Chapter 30 Family

Nathan's family comes to town and while Julia takes rooms in the saloon his mother stays with Nathan and Allie. Allie is thrilled to have her grandmother staying with her. When asked by Elizabeth Nathan quietly says "It's an adjustment, but it's working out fine."

Elizabeth has them all over for dinner with Rosemary and Lee and they have a pleasant evening. As they would like to help Maura has offered to assist Elizabeth with cataloguing all the new books. Many days she can be found in the library doing some chores. Julia is discreetly trying to run the business from the saloon and she is soon joined by her trustworthy assistant William. Both Maura and Julia quickly become enamored of the town and the friendliness of the community. Both quietly watch the respect Nathan has from the community.

Julia has met Bill through Nathan and the Café and somehow they have established a friendship. Bill can often be found dropping by the saloon and having a quick visit with Julia. Many times Maura and Julia have dinner with Elizabeth, Nathan and the children. Often the Coulters, Bill and William are included as well. Rosemary has noticed that there seems to be a natural pairing between Maura and William and Bill and Julia. She tells Lee of this and he says "Rosie, let it alone" and she fluffs out pouting.

Later Rosemary has the same conversation with Elizabeth who says "I must pay closer attention". Elizabeth shares this with Nathan who is aghast, "My mother" he says. "Nathan there is nothing wrong with your mother having some companionship" Elizabeth says. Nathan rolls his eyes and says "My mother?" Elizabeth then follows up with a possible pairing of Bill and Julia. By this time Nathan's eyes are round as saucers and it is almost too much for Nathan to even contemplate—"Bill, Bill, Bill "he keeps muttering. Elizabeth turns away laughing.

Allie's adoption day arrives and she is thrilled. Maura, Julia and Elizabeth are invited to witness the ceremony. Judge Avery calls Nathan and Allie in front of him and tells his this is one of the happier days in his courtroom: he gets to make a family. Judge Avery asks "Nathan Grant is it your desire to adopt Allison Marie Grant as your daughter." Clearly Nathan says "Yet is it my greatest honor." The Judge follows "Allison Grant is it your desire to be adopted by Nathan Grant". Allie responds a firm "Yes." Bill instructs "Please each sign the document in front of me". Nathan goes first and then he motions for Allie and she signs her name. Judge Avery then gavels the order and says "Let the court show on this day Allison Marie Grant became the legal adopted daughter of Nathan Grant. Let me be the first to Congratulate you both." He then shakes both their hands. Allie turns to Nathan and throws herself in Nathan's arm and starts crying. By that time everyone in the room including Bill shed a few tears. Maura comes and joins Nathan and Allie and hugs them both. They are joined by Julia and Elizabeth who are in their own little circle.

After much hugging Bill ushers them to the Café where Rosemary has planned a small party to celebrate this day. Allie holds Nathan's hand as she enters and is thrilled there is a little party. Because Allie is happy, Nathan is happy for her. Maura and Julia have given her a pretty little necklace and Elizabeth has given her a beautiful leather journal with her adoption date stamped on it. Allie cries a little, but is so touched when she opens a gift from Nathan—it is a daughter charm. Carson has stopped in at Elizabeth's request to have picture of Nathan and Allie taken. Nathan then asks him Mom to join them for a picture as well. When they finally leave the café and step outside Allie and Nathan see a shooting star. "Dad" she says "I think that's my Mom and she is happy for us today". As Nathan holds Allie's hand he says "I believe so". The women in the group wipe their eyes after watching this and the men just bow their heads. Sometimes good things do turn out perfectly and the moment needs to be honored.