Chapter 39 Julia's Decision

Excitedly Nathan stops at Elizabeth's and swings her around and says "A family dinner at the Café tonight. I will pick you and Little Jack up". He then deeply kisses her and is grinning like a fool. "Nathan tell me what is going on?" She asks. He says "I can't it is Julia's story to tell—but to me it is some of the best news I have received. I will get you in an hour I have to tell Allie and my mother".

Nathan bursts into his house and yells "Allie" and she appears at the top of the steps. "DAD?" she questions, thinking she hardly sees him this happy. "We are having a family dinner at the Café in an hour" he tells her. Maura comes out and smiles at Nathan and says "A family dinner. That's right Julia has something she wants to share. Now everybody let's get ready and Elizabeth and Little Jack are coming too."

Nathan changes out of his uniform and he can't stop smiling. He sees his face in the mirror and he looks younger, not at weighted. He feels this is the last of his big burdens that have bothered him and now it has disappeared. He is excited for the family dinner, but he is more excited about his Saturday date with Elizabeth and the consequences of the date.

Nathan hurries everyone to the Café, but refuses to tell the news. Julia and Bill as is William are at the Café when they get there. Nathan has sent over the best bottle of champagne that the mercantile has, the best he could do on short notice. Julia sees everybody gathers and decides to make her announcement now, before they eat. She thanks everyone for coming.

She takes a deep breath and starts, "As you know Regan Industries is a multi-faceted company that requires much attention and has become a burden. After much thinking and soul searching I have decided to sell the company. We all know that while Nathan is the rightful heir to this company; he is very happy here in Hope Valley with Allie and the path he has chosen. It has been unfair of me to hope he would change his life path for Regan Industries. Nate would not have wanted that for him and I am sorry I didn't recognize that sooner. Anyway with William and Bill's help we will be using the proceeds of the sale of the company to establish the Regan Family Charitable Foundation. This will allow us to continue to honor Nates' work by supporting needs and causes that were important to him and the rest of the family. Nathan has agreed to act as one of the trustees of the Foundation and we hope to be able to run it from here in Hope Valley. Some of our first gifts will be to support improvements here in town from all the meetings that I have held with you. This will take a few months to settle everything. I am thrilled we now have a clear path forward as to how to proceed. More importantly I feel as if Nate is guiding me through this and would approve of this"

All the adults are a little teary eyed at all this. Nathan and Maura go to Julia and hug her. Nathan produces the champagne and the children have ginger ale and he offers a toast to Aunt Julia and the start of the Regan Family Foundation. "Aunt Julia and Uncle Nate you have been wonderful mentors and second parents to Colleen and me and have been helped Allie so much as well. I can never repay you for all you have given and I honor both you and Uncle Nate. It will surprise no one that I heartily endorse this new path as I had no desire to take over the company. Thank you for this gift Aunt Julia" With that he asks that everyone join him in toasting his Aunt Julia and Uncle Nate.

Julia's eyes are shining with tears with these heartfelt wishes. Allie goes along with all this, but asks Nathan "What does this mean Dad?" "Only good things for us Allie and an easier life and as you get older you will understand it more" Nathan tells her. Elizabeth stands at his side and says "Nathan I don't think I have ever seen you so relaxed". He states "In the past several months Elizabeth I have had so many good things happen to me. I became Allie's Dad, I know no longer have to worry about Regan Industries, and one of the best things is that you have come into my life. How does a man get so blessed?" She kisses him on the cheek and says "I think it's time you have these blessings. Nathan you have just given up a fortune that most men would die for." He simply says "Elizabeth my fortune is here with you and Allie and Little Jack. Besides my trust and Allie's is plenty generous. Let Nate's fortune go to places that need it" Maura comes up and hugs Nathan as well and says" I am so happy for you I knew you never wanted that burden."

Bill brings out the delicious meal and there is much conversation and enjoyment. As people begin to move around again Bill approaches Nathan and says "Nathan you are an enigma. You never pretended any of this and it is clear you want none of it". Nathan replies "Bill, I found a home in Hope Valley and I am a simple man with simple needs. I think this is best for all. Thanks for helping Julia with all this although I think there is still a lot to be done." "You are a fine man Nathan and I believe a great match for Elizabeth, I think she got lucky when she found you." Bill says. "Thanks Bill, that means a lot to me as I know what you thought of Jack." Nathan replies. Bill continues "She has a different life Nathan and you will play a starring role in it. Good luck!"

He claps him on the shoulder and walks off. Elizabeth notices Bill talking to Nathan and asks "What was that all about. He teasingly says he told me I was lucky I got you and I am". "No", she said "I know Bill; he told you what a good man you are and how lucky I am to have you". Nathan is stunned she knows Bill this well and can't even come up with something else. "You know he loved Jack, but I think he loves you just as much Nathan" Elizabeth says. That is high praise coming from Bill.