CHAPTER 13

Quinn hurried from the Livery heading toward the row houses where Allie was catching up with Opal, concerned the young girl would hear the news before she could get there and be worried for her father. Quinn remembered what Bill had said about Allie being mature for her age, and times like this would have contributed to that, she was sure.

Quinn had to admit she would be worried about Nathan, too, if she didn't know the details of what had called him away. Hurrying past the row houses, she was glad she had paid attention to which row house Opal lived in. Climbing the stairs to the Verandah, she heard Allie's voice behind her and realised the young girl was coming back from the grassy field opposite the row houses.

"What are you doing here, Miss Standing? I thought you would still be with my dad?" She asked curiously, her sunny expression clouding over the closer she got to Quinn. A frown formed on her face, her eyes widening in fear. Looking at the young girl, Quinn noticed just how young she looked right at that moment, and her heart went out to Allie; she wanted to reassure her as quickly as possible.

Walking toward Allie, she could sense people to her left; quickly glancing over, she saw Rosemary Coulter, Elizabeth Thornton, and her son. Elizabeth was looking at her, observing the situation to see what was happening. Quinn decided to ignore those around her and address Allie directly and as privately as she could. Smiling at Allie, saying quietly, "I was still with him up until just a little while ago when he got called away to help Bill. He is fine; a car slipped in the wet and hit a tree, and now the tree is across the road;" she said, shrugging it off, "your dad has gone with some of the other men to move it." Laughing, she said, "the worst that might happen is they get muddy after this rain. I hope his outfit is something he doesn't mind getting wet or dirty."

Allie laughed in relief "thank you for coming to tell me; I hate when I am not sure what has happened, and no one will tell me anything." she smiled widely at Quinn, enjoying their private joke and said, "I don't think my dad has any clothes he cares about getting dirty."

"Is everything alright with your uncle?" a voice said behind Quinn. Because she had been looking at Allie, she saw a look flash across her face before it settled back into a bland expression. Quinn knew she would have to wait until later to find out what it meant.

"Yes, Mrs Thornton, everything is fine," Allie replied, her voice flat and emotionless. After how Mrs Thornton had treated her dad, she didn't feel comfortable talking about him with Mrs Thornton. If she was honest, she didn't like talking to Mrs Thornton about anything anymore, except school, but had to respect her elders.

"Oh, Allie, I don't think so. He isn't here, and Miss..., I am sorry I can't recall your name, is here instead," she said to Quinn, a fake smile on her face. "Maybe you should come to my house and wait for him; until we can find out what has happened." Stepping around Quinn, she put her arm around Allie, preparing to lead her away.

Quinn looked at Rosemary, who was frowning at Elizabeth; catching Rosemary's eye, Quinn raised her eyebrow, silently questioning what was happening. Rosemary shook her head, and Quinn knew there was something she was missing, but right now, her only thought was making sure Allie was alright.

Stepping forward, she said, "It's Standing Mrs Thornton, Quinn Standing. "I don't imagine it will take much longer for Nathan to come home, so we really must get going. I appreciate your offer; however, Allie promised to show me how to clean and gut the fish I caught earlier today, and her father asked me to wait with her until he returns. Quinn smiled at Elizabeth, her smile brighter and more fake than Elizabeth's if that was possible.

Smiling a more genuine smile at Rosemary, she said, "It was lovely to see you, Rosemary; I hope we can catch up again soon," she said graciously; they would be catching up to discuss whatever had just happened, she thought. Nodding to Elizabeth, she waved sweetly at Little Jack, who returned it enthusiastically. "Let's go home, Allie," she said, and the young girl happily grasped the hand she held out to her.

Entering the row house where Nathan and Allie lived, Quinn looked around discreetly, not wanting to be caught evaluating their home. "Allie," she said softly, "I owe you an apology. I was rude to Mrs Thornton and you, and that was very wrong", her tone apologetic; she genuinely wished she hadn't involved the young girl.

Allie screwed up her face, "how were you rude? She asked, confused.

Quinn said, "I meant the way I acted when Mrs Thornton suggested you go with her, I didn't ask what you wanted, and I dismissed her, not knowing her relationship to you and your dad; you both may have preferred her to be with you. I don't even know why I did that; it was just something I sensed I should do. I am so sorry." she said, running out of steam.

Allie grimaced, "I didn't notice, and anyway, I am glad you did; I wish she would just leave us alone," her voice broke on the last word, and she put her bead down.

Quinn knew she was out of her depth; there was history here she was missing. Right now, all she could do was comfort the young girl as best she could. Gently she wrapped her arms around Allie, holding her close.

Nathan travelled home with Lee in his car, talking about Town matters, the upcoming election, and the owner of the car they helped rescue from the side of the road. Although they had spent over an hour helping him, working side by side, they had found out very little about him. The Mountie in Nathan didn't like it; he knew Bill wasn't happy either, which was the reason he had 'escorted' him to the Saloon to organise his accommodation, hoping to find out more about his plans.

Lee brought the car to a halt outside his row house and looked over at Nathan. He frowned as he asked, "so he did seem secretive to you too, I have come across many different people, but it sets off alarm bells for me when a Man visits a town the size of Hope Valley and won't say why other than its 'business'. I can assume you and Bill are on to him, right."

Nathan said, "I feel the same, Lee," he acknowledged, "let's see what Bill finds out and catch up tomorrow." He climbed out of the car as Lee gave him a nod, agreeing to talk more the next day.

Stepping away from Lee's car, a smile spread across his face; he hoped when he got home, he would find Quinn there, with Allie. He couldn't remember the last time he had been excited to get home; no, that wasn't true. He was excited every day to get home to Allie, but today, with Quinn there too, the thought of her being in his house with his daughter made his heart race with joy.

"Nathan...Nathan!" he heard his name called urgently, sighing he turned, resisting the urge to ignore her, he greeted Elizabeth standing on her porch, wondering what she could want. Mrs Thornton", he said pleasantly, "Is everything okay? I don't have much time; I want to get home." Although he tried to stop it, the smile spread across his face.

"No!" exclaimed Elizabeth, "everything is not okay. You didn't come home to Allie today, and then you sent some...some stranger to stay with her... I imagine Allie is overcome with worry about what was happening."

Nathan drew in a deep breath, conscious that he would have rejoiced if Elizabeth had shown such concern for him not so long ago. Now, he knew while it was nice, she worried about Allie; it wasn't her place, whatever had happened. "Thank you, but I am sure you are mistaken; I asked Quinn to tell Allie why I was going to be late so she wouldn't be worried." Nathan shrugged and turned to continue home.

"Nathan, do you think it is okay to let Allie spend time alone with someone you hardly know." Elizabeth exclaimed, "You don't know what could happen." she said, looking upset.

"Elizabeth," Nathan said firmly, "what I know is, right now, Allie is happy and spending time with someone she wants to be around, and that makes a nice change. And as for Quinn, I don't owe you any explanation about who she is to us or how well I know her. Goodnight, Mrs Thornton." he said, turning on his heel, ignoring her stuttered protest.

Stunned, Elizabeth stood, wondering how it had all changed so much. Yes, she had decided to be with Lucas, but why did that have to change everything? Once, she would have been the one to whom Allie turned, and Nathan. Shaking her head, she walked slowly inside her rowhouse, thinking about her life with Lucas.

Nathan's pace quickened as he approached his home, his heart leaping when he heard Allie and Quinn's animated voices inside. That could become a favourite thing to come home to. Opening the front door, he looked toward the kitchen and started laughing. Quinn stood in the kitchen, her face a picture of horror as Allie taught her how to clean and gut a fish.

Quinn looked up at the sounds of Nathan's laugh, her laughter joining his at how she must look. A mess, she thought, is how she must look, with her hair hastily tied up on her head, an apron over her fishing clothes, hands covered in scales and fish blood.

Quinn's heart filled with love as she watched father and daughter embrace. Her own heart ached thinking about her father, realising how empty her life was with him gone, they had been just as close as Nathan and Allie were, and she missed him. Blinking back tears, she smiled as she listened to Allie update Nathan on her attempts to prepare her fish; she had been awful at it.

Nathan, she noted as he approached her, was just as handsome as ever, even after spending the last few hours in the mud. Quinn loved seeing his face lit up with a broad smile, even if he was laughing at her expense. "Please don't blame Allie; she is a wonderful teacher; I am unfortunately a terrible student," Quinn said, picking up the tea towel to dry her hands. She could do nothing about the rest of her, but she could have clean hands.

"I am sure you couldn't have been that bad," he replied. After looking at the fish laid out on the table, he looked up at her and said, "Okay, maybe you were," he grinned, teasing her. "I am not sure that fish is still edible, Quinn." Including Allie in the conversation, he asked her, "What do you think?"

Allie looked at her dad and Quinn, joining in their laughter, "I am not sure; it's a good thing we kept the chocolate cake!"

Working together, they prepared dinner, which did include Quinn's fish. Allie seated them and then bustled around the kitchen, dishing out the food for the three of them.

Allie reached out her hands to her father and Quinn so they could say grace. Lowering their heads, they each privately gave thanks. Quinn closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of Nathan's hand in hers, his touch making her heart race as it did each time he touched her.

Nathan was glad of the excuse to hold Quinn's hand; he was still disappointed at the interruption earlier. Nathan had wanted nothing more than to be back near her, although he knew he had to control his emotions around Allie.

Dinner was a lively affair, the conversation filled with laughter as Allie shared stories about her father. Nathan joined in, sharing with Quinn anecdotes about his early attempts to look after four-year-old Allie when he became her guardian. Quinn laughed with them, sharing stories about her childhood, careful not to get caught up in memories of her father.

Once they had eaten the chocolate cake and the dishes cleaned and put away, it was time for Quinn to head back to town. She wanted to prepare for her first day of work the following day, and it was a work and school day for Nathan and Allie.

"Are you ready to walk Quinn home, Allie?" Nathan asked. He was gathering his coat and had taken hers off the hook also.

Allie looked over with a frown, "would you mind if I waited here, Quinn? I want to get started on my new book, and I won't have as much time to read it if I go with you and Dad?" she said.

Quinn looked at Allie, saying, "it's not up to me, Allie; I understand you want to read your book, but your dad has to say it's okay." Looking at Nathan, she waited for his response, not wanting to overstep.

"Alright, you can stay here, but lock the door behind me and only open it for me when I get back," he said, giving her a severe look to make sure she understood how serious he was. Satisfied when she nodded, he slipped Allie's coat back on the hook and helped Quinn into hers.

Nathan and Quinn paused on the Verandah, waiting to hear the lock engage on the door before heading off.

Walking beside Nathan, Quinn wondered how to raise what had happened earlier with Allie and Elizabeth, genuinely concerned at the change she had witnessed in the young girl. As she started to speak, she was interrupted by Nathan.

"Quinn, I need to talk to you about something, I think it is something you should hear from me before someone else tells you, and after sitting together at Church this morning, then our Picnic, it won't be long before someone feels they should," he said quickly. Nathan's heart was racing, this was not something he wanted to talk about, but he needed Quinn to understand.

Quinn smiled at him gently and said, "you don't have to tell me this if it is going to be painful for you, Nathan."

"Quinn, I came to Hope Valley because of Elizabeth Thornton and her son. Her husband Jack died after replacing me on a mission. I felt a responsibility to look after them." Nathan closed his eyes, wishing he didn't have to continue, but knowing he had to finish the story. "Elizabeth and Jack became important to Allie and me, part of our lives, and I... I fell in love with her," he said hastily, stammering over his confession. "I thought she cared about me too, but she didn't and chose a life with Lucas Bouchard over us," he said, exhaling loudly. "It broke Allie's heart, and to make it worse, Elizabeth continues to try and involve herself with Allie, causing her more confusion."

Quinn didn't know what to say; she hadn't been expecting that confession from Nathan. His story helped her understand Allie's behaviour earlier, and her heart broke for the young girl. What about Nathan's heart? She wondered, was it shattered? Was he pining after Elizabeth Thornton? He hadn't mentioned how he felt, just Allie.

Quinn looked away from Nathan as he paused, and she realised they were outside the side door of Abigails; she hadn't noticed they had walked so far.

Nathan looked at her sincerely, "I don't want there to be any secrets or misunderstandings between us. I need you to understand that I can't allow Allie to be hurt like that again."

Quinn waited for Nathan to continue, but he didn't. She wanted him to tell her that he didn't feel anything for Elizabeth anymore, that his feelings had changed, and he was ready to move on. Nathan didn't say any of those things.

"I appreciate you telling me, Nathan; it does help me understand why Allie was cold toward Mrs Thornton earlier today," she said quietly. "Living in a small town like Hope Valley, I imagine it would be difficult for you both; I can see why you would worry about someone telling me before you could." Quinn looked down at the ground before meeting Nathan's eyes once again. Gathering her courage, she asked apprehensively, "What about you, Nathan? Are you still confused about your feelings for Mrs Thornton?"

Nathan's mouth dropped open, "No, Quinn, that's what I have been trying to tell you." Raking his hand through his hair, annoyed with himself, he said, "obviously, I am not doing it very well".

His eyes tender, Nathan reached out to take her hand in his, "from the moment I saw you talking with Allie in the Livery, I was fascinated by you. Yes, you are beautiful, but your smile and laugh caught my attention. I meant it when I said I wanted to get to know you, spend time with you." Shaking his head, he said, "I am sorry, Quinn, I am no good at this; at talking."

Quinn laughed, squeezing his hand; she said, "Oh, I think you said it perfectly, Nathan." Nervously she said, "I have never felt this way before about anyone and ..." Quinn stopped; she had already said too much, she thought, blushing as she always did around Nathan.

"Quinn, I know this is too soon; I know you have been through a lot, but...spend time with me, get to know me, let's see what this is between us." Nathan implored her.

Quinn bit her bottom lip, "what about Allie" she asked, "And what about everyone else? Won't they talk? I don't want people to talk about us and for it to hurt Allie."

"Ignore the Town. I will talk to Allie," chuckling, he said, "although I doubt, I will have to, she said she already knew I liked you, she said my face goes mushy around you".

Quinn grinned up at him. "Mushy, huh!"

"Don't enjoy that too much; she said your face looks the same when you look at me?" Nathan said, teasing her.

Quinn suddenly felt shy. "Allie is very perceptive; mushy is exactly how I feel when I look at you," she said.

Nathan caught his breath at the look in her eyes, and he reached out to cup her face in his hands. Not worrying about who might see them or if it was too soon, forgetting everything but how she made him feel.

He kissed her.

Nathan felt heat explode in his stomach when his lips touched Quinn's. He drew her close to him; she fit in his embrace perfectly; holding her felt so right. He had meant to kiss her lightly, gently, but the moment he felt her breath hitch, her hands sliding into his hair, he lost all thought of taking it slowly, deepening the kiss.

Quinn felt her stomach flutter as Nathan's lips found hers. Quinn was reeling; she slid her arms around Nathan's neck, curling her fingers into his soft hair. Quinn was grateful he pulled her into his tight embrace, wondering if her trembling legs would hold her.

Quinn wasn't sure how long the kiss lasted, but she heard Nathan groan low in his throat as he broke the kiss, resting his forehead against hers. Quinn looked at him in wonder; reaching out, she placed her fingertips lightly against his lips. Nathan caught her hand and brought her palm to his mouth, kissing it, never taking his eyes off her.

She was breathtaking, Nathan thought, her face flushed from their kiss, her eyes sparkling. Reaching out, he traced his finger across her cheek, feeling her shiver against him. Nathan watched her eyes close, and once again, she leaned into his touch.

"Nathan, you have to go home to Allie," she said, her voice husky, her eyes still closed. "You don't want to leave her alone too long."

"Are you trying to get rid of me so quickly?" he asked, smiling shyly, his voice soft, watching her face as she shook her head, the same tenderness reflected in her eyes.

"I do have to go; I don't want to leave Allie too long, but I want you to know, I don't want to leave you either," Nathan said. "I think you are going to have to be the one who leaves; I don't want to walk away from you," he said, his eyes intense.

Quinn nodded again and let go of him. She took several steps backward, looking into his eyes as she walked away. Feeling the cafe's door against her back, she reached for its handle and, raising her other hand to her lips, blew him a kiss before disappearing inside.