were falling gently now as Allie turned to Julia and said, "You promise me?"
Julia took Allie's hand in hers again, nodded and said, "I promise."
Lee gently led Allie out the door, and put her into the car, and drove down the lane.
When she was gone, Julia picked up her bag and book, came back inside and closed the door behind her. She took a deep breath and climbed the stairs.
When she walked in Nathan's bedroom, it was obvious he'd had a hard night. The bedcovers were in disarray and he was almost sideways in the bed. Faith had packed cold towels all around him.
Faith was relieved when she saw Julia enter, and said, "Julia, thank goodness you are here. I'm so sorry to call on you after I gave you the day off, but under the circumstances…"
"Faith, you did the right thing. No matter how I feel about him, I want to be here. I wouldn't have it any other way. Nathan is our top priority and I will sort the rest out later." Julia stated with conviction.
Julia looked now to Nathan, and asked "How's he doing?"
Faith answered, "He obviously had a rough night. Allie said she didn't hear anything out of place, and even looked in on him several times. I think the fever must have come on early this morning." She paused, "Your suspicions about his spleen seem to be correct. I was able to palpitate quite a bit, and it doesn't seem ruptured, just bruised. But, we need to closely monitor him, and if there are any changes at all or any signs of a rupture, we will need to operate. And, we need to keep his fever down."
"He's been unconscious since you got here?" Julia asked.
"Yes. Allie said he didn't wake up early like he usually does, so she came in to check on him. He didn't rouse when she called him, no matter how hard she tried. So, he hasn't been conscious since last night." Faith answered her.
Julia nodded, and then walked over and put her hand on his face. "Faith, he's burning up," she said, with a worried look.
Julia removed her hand from his face and straightened to look in the bucket. The ice was melted and the water almost empty. Julia went downstairs and replenished both, and came back to refresh his towels. While the towels were soaking in the ice water, Faith and Julia managed to slide him straight in the bed, and arrange the bottom sheet of the bedcovers. He was wearing his pajama pants, and the shirt Julia had buttoned up for him last night, though it was open now. They packed the cold towels and ice around him, and removed the rest of the bedcovers.
Julia opened her medical bag and gave Faith the items she had asked for, on the list. Faith transferred them all into her medical bag, except the last one, a medical journal.
Julia pulled up the one chair in the room, and motioned for Faith to sit. Then she disappeared downstairs and carried up a second chair from the dining room. When Julia came back, Faith was already reading her medical journal. So, Julia opened her medical book and read next to her. They discussed treatments, and options, and things related to the spleen.
Faith put paper and a pencil next to the bed to record vitals every hour or two. They would take turns. Every 2 hours, they refreshed the towels and ice.
After about an hour, Julia heard a knock on the door downstairs. Faith rose to go see who was there. She came back with Bill in tow. He looked at Nathan and both women, and went downstairs to get another chair.
After Bill was seated next to them, he asked, "How's he doing?"
Faith answered, "He's developed a fever, probably the spleen. We are monitoring him and doing our best to get the fever down."
"Who alerted you?" Bill asked.
"When I arrived for his house call this morning, Allie met me on the front steps. He apparently didn't wake up and was hot to the touch. He has been unconscious ever since." Faith answered.
"What time was this?" Bill asked.
"About 8:45 a.m. I left out walking from the infirmary about 8:30." Faith answered.
"Can we leave him here or are you girls planning to transfer him back to the infirmary?" Bill asked. It was a question they had not yet considered.
Faith looked at Julia and asked, "What do you think, Julia?"
Julia answered, "It's a tremendous risk to move him now. Especially if we suspect the spleen. Any shaking or sudden movement could cause a rupture."
"My thoughts exactly." Faith said, "Bill, I think it's best to leave him here. Julia and I can take shifts and make sure there is always one of us present here."
Bill said, "I can also take shifts. Count me in. You girls will need some breaks, too. I have first aid training, so I know how to deal with a fever." They both started to argue, but he cut them off with a shake of his hand. "No arguing." He paused, "Nathan is like a son to me, there's nowhere else I'd rather be."
"Yes, sir. " Julia said, smiling with admiration at Bill.
"Ok, Bill. We'll count you in." Faith picked up her pad of paper and wrote out a little schedule. "Do 8-hour shifts suit you both?"
"Fine with me. Faith, you've been here since this morning, so give me the overnight." Bill said. "I will bring a bedroll and sleep on the floor here next to him. It'll be like the good 'ole days in the Mounties."
"Ok, Bill." Faith scribbled, "I start now and stay till 2 p.m. Julia you take 2-10 p.m., and Bill gets the overnight. I'll be here at 6 a.m. on Tuesday morning, Bill. If we need it. Let's hope he's awake by then." Faith laid the schedule next to the bed.
"Well, you two better get going. Get some rest so you can be ready for your shift when it comes time." Faith stated. "Julia, I will see you at 2 p.m.?"
Bill and Julia walked out together, and headed back to the infirmary. They stopped by Rosemary and Lee's on the way home to update them. They would keep Allie with them all day, and in the afternoon Little Jack was coming over. Allie was excited about that. Julia would be on watch at Nathan's in the afternoon, so Allie could come home whenever she was ready.
When they left the Coulter's, Julia decided she would take a walk after all.
Julia looked at Bill and said, "Bill, I would really like to take a little walk. Is it ok if I said good bye to you here?"
Bill smiled at her and said, "Fine with me, Julia. You take your time. I'll see you at 10 p.m.?"
"Yes. See you at 10." Julia answered.
Julia walked past the row houses and towards the pond. She made her loop around the church and came to the little dock. The sky seemed so very big as she stood there feeling so very small. And, the radiant blue that streaked across the sky seemed so brilliant contrasted against the bright white of the few clouds in the sky. The blue was so deep and intense, it reminded her of a certain Constable's eyes. The image of him unconscious in the bed, brought tears to her eyes, threatening the release of emotions that she hadn't yet let surface. Julia looked up to heaven. She was ready to ask the Lord for guidance now. She couldn't keep pretending she wasn't having these feelings for Nathan Grant. And, she couldn't go on pushing them down for much longer. She closed her eyes and listened. She heard the sounds all around her: the frogs croaking at the edge of the pond and the cicadas singing in the grass. She felt the soft, cool breeze on her face. And still, she listened more. For the still small voice, the one she most needed to hear. And after a long time, the simple answer came. Trust me.
She stayed on the dock a long time, until the doors of the school house opened and children spilled out, lunch pails in hand. Julia smiled at their youthful energy and walked on, back towards the infirmary. She had heard the answer she needed, and been encouraged, and felt at peace.
When Julia arrived back at Nathan's row house for her shift, something was weighing heavy on her mind. She knew she needed to ask Faith her opinion, in order to put her mind at ease. She just wasn't sure she was ready for the answer. She took a deep breath, entered and went upstairs. Faith was sitting with Nathan and he was still unconscious.
"How's he doing?" Julia asked.
"Still the same. I just refreshed the towels and ice, which I think is helping to lower his fever. But, he's still quite hot." Faith answered.
Julia brought the second chair over and sat next to Faith. "He hasn't stirred at all?" Julia asked.
Faith answered, "He did mumble a few times, but nothing really made any sense. I think he was just dreaming."
Finally, Julia asked the question that had been bothering her. "Faith, something has been on my mind since I left earlier. I have to ask. Do you think his decline has anything to do with our wrapping his ribs? We didn't cause this did we?"
Faith took a deep breath and looked at Julia. "I did some reading after you left, and I don't think so. If we had been able to an X-ray we might have seen the darkened area around his spleen from the beginning. Without an X-ray, the only way to know is to wait until the symptoms appear. And that usually doesn't happen until a few days after the initial injury. So, I don't think our wrapping had anything to do with it. If anything had contributed to his decline, it was more likely the movement to get him home and the jostling of the car ride. Though, we couldn't have known."
Julia felt reassured, but still awful. She thought of the bath and how that could have also contributed.
"But, Julia, remember. This might have been bound to happen, one way or the other. Especially if the spleen was injured from the beginning. I'm not sure we could have done anything to prevent this. Movement or no movement." Faith reassured her, "So we can't worry about what we might have done wrong, but we need to focus on what we do right from here on out." Julia nodded, knowing Faith was right. There might have been absolutely nothing that could have prevented this, and that was the most likely explanation.
"Thanks, Faith. You put my mind at ease. Is there anything else I need to be aware of?" Julia asked.
"No, not that I can think of. Just keep track of his vitals, I've been doing it every 2 hours." Faith stated, pointing to the paper next to the bed.
Julia nodded and followed her downstairs. They said good bye at the door, and decided that if there was anything during Julia's shift, she would leave a note. Faith would be back at 6 a.m.
Julia went to the kitchen and made herself a tea. She figured Nathan wouldn't mind, and she just needed to settle her nerves. She walked upstairs and sat in the chair next to him. She pulled her medical bag close and removed The Call of The Wild, and continued to read.
Allie came home around 5 p.m. She and Julia sat together, next to Nathan for a while.
"Do you think he can hear me?" Allie asked.
Julia replied gently, "I don't know, Allie. But, it's worth a try. You should feel free to tell him whatever you'd like. Talk to him about your day. I'm sure he would like that."
Allie started talking to Nathan then, and Julia left the room to give her some privacy. She went downstairs and waited in the living room. She looked around at Nathan's home, the one he had built for Allie, all by himself. It was charming and warm, cozy yet fashionable. He had great taste. And, she was sure he had probably built most of the furniture himself. Allie had bragged about the shelves, but Julia wondered about the dining table and chairs, and the coffee table. There was also a table under the window near the door, she was sure was his handiwork. When she came closer to inspect the table, she noticed something by the door. There were notches carved into the doorframe of the front door, and dates written beside each notch. Though the date was always the same, only year was different. And each year, the notch was higher than the year before. A growth chart, marking Allie's growth each year. Julia slowly ran her fingers over the doorframe, tracing the notches.
At 6:30 p.m., Minnie arrived with dinner for three. Florence had told her to include a plate for Nathan, in case he woke up. Julia went upstairs to check on Nathan and Allie. Nathan was still the same, and Allie was just sitting with him. Julia did a quick check of his vitals, and marked them down. She went down to get fresh ice in the bucket and refreshed his towels. When Nathan was all set, Julia asked Allie if she'd like to come down and eat with her. Julia could easily see that she needed a break.
They came down together and Julia lit two oil lamps, as it would be dark soon. She set the plates on the table. Allie took out silverware and glasses, and Julia brought a pitcher of water over and set it down. They sat down and Julia said grace.
After a few minutes, Julia realized that both of them were picking at their food, hardly eating anything.
"Allie, I thought Chicken Pot Pie was your favorite?" Julia asked.
Allie replied, "Its hard to eat when you are worried."
Julia smiled softly. "I know exactly what you mean, Allie. You and your Dad have a really great relationship, and it's no surprise that you would be worried. He's your world. And, I know firsthand from experience, exactly how that is." Julia paused a minute and put her fork down. "My mom died when I was two, I don't really remember her. When Jake left home, I was only ten. Then, it was just me and Dad. We were just like you and your Dad. An inseparable pair, the two of us. He thought I hung the moon and the stars, and he used to look at me exactly the way Nathan looks at you. And, he was the most important person in my life, just like your Dad is to you." Julia paused, and put her hand on Allie's shoulder. "I'm sorry you have to go through this. But, I know exactly how you feel. And, we are going to do everything we can to make sure he gets better. Ok?" As soon as Julia finished speaking, Allie was in her arms. Julia just held her and stroked her hair, while Allie cried out all her tears. She cried a long time, releasing all the fear and anxiety of the last few days.
When she finally caught her breath, Allie sat back in the chair next to Julia, still sobbing quietly. "He's always tried to make everything better for me. Since the day he got me, he's been putting me first over his own desires. A few years back, he turned down a huge promotion so that we could stay in Hope Valley. I know it was for me. I was just starting to make friends and he wanted me to have some stability. In every decision he makes, he puts my needs and feelings first. I know maybe that's a parent's job, but he did it by choice." Allie said.
"Allie, I'm sure he knows how much he means to you. And how appreciated he is. But, if it would help, you can always talk to him and tell him. Don't worry that he's not awake, we don't know what he can hear. And, later on, when he wakes up, you can tell him again." Julia encouraged her.
"I'll can do that, Ms. Matthews. He's had a really hard year, actually the last three years have been quite rough, for both of us." Allie sniffled again.
"If you need to talk about anything, Allie, I'm always here for you." Julia offered.
The dam broke then, and Allie began sobbing again. In between sobs, she shared about her uncle and their "difficulties". The difficulties that had been eluded to, several times, by a few different people in Hope Valley. Julia suddenly cringed, but it was too late. She realized as soon as Allie started talking, she shouldn't have opened the door, that she shouldn't be hearing this. But, Julia hadn't realized what Allie would share. This was the story that was none of her business, but there was no going back now. How could she stop this distraught, upset young girl from bearing her heart?
Allie shared about them moving to Hope Valley. Allie only found out much later that it was to protect a fallen comrade's widow and young son. An obligation that Nathan had felt out of honor. Julia assumed that the widow must be Elizabeth Thornton, Allie's teacher. Clara had introduced them once, and said that Elizabeth had lost her husband, a Mountie, more than 4 years ago.
Allie went on to share, however, that her uncle and Elizabeth became friends. He developed feelings for her. She treated him terribly, over and over, while Nathan vowed he wouldn't give up on her. He took all of her horrible behavior, believing that she felt the same way about him and would eventually come out of her grief and realize it. He always said that love was worth fighting for. So he did, he fought for it.
But despite all his fighting and sacrifice, Elizabeth decided she was in love with Lucas Bouchard. She picked that guy, over her Dad. The gambling, smooth talking saloon owner, over her noble, selfless Dad. He had laid it all on the line, only to have his heart broken.
"How long ago was all of this, Allie?" Julia asked.
"It was finally over on the first day of school, last August." Allie replied, "So, it's been almost a whole school year. We have only a few weeks left now."
"How did all this make you feel, Allie? I know your uncle was disappointed. But what about you? You seem really hurt by all this?" Julia probed a little.
"What was hard was the way she butt into our business and tried to be a part of our lives, for three years. It really felt like she cared about us and wanted us. My uncle and me both. It was really confusing, and for what? We both put our hearts on the line, and all along, she didn't care about us in that way." Allie paused, wiping her tears that were falling intensely now. "Julia, I saw how she was with my Dad. Even I thought she loved him, but she just led him on. And he's such a sweet and sensitive guy underneath all that tough Mountie exterior. He never even called her out on it, and as far as I know, she has never even apologized." Allie paused, wiping her nose with a handkerchief. "I thought she could be my mother, I had hoped that we could be a family, but I was wrong. And as for my Dad, it was so hard to watch him hurting, I just wanted him to be happy." Allie finished, still wiping her eyes, tears still falling. Such big suppositions for a young girl, even one as smart as Allie. Julia's heart was breaking right along with her, sorry that she had carried all this.
Julia put her arm around Allie. "Love is complicated, Allie. And it's hard to understand the ways of the heart, especially the heart of someone who has lost someone so important to her. Elizabeth was grieving very deeply. I don't know her, but I know you. And I can't imagine she meant to hurt you." Julia paused, held Allie's face in her hands and looked into her eyes. "Allie, your dad is happy. I see it every time he looks at you. You make him happy. You are the most important person in his life. He told me so the very first day I met him."
"I just wish I could make it all go away. Hasn't he been through enough? And now, he's hurt and won't wake up. It's just not fair." Julia took Allie into her arms again, and held her as she cried more tears.
When Allie calmed, Julia looked her in the eye again, "It's hard to see someone we love so much hurting, whether physically or emotionally. You are so sweet to look out for him. The best thing you can do now, is to be there for him, like you are doing now. And to pray for him. In my opinion, only God and time can heal a heart and make it whole again. Your dad will get there, don't you worry, Allie. The very best thing you can do for him is to continue to love him. Your love will bring healing too." Julia said.
Looking at her, Julia thought Allie looked more at peace. Julia brought her another handkerchief and Allie wiped her face. They ate together, talking about lighter things like school and the pond and riding horses. When they were done, Julia cleaned and washed the dishes.
Julia asked, "Allie, do you have any games we could play?"
Allie went over to the coffee table, which had a hidden drawer, and pulled out a chess board. They sat together and played a while.
Finally, Julia remembered the notches at the front door and decided to ask. "Allie, I noticed the notches on the door frame by the front door. Are those your growth markings?"
"Yea, my dad marks them every year on my birthday." Allie stated.
Julia realized that meant Allie's birthday was coming up soon. "Allie, your birthday is coming up. Have you big plans?"
Allie thought for a minute and replied. "Well, I haven't really thought about it, and now with my Dad in this condition… it's hard to think about doing much."
Julia nodded, understanding how hard it must be to think about when Nathan is unconscious upstairs.
"Allie, speaking of your Dad, I'm going to go up and check on him. Will you be okay down here for a few minutes?" Julia asked.
Julia took one oil lamp and climbed the stairs, and when she entered he was fitful. He was still quite warm and seemed to have thrashed in the bed while no one was present and watching. Julia refreshed the ice and cold towels around him. As she changed the towels at his side, she took the opportunity to check the bruising on his ribs, the part she could still see at least. They were still a very dark blue, though steaks of dark purple were present now. She checked his vitals and marked them down on the notepad near the bed. She brushed back his curls and felt his forehead and cheeks, and marked that down as well.
Julia went downstairs and told Allie that he had moved around a little bit, so she preferred to sit upstairs with him now. Then, she had an idea.
"Allie, what book are you and your Dad reading together at the moment?"
Allie went to the shelf and pulled it down, "Mark, the Match Boy," she said, showing Julia.
"Why don't we go up together and you can read it to me and your Dad?" Julia suggested. "You can just pick up where you left off."
Allie smiled, relieved. "That sounds like a great idea, Julia. He would really like that."
They went up together and sat in the two chairs next to him. Allie opened the book and started to read. They read 2 chapters together, and then Allie started to look tired.
Julia suggested, "Allie, you look tired. Would you like to go to bed now? I will stay right here, and Bill is coming at 10 p.m. He will stay all night, right here next to your Dad."
Allie looked at her shyly. "Will you please ask Bill to wake me up as soon as my Dad wakes up? No matter what time."
Julia nodded and said, "I will do exactly that, Allie. You get some rest. Your Dad will need your help when he wakes up."
Allie stood, and walked over to Nathan. She bent over him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Good night, Dad. See you in the morning."
Allie then came over to Julia and gave her a hug. "Good night, Julia. Thank you so much for listening and for making me feel better. I really like talking to you. You are a great friend to me, and to my Dad." Allie smiled and then turned and went across the hall into her room.
Julia reached into her medical bag and pulled out her book.
At 10 p.m., Bill arrived and came upstairs, carrying his bedroll.
"No change?" he asked Julia.
"Not much. He thrashed around a bit a few hours ago. But, nothing since I changed the ice and towels. His fever seems stable, but still too high." Julia reported. She was silent for a minute, and then asked Bill something she had been concerned about. "Bill, when Nathan was first hurt, he mentioned contacting his mother. I don't think he ever did. Do you think someone should let her know what's going on?"
Bill nodded, and said, "I agree with you, someone should inform his mother. I will speak with Allie in the morning and see if she can give me an address. And, I will send his mother a telegram first thing." Julia nodded, imagining that his mother would want to know.
Bill looked over and noticed the notepad for recording his vitals. "How often do you refresh the towels and ice?"
Julia replied, "Every two hours. I also check his vitals and record them there every two hours." she said, pointing to the notepad next to the bed. "The schedule won't be very much fun overnight, Bill. I'm sorry about that."
"It has to be done, and I signed up for it. I'm happy to sit with him." Bill said, and then added with a chuckle. "And, if I get bored there's a whole lot of books downstairs to keep me company."
"That's for sure. I never would have seen that one coming. A literary Mountie." Julia said, with a soft laugh.
Bill looked at Julia then and said, "Well, he doesn't do it for the money or the recognition."
Julia nodded and looked adoringly at Nathan, peaceful and sleeping in the bed. She wondered why exactly he was a mountie. He probably could have been a professor or a lawyer, or a thousand other things. He had given her part of the story, but she was sure there was more to it.
Julia walked home carrying a poetry book she had borrowed from his bookshelves downstairs. She was surprised he would have this one, but then, the surprises were never ending when it came to Nathan Grant.
As she walked home, she thought of all that Allie had shared with her. Julia knew she was not meant to hear any of it, especially not like that, nor from Allie. But, like once before when she had accidentally eavesdropped, there was no unhearing it now. She would keep everything Allie had told her in strictest confidence and she would do everything in her power to protect Allie's feelings at all costs. No matter what happened or didn't happen between her and Nathan Grant.
Julia had only met Lucas Bouchard once, but how anyone could prefer him over the beautiful, selfless, and noble Nathan Grant, was a complete and utter mystery. But then, she couldn't pretend to know everything that Elizabeth had been through. She'd heard that Elizabeth had lost her husband, who had been a Mountie, in a terrible accident, very shortly after their wedding day. Maybe the trauma was just too deep and she was afraid to get involved with another Mountie. But, Lucas Bouchard? The smooth talking saloon owner? Elizabeth had fallen for his smooth talking ways? That was very surprising.
Julia felt for Nathan. From what it sounded like, he had put it all on the line. And, she imagined that unrequited love was hard to get over. Julia was trying her best not to develop feelings for Nathan Grant. The knowledge that he recently had his heart broken, just added one more reason for her to keep her distance. One more reason to guard her heart. One more reason to keep him in the friend zone. But watching over him and caring for him, spending so much time in close proximity to him, was proving it a difficult task.