The wind howling outside the cabin walls told Nathan that the storm outside had picked up. The light snowfall as they had surrounded Dylan's cabin had been a blessing really. It meant that his back up could stay more out of sight and still be able to follow his brother-in-law's tracks as he tried to make his escape. Nathan had known Dylan would be asking for money again and had come prepared. This time though, he didn't have to go to Lucas to borrow the money. Lee had happily lent the money for the cause. With his backup safely tucked away nearby and knowing a fellow officer was watching his every move through binoculars, Nathan had felt much more confident approaching the cabin this time. Keeping Gabriel safe and getting Dylan out of the cabin had been his only objectives. Bringing Dylan to justice was the responsibility of his fellow Mounties.
Or mother nature, Nathan thought as the wind rattled the shutters of the cabin. If the snow and cold were to get to Dylan before those tailing him then he knew he wouldn't lose any sleep over that.
A low moan brought Nathan out of his thoughts and back to the situation at hand. Though Gabriel moved his head on the pillow, his friend's eyes didn't open. Nathan glanced over to Carson who was on the other side of the bed they had moved away from the wall. The doctor was deftly stitching up the knife wound that Dylan had inflicted, while Gabriel was tied to a chair, as insurance that Nathan wouldn't follow him. Little did his brother-in-law know that he'd had no intention of following him as fellow Mounties had been placed to do that discreetly.
"He may be waking up," Nathan said, the words flat and informative. He wasn't ready to actually let himself feel anything yet as there were still things that needed to be done.
"I am almost done. I would rather not risk putting him under longer," Carson replied. "Just maybe be ready to hold him down if need be."
Nathan nodded, doing as he was told. He breathed a sigh of relief when Carson finished up with the stitches before there were any further movement or sounds from Gabriel.
"It's not that deep," Carson commented as he cleaned the area one last time before wrapping it with bandages. "As long as he gives it time to heal properly, and there is no infection, it should heal with no lingering issues."
"Dylan's intent was to make sure I didn't follow him. He knew I wouldn't leave Gabriel if he was bleeding," Nathan said, struggling to tap down the guilt that wanted to bubble forth.
"This isn't your fault, Nathan," Gabriel said groggily before Carson could reply.
Both Nathan and Carson looked down at the other Mountie.
"Isn't it?" Nathan asked. "Dylan came after you because he knew it would get my attention."
"You are not responsible for his actions," Gabriel told him. "Besides, I am glad he came for me rather than Allie."
Though he was relieved that Dylan hadn't gone after his biological daughter, it didn't make him feel any better about the situation his friend had been put in. "I'd prefer that he hadn't gone after anyone close to me. He wasn't even supposed to be out yet but apparently, he took advantage of a prison break orchestrated by a gang to get their leader out. In the chaos that followed, they hadn't accounted for all the prisoners yet."
"Others were waiting for him somewhere, right?" Gabriel asked. Nathan could tell his friend was struggling to keep his eyes open.
"There were. I haven't heard anything on that pursuit though," Nathan replied. "Get some rest."
"Is that an order, Corporal?" Gabriel asked, a smirk on his face. Nathan had a feeling that if he was feeling a little less groggy, his friend would have given him one of his sloppy salutes that he had been doing ever since the promotion came through.
"If it needs to be," Nathan countered, though seeing his friend's sense of humor come through made him feel better.
"Not right now," Gabriel replied, his eyes closing. "Though if I miss the wedding Lillian might be mad," he managed to get out even as dreamland claimed him.
"Somehow, I think she will forgive you, my friend," Nathan said quietly though he was fairly sure that Gabriel was past hearing him already.
Nathan looked over to Carson, who was disinfecting his instruments to pack them away, about to say something. The opening of the cabin door, and a blast of icy air, precluded that. Nathan's hand instinctively went to the side arm he still wore but it was only Bill and another Mountie who came in through the door with the wind and snow.
"Please tell me you were able to treat Kinslow here, Carson," Bill said as he closed the door against the weather. The judge leaned a shoulder against the door even as they looked in the doctor's direction. "The storm has gotten bad. You can't see far in front of you. Staying put is the best choice for now."
"He's stable," Carson replied. "Resting for a bit before he travels is probably for the best."
Nathan had moved from his spot to assist the young, very cold-looking Mountie closer to the fireplace. He recognized the young man from among those whose were involved in the mission though he couldn't recall his name.
"Where is Reynolds?" Nathan asked, inquiring about the Mountie who had been waiting with Carson while Nathan had approached Dylan. Though they wanted the doctor nearby in case his services were needed, as they turned out to be, as he was a civilian, they wanted Carson to be safe. Reynolds had been tasked with doing just that.
Bill had unwrapped a scarf and was taking off his gloves. "We made a shelter for the horses. He was getting Reed's horse settled in with the others before he came in."
"I was sent back to give you an update on the pursuit, Corporal Grant," Reed said, pulling the blanket that had been draped over his shoulders closer around himself. "We waited for the suspect to be about a couple of miles away from this cabin before we closed in as had been discussed ahead of time. When we did, the suspect fled after firing a couple of shots back at us. He dropped the bag he was carrying in the confusion. It was recovered, the money you gave him in it, and is in my saddle bag."
"I am glad Lee will get his money back," Nathan said. "He already told me he wasn't letting me pay it back."
Reed nodded before continuing. "The suspects path took him to what seemed to be a solidly frozen river. However, when the suspect was near the middle, the ice he was standing on gave way. He had lost his hold on the gun when he fell into the water, so an attempt was made to reach the suspect, but he went under before we could get a solid hold on him. The others were going to try following him, to retrieve the body if nothing else, but at that point I was ordered to come back and hopefully be back before you left this cabin to give an update. Giving how quickly the storm worsened on my way here, I hope the others sought shelter."
So, mother nature did deal out her justice, Nathan thought as he heard the report. If Dylan didn't drown under the ice, chances were he would soon succumb to the elements after a dip in the frigid waters. Glancing back at Gabriel, Nathan couldn't say he was sorry about that. He was sure his brother-in-law was one of those men who would never change. For all of his problems, Archie Grant had at least kept in touch with his family. Dylan Parks had left a four-year-old, motherless daughter behind. Never once had he tried to claim custody of her unless it was to try to leverage something for himself.
"I'm sure they did. They wouldn't take chances with what was probably a recovery mission at that point," Nathan assured the young man. His thoughts went to the scout that he'd sent to the nearest town with a telegraph system to send a message to Lillian that Gabriel was safe. He hoped the scout wouldn't be caught out in the elements alone but for now, even that was out of his hands. "Looks like the six of us are going to riding the storm out here tonight," Nathan commented to everyone present and awake.
"I'll see what I can get together for a meal with our supplies and what is here," Bill commented from where he was warming his hands from the heat of the kitchen stove. "I would really like some coffee," the judge muttered, bringing a smile to Nathan's face. It was nice to be in a place safe enough to worry about something as commonplace as if there was coffee. Then hopefully tomorrow they would all be able to head home.
Lillian stood on the front porch as Elizabeth hugged Rosemary good-bye. She and Abigail had already said farewell to the couple, who were going to spend the night at the hotel. Beyond the illuminated porch, a light, but steady snow fell, adding to the frosty glaze already on the ground. The redhead found herself watching the flakes fall and wondering where Gabriel, Nathan and the other Mounties were. The reports about the storm that Joe had relayed forecasted the storm being worse further north where they were. It seemed as though Brookfield was just catching the southern edge of it.
A hand went around her waist and Lillian looked down to find Allie at her side. The girl looked up at her. "Don't worry. Dad knows when to seek shelter from the weather. They may be delayed getting back to us because of the storm, but they are somewhere safe."
Lillian felt bolstered by the girl's confident words. Reaching out, she wrapped her arm around Allie's shoulders and pulled her close. "I am sure you are right," she said, though some of the worry was still there. If she knew Nathan and the others had gotten to Gabriel before the storm hit their area it would be different. She knew the Mounties would look after each other. Would Dylan even care about Gabriel's condition?
As Elizabeth took a step back from Rosemary, the bells of a sleigh could be heard getting closer. Lillian looked in that direction though the noise didn't surprise her. After all, they were expecting Sam to come pick up the Coulters and take them to the Royal Brookfield.
"That sounds like our ride," Rosemary commented, turning from Elizabeth to face Lillian. "We'll be out right after breakfast tomorrow to continue with preparations and help out wherever you need us."
"I appreciate it, Rosemary," Lillian told her friend.
Soon Sam was bringing the sleigh to a stop in front of the orphanage's front porch. As soon as the horses had stopped, the handyman secured the reigns and disembarked from the sleigh.
"You received a telegram, Lillian," Sam said as he hurried up the stairs.
"Be careful," Lillian admonished, worried he might slip in the snow.
Sam simply smiled at the warning he knew the redhead was used to giving her charges. "Ruth said it was good news," he added, seeing the worry on her face as he came up onto the porch.
Lillian took the envelope with the message from him. Her hands trembled but she couldn't bring herself to open it - not even with Sam's assurances that it contained good news. She looked to Lee and thrust the missive toward him. "Please read it," she requested.
"Certainly," Lee said, taking the envelope.
As the lumber mill owner took out the message, Elizabeth snaked a hand around Lillian's waist and stood close. Lillian was thankful for her friend's show of support.
"Rescue Successful. Only minor injuries. Will return soon though weather may delay," Lee read out loud.
There was a soft sigh around him as all four women let out the breath they had been holding. Lillian rested her head against Elizabeth's shoulder, her eyes closed as a brief prayer of thanksgiving quietly crossed her lips.
Looking up from the paper he held, Lee continued. "I think that means that all of us need to get a good night's rest so that we are ready for a wedding when they get back," he said cheerfully, holding the paper out to Lillian. The orphanage proprietress lifted her head as she reached for the paper, though she did not step away from Elizabeth's comforting presence.
"Yes, I definitely need to have that dress ready quickly," Rosemary commented. "You, my dear, are getting married the day after tomorrow. I have confidence Nathan will have them both back here for the twenty-third."
"I could wait a week now that I know Gabriel is going to be all right," Lillian told him.
"I know exactly what you mean, but I doubt it will be that long. Both Nathan and Gabriel are going to want to get home to us as much as we want them home," Elizabeth said, the words a reassurance to herself as much as to the soon-to-be fellow Mountie wife beside her.
"I have a feeling I will be able to actually get some decent sleep tonight," Lillian said. She looked to Sam. "Thank you for bringing the message out to me."
Sam shrugged. "It was no problem. I would have brought it out even if I hadn't promised to pick up the Coulters." His gaze changed to Rosemary and Lee. "Are you both ready to head to the hotel?"
"We are," Lee replied for both him and his wife.
Rosemary took the arm Lee offered and the group headed for the sleigh. Lillian, Elizabeth, and Abigail stood on the porch watching the sleigh as it took their friends toward the hotel in town. As the darkness finally obscured the conveyance from view, Lillian felt a sudden wave of exhaustion hit. Moving away from Elizabeth, she sat down in the nearby chair, its position near the house having protected it from the blowing snow.
"Are you okay?" Elizabeth asked, having turned to watch Lillian's movements. Abigail's eyes were also on the redhead.
"Yes," Lillian replied. "I think everything just caught up to me."
"Understandable," Abigail replied. "Why don't you head up to bed. I'll help Eleanor with whatever needs to be finished tonight and make sure the older kids get to bed."
"Are you sure?" Lillian asked.
"Positive. Go ahead."
"Thank you," Lillian told her. "Thank you both," she added getting to her feet.
"This is what friends are for," Elizabeth assured her. "Besides, seeing as Nathan considered Gabriel the brother he never had, we will soon be sisters-in-laws."
Lillian smiled. "I like the sound of that," she replied.
As Abigail opened the front door, Elizabeth spoke to the older woman. "Will you and Eleanor be alright if I accompany Lillian upstairs?" she inquired.
Lillian opened her mouth to protest, but Abigail spoke first. "I think that is a good idea. Eleanor and I will be fine."
Seeing she was outnumbered, Lillian let the protest go unuttered as she walked inside her home. As she headed upstairs, Elizabeth close behind her, she recalled the brief time she had with Grace in this home and how the two of them often would have heart-to-heart conversations after the kids were in bed. Though she wouldn't have asked, Lillian was grateful that Elizabeth had come upstairs with her.
Reaching her bedroom, Lillian headed for the rocking chair in the corner and sunk into it. This had been her adoptive mother's chair, and though she had been too old at the time, she remembered sitting and rocking with her mother on many occasions as her mother's health was failing. As she sat down in it now, she got a brief flash of a future with her sitting with her son or daughter.
Would having a child of her own affect her ability to make the orphans in her care feel loved? Was it fair to Gabriel to have to take on the responsibility of not only her and their children, but the orphans as well?
"Are you alright, Lillian?" Elizabeth asked, taking a seat on the edge of the bed so she could face the other woman.
"I am not sure I have ever felt so relieved in my life. It was like I had prepared myself for the worst possible news and when I heard Gabriel was okay, my strength seemed to leave me like water down a drain."
Elizabeth nodded. "I know what you mean. I have felt that way myself," she admitted. "I wish I could say it goes away, but I still seem to mentally prepare myself for the worst when Nathan is away and am relieved every time I see him ride into view."
"I suppose it is the price we pay for loving someone," Lillian commented practically. She looked around her as if she could see the house beyond the room.
"What else is on your mind?" Elizabeth asked.
"I've wondered more than once if it is fair to ask Gabriel to take on the responsibility of this orphanage."
Elizabeth chuckled. "Now that is a switch. I think most Mounties question whether asking a wife to accept the dangers of their job is fair. I know Jack did. When we first met he told me he wasn't interested in marriage because if, and I quote, 'the Mounties wanted us to have wives, they would have issued us one'. I think that if I didn't have to work through that mentality that it wouldn't have taken us so long to admit our feelings for one another."
Lillian smiled. "We weren't even officially courting when Sinclair was here, but Gabriel still took the implied threat that the man made against me seriously. I was upset that he didn't tell me what was going on, but it also scared me. If it happened once, what would stop other criminals from using me as leverage against Gabriel. Or even the children. My reaction didn't put Gabriel off though. He simply continued to show me friendship and support for keeping this place running. He always had time for the children."
"That's love," Elizabeth replied. "Nathan did the same thing. He never tried to pressure me about my feelings toward him. He was simply there and patiently waited for me to sort through things. We can look at these instances as delaying things but I think in actuality, it simply strengthens the emotions that we feel."
Lillian nodded, letting the words sink in. After a few moments she looked over at Elizabeth. "I am so glad you are here. With Grace over in England, I really need a sister right now."
Elizabeth smiled, the facial gesture saying more than words could at that time.
Nathan woke feeling like something was off. Listening, he didn't hear anything that might have woken him up. Sitting up, he looked around the dark cabin counting profiles around him. Bill, Carson, and Reed were sleeping on bedrolls nearby. Reynolds had laid his bedroll out by the stove, which put him closer to the door than the rest of him. His rifle was propped up against the wall nearby.
Next, Nathan's eyes went to the bed. Expecting a lump to show the profile of his sleeping friend, the thrown back covers and empty bed alarmed him. His eyes darted first to the floor beside the bed and then around the cabin. He found the outline that had to have been Gabriel seated in a chair by the cabin's lone window. From the look of the silhouette, his friend was leaning close to the window trying to peer outside.
Nathan got to his feet quietly so as not to disturb those still asleep. Despite that attempt, Gabriel was still aware of the movement, his head turning from the window and in Nathan's direction. Taking one of his blankets with him, Nathan draped it over his Henley-covered shoulders as he walked toward his friend.
"Thanks for coming for me," Gabriel said quietly as Nathan approached.
"Saving each other's lives is our thing, remember," Nathan commented flippantly. The inside joke caused Gabriel to chuckle. "How are you feeling?"
Gabriel glanced down at his bandaged left arm, the white cloth now covered by the flannel button-down shirt Carson had brought with him. The blood-soaked Henley with the knife slice had been removed and burned. Dylan had removed the uniform jacket before tying Gabriel to the chair and the red Serge now hung on one of the bed posts.
"The arm is sore, but it's not as bad as getting shot," Gabriel said. He looked back up at his friend. "Did they catch Dylan?" he asked.
Gabriel had encouraged Nathan to go after his brother-in-law despite the knife wound. Nathan had declined, telling him that others would be watching for Dylan. Even if there hadn't been, there was no way he would have left Gabriel in the cabin with the way his arm had been bleeding.
"Not exactly," Nathan replied. "He fell through weak ice crossing a river. Presumably Dylan is dead but there's been no confirmation of that."
Gabriel shuddered. "Not exactly a nice way to go," he commented.
"It is his own choices that brought it upon him," Nathan replied, not about to waste any sympathy for the man who hadn't treated his sister well and then walked out on his daughter - even if Allie had been better off without her biological father in her life.
"From the look of the snow, we might get snowed in here," Gabriel commented.
Nathan reached out and rested a hand on Gabriel's shoulder. "You're snowed in with a doctor, three Mounties and a former Mountie. As soon as the storm passes, we'll figure out how to get us all home. By this time tomorrow, I intend for you to have joined me in the ranks of married men."
Gabriel smiled. "I sure hope so."
"In the meanwhile, we should both try to get some sleep," Nathan suggested.
Gabriel nodded and rose slowly to his feet. While his friend headed back for the bed, Nathan headed for his bedroll in front of the fire.