Chapter 26. The Pond
Nathan awoke Sunday morning and ventured the stairs by himself. He needed a change of scenery. He realized about halfway down it wasn't a good idea alone, but he gritted his teeth and made it without any mishap. Healing was going way too slow for his liking. Every time he felt better, he would try to do a little more, and each time got a stark reminder of just how slow he was healing.
To top it off, Julia still wasn't coming around for house calls. Nathan was unable to move about freely, otherwise he would have already tracked her down to talk this through. He felt like a sitting duck. He thought coming downstairs would help, that he could manage this one thing on his own. But, the pain in his side was now making him regret the effort.
Nathan decided to lay down on the couch and see if he could get his muscles to stop screaming. As he did, he noticed the new Valley Voice on the coffee table. Faith must have left it last night after her house call, but he hadn't been downstairs since then. He started reading, wishing he had a nice strong coffee in the other hand. But he was unwilling to move at the moment.
When Nathan flipped open to the inside of the paper, a photo caught his attention at the top of the right hand side. Julia. There was her article and the photo Fiona had taken. She looked stunning standing in front of the infirmary, in her nurse's apron. She wore a bright and inviting smile. Nathan thought the photo so lovely, he was sure they would see an increase of patients coming in, especially single, male patients. He, himself was almost ready to develop a sudden cough just to go in and be near her.
Nathan read through he article, which was very well done and contained excellent information. He hoped to have the opportunity to tell her.
Lee and Rosemary were coming to get him for church, with the car, later on this morning. Maybe he would try to catch her after church and talk to her.
Nathan heard footsteps at the top of the stairs. "Dad?" Allie called down.
"Allie girl, I'm already down." Nathan answered.
Allie came bounding down the stairs and came over to him. She said, "Dad, you aren't supposed to come down by yourself. You know that."
Nathan gave a sheepish grin, the one he made when he knew he'd been caught, and answered, "Sorry, Allie girl. I just needed to get out of my room. Those four walls were starting to feel too cage-y."
"Well, next time you feel that way, just call me and I will come and help you down. Ok?" Allie said.
"Deal." Nathan answered.
"Shall I make you some coffee?" Allie asked.
"Allie, that would be so nice. Would you?" He answered.
"Anything for you, Dad." She said and went to the kitchen to make coffee.
After that, Allie made breakfast and when it was ready, she called Nathan to the table. He brought the paper over to the table with him, to see if Allie had seen it.
"Allie, this breakfast looks so good." he said, "Have you seen this week's Valley Voice?"
"Yes, I did. It was very good this week, wouldn't you agree? Was there an article that caught your eye, Dad?" Allie paused and smiled big, "Any article in particular?"
Nathan laughed at her teasing, and nearly choked on his eggs. He rubbed his hand on the top of Allie's head, messing up her hair, just as he used to do when she was a child. "Very funny, Allie." but he couldn't help but smile. He did like Julia's article above all the others.
"Well, she's just lucky your article doesn't appear till next week. Otherwise there would be no competition on which one is my favorite." Nathan responded.
"It's a very nice picture," Allie stated.
"Yes, it is." Nathan agreed.
"Are you excited that Grandma is coming?" Nathan asked.
"Yes, so very excited." Allie answered, "She's staying with us, right?"
"Yes, that's the point of her coming, to help us out since I can't do much right now." Nathan answered. "Bill put in an order in for me, through the mercantile, for a rollaway cot. Would you be willing to give Grandma your bed? And, take the cot? You can decide if you'd rather stay in your room and sleep in with Grandma, or put the cot in with me? Either way is fine, you decide."
"Grams can definitely have my bed, I am so excited she's coming. And, I can stay in my room and sleep in with her. It will give us the opportunity for some fun, Grandma-Granddaughter time. I can't wait!" Allie said. "And, she's going to be here for my birthday."
"I will speak to Minnie today at church and make sure they count one more for your birthday dinner at their house." Nathan said.
"Did you ask her yet about inviting Julia?" Allie mentioned.
"And, I'll talk to her about that, too." Nathan said as he nodded.
When they were done with breakfast, Allie started clearing the dishes and filling the wash basin.
"Allie, do you think you could help me go back upstairs? I need to get washed up and ready before Faith gets here for the morning house call. Lee and Rosemary will pick us up in the car, not long after, for church." Nathan asked.
"Sure, Dad." Allie came to his right side and hooked his arm over her shoulders. "How much longer will you need the house calls?" she asked as they walked toward the stairs.
"Faith says I still need to have someone come twice a day, at least until Friday." Nathan stated, as they climbed the stairs, "But, I think it's really just a precaution, because of the fever."
"And, after Friday?" Allie asked.
"I would guess we go to once a day?" Nathan ventured, "I'm not sure, I'll have to ask."
"How long should it take for you to get all better?" Allie asked.
"I think it takes about 2 months to heal up, after such an injury to the ribs. And perhaps another month after that, before I can ride." Nathan said, sadly.
"Wow, that's long." Allie said.
"Yes, I miss riding so much already. I don't know how I'll manage." Nathan stated.
"Newton is probably missing you." Allie said. "I hope someone is riding him."
"Bill is." Nathan said, "He's taking good care of him."
"Dad, I'll let you get ready now. What should I set out for you?" Allie asked.
He gave her instructions and when she had it all laid out, Allie returned downstairs to wash the dishes.
When Lee and Rosemary pulled the car up in front of the Grant residence, Allie and Nathan were sitting on the top step. Allie helped him into the car, and as she did, something occurred to him. This was the first time he had been out of the house since his injury over a week ago. He was still extremely sore, but couldn't have been happier to venture out. The ride was a little rough, he felt every jostle and bump, but nothing could dispel his happy mood.
Lee and Allie helped him into the church and got him seated on the fourth row back. Lee went back to move the car out of the way, Allie went to meet up with her friends, but Rosemary sat right down with him.
"Rosemary, I read the Valley Voice this morning, with my coffee. This week's was a great edition." Nathan encouraged her.
"Well, I had a lot of great submissions this week. It came together so nicely." She stated, and then asked, "Was there a particular article that got your attention? Or maybe a picture?"
Nathan turned a little pink and smiled his crooked smile, thinking of that picture, "Maybe." Rosemary just chuckled and smiled at his admission. There had been only two pictures in this week's edition, as they were expensive to include. And, she deduced that Nathan wasn't referring to the picture of the water tower.
"I'm looking forward to Allie's submission for next week." Rosemary stated.
"Well, Allie is very excited about writing it. I think she's gotten a lot done already." Nathan replied.
Lots of people were coming in now, and the pews were filling up. After a few more minutes, Nathan spotted Julia enter. She didn't notice him as he was already seated and a bit hidden behind people who were still standing. She spoke with Mike for a moment, and then walked towards the pews to find a seat. She passed on the far side of the pews and when she spotted Nathan, she gave him a little wave. She sat in the second row.
She looked beautiful wearing a light sea-green dress. Her sandy hair was pulled back on the sides, but soft waves fell all down her back. Nathan wondered how he would ever concentrate on anything Joseph was saying with her in his line of sight.
Lee came back in and sat between Nathan and Rosemary. The service was very nice, and the message about trust. Joseph always had a way to make his message applicable to daily life. Nathan took hold of several points of the message, that applied to his current situation.
When the service was over, Nathan saw Julia approach Joseph, to speak with him. Everyone else filed out of the church onto the lawn, and Lee came and helped Nathan exit. Nathan had hoped to catch Julia when she came out. On the lawn, so many people came and spoke to Nathan, to say how happy they were he was doing better, and to wish him a speedy recovery. When Lee brought the car up closer, to take Nathan home, Julia had still not come outside. Nathan didn't think he could insist on staying longer without it being awkward, so he got into the car to leave, disappointed.
Allie approached the passenger side, "Dad, is it okay if I stay longer, to hang out with Opal and Emily?"
"That's totally fine, Allie. Have fun and I'll see you at home later." Nathan answered, "And Allie, make sure you come home in time to have your homework done for school tomorrow."
"Yes, Dad." she said, as she kissed his cheek and ran off.
Rosemary also decided to stay and talk a while to Florence and Clara. So, Lee took Nathan home. When Lee helped him into the empty house, Nathan wished he could run right back out. He was tired of being stuck inside.
"Thanks, Lee. It was so good to get out of the house." Nathan confided, sitting on the couch.
Lee felt bad for Nathan, "I can only imagine. I would go nuts being cooped up."
"You're telling me. It's starting to feel long, too long." Nathan answered.
"How much longer will it be?" Lee asked.
Nathan replied with an even grin, "I think a few more weeks still."
"Maybe we should organize a guys night? Either here or at my house, so you don't have far to go? We can play cards and have a whiskey together?" Lee offered.
"That would be fun, Lee. If the other guys are up for it." Nathan said.
"Well, I'll talk to a few of them and see what we can come up with. I'll let you know." Lee stated, as he stood to go. "Anything else you need before I go? Can I get you some water or a book?" Lee asked.
"No, thanks, Lee. I'm allowed to move around a little, as long as I avoid the stairs. But, thanks for asking." Nathan answered.
"Ok. Well, I'll see you later then. Have a good day, Nathan." Lee said, walking towards the door.
"You too, Lee." Nathan answered, as Lee went out and closed the door.
Nathan picked up the Valley Voice that was back on the coffee table. He finished reading the rest of the edition and flipped again to the inside. It was a nice picture. But, it didn't quite do her justice, in black and white. Julia looked so radiant in the sea green dress this morning. He wanted so badly to talk to her, and too see her up close. He missed her.
About ten minutes later, he heard a knock at the door. He called out, "Come in." Minnie arrived with lunch for he and Allie, and carried everything to the kitchen.
Nathan stood and walked over to where she worked, setting everything up for them.
"Minnie, you are too kind," Nathan said. "I wanted to let you know that my mother is arriving on Thursday. So, she will be with us for Allie's party." He paused for a moment, remembering his promise to Allie, and added, "Allie is also pretty insistent that Julia be there. I don't know if you have invited her?"
"Don't worry, Julia is definitely on the invite list." Minnie stated with a broad smile. Then she asked, "Do you think Allie has any idea, so far?"
"No, she still thinks we are just having dinner at your house. She is going to be so very surprised." Nathan said. "Thank you so much for thinking of her birthday."
"Actually, I didn't think of it. It was Julia who mentioned it to me. She apparently saw something in your house that made her realize Allie's birthday was coming up. I'm so glad she did because it would have been a shame to let it pass by. I think we could all use a reason to celebrate, don't you?" Minnie asked.
"Yes, I agree," Nathan paused. "Thank you, Minnie, for organizing everything. Please, if there is anything you need at the mercantile, for the party, please put it on my account."
"Nonsense, Nathan. Everyone is happy to pitch in, and it's going to be a lot of fun." Minnie replied with a wink, "Now, we just have to make sure no one ruins the surprise."
"Allie is going to love it. I think we won't hear about anything else for the next 3 months." Nathan chuckled.
"That's the plan," Minnie said. "Nathan, I hope you enjoy your lunch. I'm going to get home and feed my hungry crew. I'll come back and get the dishes later."
"Thank you, Minnie. And, please tell Joseph I really enjoyed his sermon this morning." Nathan replied.
"Will do," Minnie said as she started to leave. Then she said, "Bye, Nathan," just before she stepped through the door.
"Bye, Minnie." Nathan called out after her.
Lunch looked great and he was starving. He had no idea what time Allie would be back, so he decided to make a plate and eat. As he sat at the table, Nathan thought about what Minnie had said. It had been Julia who had alerted her that Allie's birthday was coming up. How did she know? As he ate, he looked around and tried to imagine what she had seen in his house that would have tipped her off? But, he was just glad someone had thought of it. Because with everything that had happened in the last 9 days, he would not have done very well planning anything for Allie. And, he was sure Minnie and Angela would make it a birthday she wouldn't soon forget.
Later in the afternoon, Nathan went out back on his small back porch. He needed some fresh air and wanted to try to sit outside for a little while. From his vantage point on the porch, he was tall enough to see over the back fence. And, as he took a long look around, something caught his eye in the distance. A lone figure, in soft sea green, walking towards the pond. He recognized it was Julia right away, he would know her silhouette anywhere.
His eyes followed her as she moved with such purpose. She went around the pond on the right side, and when she didn't continue up the path, but disappeared behind the church, he went into action.
Nathan walked through the house and out the front door. He grimaced coming down the front steps but he didn't think twice. He had to see her.
He knew she would probably get upset at how far he was walking, but he didn't care. He needed to talk to her. As he got closer his side was screaming, but he kept on. When he came close, Julia was on the little dock, looking down into the water, her back to him.
Julia had decided to go for a walk. She felt like the message this morning about trust had been just for her. She had gone directly to speak to Joseph afterwards, and told him as much. He had given her a few more bible verses and some encouragement, to carry her forward. She was determined to put it into practice. The space Nathan had given her, and the time she had taken had dispelled all her fears, and she was ready to move forward.
She had been so disappointed that Nathan was already gone, by the time she came out of the church. He had looked so handsome in the dark blue shirt, unbuttoned at the top, and brown suspenders. When Julia had walked in and seen him across the pews, her heart had skipped a beat. She'd had to take a deep breath and sit down, to keep from going right over to him. She wanted to talk to him, it was time. She missed him.
As she came around the back side of the church and to the little dock, she wished she had enough courage to just go knock on his door. She felt terrible for allowing Faith to take all his house calls, and hoped he didn't think she was avoiding him. She hadn't mean it that way at least, and didn't know how he would respond if she showed up at his door. Anyway, she would take back calls starting tomorrow, so she would certainly see him then. She had that to look forward to. As she looked over the dock into the water, she prayed he would understand.
Suddenly, she heard a voice behind her say, "Hi." She turned, and there he was. Nathan. Standing right behind her. She turned to face him, stunned to see him out of his house. He took a step towards her and her stomach did flips.
As her eyes retraced his presumed path to get here, from his house, it suddenly donned on her that he had walked all the way here. Against doctor's orders. Against medical advice. "Nathan. What in the world are you doing out here?" Julia said just above a whisper.
He looked like a boy who had been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Confused and embarrassed all at the same time, but determined. He couldn't take his eyes off of her and he took another step forward.
Julia came forward too.
Finally, Nathan spoke, just above a whisper, barely audible, but unmistakable, "I…miss you." His eyes were so intense, Julia felt all of her resolve melting under the weight of his confession. She missed him too. Very much.
She opened her mouth to speak, but couldn't find her voice. They looked at each other for a long time before she managed to say, breathlessly, "I miss you, too, Nathan." He loved the way she said his name.
Nathan looked at the ground and then back up at her, now with a slightly pained look in his eyes. "Then why are you avoiding me, Jules?"
Julia gently replied, "Nathan, I'm so sorry….I'm not avoiding you. I just…what we went through together was so intense, and you don't even remember most of it. I just needed some time to sort it through, so that as a nurse, I could care for you to the best of my abilities. I never meant to give you the impression that I was avoiding you."
"Jules, I miss spending time with you." He said simply, and then asked, "If you are not avoiding me, then when do I get to see you?"
Julia replied, "Well for starters, I'll be back on your house calls tomorrow." She smiled, and said gently, "But, Nathan, you are not supposed to exert yourself like this. Does Faith know you've escaped?" She wanted to scold him more, but she couldn't bring herself to be harsh with him, not for a second. She felt horrible she had hurt his feelings, and felt guilty for his trek to the pond. She clearly saw his vulnerability and how he was opening himself up, and she could only be gentle with him. He was far too precious to her.
"I didn't know how else to find you, than to track you down." Nathan suddenly coughed and grabbed his side. He started to double over in pain, but Julia was next to him in a second, to catch him. She put her shoulder under his on the right side, and supported him. He leaned on her and when she looked back up, she realized how close they were. They were halfway into an embrace, and her stomach was all butterflies.
Julia asked quietly, a little playful now. "What was your plan once you got out here, Outlaw?"
He gave her a crooked smile, and said, "I didn't think it that far through. I just wanted to see you. I guess I'm at your mercy now, Nurse Matthews." He said, a little bit flirtatious. Julia helped him over to the railing of the little dock, to give him a little more support, though she kept her shoulder firmly under his and didn't back up from him, not one inch. "Is that better?" She whispered.
He finally caught his breath and looked down at her, "Julia Matthews, I've been sweet on you for a while now." He paused to give her his charming crooked smile, "I care about you, and I want to see where it leads. I want to know if there could be an us, if we could be a couple." Nathan confessed.
There they stood, half melded together, as that confession hung between them. He leaned on her, and she supported him, their gaze fixed on each other. Deep steel blue eyes fixed on sky blue ones.
Julia decided to take a leap, to be honest, to open up too, "Nathan, I would like that, too." She confessed breathlessly, with a gentle smile. "I'm sorry if I upset you with my attempt to put some distance between us. I was afraid my feelings would compromise my ability to care for you, as a nurse. And, if that ever happened, I would never forgive myself. Nurses are supposed to keep their personal feelings out of the professional setting. But, it became impossible for me, after all we have been through together, and because of my feelings. Even now, I'm not sure I can be very objective when it comes to you." She answered softly.
Nathan replied, "What if we take it one day at a time?" He looked down at her with such tenderness, she couldn't even speak. "With your permission, of course, let's take it slow and get to know each other. Take our time. I don't care how long it takes."
Julia looked up at him and nodded, and said in a low voice, "I would like that". How could he have such an effect on her? One look from him, and all her feelings were right on the surface. She couldn't deny that she wanted to get to know him, too. In fact, she wanted to know everything about him.
"To be very clear, Miss Matthews, my intentions with you are more than friendship. I'm asking your permission to pursue you romantically." He smiled down at her, an added softly, "just so you don't have any doubts." That statement, and his tenderness, sent the butterflies all the way to her toes.
Julia looked up at him and smiled playfully, "I have to give you permission, huh?"
Nathan answered, "Well, I would prefer it. But, I do already have permission from Jake." As he said it, he flashed his crooked smile. That, of course, was news to Julia, though it touched her heart. Jake had mentioned already that he'd asked Nathan about his intentions with her. But she had no idea that Jake had given Nathan any permission.
"You asked my brother already? When he was here?" She asked slightly shocked.
"Yes." he said, simply.
"Nathan, you...knew...already, back then?" Julia asked, serious now.
Nathan reached out and gently stroked her cheek, as he answered, "Jules, I have known ever since you rode down the mountain on Newton with me. When you laid back on my chest and my arms were holding you." How he wished he could hold her again, right now.
With that statement, Julia held his gaze, and swallowed hard. If she were honest with herself, she had probably known way back then too. That she wanted to be more than friends with this handsome, selfless, noble man, standing before her.
His gaze was so strong and so tender, she thought for a moment he would kiss her. Oh, she wanted him to, she wished it. But, Nathan only smiled and whispered, "Jules, you didn't answer my question?"
"What question?" Julia asked, clearly flustered now.
"Do I have permission to pursue you romantically?" Nathan asked again.
"Yes," she answered, smiling up at him. And, just because she knew he liked to hear it a second time, she said it again, "Yes." He shifted then, and she realized he was in considerable pain. Her hand went to his chest to steady him.
Julia whispered, worried for him, "Nathan, you are obviously in pain. Can I please take you home now?"
Nathan looked down at Julia and whispered hoarsely, "Not yet, Jules. Before we go, there's just one more thing." She looked up at him, questioning.
Leaning against the railing, Nathan slowly took Julia's hand. As if in slow motion, he gently pulled her a half turn towards him, and took her fully into his embrace. When his arms came strong around her, he felt her sharp intake of breath. She smelled so good, and he was instantly affected. It felt so good and so right to hold her, and that realization made him lightheaded. When she laid her cheek on his chest and finally, tenderly, let her arms go around him, his heart soared. And he knew, it was just the beginning.
He softly whispered into her hair, "I've been waiting to hold you in my arms since the moment Lucy took off with you, the day we went riding." When his strong arms encircled her and held her tight, a feeling of strength and security enveloped her. Julia had been correct, she fit perfectly in his arms. Being so close to him felt so right, and she felt a thousand butterflies making a mess of her insides. His scent had become familiar now, a comfort, and had a tremendous effect on her. She found herself surrounded by his essence, and it made her a little heady. When one of his hands moved up her back, her heart skipped a beat.
They stood there a long time, even more melded together than before, relishing the closeness. Heartbeat to heartbeat. Unwilling to let go.