Quinn sat at her desk the following day, having driven herself and Allie to Town. She and Nathan had managed to contain their excitement and not give anything away to Allie. It was good that she had Sundrop to distract her; Quinn didn't know how long they could keep this secret from her.
Quinn knew she should be working, reviewing Isobel's trial papers. Sam had successfully petitioned to have Isobel's Trial moved to Hope Valley. Initially, they had proposed moving the Trial to Brookfield; unfortunately, another trial was still ongoing, and the Pipers didn't want a further delay.
Of course, Bill couldn't preside over the Trial; another Judge would travel to Hope Valley to conduct the Trial. Bill was doing his best to find out who the judge would be and their reputation, but so far, he had no luck. Lee had offered to let whoever arrived set up in the office he and Rosemary had shared; given she was on bed rest, there was a spare desk.
Sam was working with Gabe to transfer Isobel to Hope Valley; she could stay in the jail there until the Trial. Quinn knew Sam hated that Isobel was still locked away, that she couldn't arrange for her release. Sam was still hopeful when Isobel reached her that she could further petition for her to be released. Sam was happy to vouch for her and let her stay with her if she won.
Quinn couldn't wait to meet Isobel and start to help her, to prove her innocence and get her out of jail. Quinn had spent only a short time in a cell when accused of being involved in her Father's death, but it affected her deeply. Even now, only her love for Nathan meant she would go inside the Mountie office. What effect would the extended stay behind bars have on Isobel? What impact would the ordeal she was going through have on her? Quinn knew what it felt like to have no support.
Quinn sat back in her chair, her hand drifting to her stomach. She hadn't told Nathan about her Mother, despite Faith's advice. She wanted him to enjoy becoming a Father again, without worry for her. Having a baby and having the chance to be there from the beginning was new for both of them; she wanted to enjoy it. Quinn knew that Nathan would never stop worrying if she told him about her concerns.
Nathan stood inside the Mountie office, looking out the window towards the infirmary. He had seen someone go inside, so he knew Faith was busy. He thought he had done an excellent job hiding his concerns from Quinn. It helped him that they were keeping it a secret from Allie and weren't talking about it.
He leaned forward when the infirmary door opened and saw the person leave. He was pleased there didn't appear to be anyone else waiting, and he hurried out of the office to get there before anyone else could.
Faith looked up when Nathan walked in, and the look in her eyes confirmed his suspicions; something was wrong. "Good morning, Faith. How are you today?"
"I'm fine, Nathan," she said, standing and running her hands down her white coat. Faith knew Nathan was going to ask her about Quinn, but she didn't have anything to say to him; that was for Quinn to tell him.
"Quinn told me about her visit here yesterday," Nathan said cautiously.
"She did; how do you feel?" Faith asked.
Nathan's face broke into a smile; he couldn't hide how happy he was with the news. "I can't even describe how glad I am. I...it's just that I saw your face yesterday, Faith. I know there is something wrong." Nathan took a deep breath, "I need to know what is wrong; Faith and Quinn hasn't said anything."
"Nathan, if there is something to tell you, Quinn is the one you need to talk to; she is my patient, and I can't betray her confidence, not even to you." Faith's voice was gentle but firm.
"Faith," Nathan began, only to be stopped when she held up her hand.
"Nathan, I can't. You need to speak to Quinn."
"Faith, please." Nathan dropped his head, his hands rubbing his eyes. He needed a moment to get himself together; he hadn't realised how emotional he was about it until now. "If something was to happen to Quinn," he stopped, his voice breaking over the words.
"Nathan, I wish I could. I can't. You have to speak to Quinn." Faith truly wished she could help Nathan. She could see the fear and pain in his eyes. "I'm sorry."
Nathan pressed his lips together, nodded and walked out. He strode across the road towards Newton. Faith watched as he swung himself into the saddle and urged Newton into a trot and then a canter heading out of Town. His face was stern when he passed her, looking straight ahead.
After hesitating a few moments, debating what to do, Faith headed towards the mayor's office to see Quinn.
Opening the door, Faith was pleased Quinn was alone.
"Faith, this is a surprise," exclaimed Quinn, happy to see her friend. "What brings you here."
"Nathan came to see me this morning Quinn. He knows there is something you aren't telling him about the pregnancy." Faith rushed through what she had to say. "He is worried about you; he is scared. I didn't say anything, but I think you should."
"And then what, how is telling him going to make it any better? If I don't tell him, then I am the only one who will worry." Quinn said, her face set.
"What's going on, Quinn?" asked Sam as she walked out of her office, concerned at the look on her friend's face and the tension she could feel between her and Faith.
"Nothing," Quinn said. She knew Faith was upset with her, but until she sorted this out in her head, she wasn't going to tell Nathan.
Faith shook her head, "it's your choice Quinn, but think about what you are doing to him. Please."
Sam waited until Faith left and then looked at Quinn, "what is this about?"
"I don't want to talk about it, Sam; it's nothing."
"It's not nothing, Quinn; Faith is not only your friend, but she's also a Doctor. Is something wrong with you?" Sam stood before her friend; arms crossed. Quinn's face showed her distress; there was something wrong. "You know your face gives you away every time, Quinn."
"Fine! There is a chance I could be pregnant," Quinn saw her friend's face light up. "Before you get too excited, I am not sure, and I am worried that something might go wrong."
"Did Faith give you a reason to think something would go wrong?" Sam asked, confused. If Faith wasn't sure she was pregnant, how could she know something was wrong?
"It's because of my Mother."
"Your Mother, why?"
"I know she was pregnant when she died, but I don't know if that was the cause of her death; what if it was?" Quinn's lip trembled, and she took a quivering breath. "There is no way of knowing," Quinn said.
Shaking her head, Sam wrapped her friend in a hug and whispered, "I know."
Quinn's head snapped back, "What, how could you know?"
"It came up in my investigation. I was talking to people who knew your family and the Fielding's. People often spoke of how much time Mary spent with you and your Father after your Mother's death; they couldn't understand how she could do that and then be involved in what happened to him and you."
Sam smiled at her, "Quinn, yes. Your Mother was pregnant when she died, but that wasn't the cause; it was an accident. Quinn, she was ill from influenza that turned into something more, that's all. It was nothing to do with the baby she was carrying."
Quinn put her head on her friend's shoulder and cried. She cried until she had no more tears, glad that if she were pregnant, her baby would be okay, sad as always when thinking of her Mother. No one ever talked about how she died; it upset her Father too much remembering it. She was very glad for her friend's comforting presence. "I am sorry to fall apart like that. I must be pregnant; it has to be the hormones."
The two women were laughing together when Bill walked out of his office. He took one look at Quinn's tear-stained face and stopped. "Everything alright, Ladies?"
"Everything is fine, Bill. But there are a couple of people I need to see." Quinn wiped her face, "thank you so much, Sam." Quinn said before rushing out of the office. She owed Faith an apology and explanation.
Quinn slowly opened the door to the infirmary, wanting to make sure Faith was alone before barging in. "Faith, are you free?"
Faith came from around the curtain that blocked the view of the bed, "Yes, I am; what can I do for you?"
Quinn sighed at her friend's tone; it was all business. "You can let me apologise and let me tell you what I found out." Quinn stepped further inside and held her hands out to her side. "I was wrong. I should have listened to you and told Nathan I didn't mean to upset either of you." trying to lighten the mood, she said, "If only I had a better poker face, I might get away with hiding things."
"What's changed, Quinn? You were adamant about not telling him a few minutes ago." Faith asked.
"I know. It was Sam. Sam knew how my Mother died; it came up when she was investigating my Father's death. It was an illness with nothing to do with her pregnancy. "
"Oh, Quinn, that's wonderful news." Faith said. "Will you please find Nathan and tell him? I have never seen him so concerned, Quinn; the thought of something happening to you hurts him. He needs to know you're okay."
"I will, Faith; I will find him and let him know."
"He went for a ride on Newton," Faith explained. "Maybe he won't be long."
Quinn walked into the Livery and straight over to Misty Dawn. She hadn't ridden her for a few weeks and was glad Allie had agreed to ride her sometimes, even though she preferred to ride Sundrop. Misty greeted her with a snicker, and Quinn stroked her nose, talking gently to her.
She heard hoofbeats approaching and hoped it was Nathan riding in on Newton. She waited; whoever it was dismounted in the yard and was walking their horse in. She smiled when she saw the familiar red serge and her husband walking towards her.
Nathan stopped when he saw Quinn in the Livery; his heart as always leapt at the sight of his wife, but today there was a dull ache accompanying the love he felt. He was worried about her, and he knew she was hiding something from him.
Quinn didn't hesitate once she knew it was Nathan; she turned and ran to him. Quinn was pleased when he dropped Newton's reigns to catch her as she threw herself into his arms. "I'm so sorry, Nathan."
Nathan held her tight, he didn't know what she was apologising for, and he didn't care; she was there. She had come to tell him what was wrong, and whatever it was, they could fix it together.
Nathan set Quinn back on her feet and pulled back so he could see her face. He could tell she had been crying, "what is it, Quinn? Whatever it is, tell me."
Quinn didn't speak, just leaned up and kissed her husband, wanting him to know how much she loved him. When they finally broke apart, she said, "I was scared, Nathan, because of my Mother." As he frowned, she quickly explained what she had been worried about and how Sam had helped resolve it for her. "I shouldn't have kept it from you, but I didn't want you to worry about this, especially if there was nothing we could do about it."
"No, you shouldn't have; whatever is happening, I don't want secrets between us, good or bad," Nathan said, his arms tightened around her. "Promise me, next time you will talk to me, let us work through it together."
Quinn didn't answer Nathan; she just nodded and buried her head in his chest.
Faith walked a patient out of the clinic and saw Nathan and Quinn walking from the Livery. As she glanced over, she saw Nathan kiss Quinn, but the way he held onto her hand as long as he could while backing away made her smile. She was glad that everything was okay between the two of them again. As Nathan walked toward the Mountie office, he saw her standing in the doorway and smiled, tipping his hat.
Sam sat opposite Rosemary, passing the items she had collected from her desk. "Thank you so much for letting Justice Lachlan use your office space; having somewhere he can set up was really important to him agreeing to come here. I know Isobel will appreciate it too."
Rosemary moved around the couch as she listened to Sam, "well, since Lee won't let me back there and will be away himself when the baby arrives, it was easy." All Rosemary wanted was to get comfortable; no matter how she sat, her back ached.
"Are you okay, Rosemary?" Sam asked; she could see the discomfort on her friend's face.
"I'm fine; it's my back; it's aching today. I haven't been able to get comfortable."
"What time is Faith due today? I could go and get her earlier if you like?"
"No, don't go to the trouble; she is due here any minute anyway. I would be surprised if she isn't already on her way." Faith cracked the door open as Rosemary finished speaking and stuck her head in.
"Good Morning, Ladies." Faith called out, her smile wide. "How is everything here?"
Rosemary turned toward her friend and attempted to rise and greet her. As she did, she felt her water break and clutched her stomach. She looked at Faith, her eyes wide. "Faith," she gasped as her friend rushed toward her.
Faith helped Rosemary to her feet, "it's okay, Rosemary, this is perfectly normal. Sam, would you please find Lee? When I saw him, he was at the Mercantile."
Sam didn't say a word, hurrying from the row house to find Lee.
"Let's wait for Lee, so he can help us get you upstairs." Faith held Rosemary's hand, reassuring her, remaining calm.
Sam rushed into Town and found Lee at his office. When he saw her rushing through the door, he knew why she was there and, without a word, followed her out.
"Lee, you go home. I am going to find Elizabeth to see if she can come and help if Faith needs assistance."
Lee rushed through the door of his home and saw Rosemary lying on the lounge, Faith sitting in a chair beside her.
"Sweetheart, are you okay?" he asked, dropping to his knees beside her. Taking her hand, he searched her face; he could see she was in pain.
Faith answered for Rosemary, "labour has started, Lee. I waited so you could help me get her upstairs, so she is more comfortable."
Lee waited downstairs with Nathan and Quinn. Allie was at Elizabeth's row house, minding Jack while she was upstairs with Rosemary and Faith.
Lee was pacing around worrying about his wife. He didn't know what he would do if Nathan and Quinn weren't there to distract him. Each time Rosemary cried out, he wanted to rush upstairs, but he knew he couldn't. He knew it could take some time for the baby to be born, and he knew that what Rosemary was experiencing was natural. He hated he couldn't take the pain away for her.
Nathan sat next to Quinn, holding her hand. "Lee, you know you will wear a hole in the floor if you keep that up."
Lee looked over, smiling at Nathan's teasing. "Wait until it's your turn; I bet you are exactly the same way." Lee's eyebrows shot up as he spoke; noticing Nathan and Quinn share a smile; he knew they had a secret of their own.
Looking at them, he said, "If you wanted to get my mind off Rosie, now would be a good time to share any secrets you two have."
Quinn laughed and shook her head as Nathan beamed. "We don't have anything to share yet, I have to wait a little longer to be sure, but we are hoping."
"Congratulations, both of you." Lee laughed and said, "It would be great if we had children close in age. Rosemary would be pleased you fitted into her grand plan."
Elizabeth paused on the steps, listening to the conversation below. So, Nathan and Quinn were going to have a baby. Allie would be thrilled. Elizabeth realised she was happy for them both; the jealousy she had felt before was gone. She was happy with Lucas and knew Nathan had found the woman who was right for him when she hadn't been. Elizabeth collected herself and headed downstairs, not wanting them to know she had heard.
"Is there any more ice, Lee?" she asked.
"Elizabeth, how is she? Is she okay? Has Faith said how much longer? Do you think I should be up there with her?" Lee asked frantically.
Quinn got up and went into the kitchen to get the ice; if they waited until Elizabeth answered all Lee's questions, Rosemary would never get it. Handing the bowl full of ice to Elizabeth, the two women shared a smile at Lee's behaviour.
"Lee, Faith said to tell you everything is perfect, and Rosemary is doing fantastic.
"Why don't we look at the plans for the house again? Maybe we can shave a few floors off while Rosemary is busy." Lee shook his head, still not convinced he shouldn't be up there with his wife. Nathan took Lee's arm, leading him to the Kitchen table.
Time seemed to drag; Quinn took dinner to Allie and Jack, making sure the two of them didn't need anything. After making sure they were okay, Quinn hurried back to the row house, eager to check in on Rosemary.
As Quinn stepped through the door, she heard a cry from Rosemary, followed by a baby's cry. Lee looked up the stairs, his eyes wide. He was frozen for a moment before he rushed for the stairs, taking them two at a time.
It was a few minutes before Elizabeth came downstairs. She smiled at Quinn and Nathan as they cuddled together on the lounge. They looked at her eagerly.
"A perfect little girl," Elizabeth said, "and she is absolutely beautiful."
Quinn smiled at Nathan, and she took his hand, "that's great news, Elizabeth. I can't wait to meet her," Quinn said. "How is Rosemary?"
"Tired, but she can't stop smiling, "Elizabeth said, "neither can Lee. She is one very lucky little girl."
"Have they named her yet?" Nathan asked.
"I don't think so; Rosemary said she wanted to meet the baby before deciding," Elizabeth explained as she reached for her jacket hanging over a chair. "I better get back to Jack; it was so kind of Allie to babysit."
"I think she enjoyed it, I checked on them a little while ago, and they were fine."
"We will wait here for Allie and make sure they don't need anything else," Nathan explained.
As the door closed behind Elizabeth, Nathan reached over and placed his hand on Quinn's stomach. "I can't believe this will be us one day soon, hopefully."
Quinn covered his hand with hers, "I know, even if it isn't now, I can't wait to carry your child Nathan, to give Allie a little brother or sister."
He leaned over and kissed his wife, his heart full of love for her and this child she may be carrying.