Author's Note: Thanks for your patience with this story friends! I had hoped to be done with it by now, but... life happens. I hope you enjoy these next two chapters and the chapters that will come in the near future! Special shout-out to Donna & Lynn for all of your help in the reading and editing!
Chapter 6: Gone Fishing
For the rest of the week, Nathan had been conveniently stopping by the infirmary at midday and taking Faith to lunch, so on Friday, Faith was standing by the door, with her satchel in hand, ready to leave with him.
Nathan, seeing her standing there ready to go, chuckled and said, "Good afternoon, Molly. So, I take it that this means you are joining me for lunch again today, Dr. Carter?"
Faith laughed in response and said, "You are correct Constable. Molly, I'll be back in an hour. Can I bring you back anything?"
Molly shook her head and answered, "No thank you. Now you two better mosey right along. You know how distracted you get when you are together. You have appointments after lunch Faith, so don't be late." Molly smiled and winked at the pair.
Nathan and Faith blushed in response, nervously looking at one another and bashfully smiling. Then, Nathan opened and held the door as Faith walked through it. As they walked towards the cafe, Nathan leaned in and said, "Our dear friend is watching us once again."
Faith subtly glanced over towards the saloon balcony only to see Lucas standing there observing them. As she looked over and met Nathan's gaze, she giggled.
Nathan simply shook his head and said, "Everyday… he lurks up there on his little perch with his teacup. Oh, to be a fly on the wall during one of their evenings together. I'm sure that Elizabeth gets an earful." He rolled his eyes and Faith started laughing.
"You know how much you reminded me of your niece just now when you gave that face?" Faith asked.
Nathan chuckled in response, "I suppose I probably did. I'm sorry, his lurking about up there like that just gets under my skin."
Faith looked over at Nathan with a concerned face and asked, "Does it still bother you? That Elizabeth chose Lucas and not you?" She turned her attention to the path ahead of them, somewhat afraid of his response.
Nathan stopped walking and touched Faith's arm to stop her as well. She looked into his eyes as he placed his hands on her shoulders, looking intently at her.
"I promise you Faith, it doesn't bother me that Elizabeth chose Lucas. Now, the lurking behavior drives me a bit crazy, but I'm fine with the fact that they are with one another." Nathan said as he looked from her over to the saloon and then back at her once more.
Nathan paused for a moment and moved his hands from her shoulders and took hold of her hands. Faith looked down at their hands and then back into his intense crystal blue stare.
"I am with you and there isn't any place that I would rather be at this very moment. This time that we've spent together this week has truly been a delight." Nathan said. Taking her hands, he kissed each one before releasing them.
Faith blushed and smiled in response but before she could say anything, Nathan held out his hand and she took hold of it. They stood that way, hand in hand, soaking in the moment of just being with one another. Then, without a word, Nathan led Faith towards the café.
After lunch, Nathan dropped Faith off at the infirmary, with a kiss on the cheek to say goodbye.
As he drew back, Nathan said, "Allie and I will pick you up at 8 o'clock tomorrow. I'm looking forward to spending the time together."
Faith smiled brightly up at Nathan and replied, "Me too! This week has been incredible."
Nathan grabbed her hand, gave it a little squeeze, and then released it as he walked away towards the Mountie office. Faith watched as he walked away and happily sighed.
Nathan whistled a happy tune as he strode towards his office. When he opened the door, he found Bill sitting at his desk with a stern look on his face.
"Hey Bill! To what do I owe the honor of your visit today?" Nathan asked light-heartedly as he hung his hat and took a seat at the chair across from Bill.
Bill sat at Nathan's desk with his hands folded looking at Nathan suspiciously for a moment before speaking.
"I'm curious, what's this mood of yours? Something is different about you lately, but I can't quite put my finger on it. Spill it, Grant." Bill asked gruffly as he sat back in the chair continuing to observe Nathan intently.
Nathan chuckled and grinned from ear to ear but didn't say a word. Bill got up and walked around to the other side of the desk, put his hand on Nathan's shoulder and smiled back at him in return.
"Actually, I've already heard a little around town and caught a glimpse of you two before I came in here just now. I'm happy for both of you. But word of advice, son. Don't mess this up!" Bill teased with a hint of seriousness.
"I don't plan on messing anything up Bill. You could say that I'm following my instincts. But to fill you in, I have been officially courting Faith for about a week now. Allie and I will be taking her fishing at our favorite spot tomorrow." Nathan shared with his older friend.
Bill drew back, taking a seat on the edge of Nathan's desk and said, "I'm hurt that it took me coming in here and confronting you for you to even share what has been going on. I thought we were closer than that."
Nathan looked at Bill trying to read the older man to see if he was teasing or serious and saw the hint of hurt in his eyes, confirming the statement was true.
Nathan sat up, leaning forward as he spoke and said, "Bill, I wasn't trying to exclude you in all of this. Like I said I've been following my instincts. It's come up so quickly that I've just been going with the flow and not letting my fears or inhibitions get the best of me like they tend to do. I think if I think too much about it or maybe even share too much, I might ruin it. And Bill, it's a great thing and I honestly don't want to mess this up."
Nathan sighed, sat back, and hung his head. Bill stared at the younger man, walked over to him, and took a seat in the chair next to him. He put a hand on his shoulder once more.
"Nathan, you're doing fine. I'm sorry for the comment earlier. I'm glad that you're not letting your fears or inhibitions get the best of you. I'm glad that you've put yourself back out there after Elizabeth. Lord knows, it took you long enough. I told you before when I thought there may have been something between you and Mei, that if love comes your way, not to wait to reach out and take it if you can. You're doing exactly that." Bill said as he squeezed Nathan's shoulder, smiling at the young man he thought of like a son.
Nathan glanced over at Bill, smiled, and said, "Thanks Bill, you don't know how much I appreciate you saying that and simply being here as well."
"I'll always be here for you. Just don't wait to tell something so important next time, ok." Bill said as he patted Nathan on the back and chuckled.
There was a knock at the door as they sat there. They looked at one another puzzled and then Nathan stood and went to open the door.
There stood a younger Mountie with a dog as Nathan looked down at the scruffy creature confused. The young Mountie proceeded to tell the pair about the purpose of his visit, that the dog with him that he referred to as Scout was now Nathan's as per Superintendent Hargraves instructions.
At that point, the young Mountie handed Nathan the leash. Nathan stared at the leash and then down at Scout with a look of frustration. Nathan gruffly gave a command to Scout and instead of following it, the dog turned and ran in the opposite direction.
Nathan ran out of the office holding the leash as Scout pulled him forcefully with a jerk. During his departure, the younger Mountie looked over at Bill and excused himself. When Nathan returned out of breath from Scout's forceful run down the street, Bill sat there on the edge of Nathan's desk chuckling at the pair.
"Good luck tomorrow on your family date. Fishing is a great way to bond with one another. Take Scout too. I'm sure that will make life even more interesting." Bill said as he stood, patted Nathan's shoulder then scratched Scout behind his ear. As he exited the room, he was shaking his head and chuckling at the pair and Nathan simply collapsed in the chair close by, giving an exasperated look at Scout.
Nathan ran a hand over his frustrated face and muttered under his breath, "Thanks a lot Bill!"
Later that day, as Nathan sat at his desk working on paperwork and Scout was conked out in the corner of the Mountie office sleeping, Allie came bounding into the office.
"Dad! What's this I'm hearing that you have a Mountie dog now? I want to see it!" Allie said excitedly.
As if on cue, Scout woke up out of his slumber and happily came over to Allie who stooped down to the canine's level and started petting and talking to him. Nathan took a deep breath and walked across the room to where Scout and Allie were, watching the scene before him.
"Dad! This is so great! I've been wanting a dog for the longest time and now, we have one. Does he have a name?" Allie asked.
Nathan sighed heavily before he ran his hand over his face and shook his head, he knew that there was no going back now. Allie and Scout were enraptured with one another.
Nathan sighed and answered, "His name is Scout and he's a failed Mountie dog that doesn't seem to listen very well, at least not to me. And to be honest, he smells too."
Allie looked up at her father rolling her eyes and commented, "Dad, be nice! You're hurting his feelings. We can train him. And, I'll give him a bath. Don't worry, you'll see!"
Before Nathan could comment, Faith walked into the office and right up to Nathan and Allie. "Oh! It is true! I've heard about this little guy. Well, hello there." Faith said as she reached out and scratched Scout behind the ear.
Nathan rolled his eyes, shook his head and simply walked back over and sat at his desk. The girls looked over at one another and giggled. Faith stayed a few extra moments petting Scout and then excused herself.
The next morning, Faith woke up to the sunlight streaming through the windows. She smiled to herself as she stretched in the bed. It had been a really good week and she knew that today was going to be even better.
As she got up to get ready, she chose a lightweight white blouse with a dark skirt. When she sat down, looking at her reflection in the mirror and brushing her hair, she decided to keep it down and not worry about bringing out the curls that day.
Just as she finished up at her vanity table and she was thinking about getting herself some breakfast, she heard a knock at the door. Faith smiled to herself and put a hand to her stomach as the butterflies inside fluttered about. She had a feeling that it was not hunger that she was feeling but the excitement she was feeling getting ready to spend the day with the Grants.
She took a deep breath, stood and quickly walked to the door to open it, only to find Nathan, Allie and Scout standing there with their fishing poles. Allie held a small basket as Nathan held a larger picnic basket as well.
"Good morning you two! Is there anything that I can grab before we go?" Faith asked as she looked between the father-daughter pair.
"Hi Dr. Carter! I don't think so. We grabbed an extra fishing pole for you to use. I've got all the things that we need for fishing in my basket and Dad brought some things for us to snack on for breakfast and a lunch for later in the picnic basket along with a blanket. So, I think that we are good." Allie said with a wide grin.
Faith grinned in return but then gave a thoughtful look for a moment and then responded, "Allie, could you do me a favor, if your dad is ok with it. While we are together like this, would you call me Faith. Dr. Carter just seems so formal."
Allie smiled and looked anxiously at Nathan to see his answer. He simply smiled in return and nodded his head. Allie squealed and gave him a quick hug.
She grabbed Faith's hand with her free hand and gave it a little tug as she eagerly said, "Come on Faith, I can't wait to show you our spot and you can tell me all about how you used to fish with your brothers."
Faith chuckled and followed Allie's lead as Nathan shook his head, smiled and followed behind the two women and dog now in his life.
Once they got to their spot, Allie tied Scout to a nearby tree branch and then pulled Faith to a log next to the stream. Allie placed her basket down and handed Faith an intricately carved fishing pole. Before she could ask, Allie spoke up.
"My dad usually carves all our fishing poles. That was mine until Dr. Shepherd won the one for me at the Founder's Day Fair a few years back. Doesn't he do great work?!" Allie said proudly.
Faith nodded as she looked over at Nathan who had been setting up the blanket a little further away. The pair made eye contact and smiled at each other.
Allie and Faith set up their poles with bait and cast their lines out into the water. A few moments later, Nathan sat on the other side of Faith with a container in one hand and his fishing pole in the other. Once he cast his line out, he opened the container and handed a muffin to both Allie and Faith.
"Hope you like carrot raisin because Allie made some muffins last night for us to have today." Nathan said as Faith took the muffin from his grasp.
Faith smiled at him and then over at Allie as she said, "I love carrot raisin muffins! Allie, you'll have to teach me how to make them. I'm still learning how to cook. I've gotten a little better since I first came to Hope Valley, but I definitely could stand some more practice."
Allie beamed proudly at Faith as she responded, "I'd love to teach you, Faith. Grandma taught me how to make these last summer when I stayed with her. To be honest though, hers are still way better than mine but I've gotten better over time. You will too, promise!"
Allie bit into her muffin and was chewing her bite when she heard a whimpering coming from behind her. She handed Faith her pole for a moment, stood and walked over to where Scout sat. She broke her muffin in half and offered it to the dog. Scout eagerly reached out, took the offered morsel, scarfing it down and then looked at Allie anticipating more.
Allie patted his head and said, "Sorry Scout, that's all for now. Just lay down and enjoy the day. I will give you more when we have lunch."
Scout looked at Allie and as if he understood, he laid down onto the soft grass. She smiled at the response and walked back over to join the adults on the log.
Faith leaned over to Nathan and said, " Looks like Scout is settling in quite well."
Nathan snorted as he shook his head and responded, "What can I say, Allie has a way with him."
As the morning progressed, Allie and Faith sat chitchatting about cooking and things that they liked to make. Allie shared a story about a time that she tried to make fried chicken but she burnt the meal and they had to eat at the cafe that night. Faith chuckled and shared a similar story of an attempt to make pork chops for Carson once but instead they wound up having to eat at the cafe that night too. The three laughed as they shared stories, finding that they were truly enjoying one another's company and in many things had a lot in common.
When the fish grabbed hold of the bait, they reeled in their lines to unhook the fish so that they could place them in Allie's basket and then cast their lines out once again.
Allie watched as Faith easily fished like her and her father, unfazed by the slippery creatures and the care she took hooking the bait on the line.
"What was it like having brothers? You said you have three if I remember right. But you've also shared that you lost your mom like me when you were young. I've always wanted siblings but it's also hard to imagine life beyond dad and me sometimes too." Allie asked curiously.
Faith sat thoughtfully looking out onto the water and then looked over at Nathan as if asking permission silently. Nathan simply smiled and nodded as he looked at her. Faith smiled in return, sighed and turned to look at Allie.
"Yes. I have three older brothers - Andrew, who is the oldest and is married to Hannah with a son, Benjamin but I call Benji. Then, there's Michael who is engaged to Catherine. Last, there's Thomas who is just two years older than me and is still single. They all live in Hamilton or close by so that way if my father needs anything they can be around to help." Faith smiled as she paused her sharing.
She looked over at Allie and continued, "It was wonderful having brothers, even though I was the only girl. They were always great at including me in everything they did, especially after my mother passed. I came to appreciate things like fishing, camping and bugs because of their influence."
"That's so great! Your brothers sound like how Dad was with me. Even before my mom passed, I can always remember him being there and being a part of my life when he visited. It just seemed natural when he stepped in after my mom died. I think he felt like it didn't come easy but look at me, I've turned out ok right?" Allie said confidently as she looked over and winked at her father.
Nathan smiled in return and met Faith's gaze. The two sat there for a moment, eyes locked, until Faith's line jerked and broke the trance.
After she put her fish away and cast her line once more, she answered.
"You've turned out wonderfully and like my own father and brothers, your dad has done a great job raising you. To be honest, I love watching your bond with one another. It's so special. I missed that with my father for so long due to a misunderstanding. That's why I am so grateful that we mended our relationship a few years ago." Faith said as she looked between the father and daughter pair that sat on each side of her.
The three continued to fish until they had caught half a dozen fish and then they brought in their lines. They washed their hands in the stream and then went over to the blanket. There, they sat and ate lunch with one another chatting more about Faith's life as the little sister and Allie being raised by Nathan on the different forts over her lifetime. Allie shared her lunch with Scout as they chatted there on the blanket.
As they finished their lunch, they packed up their things into the basket. Allie looked over at her father and the young doctor and smiled brightly.
"Hey Dad, would it be alright if I took the fishing poles, fish and Scout and went ahead of you. Maybe, I could take Scout over and spend some time with Emily and Opal. That would give you both some time alone too. Then, I can come home, and we can make dinner together?"Allie asked as she continued to look between the two adults.
Nathan glanced over at Faith, who was restraining a chuckle behind her smile.
"Allie, you do not get points for being subtle, that's for sure. It's fine by me that you go spend some time with the girls. It would probably do Scout good too having time to walk back and have the opportunity to run around as well. Could you be home about 4pm so that we can cook dinner together though?" Nathan asked.
Allie nodded confidently and jumped up hugging both her father and Faith. She grabbed the three poles, the fish basket, untied Scout's leash and ran off shouting behind her shoulder that she'd see them at home at 4 o'clock.
The pair chuckled and then looked at one another smiling.
"Would you like to take a walk with me Faith?", Nathan said as he stood and held a hand out to her. Faith looked up at Nathan and smiled as her face lit up.
She took his hand, and he gently pulled her to her feet. They stood like that for a moment before starting to walk hand in hand beside the stream where they had been fishing that morning.
They didn't say much as they listened to the flowing stream, rustling wind in the trees and the squelching sound that their footsteps made in the grass. After walking for a while, Nathan stopped, and Faith turned to face him.
"Faith, I have to say that this past week, well, it's been pretty special for me." Nathan said searching her blue eyes as they sparkled in the sunlight.
Faith's face was radiant as she smiled at Nathan and responded, "Nathan, this week has been incredible and spending this time with you and Allie has been such a treat! Thank you for the invitation!"
Nathan stood paralyzed by the sunlight hitting Faith's golden hair and in the sparkling blue of her eyes. Finally, going with his instincts instead of his fears, he gently placed his hand on the nape of Faith's neck as he softly caressed her jaw with his thumb.
Faith stood breathless at his touch, locked in the depth of his crystal blue eyes. As Nathan slowly leaned in and captured her lips within his own, she quietly moaned. She closed her eyes, kissing Nathan deeper in return and encircled her arms around his back.
Nathan brought his other hand to the other side of Faith's face, pressing his lips against hers with an urgency that sent chills throughout her whole body. Finally stopping simply for the sake of catching their breath, they held one another there standing by the stream. Nathan wrapped his arms around Faith's back as she did the same and placed her head against his chest. Closing her eyes, she listened to his racing heart as his chest rose and fell as his breathing started to slow and she smiled contentedly to herself.
I could stay like this for the rest of my life, Faith thought quietly to herself.
Nathan stroked her hair as he held her silently. Every once in a while, stopping to gently kiss the top of her head.
"I've never felt such peace and passion in a moment as I have right here. I could stay like this forever." Nathan quietly whispered into her ear.
Faith smiled again and pulled away enough to look up at Nathan and say, "Me too."
Their lips met once more in a gentle, less urgent way. When they pulled back, Nathan stroked Faith's cheek.
"Faith, do you know how blessed that I feel to have you in my life. You are the light breeze that freshens my soul." Nathan said as he gazed deeply into Faith's eyes.
Faith looked down briefly, smiling to herself and then returning her gaze to meet his, she said, "Nathan, you are one of the most beautiful people in the world. You add sweetness to my life. I feel blessed to have you by my side."
Nathan smiled and kissed her forehead allowing his lips to linger there. Then, he pulled back and offered his hand to her. Faith's eyes twinkled in response, and she took hold of his hand and the pair walked back to the blanket. Together, they folded the blanket and Nathan grabbed the blanket and picnic basket in one hand and took hold of Faith's hand in the other.
The two walked back to the Grants' rowhouse. Once they got there, they sat on the steps holding hands and chatting about miscellaneous things until Allie showed up at 4 o'clock. As she came bounding up the path, she stopped in her tracks and looked at the pair sitting on the porch.
"Something's different. Did you two kiss?" Allie inquired looking between her father and the young doctor.
Faith blushed as did Nathan and before they could respond, Allie chimed in and said, "Yup, I knew it! Ok, you two lovebirds, we have some fish to fry!"
She made her way through them on the steps and into the rowhouse. Nathan shook his head in response as he helped Faith to her feet.
"How did she…" Faith started to say before Nathan interrupted her.
"One thing about Allie, she's wise beyond her years I've always said. That right there, that is a prime example of it. Come on, let's go teach you how to fry some fish, Dr. Carter." Nathan said as he took hold of Faith's hand and led her into the rowhouse.