Chapter 79: Two Departures
On Saturday morning, the children made a huge breakfast for Julia, Allie, and Nathan. They pulled out all the stops for their guests at the orphanage. It was a feast. The proud looks on the children's faces, as they brought out one plate after another, warmed Julia's heart.
Everyone ate till they were stuffed. Then Julia, Allie, and Nathan pitched in for the clean up. It was fun to work alongside the children, and spend time with them.
When everything was put away to Ms. Winter's liking, the children went outside to play. Nathan and Julia followed them, and as they walked out the door, Gabe arrived on horseback. He had just finished his morning rounds.
Gabe tied up his horse around back and came sauntering up the side steps.
"Good morning." He said to both Julia and Nathan.
"Good morning, Gabe." Julia answered with a kind smile.
"Good morning, friend. How were your rounds?" Nathan asked, interested.
"The usual. I've still got to get by Mr. Weathers' place. I haven't seen him in almost two weeks now." Gabe explained, with a worried look. Mr. Weathers was an older gentleman that spent a lot of time out hunting. Gabriel made sure to lay eyes on him at least once a week, just as a precaution. It had been too long this time.
"Oh, I have a few of those in Hope Valley. Or had…I guess they are Jake's problem now." Nathan chuckled.
"Like Mrs. Bush and Mr. Jenkins?" Julia asked with a soft smile, remembering how much both homesteaders seemed to like Nathan and his regular stops on rounds.
"Something like that." Nathan said, looking at Julia, surprised she remembered those folks she'd met when she'd gone on rounds with Jake.
Gabe smiled thinking of some of his townspeople on the outskirts of town that he looked in on, from time to time. Nathan nodded at him, understanding.
Gabriel told Nathan, "Old friend, I have to go out to one of the big ranches just west of here to take a statement. But I just wanted to swing by and say good-bye, to both of you, before I head that direction."
"That's very kind of you, Gabe. Thank you for your warm welcome, and for setting up everything for us, here at the orphanage." Julia told him, motioning behind her. "I really had a lovely time."
"I was happy to do it, Julia. I hope you three will come back again." Gabe told her.
"Don't worry, we will. Gladly." Julia told him. "And, please come to Hope Valley and see us anytime."
After the good-bye with Julia, Gabe looked around. "Where's Allie?"
"The children are playing out back. I'll help you find her." Nathan told him and they walked together towards the back of the house.
Julia let the men have their time. She sat in one of the rocking chairs and enjoyed the quiet and the view.
A short while later, when it was time to go, Julia and Allie carried their bags down and met Nathan outside. All the children were gathered there with Lillian and Grace, to see them off.
After hugs all around, and a misty-eyed good-bye, Nathan, Julia, and Allie walked to the Brookfield livery. They saddled the horses, attached their bags, and loaded the sandwiches that Mrs. Winters had packed for them.
The weather was beautiful, which made for a lovely ride home. As soon as they arrived back in Hope Valley, Nathan went home, with Allie, to prepare for his trip to Union City.
Back in her apartment, as Julia unpacked, she thought back upon the wonderful days in Brookfield. It was such a fun trip and a lovely time with Lillian, Grace, and the children. And, she loved every moment spent with Nathan. There were so many tender moments, that felt like stolen time, before he left for Union City. She wasn't sure how she would get through the next two weeks, she was really going to miss him.
Julia thoughts wandered to Allie. Their time together had also been very precious, and Julia couldn't believe the bond that had been solidified in those few short days.
Reflecting back on all of it, her heart felt full.
Julia sat down and wrote a few letters, then she ate a quick bite. Finally, she decided to walk to Nathan's to see how his preparations were going. On her way out, she picked up one of the letters and stuffed it in her pocket.
When Julia knocked on Nathan's door, Archie opened with a broad smile.
"Julia, it's so good to see you!" Archie said happily, looking very refreshed. He signaled Julia inside and pulled her into a warm embrace.
As she stepped back after Archie's hug, she asked him, "How was your time in the mountains?"
"Very nice and restful. I caught trout and cooked them for dinner. It was a real man's trip." Archie said proudly.
"Sounds very nice, Archie." Julia said as Allie came down the stairs and sauntered over to join them.
Julia smiled at Allie, "How are the preparations coming along?"
"Slowly. He's having hard time, I think." Allie told her with an even grin. "I can't imagine that he's leaving for so long."
"Well, it might be the last time for a good little while." Julia reminded her with a reassuring smile. She rubbed Allie's back as an encouragement.
Allie perked up. "Yes, that's the bright side." She paused, "And he'll start his new position when he gets back. That, he's very excited about."
Archie looked at them. "I'm just going to go tell him you are here, Julia." He said with a nod.
A few minutes later, Nathan descended the stairs. His hair was a little bit a mess, and he looked frustrated. Julia's suspicion that something was wrong was confirmed when he ran his fingers through his hair. One look from Nathan and she melted completely. In her heart, she felt the overwhelming urge to fix whatever was bothering him.
Archie and Allie moved to the kitchen to give them some privacy.
"Hi, Nathan." She said, studying his features. "I came by to check you. Is something wrong?"
He looked a little bit lost for words. "Can we go for a walk, Jules?" He asked, solemn.
"Yes, of course." She replied. He took her hand, and intertwined their fingers. As he opened the door for her, he kissed her hand gently, and followed her out.
They walked towards their little dock, on the other side of the church. The sky was bright and painted a million different brilliant colors, as the sun began to sink beyond the horizon.
When they got to their spot, they both looked down into the water for a few minutes. Then Julia turned toward Nathan, her hip resting on the railing. He wore his heart on his sleeve, but was so strong. She knew him so well now, and felt privy to see his internal battle, one that most everyone else would just skim over.
"What's wrong, my love?" She asked him. His heart rate picked up at the sound of that endearment, which was so dear to his heart.
Nathan turned his body too, and gazed down at her. He gently tucked a loose hair behind her ear and said softly. "I'm finding it especially hard to leave." He looked at her so intensely, she felt her heart began to race. He looked…worried.
"We're going to be fine here, Nathan. You aren't worried about something are you?" She asked, sure now that he looked worried. Maybe his protective side was in overdrive.
"It's hard to leave my girls. Allie and you." He told her, with a solemn smile. "I hope everything will work out with Archie."
"Please don't worry, Nathan. Allie and I will look out for each other, and Archie. And, we have Jake to protect us." Julia reassured him. He seemed to relax, though just slightly.
"Two weeks seems long standing on this side of it." He gently brought his hand up to caress her cheek, ever so gently. Nathan traced her light freckles with his thumb, sending the butterflies into flight, in her belly.
Julia tried to smile, though it was feeble. She, too, felt that two weeks seemed long from where they were standing. But, she also knew that he deserved this, and he was worthy of the promotion and all the commendations in the world. So, she swallowed her own feelings and vowed in her heart, to encourage him. Julia took a deep breath and tried the smile again. This time she was sure it was a little more convincing. "You deserve this, Nathan. And, it's only two weeks." She tried to downplay the length of time. She placed her hands on his strong chest and toyed with his suspenders. She tilted her head and finally managed a real, assuring smile with just the right hint of playfulness. "It will go by fast. You'll see."
He wasn't so sure about that, but he knew the training was inevitable. Nathan had to go through it, par for the course, as part of his promotion. Commander Collins had already authorized him to come a week late, because of the hearing with Danny Frisk. The other guys had already been there this entire week, going through physical training.
This Monday, they would start classroom training, all week. Following that, Commander Collins had made a special exception for Nathan to make up his physical training phase over the weekend and on Monday of his second week. He would take his physical test early on Tuesday morning. And from then on, he would spend the last four days with Commander Collins, working through all the final details and setting up the Tracking Training Program.
So, he really wouldn't have a lot of down time. Perhaps it would go by fast.
Nathan seemed to perk up a bit. "I hope so." Nathan told her, pulling her in a little bit closer. "I don't like being away from you." He rasped softly, with his crooked smile.
Julia tugged playfully on his suspenders, bringing him even closer, closing the rest of the gap between them. He leaned down and brought his lips to hers. When they met, she felt his arms come strong around her and pull her in even closer against him. She brought her hands up to his neck, as they kissed tenderly. She soon felt breathless from the passion shared in the kiss.
When Nathan slowly pulled back, she touched his face and tried to memorize every line and dimple. She would miss him terribly. He had become a part of her, as she was beginning to realize.
"I will miss you, my love." Julia confessed.
"And, I you." Nathan told her as he sought her lips once more, with even more passion this time. The kiss grew deep and long. Julia relished the tenderness and passion flowing between them.
When the kiss finally ended, Nathan glanced at the sky. Julia followed his gaze, and saw that the light was dwindling.
Nathan gently pulled Julia into his arms, and held her close. "Thank you for checking on me. I will be just fine." He said into her hair as he closed his eyes. He breathed deeply and took in the scent of her. Lilies and roses and the sweet smell that was inherently her. He wished he could scribe her scent onto the tablet of his heart and keep it with him always.
Nathan held her long, and when he finally pulled back, he stayed close. He looked down at her and said softly, "Let me walk you home, Jules."
Julia nodded solemnly, though she didn't want to let go of him. He took her hand and turned her towards home. They walked in silence, and the cloud of dread seemed to dissipate.
When they arrived at Julia's back door, he kissed her again. Tonight, he couldn't get enough of her. He tried to take in every bit of her sweetness, to carry with him in his absence.
Nathan pulled back just enough to look down at her. "My darling, will you see me off on the stagecoach tomorrow?"
"Of course. I wouldn't miss it. What time?" She asked.
"8:30. My train leaves at 9 a.m. from the Hope Valley depot." He replied.
"I'll be there, my love." She told him just above a whisper. Julia reached up and touched his face once more, delighting in the feel of his soft skin. She gently brushed his cheek with her fingers and gazed at him lovingly. He gave her one more peck in the lips, before pulling back to go.
Nathan stepped down her little porch. "Until tomorrow, my darling." He whispered low.
"Sweet dreams, my love." Julia replied softly.
He turned to go, and she watched him sadly, until he disappeared into the falling darkness.
Julia felt in her pocket for her key and fished it out, though with it came the letter she had hoped to somehow hide in Nathan's luggage. She frowned at the letter she had not been successful at stashing. Then, she slowly opened her door and entered. She would have to find a way to covertly pass the letter to him tomorrow.
When Nathan awoke the next morning, he already knew it would be a long day. He hadn't sleep well, and he felt it in his bones. He had too much on his mind.
He had felt so much better when he came home last night, after the time with Julia by the pond. But, it still wasn't easy to leave, and that made for a restless night of sleep.
Last night, Archie had assured him everything would be fine. He and Archie had been over the schedule for Allie, as well as all the rules, about a dozen times. Even if they had come a long way in their relationship, it was still hard to trust his father, for something this big. But deep down, Nathan knew it was a step he knew he needed to take. And, Julia had promised to keep her eye on things and help out as much as possible. And, Nathan trusted her completely and wholeheartedly.
Yesterday afternoon, Nathan had also had a long talk with Jake, who promised to keep a close eye on both Julia and Allie. Nathan had confided some vague information about his father, so Jake would keep his eye out in case there was anything out of order, in that respect. In addition, they had gone over procedure in case of an emergency in Hope Valley. And, Nathan reminded Jake that Gabe had promised to come if any need would arise.
There was still one thing in particular that worried Nathan. Jake had told him yesterday, that while they were out of town in Brookfield, he had seen two Pinkertons up by Joseph's old cabin. Nathan and Bill had thought that matter settled after they had run them all off, along with Wyman Walden, almost seven months ago. Nathan and Bill had thought them gone for good. However, this new development was worrisome. Yesterday afternoon, after Jake had shared that information, Nathan had gone directly to Bill's office and put Bill onto it.
If the Pinkerton's were really back, that meant one of two things. Either they were investigating someone or something, or they were working for someone in the area. Bill promised Nathan that he would get to the bottom of it. And, Jake was very capable to keep his eye on things, in the meantime.
Nathan finally got out of bed, and slowly got ready. He made his final preparations, closed his baggage, and came downstairs.
Allie and Archie had made a big breakfast, and Nathan relished the time with them. He pulled Allie's chair over close, right next to him, and talked to her for a long time. He tried to get all the scoop on her life and get all caught up before he left. It was important to him that they feel close, before he departed.
When they were all done with breakfast, Nathan carried dishes into the kitchen, though Archie stopped him. "Don't worry about a thing, son. I'll take care of it." Archie looked up at him proudly, "Just get yourself ready."
Nathan nodded and went to put a last book into his bag. He turned to the coat rack by the door, and donned his serge. As he turned back around, he noticed Allie slip something slyly into his baggage. He smiled, knowing it was probably a thoughtful letter she stashed in there, for him to find later.
Finally, he noticed the time on the clock on the wall. Nathan still needed to make a stop at his office and grab some last items, including the training manual manuscript. So, he bid them farewell for now, slung his bag over his shoulder, and walked into town.
When he go to his office, Nathan pulled out a small briefcase. He packed up the last minute items and slid the training manual manuscript carefully inside. Once approved by Commander Collins, the manuscript would be sent to press in Union City. When he was satisfied that he had thought of everything, Nathan locked up and headed towards the stagecoach platform.
Julia was already there waiting, and holding a brown paper bag. And Allie and Archie walked up just as Nathan arrived. He looked at his pocket watch, the coach would arrive any minute, so he didn't waste time. Nathan began saying his good-bye's.
First, Nathan approached his father. "Dad, I really appreciate you taking care of things, for me."
"Think nothing of it, son. I'm looking forward to spending time with my grand-daughter. And, I'm always happy to help." Archie told him. He looked up at his son, serious. "Take care of yourself, son. You deserve this, and I'm so very proud of ya." He drawled softly, "Don't worry nothin' about us, we'll be just fine."
"Thanks, Dad. Take care of yourself." Nathan told him, and they embraced warmly.
Nathan moved next to Allie. He wanted to keep things light, so he asked her with a chuckle and a slight motion towards Archie, "Allie-girl, look after my old man, will ya?" She nodded. "And, Julia?" Allie nodded again. "And, Allie-girl, will you please take care of you?" He asked her, with a gentle touch on the end of her nose.
"Of course, Dad." Allie answered matter-of-fact, with a little eye roll. He forgot sometimes how many times she had done this, said good-bye to him when he was off on a mission. Finally though, she managed a convincing smile. "Don't worry about us, Dad. We'll be fine. Make the most of your time. You deserve it."
Nathan hugged her long, until she began to protest. He heard some faint remark about being squished, though he didn't listen. He finally pulled back and with a little chuckle, told her, "You didn't used to mind that, you know."
Allie just shook her head and replied. "I'm growing up, Dad."
Nathan's eyes were a little misty, "I know that, all too well." He told her softly, "I love you, Allie girl."
"I love you, too, Dad." She answered softly, with a timid smile.
Nathan slowly let go and moved to Julia, just as he heard the coach come rumbling up behind him. He didn't even turn and look, but was fixed on Julia.
He pulled her into his embrace, and held her close. He didn't notice the noise of the previous passengers disembarking right behind him, or the driver taking down the luggage with a loud thud.
Nathan kissed her tenderly on the head and told her softly, "I love you, Jules."
"I love you, too, Lawman." She whispered as she pulled back gently. "Take care of yourself."
Nathan gazed down at her long, as the driver called out for boarding passengers. Finally, reluctantly, he turned and handed the driver his luggage.
Julia stepped forward and handed him the brown paper bag. "Lunch, for the train." she explained shortly.
Nathan gave them all a little wave and turned to board the coach. Though, as his foot touched the first coach step, he froze. He dropped the briefcase by the coach door, and turned around, his eyes fixed on Julia.
His pained look was unmistakable, and without breaking his gaze, Nathan said something sideways towards the driver. All at once, Nathan moved, and came quickly towards Julia. She gasped as she saw him coming, and moved also in his direction.
When they met in the middle of the platform, Nathan kissed her passionately. He didn't care who saw, he just needed to feel her soft lips one more time. He wanted to carry the feel and taste of her with him. So, he took his fill of her one more time, and she, him.
When they finally parted, he ducked his head and hurried into the coach. It was hard to leave them, and the proof had been etched in the lines of his face. When the coach jolted into motion, finally, Nathan looked out the window, and gave them all one more small wave. Julia still stood exactly where he had left her, frozen to the spot where he had kissed her breathless.
And there she stayed, until the coach disappeared completely out of sight.