Chapter 50. Highs and Lows
After school on Thursday, Allie came to Julia's apartment to finish her painting. There were only a few small touches and some definitions to complete. Once they were done, Julia left it to dry, and walked Allie out.
Before parting, Allie gave Julia a big hug and said, "Thank you so much for helping me, Miss Matthews. I know my Dad is going to love the painting."
"It was my pleasure, Allie. I always enjoy spending time with you." Julia replied.
"Me, too, Miss Matthews. It was really fun to learn from you." Allie said, "And, after school's out, we should take a ride to my overlook."
"I would love that, Allie. Just let me know when and I'll be there." Julia told her.
Allie smiled, "I will, Miss Matthews." And she gave her another big hug. "Good-bye. Oh, and have fun with my Dad tonight."
Julia smiled. Nathan had stopped by the infirmary this morning and asked her to dinner.
"I will, Allie. Have fun with Grams." Julia replied, and Allie started out toward home. Julia kept an eye out until Allie made it safely to her front steps. Then she went back home to get ready and put things away before Nathan arrived on her doorstep.
At 6:30 p.m., there were three light taps on Julia's door. As soon as she heard them, she had butterflies. She took a deep breath to steady herself and opened the door.
Nathan was standing on her doorstep with a single red rose. He looked so handsome in his brown vest and slacks, with a blue shirt that made his eyes look crystal blue. It was one of her favorite ensembles, he had worn it for their surprise date, the one that got interrupted.
Her face lit up as their eyes met. And she said a simple "Hi."
"Good evening, Jules." He responded, unable to take his eyes off of her. She looked so beautiful in the same lavender dress she had worn the night Little Jack got hurt. Apparently she had managed to save it, and he was glad. Because the color was just beautiful with her sandy hair and soft waves. And, the fit of the dress was very nice on her, it accented her trim waist and neck.
"Please come in, Nathan." She offered, taking the beautiful rose he extended to her. "Thank you", she said as she went to the kitchen and put it in water. She happily placed it in the middle of her table.
Julia walked back over to Nathan who extended his elbow to her. "Shall we?" He asked.
She happily hooked her arm through his and out the door they went. They strolled along slowly, just enjoying being together as the day began to cool off. It had been hot again today.
When they arrived at the café, they took a table for two. No surprise date or special table, just a normal couple enjoying an everyday dinner. Julia liked that. She liked Nathan in her everyday, ordinary life. It felt familiar and comfortable, in a very good way.
The café was busy and on the way to their table, they stopped and said hello to Fiona and Mike, and Florence and Ned. Nathan held Julia's hand in the crook of his elbow, it was now perfectly normal for them to be seen together. In fact, most friends smiled happily when they saw Julia and Nathan together. They were a very handsome couple, and it was evident how happy they made each other.
When they finally sat down, Bill told them the specials and they ordered. While they waited for the food they discussed their day. Julia tried to remember everything she had wanted to tell him, throughout her day. And, Nathan did the same.
"The guys came and worked on the stairs today. They basically took them all down and started to completely rebuild them." Nathan shared with her. "It looked so funny once the stairs were gone. A door was just there, up high, on the back of the building. Like someone on the other side might open it and step off into a free-fall." He said, with a soft chuckle.
Julia smiled with him, imagining. "How long will it take to rebuild the stairs?" Julia asked.
"Well, the quote they prepared mentioned seven days of work. So, I'm assuming they will be done next Friday." He replied.
"When does the new Mountie arrive?" Julia asked.
"Next Saturday. The day before your birthday." Nathan replied. He wanted to change the subject and was working on doing so, when Bill arrived at just the right moment with their plates.
Nathan took her hand and said a blessing, and they started eating together.
"Jules, I wanted to ask you about something. I hope you don't mind talking about it. But, I have been trying to piece all the timeline together, for your parents. Can I ask, how old was your mother when she died?" He asked.
Julia was happy he was interested in her family. "She was almost 30. She was 21 when Jake was born. Debbie was born 4 years later, I came 3 years after that, and she died just before her 30th birthday." Julia stated, with a sweet smile.
"And how old was your father?" Nathan asked.
"Dad was 6 years older than my mother. So, he would have been 36 when she died." Julia stated.
"Six years difference, like us." He surmised.
"Yes, that's true." She said.
"And, he never thought of remarrying?" Nathan asked. Thirty-six seemed young to be widowed.
Julia shook her head no. "That's why I said that my mother was the love of his life. It's exactly what he always told me when I asked him the same thing. There were women interested in him, from time to time over the years. He was a handsome guy. And, very kind and sensitive." Julia paused. "But, every time I asked him about it or mentioned it, he would brush it off. He used to tell me the funniest thing."
Nathan stopped eating for a moment and asked, "What?" He was generally interested to know this funny thing that her dad use to tell her.
Julia giggled softly at the memory. "He used to say that my mom was his rib."
"His rib?" Nathan asked, puzzled.
"Yes. My Dad loved the Creation story. He read his Bible a lot, and used to teach us lots of Bible stories. But I think the Creation story was his very favorite." She paused and looked at Nathan amused, "Adam was made from dust. Dad used to say that God did that so man could always remember where he came from."
She took a drink from her water glass and then continued. "But, do you remember where Eve came from?"
"Sure, God put Adam to sleep and took out a rib from his side." Nathan recounted.
"Well, my Dad believed that the reason God made Eve from Adam, because she was made specifically for Adam. She fit perfectly with him because she was made from him. Specifically, from his very own rib. So, she was made to always be at his side." Julia shared.
Nathan thought he understood. "So, your Dad thought your mother was his perfect fit. The one made just for him?"
"Exactly. He called her his rib. It sounds silly, but between them it made sense. She thought it was a lovely way to look at things. Dad was romantic in his own way, and she just got him." Julia smiled, remembering the stories her Dad would tell her, about the two of them.
Nathan was doing the math, "They were only married for 13 years when she passed?"
"Not quite. I think she died shortly before their 13th anniversary." Julia stated.
"And how old was he when he passed?" Nathan asked.
"Fifty-six." Julia answered.
"That's young. So, he was a widower for twenty years?" Nathan was doing all the math.
Julia smiled, "Exactly. Jake and I could never convince him to take a chance on anyone else. He was happy with the years he had with my mother. He always said no one else could compare to his rib. And, it wouldn't be fair to any other woman, who could never live up to her." Julia said, with a soft giggle. "He could be really funny sometimes, and he had a sweet way of looking at things."
Nathan looked at her, loving this sweet story, and her father's perspective on love. "Your Dad seems like he was a wonderful guy."
Julia looked down at her plate for a minute. Suddenly, she felt very emotional and was trying to hold it together. "He really was." She said just above a whisper. Nathan reached across the table for her hand, and she took it. Though, she turned and looked at the wall and took a few deep breaths. She really didn't want to cry in the café.
Nathan saw, and decided to change the subject. "Allie's school program is on Saturday. She told me that she wanted you to come. Did she mention it?" Nathan asked.
Julia didn't know how to answer that question. She wasn't sure what Rebecca and Allie had told him as a cover story for their meetings to paint. And, didn't want to let on that she had seen Allie. But, there was no way she could lie to him. So she decided to play it safe and be vague. "Yes, I ran into her earlier today, and she mentioned it. I told her I would love to come."
"I'm glad, Julia. She will be happy to have you there. And, so will I." Nathan told her. She smiled and seemed happy that they were onto another topic of discussion.
"I can't believe her last day of school is tomorrow. Allie must be so excited about summer break." Julia said.
"Yes, we are all excited about it. More time for fun Dad-daughter stuff." Nathan said, and Julia agreed it would be fun for them to have more time together. "And, it starts tomorrow night. I'm bringing her here, on a date just the two of us, to celebrate her."
"Nathan, that's so wonderful." Julia said. "Dad-daughter time is so precious. I'm so glad you are taking the time, Nathan. It will mean so much to Allie." She paused and then asked, "Does she know or it's a surprise?"
"She knows. It's hard to pull of a surprise in Hope Valley, as far as restaurants go." He chuckled. "And, well since I'm not a big fan of the Saloon…"
"And, I can understand why. Who wants to eat fancy French food in a saloon, surrounded by smoking and drinking? When the guy next to you is gambling away the shirt off his back?" Julia agreed one hundred percent with Nathan. The saloon was not appealing, even with all the effort Lucas had made to make it more upscale. Even with a fancy French chef, it was not enticing.
"Allie would much rather go to the café, and I can't blame her." Nathan was proud of the way Allie made decisions, always level headed and with integrity.
"You probably didn't know this, but I once got to sit and dine in the kitchen of this café. Bill let me sit in the back and eat with him, and it was such a treat. I was a newbie in town, and you were on that tracking mission. I was unsure how to process your asking me to dinner and then leaving on a mission. I was stuck somewhere between excited and worried. And, Bill took me to the back, to his table, and sat down with me. He was such a sweet God-send that day." Julia shared, remembering Bill's discernment and sweet kindness that day. He had been a great encouragement to her.
Nathan had never heard that story before and he was so glad to hear it now. He hadn't realized she had been worried about him. And, Nathan really adored Bill, almost like a father. "Bill's a special guy." Nathan said, and as soon as he did, as if summoned, Bill appeared next to the table.
Julia giggled the way he showed up just as the words were out of Nathan's mouth. "Were your ears burning, Bill?"
"Why? What was he saying about me now?" Bill grumbled, with a side glance at Nathan.
"He just paid you a very high compliment." Julia stated, matter of fact.
"Now I know you're fibbing." Bill stated flatly.
"Not at all Bill. He said you were a special guy." Julia let that sink in. "And, I just happen to agree. You are one of a kind, Bill.
Bill didn't know how to respond to that, so he collected their empty plates. He came back a few minutes later with two plates of pie, an herbal tea and a coffee. He didn't even ask, Bill just knew what they would order. As he set them down Bill looked at both of them and simply said, "Yea...I guess I love you guys, too. Just don't make a big thing of it." And, then he was gone.
Nathan chuckled and said, "Well, I can honesty say, I didn't see that one coming."
Julia chuckled and said, "He's full of surprises. And, how did he know we wouldn't order something different today?"
"Would you have ordered something different?" Nathan asked her.
"Definitely not." She smiled.
"We are predictable you and me, it seems." Nathan chuckled, as he took a bite of his pie. Today it was blueberry.
"Or, Bill just knows we both love blueberry pie." She surmised.
"Or that." Nathan smiled back at her, his fork already in hand.
When they finished their pie and hot drinks, Nathan paid and they headed outside. The air had changed and was nice and cool now.
"Julia, will you take a walk with me? Just to the pond?" The light was already fading, so they stayed close by.
"Yes, I would love to." Julia answered. He took her hand in his, and intertwined their fingers. They walked to the church, and went around to the other side of the pond. The air was fresh and it felt so nice to take a little stroll together.
For a few months now, Julia had been wanting to ask Nathan about Colleen. But, she wasn't sure he would be ready to talk about it even now. They had come so far, but she wasn't sure he would be open about that particular subject. He looked down at her and could see something was on her mind.
"Something on your mind, Jules?" Nathan asked her, just as they were almost to their little dock.
She didn't want to push, so tried to phrase it the best she could. "Nathan, one day, when you are ready, I would love to hear more about Colleen. I know it's a sensitive subject, so I don't want to push, even in the least. But, I would love to hear more about her. When you are ready to tell me." Julia stated, they were standing on their little dock now.
Nathan looked down at the wooden slats of the dock, wanting to share everything with her. But, not sure he could open this wound yet. When he looked back up at her, she could see that his countenance had changed. He was now solemn and unsure, pensive and hesitant.
And, Julia recognized that look. She loved that she knew him so well, now. He wasn't ready and she could see. So she decided to change the subject.
Julia knew she probably sounded like she was rambling, but she just wanted to smooth it over, for him. "Or we could talk about your progress. Faith wants you to come in tomorrow for a check up. She wants to see where you are in the healing process. Perhaps you have only a short time more before you will be all cleared to return to normal activities, most of all…riding." Julia said. She hoped that prospect might perk him back up a little.
His eyes seemed dark as looked down at her and nodded. Not saying anything, understanding what she was doing, by changing the subject. She had tested the waters and seen that he wasn't able, not yet anyway. And, so she moved on. He pulled her into his arms then, not sure how to proceed. Just knowing that he needed her close. Her arms came strong around his back, and she held tight. He loved that feeling. Her face buried in his neck, her soft breath just where his buttons were open. Her heart just below his, beating in the same excited rhythm. He couldn't imagine anything better.
When it began to get dark, Nathan pulled back just enough to look down at her. "I'm sorry, Jules. I don't know if I can…" his voice was shaky and he swallowed hard.
"It's okay, my love. You have all the time in the world to tell me. I'm not going anywhere." Julia told him, reassuring him.
He nodded again, looking at her lips now. That made her heart race and she was sure he could feel it. He looked back up into her eyes, so very deeply in her eyes, with that intense gaze of his. The one that took her apart on the inside. And then, he leaned down and kissed her. As soon as their lips met, she felt the fire between them. It didn't build slowly anymore, but was just ablaze and intense as soon as their lips met. The passion between them seemed to be always growing and she was swept up easily in their powerful connection.
She clung to him and was quite certain he was doing the same. When he pulled back, she softly touched his cheek and whispered, "I love you." He smiled his crooked smile, very content to hear those simple words.
He came close and slowly kissed her forehead, her cheek, the tip of her nose, her other cheek, and her chin. And then he whispered back, "I love you, too." Before placing one more small peck right on her lips.
Nathan turned and led her back to her door. When they got there he gave her one more small kiss to say good-bye, and she watched him disappear around the corner, towards the row houses. She walked back into her apartment, hoping one day, he would be ready. But, knowing deep in her heart, that she would wait as long as it took. Because he was absolutely worth it.
On Friday morning, Julia was putting away a book in the infirmary and out of the corner of her eye, saw a flash of red enter the Mountie office. She couldn't contain her smile, it made her happy just knowing he was across the street. About ten minutes later, she stood to get another book, and saw him on the porch of his office. Nathan had his coffee in hand, and leaned on the column of the railing as he surveyed his little town. She couldn't take her eyes off of him. He was so handsome when he was just being natural, when he didn't know anyone was watching. His guard down, real and genuine, just being him.
But, something made Nathan look across the street. He saw Julia, through the window and gave her a little wave, which she returned.
Julia decided to walk out on the infirmary porch and say good morning. He kept his eyes on her as she moved, his intense gaze always made her feel shy. As if he could see right inside of her. She slowly opened the door and came outside. She stayed on her side of the street and said, "Good morning, Constable."
He nodded at her and said, "Good morning, Nurse. Busy this morning?"
"Not yet." She answered.
He looked into his coffee cup, held it up, and asked her, "Would you like some?"
Julia looked down both sides of the street, not many people were out yet. She looked back at the infirmary, it wasn't likely anyone would come in anytime soon. So she nodded yes, and headed across the street.
He led her inside, and poured her a cup of coffee. Though, when he turned around to hand it to her, he gave her a little kiss first.
She smiled up at him and teased, "Is that why you really invited me over here?"
Nathan gave her his crooked smile as he poured a splash of milk in her coffee. "Maybe."
That brought a soft giggle from Julia, as she sipped her coffee. He made good coffee. Nathan asked her, "Jules, will you sit on the porch with me?" She loved that idea and they walked outside and sat on the top step, drinking their coffee together.
"This is nice, Constable. A nice little vantage point you got here." Julia said, referring to the view he had of the town. But, Nathan was looking at her.
In fact, he didn't take his eye off of her as he replied, "Yes, nothing beats this view, first thing in the morning."
She realized he had been looking at her, and was flirting with her. So, she clarified, with a playful smile, "I meant the view of the town."
"Oh, I thought you were referring to me getting to see you first thing in the morning." He smiled, acting completely innocent of the flirting. "The view of the town is also nice."
"But, it is nice to drink a coffee with you first thing in the morning." She had to agree.
"Maybe we should make it a regular thing. You and me, on my porch." He said, thinking he was really onto something. "I'll make the coffee and you bring the sunshine."
Julia was sure she had heard that cheesy line before, but somehow when he said it, it struck a chord, she couldn't deny it. "Is that the first time you've used that line, Lawman?"
He chuckled, "Honestly, yes. I promise. Did it work?"
"Only because it was coming from you." She said, smiling unabashedly at him.
"Well, I would never have used it on anyone else." He chuckled again. "I think I once heard Pendergrass use it." She understood now. She could understand Pendergrass trying that one out.
"And, how did that go for young Pendergrass?" Julia asked, giggling and curious.
"Not so well, if I remember correctly." Nathan smiled at her, remembering Pendergrass' misfortune with the ladies.
"Well, since I have the habit of always saying yes to you, I won't break it now. Yes. I would love to meet you for coffee in the mornings." Julia told him.
"Then it's a date. A regular one." He said, and just like that, he was already looking forward to Monday morning. "Jules, all of a sudden, Monday morning looks a whole lot better." He smiled as he reached over and took her hand. He threaded his fingers together with hers and they sat there together, for a little while. When the cups were finished, they decided to return to work. He gave her a regretful good-bye and she headed back into the infirmary.
He knew he would have a hard time keeping his eyes off that window, for the rest of the day. It had been so nice seeing her, and starting his day with her by his side.
In the early afternoon, Nathan came in for his check up with Faith. Julia assisted, and took notes. When it came time for him to remove his shirt, he did so only on one side. Julia had forgotten how very nice he looked bare chested, his shoulders and back strong and muscular. Truth be told, she had not forgotten at all, she was quite sure those images were etched forever in her memory. But, she had done well to put those images out of her mind, or at least tucked away and hidden, for the time being.
Now that he was back sitting in front of her, shirt half hanging off, she took deep breaths and tried to avert her eyes. She was quite sure her face was as red as his serge. Julia hoped he hadn't noticed the color of her face or her sudden nervousness around him.
Faith completed her exam and when he finally put his short-sleeved Henley back on correctly, Julia could take a normal breath again.
Faith sat back on her little stool and gave him her summary, "Nathan, everything seems properly healed now. I'm very happy with your progress. I would like you to take one more week of desk duty, just to be sure. You can resume all your normal activities, including riding, next week, starting from Friday. That date is the 21st, one week from today. Is that acceptable?" Faith asked.
Nathan seemed very happy to hear that. "Yes, Dr. Carter. That is very good news, and completely acceptable. I will take it easy for one more week."
"Nathan, I won't make you come back next week. I know you know enough about first aid to keep tabs on yourself. But, if you have dizziness, lightheadedness, or any changes at all, please let me know, okay?" Faith told him.
"Yes. I will, Faith. Thank you." Nathan replied.
"Well, then you are free of us, Constable." Faith said, with a little grin.
He stood up, happy that he was almost completely back to normal. "Thank you, Faith, for everything." He said, and then looked at Julia. "Will you walk me out, Nurse Matthews?"
"Yes, of course, Nathan." And she followed him to the door of the infirmary, and out onto the porch.
He looked so serious about something, Julia was slightly alarmed. "Jules, mark your calendar. Your next riding lesson is Saturday the 22nd. In the morning. If you accept, of course." Nathan told her.
Julia smiled big, already exciting about riding with him, and even more so at the prospect of a day spent together. "Ok. I accept. I'll mark it down, Lawman." She replied.
He reached down and took her hand, and gently kissed it. The butterflies made their presence known. "Have a good day, Jules."
"Have fun tonight, with Allie, my love." She said, and when she did, he leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. Gently and tenderly, his lips met her soft skin, and he lingered there for just a second. Their faces close, he stood deciding if he could be so bold as to kiss her where he really wanted to kiss her. But, he kept his wits, knowing that they were on the street, and it was still a small town. He had to be careful of her reputation, and his, at least for Allie's sake. He finally stepped back and instead, kissed her hand one more time.
"See you tomorrow, Jules." He said, sad to let her go. He slowly let her hand drop and walked back across the street and into his office.
Nathan and Allie walked arm in arm to the café. She had such a skip in her step. School was out for the summer! Allie had so many wonderful plans, as well as some shifts to work on the telephone exchange a few days a week. Her Dad was teaching her about saving money and preparing for the future. So, she was a little worried he wasn't going to let her spend much of the money she was going to earn. But, she was sure glad she could work there again. She liked the exchange and talking to people on the phone. And, Florence and Ned always gave her candy at break times.
When Nathan and Allie entered the café, they got a table in the corner. Her Dad preferred the quiet corner, rather than the middle where everyone was passing and talking and interrupting them. When it came time to order, her Dad told her to get whatever she wanted. Tonight they were celebrating. So, Allie ordered one of Bill's special teas. He put sugar, fruit, and ice in them and they were so refreshing in the summer. Nathan took one too, and then he made a toast.
"To you, Allie girl. The best daughter a guy could have." He said, and they clinked their glasses together.
Allie responded. "To you, Dad. The best Dad a girl could have." And she clinked his glass again.
Nathan had made a special request tonight, for chicken pot pie, and Bill decided to just make it the special of the day. "In honor of you, Allie." Bill had told her.
Allie turned red and said, "I hope you didn't tell everyone that."
Bill said, "Of course not, Allie. It's just between you and me."
When he'd gone to prepare their dinner, Nathan smiled at Allie.
"Allie, I've been wanting to talk to you about something." Nathan looked at her. "Maybe we can get it out of the way and then we can talk about other things? And, we need to do our highs and lows."
"Sure, Dad. What is it?" Allie asked.
"Well, now that Julia and I are officially courting, what would you think about calling her Julia?" Nathan asked her.
"Are you serious? I don't have to be all formal anymore?" Allie asked.
"Well now, remember that the reason we use polite titles is to show respect to adults. So, you still have to show her respect. But, she would like you to be more familiar with her now. And, part of that is using her first name, calling her Julia." He looked at her, happy that she was so happy about it. "So, I take it you would like that?"
"Yes, Dad. I think it's much better. I already feel so close to her, it was getting awkward, having to use the Miss all the time." Allie stated. "It seems more fitting for our relationship now."
Allie looked at him puzzled for a moment though, as if she was trying to figure something out. "Dad, I have a question, though. If, and I'm not saying it will happen, so don't get all Dad-like on me. But, if you and Julia get married, what will she be to me?"
Nathan had to think for a minute. That was a very good question. "Allie, first of all, I'm not going to get all Dad-like on you. Julia and I are courting, and that means our intention is to move towards marriage. So it's okay to talk about it." Nathan realized as he said that, that he and Julia hadn't talked too much about courting or marriage between the two of them. Everything was new and they had just been enjoying being together. But, he would always talk about anything with Allie. Whatever she needed to talk about. "You and I can always talk about anything. Anything at all. So, I won't go "dad-like" on you. Ok?"
Allie giggled, thinking he was really taking this better than she had imagined. "Ok, Dad. I'm sorry. You are doing great. And, not dad-like at all." She smiled at him, loving that he was so easy to talk to. "But, seriously, what would she be to me? Because by blood you are my uncle, but, legally your my dad?" Allie questioned.
Nathan picked it up from there. "You are right, by blood, she would be your Aunt. But, since I'm your Dad by adoption, she would legally be your step-mom." But, he wanted to reassure her. "But, in practice, I'm sure she would want to be your mom."
Clara came by and dropped off their plates, it smelled so wonderful. Nathan said a little blessing, and they started to eat, though they kept conversing.
"Do you think Julia would ever want to adopt me, like if you guys did get married?" Allie asked.
Nathan thought about it. That would certainly make it all a lot simpler. "Well, would you like that, Allie?"
Allie's face said it all. Her face lit up and she had the biggest smile. "I would love it, Dad."Nathan nearly choked up seeing how happy Allie became at the thought. He just had no idea how to ever bring it up to Julia. Maybe they would just wait and cross that bridge when they moved forward to engagement.
"Well, we've only been courting less than a week, so maybe we'll have to broach that subject when we are closer to an engagement. Ok?" Nathan surmised.
"Well, how close are you to an engagement, Dad? You aren't going to wait too long are you?" Allie asked, excited but already sure they were meant to be.
"Well, like I said, Allie, we've been courting less than a week." Nathan reminded her.
"But, please don't wait too long, Dad. And don't have a long engagement. Please! Nobody likes a long engagement." Allie pleaded with him.
"Well, how long is a typical engagement, Allie?" Nathan asked her. He actually had no idea.
"Some people take six months to a year to get married! That's a long engagement. And, that's crazy- it's way too long!" Allie paused and then added, "And, Dad, you are no spring chicken. You can't take a year to court and another year to get married. That's too long!" Allie told him sternly.
"Well, what would you suggest, Allie?" Nathan asked out of curiosity. He generally wanted to see what crazy thing she would say.
"Well, I think you should ask her in a month or two, and then get married in the fall. When the leaves are turning. It would be beautiful." Allie told him. "Two to three months engagement is long enough, at your age, Dad."
"What do you mean, at my age?" Nathan said, wondering what that really changed.
"Well, I mean you are not 19 or 20 years old and need to complete your studies and decide what you want to do with your life. You are older. Mature." Allie explained.
He sat back in the chair for a minute looking at her. She suddenly seemed so grown up to him, sitting there giving him advice about when to get married. Nathan had let her talk, just because he wanted to see what crazy thing she would say. But, he had to agree with her. Allie had a valid point. Both he and Julia were not 20 years old. They were mature adults with life experience under their belts. And a long engagement was certainly not needed. He didn't know what Julia thought, but he would prefer a shorter one rather than longer.
And, he had already considered how long he should wait before asking her. He was already so sure about her, he didn't feel he needed a lot more time. But, he was not really up on what was customary. Maybe he should talk to Rosemary. She was certainly in the know on these subjects.
"Well, Allie. Thank you for your advice and expertise. I don't know quite what to say. You have actually given me really great advice." Nathan told her with a smile.
"Life is short, Dad. We never know how long we get. Just ask Elizabeth. She and her husband courted for four years but were only married for two weeks. I'm pretty sure she would do it differently if she had the chance to go back." Allie told him.
The more Allie talked the more wisdom came out of her mouth. He wasn't sure he wanted to stop her. He almost wanted to see what she would say next. He could only look at her admiringly, realizing how very grown up she had become and how very much he loved her. "You have become quite the wise young lady, Allison Maise Grant."
Allie smiled back at him, "Well, if that's true it's because I have the best Dad on earth."
"I don't know how much of that I can take credit for, Allie girl. But I'm so very proud of you. You are truly amazing and I love you very much." He told her, mussing her hair just a little bit.
"I love you, too, Dad." Allie said, with her crooked smile, anxiously fixing her hair back.
"Ok, Allie. Should we do our highs and lows now? Do you have yours ready?" Nathan asked her. Highs and lows was a sort of game they played, something they did at major junctures of life. Each one would share their highest and their lowest moment, from a defined span of time, depending on what they were celebrating or what juncture of life they were crossing. It was a way to look back and mark the last season, before moving forward into the coming one. And it was always fun to share these together, to remember and look back, and to see how far they'd come.
"Ok, then, Allie girl. Tell me the high and low of your school year." Nathan asked.
Allie looked at him and asked, "Does it have to be something that happened at school?" She asked him. "Or just something that happened in my life, during this school year?"
"Either way. You choose, Allie." He answered.
"Ok, then my high was definitely having Grams here. It's been so fun having her around and spending time with her." Allie said, "But, to be honest, it was really hard to pick just one."
"Well, what other highs would you mention as well?" Nathan asked.
"My second choice would have been Julia coming to town. I have really liked getting to know her and she's become a great friend. Not to mention how happy she makes you. That's been a highlight." Allie shared, "Also, hello! I got a horse! That is a pretty big highlight. And, there's my recurring article in the Valley Voice, that's a pretty good highlight, too."
"Those are some good highs from this year, Allie." Nathan told her.
"It's been a good year, Dad." She replied. She was right, it really had been a great year.
Clara came and cleared their plates. "Should I ask or just bring you two pies and a coffee?"
"No need to ask. Bring it on, Clara." Nathan replied, with a kind smile. When she turned and left, Nathan turned his attention back to Allie.
"And your low?" Nathan asked her.
"Definitely your getting hurt. It was really scary those two days you were unconscious with fever." Allie looked down at the table and then back up at him.
"I'm sorry I made you worry, Allie." Nathan said, looking sadly into her eyes.
"Well, you couldn't help it, Dad. It was just one of those times that now counts as a low." Allie said simply. "And, God has given us friends, and Julia, to help us through the lows. We're not alone anymore."
When she said that, Nathan looked at her with tears in his eyes. What she said was absolutely true, and his heart was full. He felt gratitude, love, and peace. He was so wonderfully at peace, the way you were when you knew everything was just as it should be.
Clara dropped off the pie and coffee for Nathan.
"And what about you, Dad? Should I even ask you what your high was? I think I know." Allie joked with him.
"Well, let me say my top three. Ok. Number one highlight is definitely Julia. But my very close second is definitely all the fishing trips and camping we did, just the two of us. And my third highlight, is Mom coming for a visit. I have to agree, it's been wonderful having her here." Nathan shared with Allie. "Though, I could also add one more on my list of highs: hearing you finally call me Dad. That's definitely another high for me."
"And your low, Dad?" Allie asked, making sure to say Dad.
"Well, I think I would have to agree with you, Allie. It was a definite low getting hurt. So that would be my low, too." Nathan surmised.
"Are there other highs worth mentioning, Allie?" Nathan asked her.
"Founder's Day was especially fun this year." Allie stated.
"Yes, I agree. It was indeed." Nathan said.
"And, there was my surprise birthday party. A great highlight! I forgot about that one!" Allie said.
"And, my promotion. Another high I forgot about." Nathan said.
"There are so many highs to be thankful for." Allie stated, with a happy smile.
"Yes, you are right. So many highs recently." Nathan said, finishing his coffee.
"Allie, I'm going to go pay, but keep thinking of more highs. We can keep going on the way home. I'll be right back, ok?" Nathan told her.
"Sure, Dad." Allie was really thinking now.
When Nathan arrived at the register, Bill and Clara were both behind the counter. Bill was slicing a pie and Clara took his money.
All of a sudden, one of the guys from the oil rig ran into the café. He came in raising a ruckus and yelled, "Where's the Constable? Judge Avery! Please come quick! There's been an accident at the bunkhouse out by the oil rig! Someone is trapped! I think it's that doctor!" Everyone in the café gasped. Nathan looked at Bill who handed Clara the plates he had been working on, and they both hurried over to the young man.
Nathan spoke up. "I'm the Constable."
"Calm down young man." Bill stated. "What accident?"
"The building collapsed! People were trapped inside, and apparently someone is still trapped! Can you come? We need all the muscle we can get to free that doctor!" The young man said.
Nathan looked back at Allie, and Clara called out, "Go, Nathan! I'll see that Allie gets home safe!"
Nathan waved at Allie as he ran out the door with Bill, on the heels of the young man.
When they came out the door of the café, Nathan quickly noticed Lee loading able-bodied men into his car.
Driving up in front of he and Bill, skidding in the gravel, was Fiona in Lucas' car. "Get in quick!" Fiona yelled at Nathan and Bill, and they hopped in the car, with the young man in tow. And throwing gravel, they sped off towards the oil rig.
But when Nathan saw the look on Fiona's face, he knew. It was the way she looked at him. And, he just knew. Fiona didn't even need to say it. But she did. "Nathan…it's Julia."