Author's Note:

Dear Faithful Readers,

As this story is nearing its conclusion (don't worry, there are several chapters and epilogues still to come=), I wanted to draw your attention to a few things in particular, that will take place over the next few chapters.

You see, I couldn't help but address a few scenes that bothered me, from S8 of the show. I just wanted to re-do them, or redeem them, for Nathan and Allie's sake. All three are scenes or storylines that should have meant something, but ended up amounting to nothing at all.

So, in the next few chapters, see if you can spot my re-do's. Look out for these things that I very purposefully included:

1. The scene after Flo and Ned's wedding, when Nathan held both of Elizabeth's hands in his, while they made things right (S8E10).

2. The image of Elizabeth, Little Jack, Allie, and Nathan walking through town together, holding hands, on their way to the cafe (S8E1).

3. The storyline of overcoming fear. This is the biggest shame of all, for it was an opportunity to address a very real and honest reality, faced by the loved ones of law enforcement, first responders, military servicemen and women, firemen, and rescuers, all over the world (if I missed anyone, please add them into my "hero" basket). They let this storyline shamefully drop, and I say shamefully, because the writers should be ashamed. What a beautiful opportunity they created, to encourage those families and loved ones, many of whom actively make the choice to love such "heroes" each and every day, despite their fear. Instead, the writers (who chose to introduce this storyline in the first place) came off as snuffing their noses, at not only law enforcement, but the women and men who choose to love them. That, to me, is a shame... So, bottom line, I decided to take a swing at redeeming this one, too. And, I chose not just one, but three amazing women, to show Elizabeth it can be done. Even if she never does make the choice to heed the advice on that plaque in the library.

My goal, when writing in these do-over's, was simple: to help all of us replace those old images, that are now just a bad taste in the mouth. My hope is that you will let these new, happy images settle right in, take over, and replace those old disappointing ones. Hope you will spot, and enjoy, my "pallet-cleansers."

And most of all, I hope you will enjoy the bumpy road that is the next few chapters. I promise, it will all be happy in the end. (; -Sarno

Chapter 144. The Bumpy Road Home

Jake sat up, he was wide awake and had been since lunch. For some reason, it had been impossible to nap, once he realized his sister would be home this evening. Plus, he had plenty of visits to distract him.

First, when Minnie came in with his tray for lunch, she decided to stay. They ate lunch together and enjoyed a nice conversation. A little while later, Joseph and Archie came by too, with coffee.

Then Lee and Rosemary stopped by in the early part of the afternoon. They brought him two scoops of the brand new ice cream flavor - Maple Vanilla. It was delicious. Whoever'd thought of putting homemade maple syrup, from Canadian maples, in ice cream, was a genius.

Next, Mike came by and sat awhile. They chatted, and bonus: he brought Jake some more clean clothes. Then Henry came, and talked awhile. And after that, Rebecca and Allie. They'd stayed the longest, and Allie had only agreed to leave after Jake told her about all the visits he'd already had. Allie seemed to want to make sure he was well taken care of. It was sweet. In fact, Hope Valley, as a community, seemed determined to take care of its own, and Jake was apparently now counted in there. Even Faith and Fiona continued looking after him, whenever the chair next to him sat empty.

He looked up at the clock, squinted his eyes and focused hard, so he could be sure. Nathan and Julia's train would be arriving any minute. He said a prayer under his breath that his dear sister would take it well.

When Bill parked the car in front of the infirmary, Nathan opened the door and helped Julia out. She'd held tight onto his hand the whole way, but hadn't said a word. She'd only looked out the window, in silence.

Once out of the car, they climbed the stairs, Bill just behind them. And as soon as they entered, Julia made a bee-line for her brother. She didn't even glance at Faith or Fiona, who sat at the infirmary desk.

Jake looked up when the door opened. "Sis." He called out, but didn't say more once he got a good look at her face. Once she came close, she was so relieved, she hugged him hard, and held on for a long time.

"Jake." Julia whispered, as she buried her face in his shoulder. Relief flooded her, and her eyes filled with tears.

Jake held onto her, too. He hugged her tight, even thought for a fleeting second that he'd misread that upset look on her face.

After a long while, when she finally stepped back, she asked. "What happened?"

"A perp thought my head was a piñata." He answered with a sideways smile, trying to make light of it.

Julia wasn't in a joking mood. "It's not funny, Jake. Not funny at all." Fiona moved closer to Jake's side, stood on the other side of the bed.

"I'm sorry." He told her in that honest way he had, so she knew he meant it. "I actually don't remember much. Gabe and I were tracking a guy, a real bad guy, Jules." He shrugged, a little too nonchalant for her taste. "We did what was necessary to catch him."

"And this…" She motioned with her hand to indicate his current predicament. "was necessary?" Faith moved closer, too.

"Well, no." Jake tilted his head. "This was an accident. He wasn't supposed to get the slip on me."

"But he did." Julia said. "Jake. What if the guy had finished the job?" Nathan stepped close behind her, and put his hand on her shoulder.

Jake tried to reassure her. "I promise we were careful, Jules. You know me. I'm careful." He paused. "Sometimes, accidents…just happen."

Her temperature was rising. Once she'd made sure he was okay, and got a handle on things, she couldn't help but feel upset that no one had informed her. In fact, the more she thought about it, the more the heat rose. Jake was the only blood relative she had left in the world, besides Elle. The only immediate family member, from her side of the family.

Her beloved brother.

Her hands started to shake. She tried to steady them, but to no avail. She finally lifted her gaze and looked at her two friends, who had also not informed her. How could they not tell her that her brother had been injured? What if it had been more serious? Would they have sent a telegram, or tried to call her, then?

She took a deep breath and asked the burning question. "Why didn't you call me, Jake?"

Jake glanced at Nathan, standing just behind her, but quickly realized he'd find no ally there. Nathan's hand showed Julia support, as it sat gently on her shoulder. "I didn't want to bother you. There was nothing you could do for me from Airdrie, Jules."

"Jake, I'm your sister. You and Elle are the last blood relatives I have left. How on earth could you not contact me?" She felt the heat move up into her chest now.

Jake looked at Faith and Fiona. Then he returned his gaze to his sister. "You were on your honeymoon."

"Honeymoon or not, I had a right to know." The heat went up into her cheeks.

Faith interjected. "We had everything under control fairly quickly, Julia. We didn't feel that bothering you was necessary. So, when Jake asked us not to call you…"

Julia squared her shoulders at Faith now. She interrupted, abruptly cut her off. "Informing me of my brother's injury, which could have been very serious, would not have been bothering me, Faith."

Fiona tried to help. "Faith's right, Julia. We had his condition assessed fairly quickly. And didn't think it was necessary to call you." She felt guilty as soon as the words were out of her mouth. So she swallowed and added. "I'm sorry."

"And since when do you listen to a patient, who is suffering from a head injury?" Julia glanced toward Bill. "You said confusion, right Bill?" He didn't offer a response, and she didn't wait for one. She turned back towards Faith. "I would have thought our friendship counted more than the word of a confused patient."

Faith shook her head. "I'm sorry you feel that way, Julia. But he wasn't that confused." She looked at Jake, lost and not sure how to handle the situation. But she told Julia sincerely. "I do value our friendship, very highly."

Her accusatory glance went around to all of them. "You should be sorry. You should all be sorry." Julia's cheeks were hot with anger now. "I can't believe no one had the courtesy to let me know that my own brother was injured, and has been in the infirmary, laid up, since what…Tuesday?" She practically spit that last word onto the floor. "I honesty don't know what to say." She looked around the room at all of them. Bill. Jake. Fiona. Faith. How could they not let her know? Not one of them?

Nathan squeezed her shoulder, tried to offer support. He spoke so softly and so kindly, it almost worked. "Jules, take a deep breath. Everyone is sorry about the way it was handled. Please, try to calm down."

Her blood was boiling, her hands shook violently, now. She felt like the room was closing in on her. Tears stung her eyes. "I won't calm down." She glanced around the room at all of them again, even Nathan, as she wondered at their loyalty. She backed up a few awkward steps. As the tears began to fall, she turned and exited the infirmary, as fast as she could.

Julia ran all the way through town, to the dock by the pond. She couldn't get far enough away from the deception she felt. Jake had been laying in the infirmary since Tuesday, could have died, and no one had even informed her. Her friends had not had the decency to tell her. And she was just supposed to let it go?

Worst of all, her own brother had not informed her. He'd made the decision for her, whether or not she had the right to know. How many times had he done the same, growing up, thought he was shielding her from things? And then, she'd only found out much later, and felt like a fool for being in the dark? Just as she felt like a fool now.

"Julia?" She turned to find Allie standing there. Oh, sweet Allie.

Julia quickly wiped her eyes. "Allie." She breathed between sobs, sobs she was now trying to cut off completely. But as soon as Allie's name was out of her mouth, Julia rushed and hugged her, wrapped her daughter in her arms. How good and comforting it felt, Allie's sweet returned embrace. "Oh, Allie. I missed you."

"I missed you, too." Came the reply, without delay. When Julia pulled back, Allie looked up at her. "What are you doing out here? Why were you running?" Allie had seen her from their back porch, and had come straightaway.

Julia's chin quivered as she tried to pull it together. It didn't work, so she just said one word. "Jake."

"You didn't know?" Allie asked, half-stunned, but saddened now. She knew firsthand what it was like to be kept in the dark. Allie remembered all too well the day she'd come out of school, and learned that her Dad was in the infirmary.

Julia answered Allie's question with a head shake no. "Nobody…"

That was all Allie needed to know, and she stepped forward and hugged Julia again. "I know how that is." When Julia didn't let go, Allie pursed her lips in understanding. "Happened more than once with my Dad."

Julia pulled back from the embrace, but kept her arm around Allie. Together, they went to the edge, and looked down into the water. "It's hard isn't it?"

Allie looked up at her mom, and nodded slowly. "Other people decide when you get to know about it."

Julia nodded down at her, as she wiped her eyes again. "It seems rather unfair, doesn't it?"

"Totally unfair." Allie said, and understanding passed between them. They looked down into the water together, for a good long while.

But finally, Allie was the one to offer advice. She was the one with the experience in this domain. "Dad says that sometimes, life is just like that. Unfair and hard. But if we hold on long enough, something is bound to change. Like after the rain, when everything turns lush and green. The sun comes out, and the flowers bloom." She smiled encouragement. "The scenery changes. Things get better. In fact, the whole time, change was right around the corner." She opened her hand in explanation. "But, if it hadn't been for the rain…"

Julia squeezed her in closer, held her tighter, to her side. "That's a nice image, Allie. And sounds just like something your father would say." He, of all people, knew about the rain.

And he wasn't one to run from anything. He faced the unfair and the hard, head-on. Always had.

"And if it makes you feel any better, Fiona and I have been taking real good care of Uncle Jake." She smiled up at her mom. "In your place."

That made Julia tear up all over again. She realized she had been rather hard on her two best friends. And one thing was sure, in one thing she could certainly trust: they had taken excellent care of Jake. In her absence, they would've bent over backwards to care for him, in her place.

She looked out over the pond, and suddenly felt horrible, for the way she'd reacted, and the way she'd treated them. And she'd even run out on Nathan.

But by some grace, she heard those familiar footsteps on the dock, those footfalls that she knew so well, and she turned. There he was, her Nathan.

Allie squealed, "Dad!", and was in his arms in a blink.

He hugged his daughter long and tight. "Oh, Allie girl. I missed you!"

She pulled back just slightly and told him. "I missed you, too." Then she hugged him again.

When she stepped back, she looked back and forth between her two parents. "Did you guys have a good time?"

Julia looked up at Nathan, and her eyes filled up all over again. She was sorry, so very sorry. "We had the time of our lives." She answered softly.

His eyes met her's, and he smiled tender. Forgiveness was already written on his face. "That about sums it up." He told Allie.

"Well, I'm glad." She looked at them. "You both deserve it."

Julia pursed her lips gratefully. She didn't feel like she deserved much of anything right now, except maybe a swift kick in the backside. "Thanks for your letters." She told Allie. "And thanks for taking care of Jake for me."

Allie looked proud. "Of course. Family comes first." She smiled. Julia knew now, just how far back in the family that commitment went. "And we're all family now."

"Yes we are." Julia said, as she looked up at Nathan. She put one arm around Allie, and slipped her other arm around Nathan's waist. She laid her head against his chest for a minute, just listened to his steady heartbeat for a few strong beats, then straightened. She looked up at him. "I feel horrible."

He smiled unconditional acceptance and looked at his daughter. "Allie, could you give us just a minute?"

"Sure." Allie told them both. "I'll just be on the swing."

Nathan nodded. Then he looked down at his wife, and took both of her hands, in both of his. "I understand where you're coming from."

"You do?" Julia looked up at him, surprised. But now that she'd had some time to think, she wasn't sure she understood anymore. How could she not have trusted her friends to take care of her brother?

"But I also understand why they made the decision they did." He told her gently, and honestly.

"I guess I over-reacted, didn't I?" She admitted.

He clinched his teeth in that cute smile thing he did, whenever the answer was yes, but he wanted to soften it. "Maybe just a little." He tilted his head. "But, it was shocking news to take in, after a beautiful two weeks. So, I understand how you feel."

"We were there having the time of our lives, and all the while, Jake was hurt, and laid up in the infirmary." She felt horrible about that. But would the news have honestly changed anything? Would they have come home? They certainly wouldn't have enjoyed themselves, if they'd known.

"Faith and Fiona would never let anything happen to Jake." Nathan reminded her.

"I know." Her eyes filled with tears again. She squared her chin. "I'm sorry, Nathan. For my reaction, and for running out on you, too."

He smiled at her crooked. "Hey, I'm on your side, on this one." He squeezed both of her hands, to show her. "But, maybe we're all on the same team?"

She could see that now. Clearly. "I have some making up to do, don't I?"

That adorable clinched teeth smile again, which meant yes. "I would advise it."

Her eyes brimmed with tears, and she wiped one eye. Nathan, who still had ahold of both her hands, slowly pulled her into his chest. She buried her face there, and his arms came strong and secure around her. And he held her, a long time, as long as she needed.

When Julia finally pulled back, he told her. "I'll come with you."

And so, they walked together, hand-in-hand back to the infirmary, and picked up Allie along the way. And then they were three, walking together, holding hands, through the middle of town.

Bill met them out front, still had all of their luggage in Henry's car. Nathan and Allie decided to go with Bill to the row house to unload, while Julia went in to see Jake.

The curtain was pulled closed now, but she went in anyway. The chair was empty and his head was laid back, though he lifted it when she entered.

He looked her over as she pulled the chair close, and sat down. She didn't waste any time. "I'm sorry, Jake. For my reaction."

He sat up straighter, and searched her face. The tracks of her tears were still evident. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you." He smiled sadly. "And that it was such a shock."

She leaned in and put her hand on his arm. "You're forgiven, Jake. Even if I don't agree that you didn't tell me."

"Would you have come home?" He asked her, serious.

"I'm not sure." She told him, though Nathan probably would have brought her home. "Probably."

"Exactly what I didn't want." Jake told her with a shrug. "And if you didn't come home, would you have been able to enjoy yourself, once you knew?"

Julia looked down at her hand on his arm. "Probably not."

"Though I am very sorry, that's precisely why I didn't tell you." He waited till she met his gaze. "Jules, a honeymoon only comes around once in a lifetime. And you and Nathan deserve the best." The face he made as he said that made her want to kick herself, for ever being upset with him. He was so sweet and sincere. "I didn't want anything to ruin or put a damper on your time together."

Julia nodded. "I understand, Jake." Then she said it one more time. "I'm sorry for being upset with you." She attempted a smile. Even if she still didn't agree with his methods, she knew it came from a good heart.

"I accept your apology." He smiled back. "As long as you forgive me for the way you found out."

"Of course I do." She told him the truth. "There was no good way to tell me, anyway. You're my brother, Jake. I was bound to be rattled, no matter what."

She paused for a long moment, looked him over, and then told him the real truth. The real reason she reacted the way she did. Only in this moment, did she even realize it. "I was…scared of losing you."

Jake put out his hand, and she took it. Her eyes filled with tears. He knew his sister, and all of her journey. "I'm sorry I scared you."

"I've lost so much, Jake. We've lost so much." Earlier today, she had been confronted by that fact, once again, and the fear of losing her very dear brother had been overwhelming. "I couldn't bear the thought…"

He squeezed her hand, and understood, all too well. "You're not going to lose me, Jules. Not anytime soon, and not if I can help it." She knew he had no control over that, but understood what he was saying. He was promising to do everything in his power, to be careful.

But even with that promise, it was still a hard reality to be confronted by. The fear of losing someone, when you had already lost so much, was very real. It was a difficult opponent, a ruthless enemy, that could make a person over-react, or compensate, or hide, or even run away.

So that was the adversary she was currently wrestling, and she knew somehow, that it wasn't over. Just as it wasn't over for anyone who had a loved one in the Mounties, or the Army, or any branch of military, or law enforcement. Fear was the opponent that showed his ugly face, whenever there was danger. An adversary that refused to permanently go away. An adversary she would have to overcome, over and over again.

Julia stood and moved to his side, to see his injury. She ran her fingers through his hair and examined the abrasion, and the bump. "Oh, that…bad, bad guy. He got you good."

"I know." He chuckled low. "Rang my bell."

"Bill said you were out for a long time, and woke up with some confusion?" She inquired, still examining him. She held his chin as she covered his one eye, then the other, watching his pupils dilate.

"I don't remember much of anything from that day." He scoffed one good time. "And I thought Fiona and I were married."

"What?" She pulled her hands back and looked at him.

"Faith says it probably got all jumbled up for me, since I was just at your wedding." He explained. "But, when I woke up, I had this extremely vivid image of Fiona in a wedding dress. Marrying me." He paused. "And I still do…have it."

"Really?" She asked, curious. So little was known about head injuries, and Jake's was a pretty good one. "Maybe you dreamed it while you were knocked out, and it just stuck with you."

He looked down at his hands. "That's what I think, too."

"Does she know?" Julia asked, curious.

"Oh, yes. I called her my wife, out loud, several times, before she set me straight." He chuckled.

Julia's mouth fell open. "No way!" She smiled at him, imagining how Fiona must have taken it. "Well, look at the bright side. At least she knows your intentions, now."

"And she didn't take off for San Francisco." He tilted his head and smiled at his sister. "She keeps comin' around."

Julia tilted her head back at him. "From what I hear, she's been taking good care of you?"

"The best." His expression said it all. "She's kept that chair warm most of the day, for the last five days."

Julia glanced toward the curtain, knew she had two more people to speak to. She needed to make it right. She was suddenly filled with gratefulness for her two best friends, who had taken care of her dear brother, in her absence. She brought her gaze back to Jake, and raised one eyebrow. "She might be sweeter on you than I realized."

"Its completely reciprocated." He smiled at his sister. And that smile, said a lot. In fact, Julia hadn't seen him smile like that in a very long time. It was happiness and gratefulness, and I-can't-believe-my-good-fortune, all rolled into one. A smile that communicated more than he even probably realized.

"I'm happy for you." She told him, as she patted his arm again. Just then, they heard the infirmary door open. They listened for a moment, Julia hoped it was Faith or Fiona, but it was Allie's voice that came through the curtain.

"Uncle Jake?" She sang out.

"In my bed, Kiddo. Where else?" He told her. "Come on in!" And she came around the curtain with Nathan.

The two brothers hadn't really had the chance to greet each other yet, so Nathan walked up, hand extended. "How you doing, Jake?"

"A little banged up, but I'll mend." Jake shook happily, and smiled at his brother-in-law. "And you, how was the trip?"

Nathan smiled big. "Excellent. It was excellent." He glanced at Julia, who smiled shyly, at his reply. "They've been taking good care of you?"

"The best." Jake glanced at Allie. "And my niece has been looking after me, too. Icing on the cake."

"Well, I'm sure glad to hear it." Nathan replied. "You gave us a bit of a scare, I'm just glad you're okay."

"Thanks, Nathan." Jake told him.

Nathan sat down right next to Jake, and Allie pulled up a chair. They seemed like they were making themselves comfortable, and planned to stay a while.

Julia understood, glanced at Nathan, who gave her a little nod. So, Julia peaked around the curtain, looking for Faith or Fiona. But, neither one was there.

Nathan told her. "Allie and I ran into them outside, Jules. We sent them home for a little while. They're at home."

Julia looked at the three members of her family, cozy and happy, ready to spend some time together. "Okay. Is it okay if I go then?"

Jake told her. "Get outta here, sis. We'll be right here when you get back."