Fiona waited on the other side of the divider as Nathan lightly kissed Quinn on her head and left to allow Faith to help her dress. As Nathan approached, she could tell by the change in his demeanour that whatever had been wrong between him and Quinn was okay now, and she was glad for them. "Nathan, just as we were about to come back here, Gabe, Lucas and Rosemary arrived at the Mountie office."
Nathan stopped mid-stride, turned to her, and asked, confused, "did you say Gabe, Lucas and Rosemary?"
"Yes," Fiona said confidently, "she was in the car with Gabe and the prisoner."
Thanking Fiona quickly, Nathan asked her to let Quinn know he had to get to the Mountie office and would meet her at Abigail's. After securing her assurances she and Faith would escort her there, he strode away, determined to find out how and why Rosemary had gotten involved in transporting Andrew Booth.
Nathan entered the Mountie office and was astonished to see Andrew Booth lying on a bed in the jail cell, snoring as he slept, and Rosemary sitting talking to Gabe, who was behind his desk. "Evening Gabe, I see you transported Booth here with no incident, just some assistance I hadn't expected."
Gabe chuckled at his friend's words, realising a lot had happened that night that Nathan had missed, leaving early with Quinn. "Yes, thank you, Nathan, it all went smoothly," Gabe replied, deliberately ignoring his unasked question.
"Oh Gabe, don't tease him," exclaimed Rosemary. "Lucas asked Lee and me to go back to the cabin with him and help bring the horses back. When we got there, I offered to drive the car back with Gabe and the prisoner and Lucas, Lee and Joshua Fielding rode the horses back to town. They took the horses straight to the livery to settle them; I expect they will be here shortly." Rosemary smiled at Nathan as he tried to keep up with her storytelling, knowing that he often struggled with her exuberance as he was a man of few words.
Patting him on the arm as she gathered her coat and prepared to leave, she asked, "How is Quinn?" her tone soft with concern. "Is she staying at the Infirmary tonight?"
"No, she is well enough to spend the night at home; she is just changing into clean clothes and will head to Abigails. I am going there after this," he said, looking back to his friend as he made the statement into an invitation. "We all need food and a chance to catch up on all the events. Won't you and Lee join us there? I am sure Quinn would like to thank you for the care of the horses; I know I want to."
As Nathan finished speaking, there was a noise outside, announcing Lee, Joshua Fielding and Lucas' arrival. Nathan looked at the three men and extended the invitation to join them at Abigail's. Lee quickly accepted the invitation knowing there was no way Rosemary would miss out on any part of the story, and he liked Quinn and wanted to make sure she was okay.
Lucas tried to decline the invitation; sure, they didn't want him there; however, Nathan's genuine appeal to join them made him change his mind, and he surprised himself by accepting. Joshua did decline, and Nathan didn't try and change his mind. Lucas offered Joshua a room at the Saloon, and they left to make the arrangements, Lucas promising to join them at Abigail's as soon as he could.
As Gabe filled Nathan in on what had happened after he left the cabin, Rosemary and Lee went ahead to Abigail's offering to help prepare the light supper for everyone. Nathan checked Booth's cell for himself; even though he didn't doubt Gabe, he did it anyway as Gabe watched on with an indulgent smile. Nathan glanced over his shoulder at Gabe and asked, "so he was no trouble?"
Gabe stood and walked to stand beside his friend, observing the sleeping man, not sure if he was asleep or passed out from the whiskey. "He seemed to lose all his bravado once he lost his gun. His injury, our presence, all of it just seemed too much; he didn't even try and fight; he came easily." Gabe frowned as he looked at Booth, "I think he needs to see a Doctor Nathan, but not one to treat his body; his wound isn't serious. I think he needs to talk to someone to heal his mind."
Nathan continued to watch Booth as Gabe explained that listening to Joshua and Andrew Booth, it was clear Quinn's father's death served no purpose; he had stumbled upon Mary Fielding and Andrew, discovering her secret. It was evident Mary Fielding was responsible for Henry Standing's death and needed to be held to account. Gabe had the chance to Joshua, and he agreed to testify to all he had heard from his mother and brother. The trial wouldn't be held in Hope Valley or Oakville; Gabe would suggest to Bill it be held in Brookfield, although Bill wouldn't be able to preside over the matter, being too close to Quinn and having launched his own investigation.
Nathan agreed with Gabe; Booth couldn't be of sound mind and behave the way he did. "Do you think it is safe to leave him here alone? I know he has passed out, but?" Nathan said, shrugging his shoulders as he asked the question.
"There is no need to leave him here alone," Gabe advised him. He looked up at the sound of footsteps and smiled as Mike Hickam entered the Mountie office, "Mike has offered to sit and watch him while we eat, and he has perfect timing." he said, smiling. "Booth isn't going anywhere. Nathan and Mike will be fine." Gabe had been pleased when Mike had turned up earlier and offered to help, Gabe was tired, and he knew Nathan was dead on his feet.
Nathan nodded in agreement; Mike had often helped in a similar capacity providing the person behind bars posed a low risk. Booth, given his level of intoxication, should sleep all night. "Thanks, Mike," Nathan said, shaking his hand, "I will be back later to relieve you and spend the night."
Gabe frowned and said, "No, you won't; you will be with Allie and possibly Quinn. I am staying here." His tone and words left no room for argument, and he knew Nathan didn't want to argue with him. Clapping his friend on the back, he kept his arm around him, leading him toward the cafe and his girls.
Lucas hesitated outside Abigail's, not confident in his reception and wondering if he should turn around and return to the Queen of Hearts. The people in Abigail's were not what he would call close friends or even friends. He knew he was responsible for their feelings toward him, he had not been upfront with them, and there were things in his past he wasn't proud of, plus things in his recent past, including the way he had treated Nathan in the pursuit of Elizabeth. He could hear the voices and laughter from inside and realised he did want to be part of it, but still, he hesitated.
Nathan walked towards Abigail, studying Lucas as he stood in the dark outside the cafe, understanding his hesitation. Nathan had often felt like an outsider when he was new to town or due to his shyness. He wished someone had come along to encourage him inside or walk in with him in those moments. "Lucas, what are you doing out here? Is everything okay?"
Startled, Lucas jumped as Nathan approached, not having heard him coming. "I just arrived back from settling, Joshua," he said with a slight smile, knowing the Mountie would see through him. "I am surprised that you left at all; I didn't think you would leave Quinn's side unless pried away," he said.
Nathan returned his smile, "I needed to take some food to the jail for Booth and make sure Mike got some cake, and Quinn was upstairs by herself, and I couldn't go with her," he admitted sheepishly. "Shall we walk in together?" He offered.
Gratefully, Lucas accepted his offer, entering the warmth of Abigails, smiling at those inside; fleetingly, he wondered how Elizabeth would feel about not being part of the celebration.
"Mr Bouchard, please sit here," Allie offered, "this seat is spare. I will cut you a slice of chocolate cake, or would you prefer some sandwiches?" Allie asked as she bustled about him getting him settled. Lucas was so very thankful for the Grant family; they had graciously welcomed him inside and helped him avoid the awkwardness he had feared. Lucas' cheeks reddened in embarrassment as he again remembered how poorly he had treated Nathan Grant, a man he realised had never deserved it and was a much better man than he was.
"Nathan. Nathan?" called Rosemary, trying to catch his attention. She smiled as she realised his whole attention was focused on the stairs, waiting for the moment Quinn reappeared. Rosemary knew Quinn had worried about her appearance, although she had looked fine, and she was upstairs tidying her hair. Rosemary also knew Nathan wouldn't relax until she was back in the room with him. Once more, she tried to get his attention, "Nathan, was everything okay at the jail with our friend Mr Booth?"
Nathan heard jail and Booth and realised someone was talking to him; he looked up and saw Rosemary's expectant look. "Yes, everything was fine; he was still unconscious when I left. I do think he is out for the night," Nathan explained.
Rosemary smiled at him cheekily, "well, maybe you can finally relax then, or will that only happen when a certain someone is back in your sight."
Nathan laughed at Rosemary and leaned in closer to whisper, "when she is in my sight and by my side," he admitted. Nathan didn't mind Rosemary's teasing about Quinn; he would never again hide his feelings for her or worry about what others thought. She had chosen him, and he wanted everyone to know. Almost losing someone puts everything else in perspective, he thought, and his love was not a secret. His thoughts seemed to conjure her, and she appeared on the stairs, walking toward him, her eyes lighting up when she saw him.
Upstairs, Quinn had taken a moment to herself, to fix her hair, yes, but to also give thanks for being home, surrounded by the people she loved who loved her. Quinn refused to think about what Nathan had said about Joshua Fielding and his feelings for her. Whatever he may feel, she didn't feel the same; she had never seen him as anything more than a sibling. After the way Joshua had abandoned her after his mother's accusations, it wouldn't have mattered anyway; she could no longer trust him. All Quinn wanted was to continue her life here in Hope Valley with the special people of the town, two in particular.
Sitting on the settee in the kitchen, surrounded by friends, she was content to listen to the laughter and conversation as it flowed around her. Her lids started to droop with tiredness, the day's events catching up with her, and Quinn rested her head against Nathan's shoulder. Tucking her feet up beneath her skirt, she twisted around on the lounge so she rested more comfortably against Nathan; she didn't want to sleep; if she gave in to her weariness and went to bed, Nathan would have to leave, and she wasn't ready to let him go yet.
Nathan felt Quinn relaxing against him, he knew she was exhausted, and he should let her go to bed, but he didn't want to; instead, he drew her closer to him, covering her with a throw from the lounge. He looked down at her sleepy face and thought she hadn't ever looked more beautiful. Stealing a quick kiss from her, he settled back on the lounge, content to hold her all night. Looking at his daughter, he saw Allie was looking tired, and he knew he needed to get her to bed.
"I think I need to get Allie to bed," Nathan said quietly to Quinn, "she is falling asleep at the table.
Quinn looked at Allie, her face lighting up with a soft smile, "would you consider letting her sleep here? That way, I won't be alone; Faith and Fiona offered to stay, but there isn't anywhere for them, and Allie can sleep with me. I am in no danger tonight; it's more about company, and Allie can certainly distract me if needed. I feel fine, Nathan; there won't be any problems for her to deal with, I am sure of it."
Nathan took a moment to think about it, he knew Allie would be delighted, and he figured she wouldn't be going to school the next day anyway. Nathan trusted Quinn, but he was concerned about how Allie would handle it if Quinn had some repercussions from the day, nightmares or similar. "Allie, can you come over here, please?" he called softly, watching as she jumped out of her chair; tired as she was, she was keen to help Quinn or her Dad if they needed.
"Allie, sweetheart, I wondered if I could ask you a favour?" Quinn said, reaching out to hold the young woman's hand. "Your father insists I have someone stay with me tonight. Would you be interested in staying with me to keep him happy? Gabe could stay with your Dad at your house so he would have company too, and Gabe wouldn't have to sleep in the jail."
Allie could barely contain her excitement; she had started nodding as soon as Quinn asked for a favour, not caring what it was. Allie leaned in and kissed Quinn on the cheek, "of course I will," her grin splitting her face. Glancing at her Dad, she saw him frown, "don't you want me to, Dad?"
"It's not that I do, but I am concerned; Quinn has had a tough day, and I worry she might need …some more support than I expect you to give her." Nathan tried not to say the 'adult' word, he knew how sensitive Allie was about being mature enough to handle things like an adult.
Allie chewed her lip before responding, "Quinn's my friend, and you should expect me to support her, not leave because it might be tough. I want to be there for her, please, Dad," she begged. When Nathan smiled at her, she knew he had conceded and smiled back at him, thankful he trusted her.
'Quinn's ready for bed, Allie. Please, could you go upstairs and make sure the room is ready for her." Nathan whispered, not wanting to draw attention to them yet, although Allie would give it away any moment due to her excitement. Nathan laughed; the moment he finished the thought, Allie danced on the spot and then ran for the stairs; there was no chance of hiding it now.
Lucas looked at Quinn, could see she was tired and decided to try and help her. He decided he would be the first person to leave tonight and see what happened. At the Saloon, once the first person said they were leaving, others followed. "Quinn, I hope you won't find me rude, but I need to go home; there is a lot to do tomorrow, and I would like to start early. I am glad you are home safe and well." When he saw her starting to stand, he held out his hand and said, "please don't get up; there is no need. I can see myself out."
Quinn smiled in gratitude; she hadn't felt like getting up, "thank you for everything you did to bring me home today, Lucas, me and Misty; it's very much appreciated." Holding out her hand to him, she gave him a quick squeeze to accentuate the genuineness of her words. Nathan reached past her to shake Lucas's hand, repeating her sentiment.
As Lucas hoped, his announcement created a flurry of activity as the others gathered their coats and things and said their goodbyes. Within minutes all that remained was Allie upstairs, Gabe, Nathan, and Quinn.
"I'm sorry, Gabe, this day has caught up with me, and I need to get to bed. Thank you for coming, for Nathan and me." her voice was husky with emotion, tears formed in her eyes and Quinn held out her hand to him as he walked over. "I can't tell you what it means, and I am thankful every day you were the Mountie in Oakville when my trouble began. Hopefully, we have now come full circle, this is over, and you are now part of my troubles finishing."
Gabe smiled at her and said, "I am glad I could be here for you. I never imagined that when you came to Hope Valley, the two of you would fall in love, but, seeing you together, I can't imagine it any other way." Laughing, he said, "Maybe I can add Matchmaker to my list of achievements."
Nathan and Quinn both laughed; standing, Nathan looked towards the stairs and said, "What do you imagine is taking Allie so long? Shall I go and look?"
Gabe looked to the two of them and said, "can I suggest if you are going upstairs, you assist Quinn; someone is going to have to so she doesn't fall down the stairs, and I think she would prefer it to be you."
Quinn knew Nathan hesitated because it may not seem appropriate. After everything, she didn't care, "Allie is upstairs as a chaperone, and a Mountie waits downstairs; surely that is enough to satisfy those who might question." Raising an eyebrow, she waited, letting Nathan decide.
He held out his arm to her without a word, offering his support for the walk upstairs.
As they reached the landing, they looked around for Allie, hearing nothing. Nathan looked down at Quinn, brow wrinkled in confusion "where could she be?"
"I think we should check my room first; that's where she was going to start." Quinn led the way forward, catching Nathan's hand and bringing him with her. Stopping in the doorway of her room, she smiled over her shoulder at Nathan, love and amusement reflected in her gaze. "I guess I wasn't the only one who was tired!"
Nathan stepped up behind Quinn, careful not to hurt her; he placed his hands on her shoulders, resting his head on top of hers. Looking over her head, Nathan smiled, his lips forming into his crooked smile, his heart melting at the sight of his daughter asleep on the bed she had finished turning down for Quinn.
"Oh, Nathan," Quinn whispered, leaning back against him, resting her hand on her heart. As she felt him sigh, hers mingled with his. A picture formed in Quinn's mind, the two of them standing in their own home, watching a child they had created sleeping soundly, his or her big sister asleep down the hall. She could see it so clearly, and her heart ached with longing for it to become a reality.
Quinn whispered, "What are you thinking about?"
Nathan kissed the top of her head, "I was thinking about how right this felt, being here with you and Allie. I was thinking about what it would look like if this was our home, a child we had created together" his voice full of longing.
Turning in his arms, Quinn captured his face in her hands, waiting until he looked into her eyes, "I love you, Nathan Grant. I can see it too, with you." Quinn kissed him, a short, sweet kiss that conveyed love and a promise for the future.