Chapter 115. Second Date Horse Race

On Friday morning, Julia rode out to George's again, for Jimmy's house call.

He was still improving by leaps and bounds and was able to get around pretty good now. He could go from the bedroom to the kitchen, to the living room, and even outside to the front porch by himself. It had only been seventeen days since the stabbing, and he still had a long way to go. But at least the stitches had come out fine, and he hadn't had any further complications. And he could do small, minor things on his own now.

They were on the front porch, just finishing up Julia's examination, when they heard horses approaching. Jimmy looked up and Julia followed his gaze. Four riders approached - two in red serge. Julia recognized Nathan's silhouette, as well as her brother's, right away. Bill rode in the middle, and curiously, Joseph was with them.

Julia grinned as she watched the four men ride in.

Jimmy chuckled. "You work quick, Miss Matthews."

Julia explained. "You asked me to do something important, Jimmy. I take it seriously when a friend asks me to do something important."

From his chair, he looked up at her with a question. "Friend?"

Julia held his gaze. "I didn't stutter, Jimmy." And he saw that she meant it. She considered him a friend.

"I don't think I'm such a good friend to have." Jimmy told her.

"You proved yourself as a friend, just fine, if I remember right. A friend to me, Nathan, and Allie." She told him flat.

Nathan, Bill, Joseph, and Jake dismounted and worked to tie up their horses. Julia began packing up her medical bag. Julia looked at Jimmy, seated there on the porch. He looked…unsettled. "Are you nervous, Jimmy?"

He glanced up quick at her, and then at them. "Maybe a little. I've never much liked lawmen."

Julia wanted to put his mind at ease. "Well, these are three of the finest I've ever met. They'll do their best to make sure things are handled right and fair." She stood beside Jimmy now.

"I've never tried to do the right thing before." Jimmy confessed.

Julia reminded him. "Except for that one other time. For Allie and I." He still didn't look at ease. She put her hand in his shoulder, and he looked up at her. "You are very brave, Jimmy."

He nodded and looked back at the men who climbed the stairs of the porch.

"Hi, fellas." Julia greeted them.

They all greeted her in return and she retrieved her medical bag. "I'll just leave you gentlemen to it." And she started down the porch toward Ginger.

Jake and Bill went inside to set up for the meeting. Joseph sat right down with Jimmy, so Nathan followed Julia, to see her off.

She stowed her medical bag in one of Ginger's saddlebags, then turned and looked at Nathan. She spoke quietly. "I think he's nervous."

Nathan nodded. "That's why I asked Joseph to come along. He should have someone here, as a support. Someone in his corner." He looked back at Jimmy and Joseph sitting together. The rapport and acceptance between the two men was obvious. "I'm pretty sure Joseph knows most of what he's done anyway."

"Well Joseph would never judge him for any of it." Julia looked at Nathan and marveled that he been so thoughtful, and to someone who had been involved in criminal activity, to boot. Her heart swelled with admiration. "It was really thoughtful of you, Nathan, to think of that."

"I know what it's like, to not have anyone in your corner." Nathan told her sadly. That statement nearly broke her heart.

Julia reached up and touched the hair just above his ear, and gently ran her fingers through it. She didn't let this moment go by. But, she told him. "As long as I'm breathing, you will never feel that way again." She grinned sadly. "I will always be in your corner." He smiled. Finally. "In fact, my feet are cemented to the ground, in your corner." That got an even bigger smile.

Nathan caught her hand, and brought it to his lips. He kissed it tenderly and held onto it. "I won't forget."

She tilted her head playfully. "If you ever do, I'll be right here in your corner, to remind you."

That earned her another tender kiss across her knuckles, and all the butterflies that came with it. "Thank you, Jules."

Julia gazed at him and nodded. Then, since they were shielded by the horses, she moved close and quickly planted a kiss on his cheek. "Try to run into me later, Lawman."

Nathan smiled crooked and flirted back. "I'll track you down."

"Well, it is what you're good at." Julia teased with a playful smile. "Tracking."

He chuckled. "Bye, my darling."

And Nathan held the bridle while Julia mounted. She smiled down at him as she turned Ginger in the direction of Hope Valley. Then she galloped out of sight.

Nathan, Jake, Bill, and Joseph spent most of the morning with Jimmy McIntosh. There was a lot to document and clarify. Afterwards, Nathan, Bill, and Jake spent most of the afternoon meeting together.

At 4:00 pm, they finally broke for the day. Jake took off in a hurry to get ready for his ride with Fiona.

And Nathan sauntered over to the infirmary. He'd promised to track Julia down, and he intended to do just that.

When he entered, Julia was alone and seated at her desk, pouring over paperwork. She looked up and smiled. He loved the way her face lit up whenever she realized he was there.

"Hi, Lawman." She stood.

Nathan came over and joined her at the desk. They sat down together. "Hi." He answered back.

"How did it go with Jimmy?" Julia asked.

"As well as can be expected." Nathan told her. "We spent the entire afternoon looking at every case, talking through how to best handle each one."

Julia put her hand on his arm. "I'm sure you three will do a great job, with all of it."

Nathan nodded. He sure hoped so. "How was your day?"

"Uneventful and boring, for the most part." She paused. "Till now."

He smiled crooked. "Well I'm glad I could come by and spice it up for you."

Julia giggled. Spice indeed. That was a great word to describe Nathan Grant, he certainly was...spicy. "Are you still going riding with your Mom?"

Nathan nodded. "She wants to see the big house, and all the progress. She's really excited to ride up there."

"And you are excited to take her." It was obvious.

"Yes." Nathan smiled. "She's been hearing me talk about building a house, for a long time."

Julia was happy. Nathan's dream was being realized, and she got to be a part of it. "Your mother's going to be so proud of you, Nathan. Not that she isn't already."

He nodded. "I hope so." He was curious about something. "Speaking of Mom. What happened yesterday, when she hugged you? I noticed…" He paused. "What did she say that...upset you?"

"I wasn't upset, Nathan. I was touched." She tilted her head. "When she hugged me, she called me daughter."

"Oh." Nathan couldn't imagine what that had meant to Julia, who had already felt a special bond with his mother. Julia, who had so few memories of her own mother. "She loves you, you know."

"And I love her." Julia teared up even now, thinking about it. "When she said that…It just hit me." She looked down at her hands and then back up at him. "I'm not just gaining a husband… but a daughter, and a mother, and a father."

Nathan understood. He himself had always wanted a brother. Sure, he had many "brothers-in-arms", through the Mounties, but that was different. In Jake, Nathan would gain a brother in a new sense of the word. And he was eager to explore that. And what was really unique was that he and Jake would be brothers in more than one way - by marriage and by the Mounties.

"I know what you mean." He grinned pensive. "I myself always wanted a brother."

Julia smiled at that revelation. "Jake, too." She chuckled low and then confessed. "After Debbie, he prayed so hard that I would be a boy."

Nathan was glad to hear that Jake wanted a brother. He was looking forward to building that brotherhood relationship. "We are both gaining more than we realize."

Julia grinned happy. "Yes I think we are."

Nathan looked up at the clock. "Speaking of Mom, I'm supposed to meet her soon."

"Thanks for…tracking me down." She said, quite proud of her little pun.

He chuckled low. "Cute. Very cute." He nodded.

Nathan leaned in and kissed Julia on the cheek. Then he stood and headed toward the door. He looked back at her one more time, and smiled, before he exited.

Even before Fiona entered the livery for her date with Jake, she felt those familiar butterflies. He was already inside and synching the saddle on Ranger, when she approached.

Jake glanced up and straightened when he caught sight of her. Fiona looked so pretty with her hair pulled up high. She wore a crisp white blouse and fitted tan riding pants, which accentuated her slender legs. And she even wore riding boots. She looked the part.

Jake wiped his hands together. "Are you sure you weren't holding out on me, Fi? You led me to believe you were a novice, but you look a little too…good…in that riding gear." Not to mention, her riding boots were not new - but worn and used.

Fiona smiled coy. "Constable, I said it has been a while, implying that I might be…rusty. I never said I was a novice."

Jake rested his arm across Ranger's back and smiled big. The afternoon just got a whole lot more interesting. If Fiona was an experienced rider, that meant they could do more - ride harder, go farther, move faster. It made for an all-round more enjoyable ride. Jake couldn't hide his excitement. This was going to be a good day.

"I believe I might have saddled the wrong horse for you, Miss Miller." Jake drawled long.

Fiona noticed Lucy saddled and tied up. She did prefer a horse with a little more gusto. "Oh, I thought Lucy was...for you." She teased. Jake laughed.

"Will you excuse me for a moment, please?" And off he went, to return Lucy to her stall.

Fiona stepped forward and began petting Ranger. He gave her a good long sniff while she talked quietly to him. By the time Jake came back, with Jed's own horse, Samson, they were well acquainted. In fact, his horse seemed to be likewise enamored with Fiona Miller.

Jake stepped close, a little jealous of all the attention his horse was getting. "Since you and Ranger have become good friends, I think you should ride him." Jake told her. "You won't be disappointed. He's strong and faithful, and aims to please. And he has a fun streak, he loves to let loose and run.

Fiona stayed close to Ranger, running her hand down his muzzle. "You won't mind, buddy? If Jake let's me borrow you for the day?"

Ranger nuzzled closer and Fiona giggled. She looked up at Jake. "I'll take that as a yes?"

"He likes you." Jake smiled those green eyes at her. "He always did have good taste."

Fiona brought her gaze back to Ranger and petted his cheek. "I like him too."

Jake took the reins and led Ranger and Samson, out of the livery. He held Ranger steady while Fiona mounted. Then he adjusted her stirrups and made sure she was comfortable.

And then he spoke low to Ranger, though loud enough for Fiona to hear. "Take good care of her, boy." He glanced up at Fiona as he said it, and she grinned. "And…try not to prefer her over me." Fiona giggled, and watched as Jake made a few long strides over to Samson, and mounted in one fell swoop.

When Jake turned toward the hills and led them out, Fiona and Ranger fell in just behind him. But as soon as they had ridden far enough, Fiona gave Ranger a tick and a squeeze, and took off. As she passed Jake, she coaxed. "Catch me if you can!"

Though, he didn't need much coaxing. Jake gave Samson a squeeze and took off, hot on her heels.

Catch Fiona Miller? Oh yes, he certainly would. Count on it.

They rode up the trail and raced across the first meadow. Samson was big and strong, and Jake a little less rusty, so he caught her by the other side of that first meadow. Or maybe, Fiona wanted to be caught. Either way, Jake pulled ahead and was out in front as they raced up the next part of the trail.

Fiona focused on the back of him - those strong, square shoulders - and rose to the challenge. She gave Ranger another hard squeeze, determined to catch him. When they started across the second meadow, Fiona rode hard and fast, and came up just next to him. She was pretty sure he'd let her catch him, and that hunch was all but confirmed when he looked over her and smiled.

On the other side of the meadow, Jake pulled out front again, and they turned right. They raced downhill a little ways and picked up another trail. Soon, they were climbing again, and the trail winded around quite a bit, which added another level of challenge. Jake looked back at Fiona a few times and took note of her excellent equestrian skills. She looked comfortable and capable on Ranger, and seemed determined to catch him. So, when they came into another long meadow, he let her.

As soon as Fiona was beside him, he pushed Samson harder. She did the same, which made for an exciting race to the other side. Though, at the last minute, when they were nearly out of meadow, Jake let her pull ahead and beat him.

Out of breath, Jake slowed Samson to a trot, and then a walk. Fiona followed suit and finally, took in her surroundings. Directly in front of them, was a beautiful little stream. The water glistened and babbled as it tumbled down smooth rocks. And on the other side, an outcropping of rocks served as backdrop.

She pulled Ranger to a halt and Jake looked over. "Shall we stop here a little?" He asked, nodding toward the picturesque stream.

Fiona's eyes danced. "You are the boss."

Jake chuckled as he dismounted and turned slightly. Had he heard right? "I'm the what?"

Fiona dismounted and clarified. "The boss. Like the…trail boss. You know, the boss of the trail."

Jake nodded. "Okay." That was good enough for him. He titled his head. "Though, for a second there…"

Fiona chuckled low and gazed at him. "Don't get any ideas, Constable."

He returned her gaze and yes, a million ideas were running through his head. Fiona's hair had come completely detached and was now all wind-blown, and cascading down her shoulders. Her cheeks were flushed and rosy. And her shoulders were still heaving as she caught her breath. Yes, he could think of a million ways to kiss her, when she looked so very captivating.

Fiona watched him closely- Jake's green eyes sparkled as he looked her over. She wondered what he was thinking. What had gone through his head when she'd accidentally called him boss? He ran his hand through his disheveled hair, stepped forward and took Ranger's reigns. He led the horses over to the stream and let them get a good long drink. Fiona followed and sat down on a rock at the edge of the stream. When the horses had lapped up their fill, Jake led them to a grassy area and tethered them to graze. Then he returned, saddlebags in hand.

He pulled out an insulated canteen. "Coffee?"

Did he even need to ask? "Anytime." She answered.

Jake sat down beside her, and served two cups of coffee. He pulled out a little tiny sack, and opened it. Fiona watched curiously, wondered what on earth was in that sack? Until, he reached inside, pulled out one sugar cube, and plopped it in her coffee. He remembered how she took her coffee.

Jake handed her the cup, with a content little smile. Then from his saddlebags, he pulled out a small little tin. He opened it and smiled at her shyly. "Minnie's snicker-doodles."

Fiona reached inside and took a cookie. Then she sipped her coffee. Impressed, she looked at him - his coffee was good.

He placed the tin on the ground between them and pulled out a cookie too. He leaned back on the rock a little, and drank.

Fiona looked around them and took it all in. "It's so beautiful here."

"Yes, it is." Jake looked out at the stream, the rocks, and the landscape behind. It was very beautiful. "I found this place on one of my first days in Hope Valley. I've been coming here ever since."

"You must get the opportunity to see some lovely scenery on your rounds." Fiona surmised.

He looked at her. "Yea. I can show you all the best viewpoints, and a few nice spots in between."

Fiona could imagine so. "What about swimming holes?"

Jake chuckled and remembered their conversation about swimming. He wished these mountains streams had pools big enough to swim in. "I haven't found any yet." He joked. "Don't think we'd be that lucky."

"Wouldn't compare anyway." Fiona smiled and sipped her coffee.

Jake glanced at her. He had so much he wanted to know about her. So, he ventured. Thought it best to just start asking. "Tell me. What was it like, growing up with all those brothers?"

Fiona smiled, and Jake could tell already, that her memories were fond ones. "Four older brothers? Mmm…well…Mom cooked a lot."

Jake chuckled. "Well I would imagine so."

"They kept her busy." She smiled. "Though Dad hired a governess to help with them, for quite a few years, after I was born."

"What did your dad do for a living?" Jake realized he had never asked her that.

"He was a lawyer. He and my mother met in law school." Fiona told him proudly. "She was one of only two women in her entire class."

"Your mother was a lawyer, too?" Jake asked.

"No. Actually, Mom never finished. She and my father got married on one of their school breaks, and she got pregnant almost right away." Fiona looked out at the scenery. "Once my oldest brother Henry was born, she terminated her studies." The way she said that word…terminated, was hard to miss. It carried a weight, and an insight into Fiona Miller. Was that the reason she was so independent? The fact that her mother had never finished her studies? And had made the choice to drop out and take care of her children?

"Being a mother is a noble profession, Fiona." He reminded her.

Fiona looked at him. "But women aren't often given the choice, are they? Between…children and…career?"

"What do you mean?" Jake challenged.

"When a woman has a baby, it's just assumed that she stay home and care for her child. She isn't often given the choice to return to her career…after." Fiona told him.

He wanted to keep the subject on her own mother. "Are you sure your mother would have chosen differently, if she'd been given the option?"

Fiona looked at him. "No, I'm not. But there are certain societal pressures, that don't often give women an option."

Jake chuckled low, wanted to keep this conversation light. "Not so much anymore, Fi. Not in our day. Look at Mrs. Thornton. She has a nanny, which is becoming more and more commonplace now. And didn't you just say that your own brothers had a governess for a while?"

Fiona nodded. "I just can't imagine giving up everything you've worked for, to stay home and care for children."

Jake chuckled. "I thought you wanted a big family?"

"I do. But I also want to do something significant with my life." Fiona told him.

"Well some people think you can do both." Jake reassured her. "My mother married young and completed her first level studies. She only obtained her diploma, though her original plans had been to obtain a much higher degree. She made certain concessions, because having a family was important to her, too. She thought being a mother was just as significant as being a writer."

"So she gave it up?" Fiona asked.

"No, not at all. My father knew her dreams. And he wanted her to achieve them, even if she couldn't attend university. So, he filled our library with books. Lots and lots of them." He explained. "She read extensively, and studied literature on her own." Wow, Fiona thought to herself. How very, very sweet.

"Did she ever write?" Fiona asked.

"Yes. Yes, she did. Her manuscripts are all on the shelf in our family library." Jake told her with a grin.

Fiona asked. "But...she never published?"

"Mom was working with a publisher when she was pregnant with Julia. You know, back then women didn't get published very easily, and even then, the wheels turned slow." Jake explained. "After Julia was born, Mom's health was never the same. And then, when Julia was two, Mom passed away."

"So she never got the chance?" Fiona clarified.

Jake shook his head. "Sadly, no. But she fulfilled many other dreams. Just not that one."

"And now her books are just…sitting on the shelves?" Fiona found it terribly sad. How she would love to read his mother's writing.

Jake nodded. "But she never regretted it, Fi."

Fiona asked softly. "How do you know?"

"She told me once." Jake smiled sadly. "I was nine, and she was at…the end." He paused and looked out at the stream. "I think she knew it was the end, and she was reflecting back over her life." He swallowed. "She told me that becoming a mother had changed all of her priorities. But…that it was the best thing she'd ever done."

Fiona followed his gaze, as he stared out at the stream, and took his hand. She just sat beside him and held on.

Jake finished his coffee and looked over at her. For all of the sadness, he looked...peaceful and resolved.

Finally, he looked back toward the stream. He let go of her hand, reached down, and started unlacing his boots.

Fiona watched him for a moment and then, asked. "What are you doing?"

"The water looks too good to pass up." He looked up from his laces only long enough to smile playful. "Come in with me."

Fiona balked and glanced down at her riding boots, so nicely tied up. She started to say something, but he just went to work on her laces. "Jacob!" She admonished with a huge giggle.

His green eyes danced. "Either you take them off, or I do it for you."

Fiona chortled. "Fine." And she went to work on her boots.

When their feet were bare and their pants rolled up, Jake stood and held his hand out.

She stood shyly, started to give him her hand, but pulled it back at the last minute, to ask. "Is it…slippery?"

He wasn't going anywhere, just waited patiently with his hand extended. "Probably. But I won't let go, Fi."

"It's just that…my ankle…may not be that strong yet." Fiona said timidly, as she gave Jake her hand.

Ah, he understood. He, of all people, didn't want her to re-injure her ankle. So instead of leading her by the hand to the water, he picked her up.

Fiona was startled for about a second until she burst out laughing. She looked into his green eyes and asked between a chuckle. "This again?"

Jake gazed back at her, so close now, and just smiled. "I'll take any excuse."

Fiona laughed even harder, and Jake joined her this time. He just couldn't help it - she had a contagious laugh.

But when the laughter calmed, she gazed at him. He held her side against his chest, her arm rested across the back of his shoulders. And he carried her into the stream. When he'd waded in a good ways, he set her down, in a safe place. His voice was raspy and quiet. "It's not slippery here."

The water felt cool and refreshing, and the sandy bottom was solid beneath her feet. But even so, he held onto her hand. She looked up and told him. "Thank you, Jake."

Fiona bent down a little and ran her free hand across the top of the water. It felt so nice. She cupped her hand and brought some cool water up to the back of her neck. "That feels so good." She told him. And she watched as he tried it out, and agreed.

She splashed her feet several times, and then smiled happy. Jake loved when she smiled like that - when her upper lip curved up. She splashed water over towards him, with a clear intent to wet him a little.

"That's a dangerous flirtation, Miss Miller." He teased, and held even tighter to her hand. He wasn't letting her go, and tried to shake off the fact that his attention was now most evidently on her lips.

She met his playful gaze. "Is there a flirtation with you, Constable, that isn't dangerous?"

Jake took one step closer. His voice came out all raspy again. "Not where you are concerned."

"Then perhaps I should stop my flirtations." She breathed as he moved even closer.

He leaned down as he implored her softly, "Please don't." And as soon as he drawled out that last word, his lips were upon hers. Jake kissed her tenderly and Fiona matched his sweetness. Emotions ran high and she herself pulled in closer. She leaned into him and wrapped her arms around the back of his neck. Without even realizing it, her fingers went into the curls at the nape of his neck.

When Jake finally broke contact from that kiss, he stayed close and gazed down at her, as they stood in the middle of the creek.

Fiona held his gaze. "Maybe it is you who is dangerous." She breathed.

Jake told her. "I confess."

Fiona giggled low. Jake pulled back a little bit more, but held her around the waist.

Jake had been waiting all day, maybe now was the time. "Fiona. I would like to ask you something?"

She suddenly looked nervous and swallowed.

"My aunt, Auntie Elle, arrives tomorrow. She's coming in for the wedding." He looked down at the water rushing past their legs and then back up at her. "She's pretty much the only family Julia and I have left." He swallowed hard. "I would really like for you to meet her. If, you would be willing."

Fiona looked deep into his eyes, and knew instantly, that this was something important to him. She didn't know where things were going between the two of them, but she wanted to find out. And, if Auntie Elle was important to Jake, then somehow, in some way, she was important to Fiona. Even if she didn't understand why yet.

"Yes, Jacob. I would like to meet her." Fiona said low.

Jake couldn't contain his smile. It contained relief and a large measure of contentment. He continued. "Nathan's mother, Rebecca, and Julia are cooking a big dinner tomorrow night, a sort of get-together, so that Elle can meet everyone." Here goes. "Would you...come…as my guest? My date?"

Fiona exhaled. Was that all? She didn't know why, but he had made her nervous, the way he'd asked if he could ask her something. She hadn't even realized she'd been holding her breath. But his request was so sweet, she couldn't refuse. "I would love to be your date, Jacob."

He nodded so deep, she smiled. He was so handsome when he was nervous. "I think you will really like her." He paused. "And she will…love you."

"I hope so." And Fiona really did. Why was it suddenly so important, that Jake's aunt like her? She was already nervous just thinking about meeting her.

"I know so." Jake reassured her. And he turned and led her out of the stream. He kept ahold of her hand as they passed over slippery stones, and returned to the boulders where they'd left their shoes.

Fiona sat, leaned back, and put her wet feet out in the sunshine. Jake looked over at her and smiled. "Fiona? One more thing?"

She looked at him. "Mmmhmm?" She asked, as she wiggled her toes.

Jake cleared his throat. "When we get back down to Hope Valley, can I buy you dinner at the cafe?"

"Yes." Fiona smiled. "On one condition."

Jake was curious to hear Fiona Miller's one condition. "What's that?"

She breathed. "That after dinner, when you walk me home, you kiss me one more time."

Jake's head dropped, and when he brought it back up, he met her gaze. On his face was that happy smile, the one she just loved. And as he smiled at her, yes, she was sure, she had seen...a second dimple.

"I think that can be arranged." He told her low. He remembered their two kiss precedence, the one from their first date. And his heart fluttered. Why change it now?

And with that new motivation, Jake went to work, with his socks and shoes. Fiona smiled at him, and did the same.

And when they had put back their boots, and packed up Jake's saddlebags, they raced back down to Hope Valley.