A/N: Apologies once more for the delay in updating this story. I am grateful for your patience and ongoing interest. Thank you all so much for reading my story. Jillian
Riley and Isobel returned from their honeymoon, cocooned in marital bliss. Sarah was pleased her brother was so happy and so distracted. After their initial catch-up at the railway station when the Honeymooners returned it had taken Riley two days to call into Sam's row house to see her, only to find out she didn't live there anymore. It took the same time for him to find out she was working for Judge Lachlan. Isobel had known after one day but had kept Sarah's confidence on the condition that if Riley didn't seek her out within a couple of days, Sarah would find him and tell him herself. He had sent her a note inviting her to dinner that evening. Sarah knew it wasn't really a request; he expected her to join him and Isobel, and she would.
Sarah appreciated her new sister-in-law's trust in her and would have kept her promise. She was glad she hadn't needed to. She was also happy that by the time Riley found her, she was deeply ensconced in her life in Hope Valley. Mike had been involved in everything good that happened to her. He had suggested her job with Judge Lachlan, who had been missing the help Allie Grant had given him. He had found out about the empty apartment above the Stagecoach stop. With the train station so close and so well patronised, the Stagecoach had stopped coming to Hope Valley as often, and they no longer needed a permanent worker stationed there. The Yost's had agreed to manage the few people who still wanted or needed to travel by Stagecoach, and the lodgings had been empty for several months.
Mike had arranged for people to clean the little flat, along with the pots and pans and furniture left behind. He reached out to friends and colleagues for spare linens and other items Sarah would need to turn the place into a home. Mike had done it all without Sarah knowing and, in a few days, was able to surprise her with the finished apartment.
It had been a whirlwind from the moment of her picnic with Mike; everything had happened so fast and fallen into place beautifully. She knew she would love working for the Judge and had huge shoes to fill; Allie Grant was very well respected by Judge Lachlan. After Judge Lachlan showed Sarah through Allie's filing system and how she managed the office, she was full of respect for the young woman; her work was meticulous and well-organised. All Sarah had to do was continue Allie's good work and not mess it up.
Sarah spent time getting to know the Townspeople of Hope Valley. Sam Madison invited her to lunch at the Café with her, Quinn Grant and her beautiful children. Sarah smiled remembering Quinn's feigned surprise when her husband just happened to turn up too. Mike invited her to the Saloon for dinner, and she had a fantastic evening with Judge Lachlan and his wife, Faith, who was the Doctor Riley had come to Town to replace. It was nice to have the opportunity to meet her new boss in a more relaxed setting; it made going to work with him less daunting.
And then there was Mike. Sarah spent considerable time with Mike in her first days in Hope Valley. Each morning she woke and lay in bed thinking of their plans, a smile on her face. Sarah knew she had become far too attached to Mike in the short time they had known each other, but she had never experienced anything like it. She had been shocked to hear others talk of Mike as shy or awkward; he was none of those things around her. He could talk her ear off, and there had never been a time when she felt uncomfortable around him. He made her feel special, and she couldn't remember the last time she had felt this happy or enthusiastic about what her life could be.
Sarah needed Riley to understand why she had left and why she wasn't going back home to live the life her parents wanted her to live. Sarah knew she had Mike's support and Isobel's, and while she didn't need Riley's permission, she did want him to be happy about her living in the same Town as him. With a job and now a place to live, surely, he wouldn't argue. Once all her things arrived, he would understand she was serious about leaving home and finding a new place to live. Her parents wouldn't miss her, not really, and if Riley supported her, they would allow her to stay in Hope Valley.
"How are you settling into your flat?" Rosemary asked Sarah as she passed her a cup of tea. Sarah took the cup carefully, before leaning back on Sam's couch where she sat beside Quinn Grant. Isobel and Rosemary sat in single armchairs across from them while Sam sat at the dining table, insisting it was easier for her to go back and forth to the kitchen from there.
"Or, more importantly, how are you settling in to work with Joshua?" Sam asked with a grin.
Sarah laughed with the other women before replying, "the flat is wonderful; thank you all for lending me so many beautiful things. It really feels like a home now." Shaking her head, Sarah continued, "working with Joshua is wonderful," glancing at Quinn, she smiled at her, "Allie set everything up so well. I just have to follow what she was doing."
Quinn smiled at Sarah, unable to stop the feelings of pride for Allie that welled inside her. Her daughter was an amazing young woman. Working with the Judge was what had convinced her she was making the right decision to study law.
"You're welcome, Sarah," Rosemary said, "Remember, if there is anything else you need, you only have to ask."
As Sam rose and went to the kitchen to refill the milk jug, Quinn looked over at Rosemary, who was waggling her eyebrows and grinning. Quinn's eyes widened, and she shook her head, not wanting Rosemary to say anything to their friend.
"Isobel?" Rosemary asked, raising her voice slightly, "Has Sam caught you up on all the other things you missed while you were away?"
From the kitchen area, the woman heard crockery clattering into the sink, but fortunately, not breaking. Quinn's hand flew to her mouth as she tried to stop the gasp from escaping. Rosemary didn't bother stifling her laughter.
"Is everything all right, Sam?" Isobel asked innocently, unsure of what was happening.
"I am fine, my hands were wet, and the jug slipped," Sam responded, her voice strained.
"Leave her alone," Quinn whispered, "I thought we agreed to let her bring it up when she was ready?"
"Well, she hasn't, and I can't wait any longer," Rosemary lowered her voice, replying indignantly.
"What am I missing," Isobel asked, her brow furrowed with confusion.
"Sam is dating someone, and she hasn't told anyone about it, neither has he."
"Behind Mr Avery's back?" Sarah asked, shocked that Sam would behave in such a way and that her friends thought it was something to tease her about.
"No?" Quinn cried.
"Oh my!" Rosemary exclaimed, her mouth dropping open in shock.
"Sam and Bill?" queried Isobel.
Sarah shook her head, overwhelmed by the women all speaking at once.
"I'm sorry, but what else could you mean? Sam and Bill are a couple, and if she is seeing someone in secret, it must be behind his back."
Quinn recovered first and said, "Sam and Bill aren't a couple. Well, they weren't a couple until recently, that is. What you are seeing is new."
"Oh, that makes much more sense," Sarah said with a grin.
"So, Sam and Bill are dating? In secret?" Isobel asked, trying to catch up on the conversation. "And they think no one knows, but everybody does?"
"Precisely," Rosemary confirmed, her smile bright.
"Is there anything else I've missed?" Isobel asked with a laugh.
Sarah felt her cheeks burn as Quinn and Rosemary both turned to her.
"I see," said Isobel, already having some idea about Sarah and Mike. While Mike was a friendly, helpful man, from what she had heard, he had gone above and beyond for Sarah.
"We are just friends," Sarah said plainly. "He has been very kind to me."
"And you only want to be friends?" Isobel asked. The moment she had seen Riley, she had been captivated, and she was pleased he had been too. Riley had been blatant about his intentions from their first date, and she had been secure in the direction they were heading.
Sarah's blush deepened, but Sam returned with more milk, distracting Isobel from her question before she could answer. Of course, Sarah wanted more than friendship with Mike, but he hadn't suggested anything like another date. All their interactions had been about settling her into Town before Riley came home. She had considered asking him to dinner, but she wasn't as good a cook as he was and didn't want to presume.
Riley waited until lunchtime to search out Mike Hickam. Riley had offered to go with Isobel to collect her things, from Sam's home but she had declined, knowing someone would drive her back after lunch. Riley had decided visiting Mike and finding out what had happened in the short time he had been away would be a welcome distraction from missing his wife.
Isobel had told Riley she had seen Sarah and that there were some things they needed to discuss but didn't elaborate, saying it wasn't her story to tell. Riley was keen to hear from his little sister about what had kept her in Hope Valley. Riley had fully expected his sister to still be there when he returned but not to have moved to Town.
Riley strode through the door into the Oil office without knocking, glad when he spotted Mike alone. Riley watched as Mike's eye's widened at the sight of him there before he sat up straight, bracing himself for their conversation.
"Afternoon, Mike." Riley called out, "Do you have a moment?"
"Sure, Riley," Mike said, standing and walking around his desk to offer his hand. "Can I offer you coffee?"
Riley declined the coffee but did take the seat Mike indicated, pleased when Mike chose to sit beside him rather than behind his desk.
"How was the honeymoon?" Mike asked, then looked horrified when he realised his question was inappropriate. "I'm sorry," he rushed to say, pleased when Riley only laughed.
"The break was great, thank you. Like any time away, it seemed to go quickly." Riley paused and said, "especially when you get home and so much has changed in the short time you were away." He waited, gauging Mike's reaction and was surprised to see his jaw tighten in response to Riley's words. Riley didn't consider Mike weak; passive might be a better way to describe his opinion of Mike. In the months Riley had known Mike, he had never seen him show a real passion for anything or anyone. Riley would have described Mike as pleasant and easy going but seeing the flash of annoyance in his eyes just then at Riley's thinly veiled reference to his sister, he was glad to be wrong.
"Are you sure it is me you should be talking to about this? Shouldn't you be asking Sarah?" Mike didn't bother pretending he didn't know what Riley was referring to. "I don't feel comfortable talking about her without her being here."
Riley narrowed his eyes as he thought about what Mike had just said. "So, you know why Sarah left home without telling my parents?" Riley had spoken to his parents this morning; they had called when they finally realised that Sarah's clothes and other personal items were gone. They had been shocked and pleaded ignorance as to the reasons why.
"We have talked, Riley, about a lot of things."
"Are you and my sister seeing each other?" Riley queried, confused. Isobel hadn't been sure and hadn't wanted to ask Faith.
"We have been seeing a lot of each other," Mike said haltingly. He had wanted to ask Sarah out but had been distracted by everything else he was doing. Now things had settled down; Mike didn't want to rush her into anything; he thought giving her some time and allowing her to meet other people would be fair. He wanted her to be sure about courting him, not agreeing because she hadn't had the chance to meet anyone else.
"But you aren't courting her?" Riley asked, curious. It was obvious Mike cared for his sister.
"Not yet," Mike said emphatically.
Riley grinned, pleased at Mike's enthusiasm. "My sister is a grown woman, Mike; she can do what she wants. I'm pleased she is staying in Hope Valley; my concern is about why."
"You should talk to Sarah; she will tell you."
Riley returned to the Infirmary, thinking about Mike and Sarah. He clearly had feelings for his sister, and Riley had to admit he could see them being good together. All he wanted was for his sister to be happy. He wondered whether Isobel would have any news to report after her lunch.
Sam and the other women helped Isobel load the last of her things into Sam's car. Rosemary had offered, but Sam said she needed to go to Town anyway, and it allowed Quinn and Rosemary could take the children home for a nap. Sam wanted to go to Town to see Bill; they needed to talk. It was clear people had noticed their relationship had changed. She and Bill knew Quinn and Nathan knew, but they hadn't said anything. Sam had suspected Rosemary knew, but her teasing comment today confirmed it.
Sam blew out a deep breath as she waited for Isobel to bring down the last box. Was she ready for everyone to know? Was Bill? It may no longer matter what they wanted. It appeared it was out of their hands.
After packing the car, Sam and Isobel drove to Town, parking the car outside the Infirmary; and they started unloading the boxes from the back seat. Riley came out to help, and they managed to unload and deliver them upstairs in no time.
"Sam," Riley called out as she prepared to leave. "We are having dinner with Sarah this evening. We will be at the Cafe. Will you join us?"
Sam smiled at the young couple, "I would love to. Is anyone else joining us?"
Isobel bit her lip to stop the smile and allowed Riley to respond.
"So far, just Sarah, but I am thinking of asking Mike too. Anyone else you want to invite?" Riley wondered why Sam blushed at his question, and Isobel squeezed his hand.
"I was just curious," Sam said lamely, knowing she didn't sound convincing. "I'll see you tonight," she muttered, quickly climbing in, and starting the car. As she drove away, she wondered if she should stop in and see Bill or go home. Home, she decided, she would call Bill and talk to him on the telephone where no one could hear them.
Bill gripped the telephone receiver in his fist as he listened to Sam explaining about her day, " are you okay?" he asked. He was concerned that Sam had called instead of coming to see him in person. Was she embarrassed about their relationship or having second thoughts? He had thought their relationship was progressing nicely, better than nice if he was honest. He couldn't remember the last time he had been this happy in a relationship. The two of them clicked.
"I'm fine; I just wanted you to know the cat is out of the bag." Sam swallowed, "how do you feel about it."
"Sam, I don't care who knows. I know this relationship is what I want, and I hope you feel the same."
Sam smiled and pressed her lips together to hold back her emotions. 'I feel the same way," she whispered.
"Have dinner with me tonight at the Cafe; let people see us together; there's no need to make a big announcement."
Sam filled Bill in on the invitation from Riley and Isobel, telling him Sarah and possibly Mike would be there too.
"Let's invite Nathan, Quinn, the Coulters and all the children." Bill chuckled, "The look on Rosemary's face will be worth anything Nathan might say."
"See you tonight," she said, joining in his laughter, agreeing. It would be nice to surprise Rosemary after her teasing comments earlier. Hanging up from Bill, Sam took a deep breath before reaching out to call Quinn.
There was a flurry of activity in several homes that afternoon. Quinn and Nathan rushed around, preparing the children for dinner at the Cafe. Quinn had guessed why Sam had asked them, and when she told Nathan her suspicions, he was very keen to go. Rosemary and Lee were pleased to eat at the Cafe; Rosemary couldn't wait to see Bill and ask him similar questions to those she had asked Sam. Lee had tried to talk her out of prying, but when she turned to him, her face shocked at the thought he let it go. Bill would forgive Rosie her teasing...eventually.
Mike was nervous as he stood outside the Cafe. Riley had called him and invited him to join them for dinner but didn't say if Sarah knew he was coming.
"Good evening, Mike," Sam said, quickly apologising when she realised, she had startled him.
Mike smiled at Sam, "sorry I was miles away," he said, blushing. Opening the door, he indicated Sam should precede him inside, "are you having dinner with Nathan and Quinn?" he asked, having noticed their car pull up. "Or the Coulters?" he added as they parked alongside the Grants.
Sam was saved from answering as Bill greeted them inside the Cafe doorway.
"Sam, you're right on time; follow me; our table is over here." Bill smiled broadly at Mike before taking Sam's hand and leading her to a corner table with flowers and candles.
Mike stood frozen as he watched them walk away; looking around, he realised he wasn't the only one staring. Everyone in the Cafe was watching them. As Mike stood in the doorway, he heard people walking up behind him and turned, seeing Nathan and Quinn. Mike opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again, unsure what he planned to say.
Nathan took in the sight of Bill and Sam and took pity on Mike as he stood, dumbfounded in the doorway. Nathan clapped him on the shoulder and propelled him forward.
"It's best not to wonder about these things," Nathan said with a smile. "Just enjoy it isn't you people are staring at...for now." Nathan laughed, looking over his shoulder watching Riley, Isobel, and Sarah walking toward the Café. "Excuse us, Mike," Nathan said squeezing past him as he hurried his family inside, he wanted to have a good seat so he could see Rosemary's face when she arrived and saw Bill and Sam