After watching Elizabeth storm out, Joshua following more slowly, Quinn looked at Nathan, "that was rude of you. We have to share this Town with Elizabeth, and she is Allie's teacher after all." Quinn rebuked him; it wasn't like Nathan to behave that way.
"Allie, would you please go upstairs and finish dressing? Quinn and I will do the dishes because you cooked." Nathan remained looking at Quinn while speaking to Allie. His tone was flat and authoritarian, so Allie immediately jumped up and left the table.
As she walked past Quinn on her way upstairs, she looked at her seriously, a worried look on her face. Quinn smiled at the young girl and whispered, "it's fine." Reaching out, she patted her on the arm, reassuring her.
After Allie had left the kitchen and was upstairs, Quinn stared at Nathan, eyes flashing angrily, "You're on a roll, Nathan, rude to Elizabeth and now upsetting Allie; what's next?" Leaning against the sink full of dirty dishes, she crossed her arms and waited, resisting the urge to tap her foot.
Nathan exhaled, "I'm sorry, Quinn, but I have had enough of Elizabeth and her meddling. Selfishly, I didn't want to entertain whatever Joshua Fielding is desperate to tell you, although I can imagine." Walking over to her, he unfolded her arms and took her hands in his, "all I wanted was to have breakfast with you and Allie, to be together. Elizabeth has to go and turn it around, so it's about her, not everything is about her, and she needs to hear it."
Quinn leaned up and kissed his cheek, "I get it, Nathan, but Allie doesn't; all she knows is you are upset, and there is tension between us. Hasn't enough happened over the last couple of days that we don't need any more drama?"
Nathan sighed, "I should go and apologise; make it up to Allie." he said.
Quinn smiled, "not so fast, I believe you offered to do the dishes, and you don't get out of it that easily." Shaking her head, she said, "okay, apologising to Allie is more important than the dishes; I think I will have another pancake while waiting for you to come back; the dishes can soak."
Nathan dipped his head and captured her lips in a kiss, wishing he had the time to linger with her, but he knew Allie was the priority.
Allie sat on Quinn's bed; adults were confusing, she thought. She knew Quinn didn't want to talk to Mr Fielding or Mrs Thornton and her dad made that clear to them. Allie knew her dad was sticking up for Quinn because she didn't want to talk to them, but now, Quinn seemed upset with her dad for being rude.
Allie looked up as she heard her father's footsteps on the stairs; despite his tone before she knew he wasn't angry with her, so she remained where she was, waiting to hear what he had to say. When she saw her dad's face, she knew it was okay; he looked like himself; he had lost that 'tight' look he got when he was angry or really upset.
Nathan sat next to Allie on Quinn's bed and put his arm around her. "I'm sorry, Allie, I shouldn't have spoken to you like that, I was annoyed, but it wasn't anything to do with you." Checking to see if Allie was listening, he said, "do you know who the man was with, Mrs Thornton?"
Allie nodded her head, "Joshua Fielding?" she clarified, "I knew it was someone you and Quinn didn't want to talk to." Allie thought about Mrs Thornton and the way she spoke to her in that high pitched, overly sweet voice and knew she was lying or being fake. "What did Mrs Thornton want this morning, why did she come?"
Nathan decided to be honest with Allie, "Mrs Thornton was angry with us this morning because no one told her Quinn was home, and she was left out of the catch-up last night."
Allie frowned, "Why? She didn't help find Quinn or help her after, so why would she be invited?" she questioned. "It's not like she is friends with her anyway; you can tell she doesn't like her." Looking down at her hands, she said, "I know I shouldn't say bad things about people, but I am glad she wasn't there last night; she doesn't have to be in everything."
Nathan agreed with Allie, but now was probably not the time to tell her that "I think she will eventually see we didn't exclude her on purpose; the get together happened in the spur of the moment to say thank you to everyone. She will get over it." Nathan said, "you know who won't be as forgiving? Quinn. If I don't get downstairs and start the washing up."
Allie laughed as she stood up, preparing to go and help. "I don't think Quinn can ever stay mad at you for long."
"Lucky for me, I don't plan to test your theory." Gently pushing her onto the bed, he laughed and said, "Race you," and bolted out the door, running down the stairs to Quinn. He heard Allie's sputter of outrage, followed by her laughter, and he was glad things were back on track with his family.
Elizabeth walked out of the kitchen and through the cafe, not stopping to look at anyone, not caring who saw her and knew she was upset. She could hear Joshua following behind her and spun to face him, "well, that was very rude."
While Joshua agreed with Elizabeth, Nathan's behaviour could be considered rude; he realised that whatever he had just witnessed was not about the girl missing school. "What is the trouble between you and Quinn? There is clearly something going on."
"It's a long story," huffed Elizabeth
"I am happy for the short version, I think it is something I want to hear," Joshua said calmly but firmly.
"Fine. There was a time that Nathan wanted to court me; I chose to be with Lucas Bouchard instead. Quinn arrived in town, and she instantly latched on to Allie and Nathan. As Allie's teacher, I believe in being involved in students' academic and personal lives, so I am best able to guide them." Elizabeth explained, unable to hide the blush rising in her cheeks, wondering why she was bothering to tell him the story. "There has been some... distance between Nathan and me since I chose Lucas; however, I was sure we would repair this divide until Quinn's arrival. Since then, Nathan has excluded me from Allie's life." Elizabeth finished speaking, unable to ignore how it might sound to Joshua Fielding.
"So let me get this right. You reject the Mountie for someone else but think everything will be fine, but it isn't, especially after Quinn arrives. And you blame her," Joshua asked incredulously. He shook his head, "No, you're leaving something out, there has to be more to it; Quinn wouldn't let something like that bother her, and she is bothered; what else is there?"
Elizabeth's face was bright red as she stuttered, "I... I might have asked my sister to look into Quinn and her past, I was worried for Nathan and Allie; she asked about her in Oakville," she finished in a rush.
"So, you're the reason Andrew Booth found her then." Joshua could understand Quinn and the Mountie being upset with Elizabeth. Her jealousy of Quinn had placed her in danger from his 'brother'. "No wonder the Mountie is upset with you, she could have died. It's obvious to anyone who looks at them how he feels."
"And you look at her the same way," she said haughtily, "how do you feel about how Quinn looks at him?"
Joshua stared at her; one eyebrow raised mockingly. "Why do you care? You don't want him. Quinn came here to escape the rumours and innuendo from her court case, and of course, the brave Mountie wanted to help the damsel in distress. Whatever the relationship might have been in the long term, you brought them closer to each other by interfering," he snorted and rubbed his hand over his face, "he even got to rescue her thanks to your meddling."
"I don't have to stand here and listen to you; it has been clear for some time that Quinn has feelings for Nathan, which he returns," Elizabeth spat. "Good day to you," she said, spinning away from him and hurrying to the school where the children would be waiting for her. Tears welled up in her eyes on her walk to the schoolhouse; nothing about today was going her way, all she had done was try and help people and it got her nowhere.
Joshua stood outside the cafe; he wouldn't give up on his attempts to talk to Quinn. Walking back to the Saloon, he planned on asking Lucas Bouchard if he could keep his room indefinitely. He wasn't going home until Quinn heard him out, without the Mountie present. As he entered the Saloon, there was no sign of Lucas Bouchard or anyone behind the counter who could help him, so he decided to head out and explore the town, see what all the fuss was about, what could entice Quinn to stay there.
As Joshua Fielding headed out, he paused in the doorway of the Saloon, watching a car drive past; he felt shock course through him as he studied the occupants. Sam Madison was driving the car, but he didn't recognise the man with her. Joshua put his head down quickly, hoping Sam hadn't seen him; having her in Hope Valley would not help his cause, …or could it. If Sam Madison was here in Hope Valley, she could tempt Quinn to go back with her, and resume her old life, which would suit him perfectly. Smirking, he stepped out of the Saloon and continued his town tour, heading in the opposite direction to Sam Madison and her companion.
"Park out front of the cafe Sam," Bill instructed, "there shouldn't be too many people still there; breakfast is over."
"I hope Abigail's hasn't changed too much, Bill; I always loved this place." Sam parked as instructed, looking around the town, marvelling at the changes she could see. Looking at the cafe, the "Abigail's cafe" sign was familiar and, like her previous visit, gave her a sense of warmth, community, and homecoming.
"The food is still the best in town; even though we compete with the Saloon for lunch and dinner, we make a nice profit, and we are always busy," he explained. They hadn't spoken much about the cafe or town; they were focused on Quinn and resolving her issues over who killed her father. "We need to get inside, though, Sam; I need a better explanation of what happened than the garbled message we got from Gabe. I know Quinn is okay, but I want details."
Sam nodded; she agreed with Bill, they needed the details, and she really wanted to see her friend. Quinn had been through so much, and she didn't deserve what had happened to her in Oakville and not what had happened to her here in Hope Valley.
Quinn smiled as she realised that Nathan had somehow managed to get her and Allie to help him with the dishes, finding she didn't mind. Standing in the kitchen with the two of them, watching them flick water at each other, teasing each other, a sense of peace settled over her. This is what she wanted for her life, the chance to have a family and a career. This was the first time she had ever allowed herself or contemplated both. Minnie had laughed when she saw the three of them doing the dishes; what was it she said, 'Allie was getting wetter than some of the dishes'. Minnie had wasted no time leaving, glad to be away from Nathan and Allie's mess. Quinn promised to clean it up before Minnie returned to prepare for the lunch crowd.
The door opening startled her out of her daydream, and she looked up to see Bill's kindly face, smiling at her. Over his shoulder, she could see Sam too. Tears sprang immediately to her eyes, and she rushed over and threw her arms around Bill, hugging him. "Bill, it's so good to see you; when did you get back?"
Bill smiled at Quinn, then frowned as she winced. "Where does it hurt, Quinn?" He asked as he reached for her bandaged wrists.
"It's my ribs; they are just bruised, I am supposed to limit my movement, but sometimes I forget. The wrists are just covered as a precaution." Quinn explained. "It could have been much worse, Bill, but luckily, Nathan and the others were there to help me."
"I am so glad it wasn't any worse, Quinn; I can't believe that happened." Sam said, stepping forward to embrace her friend; looking at Nathan, she said, "it sounds like Quinn was lucky you were there."
Nathan blushed and said, "it was a group effort, and, in the end, Quinn saved herself." Extending his hand to Sam, he said, "Nathan Grant, pleased to meet you. Call me Nathan."
Quinn laughed, "I am so sorry, I forgot you two don't know each other," shocked that two people so important to her were strangers. "Sam Madison, Nathan Grant."
Sam smiled as she shook Nathan's hand, "it's lovely to meet you, Nathan; I have heard a lot about you from Bill and Gabe. Of course, Quinn has mentioned you a time or two as well." Sam looked across to Quinn as she spoke, laughing at the blush on her cheeks, "call me Sam Nathan.
Quinn introduced Allie as they all gathered back at the table, catching up on Bill and Sam's trip and filling them in on the day before and what they had learned. Sam was horrified when she heard of Mary Fielding's involvement in Quinn's father's death, although it explained her behaviour and unwillingness to discuss the accusation she had aimed at Quinn. Sam was shocked to hear of the existence of Andrew Booth and his similarity to Joshua; she hadn't seen him at all during the trial but understood Quinn and Nathan had seen photographs proving his attendance at Court.
"So, he is here still; what time are you expecting him to be escorted to Brookfield?" questioned Bill. He had listened to the story from Quinn and Nathan and agreed Andrew Booth's trial needed to be moved from Hope Valley. Bill would have preferred to be the judge presiding over the problem but knew there was no chance that he could be impartial.
"Not until I see him, Bill," Quinn stated.
Bill frowned and glanced between Nathan and Quinn, "Why would you want to do that, Quinn? What purpose could that serve?" he asked. "I understand from what you have said that you feel bad about what you did; I am telling you - don't feel bad." He leaned forward and lowered his voice, "you did what you had to do to survive; that is always the right thing to do. Booth doesn't deserve your concern; he brought this on himself, don't take on the blame he owns."
Nathan grasped Quinn's hand, "you know I agree with Bill Quinn, but if you need to do this, I will take you to the jail before he is transported."
Sam said, "Quinn, you don't have to do this; he is not badly injured, or the Mounties wouldn't be transferring him; they would wait. You owe Booth nothing, just as you owe the Fielding's nothing." Sam looked at Allie, snuggled up against Quinn and said, "I think you should focus on the future, Quinn, on what you want to do next and if finding out what happened to your father changes anything for you. Let other people make sure Mary Fielding and Andrew Booth face the consequences for their actions."
Nodding, Quinn looked at Sam, Bill, and Nathan before glancing down at Allie, "Okay, I will think about it, everyone." Giving Allie a quick squeeze, she said, "I think we need to finish these dishes and Sam, would you like to rest upstairs? You must be exhausted from driving such a long way?" Quinn wanted to change the subject and take the attention away from her, "why don't we catch up again for a late lunch? We can do it at the Saloon," she said, winking at Bill.
Quinn laughed as Bill growled at her, "we will be having lunch here", he said.
Nathan watched Quinn as she bustled about downstairs, having sent Allie upstairs to settle Sam into her room. Bill had left to head home and rest before re-joining them for lunch. He waited for her to run out of things to do and finally look at him.
"I know you are staring at me Nathan; I know you want an answer about Andrew Booth," Quinn said, finally facing him. "I know why you all feel the way you do, but this is about how I feel and what I need. Can you understand that?" she asked as she walked over to him, sitting next to him.
"Of course, I can; I just wish you wanted something different," Nathan replied. "Once Allie comes downstairs, we will let her know we are going to the Jail; she isn't coming with us, so she will need to go somewhere else."
"I can go and wait with Mrs Yost at the Mercantile, or even go and visit with Fiona," Allie said, walking down the stairs.
"That's a great idea, Allie; why don't you visit Mrs Yost? I am sure she would appreciate your help," Nathan said. Standing, he said, "Alright, if we are going to do this before he leaves town, we should do it now," he knew he would have other things to do later that day and didn't want her doing this alone.
The three left the café, Nathan and Quinn walking Allie to the Mercantile before heading to the jail.
Quinn gripped Nathan's hand tightly as they walked to the Mountie office; for all her bravado about seeing Andrew Booth, she wasn't sure how she would manage it. The jail had always challenged her, but her desire to see Booth had overcome it, thankfully.
"Let me check in with Gabe, okay." Nathan said quietly, "I want to see what kind of a mood Booth is in before you come inside."
Nodding, Quinn smiled slightly and let go of his hand, too nervous to speak.
Hearing her name called, she looked up into the smiling face of Joshua Fielding.
"Quinn, I am so glad I found you; we need to talk; I need to talk to you," he stepped towards her attempting to grasp her hand, but she stepped back away from him. "please, Quinn, I can't leave here until we talk."
"Joshua, I don't believe there is anything you need to say, nothing I need to hear. I know what happened with my father now, and that is the only information I wanted from you. I don't even need you to apologise to me anymore. It's over. I don't want to return to Oakville; I intend to make my life here now." Quinn spoke quietly, gently, not wanting to make a scene or upset him, just wanting him to leave.
"I suppose you intend to live here with the Mountie?" Joshua asked harshly. "Do you really think he loves you? I heard he was in love with someone else not long ago; he probably just wants someone to look after his daughter."
"That's enough, Joshua," Quinn said. "Nathan loves me, and I love him and his daughter. I have chosen to be here with them." Shaking her head, she said, "I don't recognise you anymore; I wish I could find something of the boy I once knew, the boy I loved as a brother, but he has disappeared." She walked toward the jail door, "I am sorry for your loss, Joshua, I know you have a lot to deal with too, but I can't help you with it, not anymore."
Quinn opened the door leaving Joshua standing outside.
Nathan looked up as Quinn stepped inside; frowning, he said, "I thought you agreed to wait for me to assess Booth before coming inside?" Seeing Quinn's face, Nathan went to her ", are you okay?"
Quinn shrugged, "I'm fine; it was Booth in here with you or Joshua outside by myself. I chose inside with you." She saw Gabe rising from his chair, "Good morning, Gabe; how is he today?"
Shaking his head, he walked to her, "Quinn", he whispered, "he isn't well; he has been awake all night; he hasn't eaten or drunk anything. I am concerned for his wellbeing. Even if I thought you talking to him was a good idea which I don't, you will get nothing from him." He looked over his shoulder at Booth, "physically, he is fine; his injury is superficial at best."
Quinn followed Gabe's gaze, shuddering as she caught sight of Booth. One glance told her Gabe was telling the truth; nothing was gained from trying to engage Booth. He lay on the cot in the cell, staring at the ceiling; his eyes showed no emotion, his expression blank. "Thank you, Gabe. I am sorry I insisted on doing this, Nathan, but I had to; I hope you understand. I now know I can come into this room and not be afraid. It has cured me of that fear anyway."
Nathan smiled at her and took her arm; he could feel her trembling beneath his hand and knew she was overstating how brave she felt. "I understand, and I am glad this place no longer frightens you the way it did, but I would still like you to leave, get away from this man Quinn, and let me walk you home."
Quinn allowed him to lead her from the jail; after first checking, Joshua was gone. "What do you have planned for the rest of the day, Nathan?" she asked, knowing he had much to catch up on.
Nathan smiled down at her before kissing her quickly, "Firstly, I am going to make sure you are okay; I understand being in there bothered you more than you will admit." He smiled as she nodded but twirled her hand urging him to 'hurry up. "I need to go and see Lucas; we have to collect Booth's things ready for his transfer. I plan to talk to him about his other guests as well." Smiling, he said, "I think the Queen of Hearts is about to be booked out, so, unfortunately, Joshua won't be able to stay there or find any other room to rent in Hope Valley."
Quinn smiled up at him, glad to see he had regained his sense of humour. "I like the sound of that. Stay safe and hurry home to me as soon as you can. I miss you, and you haven't even left yet." Reaching up, she kissed him, a sweet kiss that promised more. Breaking away, she reached up, placing her hand on his cheek. "I love you, Nathan; thank you for being there for me always."
Nathan kissed her forehead "anytime and anything for you," turning to walk away, halting as he heard her voice.
"Do you know what I really want?" watching for his reaction. "I want to go fishing, just you, me and Allie. Do you think we could do that? Soon?"
"Oh, I think that can be arranged; I can't wait for you to get some more practice cleaning and gutting your catch." As Quinn pulled a face, Nathan headed to the Saloon, there were a few loose ends to tie up, but otherwise, he could finally start planning a future with Quinn, one free from anything holding either of them back.