"You can talk to us about it; we won't tell anyone?" Quinn pleaded.

"I promise to keep this just between us," Faith said, her face earnest as she put her hand over her heart.

"There isn't anything to tell." Faith exclaimed for what felt like the tenth time. "I don't know why you keep asking me about Joshua."

"Joshua, Huh. Not Judge Lachlan?" Quinn teased.

"That is his name, Quinn," Faith huffed at her as she got up and headed to the counter in the cafe, ordering herself another scone. Quinn looked at Fiona, who wiggled her eyebrows at her.

"That seems to have hit a nerve," Fiona whispered.

Quinn knew she shouldn't be teasing Faith about Joshua again. She couldn't help it. Judge Lachlan, sorry Joshua, had been in Town for several months, and whenever he and Faith were around each other, there was an obvious attraction. It was also obvious she went out of her way to avoid him; anytime they were in a group setting, wherever Joshua was, Faith was not. Quinn had watched the two of them and knew they were attracted to each other and trying to fight it, especially Faith. She wasn't sure why her friend was fighting it so hard; she had gotten to know Joshua since he had been in Town and believed the two would make a great match.

As a judge, Joshua had lived up to his reputation of being compassionate and understanding. He had been very reasonable about Isobel Manning's Trial. Quinn was sure he wasn't surprised when the first motion Sam put before him was a petition to have Isobel released from jail until the matter was resolved. Joshua hadn't taken much convincing to release Isobel into Sam's care, providing she did not try and leave Hope Valley.

Isobel's release had occurred just in time, as the Trial was only now getting underway after a delay of months. Judge Walker from Brookfield had passed away while presiding over his final Trial, so Joshua had to step in, postponing Isobel's Trial the first time. The Pipers' lawyer, Mr Franklin, was involved in a trial that had run much longer than expected. Mr Franklin had requested the second postponement. Quinn had started to worry she wouldn't still be working when the Trial finally got underway; that baby Grant would have arrived; thankfully, they had gotten word the Trial could restart this coming Monday.

Baby Grant, Quinn sighed; she made herself refer to the baby as that. So far, she had tried not to think about whether she was having a boy or girl; her only priority was ensuring the baby was healthy. Quinn grinned as she thought about Nathan and their baby. He had gone from excited to over-protective seemingly overnight. It had taken a lot of work from her and Allie, Faith, and the other women in Town for him to realise she wouldn't break if she lived her life normally. Quinn would never put herself and the baby at risk, and finally, Nathan realised that too. Luckily for Quinn's sanity, he was back to being excited again.

When Faith returned to the table, Quinn smiled at her, "I promise to stop teasing you about Joshua. It's just that I don't understand why you won't admit to being interested in him. He is perfect for you."

"I agree, Quinn. Joshua Lachlan is a wonderful guy. Gorgeous too."

"Then why don't you pursue him, Fiona?" Faith asked snippily.

"Because he only has eyes for you, Faith," Fiona said, laughing at her, "even if you don't want to admit it." Fiona shook her head, "I don't understand why you keep fighting this."

Faith blew out a breath and looked down at the untouched scone on the plate before her, "It's not Joshua; it's me." Faith chewed her lip and then exclaimed, "I don't want to have another failed relationship." Faith covered her face with her hands for a moment before continuing quietly, "I am worried there is something wrong with me; why do all my relationships fail?"

Fiona glanced at Quinn and then reached for Faith's hand. "Just because you have had a relationship that didn't work out..."

"None. Not one of my relationships have worked out, not to mention other people I have dated that went nowhere."

"Maybe you just haven't found the right person," Quinn said. She and Nathan had their moments, they didn't agree on everything, but she knew they would always choose each other, that she had found the right person. Quinn didn't believe there was anyone else who would be as right for her as he was.

"I don't know what was missing in your previous relationships, but you shouldn't give up on finding love one day," Fiona said. "I haven't given up. I keep hoping there will be someone for me."

"I wish I could be as open to love as you; given everything that's happened before, I think I am too scared to open up again to someone," Faith sighed.

"But, if you were going to take a risk, Joshua Lachlan would be your type?" Quinn asked, winking at her friend.

"Fine," Faith said, throwing her hands up, glad for an excuse to laugh, "Joshua Lachlan is everyone's type, including mine."

Nathan sat behind his desk in the Mountie office, thinking about everything he had to do before heading home. Well, he could head home after collecting Quinn from work. Nathan knew he was being a little overprotective, driving her to and from work every day, but he didn't care. It was about protecting her and being there if she needed anything. It was close to her expected due date, and Faith said they needed to be on the lookout for signs of labour so they could get to Town in time.

Nathan wasn't complaining about spending the additional time with his wife; spending time with her and Allie was always the highlight of any day. Finding out Quinn was pregnant and watching the miracle of their child growing inside her was the most remarkable thing he had ever experienced. At night, he was content to sit with Quinn and Allie, his hand resting lightly on Quinn's stomach, feeling their child moving inside her. Nathan could not wait to meet his son or daughter, hold them in his arms, and introduce Allie to her little brother or sister. Nathan stood and walked towards the stove, pouring a cup of coffee. He rubbed his chest, staring into space, thinking about how much love he felt for this child already.

"A penny for your thoughts," Quinn said, startling Nathan.

"Quinn, I didn't hear you come in," Nathan said as he put down his coffee and strode towards her. "This is a surprise. I planned to come and collect you."

"I needed to stretch my legs and back before we got into the car and went home."

"Is there something wrong with your back?" he asked anxiously, taking her hand, and turning her to face away from him so he could study her.

"It's aching, Nathan, which is perfectly normal for a woman carrying a child. I did too much sitting today, but we needed to be ready for Isobel's Trial on Monday." Quinn smiled at her husband, "thank you for worrying about me, but I am fine, I promise."

"Would you tell me if you weren't?"

"Nathan, I am shocked you would even suggest something like that," Quinn said, pretending to be offended.

"No, you're not." Nathan laughed as he leaned down and kissed her. "Let's get you home."

"Did Allie come and say goodbye to you? I don't want to leave early, and have you miss her."

"She did; she has everything she needs for tonight and tomorrow. It's just the two of us tonight."

Quinn sighed dramatically, "How will I stand it, spending a whole night alone with you?"

"I plan to make the most of it; who knows how long it will be until we have another night, just the two of us."

"You aren't going to be able to see inside, no matter how long you stare," Quinn teased. She stroked Nathan's hair as he sat beside where she lay on the lounge, his head level with her stomach. His head resting on one hand, he was staring at her stomach, lazily stroking one finger over and over in circles on her skin.

"I know, but I wish I could. It has to be the longest pregnancy ever." He leaned over, placing another kiss on her baby bump, although it was much bigger than a bump now. "is your back feeling better?"

Quinn nodded, "the bath helped." It hadn't, but she didn't want him to worry; there was nothing more he could do for her. He had already done so much, and not just tonight, Allie too. Quinn wasn't sure how she would have gotten through without them helping.

"Have you thought of any names for the list?" Nathan asked. They had no luck so far agreeing on names for boys or girls. The baby might be known as Baby Grant for the rest of their life if they couldn't decide.

"I still like Nathan Junior if it's a boy?" Quinn suggested, "I love your name."

"No," Nathan said, shaking his head, "I want him to have his own name." Chuckling, he smiled at her, "I always liked William, but can you imagine Bill's reaction."

"I can imagine, Nathan. I love that name. William Nathaniel Grant," Quinn said, her eyes bright with excitement. "Would it be so bad for our son to be like Bill?"

"Of course not, but we will never live it down. What about William Quinn Grant? That way, you have your name included."

"Mmhh, I like my idea better, but we can see. What about names for a girl? What about Colleen?"

"I don't know. I always thought Allie might want to give her child her mother's name."

"I can see that too; let's not use it as a first name. What about Sarah Colleen Grant? or Natalie Colleen Grant?"

"Natalie? I'm not sure. Maybe we need to meet the baby before we decide."

"OK, but I am putting William on the top of my list." Quinn grinned, "what about Wilhelmina for a girl?"

"You need to eat Isobel," Sam admonished gently. "You can't make yourself sick over this Trial."

"I know, Sam, I have wanted this to be over for so long, and now it's finally here." Isobel nervously twisted the fabric of her skirt between her hands, "I am so nervous something is going to go wrong. What if no one believes me, Sam? What if they believe the Piper's?"

"I am an excellent Lawyer," Sam said as she took Isobel's hands, stilling her fidgeting. "Judge Lachlan is a fair and reasonable man who is going to look at our evidence and see you are innocent, that this is all a misunderstanding."

Isobel nodded but didn't say anything. She hadn't been able to eat due to nerves, her stomach was full of butterflies, and she didn't know how she would get the food past the lump in her throat.

"Why don't I make you a cup of tea, and you can take it to bed with you? You should try and get some sleep."

"Thanks, Sam, but let me make the tea; I don't think I can sit still much longer."

"Thank you." Sam watched as Isobel jumped off the lounge and bounded into the kitchen. She was a bundle of nervous energy, barely able to contain the emotions she was feeling. Sam still had no idea why Mrs Piper had made the accusations, and she had no proof that Isobel hadn't stolen the jewellery. She had to prove that the scenario suggested by the Pipers made no sense, and it didn't.

The pipers accused Isobel of stealing expensive jewellery and hiding it in her bedroom, where they found it. What made no sense to Sam was that if she had taken it, Isobel didn't try to hide it; the necklace was on top of her clothing in a drawer. Another thing that bothered Sam was that the Pipers went straight to Isobel's room when they noticed the item missing from Mrs Piper's dressing room. The Pipers had not searched any other room in the house, despite knowing Isobel never went to their bedroom and hadn't been in the house when the jewellery was taken. Mrs Piper hadn't wanted to call the Police, only asking Isobel to leave immediately; it was Mr Piper who insisted on getting the Police involved.

"Are you sure there was no one who wanted to make trouble for you?" Sam asked. She had asked this question before but was hoping Isobel might remember something with time.

"No one. The Pipers only kept a small staff, and we all got along well. I trusted them; they became my family."

"So, no one there ever gave you concern," Sam asked again. Sam saw something flash across Isobel's face, the expression so fleeting she wondered if she imagined it. Sam walked over and stood before Isobel. "Who was the one who gave you concern?"

"It wasn't me; it was Polly who cleaned the house," Isobel said, eyes lowered. "Mr Piper was interested in her, and I don't think his wife liked it."

"Did he hurt her, touch her? What was it he did?" Sam asked, frowning.

"That's what's hard; it wasn't any of those things," Isobel exclaimed. Taking a deep breath, she said, "he watched her."

"Watched her?"

"Yes, if he saw her, he would pause and stare; if she came into the room where he was, his eyes followed her. He never did anything physical, just stared." Isobel shrugged, "that's why Polly was glad when she was let go. Even though he didn't do it all the time, and not usually when Mrs Piper was around."

"What happened when Polly left? Did Mr Piper take an interest in anyone else?" Sam asked, thinking she may already know the answer.

"I think he was starting to do it with me," Isobel admitted. "I was in the nursery one night with Mrs Piper, settling the baby, and when I turned, he was in the doorway, watching. We hadn't known he was there. I didn't think much of it at the time; I thought he wanted to say goodnight to Harold or was waiting for his wife."

"Did Mrs Piper see him there? Did she realise he had been watching you, now Polly was gone?"

"I don't know, she didn't say anything at the time, and then the jewellery theft happened later that week."

Sam thanked the young girl for telling her. It would appear that Mr Piper took an inappropriate interest in the young women in his household. Had Mrs Piper terminated other young women because of her husband? Sam had spoken to ex-employees of the Pipers, but they had all been very complimentary; in fact, she was sure Polly said she had left to take another role, not that she had been fired. Sam knew they needed to reinterview those people, and she needed it done as soon as possible.

The following day Quinn offered, "I could do the interviews if they came to Hope Valley." She snorted, "even if I could convince Nathan I was going on a trip to interview them elsewhere, I don't think I am up to it."

"There is no way I would ask you to do that, Quinn, not at your stage of pregnancy." Sam grinned at Quinn, "besides, I wouldn't want to deal with Nathan."

"Deal with me about what?" Nathan asked, stepping inside the office where the two women were speaking. He stood beside the chair Quinn was sitting in, touching her lightly on the shoulder in greeting. Glancing around, he smiled at Isobel as she looked through a pile of documents across the room.

"I told Quinn that even if she were willing to travel to reinterview witnesses, I wouldn't let her." Sam smiled at him, "I didn't want to have to deal with your...opinion of that idea."

Nathan rolled his eyes at his wife before kissing her cheek, "and were you thinking of travelling to do interviews?"

"Absolutely not," Quinn assured him with a broad smile. "But I am happy to interview people here in Hope Valley."

"Maybe, depending on how you feel, you will need to rest up eventually," Nathan stated, knowing Quinn was more tired than she admitted.

"I think we should get the primary witnesses to come here as soon as possible; Bill has offered to travel to collect them. Once we get them here, I will know who else I might need to call on." Sam explained, referring to her notes. "Bill can travel easily, and he can be very convincing."

Nathan and Quinn laughed at the last statement, knowing Bill loved nothing more than convincing people to do what he wanted.

"Sam, if it is alright with you, I will take these witness statements home to review. I can get more comfortable there." Quinn stood awkwardly, "do you have time to drive me, Nathan?"

Nathan frowned; Quinn must be feeling worse than she admitted if she wanted to go home early. "Let me help you up," he said as he reached around to support her."

Quinn smiled at him and leaned on him, glad of his support. She had been feeling awful all day. Her back was aching, and she had trouble finding a comfortable position to sleep; she was so tired. Quinn felt a strange sensation as water trickled down her leg as she stood.

"Quinn?" Nathan asked, alarmed; he could tell something was wrong by the shocked expression on her face.

"I think my water just broke," Quinn said softly. Quinn stood frozen to the spot, so stunned she couldn't move. Now it was time; she didn't feel ready.

"We need to go to the infirmary now." Nathan didn't wait to see if Quinn could walk; he lifted her into his arms and carried her out of the office. Sam had run ahead of him and opened the door; as they passed her, she gripped Quinn's hand and said, "I will be there shortly to see if you need anything."

Nathan hurried to the infirmary, ignoring Quinn's protests and assurances she could walk there. There was no chance he would let Quinn walk, not if she were in labour.

"Faith!" Nathan yelled as he strode into the infirmary. "Faith!"

Faith came running from behind the curtained-off area. "What's wrong, Nathan?" she asked, then took in the scene before her, "Quickly lay her on the bed here," indicating the one closest to him.

"Faith, Nathan is overreacting. I am not sure I am in labour, but I think my water broke." Quinn tried to smile at Faith and Nathan, but as she did, a contraction in her stomach caused her to lose her breath.

"Nathan, can you please wait outside while I examine Quinn, I will come and get you when it's done." Faith said, taking him by the arm and attempting to lead him away from Quinn.

"I want to stay, Faith," Nathan protested. Trying to loosen her grip, "Quinn, you want me to stay, right?"

"Nathan, I have told you in this infirmary that I am the law and make the rules. The quicker you leave, the quicker I can check on Quinn and your baby and make sure they are both okay." Faith managed to get him to the door and opened it, "Please wait here."

Nathan blinked when the door closed in his face. He ran his hands over his face and turned, leaning back on the door. He glanced out at the Town and saw Lee hurrying towards him.

"Is everything okay, Nathan? Joshua said he saw you carrying Quinn inside." Lee's brow was wrinkled in concern as he looked at Nathan, worried.

"Quinn's water broke, I think. Faith hustled me out of there so fast I don't know what is happening; my head's spinning." Nathan said

"Take it from me; that feeling will last until your baby is born, and then a whole new level of not knowing what you are doing will kick in," Lee said, smiling at his friend, glad to know there was nothing seriously wrong. "I am happy to wait with you until you know more."

The men sat on the bench outside, earning curious stares from the Townspeople who passed by. Hope Valley couldn't wait to meet its newest resident, so interest was high.

"I need to tell Allie," Nathan stated as he went to stand.

"Wait until there is something to tell her; these things can take a while."

Nathan tipped his head back, resting it against the wall. He hated not being inside with Quinn, not knowing if everything was okay or if she was in pain. He needed to be with her. The moment he thought the waiting would drive him mad, the door opened, and Faith waved him inside.

Nathan rushed to Quinn's side, looking her over for any indication of how she was feeling.

"Labour has started, Nathan. That was Quinn's water breaking." Faith smiled at the two of them. "As you know, every delivery is different, so I don't know how long before your baby arrives. I am keeping Quinn here with me, and I suggest you go home and collect her bags and some things for yourself."

"I'm not leaving her, Faith; I'll send someone else."

"Nathan," Quinn said pleadingly. "I need you to find Allie and let her know; I don't want anyone else to do it. While you are doing that, collect our things." Quinn reached up and stroked his face, "I am in the right place for our baby. Go, and hurry back."

"Fine, but I will be as quick as I can. It's not like anyone can charge me for driving too fast," Nathan tried to grin and lighten the moment, but there were tears in his eyes. He didn't want to leave her for one second while she was in pain, delivering their child.

"Go, and drive safely. I need you to come back to me."

Nathan kissed her quickly and strode out the door. He didn't look back because if he did, he may not be able to leave.