Chapter 28. One Question
On Monday, Julia woke early, and couldn't get the vivid dreams out of her head. She usually did not remember her dreams at all, but these had been so detailed and so real. And she would soon be expected at Nathan's, and wanted to be clear headed for her nursing duties. She readied herself, and decided to go for an early walk.
Now the mornings were becoming warmer and warmer, even though she still preferred to wear a light coat. Julia knew the summer months would soon be upon them. She was anxious to see what summer would be like in Hope Valley. She wondered how hot it would get, and hoped she could find a proper, private swimming hole. On her walk, she tried to take note of any streams she could see, in any direction, that looked as though they could have pools big enough to swim in.
As she climbed up, there were less trees in bloom, though the forest floor was still covered in thick green. She didn't go all the way to her field, for time's sake. But, turned around about halfway up. Faith was off today and tomorrow, so Julia would need to open the infirmary before making her house call at Nathan's.
As she walked back down, the scenes from yesterday replayed in her mind. Nathan telling her that he missed her. The way he looked at her nervously as he waited for her response, as if he half expected her to reject him. And, once she had responded, the way he looked so certain and confident as he told her he wanted to know if they could be a couple. Then, the way he had asked if he could pursue her. She was certainly not versed on the protocol or rules for dating, but thought it incredibly romantic the way he wanted to make it clear between them. He had asked permission from Jake, and Jake had given his blessing, which she did not take lightly.
She thought of their embrace and how perfectly at home she felt in his arms. It was as if she had been made to fit right there. She had found her place. She couldn't shake the thought, even though part of her knew it was too soon to think like that. Even though it was obvious they had both liked each other since the cabin, this was the first conversation they'd had about their feelings. It was only the first day of their "relationship", if that's even how it should be called, and they had agreed to take it one day at a time.
As she came back through town, she stopped in the café for a coffee and muffin. She went to her apartment to eat and finish getting ready. At 8 a.m., she came back to the infirmary, opened and set up everything for the day. Then she prepared her medical bag, left a note on the door, and started out for Nathan's.
Julia took a deep breath as she climbed the stairs to Nathan's house. She knocked lightly on the door and opened when she heard Nathan call out "come in."
When Julia entered, Nathan was sitting on the couch, reading. He started to stand, painfully, when he saw it was her. She quickly said, "You don't have to get up, Nathan, take it easy." She came over to him and set her medical bag down. She sat in the chair next to him, and he set his book down on the coffee table.
He looked at her with an easy smile and slowly drawled, "hi."
"Good morning, Nathan." Julia said with her own gentle smile, "how are you feeling this morning? Any soreness?"
Nathan's face didn't lie, she knew he was sore. "Yes, I think I overdid it yesterday." but he smiled and added, "even though it was worth it."
That statement made Julia blush, though she had to agree. Any tension that had been between them was gone, and had been replaced by deep feeling. Even sitting next to him she felt her heart rate was elevated.
"Are you taking the pain medicine Faith gave you?" Julia asked.
"I haven't taken anything the last two days. Faith said I could try to go without, and honestly I was okay, until yesterday." Nathan surmised.
Julia said, "I think you should take them today, and maybe tomorrow. The more we calm the pain, the more the muscles will relax, and the soreness will diminish." She stood to fetch them, "Do you know where they are, Nathan? I can get them for you."
"They should be on the night table in my room." Nathan told her. She headed up the stairs and entered his room. As she did, her mind flashed back to her third dream from the night before. When she had entered his bedroom, just as she did now, and found him standing before her bare-chested, handsome and strong, and lovingly looking at her. In the dream, she had gone into his arms, without reservation. Why did this image come to her mind at this moment? She was taken aback, and her hand trembled as she grabbed the bottle of medicine. She had to steady herself and calm down before she could return downstairs.
Instead of going back over to Nathan, she went to the kitchen. She got out a glass, and filled it from the pitcher of water, and took another deep breath. When she came back over, she was calm.
"Here you go, Constable. I think it's best if you keep taking these for the next 48 hours. Then we can see if you can stop them again. But, after yesterday's exertion, soreness is to be expected." Julia stated.
He took the medicine and the water, and made quick work of taking it. "Thank you, Jules." He said. She sat on the edge of the settee on his left side.
"How are your stitches? I'm going to need to see them." Julia stated, nervously. He opened the few buttons he had fixed on his shirt, and she helped him open it, and pull it up and behind his left shoulder.
Julia hadn't seen his stitches since the last night of his fever, and they had healed up nicely. "Wow, they look really good. I think they will be ready to come out on Friday." she concluded.
Julia did the examination of his abdomen next, which required her putting her hands on both his side and his back. She was hoping he didn't notice the way her hands shook slightly when she touched him. And, she was glad he didn't look at her while she did it, as that would have made it so much harder to concentrate.
Everything felt in order, though swollen. "There is some swelling still, but other then that, everything seems fine, Nathan." Julia concluded.
Nathan sat up a little and she helped him put his shirt back to rights. He was able to do the buttons up now, which she was thankful for.
Julia looked at him then, like she wanted to say something more.
Nathan could read her like a book. "What is it, Jules?" he asked gently, "something on your mind?"
"Yes. If our house call is over, I have a little idea." Julia started slowly. "I have a little game, of sorts. If you are interested." She paused and he looked intrigued, so she kept going, "My hope is that my little game will keep you from any more shenanigans, like running off to the pond, and give you an incentive to obey your doctor's orders. A sort of motivation. To behave…" she said, with a playful smile.
Nathan slyly and cutely smiled back at her, "well, that shouldn't be a problem anymore."
"What shouldn't be a problem?" Julia asked.
Nathan answered, "Me running after you. As long as you are done avoiding me."
Julia's expression turned serious and she said, "Nathan, I really am sorry. I didn't mean to give you that impression, and I would never intentionally do anything to hurt you." She paused, and she looked less certain now. He was sorry he had made that comment, even if he had meant it playfully.
"I believe you, Jules. And, you already apologized. I'm the one who should be sorry. I honestly didn't mean it like that. I was trying to make light of it, and flirt with you." Nathan confessed. "But, rest assured, Miss Matthews, next time I won't wait so long to track you down, if I have any doubt." He paused, and the flirtatious, playful look returned, "Don't forget tracking is one of my specialties in the Mounties."
Julia laughed and said, "So I've heard. But, you are supposed to be taking it easy, and the purpose of my little game is to motivate you to do so." She smiled.
"Ok, I'm all ears." Nathan replied.
"And, since you expressed the desire to get to know me better, my little game should allow you to do that as well. Here's how it goes…" she started her explanation, but was interrupted.
"Yes!" Nathan said, definitively.
"Yes? Nathan, I didn't even explain the game yet." She chided him.
"Jules, I said yes already, I agree." Nathan said, point blank.
"Nathan! You are incorrigible." She laughed, tilted her head and looked at him with slight of eye, as she asked, "Were you that annoying child in class, that interrupted the teacher all the time with the right answer? Before she could even finish the question?"
"Maybe." He smiled playfully at her.
She wanted to stomp her foot. But, instead she said, "but I didn't even tell you how it works yet!"
"Whatever it is, if it means I get to know you better, I'm in." Nathan said, playfully and positively smiling back at her.
Julia just shook her head, and smiled at him. "Ok. So that's settled. Would you like to know what you signed up for, now?"
"Ok. Tell me the rules." Nathan said, listening. She couldn't help but smile at him. He was absolutely adorable when he was teasing her.
She explained, "The game is called One Question. Here's how it works: Every time I make a house call, and you have behaved, and followed doctors orders, to the T, you get to ask me one question."
"One question?" Nathan asked.
"One question, anything you want. And I will answer honestly. No holding back." Julia explained further.
He wanted to be sure he had heard right. "I can ask you anything I want to know? About you?"
"Yes." She said simply.
"And you will give me an honest answer?" Nathan was intrigued.
"An honest answer." Julia smiled, glad he was interested.
"Ooo, I like this game." he said, rubbing his hands together, looking a little too happy, almost mischievous.
Julia raised her finger, "BUT, if you have over-exerted, made laps around the pond, lifted things you shouldn't have, you will not get ask me anything." She paused, "No question." And, then she added a small disclaimer, again with the finger, "AND, you can't ask me about my feelings. Sorry, but those are off limits."
Nathan looked like a kid in a candy store, "Ok, I am really going to like this game."
Julia thought for a minute, and reluctantly decided to add, "My hope in proposing this game, is that eventually you might let me play too." she paused, to let the idea sink in. "But, I leave that completely up to you. It could be a fun way for me to get to know you too." He looked nervous about that, so she let him off the hook. "But, if you feel uncomfortable, it's perfectly fine."
He thought for a minute and said, "I'll think about it." He liked the idea, and thought the game could be really fun, a creative way to get to know each other. He just wasn't sure he was ready to share certain things, if she were to ask those questions.
"Absolutely, no pressure, Constable." she said, trying to lighten things back up. She probably shouldn't have mentioned anything yet, and regretted it instantly.
However, Nathan was still intrigued, and his playful look soon returned. "So when can we start?" He asked.
Julia answered, "Well, I won't count yesterday against you. So, today, you pass. So, we can start right now if you want."
Nathan had to be sure, "I can ask you anything?"
"Anything." Julia smiled back at him, sure and unshaken.
Nathan rubbed his chin and thought for a moment…something he wanted to know about her. How to pick just one question? There were so many running through his mind, so much he wanted to know about her.
He decided to start light, "Ok. What's your middle name?"
A huge smile spread across Julia's face. She looked like she had dodged a bullet, as she replied. "Oh, Constable. That's a pity. Such a waste of a question. And you only get one, this morning. You will have to do a little better formulating your questions, or at least, that one…" She paused, and he looked very confused. What was the catch, then, if she didn't have to tell him her middle name?
Finally, with a very playful and proud-of-herself smile, she said, "My middle name is Julia." Understanding came across his face, as he realized he had indeed, very badly phrased his question.
"Wait, then it doesn't count!" He protested, playfully.
"It totally counts. You got your one question." Julia said playfully, teasing him. "You will just have to try again tonight, when I come for your next house call. Let's see if by then, you will be any better at playing this game."
He had looked at her with his mouth gaping open, but his mouth slowly changed into a flirtatious smile.
Julia rose and picked up her medical bag. When she reached the front door she said, "See you tonight, Constable" and she let herself out.
He was left staring after her, with a huge smile on his face. He thought she was a lot of fun, and he was sure he was really going to like this game.
The morning was slow at the infirmary. Jesse brought in two guys from the mill, who had apparently gotten into a brawl with each other. Julia cleaned them both up, nothing too serious, and scolded them for letting their pride get the better of them. Not to mention that Lee was a fair boss, and they were not likely to be treated so well elsewhere.
Just after lunch, Henry Gowen came in for his dressing change. The bandage was in horrible shape. It was obvious he had worked just as hard as he always did, even with a bandaged hand.
Julia tried not to scold him, but wanted to make sure he understood the risk of infection. She said gently, "Henry, the state of your bandage is not really conducive to keeping your wound clean. If you allow it to become so soiled, it is keeping the bacteria in your wound instead of out of your wound. I wouldn't want you to end up with a nasty infection. Is there any way you can slow it down for just a few days?" Julia asked.
Henry looked down at his hand, and had to agree. It was not looking good. "I can try," he rasped as he looked up at her.
"Just a few days to allow a good clean scab to form, and then I can put a smaller bandage and let you back at it. Ok?" She offered.
Henry smiled his half smile, and said, "Ok. I'll try."
She worked to clean the wound very well with strong antiseptic. Then she applied the salve, and new bandages, doubling up this time, and wrapped it all securely. When she was done and the tape in place, she took his blood pressure. It was slightly better, though not yet in the range she would like.
"Henry, are you eating your flax seeds?" Julia asked, curious.
Henry asked "Why do you ask? Is my blood pressure better?" He gave her good news, "I ate the seeds everyday, since you gave them to me. This is my fourth day taking them."
"It is slightly better, I have to admit." She paused, "So, keep up the flax seeds. But, it would be good for you to take a day or two off. That would make an even better improvement."
"Maybe I'll check with Mike or Fiona and see if someone can fill in for me, for a day." Henry stated.
"That would do you a world of good, Henry. Take a long walk, stop and smell the flowers, that sort of thing." Julia told him.
Henry laughed then. And, Julia laughed with him at the thought of him, so stoic and gruff, bending down to smell flowers. "I'm not sure smelling flowers is my thing." Henry replied.
"Yes, I realize that. But, the idea is that when we do something that we like to do, we relieve stress. So, you have to choose whatever you like to do, Henry." Julia paused, "a walk, a ride, a drive, or shooting, archery, something that pleases you and calms you." She looked at him, hopeful, "any ideas?"
"Well, I do like taking a drive. And, this time of year the weather is nice." Henry admitted.
Julia was pleased, "Start there, Henry. Take a nice scenic drive, and relax. Find a little stream and put your feet in the water."
Henry replied, "That actually sounds really nice. Maybe I'll will."
Julia said, "Please, Henry, give it a try and then let me know. And, I'd like to see you on Wednesday to change the dressing again."
Henry stood and nodded, and said, "Ok, I can do that. I'll see you on Wednesday, then."
"Bye, Henry." Julia replied, and he departed.
The rest of the day passed so slow. It passed way too slow for the nurse who was eagerly anticipating her evening house call. Julia was very much looking forward to seeing Nathan again, so the afternoon seemed to drag on. At 5:30 p.m., she finally closed up early and set out on foot with her medical bag.
When Julia arrived at Nathan's she knocked lightly on the door, but there was no answer. She knocked a little louder, but still didn't hear anything from within. Julia decided to try the backyard before getting worried and entering without an invitation. She walked around the back and entered at a little break in the back yard fence near the wood pile. But, thankfully he was there, peacefully napping in one of the wooden chairs she and Allie had set up the evening before. His feet were propped up on the chair in front of him, and a book open on his chest.
Julia approached and crouched down next to him, and shook his arm gently. "Nathan." He woke up and looked at her, confused, his eyes not quite focusing. "Nathan, I'm here for your evening house call. Are you ok?"
When his eyes finally focused on her, a slow smile spread across his face. She couldn't help it as she felt the same smile spread across her own face. Finally, he said a soft, "Hi," in his typical, charming way. "I'm perfectly fine. I just fell asleep while reading." And he put his feet down so she could sit.
However, instead of sitting, she helped him sit up. Julia opened her medical bag and said, "First things first, Constable. Let's see how you are doing." And, she moved slowly through the steps of his routine check up.
"Everything checks out fine, Constable." She said as she sat down across from him.
"So I pass your test?" He smiled coyly at her.
Julia replied, "I guess so, Lawman," happy that he liked her game.
Nathan tilted his head playfully and asked, "So can I ask my question now?"
"Yes." she answered.
He looked very pleased, and asked her, "Jules, what is your full name?"
Julia replied, "My full name is Eleanor Julia Matthews."
Nathan considered it a moment, and repeated, "Eleanor. Like your Aunt Eleanor?" He paused and then added, "It's nice. Is there a reason you don't use it?"
"You are correct, I was named after my mother's little sister, Eleanor. But, I've never really used it. One of the reasons is that my mother never really intended for me to use it, as a first name. She wanted me to carry Eleanor's name by principle, but chose to use my middle name, from the day I was born." Julia continued, "The other reason is that my mother loved to give everyone cute little nicknames. So, to my mother, Eleanor was Elle. That nickname caught on pretty good, thanks to Dad and Jake, even I don't call her Eleanor. Jake and I both call her Auntie Elle." She paused, and then continued. "For my mother, my brother Jacob was Jake. That one also stuck quite well. My father, Thomas was Tom, though most people didn't use it, it was reserved only for her." She looked up at him, explaining with a smile, "And, since there was already an Elle in the family, she didn't want to make it confusing. So, she never called me Eleanor, and nobody else did either." She looked down at her hand then, ready to tell him the rest, "Of course, she didn't call me Julia, either. That just wouldn't do. To her, I was always Jules." She smiled at him, and watched his reaction to her revelation.
"Wow, I had no idea." Nathan looked at her trying to gauge if it was a good thing or a bad thing that he had started calling her Jules of his own accord, without knowing any of this. "Julia, I don't have to use it, if you prefer I didn't. It seems way too special." he concluded.
"I absolutely adore that you call me Jules. And, the fact that you starting calling me that without knowing any of this, feels so very right. It came so naturally to you, the way it did to her, and that makes it all the more special to me. Jake and Auntie Elle are the only other people who call me Jules, and for both of them, it was a habit they picked up from my mom. But, you…" she paused, and swallowed hard, "You did it without thinking, in an intense moment when I needed you most. Something that came as naturally to you, as it did to her. I wouldn't have it any other way." Julia finished.
He smiled thinking how natural it had been, indeed. The first time he had called her Jules was when Lucy took off with her, and she was barely hanging on. It had come out without him even intending it to, but it was exactly what she needed to hear in that moment. And, he had absolutely no idea what the name meant to her. He had just wanted to calm her. Later, when he started to have feelings for her, he had wanted to get close to her. He had kept using the name to let her know how familiar he wanted them to become. And, hearing how much she adored him calling her that, he would certainly continue. In fact, he was sure he wouldn't call her anything else from now on.
"Jules, that is such a beautiful story. She sounds like an amazing person, I wish I could have met her." Nathan said so sweetly, and that thought brought tears to Julia's eyes. She reached over and touched his hand, and he instinctively threaded his fingers through hers, and held tight.
"I wish I could have known her a little more, too." Julia said, looking down at the ground. When she looked back up at him, a lone tear went down her cheek and she quickly wiped it.
"Okay, Jules. I have to tell you something. I really like your game. I was a little hesitant at first, but I think I want us both to play. I want you to ask me questions, too." Nathan paused and looked down at her hand in his, and then back up at her. "I was only hesitant because there are some things that still seem too painful to talk about. Things I'm not sure I can share with anyone. But, I want to try." He looked serious now. "I'm hoping those questions won't be the first ones you will ask me, and maybe we can work our way up to them?"
Julia smiled tenderly at him. "Nathan, if you think for a minute I would ever want you to share anything you weren't ready to, then you are all wrong about me. The point of the game is to get to know each other, in a light and fun way. I would never want you to feel pressure to share anything you don't want to, or aren't ready to. And even if you never share certain things, it's okay. I won't adore you any less, I promise." She paused, "One day at a time, remember?"
He smiled at her, lightly stroking his thumb over her knuckle. He said, "Ok. Then it's your turn."
Julia looked at him and thought for a few minutes. "I think I would like to ask you the same question. So, here goes. Nathan, one question: What is your full given name?"
Nathan chuckled and said, "So formal. You are showing me how to really play." Nathan paused, and then answered, "My full name is Nathaniel Sullivan Grant."
"No story there?" Julia asked.
"Sullivan was my grandfather on my Mother's side. My mother's father. Though, he went by Sully." Nathan stated, seeming to remember him quite well, with great affection.
Julia tried it out, "Sullivan. That's a nice name. Sully. Did you know him?"
Nathan smiled, "Yes, he was a very humble and gentle man. He and my grandmother used to take Colleen and I when my Dad was in trouble. Grandpa Sully died when I was 11. My grandmother Rose died when I was 14."
"What was your grandmother like?" Julia asked.
"She had a strong disposition, a bit like Colleen. She was a school teacher, so it was probably necessary to keep the kids in line. She also wrote children's books. And, she was a great cook. Sadly, I didn't get those cooking genes." Nathan confessed.
"Dad! Dad!" They both suddenly heard Allie calling. Eventually, she saw them through the kitchen window, and started toward the back door. Julia quickly took her hand back, just in case Allie had not been informed yet. Nathan looked at Julia, surprised at first, but realized he probably should have a conversation with Allie.
Once she got outside, Allie said,"Dad, I've been looking everywhere for you." She looked over at Julia sitting with her Dad, and said, "Hi, Julia. Sorry, I didn't realize you were here."
"Hi, Allie." Julia said cheerfully. "I just finished my house call with your Dad, and he's doing pretty good."
Nathan piped in, smiling innocently at her, "Sorry, Allie girl. I was just enjoying this perfect little spot you made for me."
"Rosemary is here, she brought us dinner." Allie stated. Nathan and Julia both rose and headed inside, Julia carrying her medical bag.
"Oh, well then, you guys are in for a treat." Julia said, smiling as she came in and saw Rosemary.
"Well, speaking of treats, it's great to see you here, Julia." Rosemary said, hugging her. Then Rosemary went over to Nathan and said, "Hello, Nathan. How are you feeling?"
"I'm getting better everyday, thanks to Faith and Julia." Nathan stated. Julia held up her medical bag with an awkward smile, and Rosemary nodded.
"I brought you and Allie dinner. An old recipe of my mother's, called Beef Bourguignon." Rosemary winked at Allie and said, "It's basically beef cooked in wine. What's not to love?" she finished cheerfully, throwing her hands up in a shrug.
"Thank you so much, Mrs. Coulter." Allie said, "I'm sure it will be lovely." Allie followed Rosemary to the kitchen and she explained everything. And, showed Allie the dessert, a peach pie.
Rosemary said her good-byes to Allie, Nathan, and Julia and returned back home.
Julia decided to do the same, though Nathan insisted on walking her out again.
"Good-bye, Allie. I hope you have a great evening." Julia said, smiling at her.
"Bye, Miss Matthews. I hope you'll come back to see us soon." Allie said, setting the table.
"Well, you get me almost all week for house calls. So, I'll see you again tomorrow." Julia said. Allie looked happy about that.
As they walked to the front door, Allie watched them, and Nathan noticed. When they stepped out on the front porch, Nathan smiled at Julia, and said, "I should probably tell Allie."
"I think it's better that she hears it from you. In case she has any questions, Nathan." Julia stated.
Nathan took her hand again, and her breath caught at his touch. He looked down at her and she realized how nice it was to just talk today. He must have been thinking the same thing, because after a moment, he said, "I like your game, Jules. It was so nice to hear more of your story. Can we keep going tomorrow?"
"Well, that depends on you, Constable. Are you planning any more jailbreaks?" Julia teased.
Nathan replied, smiling. "Not if I can help it. I want to get well as quick as possible." He paused, looking a little bit flirtatious. "There's a really beautiful girl waiting for me to take her to dinner, as soon as I'm able."
Julia replied a little breathless, "Well, if she's as sweet on you as she seems, I'm sure she'll wait."
"I hope so. Though, I must confess, I'm getting a little impatient." Nathan slowly raised her hand to his lips and kissed it very lightly. As he did, her stomach did a flip. "Good night, Eleanor Julia Matthews. Be careful walking home."
Julia smiled back up at him, and said, "Good night, Nathaniel Sullivan Grant. I hope you have a good evening."
Julia stepped back and he slowly, reluctantly released her hand, never taking his eyes off of her. His gaze followed her as she descended the stairs and waved a shy good bye at the bottom. She turned and walked toward town, looking back over her shoulder twice, and both times she found he was still watching her. Before she rounded the corner and disappeared from view, she gave him another little wave.