"You okay, Beth?" Julie asked, coming over.

"Yeah. Do we need to get your things from Fiona's before we go home?"

"No, Rosemary helped me move them this morning while Fiona kept Lucas busy at the oil derrick. Lee went ahead and dropped your stuff off at the rowhouse, and Bill said he would keep an eye on Jack until dinner this evening."

"Okay," Elizabeth said, sighing, still watching Nathan walk back to his office. He had that long lanky graceful way of walking that was hypnotic to her. He had just reached the steps to the jail and looked back at her, catching her staring. Before she could do anything, he smiled knowingly and gave a jaunty wave reminiscent of that day he caught her checking him out with binoculars. Elizabeth abruptly turned her face beet red, suddenly needing a fan.

"Is he gone, Julie?" Elizabeth asked, trying to look inconspicuous.

Julie giggled. "Yes, he's no longer standing there watching you stare longingly at him."

"Julie! It's not funny!"

"I'm sorry, Beth, but I have to disagree. I've never seen you act like this before, except maybe when you and Jack first met. It is a nice change since it is usually me that gets into situations like this. It is quite refreshing dear sister. Julie said, giggling as she looped an arm through Elizabeth's. "Let's go home and sort out something for you to wear to have your Mountie looking at you like you were just ogling him."

"First, he's not my Mountie, and second, he doesn't like me like that. I'm surprised he even talks to me since when I left, he barely spoke to me and pretty much avoided me when he could, not that I blame him."

"But you wish he was your Mountie," Julie said slyly. "You forget I know you far too well. I don't blame you because Nathan Grant is one very handsome man no matter what he wears."

Elizabeth just nodded, afraid to say anything and give herself away. Her sister was correct in saying she did wish she had the right to call Nathan her Mountie; she would never voice it, though, because she didn't deserve him. Maybe once she did, but not now, nor was he some consolation prize or second choice. He had always been the first choice, she had been too afraid to take that chance, and it cost her deeply.

"Why do you think he grew that mustache and has that little patch under his bottom lip? It actually detracts from his looks, don't you think?" Julie asked as they walked along the path leading to the rowhouses.

"I think it is because it hides his smile," Elizabeth muttered.

"He does have a nice smile. The ladies all think his crooked one is their favorite, especially when he gets a sparkle of mischief in his eyes."

Elizabeth felt a pang in her heart, and jealousy suddenly reared its head as the thought that other women were admiring Nathan shocked her, especially when that feeling included her sister recalling their time together. She quickly tamped it down because she knew Julie would never cross that boundary. But then she had no claim on him, to begin with, so who was she to object to anything?

As if discerning her thoughts, Julie patted her hand. "Don't worry; I have no designs on him. I see Nathan more as a big brother than anything else, and I daresay he sees me in a similar light as Colleen. Besides, something tells me that now that you are home, I don't think he will even notice anyone else."

"That may have been true at one time but not anymore. Not after the way I hurt him and Allie." Elizabeth replied glumly.

As they passed the Canfield's rowhouse, Joseph came out and said hello. Elizabeth sent Julie on to the rowhouse so she could have an opportunity to talk to Joseph about counseling.

"Joseph, would it be possible for us to do some counseling over the next few weeks? I really could use some spiritual guidance and would like to take you up on your offer a few months back."

"I would be honored to sit down with you. In fact, I just installed a swing out in front of the church for that, or we can always go inside." Joseph. How about tomorrow at about 1 pm?"

"That would be fine. I will see you tomorrow then at the church." Elizabeth said, and they parted as Elizabeth headed on to her house.

Carson approached the sprawling farmhouse in curiosity. It had been a while since it was lived in but looking around, he could see that the new owners had done a great job of restoring it.

"May I help you?" A feminine voice called out.

Carson turned towards the porch and saw a beautiful woman standing there in an apron, wiping her hands on a kitchen towel. It was obvious that she had been in the middle of cooking. She was of a similar age to him and with brown eyes that were both friendly and warm.

"Good afternoon, Ma'am my name is Carson Shephard, and I'm looking for Belinda Nelson. Ned Yost sent me."

"Good afternoon, Carson; please call me Belinda. I spoke with Florence a few minutes ago, and she told me to expect you." She gave him a welcoming smile. "It's nice to meet you. Florence said that you are not sure how long you will be here. Since you are our first boarder, there's no shortage of rooms. Why don't we get you settled in." She gestured for him to follow her.

"I appreciate you letting me rent one of the rooms."

"It's our pleasure!"

As Belinda showed Carson the house and to the rooms upstairs, she talked about the services and house routines. "I serve all three meals, but tonight there is a special dinner, so we will be attending that instead. But then I guess you are probably one of the reasons for it, along with Elizabeth Thornton. We lock up at ten, but my son Dean would be able to let you in. He's the new veterinarian though it is not common knowledge yet because he wanted to be set up before it was announced. Bill is planning on doing that tonight."

"A vet! We certainly need one around here. Before I left, I did minor stuff with a lot of phone consultations and telegrams to Chuck Stewart from Brookfield. A few times, he would have to come himself."

"Yes, Chuck is a close friend of my son. They attended Veterinarian training together. He was the one who suggested Hope Valley to Dean as the place to open a practice. He also helped Dean find this ranch and suggested the boardinghouse. This will also be a working ranch, but I trust that won't bother you?"

"Not at all. Well, I should be going into town. But I'm sure I will see you later at the dinner."

"Of course," Belinda said. "Enjoy the rest of your day."

As Carson headed out the door, he knew that it wasn't going to be possible at least, he didn't think so.

Approaching the infirmary, he hesitated for a moment, hoping that Faith was alone. He took a deep breath and walked in. It looked slightly different but, overall, still very familiar. Molly wasn't around, but he could hear Faith talking to someone.

"Faith, you know that I can do the job, and I'd appreciate you advocating for me."

"Mei, I'm not sure what I can do because it really isn't up to me, and I think that I should reach out to Geoffrey."

"But Faith…"

Carson, sensing a personal discussion, cleared his throat and called out to announce his presence. Faith immediately pasted on a fake smile and told the other woman she would talk to her later.

Carson, let me introduce Mei Sou, the new pharmacist Ned and Florence hired. Mei, this is Dr. Carson Shephard."

Sensing a possible ally, Mei smiled big and held out her hand. "It is nice to meet you, Dr. Shephard. Please call me Mei."

"It's nice to meet you as well, Mei. Please call me Carson. Do you mind if I speak with Faith privately?"

"Not a problem. I have some orders to fill anyway." Mei replied, holding up some slips of paper in her hand. I'll leave the two of you alone, but hopefully, we can catch up later, Carson." Then she added pointedly, "Maybe we can also finish our conversation, Faith?"

"Sure," Faith said. As he watched the other woman leave, he couldn't help thinking that something was going on, but at that moment, he would have to put it on the back burner.

"Where's Molly?" Carson asked.

"She is off today," Faith said. "Carson, what is going on? You are acting very strange and distant."

He crossed over and locked the door, putting their sign out to let others know they would be back in an hour. It was then he noticed her shingle by the door and that the original Infirmary sign was gone. Closing the door, he turned back to her, steeling himself for the conversation they were about to have.

"I notice that you replaced the old infirmary sign." Carson began.

"I did. Since I'm the only Doctor in town, I felt it appropriate. Though now we have a dentist, I need to add MD beside it."

"Unfortunately, Faith, that really isn't a big concern right now. I'm afraid it needs to come down, and the Infirmary sign needs to go back up."

There was a knock at the door, followed by Bill's voice. "Carson, it is me,"

Carson opened the door so the older man could open it and locked it back.

"What is going on?" Faith said.

I asked Bill here because this is an official meeting. Since this will affect the town, and he is serving as the current mayor, I require him to be a witness. There's no easy way to say this, Faith, but there are issues with your certifications. I'm here because you haven't completed the program as specified when you started; you cannot operate as a doctor. You failed to obey the supervisory conditions that I put in place before I left with Dr. Anders. He has since reported to the board that after four separate warnings, you blatantly ignored his instructions for patient care and recommended the termination of your certifications. He has since stepped down from that role.

However, my friend on the board knew I was finished and offered this choice to you. You will be on probation under my direct supervision for the next year and a half. You are allowed to see patients, but before diagnosing and treating more than what a nurse is qualified for, you must have my approval."

"What? But I did all that in Chicago. I don't need someone looking over my shoulder as I care for my patients. I know what is best for them. I was the only medical care available to the town for the longest time, or have you forgotten?" Faith said, raising her voice.

Carson was annoyed now. "If you recall, you were still supposed to do two years of supervision under a qualified physician. Given the past six months, you have ignored the counsel and warning; the board added it back onto the probationary period."

"What happens after that time is up?"

Then I will give my recommendation to the board. If I approve, then you will become a fully independent doctor. I have brought the papers for you to sign, acknowledging that you have been notified and accept the conditions. Information regarding those warnings is included in the paperwork."

"If I don't accept them?" Faith asked defiantly, standing with her fist clenched at her sides, bristling with anger.

"Then they will strip you of your medical license permanently, and you will be forbidden to attempt it at a later time."

"I strongly urge you to accept these conditions, Faith," Bill said. "Speaking as a judge, this could potentially affect your nursing certification as well, Faith, if I understand things correctly."

"Yes, it could, depending on your reaction," Carson said.

"Either way, my official position as Mayor is that you either cooperate with the board and work under Carson, or we will need to start looking for a new doctor," Bill said firmly, not showing a hint of emotion.

"Fine," Faith said, signing them though clearly, she was angry. "So, how is this going to work?"

"Just like it did when Carson was here before," Bill said. "I will let the two of you work out what the town hears, Carson. But the announcement must be made tonight since everyone is gathered."

"Any other questions before I go?" Bill asked, taking his copy of the papers.

"I think we are done for now," Carson said while Faith only nodded as she read the papers handed to her.

"I left Jack with Nathan for now, so I better get back over there," Bill said and was gone.

"I have a few things I need to do since I'll be staying here. I have a room at the boarding house, but unless you have something to talk about, I am going to arrange for some items to be shipped here, and I wanted to check in with Elizabeth again. I won't be gone above an hour. If you find the old sign, I can hang it back when I return. Then we can figure out the announcement that will work for both of us, and you can catch me up on any patients I need to know about.

"That's fine," Faith said softly, clearly still reeling from the news.

"Oh, before I go, is there anything that I need to know about in regard to the new pharmacist?" Carson asked. Faith just shook her head, refusing to make eye contact with him, so he left, not sure he believed her.