Hello, everyone! Thanks for the positive reviews and patience! Life is always hectic during the school year.
Chapter 25
A New Year
New Years in Hope Valley was not as much of a party that many who were used to larger city parties were used to. But Nathan was rather okay with it. He would rather sleep through it, but that rarely happened with him being a Mountie. He was usually on duty.
This year Hope Valley had a small celebration that the Thatchers embraced wholeheartedly. Lee and Rosemary had confided with Elizabeth and Nathan that they were thinking about adopting little Fred (who had stayed with them on Christmas due to the Brookfield residents needing rooms and the row house families took them in). Fred had taken to their little home very well. Gabe Kinslow had helped escort them back to Brookfield with Chuck and stayed for a few days in Brookfield. But him being gone reemphasized that Hope Valley needed a second Mountie.
The new Grant family had come to a sort of routine. Oftentimes, all Nathan and Elizabeth wanted to do was sleep in, but they were often woken up by Jack attempting to tip toe his way across the floor to Allie's room. Allie was very patient and loving with her new brother. She never complained about her being the one he woke up first. She always walked him back to his room, sleepily but patiently answering all of Jack's questions. Sometimes she would get him dressed and ready. Other times, Elizabeth would get up and relieve her of these duties. Jack was more excited about having Allie around than he was Nathan, and both Elizabeth and Nathan were perfectly okay with it, knowing that wouldn't always be the case.
Two days after the new year, the Grants all attempting to get up and dressed for various things. Nathan was downstairs in his surge, before Jack woke up, so he was listening to the chaos of his family as they woke up and were moving about upstairs. Today, Charlotte Thornton was going back to her home. The Thatchers were also spending their last day in Hope Valley. Archie and Ruth had decided to stay a little while longer, to see if Nathan would need their help with anything with the investigations into Hargraves and his corrupt Mounties, but they had also agreed that they would take William Thatcher up on the job offer for Archie to be his head accountant in Thatcher Shipping on the west coast. William had continuously talked up the job while he and Archie were around Hope Valley. He was paying him more salary than anything he had ever earned before. William was also buying a house in Vancouver for the Grants, and they were allowed to live there rent free. Ruth had argued about what happened when Archie could no longer work, and William had said that the house would be in Archie and Ruth's names.
Julie had admitted to Elizabeth when they were having a sister day that William and Grace had originally planned on having Ruth and Archie live with them while William got his shipping business setup in Vancouver. But they had thought that neither Archie nor Ruth would accept it.
So, the Thatchers were going back home so that William could get more hands on with this project, and Archie could work long distance.
The Grants after a morning of chaos, were all ready to walk to the cafe. When they got there, it was busy and bustling still. Bill was in the kitchen. Clara and Minnie were serving. The family joined a table near where the people they were having a last breakfast with were sitting.
Charlotte was wearing her riding clothes again and was drinking a lot of coffee.
Grace, Julie, and William were also in traveling clothes, but were intended for a train.
"Hello," Julie greeted warmly and with a large smile as she saw the family.
Everyone politely greeted her back.
Clara and Minnie quickly got their orders, while bringing their normal drinks to the tables.
They exchanged quick small talk.
As they were finishing breakfast, Bill had Minnie take over his role and walked out with the families to say good-bye.
Charlotte was going to be first. She was standing near her horse with its packed saddle bags.
"Are you sure it's safe enough to ride such a distance in this weather? We really don't mind paying for a train ticket to get you closer to your home," Grace Thatcher said as she was cold still bundled in her winter furs and Charlotte wasn't nearly as protected.
Charlotte smiled at her over her scarf.
"Thank you, but I will be fine. I'm used to riding in the cold. I also know where to rest and stop for protection if the weather turns. My husband was a Mountie, when you're married to one, you pick up on these things," Charlotte said.
Each Thatcher gave her a look of disbelief.
"Boys?" Charlotte gave a lecturing look to Nathan and Bill.
"Well oiled treated leather boots and outer jacket. Wool layers," Nathan started.
"Going now is the best possible option for her because it's going to snow in two days," Bill added.
"How can you possibly know that?" Lee asked as he and Rosemary had walked up to say good-bye to Charlotte themselves.
Nathan and Bill looked at each other.
Nathan rubbed the back of his head where he had injured himself.
Bill rubbed an arm.
"Battle wounds," Bill growled out before glaring at all the non Mounties present.
Charlotte nodded smuggly.
"Take care, Charlotte. Let us know when you've gotten back?" Bill said with a soft smile to Charlotte.
Charlotte nodded in agreement.
"Jack and I made you something, Nana Thornton," Allie said as she handed over a card.
Charlotte smiled down at the gift.
"Thank you both," Charlotte said as she pulled Allie into a hug. Allie met it and hugged her harder than she had ever been hugged.
Then it was Elizabeth's turn. She just walked up to her and hugged her with tears rolling down her face.
"Stop it, Lizzy. No use in crying," Charlotte reprimanded her as they hugged.
Elizabeth just rolled her eyes. She had almost gotten through Charlotte's whole visit without hearing that nickname. As she stepped back next to Nathan, she could feel his amusement.
Charlotte said her goodbyes to the others around her, and then mounted her horse, just before Commissioner Collins came in from the direction of the train depot. He had several Constables behind him all carrying something.
Nathan saw them first and immediately went to attention.
"At ease," Collins said.
Everyone began to crowd around the boardwalk in curiosity.
Elizabeth stiffened next to Nathan. He gave her a reassuring smile.
But she didn't seem to be breathing properly. As Nathan was thinking back, today would have been the exact amount of time she had been married to Jack before he was sent to Fort Clay, and it was technically Collins who had him sent there.
"Hello, everyone! I have a few things I need to discuss," Collins said firmly, obviously the man in charge.
Everyone went silent.
"First, Judge Avery, I am here to thank you for your help and diligence in getting back one of our Mounties, while being retired from the service, we recognize that without your help this wouldn't have ended well, much earlier on. Because you are no longer a Mountie we cannot give you Mountie awards or commendations. It came to my attention, though, a way that we could thank you for the service you have rendered. We are returning your Mountie gear that you had as Inspector. Keep in mind, that you don't have the power of Mountie, since you are retired still, it is all just show, but we grow attached to these things," Collins said.
Bill was looking at him dumbstruck before taking the things he had so rudely had to return over the summer.
"Thank you, Sir," Bill said as he stepped back.
Collins nodded.
"I need to speak with Constable Grant in private," Collins added with a long look.
Nathan nodded.
Elizabeth stiffened even more.
"I won't let him separate us," Nathan whispered into her ear before he left her in Rosemary's arms.
Elizabeth looked at him, but seemed to be unsure.
Nathan showed Commissioner Collins into the empty Mountie Office.
"Nathan isn't Jack," Rosemary said softly into Elizabeth's ears as she held her in comfort.
"But do they really have a choice?" Elizabeth choked, which was the last thing that Nathan heard before he shut the door to the noise in the street.
"Sir, before we get into whatever it is, know that if you are trying to send me away, I will quit right now," Nathan said firmly.
Collins smiled.
"I do know that. I am here because I need your answer about the new position," Collins said.
Nathan gave him a look.
"You can't investigate Hargraves or the others involved because you are their victim. You know this. You will be asked to be a witness at their trials, but you can't investigate it yourself, something that is hard for you," Collins said.
Nathan nodded in agreement.
"We are getting several boys back from the war as recruits. They have a lot of good skills, but their mindsets are still on the front, and I need seasoned Mounties with battle wounds, to train them and see if they can handle the mental toll this job is, or are they just trained to take blood?" Collins whispered.
Nathan looked at him in shock.
"Why me?"
"Because I know you've had contact with one soldier. He's said that it has been your guidance that has stopped him from doing harm to himself in a permanent way," Collins said softly. "You're a listener Grant, and they need someone to listen and mentor them in this trying time. Also, Hope Valley needs a new Mountie, probably several new Mounties. I figured if you are training them, some can be posted here."
Nathan sighed heavily as he looked around. Gabe Montegomery had confessed his struggle with returning back to civilization and had mentioned how hopeless it had all seemed. Nathan had made sure when he was dealing with the O'Rourke case to stop and talk to the young man on a phone, and Gabe had been close to ending his life then and there. Nathan had just listened as Gabe Montegomery had broken down. Gabe had admitted that the girl he was sweet on had decided that he was too broken for any girl and had left him. From his understanding it was his childhood sweetheart who had said this.
Nathan had only said two lines of advice to him.
"I understand better than most what it is like to have to carry the burden of grief and death and not just because I am a Mountie-I carry a pocket watch that my sister gave me with a picture of Allie because I know that if she lost me, her entire world would be thrown into turmoil. Who is it that loves you so much that it would throw their entire world into turmoil if they lost you-especially to self harm?"
The young man had gone silent over the line, but Nathan knew that it was his mother and siblings in Hope Valley. Nathan had the distinct impression that when Gabe Montegomery returned to Hope Valley, it wasn't just because his family was in danger and needed his protection, but also because the young man needed his mother-a truly selfless love and affection that only his mother could provide.
"What do you say, Grant?" Collins asked softly. "I know I said it would take more time to implement, but I really need it to start now."
"Just so we're clear, long tracking trips?" Nathan asked.
"Once we get another Mountie here, only for training purposes where you are concerned," Collins said.
"Then, I will do it," Nathan said.
Collins beamed.
"Excellent! I had hoped you would agree. Two of the Mounties with me are your new trainees. One is a former soldier, the other just passed his tests at the Academy and hasn't so much seen anything beyond theory. Once again this is pass/fail. Congratulations on your new role and title, Instructor Grant. Cadet Baker has your new uniform," Collins said with a smile and a handshake.
Nathan shook his hand.
"Do you know where I can find a Robert Wolf?" Collins asked as that was his last task in Hope Valley.
"He's usually in the Valley Voice office, but if Allie is still outside, he will be nearby," Nathan admitted.
"Your Allie?" Collins asked in surprise.
Nathan only nodded with a sigh.
"And you recommended him to be a Mountie?" Collins said. "I kind of thought you would encourage her not to be with one. And I was also under the impression that she was hesitant to move again."
Nathan shrugged.
"Robert is a good kid. He has a lot to learn about life in general, but I also believe that he will make a good Mountie once he's ready."
Collins was giving him a smirk.
"Well, once he gets through the practicals, he will be one of yours," Collins said in a low whisper.
Nathan just shook his head before smiling.
Collins finally stood and walked to the door. Nathan followed his lead and opened the door. Everyone was looking between the men in anxiety. They looked at the crowd as they had waited on the opposite boardwalk.
Robert was standing behind Allie.
"I take it your Robert Wolf?" Collins asked.
Robert looked at the man and nodded.
Collins approached with a sealed envelope.
Robert took it with a little hesitancy and clutched it tightly.
"Well, aren't you going to read it?" Allie said in annoyance.
Robert flushed but opened the letter.
"I've been accepted to Mountie training. I report this summer," Robert said with a little surprise.
Everyone was smiling at him.
"Isn't that what you want?" Allie asked, confused about his surprise.
"It is, but I didn't expect to get in this quickly," Robert admitted.
"In case you didn't notice, we need good, strong, moral men. A recommendation from one our finest goes a long way," Collins said as he jerked his head back to Nathan.
Nathan just narrowed his eyes at Collins.
"This is also why we are opening the title of Instructor now instead of later. Think of all the recommendation letters you won't have to write," Collins said.
"Somehow I think this is going to have me writing more of those, Sir," Nathan said sardonically.
Collins laughed.
"I will leave Hope Valley to your capable hands, Instructor Grant," Collins said as he gestured to the third Mountie with him. The Mountie approached Nathan with a new uniform.
Nathan took it from the cadet.
They all saluted as Collins returned back to the train depot with his Mountie assistant.
This left Cadet Baker and Cadet Cross looking at Nathan.
"I will get you set up in a moment," Nathan said to both of them before turning back to the people who were still standing around Elizabeth, which included Charlotte Thornton.
"Shouldn't you be on the road by now?" Nathan asked her knowing that traveling by horse during winter was precarious.
"I couldn't leave while we were uncertain about what Collins wanted with you. I'm stubborn and headstrong, but I am not heartless," Charlotte protested loudly.
"No one said you were," Bill added.
Charlotte gave Bill a long glare.
"So, what's this all about, then?"
"Collins wants me to train recruits in Hope Valley," Nathan said.
Elizabeth smiled.
"IN Hope Valley. You don't have to go away?" Rosemary clarified.
Nathan shook his head. "Not for this anyway. He was also clarifying that I'm not allowed to have anything to do with the investigations into Hargraves, and that I am a witness only."
Elizabeth, Rosemary, Charlotte, Allie, and Bill all beamed.
"That means you won't be gone a lot," Allie said with happiness.
Nathan nodded.
Everyone started cheering and congratulating him. Charlotte was finally on the road, as the Thatchers went to the train depot. A lot of people were there to see them off. Lucas was saying goodbye to Julie, while William and Grace were saying goodbye to Allie and Jack.
"You keep in touch. If you ever need anything, anything at all, don't even hesitate to ask," Grace said as she was saying goodbye to Allie.
Allie nodded.
"Especially with your dad," Grace whispered as she looked towards where Nathan was standing back and crowd watching. William had approached Nathan one last time, and they were discussing something lightly, when William got jostled by the crowd leaving the train. Nathan immediately put a pressure point on the young boy's neck and was glaring down at the kid.
"Give it back," Nathan instructed sternly.
"What?" the kid protested.
Nathan glared again.
The kid pulled out William's pocket watch. William took it back in surprise.
Nathan eventually let the kid go after a lecture.
"What just happened?" Grace asked as William approached first.
"Apparently, Nathan should have been given a raise and a better title many years ago. I have no idea how he saw it, but he noticed the young boy lifting my watch. But the entire time we were talking, he was looking directly at me and I barely registered that anyone had bumped into me," William admitted with a lot of awe.
"That's my Dad," Allie said with all the love and pride she had for him.
"I am glad for it, because this particular watch is not worth much monetarily. But it was the only thing my father gave me," William said as he palmed the watch.
Grace knew exactly how much that watch meant to William. He wouldn't have flinched much at any of the expensive pieces being taken, as he could easily replace them. But this one meant everything to him. She took William's hand and squeezed it in comfort.
Nathan finally returned to the group with a smile.
The Thatchers said one last goodbye and boarded their train.
The Grants went about their business back in town. Nathan introduced himself to his trainees and got them set up in rooms. He looked through their files and read the reports and what they needed help on. It was expected that they would shadow him on his duties and rounds until Nathan would observe them in those duties. Nathan would have to give them feedback, and if they showed progress they could continue on, if not, they couldn't be a Mountie.
Nathan dismissed them so that he could try and figure out how to do this. He bent over his desk and started working and got into a rhythm and lost all sense of time. It was getting dark when Elizabeth knocked on the door before entering.
Nathan looked up at her in surprise.
"Allie and Robert have been waiting for you to bring your head up," Elizabeth said softly.
Nathan gave a small smile in sheepishness.
"Sorry. I'm trying to figure out my new expectations and how to teach these new cadets thrown at me," Nathan admitted with a shrug.
Elizabeth smiled at him.
"Bring it home. I will help you with that later. But right now, Allie and Robert need to speak with you," Elizabeth gave him a look.
Nathan nodded.
Elizabeth smiled softly at him, before turning back towards the door where she had left them outside.
Robert waited for Allie to enter first; then followed her inside.
"I will be waiting with Jack in the saloon," Elizabeth said to the group before leaving them behind to talk in private.
"Sir," Robert started.
"Robert," Nathan returned.
"First, I need to thank you, sir," Robert said.
Nathan raised an eyebrow.
"For my letter. I don't think I would have gotten in without it," Robert admitted as he scuffed his shoe along the floor.
"I don't write letters of recommendation unless I feel like the person it is about would be a good fit, Robert," Nathan added.
"Which Commissioner Collins knows," Allie added proudly.
"Still, thank you," Robert said with humility.
Nathan nodded in acknowledgment.
"You need to learn how to ride first," Allie reminded Robert.
Robert blushed, but nodded.
"Second, I am hoping to get your permission to date Allie," Robert said as he avoided Allie's eyes entirely. For how nervous he was, he was speaking clearly and looking Nathan in the eyes. Allie was beaming up at Robert.
Nathan gave them both a long look.
Both began to get nervous with his long silence.
"What are you going to do when you go to training?" Nathan asked.
Robert and Allie looked at each other.
"To be honest, sir, my plans had been to wait until Allie graduated to tell her and seek your permission then," Robert admitted. "I know we're young, and Allie is younger than that. But I also know that I don't want to live any part of my life without her in it. She's my best friend, and she is my friend first. I will respect hers and your boundaries, whatever they are. But I couldn't risk going away for a long time and risk losing her to someone else, because I was too afraid to tell her about my feelings."
Nathan watched as Robert met Allie's eyes and both were smiling.
"You have my permission on the condition that neither of you are alone together. And by alone, I mean a trusted adult is present and within viewing and hearing range. You both may say that you will respect each other's boundaries, but it is too easy to lose control in the moments, especially unsupervised, and you both are too young to stop yourselves," Nathan said firmly.
Robert looked at him with relief and happiness. Allie came around his table to wrap him in an Allie hug.
"Did you think my answer would be no?" Nathan asked once Allie had pulled away from him.
"It wasn't out of the realm of possibility," Allie said with a nod.
Robert nodded slightly.
"Sir? If we may? I was hoping you would agree to chaperone us on our first date. I'm hoping for some horse riding lessons?" Robert asked.
Allie looked at Robert in surprise, but looked eagerly back at Nathan.
"Sure, why not." Nathan agreed. "Sunday after church."
Robert and Allie both smiled and thanked him before leaving his office happily.
Nathan shook his head at their retreating backs before gathering his things and finding Elizabeth and Jack in the saloon.
Jack was pouting without the people he had gotten used to seeing everyday.
"Ready?" Elizabeth said when she saw Nathan walk in.
"Yes, sorry for getting so distracted," Nathan said as he kissed the side of her head. Then gave Jack one of his funny faces, which never failed to make Jack chortle.
"'Gain, 'Gain," Jack said with happiness as he clapped.
Nathan did it once more before taking Jack into one arm.
They walked slowly home just enjoying each other's presence.
Allie made it to their door first.
Eventually, Allie and Jack were put to bed.
Elizabeth and Nathan were cuddling on their couch.
"So your trainees" Elizabeth said into his chest.
Nathan sighed heavily.
"I'm supposed to come up with training exercises," Nathan rubbed his head in frustration.
"What kinds of training do they already have experience with?" Elizabeth asked.
"One has only just passed his exams. The other was a soldier," Nathan said.
"Mmmmmmm, so test them on their knowledge. See what they know already, and see what needs to be retaught to fit being a Mountie," Elizabeth said into his chest, too warm and comfortable to move from their embrace.
Nathan looked down at her in surprise.
"That's how I place new students and deal with the different levels in my class. Although, it sounds like Collins is placing these two here specifically because they need your guidance the most," Elizabeth said.
Nathan gave her a look of disbelief.
"Cat told me about what you did, and do, for Gabe. Collins sees your strengths quite clearly," Elizabeth said in explanation.
Nathan just sighed.
"I'm not a teacher," he said softly.
Elizabeth rolled her eyes.
"How did it go with Allie and Robert?" she said to change the topic.
Nathan was grateful for the topic change and summarized the conversation for them.
Elizabeth was smirking into his chest.
"What?" Nathan asked.
"You're teaching Robert how to ride a horse on their first date. Emphasises on the teaching," Elizabeth pointed out.
"The kid needs to know it way before he goes into MOUNTIE training. I'm providing him with a serious life skill if he wants to survive," Nathan argued.
"Well, then think of your training sessions as providing your trainees with necessary life skills if they want to survive," Elizabeth said.
Nathan nodded once.
They cuddled in silence for awhile after that, but they eventually moved to their room and their bed.
Nathan was woken up by Elizabeth's long gaze. She seemed to be trying to process something.
"What's wrong?" Nathan whispered as he turned around to hold her better.
Elizabeth looked up at him with a small smile.
"Nothing. It's just you're here," Elizabeth said. "At this point in my last marriage, we were heading to Fort Clay. You're here. We're still home."
Nathan waited for her to look him in the eyes again.
"I meant what I said, Elizabeth, if they try to separate us, I will quit. I have no desire to be one of the top Mounties, and I have no desire to move around anymore. I love my job, but not above my family," Nathan said as he pulled her closer.
"And that is why you and Jack are so different. Jack couldn't stop himself. The more danger there was, the more Jack had to be in the thick of it. I am so sorry that I couldn't see that about you before. Jack's essence was almost all Mountie. I assumed yours would be too," Elizabeth whispered.
"I think that everything, all the suffering and pain for everyone, had to happen exactly as it did," Nathan said.
Elizabeth looked up at him with surprise.
"If you had accepted my invitation to dinner and my declaration of love earlier, Ma and Dad wouldn't have felt the need to come here. They both would be where they were before. As much pain and suffering we have gone through, we are all stronger and better off for it. For their renewed relationship alone...I never thought I would see them like that again, and yet it's been months," Nathan whispered.
Elizabeth nodded at the deduction.
They held each other more tightly as they both drifted off to sleep.
"MAMA! MAMA! NAT'AN! NAT'AN!" Jack pushed them both awake in the early hours the next morning.
Both were slowly opening their eyes.
"Hurry! Awwie. Awwie!" Jack said his tone was urgent.
"What about Allie?" Nathan said awake much faster than Elizabeth with that comment.
"Awwie hurt! She bleeding badly!" Jack said.