Mike fidgeted, shuffling from one foot to the other as he stood at the back of the Hope Valley Church. He had waited outside the Church for Sarah as long as possible before going inside, to stand awkwardly against the back wall, waiting until the last moment to find a seat. When Sam arrived, out of breath and unusually dressed up, she saw his hopeful look and regretfully explained Sarah had been delayed and said she would make her own way there. Mike smiled at Sam, a grin playing on his lips. Was this what Riley meant when he said she was disorganised?
As the service was starting, Mike gave up waiting and took the seat next to Nathan, where he, Quinn and the children sat, smiling as his friend slid sideways, making sure there was room for him. He looked along the pew he was sitting in, pleased there was room for Sarah if she arrived. If not, he would find her after the service; they had plans for a tour of the Town. Mike tried to pay attention to what was happening, but his attention kept wandering from Joseph's voice, straining to hear the sound of someone coming from behind him. In his distraction, Mike let his eyes wander around the Church, noting all those around him. The Yost's were there, with Molly next to them. Faith, and Fiona, their husbands, and children. Lee and Rosemary and their family. Elizabeth and Lucas sat with little Jack between them. Elizabeth looked tired, he thought, the pregnancy obviously taking a toll on her.
Allie and Cody were sitting side by side in front of him, not touching, but their closeness was obvious. A sense of contentment settled over Mike as he looked around the familiar space and the familiar faces. He often felt like an outsider during times like these, when everyone was with their 'someone', and he was alone, but not today.
As Mike's eyes continued to drift over the congregation, they touched on Sam and Bill, and something made him pause. He couldn't put his finger on what had caught his attention, and he studied the two of them, trying to work out what it was.
"Sorry I'm late," a voice whispered at his side, and he snapped his head around to see Sarah standing beside his seat, hunched over, trying to be inconspicuous. Mike slid over immediately, making room for her, unable to believe that after waiting so impatiently for her arrival, he had missed it.
Sarah gratefully slid into the pew beside Mike, glad he was sitting at the back and there was room for her. She couldn't believe she was late to Church; well actually, she could, but she had been determined to change her ways in Hope Valley, showing Riley she was a different person and could be relied on. She had overslept this morning and blamed it on her travels and a sleepless night, worrying about what Riley would do when he found out she had run away from home. On the trip to Hope Valley, she had thought of a hundred scenarios about how everything would turn out and how Riley and her parents may respond. Now it was time to face Riley, to admit what she had done; she was nervous about his reaction and what he might do.
Sarah smiled at Mike and was glad when he returned her smile wholeheartedly. There was something about him that made Sarah feel she could trust him, rely on him. Sarah tried to focus on Joseph Canfield's words, but her mind kept wandering. Sighing, she tried to focus but could sense Mike wasn't paying attention either. She looked in the direction he was looking and saw him frowning as he stared at Sam and Bill. Sarah wondered what was so fascinating, or from the look on his face, perplexing about the two of them. They seemed like any other normal couple to her; and no one else was paying attention to them.
After thanking Joseph, Quinn and Nathan headed down the stairs of the Church, leaving room for others to speak to the Pastor. Quinn looked around at the people gathering to chat before leaving and noticed Bill and Sam standing together. Nudging Nathan to show him what she saw, she saw a smile light up his face, pleased for their friends.
"Did you know about that?" Rosemary asked her quietly as she slid over to stand beside Quinn. They hadn't had time to discuss it before now.
"I only noticed last night; I'm still not sure what that is," Quinn said. Quinn didn't say anymore, reluctant to talk about Sam and Bill, knowing how much her friends would hate it. She knew Rosemary wasn't gossiping for the sake of it; she was interested and happy for them. "Maybe we should pretend we don't know anything about it, Rosemary, until they decide to tell people. If they tell people."
"You're right, Quinn; we don't even know that something is going on, although how they think they are going to hide this from us, I don't know. Everyone is noticing." Rosemary frowned as she spoke, a small crease forming between her eyes.
Quinn looked around and realised Rosemary was right. Everyone was glancing at Sam and Bill and whispering. "Excuse me, Rosemary," Quinn said, "I need to speak to them," Quinn whispered something to Nathan where he stood talking to Lee and headed toward the couple.
"Good morning, you two," she called out brightly as she approached Bill and Sam, seeing them startle at her greeting. That was it, Quinn realised; that's what people were sensing; they were oblivious to their surroundings, to those around them, focused as they were on each other. It was this heightened awareness of each other that people had noticed.
Allie and Cody drove to Town from Church, although they could have walked, it was easier to have the car available to take Allie home later. They were leaving the next day on the early train and wanted one last gathering with friends.
"I can't believe they think no one knows about them," Cody commented to Allie. "Even Robert could see something was going on and he never notices things like that."
Allie smiled at Cody, thinking back to the crush she used to have on Robert, which seemed so inconsequential now; she was glad Robert was oblivious to things like that. "I hope what we think is true; they would make each other happy."
"Me too; I just hope the two of them agree. Bill can be pretty stubborn about some things."
Allie laughed; stubborn was precisely what her Uncle Bill could be about many things!
"Cody, if people talk about them, let's not join in. They want to keep it a secret if they haven't spoken about it."
"Of course, Allie. There is no way I would disrespect Sam or Bill that way."
Driving away from the Church, Bill asked Sam, "Did Quinn seem strange to you?"
"A little," she shrugged and said, "but she wasn't the only one; Rosemary was staring at us too, and so were Florence and Molly. I didn't tell anyone about today, did you?"
"Quinn spoke to me last night at the dance. She knew; she could see what I was thinking and feeling; I didn't need to say anything." Bill smiled at her before admitting, "Quinn pushed me to ask you out. I might not have been brave enough if it wasn't for her."
"If Quinn knows, then Nathan knows, but I trust them not to gossip. Bill, do you think Rosemary noticed too? And that's why she was staring at us?"
"Maybe," Bill acknowledged. "I trust Rosemary and Lee too." Bill's knuckles turned white on the steering wheel as he clenched his fist briefly. "You know what, even if they do know, there is nothing we can do about it, especially not right now."
"So, you suggest we put it out of our minds and enjoy our day?" Sam said, smiling.
"Exactly?" Bill replied, his foot pressing down a little heavier on the accelerator, driving them away from the people outside the Church.
Mike and Sarah chatted easily as they drove out of Town, following Nathan and Quinn towards their home. Mike intended to drive a little further past the Grant's home to a spot he knew, that was both private and picturesque. Mike pointed out various things of interest and the people involved, bringing the Town alive for her. As they passed first the Coulter home and then the Grant's, he talked about the two couples, especially Lee and Rosemary, to whom he was closest. He told Sarah his history of working for Lee before entering the oil business with Lucas and Fiona.
Sarah asked many questions as they drove around, wanting to soak up as much information as she could about the Town where her brother lived and where she would possibly begin her new life. The Town was quaint, and from what Mike said, was growing quickly. She looked forward to spending more time with the people he talked about, getting to know them. It was Isobel she wanted to spend the most time with. She had gotten to know her new sister-in-law through Riley's letters and phone calls, but it wasn't the same as spending time with her in person. Once the honeymoon was over, there would be time, but for now, she would enjoy the time she spent with Mike.
Sarah looked at Mike and then her surroundings as he slowed the car, pulling into a spot on the side of the road. On their left was a wide grassy field filled with large trees and lush green grass. When Mike turned off the vehicle, Sarah could hear running water and smiled; it was a beautiful day to spend outdoors.
"How did you ever find this place?" Sam asked as Bill stopped the vehicle atop a hill overlooking the Town.
"I used to spend a lot of time on my rounds, looking for spots like this with a vantage point to see the Town or places where criminals might hide out." Bill smiled self-consciously, "I like to be prepared for anything, I guess."
"Understandable, Bill; given what you do, I wouldn't expect anything less." Grinning, Sam said, "So do you think Nathan's found this spot?"
"As long as Hickam hasn't," Bill growled, his face stern.
Sam laughed at his words and scowl, Mike was still in Bill's bad books from yesterday, but she knew it wouldn't last long. As he opened the car door, she saw his smile had returned, and by the time he reached her and helped her from the car, Mike had been forgotten by the two of them.
The previous evening, after Bill had dropped her home and she settled Sarah into the spare bedroom, she had turned her bedroom lights off and lay in bed in the dark, staring at the ceiling. Her thoughts swirled as she fluctuated between excitement and fear about her date with Bill. What if their date was terrible? What if now they were finally going on a date, it was awkward or uncomfortable? What if they ran out of things to say to each other if they didn't only talk about work?
Sam had come close to cancelling their date. She had walked downstairs and stood at her desk, wondering what to write in the note to Bill when she changed her mind again. Now they were on their picnic; Sam was glad she hadn't cancelled. The jolt of electricity she felt when Bill held her hand to help her from the car showed that Chemistry was undoubtedly there, for her at least.
Bill spread the picnic blanket on the ground after clearing some small sticks and debris from where they would sit. He turned to invite Sam to sit down, but his voice caught in his throat as he glanced at her. Sam stood near the cliff's edge, looking over Hope Valley spread before her. He watched as she lifted a delicate hand to brush the dark curls away from where the breeze blew them across her face. She turned as though she sensed him looking at her, and when their eyes met, she smiled brightly. Bill stood and strolled toward her, maintaining eye contact until he stood beside her.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Sam said, her voice soft and appreciative as she looked at the Town, she now called home.
"Yes, it is," Bill responded, his gaze never leaving Sam's face, pleased when she turned toward him. Reaching out, he took the chance to brush her curls back behind her ear, her cheek soft beneath his rough fingers. He couldn't understand how it had taken him so long to 'see' Sam the way he did now, but he was glad he did.
"Come, sit with me," he asked, placing his hand on the small of her back to usher her to the blanket. Bill stood waiting, allowing Sam to get comfortable on one of the cushions he had brought for their comfort. He had felt a little foolish when he packed the car and carried the cushions out hidden by the blanket. Sam's smile of thanks made the effort worth it.
Once he sat beside Sam, they began talking about inconsequential things, the conversation flowing back and forth naturally. The tension he expected to feel as they navigated this new relationship wasn't there; their laughter bubbling up and overflowing as they enjoyed getting to know each other as more than colleagues. He learned more about Sam Madison, the person, as they picnicked than in all his time working with her. The more he knew about her, the more he respected and admired her. He opened up to her, unexpectedly sharing things he had never expected to, things he had never shared with anyone else.
"Thank you, Mike, but I couldn't eat another bite," Sarah said, hands on her stomach, filling her cheeks with air and puffing them out. "I would bust."
Mike grinned, putting down the container of dessert he was offering her. He didn't want to sound boastful, but their meal had been perfect. While Minnie had supplied their dessert, he had made the rest himself; the fried chicken, the green salad and the bread rolls had all been delicious. He was pleased someone else enjoyed his cooking; he didn't have many opportunities to cook for others.
"Riley mentioned the Cafe's food was good, but I don't think he did it justice." Sarah continued as she leaned back against the trunk of the tree. "That fried chicken is my new favourite food; I hope they serve it often."
Mike felt his cheeks heat before he admitted, "only the cake came from Abigail's. I made the rest." He watched as Sarah's eyes went wide in astonishment, and her face lit up with a bright smile.
"That's even better; you can teach me how to make it," Sarah suggested.
"So, you can keep eating it when you leave Hope Valley?" he teased, instantly sorry when her smile dimmed. "Did I say something wrong?"
"No, you didn't say anything wrong; I...it's just, I'm not sure where home is going to be for me." Sarah bit her lip, eyes growing wet from unshed tears. Sarah leaned forward, her face distressed, "Please don't say anything to Riley; he doesn't know I have left home; he thinks I am only here for the wedding."
"Won't your parents have told him? Surely they have noticed you don't live there anymore." He asked, his tone confused. He waited when she didn't reply immediately, giving her the time to control her emotions. When Riley talked of his sister, he made it sound like she was thoroughly entrenched in spending time with her parents at society events. This statement from Sarah was the last thing Mike had expected to hear.
"No," she said, snorting. "I doubt my parents will notice until someone comments on my absence from the next party," Sarah said, eyes flashing with disdain.
Mike was shocked by her words and saddened by her pain. Riley didn't talk much about his parents, and in hindsight, Mike realised he hadn't seemed disappointed or surprised when they advised they couldn't make the wedding. Riley hadn't appeared to mind as long as his sister was there.
"I'm so sorry, Sarah. I didn't realise what you were going through; I would never have joked about you going home..." Mike stammered, reaching for her hand, his face a picture of genuine misery.
"It's fine, Mike; of course, you didn't mean it. Who would ever imagine parents who care nothing for their daughter besides ensuring she makes the most beneficial marriage for them? Sometimes I think it's a joke, and I am living in a Jane Austen novel where a woman's only value is the marriage she makes," she said, sniffing angrily.
Mike raised his eyebrows and said nothing; what could he say?
"I listened to Riley describe the people of Hope Valley, and I was so jealous," she exclaimed. "The women here, their lives, their choices...it sounded wonderful to me, and I wanted to live somewhere like that." She blew out a deep breath, "It seems so silly now, so dramatic, but I just couldn't take another day of Mother and Father and their scheming. It made me sick to my stomach. Riley and Isobel's wedding came at the perfect time to make my escape."
"Does Riley know how bad it was for you?" Mike asked, his voice gentle.
"Not really; he knows it was different for him; he was the favoured son. A Doctor. He brought prestige through his profession and didn't need to do it through marriage."
"You don't need his permission to stay in Hope Valley. You can live wherever you want to."
"I have no means to support myself, no savings. I need to find somewhere to live and a job. Without those things, I do need Riley and Isobel."
Mike sat back, thinking about Sarah and her options. "tell me what you can do, what you like to do. There will be something for you here in Town. I know it."
Mike and Sarah talked about what she could do to remain in Hope Valley. Mike didn't question why he was working so hard to find something to keep her in Town, near him. Sarah touched something inside of him that no one ever had, something he thought no one ever would. He had spent years trying to find his someone, watching as one friend after another found love ...while he remained alone. It felt like it was finally his time, and he wouldn't hesitate and miss the chance if it were.