Chapter 60. The Music Plays Again
On Friday morning, when Julia came through the adjoining door, her gaze was already fixed straight across the street. After their big make-up yesterday, she was filled with anticipation to see Nathan. And, as soon as she spotted him sitting on his porch, waiting for her, the butterflies took flight.
And to her surprise, Nathan had two wicker chairs on his porch now, placed very close to each other. That made Julia smile.
When she opened the infirmary door and stepped out onto the porch, Nathan spotted her right away. His entire face lit up and Julia was certain she would never grow tired of that. He stood up, disappeared into his office, and was back with her coffee cup before she even got across the street. As Julia came close, Nathan looked so handsome, standing there. So, she walked right up to him, lifted on her tiptoes, and kissed him on the cheek. He seemed quite amused by her forwardness, which only made her smile bigger. She felt there was no better way to greet the man she loved, especially after all the deep sentiments that had been shared between them yesterday.
When she set back on her heels, he gazed down at her with his crooked, lopsided grin. And he managed to say a little, "Hi, Jules," as he handed her a cup of coffee.
Julia gazed back at him as she said, "Good morning, Lawman." He motioned for her to sit, and then he took his place next to her.
Julia ran her hand over the armrest of the chair, and asked him, "Where did you get these?"
"The guys working upstairs found them, when they were cleaning out all the mess. They're nice, aren't they?" Nathan asked her.
"Very comfortable. Much better than my bench over there." She told him, with a knowing smile. "Is it coming along nicely up there?" Julia asked, referring to his classroom.
"They are almost finished. There's not much left to do, I think they are putting on the last coat of paint today." Nathan told her.
Julia told him, "I would really like to see it sometime."
Nathan raised his eyebrows and said, "I can give you a tour when you finish your coffee."
"Do you have any idea when the first group of trainees will arrive?" Julia asked him.
"Probably in August or September. I have another call with Commander Collins this afternoon, so I should know more then." He told her.
Julia smiled, sure that Nathan would be very good at his new position. "How is the training manual coming?" She asked him.
"It's coming along great. I have a bit more to do, but most of the maps are updated and the territory lines also." Nathan realized Julia probably didn't know the first thing about tracking, but he was glad she was interested. He boiled it down for her, "I'm about halfway there."
Julia nodded and smiled at him. "The young Mounties that come are going to be fortunate to learn from you." She finished her coffee and he noticed.
Nathan downed the rest of his coffee and stood. He wanted her to see his classroom, he was proud to show her, actually. So, he held out his hand and asked her, "Would you like to see my classroom, Jules?"
"I would like nothing better, my love." Julia told him as she took his hand and followed.
Nathan led her around the back of the Mountie office and up the stairs. The stairs were completely new and looked very sturdy. Julia remembered that Nathan had mentioned how funny it looked when the stairs were missing. As she climbed the stairs, she could picture exactly what he meant. When he got to the top of the stairs, he paused and pulled a key from his serge pocket. Nathan opened the door and she followed him inside.
The room was large and perfect for a classroom. The walls had been cleaned and were prepped to be painted. The wooden floor was old and had marks in certain places, but had been sanded and treated.
"Wow the floor looks beautiful, is it finished?" Julia asked him.
"No, not quite. The wood needs to breathe a bit more. They will come back in a week and apply a clear coat." He told her.
"It looks really nice, though, Nathan." Julia told him. She turned in a circle and tried to take it all in. There were two windows facing the street and one larger window on the right hand side. Just enough to let in adequate light during the day.
She imagined Nathan teaching here, and could picture it perfectly. "Where will you stand when you teach?" Julia asked him, tilting her head and curious.
"Well, considering the shape of the room, I think I should put a black board here." Nathan moved and motioned with his hand on the west wall. That made sense because there weren't any windows on that wall. So, now, he standing exactly where he would, in order to teach. "And orient the desks towards the blackboard." He said motioning his hands toward him. That would put the entrance door perpendicular to the blackboard, which would work great.
Julia turned toward him to picture it. She could see it perfectly. "Will the guys build the blackboard?" She asked.
"No, I will need to make a trip to Benson Hills sometime next week to order all the furniture. I will need a blackboard, a big desk and chair for me, and 12 to 16 small desks with chairs, to start with." He told her. "I'm hoping Collins will give me numbers today, on our call, so I know how many to prepare for."
Julia stepped back for another look, taking in the lighting from the windows. She turned toward the back, and then faced him. "It will be very nice, Nathan." Julia told him smiling. "The room is just the right size and you have oriented it just perfect."
"I think so." Nathan told her, as he looked around again.
Julia looked at him, completely in his element. She got a playful look on her face and tilted her head. "I'm wondering about something, though." She paused as he focused his attention on her.
"What's that?" Nathan asked, trying to decide if she was being serious or about to flirt.
"Will you allow me to stop by from time to time, and bring an apple to the teacher?" Julia asked. Nathan felt his heart rate pick up at the thought of her stopping by.
He looked at her and smiled, and slowly walked toward her. As he approached, Julia felt her stomach turn over. Nathan playfully put his arms around her waist, threaded his fingers together behind her, and let them rest there. "You can come see me anytime, Jules. It will be the highlight of my whole day, to see your beautiful face."
"As it would be the highlight of my day to see you, Constable." Julia smiled tenderly up at him. He leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. He kept it short at first, and then pulled back to gaze at her. However, the memories of their many kisses yesterday, and especially the intense passionate one, came rushing back. The emotions ran high as he paused there looking at her for a few long seconds. And then, he kissed her again. Long and passionate and simmering. She was breathless when he pulled back and she clung to him for support.
Julia let the side of her forehead rest on his chin as he pulled her in close to hold her. And then, she snuggled into his neck. Her arms held strong around his back and she stayed right there, in her place.
Finally, Nathan pulled back and so did she, though he kept his arms around her waist. He told her, "You make it hard to let go, Jules." He slowly dropped his arms down, but took her hand back and threaded their fingers together.
They both took one more look around the room, and headed back down the stairs, just as the guys were pulling up to work.
Nathan led Julia back around the front of the Mountie office. They were standing there, talking and holding hands, when a car approached. It was Lucas' car, though Mike was driving and Lucas sat on the passenger side. As the car neared, Nathan and Julia saw Elizabeth holding Little Jack in the back seat. Following just behind was Lee's car, loaded with trunks and suitcases. Julia didn't think she had ever seen so many pieces of luggage loaded onto one car before.
Nathan and Julia both waved with their free hand as the car passed, and Elizabeth gave them a sad, somber look as she waved back. Both cars turned out of town, and Nathan looked at Julia.
"Guess that's good-bye?" Julia asked, watching Nathan closely to see his reaction.
"Well, we are certainly not on their list of important people. Did you really want more than that?" He asked her with a chuckle.
"No, not at all. I just hope Little Jack will be okay. It's going to be a lot of change for such a little guy." Julia told him.
Nathan gave her an even grin and replied. "That's who I am concerned for, as well. The only person I'm concerned for, actually." And Julia understood. His sad reaction wasn't related to Elizabeth, and certainly wasn't for Lucas, but for Little Jack. Julia remembered the sweet affection Nathan had displayed for Little Jack, and vice versa, the night Jack got hurt.
"They have a long journey." Julia told him. "It must be at least a four day train ride to Hamilton, right?" She asked Nathan.
"Something like that. It will be long for such an active little guy." Nathan surmised.
Julia said a little prayer for them under her breath. She couldn't help herself, for the sake of Little Jack.
Nathan kept her hand in his and turned towards her, "Jules, what time do you finish work at the infirmary this evening?" He asked.
"Around 6 p.m." She replied.
Nathan gazed at her, intent. "Would you come by after work, Jules? To my house? I want to show you something." He asked.
Julia looked at him curious, wondering what it could possibly be. He looked so happy about it, whatever it was. She was intrigued to know more, but didn't ask anything, taking care not to ruin the mystery he seemed to want to keep. "Sure, Nathan. I will come straight after work." She told him.
Nathan nodded, happy. As they stood there, he noticed someone over Julia's shoulder that brought a huge smile to his face. Julia turned to see Allie walking toward them. She had been on the other side of the street, obviously on her way to the mercantile, but had crossed just to come and greet them.
"Hey, you two." Allie said as she walked up.
"Good morning, Allie." Julia told her. Allie came and gave Julia a side hug.
"Headed to the telephone exchange?" Nathan asked.
"Yes. I thought I would get there early in case Florence needed to deliver any mail." Allie told them.
Julia got an idea, and asked, "Allie, how would you like to have lunch with me today? In the café? Are you allowed a lunch break?" Nathan looked at Julia, contentment evident on his face.
A huge smile spread across Allie's face, "I would love to, Julia. And, yes I'm able."
"Ok, then it's a date. I'll pick you up at the Mercantile at 12:30." Julia told her.
"Sounds perfect." Allie said, excited. "I'll see you then."
Allie turned toward Nathan and said, "Bye, Dad!"
"Bye, Allie." And she was off toward the mercantile.
Nathan tilted his head and smiled at Julia, "You just made my entire day, and Allie's, in the span of half an hour." Nathan teased her, with a chuckle and a wide smile.
Julia laughed and asked, "What do you mean? How did I make your day?"
Nathan stepped very close to Julia and said just above a whisper, "That kiss, Julia. It's going to be hard to think of anything else for the rest of the day."
Julia blushed, but kept her eyes fixed on him as she whispered, "If I remember right, it was you who kissed me, Constable."
Nathan's cheeks suddenly got a little color as he answered, "It still makes my day to kiss you, Jules." He paused but kept his gaze on her. "And, thanks for spending time with Allie. It means a lot to her."
"You don't need to thank me, my love. It's a joy to spend time with Allie." Julia told him.
Nathan nodded and stepped back just a little bit. Julia's perfume was making his judgement cloudy as he stood so close to her. And, he didn't want to give into the strong pull to kiss her just now, right on the street. Especially since they were standing out front of the Mountie office.
"I should go, and prepare the infirmary to open." Julia told him, aware of the effect they were having on each other.
Nathan looked at her and nodded again. He lifted her hand slowly to his lips and kissed it across the back of the knuckles. Julia felt it all the way to her toes. "Jules, will you still go riding with me tomorrow? Do we still have a date?"
"Of course, Nathan. You told me to mark it down, remember?" Julia said with a little giggle.
"Will you meet me in the livery tomorrow morning, 9 a.m.?" Nathan asked her.
"Sounds perfect, Lawman." Julia told him.
"Ok, then. Have a good day, Jules." Nathan told her.
Julia replied. "You too, Lawman." And he slowly dropped her hand as she stepped back a bit further. "See you tonight at six?" She confirmed.
"I'll be waiting." Nathan told her with a cute smile. And, she turned and walked across the street. She gave him one more little wave before she entered the infirmary.
At 12:30, Julia picked Allie up from the Mercantile and together, they headed to the café for lunch.
Clara smiled when she saw them together and seated them in the middle. They ordered the special today, and chatted while they waited.
About ten minutes later, Robert entered selling copies of the Valley Voice. The printing had run a bit late last night, and well, into this morning. And they were hot off the press! Julia remembered that Allie's latest article was featured inside, so she quickly raised her hand and Robert made his way over to them.
"Hi, Allie." Robert said as he looked at Allie, almost frozen. He seemed completely unable to move for a few awkward seconds. Robert's nervousness was evident, and Julia smiled to herself.
"Hello, Robert." Allie answered, almost blushing.
"Hello, Robert." Julia said, attempting to get Robert's attention, and pull him out of his stupor. "I'll take four copies, please."
"Four?" Allie sounded shocked as she whipped her head around.
"Yes, Allie, four." Julia replied. Robert handed them to her and she pulled out her coin purse and paid.
Robert stood there awkwardly for another few seconds until someone else called him over to buy a copy. Julia noticed that Robert repeatedly looked over at them, more so at Allie, as he moved around the room selling papers. He was very obvious about it. In fact, she didn't think he could have been more obvious about it.
Julia and Allie excitedly flipped open the Valley Voice to find Allie's article. It was right there on the inside page. They both were engrossed in reading the article, about the end of the school year, when their plates arrived. A photo from the graduation ceremony had been included; a lovely photo of Elizabeth with all the schoolchildren, posed on the steps of the church. The article was lovely and very well done.
"Excellent job, Allie. So well written and you included all of the most important details." Julia told her, as she lowered the paper to look at Allie.
Allie blushed again and looked at Julia. "Do you really think so?"
"Yes. You did an excellent job, Allie. I'm proud of you." Julia told her. Allie looked at her a long moment, very glad to hear that Julia was proud of her.
"Thanks, Julia." Allie smiled shyly. "But, why so many copies?"
"For your Dad, and Grams." Julia giggled. "And one for you, and me."
As Allie closed the paper, something on the back page caught her eye, and the look on her face had Julia worried for just a moment. So, Julia closed her own copy and scanned the back page to find out just what had caught Allie's eye. There under the "Town Talk" section, which was dedicated to community announcements and events, was a certain engagement announcement.
Featured was a photograph of Lucas and Elizabeth, and a short paragraph giving the details of their engagement. And there, it was mentioned that they wished to marry in the spring.
Allie slowly folded the paper and set it down on the table. Julia did the same and tried to gauge how Allie was taking the news. It was one thing to hear about it from Nathan, but obviously another to see it cemented in black and white on the pages of the Valley Voice.
"Are you okay, Allie?" Julia asked her.
Allie took a deep breath and looked at Julia. "Im just fine."
"Are you sure?" Julia asked. "You know you can talk to me about it, if you'd like."
"Thank you, Julia. But I don't need to talk about it. I am happy for her. It was just unexpected to find the announcement, that's all." Allie explained. Julia didn't look convinced. But, Allie was sincere and managed a real genuine smile as she added, "Julia, I really am okay with it."
Julia nodded and they started to eat, together. The announcement was soon forgotten as they chatted happily and enjoyed each other's company. They both took pie for dessert, and walked arm in arm to the Mountie office after lunch. The door was closed, and Nathan was out when they got there, so they left a copy of the Valley Voice on his desk.
Julia walked Allie back to the mercantile. And, Allie took the other two copies with her as she returned to work, intending to give one to her Grams, as soon as she got home.
In the evening, Julia and Faith both left work early. They didn't have many appointments in the afternoon and got everything done early.
So, Julia set out for Nathan's a little early, too. She was anxious to see him and to spend more time with him. As she came close to the house, however, she couldn't believe her ears. She heard music. And, it was coming from Nathan's backyard. She walked toward the break in the fence and her jaw dropped open, at the sight that awaited her.
Nathan was sitting in one of the backyard chairs, intently strumming his guitar. He had abandoned his serge and was wearing his Henley, unbuttoned at the top. His fingers were precise as he fretted the chords, and the muscles of his right arm were strong as he strummed.
Julia stood frozen for a minute and just took him in. But, Nathan seemed to sense that she was there watching him, and he looked over her way. So, she walked toward him, taking the seat next to him, hoping he would continue. But, he stopped strumming when she walked up.
"Don't stop on my account." Julia told him.
But he was gentleman, so he stood to greet her. Nathan stepped over and kissed her on the cheek, and then they sat back down together. He picked the strings with a sweet melody and she recognized the song. All things bright and beautiful, a lovely old hymn.
When Nathan got to the chorus, Julia quietly sang, and Nathan joined in with a beautiful rich harmony. The windows of the house were open and the beautiful sound they made, blended together, brought both Allie and Grams out onto the back porch. They stood and listened as Julia and Nathan sang it through one more time. When the song ended, they got a round of applause from their little audience.
Nathan chuckled and smiled at both Allie and his mother. When those two went back into the house, Julia looked at Nathan admiringly and whispered, "Nathan, you're playing."
Nathan smiled at her and said, "Yes, I am." He paused, "Since about an hour ago."
Julia was happy to have been privy to some of his first playing, since he picked his guitar back up. "You play beautifully." She told him.
"And you sing beautifully." Nathan quietly replied to her.
"So do you." She told him, with a cute smile.
Nathan started to finger pick again and Julia recognized the melody. Let Me Call You Sweetheart. Nathan sang through the chorus one time, gazing intensely at Julia as he did. Julia felt her heart rate pick up. He looked so handsome strumming so tenderly, his forearms strong and sure on the rhythm. She enjoyed hearing him play, very much.
Nathan strummed the song through one more time, and then, he gently laid down his guitar. He shifted to sit more square facing Julia.
"Jules, I asked you to come by so I could show you something." Julia looked towards the workshop. Nathan hadn't thought of that, but he needed to deter her from the workshop, and quickly, but without raising suspicion. "Not in the workshop, Jules."
Nathan stood and extended his hand. Julia placed her hand in his, he interlocked their fingers, and led her inside.
Nathan brought her over to Colleen's painting of the beautiful landscape with the sunset. As soon as they entered, Julia noticed the new painting and understood. Her mouth fell slightly open as she stood next to him, and admired the painting. She glanced over at Nathan and asked, "You hung them. It's one of Colleen's, isn't it?"
Nathan's eyes filled with tears as he slowly nodded. The emotion in his eyes caused Julia's own eyes to well up. She focused back on the painting. "Oh, Nathan. It's beautiful. I love the bright green of the rolling hills and the horses in the background."
"That's our ranch in Airdrie." Nathan told her quietly, his gaze fixed on her as she took in the painting.
Julia looked at him, shocked. "That's on the ranch?…Your ranch? Nathan, it's so beautiful."
"That's one of our horse pastures, and well, the sunsets there are pretty spectacular." Nathan smiled at her, still watching her reaction.
Julia didn't take her eyes off the painting as she whispered, "I'll say." She paused and turned her head to look at him. "One of the horse pastures. How many are there?"
Nathan looked down at their hands interlocked together. "Only about 4 or 5." He told her.
He brought his eyes back up to meet her gaze and she laughed. "Only four or five? Did Colleen paint them all, because if they are all this lovely…" Julia told him.
Nathan gave her his crooked smile. "No, Colleen only painted this one." Julia nodded playfully as she looked back square at the painting. "From an artist's perspective, any critique?
Julia kept her gaze fixed on the painting and stepped forward, coming closer to take a better look. "I love the shadows here", she motioned with her right hand, "and the lowlights here", more motioning. "And, she stuck to three major colors for the sunset, though you can see she clearly mixed them in many different ratios." She looked at Nathan who nodded. Then she looked back at the painting and continued, "That creates a layering that is just beautiful. I really admire how she thought out each element." Julia looked at Nathan. "She was meticulous, just like you, wasn't she?" Though Julia stopped herself and put up a finger, "But only about her art. Right? Your mom already told me she was messy with her studio." Nathan nodded yes, and Julia paused and looked back at the painting. Her face turned serious as she motioned with a single finger, pointing out areas of the painting. "But she was meticulous in her planning and drawing and placement. And, in her color choices, mixing, and painting. And, it shows. Her work is fantastic, Nathan." Julia told him, as she stepped back beside him.
"Would you like to see the next one?" Nathan asked, keeping ahold of her hand.
"There's more?" Julia asked, glancing around the room.
Nathan nodded and said, "Follow me, Jules." And he led her up the stairs. They came to the upstairs hallway and Nathan opened both bedroom doors all the way to let more light enter the hallway. He showed her the painting of the stream.
Julia stared for a long while, taking it in and admiring it. "Is this also on the ranch?" She asked without looking at him, half joking.
"Yes." He whispered. Julia looked at him then, wondering how he had ever been able to leave such a beautiful place.
Julia fixed her gaze back on the painting and stated. "I love the bright colors she used for the leaves and their changing colors. Again, she seems to have chosen three or four major colors and mixed them in about a hundred different ratios. I love that technique and here it works so well to make the colors flow, yet pop, at the very same time. I love the stones in the stream, each one is unique. And, the way she used the shadows to give depth to the water, is brilliant." Julia looked at him. He looked very proud to show her these paintings, and she was so very touched that he would share them with her. "She was a wonderful painter, Nathan."
Nathan looked at her and smiled, "There's more." Julia obviously wanted to see and looked up and down the hallway to see where they were going next. He led her into Allie's room.
Julia spotted it immediately. She could recognize Colleen's work now. Julia's eyes were fixed on the painting, but Nathan's were fixed on Julia, as she took in the painting. "That's Cedar, she was Colleen's horse." He told her. Cedar was a beautiful Palomino.
Julia looked at him and asked gently, "Is that why Allie wanted a Palomino?"
Nathan nodded yes, and Julia focused once again on the painting. She stepped forward and looked closely for a long time. Then she told him, "I love the yellow flowers. She used the same color over and over this time, to make them stand out so stark against the green grass. Then she added highlights and lowlights to give them depth. I love how she did that. And, wow, Cedar was a lovely horse. All the details are so well done. She was very versatile as a painter. You told me she did portraits too, right?" Julia looked at him for the answer.
"Yes, she did them to earn a living. But, her passion was landscapes." Nathan told her.
Julia nodded as she looked back at the painting. "I can see that. But, I can imagine she was good with portraits, too. She was fantastic with fine details." Julia looked at Nathan again as she said, "She was very precise."
Nathan smiled at Julia and said, "Yes, she was."
When Julia seemed to be done with this one, Nathan told her, "There's one more."
Julia smiled at him, excited to see more, and said, "Lead the way, Lawman."
Though, Julia hadn't imagined where he would lead her. They went straight across the hall into Nathan's bedroom. Julia felt immediately awkward, as she entered his private place. When he was injured, she had been in his bedroom many times, but under this context, somehow it felt different. It felt intimate.
So, Julia kept her eyes on Nathan as he brought her to stand in front of the last painting. It was a painting of a barn. She stood for a long time admiring it. The barn was huge but simple, and the wood was old and rustic, antique. The sky was blue above and there was not a cloud in the sky. Julia imagined that's how Colleen saw the ranch, a place that was always beautiful. The grass was green and flowers had grown up next to the barn. It must have been springtime, when she'd painted this one.
Julia stepped forward and looked at some details very close, then stepped back again.
"That's our big barn, on the ranch." Nathan told her. Julia's mouth fell slightly open as she gazed at the painting. "And, that's my old paint horse, Dakota." Julia looked at Nathan then, and registered that new information. Julia focused her attention back on the painting, and thought that Dakota was also a very regal horse.
"And, the other horse?" Julia asked him.
"That's Willow, she was Mom's. And, she birthed some of our very best horses, over the years." He told her. Julia nodded and took it all in.
Julia took her time and shared, "This one is incredibly personal. Colleen did something special here on purpose. She captured two very beloved horses, as if to commemorate them. She took great lengths to make them as detailed as possible, and her talent truly shows." Julia told him. But, then she turned toward Nathan, for the rest, "She must have really loved the barn, or maybe it was about you, loving the barn? And the blue skies overhead is how she felt about the ranch. It was a place that was always beautiful to her." Julia paused and then continued, "However, it's as if she was leaving or thought something about the ranch might soon change, and she wanted to set it in stone, or on canvas, in this case."
Nathan was still fixed on Julia, and he swallowed hard. His eyes became misty again as he told her, "It was one of the last paintings she did at home. She left with Dylan a short time later." He confessed.
"And, she left this one for you, didn't she?" Julia concluded.
"Yes." Nathan said, as a lone tear escaped. Julia immediately bit her lip, reached up and gently wiped it.
"It's beautiful, Nathan. It's intimate. It was painted specifically for you." Julia told him. He looked at Julia, feeling suddenly very very vulnerable. And, he looked very sad.
Nathan focused back on the painting, and Julia turned to stand just beside him, and held tight to his hand. They stood there a very long time.
Finally, he turned toward her and smiled. She felt her heart rate quicken, as he gazed at her intensely. They were standing in his bedroom, almost in the spot where she had fought so hard to keep her concentration, as she wrapped his bare ribs.
"Thank you, Jules, for coming to see. I couldn't wait to show you. I wanted to hear what you would say about them." Nathan told her.
"Thank you for showing me, Nathan. Colleen was an exceptional painter. I feel privileged to see her work." Julia told him.
Nathan turned to lead her out, and as he did, Julia glanced around the room. She saw once again, that Nathan was very tidy. His bed was tightly made, not like it had been when he had been injured. He probably hadn't been able to make it properly back then. But now, she could see how very tightly it was made. And, everything in his room had a place, and he kept his space neat and tidy. His boots were clean and polished, and his clothes neatly hung. And, his bible was still on his nightstand, with her picture marking his page.
When they got out to the hallway, Nathan started to lead her down the stairs, but stopped in his tracks, and turned.
"How did you know that, about the painting in my room?" He asked her, curious.
"Which part?" Julia asked.
"That it was for me?" Nathan replied.
Julia smiled at him and gently explained. "She put more detail in it, even more so than the others. And, the way she signed her name, not Colleen M. Grant like on the others. On this one, she signed CG. So, it was for someone who knew what CG stood for, and for them alone. Artists often did that when they wanted their work to stay in the family. And, she added that little design, almost like a watermark, pressed into the paint near the CG."
Nathan looked at her, stunned.
"What design? What watermark?" Nathan asked as he led her right back into his bedroom, to inspect the painting again.
They both came close, and Julia pointed. "That one." She showed him, matter of fact.
Nathan came very close, and his mouth fell open in shock. It's true, there was something there. "What is it?"
"I'm not sure but it's probably something just between the two of you. Something only you would know?" Julia asked him. "Do you have a magnifying glass?"
Nathan went downstairs and came back with a small monocle. He held it out over the painting, to enlarge the little design, and sure enough there was something there, specifically meant for him. Three characters, perfectly legible, half written, half etched into the paint. Very small, but clear as day. Almost completely missed, but definitely put there for him to find. Two numbers with a letter in the middle, meant just for him.
It said: 4N8. It was just like Colleen to leave him a sort of little puzzle, but he got it immediately. 4N8. There was no denying it. It was a clear message. Four N Eight…For Nate.
For Nate.
Nathan couldn't believe it. He had never seen that before. "Jules…" he said as his voice cracked. He looked at Julia absolutely stunned.
"Colleen left you a message." Julia told him with a sweet smile.
Nathan only nodded, unable to speak, not trusting his voice. Another tear escaped down his cheek and Julia gently wiped it. She let her hand linger a little longer on his handsome face. Nathan seemed to want to say something, but was caught up by the intense emotions he was feeling at this amazing discovery. Nathan had always felt that painting had been for him, but now he knew for sure.
Julia slowly stepped close to him and wrapped her arms around him. His arms came strong around her, and she was swept up into his embrace. He bent just enough and buried his face in the curve of her neck. He was overcome with emotion and stayed just like that, as wave after wave of intense feeling washed over him.
Nathan finally pulled back and looked down at Julia, his eyes full of love. "Thanks, Julia."
"For what?" Julia said as she gazed up lovingly at him.
"For pointing it out." Nathan told her. "I never…"
Julia smiled. "She adored you, Nathan. It's obvious in so many ways."
Nathan's eyes teared up again, he knew Julia was right. "I wish she could have met you."
Julia's filled with tears, too. "So do I."
He pulled her back into his embrace and they stood there for a long time. Nathan stared at the painting, with a heart that was full and overflowing.
When he finally pulled back, he kept ahold of Julia's hand. Nathan turned and led her back downstairs. When they got down there, Rebecca asked Julia to stay for dinner. Julia accepted, and she and Nathan read on the couch together until time to eat.
Then Rebecca, Nathan, Julia, and Allie sat and ate dinner together, like a little family. And, they played games together.
And later on, when Nathan walked Julia home, he kissed her in the moonlight.