AN: We are approaching the end of Trust in Love. Nathan has the love of a good woman, his children and the townspeople of Hope Valley. Quinn Grant has found exoneration, love, family, and community. Allie Grant is on the path to a successful future and is experiencing the exhilaration of first love (and only love, no heartbreak in sight).
It's time to leave my version of the Grants, they are settled and happy, and that's all I wanted for Allie and Nathan. I have a few loose ends up to tie up before saying goodbye, but essentially I am done. I hope you stay with me a little longer so we can say farewell together.
Thank you all so much for reading my first attempt at writing, which became Trust in Love. Thank you for your encouragement, kind words and for giving me the courage to write more stories. I hope you enjoyed them so far and continue to read future stories.
Take care.
Jillian
"You are doing it again, Nathan," Quinn whispered.
"What? I'm not doing anything, Quinn."
"You're staring," she whispered. "Both Cody and Allie have noticed; even the twins can tell you're distracted."
"I can't help it," he said, not even trying to pretend he was sorry. "I can't believe Allie is here with her boyfriend. Again." Nathan squirmed where he sat, leaning against the Verandah post.
"You said it would be okay if he came by today. Allie asked if you were comfortable with her including him in her final dinner at home, and you said yes." Quinn kept her tone mild, knowing Nathan's objection was not Cody. While he had acknowledged Allie was leaving, helped her plan her trip and confirmed her living arrangements with Bethany Madison; he hadn't accepted it or come to peace with it. She couldn't say she was happy either, but in her heart, she was more resigned to it than her husband.
"I know I did," Nathan snapped.
Quinn said nothing; instead, she raised her eyebrows at her husband and waited.
"Sorry," he said quickly. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to take this out on you." Nathan turned to her, finally looking away from watching his older daughter and her beau walking hand in hand toward the Stables. He lifted his arm and invited her to slide across the step, closer to him, and into his embrace. Nathan was grateful when Quinn snuggled in against his side without hesitation.
"None of us are happy she is moving away, including Allie. She is going to miss you so much, Nathan." Quinn laid her head on his shoulder and squeezed his knee. "I caught her crying yesterday as she finished her packing."
Nathan shook his head, "this is why I worry about her. She is going to be all alone, so far away. What if something happens to her? What if she needs me and I'm not there."?
"You can't torment yourself with what if, Nathan. You'll go mad." Looking at her husband, she said, "Bethany will let us know if anything happens, and Allie will reach out if she needs you. She is only a phone call away." She shook her head and asked, "do you think you can hold it together long enough to send her off with your blessing and a smile?"
"Yes, but only just," he said, his lips curling into a smile while his eyes remained sad.
Quinn leaned up and touched her husband's cheek, her smile reassuring. "The twins and I will still be here, doing our best to keep you occupied."
"For which I am eternally grateful," he said as he leaned down to kiss her lips.
Cody stood beside Allie as she stroked Sundrop's velvety soft nose.
"I am going to miss you so much," Allie whispered. She remembered the day she found out Sundrop was hers, the way she had instantly fallen in love with her. Their bond was powerful, and she would miss visiting her every day, the two of them taking long rides around the land surrounding her home.
"I bet she isn't the only thing you will miss," Cody commented.
Allie shook her head, "No, she isn't. When I think about leaving here, leaving my family..." she broke off as her emotions overwhelmed her. Tears slid down her cheeks as she buried her face in Sundrop's mane.
Cody hesitated a moment before stepping closer to Allie and resting his hand lightly on her back. "I didn't mean to make you cry."
Allie sniffed, trying to slow the flow of tears. "You didn't," she whispered, her voice thick with tears. "I am just going to miss everyone so much." Looking at him, she asked, "how can you do it, leave Abigail behind?"
"It's hard, and I'll miss her very much, but I know I can call her, and school keeps me pretty busy. It helps to distract me." Cody smiled at her, "you probably won't believe me, but it does get easier."
"I hope so," Allie whispered. "Thank you for trying to make me feel better."
"I hope I do make you feel better," Cody said, wiping the tears from her cheek. "I will be there to look out for you, and I promise to do my best to cheer you up."
Allie sniffed back her tears and smiled at him. "It will be nice to have a friend close by."
"Or someone more than a friend?" He teased.
"That too," she said with a small laugh.
Allie stared up into Cody's smiling face, so close to hers as they stood next to Sundrop. As Allie watched, Cody's smile dropped, and his face grew serious. Allie saw Cody's eyes darken, and she knew. It was finally going to happen. He was going to kiss her. Butterflies swirled in her stomach, and her heart was beating fast in her chest.
Allie waited, watching Cody as he paused; she looked at him, her eyes wide, trying to convey how much she wanted his kiss. As Cody lowered his head, Allie stepped toward him, her hand resting on his forearm as their lips met.
Allie's eyes drifted closed as Cody's lips touched hers. She was amazed at how soft his lips felt. Cody's kiss was brief, and Allie was disappointed when he lifted his head, ending it too soon. Allie looked into Cody's eyes and saw him observing her, silently asking if she was alright with the kiss. She smiled at him, and he leaned down and kissed her again, his hand caressing her cheek. When they broke apart the second time, she reached up and touched her fingertips to his lips, not surprised to see her hand was trembling.
Cody's lips curled into a smile against Allie's fingers. He had wanted to kiss her for so long but worried about whether it was too soon. He was glad he had taken the chance; he could see from the shy smile on her face that she was pleased too. He was also glad he had waited for his first kiss, that it was with someone important to him and had a special place in his heart.
Looking down into Allie's beautiful face, Cody took her hand and placed a kiss on the back of it before placing their joined hands against his chest. Leaning down, he rested his forehead on hers, giving them time to process their kiss.
"We should probably go inside and get washed up for dinner," Cody whispered.
"In a minute, please," Allie replied. She needed a moment to collect herself; if she went inside right this minute, her parents would know exactly what they had been doing.
Cody drew Allie into an embrace, holding her loosely in his arms. He didn't want to rush her or disrespect her parents' trust in him. After a few moments of standing together, he felt Allie stir in his arms, and when he looked at her, she smiled at him and placed a chaste kiss on his cheek.
"Thank you for cheering me up," she said with a grin.
"I told you, anytime. There is nothing else I want more than to make you smile."
Allie blushed at his words and could not wipe the broad smile off her face. Taking his hand, they said one final goodbye to Sundrop and headed toward where her parents waited on the Verandah.
Nathan flinched as he felt a sharp pain in his shin. He frowned and looked at his wife, who sat beside him with a sweet smile.
"Nathan, Allie asked if everything was all right. You have been very quiet since we sat down to eat." Quinn said.
"Sorry, Allie. I was thinking about everything we still have to do to ensure you are ready for tomorrow." Nathan knew Quinn would see through his lie. Why else had she kicked him? He had been lost in thought, but it wasn't about the move. Something had changed between Allie and Cody, they were closer somehow, and he didn't like it.
"I feel as though we are ready, Nathan," Quinn replied. "Allie has packed everything she thinks she will need, and if she forgets anything, she can purchase it there." Grinning at Allie, she said, "it could also give us an excuse to visit."
"You don't need an excuse, right?" Allie said with a slight frown. "Dad, you promised."
"Of course, we will, Allie," Nathan said quickly. "Quinn and I have already started discussing how best to manage the Twins on the road trip."
'I know my mother is planning to visit too; you could travel together. I hate to think of her making the trip alone."
"That sounds very sensible, Cody," Quinn responded. "We would love her company."
After dinner, Nathan offered to do the dishes while Quinn put the Twins to bed. Allie had shown Cody out; he had borrowed Bill's car to drive to the house for dinner and promised he wouldn't return too late.
As Quinn walked into the kitchen, she could see her husband standing at the sink, staring into the sink containing the dirty dishes. Walking up behind him, she slid her hands around his waist, holding him tight as she rested her head on his back.
"It's going to be okay," she whispered.
Nathan reached down, grasped her hands, and squeezed, "I know that, but it still hurts." Turning around to face her, he drew her against him, needing the comfort of her in his arms. He sighed when she snuggled in, holding him tightly, allowing himself to relax.
Allie tossed and turned, unable to sleep and finally gave up trying. There was too much on her mind, too much in her heart for her to rest. Throwing back the covers, she sat up on the edge of her bed and slipped her feet into slippers. Some warm milk might help her get to sleep. Allie crept down the hallway and into the kitchen as she wrapped a shawl over her shoulders.
Nathan rolled onto his side and scrunched up his pillow, trying not to disturb Quinn. He couldn't sleep and hated that his insomnia might wake his wife. The twins usually slept through the night now, but Quinn insisted on getting up to them if they woke. When she had a chance to sleep through the night, he wanted to ensure she got it.
Giving up on sleep, he carefully folded the blankets back and slipped out of bed. He found his slippers in the dark and put them on before grabbing his robe. As he approached the kitchen, he heard noises and realised he wasn't alone. As he peered around the corner, he smiled when he saw Allie at the stove.
"Is there enough for two?" Nathan asked before quickly apologising when his daughter jumped at the sound of his voice.
"Dad! You scared me," Allie exclaimed.
"I'm sorry, sweetheart," he said as he walked over and kissed her hair before standing beside her. "Couldn't sleep?" He questioned.
"No," she said, "you either?"
"I guess there is too much happening today for me to sleep soundly."
Allie added milk to the saucepan she was stirring on the stove, ensuring there was enough for him. Once it had heated, she poured it into two mugs, placing them on the table.
"What's on your mind?" Allie asked, trying to smile at him. The look on her father's face stopped the laugh she was trying to force out.
"I am wondering how I will cope without seeing you every day."
A lump formed in Allie's throat, and tears flooded her eyes. How did he know exactly what she was feeling too?
"You and I ...we have been through so many things together when it was just the two of us, and now as a family of five. Raising you has been one of the greatest joys of my life." Nathan's voice broke, and he dropped his head to hide his emotions. "How can I sleep when I'm not able to make sure you are safe? What if you get hurt? What if you need me?" Nathan looked up, the tears in his eyes matching his daughters. "What will I do now you don't need me?"
"Dad," she sobbed before throwing herself into his arms. "No matter what happens in my life, I will always need you," Allie said. "You are the person I know I can rely on. The one who loves me no matter what I do or what happens. I can only move away because you raised me to be strong, and I know you are there for me. You and Quinn. If I didn't know that I wouldn't be brave enough to leave Hope Valley."
Nathan stroked Allie's hair and leaned down to kiss her forehead.
"You and Quinn, the twins. You are home to me and always will be. No matter where I am. I love you, Dad. Thank you for everything you have done for me and always do for us."
"I love you, Allie," he whispered. "I will miss you every moment of every day."
"I'll miss you too," Nathan whispered through his tears.
Allie lifted her head as Avery stirred in her sleep. Her soft cries grew louder in the silence of the night.
"I'll go to her before she wakes, Mum," Allie said quickly, stepping back and wiping her tears away.
Nathan nodded, still unable to speak. Taking a deep breath, he sat at the table and reached for the warm milk Allie had prepared. He listened and was pleased Avery's cries diminished and then stopped as her older sister comforted her. Let Quinn sleep, he thought. There was no reason for them all to be awake and miserable.
Allie stood over Avery's cot, stroking her sister's hair as she drifted back to sleep. She would miss watching Avery and Sam grow up, their first wobbly steps and first words, their first day of school. Yes, she was sad to miss all the firsts, but she would miss the day to day things too. Their soft, slippery skin after a bath, their warm hugs first thing in the morning. The giggles and tears, the sticky fingers, and soft kisses.
Allie knew it was time to go, that she couldn't put off her future forever. She would come home, visit as often as possible and convince her parents to come to her as well.
Allie couldn't help but worry, Cody was the only person she would know in her new life. She had spoken to Bethany Madison over the telephone, and they had corresponded in letters, but she still needed to meet her. Sam assured her that she would love her, as had Mrs Stanton. She hoped she would; that would help with her loneliness.
Until last night, she had been excited about the move, apprehensive, yes, but happy. Now it was time to leave, her nerves had taken over, and a dull ache in her chest replaced the anticipation. Allie kissed Avery softly, not wanting to risk waking her again and did the same for Sam before turning and heading back to her father.
Nathan wanted to have his emotions under control by the time Allie returned. He was determined to focus on the positives for her, not the negatives for him. He had his moment of sadness and was sorry that he had made Allie cry. From now on, he would focus on helping her regain the excitement he knew she had lost over the last couple of days.
"Your milk is probably cold," he said as he heard her footsteps.
"My milk?" Quinn asked, confused.
"Quinn, you're awake!" Nathan exclaimed, turning to face her. "I was hoping you would sleep through Avery waking."
"I did sleep through it. I missed you next to me; I can't sleep without you anymore," Quinn teased. She walked over to Nathan and touched his shoulder as she leaned down and kissed his cheek. "You've ruined me."
"I'm glad; I never want you to get used to sleeping without me," Nathan said, smiling at her. He pushed back his chair and pulled Quinn onto his lap, holding her close as he buried his head in her hair.
"Are you okay?" Quinn whispered, even though she could tell from the look on his face he wasn't.
"I will be as long as I have you, Sam and Avery to distract me from missing our girl."
Allie smiled as she spotted Quinn and her father. She should be used to seeing the two sitting close together, but she never would be. Quinn was the best thing to happen to her and her father, and she was eternally grateful to Sam Madison for sending Quinn to them.
"Did I steal your milk?" Quinn asked
"You can have it. I am not sure I still want it. Sorry if Dad and I woke you." Allie said quietly, kissing Quinn as she sat opposite them.
"I'm glad you did. I don't want to miss a moment with you before you go." Quinn relaxed against Nathan, not embarrassed to be caught sitting on her husband's lap. Allie was used to it by now, anyway. "Can I do anything for you?"
"I'm good. I have everything packed." Allie sighed and said, "I don't think I can talk about leaving again. There have been enough tears tonight."
"I agree," Nathan said with a small smile. "Why don't we talk about Bethany Madison? Have you got her gift?"
Allie would be arriving on Bethany Madison's birthday and had a gift from Sam and something small from her.
Allie assured her father she had the gift, and then they discussed other things to do with her trip, practical things that didn't cause her emotions to rise to the surface and overwhelm her.
"Maybe you should try getting back to sleep," Quinn suggested as Allie unsuccessfully stifled a yawn.
"I guess I should try," Allie said with a smile at being caught. "We all should."
"Good idea," Quinn said as she rose and collected the now empty cups, carrying them to the sink; Allie had drunk her milk, after all.
The three of them said goodnight and headed for the bedrooms.
As Quinn started to remove her robe, she felt Nathan's hands on her shoulders and allowed him to remove it instead. She leaned back against him as her robe hit the floor, and his arms slid around her. She tilted her head to the side, inviting him to kiss her neck and was not disappointed, feeling his lips, soft and warm on her skin.
"How tired are you," he asked, feeling her shiver at his hot breath.
"Not tired at all," she said with a smile. Quinn reached down and held Nathan's hands against her stomach, maintaining contact as she walked over to their bed. Turning in his arms so she faced him, she reached up and held his face between her hands. "It would seem the warm milk didn't make you tired after all, but I'm sure I can think of something that will help you sleep...eventually."