"I'll Be Waiting for You"

Rosemary wrote her story about the attempted armed robbery and did so without drama or embellishment. She did admit to Bill that it didn't have the spice she was looking for. The Valley Voice was delivered Wednesday morning with another reminder that the library meeting would be held that night. Between the attempted armed robbery and the library meeting, Hope Valley's residents had plenty to talk about. The switchboard was buzzing with one call after another and residents comparing stories of Nathan's and Laura's bravery.

The meeting originally was going to be held in the library, but the response was so overwhelming, that it was moved to the school. Laura arrived early to ensure she had everything set up properly and was surprised that so many people were already there. They congratulated her for helping Nathan with the arrest of Joshua Greene. Unfortunately, they also had many questions for her as well. Thankfully, Rosemary arrived just in time and spoke to the crowd of people.

"Citizens of Hope Valley, I want you to know that I put all the information I could into the story in today's Valley Voice. If you still have questions, we can ask Judge Avery if he may be able to answer them tomorrow. We don't want to compromise the case against this, this dastardly man, and we don't want to get side tracked on what tonight's meeting is really about—our library. Miss Couture, are you ready to begin your presentation?"

"Yes, thank you, Rosemary. I wanted to hold this meeting to find out what you would like for programs at the library. I have many ideas, but I thought you may have priorities of your own, and I'd like to address those first. Clara has agreed to take some notes for us, so I can focus on our conversation tonight. Who would like to go first?"

Everyone looked around the room, but no one spoke. Finally, Florence and Molly stood up. "We have some older couples in Hope Valley, who live outside of town on large farms. They don't seem to be able to get to town much. Is it possible to bring books to them?" asked Florence.

"As a matter of fact, there are a number of younger families who find it difficult to get to town because of their daily chores. Could they get library materials delivered to them as well?" added Molly.

"Those are excellent ideas, ladies. Florence, could you ask Ned if we may be able to have Robert deliver books when he's delivering the mail, if that's possible?"

"I'll be glad to do that," answered Florence. "I'm sure Ned would agree to it. Mail delivery is an extra service we provide. We're only obligated to have a space at the Mercantile for folks to pick up their mail. I think that might work."

"Thank you. This is very helpful. Are there other ideas we can discuss?" asked Laura.

"Opal asked if the children could have a French Club at the library," said Mrs. Weis.

"I think that's a lovely idea. Mrs. Thornton, do you think that would work with your curriculum?" asked Laura.

"Yes, it would. Thank you, Miss Couture. It would be wonderful for the children to learn French. We have people from Quebec pass through Hope Valley, and it would be nice to speak to them in French," responded Elizabeth.

Many of the townsfolk had ideas for Laura that would keep the library busy nearly every day. There were discussions about stitchery classes, knitting lessons, creative writing, canning and preserving food, candle making, story time and crafts for the children and many other ideas.

"Does anyone have any ideas for physical fitness programs? Is that something you'd be interested in?" asked Laura.

"I'd like to do nature walks. There are different plants and trees that we can make teas and herbal remedies from," said Clara.

"Clara, that's a good idea. I'd like to lead that walk if I may. We want to make sure that families are using the correct plants. So many of them look similar," added Faith.

"Faith, that's a wonderful idea. We can definitely add that to our program," said Laura. "I think we have quite a lot to start with. If no one has anything else to add, I think we can adjourn. Mrs. Weis brought cookies, and Clara brought hot chocolate. I hope you'll all stay to enjoy some refreshments. Thank you so much for coming and for your valuable input."

Everyone stayed for quite a while to chat and enjoy the cookies and hot chocolate. Laura was happy to see the real sense of community in her newly adopted home town.

"Laura, do you have a minute to talk outside?" asked Nathan.

"Yes, certainly."

Nathan and Laura went out to the steps of the school and sat down. Nathan had a little trouble thinking about what he wanted to say. "Is something wrong, Nathan?" asked Laura.

"No, not at all. Remember I told you I would have to go out of town regarding the land scheme?" Laura nodded. "Well, I have to leave tomorrow. I spoke to Mrs. Weis, and she said Allie could stay at their house, as she usually does. Opal and Allie will share a room. I know you said it was alright with you. I just want you to know that you don't have to feel obligated to do anything extra for Allie outside the usual Monday tutoring. I may be gone about a week. I think the Mounties are going to want to talk to me about the robbery as well." Laura had a look of concern and worry. "Laura, it's not anything dangerous, if that's what put those worry lines on your face."

"I'm sorry, Nathan. I was just thinking of Elizabeth. I think Mountie Thornton told her the same thing when he was assigned to Fort Clay."

"That was different. The Mounties were training out in the field. I'll be sitting in an office. Trust me. It's nothing to be concerned about. I'm more concerned about having to deal with Superintendent Hargraves than anything else. He was the one who tried to have me implicated in the death of the Mountie last year. He just does not like me. Anytime he's involved I never know what to expect."

"Well, it seems to me that, based on what I've learned about that situation, you were clearly exonerated."

"I have Allie to thank for that. She made a stronger case on my behalf than I did. I'm afraid I sort of gave up on myself at the hearing. Bill was relentless objecting to everything, but I think what Allie said made the difference."

"You have so much to be proud of, Nathan, when it comes to Allie. She's a remarkable young lady. Don't you worry about her while you're gone. We will all be best friends—Mrs. Weis, Opal, Allie and I."

Nathan laughed. "I think if women like you and Allie were in charge, Canada would be better for it."

"You never know, Nathan. A woman could be Prime Minister of Canada someday, and that could be Allie. Wouldn't that be something to see!"

"Thank you, Laura. I know I don't have to worry about either of you while I'm gone. I'd like to stay until everyone leaves and walk you home, if you don't mind."

"I'd like that very much."

"I just have to pick up Allie. She'll be staying at the Weis' house tonight. I need to leave on the early morning stage."

People stayed at the school a while to visit with neighbors and left in small groups. Once everyone was gone, Laura closed up the school, and she and Nathan picked up Allie and walked to the Weis' home.

"Miss Couture, I think we will have fun while Uncle Nathan is gone, don't you? I can think of a million things I'd like to do already," said Allie.

"That's nice, Allie, but remember that Miss Couture still has a job to do at the library, and you have school. There's only so much time in a day. I appreciate you wanting to learn, but try to keep your expectations reasonable. Do you think you can do that?" asked Nathan.

"Yes, Uncle Nathan. I can do that."

The walk was quick, and they arrived at the Weis home just after Mrs. Weis did. The lamp was on the porch to welcome them. They climbed the steps and went inside. The house still had the aroma of dinner in the air, and the wood stove was warm and inviting.

"Mrs. Weis, thank you for letting Allie stay with you. I hope it's not too much of a burden, since you already have a house guest."

"No, not at all, Constable. You know Allie is welcome to stay here anytime at all. She is such a joy to have around. She's so good with Opal and always helps her with her lessons. I don't want you to worry about her at all."

"I'll try not to." Nathan looked at Allie. "Can you give me a hug, kiddo?" Allie ran to Nathan and gave him a long, heartfelt hug.

"I'll miss you, Uncle Nathan. I love you," said Allie.

"I love you too, Allie. I probably should be going. I need to do some paperwork tonight and pack a few things. I'm taking the early stage. Good night, ladies."

Laura followed Nathan out to the porch. "You take care of yourself, Mountie Grant, and we'll take care of Allie. I promise."

"Thank you, Laura." Nathan hesitated. "I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too, Nathan, and I'll be waiting for you when you come back."

Nathan didn't know what to say. He was truly touched by Laura's kind words. He bent down, took her hand, and kissed it. "I'll see you when I get back, Laura." Nathan put his Stetson on, turned and walked away.