Author's Note:
Julia was recently chosen to be illustrated by the amazing artist, Line M Eriksen.
I am in awe that so many amazing readers, like you, voted for her. And thus, Julia was one of Nathan's heroines chosen to be illustrated!
A HUGE thank you to all those who voted for Julia. I can't wait to see the results, but even the first teasers Line posted on Friday, are amazing.
I am very excited to see Line bring her to life. If you are not famliar with her work, Line is very talented, and has drawn some lovely sketches of Nathan and Allie, as well as made some amazing videos. Her prints are available in her online shop, and are just lovely (you can find her shop by visiting her instagram at Line M Eriksen).
Thank you for journeying with Julia and Nathan, and supporting their story. I am so very honored.
Chapter 67. Archie Arrives
On Friday morning, Julia and Nathan had to make their morning coffee date quick. Nathan planned to join Jake on morning rounds, and then he had a call scheduled with Commander Collins. Not to mention that the first load of furniture for his classroom would be delivered before or around lunchtime.
"I'm sorry I don't have a lot of time this morning, Jules." Nathan told her, handing her a cup of coffee. She turned from petting Newton, who was all ready and tied up in front of the Mountie office.
Julia replied as she took the cup of coffee. "Nathan, it's perfectly fine. We could have cancelled altogether, if you are too busy. I will you see you at noon, remember?"
Julia had offered to come over on her lunch break, and help Nathan move things upstairs. His big desk was on its way to Hope Valley, and he wanted to vacate the old desk downstairs, so that Jake could have it now. Jake needed a desk and a place to work from, now that he was Constable.
"Is everything set for Archie's arrival?" She asked him.
"Yes. Allie's room is clean and tidy, and ready to receive Archie. And, the bed is all set up in my room for Allie." Nathan told her, but when he looked over at her, he realized she had a funny smile on her face. He knew exactly what she was thinking. He sipped his coffee and said under his breath, "I don't snore, Julia."
That caused one of her loud giggles that slipped out before she could get her hand up to her mouth. Which made it even more funny, and Nathan laughed with her. And, he did know exactly what she had been thinking. "I believe you, Nathan." She said with an amused smile.
"Jules are you still able to come to the coach platform to meet Archie?" Nathan asked her.
"I'll be there, Nathan. And, I managed to get off early, so I can come to your house straight away. I will bring my basket with all the ingredients to teach Allie to make my fried chicken recipe. She and I had planned to make dinner, if that's still okay with you?" Julia asked him.
He smiled, happy about this plan. He was a little apprehensive for Archie and Julia to meet each other, and hoped it would go well. "That sounds great to me, Julia."
Nathan's face changed, his brow furrowed as he looked down into his coffee cup. She could see something was troubling him. Julia leaned over and put her hand in his. "Whatever it is, Nathan, you can tell me."
He looked at her, with a contemplative grin. "I hope it will go well." Nathan wasn't able to say more than that, but Julia understood what he meant.
Julia squeezed his hand, and told him. "Nothing about Archie, or his being here, will change the way I feel about you, Nathan. Nothing."
Nathan looked at her, relieved to hear that. Those words were like gold to his heart, a safe place to take refuge in face of the uncertainty he felt with Archie's arrival. Nathan and his father had come a long way, but there was still a long way to go. He didn't want to find himself embarrassed by Archie once again, as he had been countless times as a youngster, and certainly not in front of Julia. Hearing her say that gave him a confidence to try harder with Archie, and open his life a little bit more.
Nathan raised her hand to his lips and gently kissed it. "Thank you for saying that, Jules. It means so much to me."
Julia heard horse hooves, and looked down the lane to see Jake arriving on Ranger. She knew that meant it was time for Nathan to go. He stood and took her coffee cup and set both of them inside.
"Good morning, big brother." Julia told Jake as he arrived in front of her.
"Good morning, Sis." He answered. "Busy day today?"
"I hope not. A slow day is always better, in the infirmary. It means everyone is healthy." Julia told him.
Nathan came out of the Mountie office and quietly said good-bye. Then he mounted Newton, and stood in front of her for just a second. Julia's breath caught when she saw how handsome he looked, in his serge, sitting high atop Newton. She gave them both a little wave, and Nathan gave her a tip of his hat. Then, they headed out of town towards the oil rig.
Julia walked back across to the infirmary, to open and get ready for the day.
Shortly after 11 a.m., Julia heard the sound of a loud wagon out front, on the street. She stood from her chair, and looked out the window. The first load of furniture for Nathan's classroom had arrived. Nathan walked next to the wagon and directed them around to the back of the Mountie office.
Julia smiled, happy for Nathan, and sat back down at her desk. She thought back to yesterday's trip to Benson Hills. On the ride there, she and Nathan had talked so easily about so many different topics. As they walked through town, he had so sweetly hooked her hand over his elbow. And she smiled when she remembered how the clerk at the general store had called her Mrs. Grant. And, Nathan had not corrected him, but had seemed just fine with the slip up.
She'd had a few dreams about being married to Nathan, but she'd never really thought about the fact that her name would change. She would become Mrs. Grant. Mrs. Nathan Grant. Her heart fluttered at the very sound of it. Julia Grant…Eleanor Julia Grant. It sounded so strange to her ears, but yet made perfect sense.
Julia tried to return her thoughts to the patient file in front of her, but it was no use now. She had lost her train of thought, and landed smack dab in left field. She needed to reign it back in before she got too far off track. She and Nathan had only been courting for a short time, even if they had been in love with each other for a while now. And, she was under the impression that Nathan liked to take things slow. And Julia fully intended to be patient, as long as it took.
She remembered the words she had spoken to him, when he had been laid up in the infirmary. The first day, when hey had been discussing his injuries, and different diagnoses to consider. And, out of the blue, he had stopped and apologized for not being able to take her to dinner yet. Julia had answered, "I'll wait." Because he was worth the wait. And, she still believed that true, now more so than ever. Nathan was the most honorable, noble man she had ever met.
Julia decided to stretch her legs, to see if that would help her regain her focus. She stood and put more items away, from the large batch of supplies she had brought from Benson Hills.
After the deliverymen, Nathan, and Jake got all the furniture carried upstairs, Nathan offered them coffee. They had another delivery in a nearby settlement, so they couldn't stay. Nathan shook their hands and saw them off, and then he and Jake worked to get everything arranged.
Nathan put the big desk and chair where he had envisioned it, when Nathan had given Julia a tour of his classroom. Then they put the chalkboard behind the desk, though they didn't hang it yet. Nathan gave everything a good clean, after the dusty wagon ride. Then he found some empty crates, and began moving things upstairs, from his old office downstairs.
Nathan was just unloading the second crate when Julia arrived. He looked at his pocket watch and realized it was already noon.
"You work fast, Lawman." Julia told him, with a playful smile. "You tend to do that when you are excited about something." Nathan smiled. She didn't know the half of it. The project in his workshop was nearly done. It only lacked about an hour or two's worth of work, and it would be ready. That meant, if he and Joseph could get it all set up tomorrow, he could propose as early as Sunday. As early as Sunday. They could be engaged; to be married. The thought made him nervous and thrilled at the same time. And, for some reason, unable to wipe this silly grin off his face. She noticed, but just smiled back at him.
Nathan cleared his throat and said, "Are you referring to yesterday morning, when I had the horses all saddled before you got there?"
"Exactly." Julia said, picking up a crate. "Where should I start, Nathan?"
"Well, I've started transferring everything from the desk downstairs up to this one." He said, as he placed his hand on top of his new desk. Julia nodded, and headed downstairs for another load.
Julia was reminded of just how neat Nathan was, when she pulled out the drawer. All of his stuff was so cleanly and precisely arranged. She almost hated to touch it. But, she carefully set things in the crate, so that she could arrange them all in the new desk in the same manner.
When the crate was full, Julia carried it back upstairs, and starting arranging items in the new desk exactly as they had been in the old one. Jake was now upstairs with Nathan, and they were working to hang the chalkboard.
When Julia had emptied the crate and arranged everything neatly, she returned downstairs for another load. Julia filled up the crate once again, and brought more items upstairs. This time, lots of files and handwritten reports. Julia arranged those items too, trying to respect Nathan's system. As she was working on getting things just right, Nathan and Jake abandoned the chalkboard and went downstairs to get some more tools.
As Julia worked, she had one oversized file that didn't quite fit. She pulled out one of the drawers that had already been arranged, to see where she could place it. And, she found a set of papers rolled up like a scroll. Peeking inside from one end, she could read the words "House". She looked over at the classroom door, slowly removed the string, and unrolled the papers. Once the papers were unrolled, she could see that the bottom actually said, "Grant House". The drawing was meticulous and neat, but had been drawn by hand. Nathan's hand. She recognized the handwriting.
Drawn out on the large paper was a beautiful house. Their house. Julia gasped as she stepped back and looked at it. She remembered the picnic they'd had by the stream on the other side of the meadow from the church. They had been sitting together on the blanket, and Nathan had asked her about her dreams, for them. He had asked her, "If you are dreaming about us, really dreaming, and the sky is the limit, where do you see us living?"
Julia had laid back on the blanket at closed her eyes, "I see a big white house, with a porch that stretches all the way around. And big tall windows to let in lots of light. And there are beautiful hand-crafted wooden doors with a lovely curly, fancy G on them. There are flowers, lots of flowers, planted all across the front."
Julia's mouth fell open. There it was. The house from her daydream, drawn out in Nathan's hand, realized before her very eyes. More beautiful than she had even imagined.
And, there was the barn. Though, in Nathan's drawing it more closely resembled the barn in the painting hanging in his bedroom. The painting Colleen had made, just for Nathan.
"Set a little ways from the house there is a huge barn for the horses, and a mule. I don't know why there is a mule, but maybe you do?" Julia had asked him, with one eye open, and he had nodded with a big happy smile.
The barn was there, too, big and beautiful and perfect. In fact, it was all there, every detail.
All that was missing was the swing, and the heart-shaped tree.
Julia remembered what Nathan had said to her that day. "I see the same big white house. I have already drawn the plans out for it. Though, you don't know that yet."
And here, she held those very plans in her hands. And, he actually had already drawn them out. They were dated 4 June 1919, just after the Founder's Day dance, but way before their picnic.
Julia turned to the second page, where he had drawn the inside of the house. Julia remembered what he had told her, "It has a huge open floor plan with a big kitchen for all the cooking lessons I'd like you to give me, and a huge wooden table to receive all of our friends. In the salon, there's a huge stone fireplace, and you always make sure there are fresh flowers on the coffee table. Off to one side, there's a library with shelves from floor to ceiling and one of those ladders with wheels so you can reach the books at the top."
Everything was just as he had described it, laying on the blanket near the stream. Julia turned to the third page, and she found a drawing of the second floor. And it too, was just as Nathan had described.
"And, on the second floor are the bedrooms. Lots of them. For us, Allie, and all the children." Nathan had told her.
Julia let the plans fall back into place, returning to the front page. She stared blankly at the front of the house, in shock. How could this man be so very perfect for her? Tears stung her eyes as her heart overflowed. She thought just maybe she was starting to understand what her father had meant, when he said that her mother had been his rib. It was a silly analogy, but somehow, when she thought of Nathan, it made sense, in the most beautiful way.
Julia slowly rolled the house plans back up, returned the string to its place, and placed them back in the drawer exactly how she had found them. She sat down in Nathan's new chair and tried to catch her breath. She was trying not to cry, she felt so overwhelmed with emotion, and love for him.
His dreams were her dreams, and he wanted to realize those dreams together.
Julia sat there, stunned, for a long moment. She heard footsteps coming up the stairs, and Nathan entered, in the middle of an animated conversation with Jake. They had more tools and everything they needed now to hang the chalkboard, and were talking through the process. But when Nathan saw her, sitting there in his chair, with a stunned look on her face, he stopped in his tracks.
Julia rose and slowly came to him. When she arrived just in front of him, Nathan looked down at her, questioning. But she didn't miss a beat. She slowly rose up on her tip toes, and kissed him lightly on the cheek. Her face lingered next to his for just a moment, as she whispered in his ear, "I love you with all of my heart." Nathan felt the butterflies all the way to his toes, and was sure even Jake could hear his heart pounding loudly, from across the room. When she stepped back on her heels, Nathan saw the tears in her eyes, and wondered what had happened while they had been downstairs fetching tools.
Nathan started to ask her, but she was gone out the door before he even could even open his mouth. She went back downstairs and found another crate, and kept on working.
Julia came back with another load, and on top, she had placed the items that had been on the top of his desk. She arranged each item, exactly as he'd had them downstairs. And she set up the photographs. First, a photo of Nathan and Allie, and then the photo of her and Nathan, from Founder's Day. As she set that one up, she felt emotional again. Nathan had his eye on her now, and caught the emotion on her face. He was still trying to figure out what had transpired earlier.
Julia arranged the rest of the items in his top drawer. The fellas finished with the chalkboard, just as she finished with her crate, and was headed down for the final load.
"Should I bring up the typewriter, Nathan? Or does that stay downstairs?" Julia asked him. Nathan hadn't thought of that, but they would definitely need a second typewriter now.
"Well, I hadn't considered that, but I will certainly need to order another one. Jake, you keep the one downstairs, and I'll come down if I need to type something up." Nathan told him. "Hopefully it won't take too long to get a second one." Nathan made a mental note to go to the mercantile this afternoon, and order a new typewriter.
When they got downstairs, Nathan sat and took a look at his old desk. He pulled out all the drawers, and cleaned each one. When all was vacant, he turned it over to Jake. "It's all your's now, my friend." He said, rubbing his hand over the top, one last time.
Julia looked around the room to see if there was anything else that needed to go up. "What else, Nathan?" She asked cheerily.
Nathan stood and came over next to her. There were many items on the bookshelf, that would need to go up. But, he hadn't thought to order a bookshelf for the classroom, and he would certainly need one. This afternoon, he would also call the furniture shop in Benson Hills and add a bookcase for the coming delivery.
"All the books on the top shelf are mine, Jules. They will need to go up, but I need to order a bookshelf for up there. If you want to pack them up already, so Jake can take the space, you can just leave them in the crates for now." He told her. Julia nodded and got to work, carefully arranging the books in the crate so he could still get to them.
However, the crate was quite heavy once she got it loaded with books. And, it took three crates to hold all of his Mountie manuals and books. She managed to carry the first one up, and put it behind his desk. Nathan followed her up with the second crate. When he set it down, and turned around, he saw how Julia had arranged his desk. She had taken care to put everything exactly as he'd had it downstairs. Then, he looked timidly at his chair.
"Try it out, Nathan. You are a big shot, now." Julia encouraged him, holding the back of the chair.
Nathan chuckled, but obliged her, and sat in front of his new desk. He looked at the photos, and ran his hand over the top of the desk. He opened each drawer and looked inside. She had placed everything just as he would have. He reached back and placed his hand on her hand, that now rested on his shoulder. He looked up at her, "Thanks, Jules. It's all perfect."
"You deserve it, Nathan. You've earned it." She told him, her heart swelling with pride.
"Thanks, Jules." He said, squeezing her hand one time, as he stood. "I'm going to go grab the last crate of books." And, she nodded.
While Nathan was gone, Julia sat in his chair for just a moment. She pulled out his top drawer and searched for chalk. She wanted to make him a little note on the chalkboard, but didn't find any. So, she opted for one of the little square pieces of paper that he stocked in his top drawer, for taking notes. She scribbled a little note:
Julia loves Nathan
And she placed it in his top drawer, right on top, for him to discover the next time he sat at his desk.
Nathan came in and dropped the last crate of books, and looked at her sitting in his chair. He wanted to know what had her so emotional before.
"Are you okay, Jules?" He asked as she stood from his chair.
"Yes, just fine. Why?" She asked.
"Earlier…you seemed…emotional." Nathan told her. "And then, the kiss on the cheek out of nowhere?"
"I just had a little moment, a vulnerable moment of feeling very blessed to be loved by you." Julia told him, and that was honest. It was exactly that. A moment of vulnerability, of truth that hit her. Of realizing, one more time, that he was the one. One hundred percent. And, that she wanted to spend the rest of her life loving him back. She wanted to be Mrs. Nathan Grant. Not just to carry his name, but to be his.
Nathan came to her and put his arms around her. "I feel the exact same way about you, Miss Matthews." He told her, flirtatiously.
Julia shook her head. "But, you are so good at loving me."
"Well, you are very easy to love." Nathan told her with a tender smile. "And, you are very good at loving me too, Jules."
Again, she shook her head, softly yet stubbornly defiant. "No. I hope to one day love you as well as you love me. I will try all my days to live up to the high standard of love you set, Nathan Grant. You are truly…above and beyond."
Nathan looked at her with a furrowed brow. "Where is this coming from?" Nathan asked her. "You love me perfectly well, Jules. Exactly perfect. For me."
Julia just nodded, giving into him. But, knowing in her heart he was the more perfect one. He slowly leaned down and kissed her. The kiss quickly deepened in the wake of the deep emotion she had felt, standing in this very spot, when she had found the house plans. Waves of tender emotion washed over them as they relished the tender kiss.
When Nathan pulled back, he answered her declaration from earlier, the one she had so softly whispered into his ear, "I love you too, my darling, with all of my heart." She was speechless and breathless, and just gazed up at him, longing for more of him.
Nathan smiled down at her, desiring to be closer still, and he pulled her into his embrace. She went into his arms and found her perfect spot, her home. He held her a long time, until they heard footsteps coming up the stairs. They slowly, reluctantly pulled back from each other, just in time, as Jake entered the room.
Julia looked at the clock that Nathan had hung just that morning, and knew she needed to get back to the infirmary.
Julia finally found her voice and softly told them both, "Fellas, I should get back to the infirmary." She reached up and kissed her brother on the cheek. Before she went out the door, she turned back to Nathan and said, "See you at 4."
Nathan nodded and let out a long, slow breath, as she exited.
A little before 4 p.m., Julia walked out of the infirmary with her basket, and headed down to the stage coach platform. When she got close, she saw Nathan and Allie already waiting. And, once Nathan spotted her, he watched her all the way.
When she got there, he said his usual, "Hi."
"Hi, Nathan." Julia answered back, with a soft smile. "Hi, Allie."
"Hi, Julia." Allie said, giving her a hug.
Julia looked down at her as she pulled back from the hug. "Are you excited?"
Allie looked up at her happily. "Very excited." Allie looked into the basket. "Did you find everything we need?"
"I sure did, Allie." And then she whispered so only Allie could hear. "They are going to love it."
About a minute later, Julia heard the familiar stage coach pulling in. As soon as it parked, a white haired gentleman with a kind face stepped out of the coach.
Allie was off at a sprint, "Grandpa!" The older gentleman embraced Allie, and right away, Julia could see his gentle nature.
When Archie let go of Allie, he immediately came over and hugged Nathan. Archie spoke softly to Nathan, but the only word Julia could make out was son.
"You too, Dad." Nathan replied, and Julia was surprised but happy to hear him call Archie Dad.
When they pulled back from their embrace, Nathan looked over at Julia. Archie stepped over to face her. "Dad, this is Julia Matthews. Julia, this is Archie, my Dad." Archie started to extend his hand, but Julia just hugged him. That wasn't at all typical of her, but something just made her do it. Archie seemed to like that and over her shoulder, he smiled at Nathan.
When Julia let him go, she said, "It's very nice to meet you, Mr. Grant."
"Please, call me Archie." He told her.
"And, you can always call me Julia." He had kind eyes, and a soft gentle demeanor, much like her own father. And, like Nathan.
Nathan stepped over to the coach and helped the driver unload Archie's bags. When everything was off, they all walked arm in arm towards Nathan's house. Archie walked arm in arm with Allie, carrying one bag. And, Nathan walked arm in arm with Julia, carrying the other.
When they got there, Julia took out lemons from her basket. And, she and Allie quickly made lemonade, while Nathan showed Archie around the house. He brought Archie's things to his room, and changed out of his uniform. When both men came back down, they all drank lemonade together. It was refreshing after the long day working in the office, and Archie seemed to appreciate it after the long day of travel.
After the lemonade, Nathan and Archie went out to the workshop. Julia unloaded the rest of the items from her basket, and she and Allie got to work on dinner.
They started by making the side dish, which was mashed potatoes. It was fun to work with Allie, and she was eager to learn. They peeled and washed the potatoes and set them to boil. Then, Julia brought out items for a small salad, which they also worked together to make.
"Allie, how is your job going at the switchboard? Julia asked her.
"It's fun, I guess. I get to talk to a lot of different people. And, it's easy. You just connect people, and I have learned everyone's voices now. They sound a little bit different on the phone." Allie explained.
"And, does Robert ever stop by to see you?" Julia asked, putting a casual tone, hoping that Allie would feel comfortable enough to talk about it. Nathan had mentioned to Julia that Allie might need a woman to talk to, about these things.
"Yes. He was working mostly for Mrs. Thornton. And, only worked occasionally at the mercantile, to deliver mail. But, now that she's gone in Hamilton, Robert works in the mercantile more often. Though, he doesn't work in the front, mostly in the back, and he delivers the mail everyday." Allie answered.
"Is it nice that he's around, or awkward for you?" Julia asked her.
"Well, Robert is complicated. When I first came to Hope Valley, I was young and didn't really like boys yet. But, he was older, and he like-liked me. Then, as soon as I decided I like-liked him back, he decided he liked somebody else." Allie said with a little bit of frustration in her voice.
"Oh, so he couldn't make up his mind?" Julia understood now. Allie had finally been won over by Robert, and then hurt. Julia remembered feeling pressured by the affections of an older boy, in fact, she had known it first hand when she was young.
"Now, after he has liked about three different girls, Robert comes back around to me. It doesn't make any sense, and feels a little bit like a game." Allie told her.
"Well Allie, you are only thirteen. That's very young for romantic interest. Even if all your friends are talking about it, and liking boys, you don't have to do the same. That's called peer pressure, and you shouldn't do anything because of peer pressure." Julia looked Allie firm in the eye as she said that last part. "I know Emily and Anna are older, but you are still only thirteen. You have a lot of time to figure it out. Don't feel pressure to like anyone. Just tell them you are not ready for all that drama yet." Julia told her, with a cute little giggle.
"And, it is drama. I'd much rather go fishing with my Dad than hang out with a boy, like that." Allie said with her own little giggle.
"And, rightly so. Your Dad is much more fun that any boy would be, at your age." Julia said with a broad smile. Julia crinkled up her nose and said, "Boys your age are confused, and their voices sound all funny, and they can't make a decision about anything." Julia joked with her.
Allie laughed out loud and said, "You hit the nail on the head, Julia. And, they fall down all the time because their arms are suddenly longer than their legs."
Julia laughed too, at Allie's assessment of teenage boys. "And, they don't know how to talk to you without a stutter?"
"Exactly! They suddenly become all awkward. Boys that used to be my best friends, can't even talk to me now." Allie said, with a giggle.
Julia encouraged her, "Give them a little time to figure out who they are, and what's really important. Maybe when you are 16 or 17, you will feel differently." Julia paused and looked at her serious now, "But, the most important thing, Allie. The most important thing is that you don't do anything because you feel pressured. You are free to like or not like. It's your choice, and you need to be true to you." Julia told her. "And your Dad, and I, will always support you in that. Stand on your own two feet, for what you feel is right, and we will always be behind you."
"Thank you for saying that, Julia." Allie said, with a happy, confident smile.
Julia gave her an amused smile, "Allie, one day, when you decide you do like someone, whenever that will be, there will be rules to follow. I'm sure of it. Your Dad will put them in place because he loves you and wants to protect you. Just don't forget that." Julia told her, with a soft smile. "But, I would strongly encourage you to wait a little longer, because you have all the time in the world. Enjoy being young and carefree a little bit longer, Allie. Enjoy those fishing trips, and horse rides, and all the benefits of being a kid, a little bit longer." Julia told her, happily.
Allie looked at Julia, a little awkwardly. "So, what do I do about Robert?"
Julia smiled at her, reassuringly. "You and Robert can always be friends. At least until he makes up his mind, and you are ready. If he really like-likes you, he'll respect you, and he'll wait."
"You think so?" Allie asked her.
"I know so. And, if he isn't willing to wait, then he doesn't like-like you the way you deserve." Julia paused, and then got serious, sharing from her own experience. "Allie, there was a boy who liked me when I was young. He was 2 years older than me, and I felt peer pressure. When I was 15, I finally gave into him and agreed to court him. And, when he went off to his studies, he promised he would come back for me, to marry me. I was 16, and I waited for him for a few years, though he never even returned a singe one of my letters. It broke my heart." Julia told her. "But, looking back now, I realize he didn't honor me, or respect me at all. And, he didn't take into consideration my wishes or my feelings. And, he acted terribly selfish the entire time he pursued me."
Julia paused and looked at her. "Wait, Allie. Wait for a guy like your Dad. Who will honor you and respect you, and think of your feelings first. And, guys at your age, they don't think like that. They aren't able, just yet." Julia smiled at Allie. "Maybe one day Robert will get there, and you'll realize you like-like him back. Or maybe not. But, don't settle, Allie. Never settle. And, you have a great example in your Dad, to help you set the standard."
Allie smiled back at Julia, knowing that she was exactly right. Her Dad was the perfect example of what to look for in a man. Sure, he had his flaws, like everyone else, but he was a good man. Humble and selfless, thoughtful and kind, he always treated everyone with the utmost respect. He always stood for what was right, and would always do the right thing, even when it cost him dearly. And, he was almost always the first one to admit his mistakes, and apologize.
Even though it was against his nature, her Dad tried to see the good in people. Like the last time Archie was in Hope Valley, her dad had been forced to arrest him. But then, even considering all the times that Archie had let him down, her Dad still put his heart on the line. He still took a chance on Archie, and set out to clear his name. And, he did just that. Archie had not been guilty, but innocent. And, no one would have ever known, if her Dad had not taken that chance.
"Thanks, Julia. That's great advice. And, you are right, I have an incredible example. I will wait for a guy who measures up to my Dad." Allie smiled. "Although, he's pretty great, so that might take a very long time!" Allie giggled.
Julia smiled, thinking it would be quite hard to find another man who would ever measure up to Nathan Grant. "You are right about that. Your Dad is pretty great." Julia smiled big, "But maybe one day, there will be a man who will come close."
Allie nodded and went back to stirring the potatoes. When they were ready, Allie set them off the stove. Then, they began to prepare the batter for the fried chicken. When it was ready, they heated the oil and started cooking. After each piece of chicken was ready, they put it in the oven to keep it warm. When all the pieces were cooked, they worked together to set the table.
Allie was working on mashing the potatoes when the men came back in. It had been an hour and a half since the men had gone out into the workshop, and they looked like the time had been productive.
Julia looked up from the kitchen and asked, "Did you fellas have a nice visit?"
Archie smiled his own lopsided grin and spoke up, in his calm even drawl, "There's nothing like working with wood to get men talking, between themselves."
Nathan chuckled and nodded, and went to the wash basin to wash his hands. Archie did the same.
"Well, it's just about ready. We are just mashing the potatoes now, so if you'd like to sit directly at the table, we'll be with you shortly." Allie told them.
Julia looked in the pot with Allie, added a few more pats of butter and poured in a little more cream, until the consistency looked good. Allie sprinkled in a little more salt and pepper, and the potatoes looked wonderful. Julia gave them a little taste, and nodded her head, with an emphatic, "mmmm."
Allie smiled proudly and carried them over to the table. Julia followed with the pan of fried chicken, and set it down next to the fresh bread and butter. Allie returned for the salad and the water pitcher, and they were ready to eat.
Once everyone was seated, they passed around all the dishes, until all four were served. And then Nathan asked his father to bless the food.
Everyone joined hands, and Archie sang a beautiful little lullaby. It was slow, and low and deep; a prayer set to music, thanking God for all our many blessings. It was just lovely, and Julia understood exactly where Nathan got his musical talent.
"Wow, thank you, Archie. That was just lovely." Julia said in a soft voice. "I haven't heard that one before."
"That's because it's an Archie original." Nathan told her with a gentle smile, and a hint of pride.
Julia said softly, "I love it."
Allie smiled and said, "Me, too, Grandpa."
They ate happily together, and the conversation flowed easily. Archie asked Julia questions about herself, and she shared freely. She had to admit, she really like Archie. He had an easy-going, gentle nature that made it hard to imagine that he had ever been the one to hurt Nathan. He must have really been a different person during those years of addiction. It was difficult to imagine him ever doing a single harmful thing to anyone.
Maybe that's why it had been so hurtful for Rebecca, Nathan, and Colleen. Because they knew who Archie really was, and loved him so deeply, as was obviously very easy to do. Perhaps that was what made it so very hard to accept. And, why it had taken so long for Rebecca to forbid him to come home. And, why Nathan had been so apprehensive to believe Archie had truly changed, when he came to Hope Valley a few years back, to make amends.
When there was a break in the conversation, Julia asked Nathan, "How was the call with your Commander this morning?"
"It was very good. Things are moving along nicely now. The first class will arrive August 5th, for 4 weeks." Nathan told them. He had something else to tell them, but had been avoiding it all day. He knew they were not going to like it, and had put off telling them, for the sheer fact that he didn't want to. But, he would have to tell them, eventually.
Julia noticed his face change, and his brow furrow. She could see something was on his mind, and it was not good. She looked at him with the question in her eyes, he couldn't hide anything from her. "Nathan?" She whispered, next to him.
"Well, I guess now is as good a time as any to tell you." Nathan took a deep breath. "Commander Collins needs me in Union City for two weeks, to finalize everything with the training program. I'm set to leave July 7th, and will be gone for two weeks."
The faces around the table were conflicted. On one hand, they were happy for Nathan, for his new position, and how it was moving along. But sad on the other hand, that he would be gone for two weeks. Julia could not imagine not seeing him for a single day, let alone fourteen. Allie also looked terribly sad.
Archie spoke up, "Son, I'm very proud of you. You deserve this promotion, and this honor. I am very happy to stay with Allie while you are gone. I know you will come home as soon as you can." Nathan nodded, appreciating his affirmation, and the offer to stay with Allie.
Julia spoke up next. "I am happy for you, Nathan. And, I will help out Archie, and hang out with Allie. Don't worry about us." She told him, even though her heart felt sad.
Allie told him, "Yea, Dad. Don't worry about us, we will get along just fine. You do what you need to do."
Even though their words were supportive, the news did put a sort of damper on things. The atmosphere was a little less jovial.
To try to pick things back up, Julia took a deep breath and put on a big smile. "And, Allie, you know we can always have a few sleep overs at my apartment." Julia offered, happily. Then she whispered, so only Allie could hear, "We can stay up late and eat cookies, and talk about whatever you like."
Allie liked that and smiled happily. Nathan looked at Julia, grateful for her care for Allie. And, Nathan nodded at his father, thankful for his support.
Archie looked at Julia and Allie and told them, "Girls, you have outdone yourselves. Everything is very delicious." Julia and Allie looked at each other and smiled proudly.
"I agree, wholeheartedly. It's delicious, ladies." Nathan told them.
After they were all done eating, Allie and Julia collected the plates and carried them into the kitchen. Allie pulled out the chocolate cookies Julia had made, while Julia put on the coffee pot and the water kettle.
"Archie, would you like a coffee or herbal tea?" Julia asked him.
"Coffee, please." Archie answered her.
"How do you take it?" Julia inquired.
"A little milk, please." Archie replied. A little milk, just like her. Julia looked at Nathan and smiled. Julia set up two herbal tea cups for she and Allie.
When it was all ready, she carried over the wooden tray with the coffee and tea. After they had all finished dessert, Julia noticed Archie looking at the paintings in the living room.
Julia asked him, "Did you see the beautiful painting that Allie made?"
Archie rose and went over to stand in front of it. Julia joined him. "Allie did that?" He asked her.
"She sure did. I may have given her some pointers here and there, but she's a natural, just like Colleen." Julia told him, proudly.
Archie looked at the painting next to Allie's, the one that Colleen had painted. "I remember when my sweet Colleen painted this one. She was so beautiful and concentrated on making it perfect. But, she had spilt red paint all over the place, and Rebecca was fit to be tied." He said with a soft chuckle.
"Did you see the one in Allie's room?" Julia asked.
"Yes, I did. I wasn't around when she painted that one, but I recognize her work." Archie told her. "That was her horse, you know."
"So Nathan told me." Julia responded. "She was very talented, Archie." Julia paused and then asked him. "Did you see all of them?"
"There are more paintings, hanging in the house?" Archie asked her, looking around.
"Yes, I'd be happy to show you." Julia told him. Archie seemed suddenly very emotional, but he nodded.
Archie reached down and took Julia's hand, and hooked it through his elbow, just like Nathan. Then he told her, in a shaky voice, "Show me."
Julia smiled at him, picked up an oil lamp, and led him slowly up the stairs to the hallway. She stopped in front of the painting of the stream on the ranch.
Archie recognized it immediately. "That was her favorite spot on the ranch." He told Julia. "Wow, she painted it so beautifully. She captured every color, and reflected each one back in the stream." Archie said, gazing admiringly. "Autumn was my favorite season on the ranch, it was always so colorful."
Julia could see that his eyes were misty, and she let him gaze as long as he wanted. He absentmindedly patted his hand over Julia's, in the crook of his arm. When he'd looked long enough, Julia led him into Nathan's bedroom, to the painting of the barn.
Archie gasped when he saw how beautiful the painting. He asked with a shaky voice, as if out into the void, to no one in particular, "She really was something, wasn't she, my Colleen?"
Julia responded, with her own shaky voice, because of how emotional he had become. "Yes, Archie dear, she really was." Julia paused and looked at him. "She was very talented."
As Archie gazed at the painting, something caught Julia's attention, out of the corner of her eye. Next to Nathan's bed, on his night table, was the photo Julia had given him, in the frame of wildflowers. It was set up so close to the bed, not on display for anyone who entered the room. But, turned so that he would see it, first thing in the morning. Julia smiled to herself, thinking of the photo of a young Nathan in his Mountie uniform, set up exactly the same way, on her own night table.
Then, something else caught her eye. On the far side of the bed, was the night table that had been down in Nathan's workshop. It was finished now and had been neatly placed on the other side of the bed. And the bouquet of wildflowers, the one that Julia had give him, sat on top. They were still in fairly good shape, even though they had been picked five days ago. Today, she had not even noticed that they were no longer on his desk in his office. But, they were here, displayed in his room.
When Archie seemed to be finished looking at the last painting, Julia led him slowly back downstairs.
When they came down the stairs, Nathan and Allie were sitting in the living room. They had already washed all the dishes and cleaned everything up.
Julia had an idea, and gently asked, "Do you have an album of photos, Nathan, with pictures of Colleen?" Archie smiled at Julia and loved her thoughtfulness.
Nathan walked over to one of the bookshelves. He pulled out an old tattered album, and handed it to Julia, with a sweet smile.
Julia and Archie went to sit on the couch together and Allie joined them; Nathan looked over their shoulders from behind the couch. Julia put the album on Archie's lap, and he ran his hand gently over the top cover. He obviously recognized this one.
Archie flipped to the first page, and there was a photo of a bride and groom. Archie gasped when he saw it, and Julia recognized them immediately. It was Archie and Rebecca, and they looked very young. Rebecca was stunning, just as Julia had imagined she would be. With her high cheekbones, full lips, and piercing eyes; the same eyes and chin dimple that had been passed to Nathan. Though, Archie had been handsome, too.
Allie said with a soft chuckle, "Wow, grandpa, you were handsome. And, so young."
Archie told Allie, with a playful smile. "Yea, I've grown up a lot since then."
Archie turned the page, and there were two baby photos. Julia recognized Nathan right away. He had been very cute, with dark hair and his chin dimple. The other baby was cute, too. Archie pointed at Colleen's photo and said, "Allie, that was your mother."
Allie smiled at him, although she already knew that. She had seen this album a thousand times, but it was different somehow, seeing it through Archie's eyes.
Archie turned the page again, and there was a photo of Nathan and Colleen, posed together. Nathan was about 5 or 6 years old, and Colleen appeared to be about 10. Nathan had been really cute, and was missing some bottom teeth. "Dad, your teeth are missing!" Allie said, with a giggle.
Archie told her, with his slow drawl. "One a'them he knocked out on his own, before it was even time. He fell off a horse trying to ride bareback, do you remember that, son?" He said with a deep, rumbling chuckle. "Came up to me with a bleeding mouth, holding his tooth in the palm of his hand. He didn't even cry!" That caused Allie to giggle softly too, just hearing Archie's amusement. Julia and Nathan couldn't help but chuckle, too. Something about Archie's laughter was contagious.
Archie continued, looking admiringly at Nathan, "He was about 5 years old then, and the new tooth didn't grow in until he was almost 7. So, he had a hole there for quite a while. He used to whistle through that hole and drive everyone crazy." Julia smiled at him, finding it hard to imagine Nathan ever being annoying.
On the next page, was a family photo of the four of them, in front of a beautiful lake. "Oh, that was in the Okanagan Valley. Such a fun trip." Archie told them. Nathan was about 7 or 8 there, and Colleen looked to be about 12. Julia knew that was the last trip they went on as a family, and that things had quickly gone downhill after that. Nathan had told her that that trip was his last fun family memory.
Even now, when Julia looked over at Nathan, his eyes seemed dark and cloudy. She smiled sadly, letting him know that she understood.
Archie turned the page, though he was no longer in any of the photos. The next one was a photo of Nathan on Dakota, posed next to Colleen, on Cedar. Nathan looked to be about 14 or 15, and Colleen about 17 or 18. Archie had obviously never seen this one before.
"You were a handsome lad, Nathan." Archie told him, happily. And, it was true. He was tall and thin, but handsome with his curly dark hair and piercing blue eyes. He must have had lots of girls chasing after him. And, Colleen was just beautiful with long dark hair, a little lighter than Nathan's but a little darker than Allie's. She wore a happy smile, though Nathan wore his crooked smile.
The last photo was of Colleen holding Allie, as a newborn baby. Colleen smiled so proudly, and looked so happy. Archie teared up seeing her as a Mom. She was just radiant. "Wow, she was beautiful, wasn't she? And, motherhood looked so good on her." Archie said, with a shaky voice.
Archie stared a long time at the photo, and Julia looked at Nathan. She could see he was choked up too, which only made tears fill her own eyes. Nathan's chin trembled slightly, and his eyes were dark and cloudy. Julia gave him a reassuring smile, and he stood and went to the kitchen.
Archie closed the album and set it on the coffee table. Allie went and pulled out another one, and brought it over. Her and Archie started looking at it together, but Julia stood to join Nathan in the kitchen.
Julia walked up behind him, as he stood facing the counter, out of sight from the living room. She gently put her hands on his back, and asked him, "Are you okay, my love?"
Nathan took a deep breath, turned, and pulled her into his embrace. He rested his cheek on the top of her hair, and whispered, "It's a lot of hurt to let go of."
Julia replied, just barely above a whisper, "You'll feel so much lighter when you do. But, it's okay if you can't let go of it all at once. Give yourself some time, Nathan. And, give Archie the chance to replace those bad memories with new memories, good ones."
He looked down at her, and she turned her head to look up at him. "That's good advice. But, it's a deep wound. We've got such a long way to go."
Julia reassured him. "That's okay, Nathan. Let yourself start over, fresh, with him. Take it one day at a time, just as you have been, with the letters. Think of your relationship as a blank page, to write as you wish." Nathan liked that.
"How did you get to be so wise?" Nathan asked her playfully, looking down at her and finding comfort in being so close.
"I'm not wise. I've had a lot of loss in my life, Nathan." Julia told him with a somber smile. She was right about that, and he had forgotten. Her eyes filled with tears, "What I wouldn't give for just one more day…" How insensitive of him. She didn't have the luxury of a second chance with her father, even if she wouldn't have needed one. Nathan still had both his parents, when she had neither left.
"I'm so sorry, Jules. I didn't mean it like that." He told her, tears in his own eyes. He felt horrible.
Sweet Nathan, always quick to apologize if anything was out of order.
"Nathan, it's fine. I know you and I know your heart. I didn't even take it that way." Julia told him. "But, you have the chance to have your father in your life. And, not everyone gets that."
He nodded and pulled her closer. She buried her face in his chest, just next to his neck, and stayed there a long time. She didn't want to let go, and let him hold her as long as he would.
When finally, he reluctantly pulled back, he kissed her on the forehead and whispered. "See how well you love me, Julia?"
Julia looked up at him and smiled. She still thought him the better one.
Nathan looked over her shoulder at the clock, and Julia noticed, and glanced that way, too.
"I should be going soon." Julia said softly.
"I'll walk you home, Jules." Nathan told her.
"No, Nathan. Please. Stay with your father, take some more time to catch up. Help him get settled, and make him feel comfortable. I can walk home perfectly fine on my own. Really." Julia told him.
Nathan started to protest, but he heard rumbling laughter from the living room again. They both walked in to find Allie and Archie in stitches, looking at some photos together.
Julia looked over at him, "Stay Nathan, enjoy the fun times, too." She told him.
Nathan nodded, and Julia moved to say good night to both Allie and Archie. When she'd hugged them both, Julia moved toward the front door, and picked up her basket. Nathan walked her out, and lit the lantern from his front stoop.
He slowly kissed her and held her tight once more, before giving her the lantern for her walk home. She walked slowly, but Nathan didn't take his eyes off the lantern, until it completely disappeared.
Nathan came back in and looked at the album with Archie and Allie. He even managed to laugh a good bit with them. And after that one was finished, Allie headed up to bed. Nathan took the opportunity to sit awhile with his father.
"I like my future daughter-in-law, Nathan." Archie told him.
"You seem to have won her over." Nathan chuckled. "I think she likes you, too."
Archie told him. "I'm really proud of you, Son. You've done so well for yourself, and for Allie. I know I didn't have the first thing to do with it. And, that you did it all on your own. I'm proud of ya."
"Thanks, Dad. And, thanks for taking the time to catch up with me, in the workshop. It was fun to put the tools to the wood with you again." Nathan told him.
"Have you got much more to do?" Archie asked.
Nathan told him. "Only one little thing, first thing in the morning, and she's all ready."
Archie asked, "What time are we leaving tomorrow? To get this thing set up?"
Nathan asked, surprised. "You're willing to come? And help us?"
"There's nothing else I'd rather do, Son. I have missed out on too much, with you." Archie told him.
"Ok, then. Joseph comes with his wagon at 8 a.m., to load it up." Nathan told him.
"I'll be ready at 7." Archie said. And, then he looked at Nathan, longing for more time together. He thought of a way. "But, are you sure, Nathan, that we can't finish it up tonight? That one little thing that's left, is it something we could do together? Now?"
Nathan pondered a moment, and decided that they certainly could. He recognized the effort that Archie was making, and he wanted it, too. "Yes, of course, Dad." Nathan said, "if you are up for it?"
"I'm always ready for more time with you, Son." Archie answered. And, the two men stood together and headed out to the workshop, carrying two oil lamps. Together, they happily worked and talked, mending old fences and building new ones, late into the night.