Author's Note:

Happy American Thanksgiving to all! So much to be thankful for, this year.

Hope you enjoy this funloving chapter on one of my favorite holidays. I tried to give you lots of little nuggets to relish!

Blessings to all, and enjoy your Turkey day.

-SArno

Chapter 66. The Sneaky Jeweler

At 7:30 a.m., Julia entered the livery. Nathan was there, and had already saddled both Ginger and Newton. They were all ready to go.

"Are you excited, Lawman?" Julia said with a light chuckle. Nathan was in civilian clothes, and wore a nice vest and slacks, with a light blue shirt that brought out his crystal eyes.

He dropped his hands when he saw her, and simply said. "Maybe." He took her in, and thought her beautiful in a light blue dress with cream accents. Her hair was pulled back around her face, and she wore a happy smile. He came to her immediately, and gave her a light kiss on the cheek, just to wake up those butterflies.

Julia transferred her things to Ginger's saddlebags, and let her gaze return to Nathan. "I hope a dress is okay, for the ride. I wasn't sure if it would be appropriate to walk around Benson Hills in riding culottes." She told him. But, she pulled up her skirts and showed him what she had worn underneath her dress…her riding boots.

He chuckled and said, "Smart thinking, Jules. You'll be a lot more comfortable like that."

Nathan led the two horses out and Julia mounted and got comfortable. The air was still fresh so she closed the light jacket she wore. Nathan tucked her skirts in around her boots, and made sure she was all set.

Then, Nathan mounted and got set on Newton. He looked over at Julia and asked, "Ready?"

"Lead the way, Lawman." She said with a broad smile.

One click from Nathan and they were off towards Benson Hills. They rode next to each other, and talked along the way.

Nathan told her that Allie had been sad this morning, without Grams. The house felt empty, but Allie was going to straighten her room and get it ready for Archie. And, she would start her shift at the switchboard at 9 a.m.

Julia asked about his mother and her trip home, and Nathan responded that Rebecca would not arrive in Airdrie until Friday. Yesterday, she had only taken the stagecoach to Buxton. Then, last night, she had stayed overnight in a hotel in Buxton before getting the train this morning to Edmonton. The journey forward would consist of a full day's train ride to Edmonton, another overnight in a hotel, before a day's train ride south to Airdrie. Charlie would pick her up late on Friday afternoon and take her home to the ranch. And, she would call Nathan as soon as she got there.

For the duration of the ride, they shared casual conversation and both genuinely enjoyed each other's company. When they finally arrived in Benson Hills, they headed straight to the livery to stall the horses.

As they walked into town, Nathan asked that their first stop be the jeweler. He suspected that Julia would need to leave her bracelet, and wanted the jeweler to have enough time to properly attach her new charm. Julia had no idea what kind of ornament Rebecca had ordered for her bracelet, and was excited about the surprise.

When they entered the jewelry store, Nathan led Julia to the counter and explained who they were.

The friendly gentleman behind the counter said, "Oh yes, Inspector Grant, your mother explained everything to me. I have your charm ready. Could I please see the bracelet?"

Julia started to remove the bracelet but Nathan just took her hand and held it out to the jeweler. Julia found that peculiar, but the gentleman behind the counter didn't miss a beat. He took her hand from Nathan and very slowly removed the bracelet from her arm. And, as he did, Julia thought he looked a whole lot more at her fingers than at her wrist. Julia looked up at Nathan in question, but he just shrugged. And since Julia had never spent very much time in a jewelry store, she didn't think any more about it.

They left her bracelet there with the jeweler, who said it would be ready in the afternoon. Nathan told him they would be back to pick it up, just before returning home to Hope Valley.

The next stop was the furniture shop, to place the order for the items for Nathan's classroom. Nathan found the head carpenter, and placed the order. Since Nathan already had the list all ready, complete with measurements, the task was quite easy. The big desk, chair, and chalkboard were already made, and could be delivered tomorrow. The rest would take a few weeks, and would all be delivered at a later date. Nathan took his time looking at the different sorts of wood, and latest designs in home furniture. He spoke to the woodwright, and one of his apprentices for a long time, about technique and artistry. The two carpenters were obviously impressed with Nathan's depth of knowledge and interest.

As they exited the furniture shop, Nathan asked her, "Where to next, Jules? What's on your list?"

"I need to go to the hospital pharmacy, the supply depot, and the big general store." She told him.

"Ok. Let's go to the pharmacy next." He told her, and off they went. Julia quickly got everything needed from the pharmacy.

Next, they hit the supply depot and Julia checked more items off her list. Also, Nathan picked up several items from Bill's list. He asked that everything be delivered to the livery, which made for less to carry, which Julia was thankful for. The last time she had been in Benson Hills, Julia had made multiple trips back and forth to the car, to stow supplies. Today in the summer heat, Julia couldn't imagine doing that.

Next, they went to the big general store and found the remaining items on both lists. As the salesperson was boxing up everything to send it to the livery, Julia thought of one more thing. "Do you sell linseeds or flaxseeds?" Julia inquired.

"Why, yes. Would you like me to add a bag in for you?" The young man asked.

"Yes, please." Julia told him.

Nathan looked at her curious, and asked. "Whose that for?"

And Julia replied, "Henry. It's for his blood pressure." She explained. Julia turned to him as the clerk went into the back. "Which reminds me, whatever happened with your blood pressure?"

"It went right back down to normal. Faith checked it the following day, after the storm, and it was just fine. She said it was stress related, which can be common." Nathan told her.

Julia smiled at him and nodded. "That's good news, Nathan."

"Why? Were you worried about me, Miss Matthews?" He asked playfully, liking her attention.

She gazed at him and smiled softly. "Maybe. It seems my heart would like to keep you around for a little while."

"Just a little while?" Nathan teased her, with his crooked smile.

The clerk came back, which interrupted them. He added the flaxseeds in, and their order was complete. They paid the bill, and the items were set to be delivered to the livery.

"Nathan, could we please take a quick look upstairs?" She asked him.

"Sure, but what's up there?" He asked as he followed her up the stairs.

"Come and see." Julia said taking his arm as they reached the top of the stairs. He followed her as she walked towards the aisle of art supplies, browsing and putting items into a basket. Soon, the small basket was almost full. Nathan took a quick look around, but was mostly amused that Julia was actually buying art supplies, which meant she must be on the verge of painting again.

When she was happy with her selection, they came back downstairs to the counter, and Julia paid. "Could you please add these items into the delivery scheduled for the livery, under the name Grant?" Julia asked, using the name she had heard Nathan give earlier.

"Yes, Mrs. Grant. I'll take care of that for you." He told her.

Julia opened her mouth to correct him, but Nathan spoke up from beside her. "Thank you, sir, that would be very kind of you."

Julia looked up at Nathan, who smiled at her, amused at the slip up. It seemed the idea of her being Mrs. Grant fit him just fine. So, she just closed her mouth and waited as the attendant finished the task. Then, Nathan placed her hand on the crook of his elbow, and led her out.

Once they were outside, in the sunshine and the heat, Julia just looked up at him. He smiled down at her, calm and content, walking with her on his arm. She found herself introspective and well, speechless, as he led her through the city streets and to a small corner café in the center of town. It faced a charming little square with an old-time well in the center. Beautiful stonework had been laid so that tables could be set outside. Huge trees brought shade all around, and flowers were overflowing from old wooden crates that had been converted into planters. It was a lovely hidden gem, a little romantic café that Julia would have never even known existed.

"Wow, it's so beautiful." Julia told him.

Nathan was looking around as well, impressed. "Isn't it? The owner is an old friend of Bill's. He said this place is a hidden gem, and he was right." Nathan told her.

"I'll say." Julia said as she looked around. It was packed and only a few tables were left empty.

Just then, a man about Bill's age came outside and welcomed them. "Inspector Grant?" He asked Nathan.

"Yes, sir. That's me." Nathan told him, and the older gentleman made the Mountie salute. Nathan smiled big and returned it.

"You were a Mountie, Sir?" Nathan asked him.

"Yes I was. I retired about 12 years ago, and well, decided to do what I really love…which is to cook." He replied.

"Wow." Julia spoke up, "Well, I can't wait to eat at your table, Sir. Where you at Fort Garry, like Bill?"

"Yes, indeed. I was there until I retired. Training new recruits and overseeing missions." He told them. "My name's Nelson, Curtis Nelson." He said, extending his hand.

Julia shook his hand, and replied. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Nelson. I'm Julia Matthews. My brother trained at Fort Garry, though he would have been there about 14 or 15 years ago."

"Matthews. We've had a couple of them come through. But there was one in particular, about that time frame. What was his name…?" Mr Nelson asked, more to himself than Julia.

"Jacob Matthews?" She asked him, to see if it could be the same.

"Yes, Jacob Matthews. Tall, light haired, and a bit of a loud mouth, if I remember right?" Mr. Nelson asked her.

Julia let out a soft laugh and replied. "Yea. That would have been about right, back then. He's mellowed out, now."

"Well, the Mounties will do that to you." Mr. Nelson told them. "Isn't it a small world?"

"Yes it is." Nathan piped in. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Nelson." He said, with his hand extended. "I'm Nathan Grant, but please, call me Nathan."

Curtis took Nathan's hand and shook it firm. "And Nathan, please call me Curtis. We are brothers in arms, after all." He said with a gentle grin.

"I have reserved you a table, just under the big oak tree, where there's a nice breeze." He led them to it. It was a lovely little corner, private and beautiful.

Curtis told them the specials, which they gladly ordered. Bill had already told Nathan it was a nice place and they would not be disappointed.

Nathan reached across the table and took Julia's hand. "What's left on your list, Jules?"

"Nothing. I got it all. But, I'd really love to go to the bookstore, if we have time?" Julia told him.

"Yes, of course. I'd love to have a look, too. Allie is also looking for a new book." He told her.

"Nathan, there's a new Lucy Maud Montgomery book coming out soon. We can see if they have it." Julia told him. "Allie would be so happy if we got it for her."

"Yes she would. That's a great idea, Jules." He told her.

A waiter brought their first course, which was a savory pastry with tomatoes and zucchini folded inside, served with a green salad.

They enjoyed that together and continued to discuss books, particularly those they had read recently.

When they were finished, the waiter came, took the empty plates and brought their next course.

"Jules, have you heard from your Aunt recently? Is she well?" Nathan asked her.

"Yes, I had a letter last week. She's been very busy. She had an intern with her for 3 months, but now she's alone again. She wants to come for a visit in the fall or perhaps at Christmas." Julia told him.

"She's younger than your mother was, right?" Nathan asked.

"Yes. She's 43, now. My mother was 10 years older than her. And, when I was 15 and spent the summer with her, she was only 32. So young and already a widow." She told him.

"What happened to her husband?" Nathan asked.

"He was a doctor, too. They were both working hard treating patients during an influenza outbreak in 1906. He caught it, and well…didn't make it." Julia told him.

"That's so sad, Jules. How old was Auntie Elle, when he passed?" He asked her.

"She was only 30. They met in medical school, but decided to wait until they finished all their studies to marry. And, with their different internships and specialized training, it was a long wait. Too long." Julia explained. "I think she always regretted that."

"Why did they wait so long, do you think? If they knew they wanted to marry?" Nathan asked her.

"I'm not sure. I think it was Uncle Timothy's idea. But, they were only married for two years, before he died." Julia explained. "Auntie Elle once told me that she felt like they wasted a lot of time. They were friends and classmates for 3 years, courted for 5 years, but were only married for 2." Julia paused.

Julia continued, "Auntie Elle used to joke that she wished they had married the first day they met. Then, they could have had 10 years together, instead of only two." Julia looked sad, "But I think, underneath her little joke, there was a whole lot of truth. It was one hundred percent how she felt. Looking back after he passed away, she just wished she had more time. Like any of us who lose someone we love."

"And they didn't have any children?" Nathan asked her.

"No. Though, years later she told me that she'd lost a pregnancy in the time that they were married." Julia paused and looked over at the flowers next to her. "When he died, they were just starting their life together, and thought they had all the time in the world."

"She never remarried?" Nathan asked.

Julia slowly answered, "No. She buried herself in her work. It was her way of coping. And well, there's always another epidemic around the corner. And, there are always sick people to treat." Julia explained. "But, she's a wonderful person and an exceptional doctor."

"I imagine so, if she taught you so much in one summer, and transmitted her love for medicine to you." Nathan surmised.

"I can't wait for you to meet her. She's reserved and introverted, like you and me. And, she's funny. Though, you have to know her to get her jokes. Most people don't even realize she's joking." Julia told him with a little giggle and a smile.

The waiter came and collected their empty plates. They both ordered dessert and coffee.

As soon as the waiter left, Julia reached down and pulled a pretty wrapped package from her bag, and handed it to Nathan.

"What's this?" Nathan asked her, surprised.

"A little thank you." Julia explained.

"For what?" Nathan asked, with his lopsided grin.

"For all my birthday gifts. I would have given it to you sooner, but it needed to dry." She said, amused.

At that, he tilted his head and smiled curiously at her, and started untying the ribbon. But first, he pulled out the little card, opened it, and read.

My dearest love,

You have truly spoiled me. I cannot ever remember having such a special birthday. And, on top of all the wonderful gifts you showered on me, I also get to be yours. And that is by far the greatest gift of all. Thank you for being you, and for loving me so very well.

Yours forever and always,

J

Nathan looked up and smiled at her. He liked that. Yours forever and always.

Nathan slowly unwrapped the gift and found inside, a picture frame. It was obviously Julia's handiwork. She had set and preserved real wildflowers, and attached them all around the sides of the frame. Then a clear coat had been applied to further preserve them. The frame was just beautiful.

But, the photo. It was the photo in the frame that was the most impressive. In fact, Nathan couldn't take his eyes off the photograph. It was from the Founder's Day dance, and Nathan hadn't even realized it had been taken. There they were, he and Julia, very close and dancing together, their hands interlocked and resting on his chest. And, they were looking at each other, but it was the way they looked at each other that got him. He swallowed hard. In the photo, Nathan was looking down at Julia, and talking, though he imagined he had probably been about half tongue-tied. But, she. She looked up at him with such adoration and love, as if they were the only two people in the room. As if he was the only man she saw. And, they both looked so happy. His breath caught just looking at the photo.

"Wow, Jules. This photograph. Where on earth did you get it?" He asked her.

"Fiona gave it to me. Same time as the one on your desk." Julia told him.

"Are there more like this?" Nathan asked.

"Yes." She told him with a sweet smile.

Nathan turned over the picture frame, to see how she had attached the wildflowers. And, there he found a quote, inscribed on the back of the frame.

People destined to meet will do so, apparently by chance, at precisely the right moment. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Julia explained why she had chosen that quote. "During our discussion the other day, when you asked me where I was when you were twenty, I couldn't get this quote out of my head. Nathan, the years of lonely were not easy for either of us. But, I agree with Mr. Emerson." Julia told him with a soft smile, "When it comes to me and you, I am convinced that God's timing was perfect."

Nathan smiled back at her, loving everything about this gift, and everything about what she had just said. "I am inclined to agree with you, Jules. I know the timing is right." He told her. "I feel just like your aunt, and want all the time I can get, with you."

He turned the frame back around and took one more look at it. He told her. "I love it, Jules. It's so beautiful. How did you get the wildflowers to retain their color like that?"

"They were fresh when I dipped them. And, I put several clear coats to preserve them." Julia explained.

"I can't get over this photo. It's just beautiful." Nathan told her.

"If you ever doubt the way I feel about you, Lawman, if even for just a minute. You can just look at that photo and it's obvious." She told him with a shy smile.

Nathan gazed at her so intensely and so adoringly in that moment, that she felt butterflies.

The waiter arrived with their desserts and coffees. Nathan moved the wrapping paper, though he left the frame on the table.

They sipped coffee and enjoyed the dessert together.

When they were all done at the café, Nathan looped Julia's hand gently over his elbow, as they walked through town. They decided to head towards the bookstore. On the way, they passed the Mountie office, and of course, there were a few guys sitting outside. Nathan recognized a few of them and walked up to say hello. Sort of.

"What are you slackers doing sitting outside?" Nathan said with a fake stern voice.

A few of the guys stood up quickly, ready to deal with a troublemaker, and it took them a minute to recognize Nathan, in civilian clothes. But, Davis was immediately up and giving Nathan the salute.

Then the others caught on and did the same. After the salute, Davis walked up to Nathan, with a huge grin and hand extended, obviously happy to see him. "Grant! How are you? All healed up I see?" Pendergrass followed.

Nathan shook Davis' hand and answered, "Yes, I'm back in action. Thanks to my stellar nurse." Nathan said referring to Julia, whose hand was still hooked over his elbow. Pendergrass shook Nathan's hand, too.

Julia spoke up beside Nathan and said, "Hello, Constable Davis." Pendergrass looked at her, slightly jealous. So, she greeted him, too. "Hello, Constable Pendergrass." And then the others looked like they also wanted a hello. "Hello...Constables."

Nathan read the looks on their faces, and felt suddenly very protective of Julia. He introduced her. "Fellas, this is Miss Julia Matthews, our nurse in Hope Valley."

"Hello, Miss Matthews." They all chorused, though not in unison.

Davis piped up, "Miss Matthews' brother is Jake Matthews if any of you guys know him? Was posted in Calgary and then west of Edmonton?" One guy nodded, he knew Jake.

Nathan told them, "He's just been transferred to Hope Valley. He's the new Constable there."

"Really? Jake's in Hope Valley?" Davis asked.

"He sure is." Julia told him, with a happy smile.

"Miss Matthews, would you please give him my greetings? We became good friends in Calgary, working security, a while back." Davis explained.

"I'll be sure and tell him, Constable Davis." Julia told him.

"Grant, how long you in town?" Pendergrass asked him.

"Just for the day. One more stop at the book store, and we're heading home." Nathan told them.

Davis told him, "I heard about your promotion, Grant. Congratulations." He said with a pat on the back. "And, Pendergrass and I already wrote to Commander Collins, requesting a place in your first training class."

"Thanks." Nathan said with a smile. "I'd be happy to have you, but not Penny there." He teased and pointed casually.

"Come on, Grant. I promise I'll behave." Pendergrass said with a mischievous grin.

"I don't think my little town could handle you, Penny." Nathan joked with him. "And, I certainly don't believe you will behave, not for a second." They other guys chuckled, and Pendergrass just smiled. He liked being the center of attention.

Davis explained to the other guys, "Grant here's a legend in tracking. And, he's gonna train guys in Hope Valley. If you know what's good for you, you'll sign up for his training class."

Pendergrass asked, "When's the first session gonna be?"

"Probably first or second week in August. I'm waiting on exact dates from Commander, but most likely around then." Nathan told them.

"Looking forward to it, Grant." Pendergrass told him.

"Me, too, comrades." Nathan replied. "Well fellas, if you'll excuse me, I better get Miss Matthews to the book store and then back to Hope Valley."

"Good seeing ya, Grant." Davis told him. And, Pendergrass agreed.

"You too, Davis." Nathan looked at Pendergrass, deciding whether or not to tease him. But finally, he told him, "And, it was even good to see you, Penny." Pendergrass smiled, content.

"Nice seeing you again, Miss Matthews." Davis said with a nod.

Pendergrass followed right behind, "Yea, great seeing you, Miss Matthews."

"You too, Constables. Take care of yourselves, and good day." Julia told them.

Nathan saluted them once more in farewell, and they returned it. And, Nathan and Julia walked on, arm in arm to the bookstore.

They spent some time browsing and Nathan found two books. Julia decided found something, too. The new book from L.M. Montgomery was not out yet, though Julia ordered a copy in advance, for Allie. The bookshop promised to send it through to the mercantile in Hope Valley, in Julia's name, as soon as it arrived.

After they were finished in the bookstore, Nathan led her back to the jewelry shop. The clerk brought Julia's bracelet over, and Julia saw for the first time the charm Rebecca had ordered for her. It was small and delicate, and composed of two hearts interlocked together. No ending and no beginning, hanging freely, but intertwined. Impossible to be separated, almost like an infinity symbol. It spoke volumes to Julia. With her fingers, she couldn't help but twirl them around each other, feeling deeply touched.

Nathan asked what was owed, but the clerk informed him that his mother had paid in full. Nathan turned and carefully clasped Julia's bracelet onto her left wrist.

Then, they turned to go. But when they got outside, Nathan stopped in his tracks. "Will you please excuse me for a moment, Jules? I forgot to ask him something important about the care of your bracelet."

That seemed odd, but Julia just nodded. "Sure. I'll wait right here, Nathan." She told him.

Nathan entered the jewelry shop again. Without saying a word, the jeweler gently handed Nathan a certain little velvet bag. As he placed it in the palm of Nathan's hand, he whispered, "It should fit just fine now, Inspector."

"Thanks, Mr. Stevenson." Nathan safely tucked his little velvet bag into his pocket, and turned to go. But then, he came to a halt. Nathan turned around, stepped back up to the counter, and smiled shyly. "Any advice on caring for my intended's bracelet?" Mr. Stevenson looked confused, so Nathan explained, "You see, I gave her that as an excuse, so I could come back in here. And, well, I don't want it to be a falsehood. So, if you give me a few instructions about how to care for her bracelet, it won't be."

Mr. Stevenson understood perfectly. The inspector was a man of integrity. He nodded and told Nathan, "Avoid harsh chemicals and solutions. But in any case, to restore shine, the bracelet can be soaked in a solution of vinegar and bicarbonate." He paused to write down the recipe for Nathan, on a small square piece of paper, and handed it to him. Nathan read it over and nodded. But then, Mr. Stevenson thought of another option. "But, the lady can bring the bracelet in to us once a year, for a cleaning if she'd like. Same for the item in your velvet bag." He said with a sly smile.

Nathan nodded and smiled big, suddenly very excited about the item in his velvet bag. And now, it should fit. And, Julia had been none the wiser.

"Thank you, Mr. Stevenson. Thank you, very much." Nathan told him with a broad smile.

"It's my pleasure, Inspector. And…good luck." He told Nathan, with a little wink.

Nathan walked back out the door and found Julia waiting for him patiently on the sidewalk, though her nose was already in her new book. She smiled when she looked up and saw him. He loved the way she looked at him.

He extended his elbow and she took it, and they started back toward the livery. On the way, Nathan showed her the recipe and explained what the jeweler had told him about the care of her bracelet. She thought him terribly thoughtful to have gone to the trouble of getting care instructions.

In the livery, Nathan saddled Newton while Julia worked on Ginger. Then they loaded all the items from the crates labeled Grant, into their saddlebags. Nathan had brought two extra saddlebags for Newton, and he filled those, too. He also packed up a third bag for Ginger, that attached just behind the saddle. Then, Julia tucked the bag she was carrying inside that saddle bag, too.

Nathan stepped over to Ginger and checked everything. He straightened and came close to Julia. "All set. Are you ready?"

Nathan looked at her so intensely, it made her heart flutter. She nodded slowly and answered, "Ready." Though, for what she was not sure. It felt like her heart was communicating a whole lot more than she was aware of.

Nathan came even closer and gently caressed her cheek with his thumb. "Thank you for a perfect day together."

Julia took a deep breath trying to still her racing heart. "It is I who should be thanking you, my love."

He slowly shook his head no, as he leaned down and kissed her. He kissed her breathless. Then he pulled slightly back and kissed her on the cheek, too. He whispered close to her ear. "And, thank you for my lovely gift."

He held the reigns tight to let her mount. But, Julia looked at him and made a cute little joke, "Sure, kiss me like that and then expect me to climb high on a horse?" She smiled playfully, with her head at a tilt, "What kind of riding school are you running here, Lawman?"

He laughed from his gut, then matched her cute little head tilt, as he looked at her. "I'm in the same boat you are, Jules. Would you rather me not kiss you?" He teased her right back.

Julia giggled and said, "No, I guess not. Step back and let me see if my legs work now." And, she was up in no time. Nathan shook his head at her, as he tucked her skirts around her legs for safety.

When she was all set, he led both horses out and mounted Newton.

They made quick time on the way home, enjoying some brisk portions of the ride, when they could race or just let the horses run. Julia loved riding fast and free. And, most of all, she loved riding with Nathan. Next to him, she felt completely at home and completely safe. Not just because he was a riding expert, but because he was her best friend. She loved that.

When they arrived back in Hope Valley, they unloaded items at the infirmary, and put the rest in Nathan's office. Then they took the horses back to the livery. They untacked them, brushed them, and fed them.

Then, Nathan walked her back to her apartment. He kissed her again, standing on her back stoop, and held her close as they said good-bye. Nathan marveled at how wonderful it was to kiss her, each and every time.

Then, he turned and headed toward home. But, Nathan made a stop-off on the way. He went to see Joseph, to give him an update on the progress of his latest project. And to see when Joseph was available, to help Nathan set it up. They made plans for Saturday, which gave Nathan a definite deadline. He had to finish all the work by then, and he intended to.

When Julia entered her apartment, she went through the adjoining door to the infirmary, to put away the supplies they had dropped off. Faith was just coming back in from a house call, and smiled happily when she saw Julia.

"How was your day in Benson Hills?" Faith asked.

Julia's smile gave her away, though she answered, "It was nice."

"Just nice, Julia? By the look on your face it was a lot more than nice." Faith told her with a chuckle.

"Ok." Julia tried again. "It was good."

"You are such a horrible story-teller! Are those the only adjectives you have to describe a whole day spent with your dreamy beau?" Faith chided her.

Julia just laughed and fluttered her eyelashes. "Would you prefer that I did this?" Julia joked with her.

"Yes! That's much better!" Faith chuckled. "But seriously, Julia. I won't believe for a minute it was only nice." Faith smiled at her. Then she thought of one more thing. "Hey, Fiona, Jake, and I are going to dinner at the café this evening. Want to join?"

"Sure, sounds like fun. What time?" Julia asked.

"6:00 sharp because your brother has to make his evening rounds after." Faith told her. Julia looked at the clock. It was 5:30 pm already, so she decided to put the supplies away tomorrow.

"Ok. I'll go get changed and be back at 6." Julia said, excited for an evening among friends.

At 6 p.m., the group went to eat dinner together at the café. Julia was so glad her brother didn't mind being around women, because it was so much fun having him there. Fiona was on a roll and completely hilarious telling a story about one of the teams from the oil rig that couldn't get along. Faith had a funny story from the sawmill, and well, Jake told a funny story from their childhood. Julia would have normally protested, but after such a day, she just didn't. She was happy and surprisingly, didn't mind at all.

After they were done, and the pies were all finished, Jake looked at the clock. He needed complete his evening rounds, and wanted to get around before dark. So, he excused himself, thanked the ladies for a wonderful evening, and started out for the livery.

However, when Jake entered the livery, he was very surprised to find Nathan there, waiting for him. Dressed in his serge. Newton and Ranger were already saddled and ready to go. Jake was taken aback, and wondered if there was some emergency or incident that he hadn't yet been informed.

"Nathan. What are you doing here? Is there something wrong?" Jake asked him.

"No, there's nothing wrong. I didn't get to go on rounds with you this morning and wondered if I could tag along with you this evening?" Nathan explained. The guy looked like there was a whole lot more he wanted to say, but Jake remembered that Nathan was a lot like his sister. And, it was best to just wait till he was ready. But thankfully, Nathan got their quick, "Jake, you are Julia's big brother, and the patriarch of your family. I have something very important to ask you."