Chapter 70. Mounties in Action
Nathan and Jake rode hard towards Buxton. They knew their perpetrator had a good head start, so they had a lot of ground to cover. And, Nathan intended to arrest him and get back as soon as possible. Neither he nor Jake liked leaving Julia, especially after such a horrible experience.
They had picked up Danny's trail easily. He was sloppy and obviously didn't know anyone was following him. He was trying to put distance between he and Hope Valley, but wasn't careful about it.
They tracked him within an hour or two of Buxton, and still had quite a bit of light left.
Shortly after Nathan and Jake left, Rosemary stopped by on her way to church, to check on Julia. She was glad that Julia was okay, and couldn't wait to tell her all about her pregnancy. Julia promised to stop by on Monday afternoon for tea.
Bill also stopped by and told Julia to come and see him, no matter the hour, no matter what she needed, big or small.
Just before lunchtime, Fiona walked Julia to Nathan's house. Julia wanted to see Allie, and spend some time with her. She just knew being around Allie and Archie would make her feel better. She also knew that being in Nathan's home would be a comfort.
Julia ate lunch with Archie and Allie, as they chatted happily. Archie told quite a few stories about Nathan and Colleen. Julia realized she had been barking up the wrong tree, asking Allie for stories about Nathan. She should have just gone straight to the source - Archie. He was a great storyteller, just like her brother. He had such a gentle, slow, easy way about him when he talked, Julia and Allie just loved listening to him.
After lunch, the three worked together in the kitchen, washing dishes while Archie whistled a tune. Then, Allie took out some games and they all three played together.
"Julia, I have a shift at the telephone exchange this afternoon. I need to leave at 2:45 p.m." Allie told her. Julia nodded, in understanding.
"But, you are welcome to stay here with me, if you'd like, Julia." Archie told her. "Do you happen to know how to play chess?"
Julia smiled, she loved to play chess. She used to play often with her father. "I do, and I love to play, Archie."
"Well, then it's settled then. Allie, where's the chessboard?" Archie asked Allie, who stood and walked over to the chest in the living room. She opened it and pulled out their wooden chessboard.
Archie smiled as he set it up, recognizing his son's handiwork. Julia deduced that too, and took a lot of time admiring each chess piece. "Your Dad made this, huh, Allie?" She asked.
"Yep, he sure did. I'll see you two later. Don't kill too many brain cells, okay you guys?" Allie teased them. She gave them both a hug, and headed out to the Mercantile.
Then, Archie and Julia started one of the longest chess games either one had played, in a long time. They played together for nearly four hours, and all the while, they chatted and got to know each other. Julia thought him absolutely charming, just like his son.
At around 7 p.m., they were still playing when Allie came back. She chuckled and shook her head at them, unable to believe that one game could be that interesting.
"I'm hungry Grandpa. Can you guys pause it now?" Allie asked him.
"Ok. We'll pause, but only if you keep an eye on him. No moves without me present, Archibald!" Julia told him with a pointed finger.
"Yes, ma'am." Archie said with his arms in the air. He moved back from the chess board and stood.
Julia came and kissed him on the cheek, "Thanks for a wonderful afternoon, Archie. I'm going to walk back to Faith and Fiona's house. Shall I come by tomorrow to finish my victory?"
Archie chuckled at her. "Sure, you can come tomorrow, so I can finish taking your King."
Julia giggled and nodded at him, "We'll see."
Allie told her, "I'll walk you out, Julia."
"Thanks, Allie. Are you taking your Dad's place? Walking me out?" Julia asked her.
"Yea, but with a little less kissing." Allie teased her, with a grossed out face. Julia blushed and shook her head, looking over her head at Archie. He just smiled, thinking his son a lucky man.
Allie hooked her arm through Julia's and walked her out. She gave her a big hug and then waved, as Julia walked back to town.
Nathan and Jake were hot on Danny's trail, though he didn't know it. They had him pretty much pinned down, Nathan moving in from the east, and Jake from the west.
As Nathan approached, he smelled smoke. Apparently, Danny had made a fire, signaling that he was bedding down for the night. Nathan slowly advanced, until he could see a red headed man cooking over the fire. Nathan opened his holster, and pulled out his handgun.
Nathan stepped forward out of the shadows and pointed his pistol. Danny started to move towards his saddlebag. But, Nathan just tisked at him and said, "Just give me a reason to settle the score, Dannyboy."
And Danny froze like a coward. Nathan gave a whistle, and about 3 seconds later, Jake came out from his side of the woods.
They had Daniel Frisk tied up in no time. Jake began to interrogate him.
He didn't know the woman he assaulted, he had only been trying to steal the cash. He actually hadn't meant to hit a girl at all, he saw the red serge and panicked. And, he preferred to go to jail rather than face Romeo, the lone shark.
Jake of course, told him they would be happy to put him in jail, since the woman he'd assaulted was someone they both cared about. Not to mention the damage he had done to their little infirmary.
Nathan tethered the horses, and got everything set for the night. He took out provisions, as did Jake, and they ate by the fire, before pulling out their bedrolls and bedding down for the night. Tomorrow at first light, they would start the journey back to Hope Valley, with their prisoner.
Nathan laid back and looked up at the stars, and thought of only one person. Julia. He hoped she was safe and sound, and would sleep well. He prayed a silent prayer, as he leaned back against a log, and stood the first watch.
Julia went in the back door behind the barber shop, and climbed up the stairs to Fiona and Faith's apartment. She tapped lightly on the door, and Faith happily opened.
Faith and Fiona had already carried up the mattress and set it up in Faith's room. And, Fiona was dishing up something that smelled wonderful. The table was set and they were excited to have girl time at their apartment.
"Wow, it smells so good in here." Julia told them, "Fiona, what did you make?"
"I just made a sort of beef stew, with vegetables. Nothing fancy, a simple recipe my mother taught me." Fiona said with a soft smile.
"Oh, I can't wait, Fiona." Julia told her. "I had no idea you could cook."
Fiona carried over the pot, and the three ladies sat down and enjoyed an evening together.
Later on, as Julia laid down on her mattress, her mind drifted to Nathan. She scooted quietly over to the window, and looked out at the stars. There were so many out tonight, and not a cloud in the sky. She hoped Nathan was safe, and Jake too. She wondered if Nathan was looking up at the same stars, and thinking of her. She said a little prayer, for both Nathan and for Jake, before she laid back down on her mattress. And she drifted off to sleep, dreaming of the future.
In the morning, Julia was surprised at how well she had slept. Sure, she had been pretty exhausted from the events of the night before. But, she had expected more fitful sleep, after such a harrowing experience. Added on top of that, was the fact that Nathan was out there somewhere, and she was worried about him. But, somehow, she had slept better than she had expected, and she chalked it up to the sheer exhaustion. She finally got up and headed back to her own apartment, entering from the back.
Julia took a long hot bath, soaking away all the worries of the two previous days.
When she got out and ready for the day, she even decided to go to work today. Lee's guys had repaired the door and the frame, and Faith had cleaned up most of the mess. Nothing else had been missing from the infirmary, except for the five dollars from the cash box, so the clean up had been simple.
When Faith came in, she was surprised to find Julia sitting at her desk, ready to work.
"Julia, you don't have to come to work today." Faith told her with an even smile.
Julia gave her a timid look. "I need something to occupy my mind. I think work might help, actually."
"Ok. Suit yourself." Faith told her, "We have quite a few appointments this morning." She showed Julia the list. There was a lot to do, and Faith was going out to the sawmill in the afternoon, to check on a few of Lee's men.
Julia was content, this would keep her busy all morning.
They saw one patient after another, and though it was busy, Julia was grateful that the time passed quickly. The only thing she hadn't thought of, was how people would look at her. She had completely forgotten to take into account the huge black eye she was now sporting.
But once each patient saw her kind smile, and knew she was okay, her black eye was forgotten.
By noon, Julia and Faith were tired and ready for a break. To their surprise, Bill arrived with two plates from the cafe. Bill set them down and came over to have a closer look at Julia's face.
"It looks better today." He told her, as he looked it over. "Swelling's down."
"It's less painful." Julia told him, then she looked at Faith. "I wonder if I should try some thick make up to see if I can cover it a little bit?"
Bill chuckled, "Well, I wouldn't know anything about that. But, everyone round here knows what happened to you, Julia. And, we aren't put off by it."
Faith told her. "Bill's right. But, if you really want to try that, Fiona would be the one to ask."
Julia nodded and thought she might just see what Fiona would say.
"Well, I'll leave you two ladies to your lunch." Bill told them.
"Thanks, Bill." They both sang out in unison, as he exited.
Faith and Julia sat at the desk and ate lunch together. When they were done, Julia went over to her apartment and made coffee. She brought back the two coffee cups, one with sugar and one with milk, and sat down with Faith.
"Faith, would you mind if I asked you about something?" Julia inquired.
"Sure, Julia. What is it?" Faith was nervous now.
"You don't have to answer if you don't want to. But, how are things with my brother?" Julia gently asked. She had noticed how Faith had been a little unsure how to act when Jake left for the mission with Nathan.
"Fine, I guess." Faith looked at her. "We are just friends, and nothing more. He hasn't treated me as anything but a friend, since he got here."
"Would you like there to be more?" Julia asked her.
"I'm not sure. I think he's a great guy, and definitely easy on the eyes. But, I'm not sure there's the same interest as the first time he was here. I think I might have ruined things with all my Carson drama." She told Julia honestly.
"And, where do things stand with Carson?" Julia wanted to know. Her brother was a big softy underneath and she didn't want him to get trampled. Faith was a great friend and a good person, but Julia thought it would be good for her to stand on her own for a little while.
Faith looked down into her coffee cup. "I wrote him back in May and severed the last tie. It's been almost a year since we broke up, so it was time."
"And did he answer?" Julia asked.
"No, nothing. Not a word." Faith answered.
"I guess that's your answer." Julia told her, rubbing Faith's shoulder in comfort. Faith nodded, she had thought exactly the same thing. Julia encouraged her, "You are free, Faith. Free to start something new, or free to start a new adventure, whatever that may be. The world is your oyster. I know that's scary, but it's also a very beautiful place to be. Just make sure your heart is truly free, of all the past entanglements. Then you can truly enjoy where you are right now, in this season. And, one day, when the right guy does come along, you'll be ready."
"How can I be sure I'm free of all those past entanglements, as you call them?" Faith asked her.
"Well, I'm no expert. But, I can recommend you talk to Joseph. He has been an amazing counselor and help in some of my own struggles. And, if anyone would know how to guide you, it would be him." Julia told her.
Faith nodded, fully intending to speak to Joseph. It's true, he was such a soft, gentle guy, and would be so easy to open up to. And, she liked Minnie, too.
"What's on the docket for this afternoon, besides the sawmill?" Julia asked her.
"That's it. I was planning to close the infirmary, because I'll be out there all afternoon." Faith told her.
"Ok, great. I am expected at Rosemary's for coffee. And, I promised to stop by and see Archie and Allie again." Julia told her.
"Keep to your plan, Julia." Faith told her. "And, you can play it by ear for tomorrow. If you feel like coming in, then do so. But, if you don't, it's okay too."
All of a sudden, Julia heard horses approaching outside. They both stood and looked out the window, and saw the familiar flash of red. Two flashes of red.
Faith and Julia immediately walked out onto the porch of the infirmary, as Nathan and Jake led the prisoner, down Main Street towards the jail. Bill had also come out onto the porch of his office, and was descending the stairs to follow them.
Other folks on the street turned and stared, as the red head hung his head.
Julia couldn't take her eyes off Nathan. She felt overwhelmed with relief that he was home, and that he was safe. His gaze was fixed on her too, and as they rode close, he tipped his hat at her. She felt her stomach turn over at his handsome gesture.
Then, Julia looked at the red head. Danny managed to look up at her as they approached. He flinched as he saw her, and it registered that she was the one he had punched in the face.
Nathan and Jake both dismounted and tied up the horses in front of the Mountie office. Then the two Mounties dismounted their prisoner from his horse, and led him inside. Bill followed them in, and closed the door.
Julia and Faith looked at each other, and walked back into the infirmary. Julia felt so relieved that both Nathan and Jake were home safe. And, she knew that Nathan would come to her as soon as he was able.
In the meantime, she was due at Rosemary's. Julia was sure that Nathan had a lot of work to do, before they could see each other. So, she left a note on the door of the infirmary announcing the closure. Then, Faith set out for the sawmill, and Julia set out for the Coulter's.
Julia knocked on the door, and was greeted inside with a warm hug, Rosemary style. Julia thought her absolutely glowing, as was common in pregnancy. It suited her.
Rosemary led Julia inside and got them settled at the table. Rosemary had made chocolate cookies and tea in her beautiful teapot. She had missed having tea with a friend.
"How are you feeling, Rosemary?" Julia asked her, taking her first sip.
"Much better now. I was so sick in the beginning. I don't know how I didn't figure it out sooner. I was not expecting it to happen that easily." Rosemary told her.
"I have to be honest, I was surprised, too. It usually takes longer, so you guys must not have needed much of a push." Julia said with a happy smile.
"I think it was Lee's underpants, if I'm being honest!" Rosemary said with a string of happy giggles. Julia laughed too, unable to resist Rosemary's contagious laughter.
"That is the most likely explanation. But, please don't tell him I said that!" Julia told her, with more laughter.
"How are you feeling, Julia? You took quite a blow." Rosemary asked her, looking at her face.
"It's still quite painful to the touch. And, I have no desire to sleep in my apartment. But, other than that, it's just this huge black eye that's a constant reminder." Julia told her.
"Well, you know, we could do something about that." Rosemary told her.
"What do you mean?" Julia asked.
"I used to do the makeup for a lot of my fellow thespians in the theatre business." Rosemary told her in her sing-songy way. "All you need is a little makeup to cover it a bit."
"You think it could be covered?" Julia asked. "Because this morning, when I worked at the infirmary, it was a little bit distracting for my patients."
"Oh yes. I could certainly cover that." Rosemary told her. Julia thought it a possible solution, at least when she was working. She didn't care the rest of the time. And, if nothing else, it would be fun to let Rosemary try.
"Do you think you would be willing to see what you could do?" Julia asked shyly.
"Say no more. When we finish our tea, we can have a makeup party." Rosemary told her, with her typical sing-song excitement. Oh, how Rosemary loved to have a project.
Less than fifteen minutes later, they were upstairs in Rosemary's bedroom, with Julia seated in a chair next to Rosemary's dressing table. She had pulled her hair back out of the way, and Rosemary was applying make up with a triangle sponge.
"So tell me, Julia. How are things going with a certain Inspector?" Rosemary asked cheerily.
The look on Julia's face at the mere mention of Nathan, gave her away. "Good. A little too wonderful sometimes."
"Oh, I remember. I know exactly what you mean. Those early days of true love are so much fun. And, Julia, it only gets better." Rosemary told her. Julia was sure that would be true with Nathan. Not just because it was already so wonderful, but because he was so steadfast and honorable. With Nathan Grant, there were no surprises - except maybe good surprises. He gave all of himself in a way that inspired her to give all of herself. He was honest and true in every way, and their love was honest and true. So, as they grew closer, it would be even more beautiful. She just knew it.
Julia closed her mouth as Rosemary got close to the corner, with her make-upping. Julia managed to get out, "He's something else," in between her application.
"Yes he is." Rosemary stopped what she was doing, looked Julia in the eye and agreed. "And, he's all yours, hook, line, and sinker. That much is sure."
Julia held Rosemary's gaze. "I'm a blessed girl."
Rosemary chuckled low. "I'd venture to say that he thinks himself blessed to have you."
Julia smiled at the thought. He probably would say that, but Julia knew in her heart, that she was the more blessed one.
"Ok, how does it look so far?" Rosemary asked, pointing at the mirror. Julia looked at herself and was amazed. She could still see a little hint of darkness, but the makeup really did work wonders. Her freckles were now covered and invisible, but so was the huge black eye. Her face looked so fresh and clean, even if the makeup did feel thick.
"Wow, that's amazing Rosemary." Julia told her.
"Ok, well, I'm not done. I have to add some color back on your cheeks and around your eyes." Rosemary told her. Julia nodded and let her get back to work.
"Rosemary, have you any news from Elizabeth? Are they fairing well? I'm mostly asking because I know she's your best friend." Julia didn't want to pry, and certainly didn't want Rosemary to tell her any of Elizabeth's private affairs. But, she cared about Rosemary and Lee, and knew Elizabeth was Rosemary's very best friend. It probably was not easy to have both Elizabeth and Little Jack so far away, for so long.
"She's been writing me weekly. It has not been going extremely well, if I'm honest with you. I don't think her family has been as welcoming to Lucas, as she had hoped." Rosemary told her.
"But Lucas seems like he would fit in with such a family, with his fancy suits and businesses." Julia told her.
"Julia, when Elizabeth took Jack to meet her family, they had such a deep and strong connection, that nothing could deter her. Her father saw that right away, I think. And, Jack was easy to respect, because he took great pains to earn it. Even if Mr. Thatcher thought Jack beneath Elizabeth's social standing, he respected him." Rosemary told her.
Rosemary added something else, "And, after all, it was Mr. Thatcher who insisted a Mountie be posted here in Hope Valley, in the first place, to watch over his daughter."
"Oh, I didn't know that." Julia understood. "So, Mr. Thatcher used his influence and clout to get a Mountie posted here?"
"Exactly. So, when that Mountie got close to his daughter, I think he realized it was sort of his own fault."
"Well, I'm sorry to hear that it isn't going well for Lucas." Julia told her.
"I think it's just the kind of shaking they need, as a couple." Rosemary paused. "I don't think Lucas and Elizabeth share the same deep connection, and well, that just makes all the rest a little… flimsy. If they want to make it work, they'll have to shore some things up, and this shaking is just the sort of thing they need, to do that."
"Sometimes the shaking reveals what's beneath." Julia told her, knowing exactly what she meant. Every time she and Nathan had experienced a trial, they had managed to come out on the other side closer to each other. The connection had deepened, and that was something Julia was very thankful for.
"Elizabeth needs to remember how to stand up for herself with her father, and how to fight for love." Rosemary told her. "I think she's forgotten what it means to fight for love."
"Sometimes we all need to be reminded. It brings us closer to the one we love." Julia surmised.
"Exactly." Rosemary told her, as she continued applying color to her eyes.
"And, how is Little Jack? You and Lee must really miss him." Julia asked.
"He's doing fine. It was a big adjustment, but he seems to be okay now." Rosemary took a paper from a book near her bed, and opened it for Julia. "Look at the drawing he sent me."
"It's so cute, Rosemary." Little Jack had drawn himself, in between Rosemary and Lee. "He must really miss you two."
"Well, we miss him too." Rosemary told her, as she finished up. She turned Julia toward the mirror again, and asked her, "What do you think?" Julia's mouth fell open. She looked…beautiful. She hardly recognized herself. Julia had a habit of applying simple cosmetics everyday, but nothing like this.
"You could be in any of the fancy fashion magazines, Julia. Your facial structure is beautiful, and your eyes are…mysterious." Rosemary told her, while waving her fingers. "You are a classic beauty, and all I did was draw that out."
"I'll say. I don't even recognize myself." Julia said with a giggle. It might be a bit much for everyday, but she could certainly try to cover up some of the black eye. Perhaps a few of Rosemary's techniques could be toned down, and brought into her beauty regimen. "Ok, tell me everything you did, Rosemary." Julia said with a soft smile.
Rosemary explained everything, and gave Julia a few of the bottles, and colors that she didn't use anymore. Julia nodded and tried to take it all in, hoping she could make sense of it all once she was sitting in front of her own dressing table.
When they were all done, Julia and Rosemary headed back downstairs.
"Thank you for such a fun afternoon, Rosemary. It was so nice to catch up with you. Please let me know if you need anything, also related to the pregnancy. I'm here for you anytime." Julia told her.
"Well, I think the worst is behind me, as far as that goes. I start to feel very glow-y now." Rosemary said with a huge smile.
"That's very normal, Rosemary, and the glow suits you. It should be smoother sailing from here on out. Have you experienced any funny cravings?" Julia asked her.
"I love to eat salty things. Is that strange?" Rosemary asked.
"Not at all. Some women crave sweet and some crave salty. I once had a patient who wanted to eat pickles all the time. Anything pickled and dunked in vinegar. It was strange, but that's what her body wanted." Julia told her with a little laugh, and a shrug of her shoulders.
"Hmmm. A pickle does sound good." Rosemary said, with a mischievous smile.
Julia only laughed at her. "Well, call your husband before he leaves the office. Maybe he can pick some up at the Mercantile." Julia joked with her.
"Haha. Wouldn't he laugh?" Rosemary said, with a giggle.
"Yes he might. But, I'm quite sure he'd come home with a jar of pickles. He'd do just about anything for you, Rosemary." Julia reminded her.
"Yes, he would. My Lee is wonderful, isn't he?" Rosemary said, into the air.
"Yes he is." Julia told her. "I'm going to let you get some rest, and head a few houses over to see Allie and Archie. Will you pass Lee my greetings?"
"Consider it done. It's always a pleasure catching up with you, Julia. I really do value our friendship. And, thanks for asking about Elizabeth and Little Jack, for my sake." Rosemary told her.
Julia hugged her tight. "I value your friendship too, Rosemary. Very much." Julia paused and looked at her. "And, thanks for my make-over." Julia said with a giggle.
Julia stepped towards the door, and picked up her basket. She placed the make up inside, and opened the door.
"Bye, Julia." Rosemary told her, as she went out the door.
"Bye, Rosemary." Julia answered, as she turned and walked down the steps and down the path.
Julia knocked three times on the Grant's door. She had no idea who was home, if anyone.
Allie opened the door wide, and when she saw Julia, her mouth fell open. "Julia, wow! You look like a movie star."
Julia laughed, "Rosemary had a go at covering my black eye." Allie motioned for Julia to come inside. Archie was sitting on the couch reading.
"You look so beautiful. Just wait till my Dad sees you. He's gonna drop down on one knee right away." Allie realized what she had said, as soon as it was out of her mouth. Archie looked over at her with a warning glance. But, Julia didn't notice, she just laughed off Allie's funny little statement.
"It's not too much?" Julia asked, completely convinced that it was a bit much.
Archie stood and came over to inspect. "I think you are prettier than those girls in the fancy magazines." Archie paused, "What's it called? The Harper's Bazaar? Yes, you are prettier than those girls in the Harper's Bazaar."
Allie agreed. "Yes, you could be in Harper's Bazaar, Julia."
"Well, thank you for saying so. But, I prefer Hope Valley over New York City." Julia said with a soft laugh. "I thought I'd stop by and see if we could finish our chess game, Archie."
"Why, yes, Julia. Are you sure you are ready to give up some more of your pieces?" Archie said with a teasing chuckle.
"We'll see, old man. We'll see." Julia told him with her own teasing giggle.
Allie laughed at the two of them, and went back to reading on the couch. Julia and Archie took their places in front of the chess board, and Julia inspected to make sure nothing was amiss.
"Now, whose turn was it?" Julia asked.
"It was your's, if I remember right." Archie told her, and she started to analyze the board. It took her quite a while to make her next move, but they were back engrossed in the game in a matter of minutes.
About two hours later, Nathan came in the door. Allie was up and in his arms in a flash. And, Julia and Archie both rose to welcome him home. However, when he saw Julia he couldn't take his eyes off of her. She looked so…beautiful. Just in a different way. She had always been beautiful, but somehow now, she looked so…fancy.
Nathan greeted Archie, and then moved in front of Julia. As soon as he got close to her, she felt her heart rate pick up. He just had that affect on her. He gazed at her with that intensity, and said his usual, "Hi."
She answered him back, with her own, "Hi, my love." As soon as she said it, he embraced her. He wrapped his arms around her, and held her long. He had missed her, and had worried about her, and had dreamed about her.
When he pulled back, Nathan looked at her for a long time. He placed his hand on her cheek, and gently rubbed his thumb back and forth. She liked his touch and he could see. "Your black eye?" He was suddenly feeling short on words.
Julia answered him. "I had tea with Rosemary. She wanted to try her hand at covering it. What do you think?"
"You are… breathtaking." He said, and she believed him somehow, the way he was looking at her, suddenly finding it hard to find words.
"It's not too much?" Julia was having trouble with words too, and trying to cover the silence. "I think it's too much."
Nathan just kept his gaze fixed on her. "I like it. But, I miss your freckles." He said, rubbing his thumb gently over the top of her cheek, where her freckles should be.
"She put it on a bit thick." Julia said softly. "Do you find me more beautiful?"
Nathan still wasn't able to move. He whispered, "You have always been beautiful to me, Julia. From the first day I laid eyes on you. Make up or no make up." At that statement, Julia felt the butterflies take flight in her belly.
Julia realized that she hadn't acknowledged that he was home or asked about his mission. She gently took his hand from her cheek, and brought it to her lips. She kissed it tenderly and told him softly, so only he could hear, "Welcome home, Inspector. You came home to me." She didn't want to take it for granted.
Nathan nodded and said, just above a whisper, "And, such a wonderful surprise to find you here."
Allie had been watching the touching reunion, but had been dying to ask her question. Finally she did, "Dad, don't you think she could be in some of those fancy fashion magazines?" Allie asked over Julia's shoulder.
Allie's question snapped them out of their moment. Nathan looked at Allie now, and then back at Julia. He chuckled softly. "Allie, I'll have to take your word for it." Then, he walked further into the house, and looked again at Allie, "Do I look like a guy who looks through the pages of fashion magazines?" That got a good loud giggle out of Julia, and Archie.
Allie joined in, and laughed at his statement. "That's true, Dad. How would you know?"
As Nathan sat and took off his boots, he saw the chess board set up. "Wow, that looks like a good game. Whose playing?"
Archie spoke up. "Julia's giving me a run for my money. We're six hours into this one."
Nathan looked over at her with arched brows. "Nice." He came closer and inspected the board. "Julia, watch your rook, there. You see him creeping in from the side?"
Julia giggled and said, "I've already had my eye on it, Lawman. But, thanks for letting him know." And, she plopped back down in front of the chess board.
"I'm gonna go get changed." Nathan told them, and he headed upstairs. When he came back down, he sat on the couch next to Allie, with his book.
Archie looked over at him. "You got the perpetrator, son?"
"Yes, we got him, Dad. He's in the jail in town, and Jake will stay overnight to guard him. Jake and I will leave at first light to transport him to Benson Hills, then a prisoner transport will take him on from there." Nathan explained.
"Where will they take him?" Julia asked.
"Union City." Nathan replied. Julia nodded.
"Dad, I put in a request to get a phone line installed here. Since I'm a Mountie, they will give me priority. So, they could come as early as tomorrow. Fiona will help them if needed." Nathan told them. Julia looked at him stunned, her mouth slightly open. "Just in case I'm not here when they come for the installation, can you take care of it?"
"Sure, son." Archie told him.
Nathan looked at Julia with a sad grin, as he told them. "I should have done it a long time ago."
"Nathan, is that really necessary?" Julia asked him, realizing this was because of her. When she'd been attacked, she'd had to call Lee, and talk to Jake, before she could get to him.
"Yes. If something like this ever happens again, I want to know about it." Nathan told her. And, then with more conviction, "Until you are living here with us, I want you to have a way to get in touch with me." Nathan didn't realize what he had said, until the words were out.
Julia's mouth fell open even further. Allie looked at him, with eyes as huge as saucers. And, Archie just chuckled under his breath.
Nathan tried to back pedal. "I mean, until one day, whenever that one day is, that we are married, and living together, and I can protect you all the time." Oh, he gave up. He stood and put his book down, and went into the kitchen.
Julia slowly and timidly followed him. He was holding up the counter when she got there, standing with his back to her.
Julia didn't know what to say. She'd had so many vivid dreams of being married to Nathan. And, she longed for the day. She'd held tight to his words, from their picnic by the stream, "I will propose one day, Julia, probably sooner rather than later, considering the way I feel about you."
"Nathan." Julia paused, "You can't protect me all the time." She told him gently.
"I know that, Julia." He didn't like the fear, the fear of losing her. Now that he knew she was okay, and now that the Mountie business was over and the bad guy was behind bars, he needed to process his feelings. He had stayed in Mountie mode to get the job done, but now. Now, he allowed himself to feel. He turned around to face her. "I just want you to have a way to get in touch with me."
"Jake will soon be right next door, living above the mercantile." She reminded him.
"Julia, please don't fight me on this. I need to know that you can get me, if you need me." Nathan told her, simply. Simply bearing it all, as he always did. Julia realized the phone line was his way of dealing with what happened. And, even if it was not the way she would have done it, he was allowed to deal with it in his own way. He was entitled to his feelings. Nathan Grant was a deep ocean, and if this was his way of dispelling the storm raging inside, then she would let him. She loved him too deeply to contradict him. He meant too much to her, and she dearly loved his depths. All of them.
"Ok, Nathan." She told him, simple as that. Julia softly smiled at him, very loving and eternally accepting. And he was so very happy to see that smile. He couldn't have taken another struggle today. The last two days had been tough enough.
When Nathan saw her honest love for him, he moved to her quickly, and kissed her. He had been wanting to do that since Friday night, when she had come and made them dinner. It had been too long since he had felt her soft lips on his. He relished every bit of holding and kissing her, and found it hard to stop. He finally pulled back and let his forehead rest on hers. "One day, when you move in here, as my wife, you can redecorate whatever you want. And, you can take out the phone then." He told her softly.
Julia smiled and stayed so close to him. She loved the idea of being his wife. "You can keep your phone, Mr. Grant. As long as you keep loving me the way you do." She whispered.
"Done." He whispered back, as he kissed her again. How would he ever be able to wait to propose, now that they'd had this conversation? Had they just made a bargain, for after they were married? He was so overcome with emotion for her, and felt that very emotion calming the storm he had felt raging, since Jake had knocked on his door in the middle of the night.
When Julia finally pulled back a little, she kept her lips close as she softly told him, "I love you, Nathan Grant, just the way you are."
He brought his hands up to cup her face, "Thank you for loving me, despite my imperfections."
Julia smiled shyly, thinking that he had very few of those, and they were all completely lovable. "What imperfections?"
Nathan smiled, and stayed close. "You know what I mean. Or is that your way of telling me that love is blind?"
Julia smiled back at him. "Something like that." He leaned down and kissed her again, slow and sweet this time.
When he pulled back, she smiled up at him. She realized it was late now, and asked him, "Would you walk me to Faith's, Mr. Grant?"
He smiled down at her, "I would love to, Miss Matthews."
Julia slowly stepped back from him, and went to say good-bye to Archie and Allie. Nathan watched her as she did, looking so happy despite what she had recently been through. He thought her truly amazing, and was sure there wasn't anything they couldn't make it through, together.