"A Hero's Welcome"
Nathan said his good byes in Regina, including a visit with the recruits and his friend, Gabe. Superintendent Hargraves also asked to see him before his departure.
"Constable, I'd like to thank you for your diligence in this case. You took a hunch, followed your instincts and were able to uncover a rather large fraud scheme. I have a feeling that the defendants will all agree to settle. Spurlock will likely lose his job and face jail time as well. We're still looking into potential co-conspirators within the provincial government to see if anyone has been helping from within. Anyway, son, I wanted to thank you. I have the letters with the particulars of the settlement for you to bring to Judge Avery and to the Hope Valley Town Council. When this case is closed, you can expect a visit from the leadership here at Headquarters as well as an award. Congratulations on a job well done."
"Thank you, sir. I appreciate that. I would just be happy to stay in Hope Valley. That would be reward enough for me," responded Nathan.
"I expected you'd say that. I can assure you that has already been done. You can remain in Hope Valley as long as you like. You should know that if you change your mind in the future, we can certainly discuss a more prestigious position for you."
"Thank you, sir. I'm truly grateful, and I'll certainly keep your offer in mind. My stage is leaving shortly, so I . . ."
"I won't keep you. Thank you, Nathan, and good luck to you."
Nathan smiled and shook Hargraves' hand and quickly left. The ride back to Hope Valley was long and uneventful. There was no full moon to guide the stage, so overnight stops were required. The last night, Nathan was able to send a telegram back to Hope Valley so Allie would know he would be arriving soon. He asked if she would also let Laura know. He missed Allie, Laura and the kind people he had come to love in Hope Valley. He missed the quiet nights, the sounds and sights of nature and the simple life in general. He was glad to leave behind the small outpost towns where the stage stopped with its noisy saloons and people, who were wary of a Mountie passing through. People weren't unkind to Nathan; they just weren't friendly. He enjoyed his time working with Gabe and the recruits, but he also knew that a permanent posting at Headquarters was just not for him.
Nathan thought the people of Hope Valley would be happy to have life back to normal. They'd be able to open up new housing and businesses. Coulter Enterprises could hire additional loggers now that there would be places for them to bunk. That would mean more haircuts for Fiona, more shoppers at the Mercantile, more calls through the switchboard and more diners at the café and saloon. Nathan thought about the library and the school and realized that since most loggers are bachelors, they probably would be living in bunk houses and not have families with children in school. The economic development money would help make necessary infrastructure improvements, such as better roads. The election for mayor would be held soon. Some of the money could be used to improve the public buildings. Nathan decided that there would definitely be a bright future ahead for Hope Valley.
After several days spent traveling by stage coach and staying in drafty hotels and boarding houses, Nathan had read all the books he brought with him, and he was finally getting close to home. No one was exactly sure when he'd return, but every time the stagecoach arrived, the townsfolk would check to see if Nathan was on it. They wanted to give their returning hero a big Hope Valley welcome home. Word spread quickly throughout the town that Nathan was due in on the next stage, and everyone gathered at the stagecoach stop near the café. Rosemary managed to get the little band back together that played at the Christmas parade a few years ago. They played patriotic tunes as soon as the stage was in sight. Nathan was never one to be the center of attention, and he was a little embarrassed by the welcome home celebration. There was nothing to be done, though, and when he stepped off the stage, everyone cheered and sang, "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow."
Lee, as President of the Town Council, was at the front of the line. He had a prepared speech to welcome Nathan home, but he decided that what Nathan really needed was a good, hot meal and a chance to relax, so he kept his remarks brief.
"Nathan, on behalf of the all the citizens of Hope Valley, we want to congratulate you for a job well done. Thank you, and welcome home."
"Thank you. I didn't do anything to deserve all this, but I'm sure glad to be home. I've missed you all."
"We know you must be hungry and tired after your long journey, so we've made arrangements with the café for a quiet dinner." Lee leaned in and whispered to Nathan that the dinner would include only Allie and Laura, and that everyone had been instructed to leave him alone for the night. "We're all grateful for what you've done for Hope Valley. The Town Council will be meeting tomorrow night, and we hope you'll be able to fill us in on the details then. For now, enjoy your dinner and a good night's sleep."
"Thank you all. You know I really do miss good home cooking—not mine of course—and a good night's sleep. I'll talk to you all tomorrow. Thank you."
With that, the crowd started to disperse. Allie and Laura made their way to the front of the crowd. Allie ran into Nathan's arms, and he picked her up and swung her around and around. When he put her down, he saw Laura. She was quietly smiling, but Nathan could tell she was a bundle of energy inside. She was frozen in place for just a moment, but couldn't contain her excitement any longer. She calmly walked up to Nathan, reached up and put her arms around him and hugged him tightly. Nathan hugged Laura back and rested his cheek on the top of her head.
"Welcome home, Nathan," Laura whispered. "I missed you."
"I missed you too. I can't tell you how happy I am to be home." Nathan looked up and saw Allie staring back at him with a huge smile on her face. "So, who's hungry? Shall we have some dinner?"
Nathan, Laura and Allie walked into the café to another round of applause by the diners. Bill came out and shook his hand.
"Welcome back, my friend. I've saved the best table for you over here in the corner where it's quiet. Everyone has been instructed to leave you alone so you can relax and enjoy your dinner. Even I'm not going to ask you any questions tonight. We'll talk tomorrow. Is 9 o'clock in my office good for you?"
"Bill Avery. You are supposed to leave Nathan alone." Clara stood by the side of the table with her hands on her hips admonishing Bill.
"OK. I'm leaving. Still, 9 o'clock in my office. I'm letting you sleep in. Don't get used to it." With that, Bill went back to the kitchen, and Clara stood by rolling her eyes.
"Enjoy your dinner and try to relax. I promise you won't have any other visitors if I have to stand by and guard your table myself."
"Thank you, Clara," responded Nathan.
Nathan sat quietly for a minute trying to decide what to have for dinner, but really taking in what was before him—his niece, who had become a fine young lady, and Laura—the woman he hoped to have a future with. He smiled and thought just how lucky he really was.
I said I wouldn't be able to post until Tuesday this week, but today's weather in New England is keeping me home!