Elizabeth was concerned about Nathan. As they drove Colleen to the hospital, he sat silently; face turned away, looking at the scenery flashing by. She reached over and took his hand, pleased when he turned to her; although he smiled, his eyes were sad.
"I am sure she will be okay, Nathan," Elizabeth whispered.
"I want to believe that, and until I hear that, I will worry." Nathan pressed his lips together before continuing, "I don't want to buy trouble, but I feel there is something she isn't saying." Nathan glanced at the back of Colleen's head, keeping his voice low so she didn't hear the conversation.
"Let's see how the visit goes," Elizabeth said, squeezing his hand. Elizabeth raised her voice to include Lee and Colleen and said, "I am excited to meet Faith. I am so glad she agreed to come to Coal Valley."
Colleen turned her head to face them, "it's wonderful the town will have someone with medical experience; I won't have to worry so much if something happens to you, Nathan."
"You worry about me!" he sputtered.
Elizabeth and Colleen laughed at the look on his face, eyes wide, his mouth open. Lee chuckled before saying, "it's different when you are on the other end of the worrying, isn't it?"
Nathan shook his head at his sister and Elizabeth, "fine; it isn't easy worrying or being worried about."
Elizabeth smiled as Lee introduced her to Faith Carter. Elizabeth noticed how pretty she was, with her blonde curls, sparking blue eyes and lovely smile. As they discussed her move to Coal Valley, her eyes lit up with excitement, and her voice was full of enthusiasm.
"How long have you been in Coal Valley, Elizabeth?"
"Several months, although it feels like I have been there much longer, so much has happened." Elizabeth glanced at Lee, who was nodding in agreement.
"There never seems to be a dull moment in Coal Valley, Faith. Most of it good," Lee said with a smile. "It really is a great Town and one that's growing quickly. Once people arrive, they don't seem to leave."
"That's true," Elizabeth said, thinking about herself, Nathan, Rosemary and Lee; all of them were happy to call Coal Valley home. She suspected Bill Avery was the same; although he hadn't announced he was staying, he hadn't left either, and he had found a house to rent. Elizabeth had caught him looking in the window of some of the vacant buildings in Town and assumed he was trying to find somewhere he could work. The Mountie office wasn't big enough for him and Nathan to share comfortably in the long term.
"Well, I cannot wait to start; everything is happening quickly. I have spoken to Dr Palmer, and he has agreed I can finish up here as soon as the necessary supplies arrive. Once they are here, I can make arrangements to transfer them and me to Coal Valley." Faith smiled as she spoke, almost tripping over her words in her rush to get them out. "Did you travel from Benson Hills by Train, Elizabeth?"
Before Elizabeth could answer, Lee interjected, "Train? You won't be travelling by Train; I will come and collect you."
"Oh, I couldn't impose like that," Faith said, surprised by his generosity.
"It's not an imposition, I insist." Lee said, smiling, "send the equipment on the Train, but I am driving you to Coal Valley."
Nathan leaned against the wall outside the office where Colleen had her examination with Dr Palmer. He had wanted to go inside, but Colleen had protested, and he didn't blame her, her illness was personal, and it wasn't appropriate for him to be there. He only wanted to go in because he worried she would hold back information if she thought it would trouble him.
He took a breath, holding it for a moment before blowing it out. He ran his hand through his hair, brushing back a stray curl. His hair was messy from the number of times he had already done the same thing. As the door opened, he straightened up, staring at Colleen, trying to decipher the look on her face.
"Thank you, Doctor Palmer. I appreciate you seeing me so quickly." Colleen held her hand out to shake the Doctor's hand, pleased it wasn't trembling. While she hadn't been willing to admit it to Nathan, she had been terrified of what the Doctor would tell her during the visit, that the news would be the worst possible news a person could get.
"You're welcome, Mrs Parkes. Please see my secretary on the way out; she can make the arrangements we discussed." The Doctor looked at Nathan and nodded once before closing the door.
"Well?" Nathan asked, his voice husky through the tightness in his throat.
Nathan watched as tears filled her eyes, and he knew, despite her efforts to hide it, the news wasn't good, and he could see how scared she was. He didn't say a word; stepping forward, he wrapped her in a tight hug and held her while she cried.
Elizabeth saw Nathan and Colleen approaching and searched his face for an answer to her unasked question. His face was grim. Looking at Colleen, she could see her face was blotchy from crying; whatever news the Doctor had given her didn't appear positive.
Lee introduced Nathan and Colleen to Faith as they joined them at the table. Faith smiled kindly at Colleen; she knew of her appointment today and the diagnosis. Dr Palmer had discussed the case with Faith and some other nurses for training and education so they would recognise it in the future. Faith wished Colleen would be living in Coal Valley; that way, she could follow the case and help her manage her condition.
Nathan sat next to Elizabeth and grasped her hand under the table, folding her smaller hand in his much larger one. Nathan was so grateful Elizabeth was here with him. He loved her for being there; he wasn't sure if he could handle Colleen's illness alone. Whatever happened, whatever the news, it was Elizabeth he wanted to share it with, he drew strength from her.
Elizabeth felt her throat constrict as Nathan's hand tightened around hers. She could feel the tension in his body as he sat ramrod straight in the seat beside her. The diagnosis must have been serious for him to react this way.
The tension at the table was unbearable. Lee looked between the others; Colleen had been crying, apparent from her tear-stained cheeks. Nathan's face was tight, his jaw clenched shut, and he wasn't looking at anyone, not even Elizabeth, who he usually couldn't take his eyes off.
"Would you like to talk about anything, Colleen?" Faith asked. "We could go somewhere more private and chat if you have questions."
Colleen looked up from the table but only shook her head.
"Would you like me to take you home?" Lee asked her, his voice soft and low. "Faith and I have discussed the arrangements for her trip to Coal Valley; it's all set."
"Thank you, Lee; I want to go home and see Allie," Colleen said, her voice breaking on her daughter's name.
Faith stepped toward Colleen as they rose from the table and said, "my offer to talk is open anytime, especially while I am here in Benson Hills."
"Thank you, Faith. I appreciate it. Before asking any questions, I must wrap my head around what the Doctor told me. I am not sure I would get the questions out right now."
Faith nodded and squeezed her arm, "I'll be in touch, Lee, when I know, everything is ready." Faith smiled at the others and walked away, leaving them to gather their things and head back to the flat.
Colleen sat on the bed next to Allie, softly stroking her daughter's hair as she drifted off to sleep. Her heart was full of love as she let the tears fall. She couldn't stand knowing she wouldn't be there to see Allie grow up and become a young woman and an adult, a mother herself. How could she bear to know she wouldn't be there to see what career Allie chose, to watch as she fell in love, married, and started her own family? It wasn't fair. Allie deserved better than being raised by her father, that was if she could find him and if he decided to take responsibility for once.
Nathan cleared his throat, letting Colleen know he was there. He went to her when she glanced up, tears streaming down her face. He looked at his sister as he knelt beside the bed where his niece slept. He wanted to talk to her, ask her about the Doctor. She had been avoiding him since they got home, so he hadn't been able to.
"There is no treatment for what I have, Nathan," Colleen whispered through her tears. "The Doctor told me all he can do is make me comfortable."
"No. I won't accept that. Let's get a second opinion," Nathan whispered urgently. "Let's find another Doctor, a better one."
"He's the best, Nathan. I asked around at the hospital; there's no one better." Colleen looked at him "will you promise me to look after Allie when..." she swallowed, "when I can't. When I'm gone."
Nathan shook his head, his tears falling fast, "I don't want to accept this, Colleen, not before we have tried everything."
"Please, Nathan, I want to be noble and not place this burden on you, but I am so scared," she sobbed. "I need to know Allie is okay; I can't face this, not without knowing what's going to happen to her." Colleen reached out to stroke Allie's hair again, "she is the only good thing Dylan ever did. I can't let him ruin her life; I can't let her down again."
"Colleen, of course, I will look after Allie; I want to look after both of you," Nathan said. "it's not a burden; it will never be a burden."
"What about Elizabeth? How do you think she will feel?" Colleen asked, frowning. It was a lot to put on her, especially when the two of them weren't married, although she was sure they would eventually.
"Elizabeth will support me; I know it. I don't have to ask her," Nathan said, confident in their relationship. "Come out and let Allie sleep, get some sleep yourself." Nathan stood and held out his hand, pleased when she took it. It had been an emotional day, and he was exhausted, and if he was feeling this way, Colleen must be too.
It was quiet in the car as they drove out of Benson Hills. Nathan had barely slept since hearing Colleen's news. He hated to leave her but knew he had to get back to Town; he couldn't expect Gabe to cover Brookfield plus Coal Valley any longer. Nathan was glad that Clara was still there to help Colleen, and she had promised to call Faith or Dr Palmer if needed. Clara had also said she would help Colleen pack her things for the move to Coal Valley. Nathan could barely believe she had finally agreed to move there, but she had. He might not have left her if she hadn't decided to follow.
Elizabeth looked at Nathan, knowing it wasn't the time to ask him how he was. Elizabeth wanted to speak to him about the future and how she could help him care for Colleen and Allie. She knew she needed to wait until they had privacy before they talked; trying to get him to open up to her while they were in the car wouldn't work. Elizabeth was pleased Colleen had agreed to come to Coal Valley; it was the right thing to do for Allie and for her.
She couldn't help wondering what it meant for her and Nathan. Would this change anything between them? He had briefly explained what he knew of Colleen's illness and prognosis the night before. Elizabeth knew the situation was wretched, and Colleen didn't think she had much time left. The Doctor could help with her pain, but there was nothing he could do to reverse the tumour growing inside her. Elizabeth's heart broke for her and Allie. Elizabeth was pleased Nathan had agreed to care for Allie when …things changed, and she wanted to be there for them in, anyway she could.
Bill and Lee were quiet, not wanting to intrude on Nathan's thoughts, allowing him the silence to process what he had learned. Bill was worried about Nathan and what he promised to do for his sister. Looking after her and Allie now and afterwards, well, it was a big commitment for the young Mountie. Only time would tell if it would work out for him.
Lee was thinking about Coal Valley and was pleased to be heading home. He missed Rosie, and the Sawmill needed some attention. He had been happy to help Nathan travel quickly to his sister, and it had forced his hand on starting the Infirmary. He was keen on finding a suitable location and getting it ready for Faith and the equipment when it arrived.
"Welcome home, weary travellers," Rosemary called out as Lee pulled up outside the cafe. She had been watching for them to arrive, having received Lee's telegram telling her they would be returning. Abigail had planned a special meal for them, knowing they would all be tired from the trip. "Come inside Abigail's, the kettle is on, and the food isn't too far away from being ready." Rosemary held the door open for them to enter the cafe.
Lee stepped toward Rosemary and stood close beside her, letting Elizabeth walk inside first. He gestured for Nathan and Bill to follow her, then smiled down at Rosemary, halting her before she went inside. "It's good to be home Rosie; I missed you."
"I missed you too," Rosemary said, her smile softening from the bright one she had shared with everyone. She reached out and touched his face, "I was surprised by how much."
"Should I be insulted by that?" He teased her.
"Not at all; you should be flattered. I pride myself on my independence," she said, winking. She wrapped her arm around his, walking him inside, "I even made you my special dessert, well, Abigail did, but I asked her to."
"I should go and let Abigail know we are back," Elizabeth said, "although I am sure she heard Rosemary."
"Let me go, Elizabeth," Bill offered. "You two find us a table."
Elizabeth tried to hide her smile and glanced at Nathan to see his reaction. For the first time since leaving Benson Hills, he had a genuine smile on his face, one that reached his eyes. "Well, Nathan, it appears we aren't needed in the Kitchen,"
"Apparently not," he grinned. Nathan rested his hand against the small of Elizabeth's back as she walked toward a table in the corner, enjoying being able to smile with her, glad they were home.
Entering Hill's cafe for the last time before leaving for Coal Valley, Clara looked around for Faith. The two young women had agreed to meet and discuss plans for their move. She liked Faith; she was bright and intelligent and quick to laugh. Clara was glad Faith was travelling with her and Colleen; while Clara was happy to help her friend, having a nurse along eased her mind.
Clara knew Faith had been running around all day organising the transportation of the items for the Infirmary. Faith oversaw it being loaded on the Train that afternoon. The Train would arrive in Coal Valley after they did. Lee was collecting the four of them the following day, and because it would be a tight fit in the car, they had also sent some items on the Train. Clara, Faith, Colleen and Allie would only be travelling with the things they would need until the Train arrived.
Rosemary spent days trying to find a place for Nathan, Colleen and Allie to live. For now, Faith would live with Abigail above the cafe. Rosemary and Elizabeth had offered their row house to Nathan, but he refused; he wouldn't allow them to move out of their home to give it to him. He didn't say it to the women, but he worried about how long Colleen could manage the stairs.
Florence Blakely ended up coming to Nathan's rescue. She was aware of a house only a short distance from Town with one room downstairs that could be used as a bedroom. There were another two rooms upstairs that Nathan and Allie could use. The widow who lived in the house had relocated, so it had been sitting empty since the mine tragedy.
When Nathan needed to make the place habitable, many people turned out to help. Abigail was there again, along with Elizabeth, Rosemary, Florence, Molly and Bill. Bill didn't do much cleaning, just a lot of ordering Nathan around. Faith had offered to help, but she was putting the final touches on the Infirmary, which was necessary for the whole Town. Other townspeople dropped in to help when they could, offering food, drinks, and items for the house. Nathan was grateful to everyone who turned up to help. As a bachelor living at the jail, Nathan didn't have many items the women in Town believed were necessities. This was why he stayed in Coal Valley and wanted his family to live there.
Abigail and Bill were the last to leave; Bill had offered to walk her home. Abigail was about to suggest Elizabeth came with them when Nathan offered to walk her home after dinner. Abigail smiled at the look of delight on Elizabeth's face and wondered if she had a similar smile. She was delighted Bill was back in Town and looked forward to him walking her home. She hadn't been able to talk to him properly about what he had done for Clara; she knew it was because of him that her daughter-in-law could move to Coal Valley.
Nathan sighed as the door closed behind Bill and Abigail. He was exhausted despite the number of people who had come to help. He had enough energy left to cook him and Elizabeth dinner and walk her home, and then he intended to collapse into his new bed.
"Are you hungry, Nathan?" Elizabeth asked from the kitchen. "I could put one of the casseroles in the oven to heat up?"
"I planned on cooking dinner for you, Elizabeth, not the other way around." Nathan smiled at her as he closed the distance between them. He slid his arms around her waist and drew her close to him. Resting his chin on her head, he sighed again.
"I cannot believe how much has happened since we got home from Benson Hills."
"I know; it feels like we haven't stopped," Elizabeth mumbled against his chest. "It will be nice when they finally arrive, and things settle into normal."
"I hope nights like this are normal," Nathan said before, capturing her lips with his. "I like you being with me, here, in a proper home."
"Me too."
Nathan smiled down at her; he knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Elizabeth; he just wondered what the future looked like for him. Was it right to tie her to him while looking after Colleen and Allie? What would happen when it was just him and Allie? Would Elizabeth want a ready-made family?
