Faith sat in the rocking chair outside her office door. She watched as people walked by chatting with each other. Occasionally she would smile and wave. But her mind was lost deep in thought.
Her mind was stuck explicitly at the moment at the clinic. Of all people in Hope Valley, she never would have guessed it would be him. She felt an intense connection at that moment their eyes met. It felt like time stood still as her heart was beating faster and she could hardly breathe.
Maybe it was because of her past relationship with Carson who for a time she thought would be the person she would spend her life with. Faith didn't want to date anyone she would work with or knew too well. After the breakup, it felt like things became messy. Friends tiptoed around mentioning him worrying it may upset her. She was now solely focused on her work as the town doctor. A new relationship was the farthest thing from her mind.
They were friends. Casual for the most part. They would greet each other if they saw each other in the street or at a gathering. Mostly small talk about random things. Nervousness is always hanging between them.
Then something slowly changed. It started first after they both had gone through heartbreak. They would joke about the fun of being single. He would tell a joke every time he saw her. It would be so silly she had to laugh or roll her eyes.
Over the past few months, his daughter helped at the clinic a few days a week with cleaning and tidying up. Faith let her borrow a few of her medical books which she enjoyed reading. Each night Faith would walk her home answering any questions Allie might have.
Some nights he would be there when they got to the house. Some nights the three of them would chat outside laughing and sharing stories. Some nights they would linger with no hurry in saying goodbye.
A few minutes later she looked up and saw him leaving the mountie office. Nathan Grant stopped in the street to talk to the town mayor Bill Avery. She shook her head as she felt a rush of excitement and nervousness seeing him. Faith got up and walked back into the clinic trying to ignore the feelings she had for him.
"Today is quiet. Not even one patient all day. You can go home early if you like." Faith said as finished cleaning the medicine cabinets.
"Are you sure?" Molly asked.
"Yes, we had an unusually slow day after a few very busy weeks. Today is Friday and I think we should just close early. I will call Florence and tell her to forward any calls to my house. School starts back next month, and the kids always get sick in the fall. We also have a few pregnancies. Let's take advantage of the slow time when we can." Faith smiled seeing how happy Molly was.
"Any plans for the weekend?" Molly already knew the answer.
"No, just staying home. I just borrowed Pride and Prejudice from the library. It will be fun to reread even though I know the story by heart. Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth's love story is my favorite love story. If I could only find my own Mr. Darcy." Faith laughed.
"Hmm, strong and silent type? That sounds like someone I may know." Molly smiled as she saw Faith blush.
"I don't want to date anyone right now. I just want to focus on my work. Life is simpler that way." Faith called Florence at the Mercantile and then got out her sign placing it in the window that the clinic was closed. "Hopefully someday I will find the person worth taking the risk. What are you doing this weekend?" Faith asked, hoping to switch the topic off her.
"Flo and I are planning on making some pies this weekend. I may also go on a picnic or fly a kite. Just depends on the weather." Molly followed Faith outside as she locked the door.
"That sounds very nice. I appreciate all your help. We are a good team." Faith said as she turned and looked down the street.
"Want to come over and bake some pies this weekend?" Molly waved at Lucas Bouchard as he walked into the saloon.
"Sure. I will go and get some fruit before going home. Anything specific I should get?" Faith was a great doctor. But cooking and baking she struggled with every time she tried.
"Pick your favorite fruit and I promise it will be good. Come over tomorrow at noon. You can join us for lunch, and I will also show you a meal you can make for dinner." Molly smiled as she saw Faith start to walk across the street. Sometimes people needed a nudge in the right direction.
"Ned? Flo?" Faith didn't see anyone as she walked into the Mercantile. She decided to pick up a few more items in the store. She went toward the back to get some bread and canned vegetables. Next, she needed some peanut butter for her sandwiches. As she bent up grabbing the jar it fell to the ground and rolled down the aisle to the front of the store.
"Is this yours? a familiar voice asked as they walked into the store and picked up the jar.
"Yes, Faith said loudly from the back of the store as she picked up her items from the floor. An issue being short she could never reach the items higher up. Usually, she would ask for help.
"Here you go," Nathan said as he walked down the aisle standing behind Faith.
"Thanks." Faith turned around almost bumping into him not realizing how close he was to her.
"Hi, Nathan said quietly as he suddenly felt nervous.
"Hi, Faith blushed as she looked up at him.
"I think this is yours." Nathan's fingers softly brushed over hers as she took the jar from him.
" I am a klutz. Being short I always have issues getting anything high up." Faith felt like she was rambling as she looked at him. She hated not being in control of her emotions.
"Glad I could help. It has been a few weeks since I have seen you." Nathan said with a mix of disappointment and concern.
"Busy at the clinic the past few weeks. Always something to do." Faith sighed at how tired she was.
"I understand that. Mountie work always keeps me busy." Nathan agreed thinking how busy the past few weeks had been.
"How is Allie? Is she enjoying her summer break?" Faith asked, trying to find something else to talk about other than the butterfly sensation in her stomach.
"She is having fun. Fishing, riding her bike, and spending time with friends." Nathan followed Faith as she continued to shop.
"Good. I have missed her at the clinic. If she is interested once school starts she can work at the clinic again. Two afternoons a week so it doesn't interfere with her schoolwork. I can ask her closer to school but I just wanted you to know before asking her." Faith hoped he would agree. She enjoyed mentoring Allie and the friendship they had.
"She will love that. Allie was always telling me something new she learned. I know she misses being at the clinic and spending time with you. Faith…" Nathan stopped as he heard the door open.
"I should go. I need to get a few more items before I check out. I would love to see Allie. Would it be easier for me to reach out this weekend or next week to try and plan something?" Faith asked as she saw Ned walk to the front counter.
" I will tell her. It's hard for me to even see her on some days. Can I help with anything?" Nathan asked as he stepped closer.
"Um, could you drop the cans up front while I get some fruit? I forgot to grab my basket before I shopped today. I will have to see if Ned has one I can borrow." Faith handed him her items before quickly walking towards the fruit bins. She decided to get some variety so whatever she didn't make with the pies she could eat for breakfast with her oatmeal.
"Hi, Faith." Ned smiled as the doctor walked to the counter. "Nathan said he had to step outside, but he brought up your items."
"Ned, nice to see you. Molly and your wife are going to teach me how to make a pie tomorrow. Fingers crossed." Faith laughed.
"Florence makes really good pies. Plus, some girl time together is always fun. While Florence is gone, I will be working and then meeting Henry for supper at the Queen of Hearts." Ned grabbed a basket behind the counter and started to pack up her order.
"Good, I'm glad Henry is spending time with friends. He needs that right now. Thank you for letting me borrow your basket." After a few minutes, Faith said her goodbyes and walked outside.
She looked for Nathan but didn't see him right away. He was further down the street tending to his horse in the stable. Feeling conflicted she didn't know if she should go by him. As she walked towards the stable, she saw Mei and Fiona ahead of her walking into the stable where they stopped to talk to the Mountie. She turned and headed home.