Chapter 36 Family Issues

The next morning Elizabeth goes over to Rosemary's to write. "Elizabeth will you be all right here?" Rosemary asks, "Of course I will" Elizabeth responds. Rosemary says "Before I go how is Nathan and how is the 'romance going"?". "Oh Rosemary he is fine, tired with this snowstorm. He wants to spend some time alone this week, we have been so busy with the kids and you and his family. He really is wonderful and so loving" Elizabeth says. "Can I ask how he is in the romance department" Rosemary probes. . Elizabeth blushes and says "No Rosemary, I think we are fine there"

Rosemary sees some hesitancy and pushes "But Elizabeth what is the matter. ?" "We had a little tiff the other day because he suggested calling and talking to my father. I kind of erupted and told him in no uncertain terms did he need to talk to my father I am a strong independent woman who can make up my mind and then I stormed out. He was stunned but let me cool down and then we talked. He wants to at least meet them by phone. As he says I know his family and he should at least be introduced to your family as they are important to me", Elisabeth responds. Have you told "hem about Nathan?" Rosemary asks. "Yes I did tell them we are in a relationship but I might not have told them how serious it is." Elizabeth admits. She continues "Rosemary, I love my family, but I know how they will treat him, another Mountie raising his sister's child, parents are divorced. They will be snobbish with him. Nathan suspects that, but still wants to reach out to them. I know if they find out his uncle is Nate Regan they will fall all over him and he doesn't want that. But if I don't tell my parents they will be embarrassed when they figure it out. I don't know what to do. Nathan really wants to talk to them." "Elizabeth I think you need to be honest with Nathan about this—he has been very open now about his family, his dad having been in prison. All the suffering his family had and his feelings about Regan Industries. I think he already knows the truth about your family . He will accept it and love you just as you accepted everything about him and love him" Rosemary counsels Elizabeth admits "He did mention that we will make our own decisions for our own path. I guess I am just embarrassed about my family". "Elizabeth stop worrying about it and just talk to him. Now get to work on your novel. I am off to the dress shop." Rosemary says.

In town much is back to normal. Nathan stopped at the infirmary to check on the patients he brought in and Julia was still helping. She says "Nathan I want to talk to you when things get settled here. We will set up an appointment". Nathan agrees.

He then stops in at the Café and checks with Bill. "I think we are all good now Nathan. I will be my judge's office if you need me." Bill explains "Great" Nathan says , but he really wants to talk to William.

"William could you stop over the jail when you are done, I want to ask you something." Nathan asks when he finds him. "I can come with you now Constable" he says. Internally he is thinking Nathan wants to talk about his mother. However when they get to the jail and William takes a seat Nathan has a hard time starting the conversation. After some false starts and William having no idea what Nathan wants, Nathan finally says. "I want to do something very special for Elizabeth on Saturday night and I can't do it by myself. I know I have always made fun of the "magic" you and Julia's team pull off on everything, but I am asking for help." With a small smile William says "I am sure we can take care of it". Nathan says "Whatever it costs take it out of my account, but I need your word that you won't say anything to my mother nor my aunt." "Constable I think you know by now that I can be the soul of discretion" says William Nathan paces the office and says "I can't believe I am asking this". "Are we looking for a little romance on Saturday, Constable" William inquires. Nathan shoots him a look and says "Yes, Please help." With that they throw out ideas and Nathan has some specifics he would like to happen. "Consider all taken care of, my assistant Joseph will be joining me here in Hope Valley as soon as the trains run again. I am sure we can deliver on this sir." William concludes. "William please just call me Nathan." Nathan asks.

Having made much progress on her novel Elizabeth walks into town to visit and pick things up at the mercantile. Elizabeth taps at the door at the jail and Nathan who is alone says "Hi come on in. How did the writing go today?" "I will tell you Constable I had a very productive day and I think I will be done by the first of the year." Elizabeth replies. Nathan stands and gives her a quick kiss. "Congratulations Elizabeth you must be thrilled" Nathan says. . Elizabeth then says "Nathan in all that has gone on I forgot to ask how things are with Lee and your new enterprise.?' "We shipped my designs off to the patent office so now we wait" Nathan explains.

Elizabeth says "I was going to check on Maura at the library, but boy are there a lot of people I don't know in town. Maybe the trains have started running again." . Nathan says "I will meet you at the library as my mother asked me to stop by, however, I better walk around town first and see about the new people." "Letting everyone know that red serge is in the community Constable," says Elizabeth sweetly. Nathan just gives her a look. Soon Nathan catches up with Elizabeth and Maura at the library. Nathan asks about Allie and his mother said she was out all day with her friends in the snow and has just come in to get warm and read. Nathan, "I will be having dinner tonight with Julia so you and Allie are on your own. I want to show you something do you have a little time. Elizabeth come with us" Maura asks.

She leads them to a small building just outside of town. William has joined them. Nathan asks "Mom what is this.?" "Nathan listen to me please. I want to buy it and make it my home. I love the community of Hope Valley and I have found some purpose here. I don 't want to live with your family, but I want to be able to offer help and support. This is the best of both worlds. I can still travel from here, I can spend time at the lake in the summer, but Hope Valley would be my base. I know I haven't followed you from posting to posting because of many different reasons, but now I want to settle. Cape Fullerton and all of Julia's dealings are not my life. This place is big enough if Julia want to stay with me, but it's time I put down my own roots. I know I you were always afraid of people finding about Nate, but Julia is working on things that will help. I can see Hope Valley is special and everyone cares so much about the rest of the people, I want to be part of this" Maura says "Mom, if this is what you want and you won't spoil Allie" Nathan says before he gets cut off. "Nathan I see what you are doing with Allie and I will always support her, but you are her parent and I respect that." Maura responds Elizabeth and William had discreetly withdrew early in the exchange so it was just Mother and Son. With a deep breath Nathan said, "What about Dad, you know we have been in contact with him. Allie writes him at least every month. What if he comes to visit?" "Nathan what you do with Archie is between you and Allie, he is your father and these are your decisions. Archie is part of my past and I will always cherish our beginning years and thank him as he gave me Colleen and you. A part of me will always love him for that. But we are different people now and I am sure we can co-exist in the same town peacefully. You do whatever you want with your father and you have my blessing with that." Maura replies. Nathan envelops her in a hug and says in a cracked voice, "I love you Mom, thanks."

Briskly Maura says "This house will need some work, but William has lined up some men to make it what I want." Nathan responds "I can help, Mom". "You are busy enough Nathan, but you can help if you have time. It's time I do what I want with my life and move forward on my terms so I am happy with this decision. I am also going to learn how to drive and buy a car. Nathan you can use it whenever you want because as a Mountie I understand why you can't get a car" Maura states. Nathan says "Maybe I am going to like this new setup". With that it was a done deal and Maura would just power forward to make it happen.

Elizabeth and Nathan walk home and talk about Maura moving to town. "Nathan I think it's wonderful how Maura wants to be a part of your life, but make her own way here. Allie will be thrilled to have her grandmother so close" Elizabeth states. . Nathan acknowledges that. Elizabeth asks if he can come over after Allie goes to bed as she would like to have some time. Nathan willingly agrees, but wonders what's up.