Chapter 65. Rosemary's Surprise

On Wednesday morning, Nathan awoke with a dread hanging over him. Today, his mother would depart Hope Valley, and return home to the ranch. He had gotten so used to having her around and spent so much wonderful time with her, that he dreaded the good-bye.

Yesterday, he had worked all day in his office on the tracking manual, and then he had come home and worked almost all evening in his workshop. Until dinner. And then he, Grams, and Allie had shared a wonderful evening together. Mom had gone all out and cooked a roast, and Allie had insisted on them playing games all evening. It had been a sweet time together.

And yesterday morning, when Julia had come over for coffee, she asked him how he was handling his mother's pending departure. Nathan had clammed up. He was sad, and even more so for Allie, who had already started moping about it. Then, on his morning rounds with Jake, when Nathan had mentioned his father's soon arrival, Jake had kindly inquired about him. And yet again, Nathan had clammed up, uncertain how to explain his father to anyone, especially a fellow Mountie.

Now, he lay in bed with a dread to start the day. He didn't want to say good-bye to his mother. And, most of all, he wasn't looking forward to Allie's sadness after Grams was gone. She and Allie were downstairs right now preparing one last breakfast together. And then, he would need to help his mother finish preparing her luggage for her departure.

He finally, reluctantly got up, took a hot bath, and got ready for the day. As he came down the stairs, almost like a salve to his worried heart, wonderful sounds and smells met him. Both Allie and Grams were chatting happily, while Allie flipped pancakes.

"Dad!" Allie said happily when she saw him. His mood was already perking up, as Nathan walked in and kissed them both on the cheek.

"Good morning, Son." Rebecca said, looking up at him and touching his cheek.

Rebecca handed him a steaming cup of coffee and then went back to working on the breakfast. Nathan went to look out the window. It was going to be another beautiful day, and a hot one. He could feel it already.

The trio sat down and enjoyed a beautiful breakfast together, and talked a long time. The mood was surprisingly light and jovial. Then, Allie went to prepare for her shift at the telephone exchange. She planned to go to work at 10, and take her lunch break later than usual, so she could see Grams depart on the stagecoach.

After Allie left for work, Rebecca accompanied Nathan out to the workshop to see the progress on his latest project. When they came back in, she made more coffee and they sat a while at the table and talked.

"It's really beautiful, Nathan. Your whole proposal idea is terribly romantic. She is going to love it. Will you call me when it's official?" Rebecca asked, excited for him.

"Yes, of course, Mother. Do you think you would be able to make a trip back in the fall?" He asked her.

"Of course I would, for you, my boy. Do you think she will also want to get married in the fall?" She asked him.

"Well, I'm hoping so. It would be nice to have the ceremony when the leaves are changing colors and so beautiful." Nathan told her.

"And what about the house?" Rebecca asked him.

"I'm hoping to break ground and get the footers and foundation set before winter. I might even have time to frame it, before the hard freeze sets in. Then we can finish the rest in the Spring." He told her.

"I'm happy for you, Son. And, proud of you. I can't wait to get the call." Rebecca told him with a happy smile.

They sipped their coffee and continued to talk about the ranch. Rebecca and Charlie had some smart new projects they were working on. And, Rebecca was always happy to hear Nathan's ideas and input.

At around 11 a.m., Nathan went to his office to pick up a few papers for his Mom, financial papers related to the ranch. On his desk, he found a small plate of cinnamon cookies and a note that simply said, "yes".

Nathan was confused as to what the yes was for, so he decided to go see Julia. She liked to say yes to him, before he even asked. It was a cute little habit of hers, that he adored. But, in the case of the proposal, he didn't want her to jump the gun. He had a plan and wanted to do it right, and he wanted the chance to ask her properly. Did she really already know about his plans to propose? He intended to find out.

The day was already a steamer, so Nathan left his red serge hanging in his office, as he walked across the street.

When he walked in, he stood frozen for a few seconds. Nathan was not ready for the sight that awaited him. It was hot in the infirmary, and it suddenly got a whole lot hotter. Julia was sitting at her desk, with her hair up off her neck, tied up in a messy bun. The top few buttons of her high-collared shirt were open and beads of sweat were glistening on her bare chest. Her skirts were hiked way up, and her legs were exposed just above the knee. Her beautiful, slender, muscular legs. He took a deep breath to steady his pounding heart. And she must have felt his presence, because all of a sudden, she looked over and realized he was standing there.

Julia quickly dropped her skirts and closed her blouse back up high. She stood, looking terribly embarrassed. "Nathan. I didn't realize anyone was there. I'm so sorry, it's so hot, I just…"

Nathan was transfixed, and moved as if in slow motion. He came to her with purpose, and he kissed her. There was a longing and desire in his eyes that took her breath away. Julia hadn't meant to let him see her like that, and she tried to calm her racing heart as he kissed her so passionately.

When he pulled back from the kiss, Nathan kept a hold of her around the waist and looked into her eyes. "Miss Matthews, don't apologize." He said with his crooked smile. "I don't really mind seeing just how beautiful you are." He got a mischievous look on his face. "You just need to realize that it might make me want to kiss you." Julia took a deep breath, and noticed just how good he smelled, even in this heat.

Julia's mouth went dry and she said breathlessly, "Be certain about one thing, my love. Your kisses are always welcome on my lips."

And, well, that made him smile, lean down, and kiss her yet again. When he finally pulled back, he looked down at her, curious about something.

"Jules, I found your note on my desk. But, what's the yes for?" Nathan asked her, hoping his surprise was not already ruined.

"Faith said she can spare me tomorrow, and she has a long list of supplies that we need for the infirmary. So, I can go with you to Benson Hills." She told him.

"Ah, I forgot about that." He told her, relieved.

Julia asked with a soft giggle, "Well, what did you think it was for?"

"Oh, nothing. Never mind." He told her, though she still looked at him curiously, even after he tried to dismiss it.

"Can we leave early, tomorrow?" Nathan asked.

"Sure. What time?" Julia asked.

"7:30 a.m.?" He offered.

"Consider it a date, Lawman." Julia told him. "I'm excited to spend the day with you, my love."

"Are you coming to the stage platform to see Mom off in the afternoon?" Nathan asked.

"Yes, she mentioned it yesterday, on our lunch date. I'll be there." She told him. Julia noticed his face, which looked suddenly down, and she asked him tenderly, "How are you doing, my love, considering her departure?"

"I'm okay. I'm more worried about how sad Allie will be." Nathan told her. Julia nodded, though she was sure that sad face wasn't only about Allie. But, she didn't press.

"I'll be there, Nathan. And, I'm here for whatever you and Allie need." She reassured him. He leaned down and gave her another peck on the lips.

"Thank you, Jules." He told her. And, Julia smiled tenderly at him.

Nathan walked to the door of the infirmary. He smiled at Julia one last time, taking her in, looking so attractive with her messy bun. And at the same time, he couldn't help but think back to just how beautiful she had been just ten minutes before, when he had first walked in and caught her by surprise.

And with that image in his head, he went out the door and back to his office.

Around 1:30 p.m., Julia finished her paperwork, arranged her hair, and headed to the stage coach platform. Just as she was arriving, Mike drove up with Nathan, and Rebecca's luggage. And Rebecca walked just behind, arm in arm with Allie.

Julia felt genuinely sad to say goodbye to Rebecca. Yesterday they'd had a nice lunch together, and a nice talk. Rebecca had expressed affection for Julia and hoped to see her again soon. Julia had promised to look after Allie and to take care of Nathan, as much as he'd allow her, of course. Rebecca joked that Nathan hadn't really let anyone take care of him since he was a small boy, but if there was anyone he'd let, it would be Julia. It was easy to see how much her son adored Julia.

Rebecca eyes had been misty when she told Julia that she had never seen her son like this before. He was confident and jovial, and full of hope. He had dreams and was making plans for the future, in a way that she had never seen him do before. And, he was genuinely happy. And, it was all because of Julia.

Rebecca's sweet revelations had brought tears to Julia's eyes. But, Julia realized that Nathan had also changed her for the better. She also had dreams of the future, and those dreams always included Nathan and Allie now. Even at night, when she closed her eyes, they were a family.

Julia appreciated Rebecca's candor and her friendship. She could foresee a beautiful relationship between the two of them. They had both promised to stay in touch and write regularly.

When the men pulled up to the coach platform, they unloaded Rebecca's luggage. Then, Mike drove the car toward the saw mill office. When Nathan turned around and made eye contact, Julia could already read the sadness on his face. She hated that sad look.

Bill and Jake walked up as well, and they all made a nice little group to see Rebecca off. When she saw everyone there on her account, Rebecca was emotional. And then, when the stage coach pulled up, it became even harder for her to hold it together. She started her good-byes with Bill and Jake while Nathan and the driver loaded her things.

Next, she came to Julia. Rebecca gave Julia a big hug and whispered, "Take care of you, and please, look after my two favorite people."

Julia smiled, "I'll try, and it will be with great pleasure." She told her, with tears in her eyes. "Rebecca, thank you for accepting me and making room for me in your heart. I will miss you."

At those words, Rebecca hugged Julia again, thankful for an almost daughter. And, looking forward to the day when it would be so. "I will miss you, too, Julia. Keep in touch, okay? Write me letters and include all the details that you know Nathan will leave out." She said, with a little giggle.

"I will try. Though I'm sorry to say, I'm a lot like Nathan when it comes to letter writing. I typically leave out the juicy details. Right, Jake?" She told Rebecca, while asking in Jake's direction.

"That's true, Rebecca. Julia's letters are usually lacking meat." Jake joked.

"Well, I'll just have to depend on Allie, then." Rebecca said she stepped over to her grand-daughter. "Will you write to me, Allie? And NOT skip over all the good parts?" Rebecca teased.

Allie was happy for the light-hearted banter that made it easier not to cry. "I can do that, Grams." Rebecca folded Allie up in a big embrace and held her for a long time.

Rebecca looked down at her grand-daughter and whispered things that only Allie could hear. Allie let the tears fall as she nodded her head and smiled up at her Grams. It was a sweet exchange that left nary an eye dry.

After Allie, Rebecca moved over to Nathan. His eyes were misty before she even arrived in front of him. Julia could read the emotion on his face, and knew this wasn't easy for him. Rebecca embraced her son and spoke to him quietly. When he pulled back, Nathan nodded and answered her. Then he kissed her on the cheek and embraced her again.

The stage coach driver called for the passengers to board, and Rebecca reluctantly let go and moved towards the coach. Allie ran to Grams once more, stealing one last hug. Julia stepped next to Nathan and took his hand, for support. Nathan looked down at her and then back at his mother, and the slight quiver of his chin was unmistakable. Julia squeezed his hand in comfort.

Allie let go and Grams boarded, taking the seat by the window so she could keep eye contact with those she loved. She waved a sad good bye one more time, as the coach pulled away. And, they all watched dismally as the coach disappeared behind a cloud of dust. And, just like that, Rebecca Grant was gone.

Julia saw Nathan wipe his eyes a few times, but she just held his hand. He didn't seem to want to let go. Allie tucked herself under Nathan's arm on the other side, and they walked slowly back towards the Mountie office, with Jake and Bill.

When they got there, Allie wiped her eyes and headed back to the mercantile, thankful for a few more hours on the switchboard, to occupy her mind. Bill headed back to his office. And Julia started to say her good byes to Jake and Nathan, and let them get back to work.

"Well, fellas, I should get back into the infirmary. Faith and I are supposed to go over some cases together." Julia said.

"Jules, Faith isn't there. She's at the Coulter's." Jake told her.

"What? Really? Is someone sick?" Julia looked suddenly worried.

"Yes. Rosemary hasn't been feeling well the last few days, particularly in the mornings. When I went back to their house for lunch today, Lee was worried. He asked if I would go get one of the two of you, and I just happened to run into Faith on the way into town. She went straight away to see Rosemary, but I doubt she is back yet. It wasn't that long ago." Jake explained.

Julia still held Nathan's hand. She looked up at him and then back at Jake, taking in this information. Rosemary was sick in the mornings, didn't like the taste of coffee the other day, and left the Social Club early because she was feeling tired. Oh my. It clicked.

A huge smile slowly washed across Julia's face. Jake looked puzzled, Nathan looked puzzled. And Julia said, mostly to herself, "You don't think she's…?" Julia was practically sure of it, actually.

"Julia, what's going on? Why would you be happy that Rosemary is sick?" Nathan asked her.

"There is one reason, and only one reason. Would you two please excuse me? I need to go see her right away." Julia told them, with a suspicious smile.

"Jules. Yes, you should go see her…but I'm coming with you." Nathan told her, wondering what on earth was going on.

"See you two later, then." Jake said, as he walked up the steps to the Mountie office.

And, Julia took off at a quick pace for the row houses, with Nathan walking fast to stay by her side.

When Nathan and Julia neared the Coulter's row house, Lee was sitting on the top step of their porch. When he saw them approach, he came down to meet them in the road.

"Lee, is it true? Could Rosemary be…?" Julia asked, excitedly.

"Pregnant?" Lee was having a hard time controlling his nerves and containing his excitement. It was a visible dichotomy. He was completely unable to sit still, and looked like he might just take off running at any moment. "I think she could be. Faith is with her now, doing an examination. So, one way or another we will know soon."

Nathan understood then. Julia looked at him, smiling and with tears in her eyes.

Just then, Faith came out the front door. One thing was certain, no one in Hope Valley had never seen Lee move that fast. He was up the stairs in the blink of an eye. All of his attention was focused on Faith, and all she had to do was nod her head yes. And Lee let out the loudest, happy whoopee, that Julia had ever heard. Then, he did a little happy dance and disappeared into the house. Julia covered her mouth with her hand.

Faith turned to them, and came down the steps. She stopped just in front of Julia.

"It's true, Faith. She's…?" Julia's voice broke and she couldn't get the word out.

"Yes. She's most definitely pregnant, Julia." Faith paused with a happy smile, and looked Julia straight in the eye. "And, she told me what you did for them, Julia. I don't even know what to say. What you did gave them the best chance at making this dream come true. And, it worked. They know it and I know it." Faith put her hand on Julia's arm. "You are an excellent nurse, but you are an even better friend." Faith said with tears in her eyes. "Your brother was right, you are exceptional."

Julia's eyes threatened to overflow as she looked up at Nathan, and then back to her friend. "I only wrote to an old colleague, Faith."

"That's not all you did, and you know it. Julia, you saw them, and their hurt, and you did what you could to help them. And, I would very much like to see the studies your colleague sent you. I would be very interested to look over all that information. Would you share them with me, in case there are other couples we could help?" Faith asked her.

"Of course, Faith. I would love to discuss it all with you. Dr Reynaud's work is new but groundbreaking." Julia told her.

"Ok. So I'll see you back in the infirmary, then?" Faith asked.

"Yes, I will be back shortly." Julia told her. She looked up at Nathan and could see by the look on his face, that she might have some explaining to do first.

"Ok, Julia. Bye, Nathan." Faith told them, and she started her walk back toward town, carrying her medical bag.

As soon as she was out of ear shot, Nathan turned toward Julia and asked, "What's everyone talking about, Julia? Just what did you do for them?"

Nathan kept ahold of her hand, and they started walking towards the church. Julia proceeded to tell him the whole story. How she had seen the look that passed between Lee and Rosemary when Jake had asked about children. How without a word, she had written to an old colleague in Calgary. A doctor who was breaking ground in the field of "fertility" and helping couples conceive. How Julia had come to Rosemary and Lee late in the evening and with complete confidentiality, and presented them a treatment protocol to help them conceive. That Lee and Rosemary had been hesitant at first, but had obviously followed the protocol. Though the happy result had taken a few months, it was even quicker than Julia had anticipated. And, now that it was confirmed, she couldn't believe it.

Lee and Rosemary were going to have a baby.

Nathan stopped in the middle of the path, just behind the church. "Julia, Faith is right. This is exceptional." He paused and tipped her chin up to look at him. "I cannot believe what you did for them. It's incredible. You are incredible."

Julia smiled at him, again with tears in her eyes. "Honestly, Nathan, all I did was write to my old colleague. He sent me an entire box of treatment options for them. And even then, all I did was present it to them. They did the rest." Julia told him. "And, we prayed. Nathan, we all three prayed."

Nathan smiled down at her with his crooked smile. "It's still exceptional, Julia. I stand by my word." He paused and then told her. "It's something they have been praying for, for a long time. Lee mentioned it when we were having lunch about 9 months ago."

It was exceptional news, and Julia was ecstatic for them.

But, Julia quickly turned her attention to Nathan. She suddenly remembered the touching good-bye she had witnessed at the stage coach platform, and imagined that he'd had a difficult morning. She tilted her head and tried to get a read on how he was doing. He noticed how she looked at him.

"And you, Nathan. How are you doing? Are you okay, my love?" She asked him.

Nathan looked past her back towards town for a few seconds, and then brought his gaze back to her. "I'll be okay." He paused. "It's always hard to say goodbye."

"Yes it is." Julia looked up at him. "I'm here for you, Nathan. You know that, right?" She asked him.

Nathan nodded and pulled her into his embrace. She brought her arms firm around his back and she held him tight. She laid her cheek just where his shirt was open, and she stayed right there. He held her for a long time, and then slowly, he pulled back and took her hand. They walked by the little dock, their special place, and stopped to look down into the water. Then, they continued on back towards town.

When they got to the infirmary door, before letting Julia go in, Nathan asked her, "Jules, I think our house is going to be a little sad this evening. So, I think I'll take Allie to the café for dinner. Get her out of the house, cheer her up. Would you like to join us?"

Julia gave him a soft smile, "I would love to, Nathan. But, are you sure it's only for Allie, and not you too?"

"Maybe both." He said with a shy smile.

"Ok, then. I'll be there, for both of you." Julia told him. "What time?"

"6:30?" Nathan asked. "We'll come by and pick you up."

"I'll be waiting, my love." She told him. And he tenderly kissed her hand before opening the door for her. Then he gazed at her one more time before he headed back to the Mountie office.

At 6:30 p.m., Nathan and Allie knocked on Julia's door. She opened with a happy smile, just for them, her feeble effort to try and keep their spirits up.

Together, they walked to the café and got a table for three. They ordered the special, and a few minutes later, Bill came out and visited with them. He was happy to see Julia there too, for moral support. Their plates were delivered a short time later, so Bill excused himself to let them enjoy their dinner.

"Allie, are you excited about your Grandpa coming?" Julia inquired.

"Yes, very much so. I've only gotten to know him over the last few years, so I'm looking forward to his visit." Allie told her.

Julia thought back to the story Nathan had shared about he and his father making amends. It was nice that Archie wanted to come, even if Nathan no longer needed help.

"Do you know how long he plans to stay?" Julia asked Nathan.

"No, he didn't say. But I'm assuming a few weeks. He's holding a solid job now, so he probably can't stay much longer than that." Nathan told her.

"Dad, how are we going to sleep? How will we arrange the sleeping, for Grandpa…I mean?" Allie asked him.

Nathan looked at her gently. "Well, I was thinking about that this afternoon. What would you think about sleeping in my room? We have the extra folding bed now, so I thought maybe you could sleep in with me, on the extra bed. And, we can give Grandpa your room? Would you be okay with that, Allie girl?"

Allie looked at him a little mischievously, "That would be fine, on one condition." Allie told him.

"What's that, Allie?" He could tell by her face she was not serious, a joke was coming.

"Well, as long as you don't snore." She said with a huge giggle. Julia giggled too.

Nathan looked embarrassed, for a split second, and then he laughed. "I don't snore, Allie."

"Oh, yes you do! Sometimes…" Allie teased him. Julia couldn't tell if it was true or not, but she loved to see the teasing between father and daughter. It was cute, and so much better than the sadness she had seen earlier today.

Julia offered a fun solution, "Allie, if ever he snores too much, you can just come have a sleepover with me! At my apartment." Julia said with a small giggle.

Allie liked that idea and laughed out loud, "I might just take you up on that, Julia!"

"Okay, you two. That's enough." Nathan said, trying to seem stern. But, it didn't last long, because he was completely amused. And, his face didn't lie. "I do not snore!"

Allie, took one look at him, and cracked up again. "Sure, Dad! Whatever you say."

Nathan reached over and mussed up Allie's hair, just the way he used to, when she was little. That was one of the things she didn't like him to do anymore, now that she was older. "Thanks for the back up, Allie." He told her with a deep belly chuckle.

Allie protested to the ribbing, still giggling, and pushed his hand away. "Dad! I told you to stop doing that. I'm thirteen now!" She said, also trying to look stern, but her face belied her.

Nathan smiled at her, "You might be thirteen, Allie. But, you will always be my little girl." He told her with another chuckle.

Julia couldn't help but smile at them both, she thought them adorable. "Well Allie, after a few days sleeping in with your Dad, you can report back to me, and tell me if he snores or not." Julia joked with a huge smile.

Nathan just smiled at both of them and shook his head, realizing that he wasn't going to win this one.

"Ok, Julia. I'll let you know." Allie joked with a chuckle.

Bill came by and collected their empty plates, and then brought them three pies, a tea, and a coffee. Julia thought it sweet that they didn't even need to order dessert anymore. Bill just brought them the usual. She liked that.

Bill handed Nathan the list of supplies needed for the town. "Are you sure you don't mind, Nathan?" Bill asked him.

"Not at all, Bill. As long as Newton or Ginger can carry it, we'll do our best to bring it back." Nathan said with a cool smile.

"Ok. Thanks, ole pal." Bill told him, and he returned to his task of collecting empty plates.

When they were done with dessert, Allie and Nathan walked Julia home. Julia hugged them both at her doorstep, and Nathan looked a little bit lost. He obviously wanted to give her more than a hug, but with Allie present, it would have to wait until tomorrow.

"Jules, I'll see you tomorrow morning in the livery?" Nathan asked her.

"7:30." Julia stated shyly, wishing too that they could give each other more than a hug. It was strange to say good-bye to Nathan without being held or kissed by him. She missed it.

"Ok, see you then." He told her.

"Bye, Nathan. Bye, Allie." Julia said, as they started out towards home.

"See you later, Julia." Allie replied, and they were gone.

Julia entered her apartment, took a long hot bath, and got her things ready for tomorrow. She was excited about a whole day to spend with Nathan.