Chapter Eight

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The hours passed quickly as Bill rode back to Hope Valley. He contemplated what to say to Nathan, rehearsing it in his mind, as well as how to say it, and when and where to say it. He couldn't decide. Part of him wanted to blurt it out upon arrival and the other part wanted to patiently wait until he knew it was right. This was such important news. He knew he would not be able to keep it secret for long! So much had happened and he had departed with so many burdens, so many hard and unanswered questions, with so much anxiety for those he loved. Now though, Bill was elated!

The sun was low, but the days were lengthening so, although he was hungry, he decided to quickly ride by his land. As he approached, he saw two riders in the distance. As they grew closer he could see the taller one was Nathan, but he wasn't certain who the smaller person was. 'Hope against hope its Elizabeth,' he thought. 'I was right to turn down the other buyer and save this for Nathan. It will make a wonderful wedding gift….or, if I can't wait that long, just a gift!'

The riders got closer and Bill realized they were Nathan and Allie! When they were within hearing distance, he called out, "Nathan! Allie! Did you come to welcome me home?"

"Hello, Bill!" Nathan laughed. "It was a little hard to know when to plan the welcome home party for you since we didn't know when you'd be back!"

"Hi Judge Avery! We are out riding! Look at my new horse!" Allie excitedly proclaimed.

Bill was thrilled to see them both. "Right," he said to Nathan with a smirk. "I'm here now so let the celebrations begin!"

To Allie, he smiled and said, "You know, Allie, if it's alright with your uncle, I think you should start calling me Uncle Bill. After all, he's going to be your Dad, so you need someone to be your uncle, right?" He looked at Nathan who responded with a nod of approval.

"Really, can I, Uncle Nathan? I would love to still have an uncle when you're my Dad."

"Allie-girl, I think that is a wonderful idea. Welcome to the family, Bill!"

Bill had to wait to speak as he felt the emotion rise. He cleared his throat, and said, "Well, thank you, Son."

Allie suddenly said, "Wait. If he's your son, then that makes you my Grandpa, not an uncle! Right?"

The men laughed, but Bill said, "No, nooo, no! I am not ready to be a Grandpa!"

"But aren't you already sort of Jack's Grandpa Bill?"

Smiling at Nathan he responded to Allie, "Well, let's start with Uncle for now, okay? Now tell me all about this beautiful horse."

As Allie explained her gift, her horse's possible name, her riding lessons, and more, the three riders arrived at the stable.

While Nathan watched, Allie worked on storing the saddle, sponge bathing, brushing and watering her horse. He then lifted the horse's leg and showed Allie how to clear pebbles from Annie's hooves. "I will help you with this part for a while, Allie, until you are more familiar with her and she is with you, okay?"

Allie nodded, watching intently. She had seen this done hundreds of times, but never paid much attention until now. Annie was her own sweet horse. It mattered now!

"Remember your flowers Allie!" Nathan reminded her as she finished brushing Annie.

Walking over to Bill, Nathan just couldn't wait to ask quietly, "Bill, would you reconsider selling me that parcel of land? That is if the other buyer hasn't finalized the deal. I made arrangements with the bank so I am ready to sign if it's available?"

Billed grinned wider than wide, if that was even possible! "Nathan, the land is yours!"

"Really?" Nathan was so excited! "Yes? Thank you! Thank you so much!" He reached for Bill's hand and then drew him into a back-slapping hug, whispering, "Welcome to the family, Bill, and welcome home!"

"Wait till I tell Allie! Goodnight, Bill. See you tomorrow."

"Oh, you will see me that's for sure! Goodnight," Bill waved. "Goodnight, Allie."

"Goodnight, Uncle Bill!"

Heading home, Nathan put his arm around Allie's shoulders. "Allie," he began, "What would you think about moving to a new house, a house I would build for us? A big house?"

Looking up with tears in her eyes, she whispered, "Really? Could we do that?"

"Yes, Allie we can and we will! What did you think about the meadow we rode in today? And that view?"

Allie came to a full stop. She couldn't even speak, but the tears falling down her cheeks spoke for her. She managed a garbled, "Really?"

"Yes, Allie. That land will be our land. Uncle Bill is selling it to us! Isn't it beautiful? The creek for fishing. The forest for firewood. The sunrises and sunsets. We can build a small stable and a paddock so the horses can be safe but have some freedom outside, almost like a small ranch. Can you picture it, Allie-girl?"

By now, Allie's happiness was overwhelming and she just nodded as she sobbed. Nathan knelt and gathered her into his arms. "Those are happy tears, right?"

Allie nodded again, but was still speechless.

By now Nathan had tears running down his face as well. All he could do was hold her tight and pray a simple prayer of gratitude, "Thank you, Lord!"

Nathan was so excited he awakened before first light! With a barely-whispered prayer of thanksgiving and petition for Allie, his mother, Elizabeth, Jack, Bill and other town concerns, he quietly descended the stairs and turned on a light. Going to the trunk in the parlor he lifted the latch. Retrieving a cylindrical tube, he closed the trunk quietly and stood at the kitchen table. Rather than take the time to make coffee, he opened the tube, pulling out rolled papers and blueprints. Some were brittle, though still intact, but the newer blueprints were enticing! He spread them over the table, using jars of jam and canned vegetables to secure the rolling corners, before being seated.

The original plans had been drawn for his family's ranch, but the big house had never been built. He recalled many rainy afternoons when he had studied those old plans and day-dreamed. Today though, it would be the newer plans Nathan would be day-dreaming about! He was grateful he had taken the originals to Union City a few months ago, and along with some adjustments and additions he had sketched, an architect had drafted a new house that still retained the character of the one Nathan loved.

While visiting Bill's land a few months ago, Nathan had decided on the perfect orientation for the main house and a stable. This morning, Nathan was planning the first stage of the project and wanted to do a final check before he brought the plans to Lee to order lumber.

Nathan knew there would be questions about his resources to be able to afford this land and home, but he planned on honesty with as little detail as possible. Unfortunately he had been perfecting the art of truth-while-withholding-information a lot in recent years!

Making some notes to define the stages of developing the land, Nathan looked out the window, 'Lord, thank you for this provision of such beautiful land to make our home!' He could see it in his mind's eye. 'Our home will be larger than the row houses, with three bedrooms and an office-library combination that will also accommodate a guest or one of the children while a guest visits. It will be comfortable, cozy and practical, but large enough for a growing family. Fewer windows on the North side, but many windows and one large porch on the East, South and West sides,' he thought. Nathan was thrilled about the prospect of enjoying both the sunrises and sunsets from their own home. 'I must look for the plans I drew for that porch and free-standing swing!' Nathan's prayer became a plan for the day! First though, coffee, breakfast with Allie, rounds with Mark and then a meeting with Lee. Time for the day to begin!

Grateful that Jack was so much improved this morning, Elizabeth fed him the last of his porridge. He seemed anxious to get to his toys so that was another good sign of better health. She lifted him for a quick kiss, silently thanking God for Jack's recovery as she placed him on the blanket. Jack immediately went for the carved Mountie and horse, lifted the Mountie and said, "My Daddy."

"Yes, your Daddy used to look like that, Jack!" Elizabeth was thankful Jack was making the connection with his father in uniform. "He was so handsome, just like you!"

Deciding Jack was well enough to take a walk to town, she prepared a basket, adding a soft stuffed turtle for Jack and a list of items to pick up at the Mercantile. Donning sweaters against the morning coolness, Elizabeth and Jack walked to town. Excursions were always a challenge these days as there seemed to be many distractions for Jack along the way-bugs, stones, worms or a bird. He pointed to each, turned to his mother and named them.

Elizabeth laughed, "Jack, at this rate we may not be home in time for lunch!"

Taking Jack's hand as they approached the town streets, Elizabeth was ready to ascend the steps to the Mercantile, when Jack suddenly stopped. Pointing, he said, "That's Daddy!"

Shocked, Elizabeth looked in the direction he was pointing, only to see Nathan leaving Lee's office. She was stunned. Trying to recover, she said, "Jack, Daddy isn't here anymore."

"Yes. That's Daddy." Jack said emphatically as he pointed with one hand and began to pull away. Elizabeth scooped him into her arms.

Jack struggled, leaning towards Nathan, just as Nathan glanced in their direction and waved.

Elizabeth panicked. "Oh, no," she said.

Nathan began to walk towards them as Jack increased the volume, calling out, "Daddy! Hi, Daddy," as he stretched his arms further to Nathan.

Quickly assessing the situation, Nathan came to them saying, "Hello, Jack! I see you're feeling better? It's good to see you in town this morning."

He nodded at Elizabeth, "Good morning."

Then, questioning Jack he asked, "Would you like a hug?"

Nathan reached to lift Jack from Elizabeth's arms, gave him a hug and began to talk quietly with him, asking if he and his Mommy were shopping today and pointing out the wagons and horses walking by.

By this time, Elizabeth had grabbed the banister to steady herself. She felt as though her legs were jelly, her face went from ghostly to beet red, and she would stammer if she even tried to speak. Fighting unbidden tears, Elizabeth took a few deep breaths as she watched Nathan with her son.

"Well, good morning, Elizabeth. Jack. Nathan," Rosemary called joyfully as she bounced across the street. "Isn't this a glorious day? That sun will be warm before you know it though!" Turning to Jack, she touched his cheek. "Will you give your favorite Aunt Rosemary a hug today?"

Reaching to take Jack from Nathan's arms she continued, "I am so glad you are feeling better!"

Elizabeth was holding her breath and fear filled her eyes.

Nathan held her gaze, touched her arm lightly, and quietly said, "Breathe, Elizabeth. It's okay." He took a step back and nodded.

"Enjoy the sunshine!" Nathan said to them all as he turned and headed towards the Mountie office, praying as he went.

"Elizabeth? Elizabeth, are you alright?" Rosemary questioned her although she could see things were clearly not alright. "Elizabeth, tell me. What's wrong?"

Elizabeth could hardly speak but managed to whisper, "Can you take us home? In the car? I'm not feeling well."

"Elizabeth, you sit down. I'll be right back." Rosemary placed Jack on his mother's lap and ran to get the keys from Lee. In a few moments they were all in the car, heading home.

Returning to town, Rosemary entered Lee's office.

"So what was that all about?" Lee asked.

"Lee," Rosemary tried to answer, "I don't know. Elizabeth, Jack and Nathan were talking when I came up to say good morning. As I got closer I could see Elizabeth was distressed and gripping the banister. Nathan was holding Jack and quietly talking to him. When I took Jack to give him a hug, Nathan said something to Elizabeth about "it being okay' and then left us. Elizabeth could hardly speak, but asked me to drive them home."

Sighing, Rosemary continued, "She didn't say a word on the ride or when I walked them into the house. Something happened, but I don't know what. Maybe I should go ask Nathan? I don't know. I think I will go home at lunchtime, maybe I will pick up some food at the Café and check on her."