Author's Notes:
The story is winding to a close… So sorry for those that wish it would continue. Let your imagination take over where the written words end. Just know that the Grants are loving and beloved. While life continues to have challenges, they face them together and become stronger and increasingly full of thankfulness and joy.
Someone asked about visuals for Fiona's photographs? I recommend you search for the works of Ansel Adams. Although not a description of one particular photo of his, whether grand landscapes of lakes and mountains, or groves of trees, or studies of ferns and leaves, it was his work that I had in mind as I wrote about Fiona's honeymoon photographs.
Also, for those interested in the original poem from which 'Nathan's' quote is taken, I have added my entire poem at the end of this first epilogue.
Thank you to all of you that have read this story and please let me know your thoughts! EMH
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Epilogue One
A Special Summer
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Knowing that a new stage of life was ahead of them in the New Year, Fiona decided to concentrate on a couple changeable shows of her photography that would be displayed in the Café, the Hope Valley Inn and the Barbershop. For now, that exposure would be enough. Together, Fiona and Nathan chose phrases from his writings that fit with her photographs but decided not to include an entire poem. His words, handwritten in his neat penmanship, served as a title or to identify each piece. Nathan insisted that his initials would be sufficient on the labels while Fiona's full signature was written on the white mat-board.
As Fiona supervised, Nathan and Bill hung the art in each location and they and Fiona were proud and very pleased. Appreciative compliments were quickly bestowed and Fiona Grant was now known as a Photographer in Hope Valley.
Fiona was surprised when Elizabeth Thornton was her first buyer. For her sister, Julie, Elizabeth chose a stunning image of trunks of various trees, with sharp highlights and shadows. Dark, yet distinctive silhouettes filled the background of the wooded scene, while the foreground highlighted many different tree trunks and types of bark, smoothly polished, deeply crevassed or finely etched, including stark white birches. The accompanying quote read, '…the character of each and every tree is only alluded to in the bark… N.T.G.' (EMH)
Elizabeth had purchased a copy of each of Nathan's two books, intending to give the volume of poetry to her parents. While en route to Hamilton, Elizabeth thumbed the pages, reading many of the poems and was surprised to recognize the quote about tree bark was from Nathan's writings!
It was in Hamilton, standing at the window of the sunroom while Jack napped upstairs, that Elizabeth had a revelation. She was alone. She had left childhood friends behind when she moved to the frontier and as most of those women were still circulating in Hamilton's high society, Elizabeth no longer fit in. Her Hope Valley friends, Nathan, Bill, Rosemary and Lee were all anticipating new life events. Abigail was gone. Henry wasn't that close anymore even though Elizabeth had freely advised him in his affairs. Mike was now busy managing the oil company and spending every spare moment with Faith. Clara had drifted away once she married Jesse. None of the parents of her students were really friends. Florence was a crisis friend, but they didn't really confide in each other. Many had reached out and befriended Elizabeth when Jack was born, but Elizabeth had allowed them all to drift away.
Elizabeth had not invested in her friends' lives, nor shown love or interest in them. And now? She realized she was alone. Three things she needed to do came to mind immediately, talking to Pastor Joseph again, praying and journaling. Maybe she should make her journal a place to count her blessings? As Elizabeth contemplated her return to a changing Hope Valley, she determined to invest in her schoolchildren and her son in increasing measures, as well as work on renewing some old friendships. She had done it once and she could do it again. With God's help, Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton could find her place again!
Although Nathan and Fiona considered canceling their June honeymoon plans, Lillian and Archie encouraged them to take a trip as it would be more difficult to travel with a new baby in the following year. Postponing the visit to the Grand Hotel, they decided to take Allie and make it a family vacation to visit Uncle Lem and Aunt Effie Grey at their home in Whitefish Lake, Montana.
Their decision was met with joyful exuberance from the Greys who had been hoping and praying the Grants would accept their invitation and they would see Nathan and Fiona again. The fact that they would also get to meet Allie made them even more excited and they hoped she would be able to spend some time with their grandchildren in town as well.
Deciding to wait to share the news of the expected Baby Grant when Nathan, Fiona and Allie arrived, the Grants were rewarded for their patience as the Greys were are as excited as they would be if the child was their own! It was hard work for Fiona to convince them she wanted to help with meals and in the gardens when Aunt Effie just wanted to pamper her. A compromise was reached, and while Nathan and Allie joined Uncle Lem fishing, Fiona remained behind to take photographs and spend time with Aunt Effie, helping in the kitchen and garden.
On the one cool and rainy day of their visit, Fiona and Allie baked Fiona's famous carrot cake for the Greys and won a fan of Uncle Lem for life. By adding three small words to his compliment, "…one of my…" favorite desserts, he remained in his wife's good graces, but when Aunt Effie declared that the cake was her "absolute favorite dessert," he confessed and joined Nathan, Allie and Aunt Effie, declaring it was everyone's favorite! Cake and laughter were enjoyed by them all.
Vacationing in Whitefish Lake in the summertime was very different than the quiet solitude of March. Tourists filled the town's streets and the harbor was filled with boats, while excitement filled the air. Hikers traversed the road beside the lake and rumbles of motorboats traveled across the water. Uncle Lem treated Nathan, Fiona and Allie to a few sailboat rides giving them beautiful views of the mountains and the upper lake, and Aunt Effie joined them one evening for a picnic and a memorable sunset sail. This sunset over the lake waters was a memory to hold dear.
From the front porch of the Grey's home on a lazy Sunday afternoon, the Grants enjoyed watching a sailboat race for youth and a few others for adults. Under bright blue skies, and with brilliant white clouds racing overhead, the contrast of the white sails against dark forests across the lake was picturesque and Fiona captured many beautiful images on film.
Nathan slung Fiona's tripod over his shoulder and took Fiona's hand in his. Fiona, Allie and he recreated the hike along the road that the Newlyweds had taken in March. Allie was delighted to recognize the locations from some of her mom's previous photographs and when they stopped for a picnic lunch, Allie sketched some memories of her own. Fiona snapped photographs while Nathan found some quiet moments to jot down thoughts and phrases that poetically captured the surrounding beauty, so everyone was inspired by Whitefish Lake and was sad to depart! As the Grants traveled back to Hope Valley, Nathan summed up the experience for them all in one word. "Refreshing!"
Lee and Rosemary moved into their new home and joyfully settled each room, including a nursery. They began to alternate hosting the Grant-Coulter-Avery family dinners and loved all the space they now had to entertain. Either their extended family or their expected baby had made an impact on Rosemary. Still joyful, she now settled into a less melodramatic, stage-worthy-actress demeanor. She became more genuine, subdued and even subtle at times. This was a side of Rosemary that only Lee had known, but it now made her even more endearing to the Grants and to Bill.
A new face began to show around the Grant family table when Bill began to invite Molly Sullivan. Having originally decided to just remain friends, they began to realize there might be more to their relationship when their shared lunches in the Judge's office expanded to weekly dinners at the Café and to the Friday night dinners with the Grants and Coulters. Bill was distractedly in love and ripe for a lot of teasing from Nathan, Lee, Detective Sam and Constable Stephen. Shrugging his shoulders, Bill was resigned to the comments and even secretly enjoyed them!
Dr. Faith Carter and Mike Hickam got engaged and began planning an October wedding. Sunday Night Suppers continued, although meeting only twice a month and alternating between the Café and the Grant's home. On occasion the group expanded to include Nathan's assistant, Detective Sam Burke, his younger brother, Simon, who operated the Barbershop, and Constable Stephen Ash. The three bachelors appreciated the inclusion, the meals and the big-sisterly-concern of the ladies in the group. Simon was showing interest in Laura Campbell and once he got up the nerve to suggest they court, everyone expected there would be another newcomer around the Sunday Supper table!
In July, Fiona, Allie and Lillian joined Faith and Rosemary on a trip to Union City. They all had long lists of items to purchase in anticipation of upcoming special events. Faith needed a bridal gown and items for her trousseau. Allie needed some new outfits suitable for a young lady for summer and for school, while Fiona and Rosemary needed maternity clothes and baby items. Lillian just enjoyed being with her dear girls, although she did pick-up a lovely new summer Sunday dress and ordered skeins upon skeins of yarn, including fine gauge yarn for baby clothes! Fiona also was pleased to find quilting fabrics so she and Allie could work on her quilted wall-hanging idea now that Allie had seen the colors of Whitefish Lake for herself. It would make a lovely mother-daughter project over the winter. Due to the many items needed, the ladies decided to make it a visit of a few days and three overnights and also include attending a production of Pygmalion which made Allie and her Aunt Rosemary especially happy!
Much as they adored their wives, Nathan, Archie and Lee were fine remaining at home with a more relaxed schedule! Due to their close proximity, then men decided to each take a turn preparing dinner for each other. Archie was the fortunate one because his assigned night was the first one and Lillian had left behind a fully-prepared meal. As the men enjoyed the delicious food, they laughingly agreed that they were all fortunate that Archie had been assigned the first night's meal!
While the ladies were in Union City, Nathan chose to take the days off from work and devote quiet time to a couple of projects, including his work of fiction. He knew that life would change with a baby in the house and wanted to complete his first draft and get it to his publisher by the end of the summer. Diligent with his time-keeping, Nathan had used his lunch hours to work on his story whenever he wasn't with his friends, Bill, Lee or Joseph. Since each man now had increasing responsibilities of their own, Nathan had accomplished a lot during both lunches and evenings.
On the second day alone at home, Nathan decided on an unscheduled day. Later that night, he stretched out on the sofa and wrote a new poem entitling it, 'A Day Stolen.'
'A day stolen
from routine…
to follow life's natural rhythms.
At half past ten, I'm still in bed
day and night's dreams mingling in my head.
Out on the porch I eat my brunch,
and at three o'clock take another munch.
I dine again at half past seven
when I next glance at the clock's face,
it's way past eleven!
A day stolen
from responsibilities…
not to do, but to be.
As I sit, I watch the petals, float and fall,
listening intently to each bird's call.
Taking note of shadows patterning the ground
I drink in every colorful sight and sound.
No should-dos nor should-have-dones admitted,
as creation and I commune today,
and definitely no tomorrow-plans permitted.
A day stolen
from relationships…
a retreat apart, yet with a full heart.
Without some time to be alone
I have nothing worthwhile to give anyone.
My thoughts, my familiar yet oft surprising companions.
We converse without interruption
until I search for paper, pen and perfect word
—to capture all the day has inspired—
to allow me to share tomorrow all I've seen and heard.
A day actually
not so much stolen as given!
And I? By God refreshed, I am so very grateful.' (EMH)
Allie enjoyed her summer even when working. She found work at the switchboard interesting as she could interact with so many people, both on the telephone and those who entered the Mercantile to shop or gossip. Allie soon realized that she could black-mail a good number of townsfolk if she shared what she had overheard. Fortunately her upbringing as a Mountie's niece and daughter had trained her to keep confidences, so Hope Valley's secrets were safe with Allie Grant. That's not to say that, when alone, Allie didn't giggle about things she had overheard!
When the telephone was quiet, Allie assisted Ned arranging store and window displays, and occasionally had much appreciated time to read.
Of course, Robert continued to deliver the Hope Valley mail, although now he rode his own horse to do so. Since his route took less time Robert returned early to the Mercantile where Ned kept him busy, lifting and unloading deliveries and stocking shelves. Robert and Allie were only allowed to converse during their planned breaks so they were learning responsibility, as well as conscientious and diligent work.
By the time the Grant's August vacation to the Miller's in Half Moon Bay and San Francisco arrived, Nathan had completed his second novel and begun to proofread and edit. His publisher was expecting the volume in September, but Nathan chose to leave the manuscript at home to devote time to Fiona, Allie and the Miller side of the family.
As was common though, Nathan wrote poetry when inspired. After a beautiful afternoon at the beach, Nathan composed, 'Elemental Prayer.'
'May the light illumine you within
—bending around hidden corners to reveal and heal,
breaking on you with holy wisdom and insight—
and without
—clarifying the obstacles in your path, allowing you to find the way
through each day, and night.
May the night bring rest—
in the midst of darkness, peace,
knowing your place in the Shepherd's embrace—
and shadows
—defining, thus allowing you to see more clearly through the joys and sorrows
of life's murky waters.
May the life-giving water wash over you—
clearing the anchors of earth from your soul,
quenching your thirsting questions—
and purify,
freeing you to dance, to pray, to worship with freshness in your spirit.
May the mighty wind move you—
blowing away the cobwebs of your thoughts,
strengthening you even as you bend with its power—
and breathe
encouraging messages of love as whispers of hope to your heart.
May the elements of earth
—light, night, water and wind—
bless you with the Creator's touch,
pointing you toward and preparing you for eternity with Him.
Amen.' (EMH)
Patrick and Marisa, and Sean and Sylvia invited Nathan, Fiona and Allie to a long weekend in San Francisco where they took cable cars, visited museums and ate Chinese food which became a favorite. Fiona enjoyed showing Nathan and Allie where she had lived and worked, as well as favorite places. At an art museum Nathan's attention was so captured by a woman he saw that he wrote a poem about her that evening, entitled 'Afternoon Portrait.'
'The maiden returns my gaze, silent and still,
having glanced up from her open book,
with lips slightly parted and a questioning look.
Her hands rest on the page
as she fingers the silver tasseled bookmark.
Unadorned with jewels,
she wears a soft, pale gauze blouse,
edged with a delicate ruffle of lace,
and the folds of her crisp, white linen skirt
fall gently to her feet.
Her head is tilted, her expression serene,
she remains unmoved by the wisps of hair
teased free by the afternoon breeze.
Loosely tied with a satin ribbon,
that mimics the sky blue of her eyes,
her flaxen hair is highlighted
by the golden summer sun
pouring in the window behind her.
I wonder, was she reading or dreaming a moment ago?
Is her complexion blushed by the deep pink roses at her side
or by a road she had been walking in her thoughts?
My intrusion is not unexpected, but I dare not stare anymore.
One last glimpse and, with a silent sigh of delight,
I turn from the painting on the gallery wall.' (EMH)
Nathan brought Fiona with him to visit the San Francisco police headquarters one morning. He wanted to personally thank the officers who had been so diligent in protecting him after the threats against his life. Upon requesting a visit with the Police Chief, Reginald Fullerton, Nathan and Fiona were ushered in to the Chief's office and then invited to join him to tour various offices to say a personal thank you. Everyone saluted and greeted RCMP Inspector Nathan Grant as if they knew him! Many admired his beautiful wife, while many showed concern for his recovery after his injuries. Other officers thanked him for keeping them busy over the past months as they processed the many arrests made as a result of the Bouchard-Spurlock case. Everyone was appreciative of Nathan's work to end the influence of the criminal family which made Fiona especially proud of her famous husband!
Sylvia was thrilled to host the family in their new four-bedroom home and on the final night surprised Fiona with a baby shower attended by her parents, the Browns and all her brothers and wives. Although the Browns hosted Keith and Kaitlin in a hotel suite on that night, Sean and Sylvia's home overflowed with family. All the siblings and spouses enjoyed making memories by camping out on mattresses in the library and upstairs hallway, while Allie slept on a cot in her parents' room. It was a weekend no one would forget and one that would be a memory shared with the two unborn babies in attendance.
Fiona and Nathan had brought a crate of her photographs along with them on the train so she was able to hand-deliver gifts to all the Millers and even kept a smaller crate of framed photos wrapped as Christmas gifts tucked in the guest room closet. She would tell her mother about those as the holiday approached.
Nathan was glad to help with milking again and he, Keith, and Patrick enjoyed conversation and joking around as they worked, allowing their bond and appreciation for each other to grow stronger and deeper throughout the visit. Fiona enjoyed time with her Mom and sisters-in-law, gathering words of wisdom for her continued pregnancy and advice and stories to remember once the baby arrived. Allie gladly babysat and played with her many cousins. Because there was a treasure trove of old clothing in attic trunks, the cousins played dress-up and acted out skits for hours under Allie's direction. Along with the conversations, mornings were spent on farm chores and food preparation to allow for lazy afternoons at the beach. In the evenings, the Miller family gathered for times of singing, puzzles and games, ending with Nathan or Evan reading stories seated on the floor and surrounded by little ones.
Knowing Nathan would be visiting, Evan had prearranged a book-signing for Nathan's works at Evan's bookstore in the city. Explaining the difference in the pen names, Evan had advertised and noted that C.N. Grant was in honor of Mr. Grant's sister who co-authored the volume, but died prior to publication. Even knowing his brother-in-law was advertising the event, Nathan agreed to participate because he doubted anyone would attend. He was surprised! The line extended out into the street!
Since each of Nathan's books were so different, he had a variety of readers anxious to purchase or get signatures on previously purchased copies. Many wanted to share how his poetry had affected them, and readers of the Horse-lovers Handbook were grateful to share what they learned. Some readers wanted him to know they were hoping for a sequel to his work of fiction and when they heard it would be at the publisher in the autumn he had many happy fans! Nathan had never before connected with his readers like this, so this appreciation and interest had a profound effect on him and turned him to many silent prayers of awe and thanksgiving. God had used his writings and encouraged his heart!
Always happy in a bookstore, Fiona and Allie had come along so were witness to the appreciation bestowed on their favorite man and author. Not wanting to interrupt his fans, they perused the aisles together, making lists of books they might like in the future. Fiona limited them to purchase only two volumes each and there was much debate about which would be the best to acquire right away! Fiona barely convinced Allie to save her new acquisitions for reading on the train journey home by encouraging her to read the many books that remained in Fiona's childhood room or in the Miller's downstairs bookcases.
As Nathan, Fiona and Allie relaxed on the journey back to Hope Valley they marveled at how much they accomplished while still enjoying plenty of leisure and family times. They decided to make this trip an annual summer holiday they could anticipate each year and were especially grateful that the new baby would be old enough to travel next year.
While Nathan and Fiona cuddled close and reminisced about their previous train journeys, Allie began her vacation essay for school. She had a first draft completed by the time the train whistled and pulled into the Hope Valley station!
When the steam dispersed the Grants were home.
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(EMH) 'A Day Stolen,' 'Elemental Prayer' and 'Afternoon Portrait' are all Original Poems by E.M. Hunter, Self-published in 'Illuminations,' Copyright 2014
Note: Not an exact description, but 'Afternoon Portrait' was inspired by the 18th-century painting entitled 'Young Girl Reading' by Jean-Honore Fragonard. (Fun fact: An X-ray of the painting revealed the original pose was with the girl looking out of the painting at the viewer, but I didn't know that when I wrote the poem!)
(EMH) 'Lessons In The Bark' Quote from Original Poem by E.M. Hunter, Self-published in Illuminations,' Copyright 2014. The entire poem follows:
'Deep, rough crevasses
or polished smooth and taut,
curling paper sheets
and finely etched lines…
Mottled tints of brown
and almost blacks,
varied smoky grays
or pure, bright white…
All designed for a parallel purpose
—of boundary, measure, location and form—
yet created with such diversity
of texture and tone, size and shade.
Stepping into a clearing
broadens the view
to the multitude of families,
the height and breadth of growth.
Distinctive silhouettes
and patterns of needles and leaves,
all purposely planned
for each season of the year.
Maybe it should not be so astounding
to recognize that the character
of each and every tree
is only alluded to in the bark!
What are the other lessons in the tree?
For humanity?
For eternity?
For me?' (EMH)