This chapter is a continuation of S12 E12, which left off with our favorite blended family heading to Cape Fullerton. As a shout out to the characters who contributed to Little Jack's access to insulin, I've named some of the medical team based on the actors' names.
For more background information about the journey of insulin, read the author notes at the end of the previous chapter, "New to Diabetes."
It's entirely too devastating to write Little Jack's story based on what really was happening in the 1920s with diabetes, and I don't think that is where the show is taking this story. So, though I usually strive for authenticity as much as possible, I will take the approach that the show is trending toward and give Little Jack the modern treatments that were more commonly seen in the 1980s and 1990s that substantially extended children's lives.
It was a whirlwind once this committed family of four reached the hospital. White coats. White walls. The startling creaks and jolting clangs of the metal carts wheeled in and out of the rooms along the long, stark hallway.
While Nathan and Elizabeth spoke with the team of doctors, all circled tightly near one wall of the corridor, Allie didn't even need to be asked. Instinctively, she filled in, snuggling beside Little Jack on a bench down the hall. Occasionally little giggles and gasps erupted from his weakened frame as she whispered "choose your own adventure" story lines from his favorite book, Treasure Island.
In living thirteen years as a Mountie's daughter, Allie saw what other seventeen-year-olds didn't see. She even understood life in a way many adults did not. With her unique foresight, she'd naturally stepped into the role of entertaining Jack during a critical moment when, as a little pitcher, his big ears needed to be appropriately guarded.
Because, close by, two parents, four ears, and two central processing units were attempting to decipher the doctors' serious messages.
The first to speak, the oldest of them all, exuded a quiet authority. "Insulin is challenging to dose," she began slowly, adjusting her glasses, "and with this new miracle medicine we're unfortunately still finding our way." There was a weight to her presence, the kind that comes from years of experience and hard-earned wisdom.
In contrast to the more senior member of the medical team, whose hair was tightly pinned in a flawless bun, another doctor, with loose curly hair and kind eyes, spoke next, her voice softer but equally confident. "Mrs. Thornton, Mr. Thornton," she said, making eye contact first with Elizabeth and then Nathan, "I know this was a long journey for you, but you made the right choice for your son."
Both Nathan and Elizabeth heard the same startling words loud and clear, and yet neither bothered to correct the doctor. They easily understood how with their patient here, Jack Thornton, the medical team saw them as the family they were.
Still, Nathan felt Elizabeth squeeze his hand. Despite the seriousness of the moment, a small smile flitted across her face as she stole a glance at her sweetheart, imagining that Nathan Grant had never once considered how Mr. Nathan Thornton might sound, though she'd run the name Mrs. Elizabeth Grant through her mind more times than she'd admit, and even further back in time than she'd own.
As the youngest team member finally jumped in to say his piece, these two parents were instantly flooded with new terms as if his words were spewing out of a fire hose. But, both snapped to attention, wanting to understand his message in full. The other doctors listened attentively, and it wasn't long before Jack's parents realized that, despite his age, this twenty-something-year-old was the one leading the conversation—one of the brightest minds driving this innovative treatment forward.
Elizabeth, intently watching his mouth move, heard a jumble of words:
"Glucosemonitoringisrevolutionizing diabetes treatment. The pharmacologicaction of insulin is to facilitatereuptakeofglucoseintothecellspromotingstorageandinhibitingglucoseproduction in the liver. We'll be testing your son's blood four timesadaybeforeeachmealandthenatnightbefore bed. Instead of onceadaydosingyoursonwillreceive four injections adayallwithdifferingdoses dependingonwhatthe blood glucosereadingis."
By the time he'd come up for air, Elizabeth's eyes were already glazed over, understanding only the words that felt immediately pertinent to her son: insulin, glucose, blood, and, after a quick calculation, she had eight needle sticks a day swirling through her mind. But, of greatest importance, she sensed the doctor's tone and immediately felt at peace, knowing with this man's expertise, Little Jack would be getting better treatment here as this team of doctors worked to regulate his condition.
Nathan, on the other hand, in listening to the barrage of words grabbed hold of quite a few:
Glucose monitoring is revolutionizing diabetes treatment.
Blah blah insulin, glucose into cells.
Blah blah blah. Testing blood four times a day before each meal and at night before bed.
Once to four a day, doses depending on glucose reading.
As the gears turned, Nathan quickly understood the connection of glucose to insulin and the treatment shift now in testing the blood to determine dosing rather than giving the exact same number of units with each injection. Still, missing the overall tone, he glanced at Elizabeth, and then scanned the doctors' faces, "So what does this all mean?"
The woman with the kind eyes stepped forward, placing a hand on Nathan's shoulder. "I'm Dr. Brooks, Mr. Thornton," she started, deciding first to make more formal introductions. "I'll be overseeing your son's care." She turned and nodded to Elizabeth, including her as well, before gesturing to the older woman. "And this is Dr. Wong. She's the chief medical officer here at the hospital."
Then, hiding a smile, she searched for how best to introduce the brightest medical mind she'd ever known, who was noticeably inexperienced and unfortunately still dreadfully impersonal. "And Dr. Banting is, well, as you can tell, incredibly passionate about what we've already seen insulin do for our patients."
Now, Dr. Brooks turned back to Nathan, letting the withheld smile spread across her face, one that quickly radiated compassion and reassurance to the bombarded parents."So, let me answer your question now—what 'this' all means. Diabetes is an overwhelming diagnosis. I'm sure you've already felt that."
She leaned in slightly, lowering her voice to hopefully keep the children from hearing her next words. "At this point, there is unfortunately no cure for diabetes, but insulin is showing great promise in better managing this condition we're still learning to understand."
"So you're hopeful," Elizabeth inserted, already having caught the tone within the circle of doctors.
"Cautiously so," Dr. Wong answered honestly, not wanting to offer a misleading dose of false hope to this sweet family. "As much as I want to assure you all will be well, this condition will be a path with many twists and turns, requiring patience, adjustments, and resilience along the way." She spoke primarily to Nathan, who was still wearing his Mountie uniform, recognizing that this father wouldn't want any sugar-coated malarkey. He'd want to know the truth, plain and simple, no softening or beating around the bush.
As a doctor who'd lived through several cycles of medical breakthroughs, Dr. Wong knew well the degree of uncertainty beyond the initial excitement of discovery. Though insulin was miraculously preventing immediate organ failure in children now diagnosed with diabetes, there unfortunately was little known about the long-term effects of this treatment or how dramatically it might extend a child's life expectancy. Even though this new medication could never be appreciated enough, with the constant needle sticks, from both the insulin injections and blood samples, few could truly grasp how daunting it was to become a human pin cushion—especially for a child.
At the mention of "twists and turns," ever their lot, Nathan slid a supportive arm around Elizabeth and pulled her close. He nodded his head, making eye contact with each doctor, silently expressing his gratitude for their answers. "Thank you for meeting with us," he said graciously. "We know it's been a late night for all of you." His voice caught, growing husky with emotion. "But we couldn't be more grateful."
For a moment, the doctors stood uniformly speechless, surprised by the unexpected tenderness in this imposing Mountie. Yet, it was clear—he wore his father's heart just as lovingly on the sleeve of his stiff red serge.
"Of course," Dr. Brooks replied easily with empathetic eyes, speaking collectively for their medical team. Sensing the debriefing had run its course, the oldest and youngest doctors both offered formal nods and then quietly excused themselves.
In an attempt to make these worried parents more comfortable, Dr. Brooks spoke to the strengths of her colleagues rather than apologizing for their noticeably cooler bedside manner. "You'll primarily be interacting with me, but you'll be happy to know I'll be collaborating with Dr. Wong and Dr. Banting, two of the finest minds in the country."
Nathan felt Elizabeth relax against him. "Thank you," she murmured as heartfelt tears filled her eyes. Glancing first at Nathan, she met his small, reassuring smile. Then, speaking for both of them, she said, "We're already feeling more at ease."
"Wonderful," replied Dr. Brooks. "That's why we're here. We'll take good care of your son and figure out what his best next steps will be."
As if on cue, a male nurse in a crisp white uniform rounded the corner, his infectious smile and twinkling eyes radiating an upbeat energy that instantly brightened the sterile lighting in the hallway. "Ah," he said cheerily, noting each person in the hallway, including Little Jack and Allie, "You must be the Thornton family."
Allie looked up, startled by his comment. She caught a glimpse of her dad, who merely offered a light shrug and tucked in a smile.
After Dr. Brooks introduced the family to Mr. Rosenbaum, the head nurse, they were all shuffled off to a room, and Jack was officially admitted as a patient. Allie collapsed onto the window seat, her head leaning against the wall as she fought to stay awake. Nathan held his little boy's hand while Mr. Rosenbaum administered a dose of insulin, his movements practiced and precise. Elizabeth rested her head on Nathan's shoulder, turned slightly to avoid seeing her son's bruised stomach or the wince of pain that inevitably came with every needle stick.
"I'll be by again in the morning," Mr. Rosenbaum announced, giving Jack an affectionate double tap to his shoulder. "But, I'm just down the hall if you need anything," he assured them all, making eye contact with each family member before receiving a grateful nod from Nathan, at which point he left the room with a friendly smile.
Having traveled through the night, this family of four suddenly felt the hours of missed sleep. Still, with the sheets cool to the touch, Little Jack eyed his new surroundings, feeling small and vulnerable in the oversized hospital bed. So, instead of his mama, he looked to the man who naturally felt like his protector. "Mountie Nathan? Will you sleep by me?"
Elizabeth's head whipped around, somehow only now realizing that Nathan's commitment, "Where you go, I go," was naturally settling them all into the same room for the few remaining hours of the night.
After a brief, unspoken conversation between Elizabeth and Nathan's blue eyes, Nathan gently placed a comforting hand on their son's small, bony shoulder. "I'd love to, Jack."
Normally, the exuberant little boy would've been bouncing excitedly in his bed. It was a sleepover, after all! But, in his current condition, he offered only a weak smile and scooted to the side, brushing up against the metallic safety rail.
"I'm cold," Little Jack mumbled.
Elizabeth picked up the blanket at the foot of the bed, Thinking only of comforting her son, she promised with a glint in her eye, "You won't be cold for long with Mountie Nathan beside you. He's like a heater."
Now, it was Nathan's head that whipped around, surprised at how openly his sweetheart spoke of his resting temperature—an inference that suggested familiar and close proximity. But, that was just it. Elizabeth hadn't meant to make any sort of statement other than to simply assure their tired son he'd soon be warm.
So, Hope Valley's school teacher blushed a knowing pink, catching Allie glancing first at her and then her dad. Nathan grinned unabashedly, a fairly open book, though Elizabeth, still understandably shy around Allie at any inferred intimacy with Nathan, tucked in her lips and busied herself gathering pillows and more blankets from the tall, narrow closet.
Moving on, Nathan made quick work of his Mountie boots, removed his cartridge belt and holster, unbuttoned his serge, lowered his suspenders, and settled in beside Jack, instantly filling the hospital bed with his fatherly warmth. A giddy little smile appeared on Jack's face as he turned away from the metal rail and snuggled against his Mountie Nathan.
Elizabeth wasn't sure how a heart could break and soar at the same time, but somehow, even in the midst of crisis, she felt more hope than despair. After making sure Allie was settled on the window seat with bedding, they exchanged hugs and goodnights before Elizabeth finally dimmed the lights.
Returning to the hospital bed, this worn mama kissed her son's cheek and then rested her head softly against his, savoring the feel of his rhythmic, peaceful breathing. "He's already asleep," she whispered to Nathan, her eyes filled with gratitude for her constable's comforting presence.
A tired smile slowly lifted the left side of Nathan's lips, visible even in the shadows. His heart stretched with an ever expanding love, anchored in the feeling that his being there mattered to them both. "It's been a long night for us all," he quietly answered back. "Can I get you anything?"
"No," Elizabeth replied quickly, not wanting him to stir with Little Jack already asleep. "You're perfect where you are," she added, shifting to the other side of the bed and resting a loving hand on Nathan's shoulder.
Even blanketed in fatigue, the tease in Nathan couldn't help taking the unintentional bait. "Is that so, Mrs. Thornton? Perfect, huh?" he murmured, his voice barely audible, hoping the conversation would remain between just the two of them, unsure if Allie was still awake or had drifted off.
Elizabeth shook her head in delighted exasperation at the way Nathan could bring a smile to her face, anytime, anywhere. But dosing out a victorious amount of sass, she leaned in right beside his ear and whispered, "That's right…Mr. Thornton."
Unable to stop herself, Elizabeth giggled, thoroughly pleased at his new family name. Nathan managed to quiet his low, rumbly laugh, but his eyes twinkled with full amusement in the darkened room.
"You know I can hear you, right?" Allie whispered, intrigued and loving their banter, but also not wanting to be a third wheel to anything that might grow more intimate.
Realizing they were caught, Nathan addressed his daughter, speaking quietly into the open space, finding it impossible to make out her face with the lights off. "Did you remember what the doctors called us, kiddo? Apparently we're convincing enough as a family that they thought we were the Thorntons."
"Yeah, I heard," Allie said, smiling in the dark.
"So, what do you think about being a Thornton?" Nathan whispered back playfully, though once the words left his lips, he realized he was only half teasing.
Allie yawned, drifting deeper into sleep as she mumbled words she might not have said if it weren't for the late hour. "I'll be whatever if it means finally living in the same house."
A hush instantly fell over any competing sounds in that small hospital room. Nathan certainly hadn't expected such a candid remark. Elizabeth glanced down at Allie, whose eyes were now closed and lips slightly parted. Their teen's words couldn't have been more tenderly poignant.
When Elizabeth's gaze once again met Nathan's, a new urgency and understanding was expressed between them. Still, where this journey as a family fit into this overwhelming diabetes diagnosis she couldn't quite fathom as her exhaustion began to overpower her.
"I guess it's just you and me, now," she whispered, leaning in to kiss her favorite constable.
"Mmmmm," Nathan murmured. "In a way, yes," he chuckled softly, torn by feeling the cute little lump beside him all the while sensing the tickle of Elizabeth's breath against his ear and the lingering tingle from her lips.
How he could feel such a range of emotions in a hospital room, he wasn't sure. But, clearly, Elizabeth was equally distracted as she lowered to give him a goodnight kiss laced with longing and promise. "I love you, Nathan. Thank you for being here."
"I'll always want to be where you are, 'Lizbeth." He reached out with the hand nearest her, and gently cradled her face. Repeating familiar words to them both, he insisted, "Where you go, I go," his voice low as the night hours continued to deepen.
"So you've said," Elizabeth said softly, feeling the enormity of his love as she leaned into his warm hand, oddly reluctant for this first night together to end, even in a hospital of all places. "But, the same goes for me, too," she promised, her words barely above a whisper to avoid waking the children. "I'm sorry I haven't shown that more. But, I want to be there for you, too," she continued, recalling the emotional burden she'd overheard him unloading onto Bill. "I don't want to miss out on what you need, Nathan. It seems we're always going to be fighting some fire in my life."
"I see it only as our life, sweetheart," Nathan assured her, wishing he could kiss her right now the way he longed to. "And you have nothing to be sorry about, my love. We'll figure this out together."
Elizabeth felt a sense of peace wash over her. "Thank you, Nathan." Sighing deeply, she squeezed his hand as a final goodnight and turned to get settled in her chair at the foot of the bed.
But, strategically, Nathan didn't release her hand. Instead, he pleaded with a gentle pull from his arm for her to come back. "Can I have one more kiss, Mrs. Thornton?" he asked, already missing the warmth of her love.
Elizabeth's heart fluttered, hearing such a request in the dark, momentarily able to forget they were in a hospital room. "Yes, you may Mr. Thornton," she teased, though hardly breathing. With Nathan's sleepy coziness now bordering on irresistible, she warned him before lowering, suddenly unable to filter her thoughts. "But, I'd better stop there, seeing as there's no room on that bed for all three of us."
At her own words, Elizabeth gasped, realizing how inappropriate it was for her to suggest lying beside Nathan, even if it was just to snuggle their son. She rolled her eyes into the darkness, ever frustrated by this confusing boundary between "family" and family. "I'm sorry, Nathan, I—" Shaking her head, she tried to clarify, "I only meant that—"
"No apology needed," Nathan interjected, understanding filling his heart. "We're tired. But, 'Lizbeth," he said, gently inviting her in closer, whispering so only she could hear. "I, for one, can't wait to hold you through the night."
Where she'd temporarily been flustered for one reason, Elizabeth now felt the same for another. She couldn't help smiling, though, and stood in awe, still holding Nathan's hand, at how she could feel such contrasting emotions on this memorable day.
Unable to formulate an answer through her fatigue, Elizabeth simply lifted his hand to hers and brushed several kisses across his fingers before resting it against her cheek. "I've been thinking the same," she admitted quietly, emboldened by his own confession.
Neither of them wanted to part, even by a dozen feet to sleep, but they both instinctively knew that the middle of the night was not the time to talk about life-changing matters of the heart. So, with one last indulgent, but brief kiss, Elizabeth whispered, "Goodnight, sweetheart."
"Goodnight, 'Lizbeth. I love you," he murmured, as he lovingly traced his thumb across her knuckles.
"I love you, too," she said with apparent emotion, giving one final squeeze to his hand.
This time, Nathan reluctantly allowed her hand to slip from his, though he loved the small warm reminder beside him of all the family love that was already filling his heart.
He listened attentively to all the subtle sounds as his sweetheart shuffled about, preparing for bed herself. Soon, the faint squeak of the chair reached his ears as Elizabeth settled in for the few remaining hours before daylight. Only when her breathing slowed, signaling she'd finally fallen asleep, did Nathan think about rest himself. He knew sleep would come eventually, but of all the days he'd lived, none had ever been as uniquely full of both joy and sorrow. His mind was still spinning, wondering what tomorrow would bring for their family.
Author Notes:
I did expect this wonderful couple to marry sooner than they seem projected to be on the show. So, for a Nathan and Elizabeth who continued with the fire of S11, check out my other stories on my author page, where these two begin to follow a different trajectory than the show based off "The 2nd UNchaperoned Date." Nathan planned a day of adventure that grew to be even more meaningful than either of them imagined (and there's still one more chapter yet to be released).
In context of this chapter and this story…
My favorite character might just be the head nurse, Dr. Rosenbaum. If Mike Hickam ever chooses a different career, I think he'd be a stellar pediatric nurse. Dr. Brooks felt fairly representative of the warmth and clear-headed thinking of Dr. Faith Carter. Dr. Wong, however, wasn't quite as loving and quick-to-smile as Mei, but she represented the wise, seasoned, calming influence that I think Mei has exuded on the show.
Dr. Banting is named for the researcher who discovered the use of insulin to treat diabetes. No, it doesn't make sense that he'd be in Cape Fullerton, of course, but extensive liberties have already been taken with the show's diabetes story since this condition technically wasn't "well managed" until the 1980s and beyond. Plus, Dr. Banting here isn't necessarily THE Dr. Banting, but represents the research/clinical mix of medicine.
My intention in bringing Dr. Banting in to form this trio of doctors was to show what loving parents with a particularly sick child often experience throughout their time in and out of a hospital setting—a team of doctors, where one is often wise and reserved, another is usually warm and thinking of the patient and family, and another is rattling off a mile a minute, excited about the field he's in and not really thinking of the emotional impact. There's great value in each of their roles and what they uniquely offer, even if they aren't all warm and fuzzy.
Remarkably, Dr. Frederick Banting was only 29 when he discovered insulin as a viable option to treat diabetes with his assistant Charles Best, who was only a 22-year-old medical student. For their work they received the Nobel Prize for Physiology in 1923.
As a last note, I also wanted to clarify that Nathan and Elizabeth's different capacities to take in the medical information was meant to highlight how we each uniquely process complex information, especially in emotionally charged experiences. In this case, Nathan and Elizabeth both have their strengths and end up only together capturing the bulk of what the doctors were trying to convey, illustrating how meaningful it truly was for Nathan to be there. Where Elizabeth would never miss the feel of what someone is saying, Nathan might for a moment—like he did in S7 in her row house when she said she was just following her instincts. Elizabeth, on the other hand, as a mom in distress, might miss a jumble of words, trying to seek out first only the information that immediately mattered in the context of her son's treatment.
Thanks for reading! I'm excited to write some filler scenes for this family we love. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and would love to hear your thoughts!