Nathan had just brought up Faith's order to the counter when he saw Robert galloping on Newton through the front window. Something must have spooked him as he heard the horse neighing loudly. Robert had just taken him out for an afternoon ride not even an hour earlier.
"Ned, sorry I need to go. Faith also needs to borrow a basket. Have a good afternoon." Nathan rushed outside and ran down the street after them. Halfway there Robert was able to slow the horse down and come to a stop.
"Sorry, Newton heard a loud noise and he got spooked. I think it was a car that backfired. I didn't even know he could go that fast." Robert laughed as he jumped down from the horse taking the reins and walking him slowly to the stables.
"Are you ok? You looked pretty panicked when I saw you ride past the Mercantile. Newton is still getting used to another rider which probably also didn't help when he got spooked." Nathan asked as he walked on the other side of Newton.
"I'm fine now." Robert had just started working part-time for Nathan helping take care of Newton on the days Nathan had to be in the office or away on business. It was also a way for Nathan to mentor Robert showing him what a mountie did in the community.
"Good practice if I decide to become a mountie." Robert smiled but was suddenly tired from the excitement.
"How much do you have left to do in the stable? I can finish things tonight and you can go home early. Next week I will need you Tuesday and Thursday. Possible also Friday and Saturday morning but I won't know for sure until Monday. Just depends if I need to go out of town. You are doing good with Newton. Thank you." Nathan took Newton's reins from Robert as he saw him relax.
"Newton just needs to be brushed and fed. I changed his bedding before our ride. Thank you for the job. I will work hard." Robert went into the stable to get his belongings.
"You are. Things like this can easily happen. You showed patience and confidence under pressure. I am proud of you." Nathan smiled and patted Robert on the back.
"Really? Thanks." Robert waved goodbye before running ahead to catch up with Cooper and Angela who were just leaving the pharmacy.
Nathan walked Newton to his stall. He placed him inside, closing the door before going to get a bucket of water and some feed. He didn't need him having another adventure today. What a crazy few minutes Nathan thought. As he got the water he saw Mei and Fiona walk into the stables.
"Hi, Nathan." Mei smiled as she walked towards the stall.
"Hi, nice to see you both. Good night for a ride." Nathan poured some feed for Newton and gave him some fresh water.
"Yes, Mei is teaching me how to ride a horse tonight. My first time." Fiona said nervously.
"You will be fine. Mei is a good teacher. She helped me after my accident. I need to get some things from the Mercantile before heading home. Night, ladies." Nathan secured the latch on Newton's stall before he turned to leave. He would let him rest for the night and skip brushing him. Tomorrow he would come early for a morning ride and maybe a bath.
He walked to the Mercantile. He said he needed things in the store. But was that the only reason he was going back? He was being ridiculous, he thought to himself. When he walked in the store Ned was stocking the shelves with Florence on the phones. No one else was in the store.
"Nathan, nice to see you. Looking for anyone?" Florence teased as she walked to the counter.
"What? No, earlier when I was in the store I had to leave. Newton got spooked by something when Robert was riding him. I just need a few things before heading home." Nathan quickly headed down the aisle. After a few minutes, he checked out with Ned and headed home.
"Allie?" Nathan called as he opened the door. He could tell she was home. Her fishing pole was in the corner along with her shoes which were all muddy. He walked to the kitchen placing his lunchbox on the counter. Supper would be leftover sandwiches he decided as he put away the things he got from the Mercantile. He needed an easy night without dishes to do.
"Hey. How was your day?" Allie asked as she came down the stairs.
"Tiring. How was yours? Tonight is your turn to make dinner. I'm thinking sandwiches." Nathan poured two glasses of juice and sat down at the table.
"I went fishing. Didn't catch anything. Then Robert and Angela are annoying me right now. Opal said she wouldn't take sides which is also annoying me. Tomorrow I am just going to ignore them." Allie sighed and took a long drink of her juice.
"What happened with Robert and Angela?" Nathan asked even though he already knew what it was about. Allie had liked Robert for years.
"Robert was supposed to go fishing with me yesterday. Instead, he was with Angela. He is always with her, and it is annoying. I told him today I am done asking him to go fishing and if he wants to go, he can ask Angela. He told me I am being ridiculous. I stormed off and came home. Boys are stupid." Allie rolled her eyes.
"I think this guy is pretty fun." Nathan pointed at himself with a big grin.
"Dad." Allie rolled her eyes but smiled.
"That's a good start. I love your smile. Did you ask Robert why he is spending time with her? I thought you were all friends. Sometimes things are not what they appear to be." Nathan related to his own experience.
"No, I didn't ask. I don't really care." Allie looked away.
"Now I know that is not true. You and Angela have become really close friends. Same with you and Robert. I think tomorrow you should go talk to both of them before things get awkward." Nathan knew this wouldn't be easy for her.
"Fine but I am not apologizing. I will get the sandwiches for supper." Allie got up walking into the kitchen.
"Allie, don't be stubborn and try listening to what they have to say. Promise me tomorrow you will talk to them." Nathan watched as she made the sandwiches quietly and then brought them to the table.
"Fine." Allie sighed. "How was your day?"
"Guess who was asking about you today," Nathan asked, trying to cheer her up.
"Who?" Allie suddenly was curious.
"Faith. I saw her at the Mercantile before coming home. She wanted to know if you would be interested in working at the clinic again two nights a week. I know how much you enjoyed it last time." Nathan smiled seeing Allie relax again.
"Yes, I want to. Oh, so that means you also spent time with Faith." Allie said excitedly.
"Allie, I'm not looking for romance. I'm sorry to disappoint you." Nathan shook his head thinking how Allie tried playing matchmaker in the past. If Nathan was going to find love, it had to be when he was ready.
"Fine. I was only asking." Allie rolled her eyes as she picked up the table. She knew her dad was not good at romance, and she was only trying to help.