Hello, everyone! Thanks for the positive reviews and patience! So sorry for the long wait, but grades are due and I've been (failing) at playing catch up.
Chapter 29
A Growing Need for a Much Larger House
As the Grants settled into a routine going into their second month of marriage, Allie and Elizabeth were back to school and loving it. Cadet Cross and Cadet Baker were both actually improving their skills as Mounties and took Nathan's lectures and corrections seriously. Robert and Allie had gone on two more official dates, but had spent so much time around each other when they had a spare moment, it seemed like a lot more.
Elizabeth and Nathan continued to easily fall into their new married life together, quite naturally and happily.
Valentine's Day was on a Saturday that year and the town council was holding a dance in the saloon in honor of the couples. Elizabeth and Nathan were going to chaperone Allie and Robert. The Coulter's were going to watch Jack and Fred while the older Grants were away.
Elizabeth felt Nathan stirring beside her in their bed.
"Noooo…" she protested him leaving the warmth of their bed and leaving the sheets open to the cold.
Nathan rolled his eyes at her protest.
"And who else is going to get the fire going?" Nathan asked.
"Just stay here," Elizabeth said sleepily.
"That would be a great idea if we didn't have…" Nathan said before Allie's voice rang out.
"MOM!" she said in fear.
Elizabeth sighed heavily.
"Kids," she finished his sentence. "Do you think we can pretend to not hear her?"
Nathan just laughed loudly at her.
"She'll just come looking for you," Nathan said with a teasing wink before throwing off the blankets and finding his clothes to pull on. Then helped find Elizabeth's and handed over what she needed to be appropriately dressed in front of their kids.
At one point both would have been embarrassed by their intimacy, but they had enjoyed getting to know each other intimately and quite often, that they were no longer embarrassed. And they were both people who felt things deeply; their marriage bed would have the same passion that they brought everything else to it.
"Mom?" Allie called again this time with a question in her voice.
"I'm coming, Allie. Let me get dressed," Elizabeth said.
Nathan was smirking at her.
Elizabeth gave him a look of reprimand back before she got dressed.
Nathan gave her a kiss before they went separate ways-he down to the stove to warm up the house and Elizabeth to Allie's room.
Elizabeth knocked politely on Allie's door before she went inside.
"What is it, Allie?" Elizabeth asked.
Allie looked at her in fear but also embarrassment.
"What?" Elizabeth prodded.
"With your...your…" Allie pointed down.
"My menstrual cycle," Elizabeth added.
Allie nodded.
"Yeah, that...is there anything or anytime you can't do something?" Allie asked.
"No. Not if I was feeling well enough. Why do you ask?" Elizabeth asked back softly.
"I'm starting mine again, and I really don't want to miss the dance," Allie said.
"You'll need to be aware of the need to change your rags, but I don't think that will be an issue," Elizabeth said.
Allie smiled back gratefully.
"Thanks!" she hugged Elizabeth tightly around her waist and then continued to get ready.
Elizabeth just hugged her back.
Eventually, all Grants were downstairs and making a lot of noise. Allie and Jack ate breakfast before bundling up to go over to the Coulter's to see if Fred wanted to play in the snow with them.
"Stay where we can see you!" came the voice of each parent, which included Lee and Rosemary.
Nathan and Elizabeth waved at the Coulters and got a jaunty wave back from the Coulters. They went inside to finish clean up for breakfast.
"What did Allie need?" Nathan asked as they got into a rhythm washing and drying breakfast dishes.
"She was asking about menstrual cycles. Hers started again and she was wanting to know if she needed to stay home instead of going to the dance, but I told her she would need to be aware of the need to change rags, but she should be fine," Elizabeth said.
"You've said that the cycle is usually every 28 days?" Nathan asked.
"If we are lucky enough to have a regular cycle," Elizabeth said sarcastically.
"So, yours isn't regular, then?" Nathan asked.
"Nope, mine is regular as clock work. I can absolutely plan around mine," Elizabeth said.
Nathan looked at her.
"Really?" Nathan asked.
"Yes," Elizabeth replied firmly.
"What would make it not regular anymore?" Nathan asked.
Elizabeth looked at him.
"As we get older we stop having them, slowly, but it is usually women much older than me. Physical trauma, mental trauma, can affect it," Elizabeth explained. "Why all the questions, Nathan?"
"Because unless you're very good at hiding it, you haven't had yours since we've been married," Nathan pointed out.
Elizabeth gave him a look.
"We've been married for a short amount of time," Elizabeth said.
Nathan looked at her.
"And when was your last menstrual cycle?" Nathan asked.
Elizabeth thought about the answer, but also realized that he was correct.
"The week before our wedding," she said.
Nathan looked at her.
"Are you suffering from an emotional trauma I don't know about? Is being married to me that traumatizing?" Nathan teased.
Elizabeth looked at him with a look of reprimand.
"Seriously though, the last time I missed my cycle was when I was...when...I...was...p...p...p...p...Jack," Elizabeth squeaked out.
Elizabeth couldn't quite control her confusion and rolling emotions. Saying it out loud would make it real.
Nathan understood her point, though, and his own eyes widened in surprise.
"It can happen that quickly?" Nathan asked in surprise.
"Have you met my son Jack? HE was the result of 11 days of married life," Elizabeth said. "And we've been married and happily engaging in those activities more than that. I would say that the odds are high. Although, it is still a little too early to say. Something else could be the cause."
"How long before you know for certain?" Nathan asked.
"Usually it's a few months in before they can hear anything. And there's always the possibility that it won't stick. Rosemary and Lee suffer from that," Elizabeth said softly.
Nathan nodded.
"Any other symptoms?"
"Well, with Jack I craved weird foods at weird times, and I couldn't stand certain smells. Coffee. Made me the worst."
Nathan smirked at her as he thoroughly and completely dried their teacups.
"What?" Elizabeth said.
"You've been putting your nose in the air when I make my coffee. I started making it in the office," Nathan added pointedly as he put away the tea cups they had both used that morning.
Elizabeth blushed but nodded.
"I would say the chances are very high," Elizabeth finally admitted.
Nathan just smiled.
"But we need to be cautious and not assume that I am," Elizabeth said in a whisper.
Nathan nodded.
"What are you hoping for?" Nathan whispered.
"If I'm being honest I had hoped we would have more time before another little one was brought into our family. We don't even have plans for our house," Elizabeth pointed out. "And zero room to add more little ones in here."
Nathan nodded.
"We really should start planning the house," Nathan said.
Elizabeth nodded in agreement.
"Anything that you need to have?" Nathan asked.
"A lot of rooms," Elizabeth said.
"A library?" Nathan asked.
"Well, I need some place to store my books, especially since you read them," Elizabeth said.
Nathan nodded.
They were interrupted by Allie and Jack coming back inside from their snow playing with Fred.
They made hot chocolate and got warm.
"We're discussing what we need for our house. Any requests?" Elizabeth asked once they were all inside and warmed up.
Allie and Jack both smiled.
"A horse," Jack said.
"Pretty sure you already have one of those," Nathan said to Jack as Jack played with his black toy horse that looked like Sergeant.
"Horse!" Jack said spiritedly.
"We definitely need a large barn, with at least four horse stalls," Allie said.
Every Grant nodded their agreement.
"Can we have chickens? A cow? What about a pig?" Allie said.
Nathan laughed at her as he shook his head.
"And who exactly is going to take care of our menagerie?" Nathan asked.
"Jack and I will," Allie said with a smile at Jack. "Think about it. We wouldn't have to buy materials from the Mercantile, and let's face it, with our growing family we'll need all the food we can get. Plus, it teaches Jack and I more responsibility by being the ones to take care of them."
"You get the feeling this was rehearsed?" Elizabeth asked Nathan.
"Oh, it definitely was," Nathan confirmed.
"We'll think about it," they said at the same time.
"Fred said the Brookfield orphans all help with their garden and taking care of the cow," Allie added.
"You and Jack aren't Fred or Mary Louise," Nathan retorted.
Elizabeth snorted at the mention of the young girl who had obviously lived on a ranch before being taken to Brookfield.
"Mary Louise is a great resource, though," Allie added.
They all just chuckled and enjoyed creating a list of wants and needs for their ideal home. Eventually, Nathan went out to check on his cadets while Allie and Elizabeth started to get ready for the dance.
Cadet Cross was standing outside the Mountie office and tipped his head when he saw Nathan.
Cadet Baker was inside the saloon helping put things up inside. Lucas was holding a clipboard, this time with his own handwriting and a checklist, and he seemed even busier than normal.
Nathan watched him bustle around from one task to another.
"Lucas has been quite forlorn since Ms. Thatcher left, but you didn't hear it from me," Hickam whispered as he saw where Nathan was looking.
"Oh?" Nathan whispered back.
"He's been insisting on working all the time. I don't think he's rested since she left. It's getting to the point where if he doesn't take a break, he's going to hurt himself or someone else," Hickam added.
"Why haven't you said anything?" Nathan asked.
"He's my boss," Hickam said flatly.
Nathan gave him a long look of disbelief.
"I don't believe for a second that Bouchard would threaten your job for voicing your concerns," Nathan pointed out.
"I don't want to bring up the fact that he's going to be one of the only people at the dance dateless," Mike blushed.
Nathan looked at him with surprise, but also a questioning glance back.
"Ms. Miller agreed to come with me," Hickam said quickly and breathlessly.
"Good for you," Nathan clapped him on the shoulder.
"Thanks. But will you talk with him?" Mike asked.
Nathan looked at him.
"I think this is something his FRIENDS should say," Nathan pointed out.
Mike thought about it, but shook his head.
"I'm not good at standing up to people. You're brave and steady," Mike added.
Nathan just sighed as he nodded his agreement to talk with Bouchard.
"Thank you, Nathan," Mike said with relief and gratitude.
Nathan just walked into the saloon and walked up to the bar where Lucas was cleaning an already clean spot.
"Got a moment?" Nathan asked as he leaned towards Lucas.
"Can't it wait? We're busy in here," Lucas said as he pointed around at the decorations still going up.
"Not really," Nathan added. "Besides you have plenty of strong and able help to be gone for five minutes."
Lucas sighed heavily as he led Nathan to his office.
Nathan looked around the space.
"Houdini. That explains a lot," Nathan said under his breath.
Lucas glared at him to get to the point.
"It's been brought to my attention that you are overworking yourself and your friends and colleagues are worried about your health," Nathan said.
Lucas looked at him in surprise.
"Have you noticed that the influx of visitors aren't going down? When Hargraves was arrested and taken out, we had three days of normal foot traffic through here, and it's quadrupled again. I'm the only sleeping accommodation in Hope Valley and I'm constantly full and having to turn people away. We need more hotels built or word will spread that we can't handle the overflow and people will stop coming at all," Lucas said.
"Hire a manager for that," Nathan said pointedly. "But I also think you enjoy the business because it distracts you from how you're feeling."
"And what, exactly, am I supposed to be feeling?" Lucas said sardonically.
"You miss Ms. Thatcher and feel that the longer you're away and separated is torture, but you also have no right to ask about her because you're not supposed to know about those things," Nathan said knowingly.
Lucas looked at him in surprise.
"You're not the only person who's gone through that. Julie wouldn't want you working yourself into an early grave on her behalf," Nathan pointed out.
Lucas gave a slight head tilt.
"And she's just fine. So, why don't you let your very capable staff handle the catering for the dance, and go get some rest?" Nathan said as he stood up.
Lucas just nodded once more.
Nathan left him to go on a quick ride out to the land and brought out a sketch book and started to roughly sketch the house and barn before he went back to town to start getting ready for the dance himself.
Elizabeth and Allie were holed up in Allie's room. Allie was rolling her eyes and sighing heavily as Elizabeth had put up her new dress for the dance and approached her with a makeup brush, but she wasn't fussing as much as she had previously done with Elizabeth's attempts to show her new daughter how to be a little more feminine.
"Thanks for helping me," Allie said.
Elizabeth smiled.
"I would have loved to see what Nathan would have done had you asked to him to teach you how to put on make up," Elizabeth admitted.
"He would have asked Uncle Gabe for help and practice. Uncle Gabe would teach him and both would be sworn to secrecy," Allie said matter of factly.
Elizabeth looked surprised.
"I use to be teased for not having braids in my hair," Allie admitted. "Uncle Gabe was raised as the youngest of six with all sisters. They've pretty much taught him everything he needs to know about how to deal with girls. So, when I came home crying and throwing a fit about Dad not knowing how to do my hair, Uncle Gabe saw Dad's frustration about not being able to help and confessed his secret about being his sister's favorite doll."
Elizabeth smiled at the thought.
"He's done your hair?" Elizabeth asked.
Allie nodded.
"He was the one who braided my hair at your wedding," Allie admitted.
Elizabeth gave an eyebrow of surprise because she had been given a lot of compliments about either helping Allie, or teaching Allie, how to braid. Nathan hadn't ever said that he did it.
"Dad doesn't like the looks of shock when we've told people, so I've stopped saying that my braids are due to his skills," Allie said.
Elizabeth nodded in agreement knowing Nathan wouldn't like the attention that particular skill set would gain him, but she smiled warmly at Allie.
They finished getting Allie ready.
Allie was down stairs watching Jack when Nathan returned to get ready himself.
He looked at Allie with a long look, but he was very proud of the young woman she was growing into.
"Hi, Dad," Allie said with a smile.
"Allie, you look beautiful," Nathan said as he entered and closed the door.
She smiled.
"Yeah, if Robert says yer not, I'll stomp on his toes," Jack said forcefully.
Allie and Nathan both laughed at Jack.
"I thought you liked Robert?" Allie asked Jack.
"I do. But not if he hurts you," Jack said as he looked up at her.
This made Allie smile fondly with love at her little brother. Nathan nodded in agreement.
"That's right, Jack, we only like Robert if he is good to Allie," Nathan said with affection as he bent over to look Jack in the eye.
Allie rolled her eyes at them both, but was smiling.
"Mom is upstairs getting ready," Allie said.
Nathan smiled in thanks before walking up the stairs himself and knocked before entering their room. Elizabeth was just putting her own hair into an up do bun.
They smiled at each other before Elizabeth continued her preparations while Nathan grabbed his change of clothes, and towels for a quick wash. He gave Elizabeth his folder he was carrying.
"Look over this," Nathan said as he handed over his first sketches for the house.
Elizabeth looked surprised but did as he asked, before he walked to the washroom for a quick clean up. She opened the folder after getting into her new dress and her eyes widened.
The amount of detail he had on their imagined home was surprising to her. This had everything everyone had asked for, and a few more.
The front doors were all facing the same direction and there were illustrations of carvings that were going on them.
"What are these?" Elizabeth asked when Nathan came back inside in his under shirt and formal pants.
"Fae protectors," Nathan said.
"Really?" Elizabeth said.
"I would have put them up around here, but we aren't supposed to be here that long," Nathan said.
Elizabeth gave him a long look.
"And why do we have bathrooms with tubs in the second floor?" Elizabeth asked.
"Because I figured you deserved indoor plumbing," Nathan added.
Elizabeth gave him a long look of surprise and love before dragging him down to kiss him hard.
"This is perfect for our house," Elizabeth said once they broke apart.
Nathan smiled.
"I'm glad you think so," Nathan added before leaving her arms and opening their wardrobe to grab his formal serge.
Elizabeth watched him dress with love and desire. She had to admit that she had a type of man she was attracted to, and the Nathan wore the serge very well.
"I love you," Elizabeth said as Nathan was buttoning his serge. He looked up at her.
"I think you love the serge," Nathan teased.
She smirked at him. "I won't deny that it adds to your handsome looks," Elizabeth teased as she sauntered towards him. "But I really love your suspenders."
Nathan gave her a look of confusion.
"I'll show you later," she said with a wink.
Nathan just shook his head, but smiled and held out his elbow. She took it with a smile as they walked down the stairs.
Robert knocked on the door.
Nathan opened it while Elizabeth got Jack in his coat and picked up his bag for him to spend time with the Coulters.
Robert smiled and was looking handsome in his own suit.
"Sir," he greeted politely before turning to look inside.
Allie was standing with her coat on her arms.
"I'm the luckiest guy in town," Robert said.
Allie blushed, but had the hint of a smile.
"You be nice to her, Robert, or you'll deal wif me," Jack said from Elizabeth's arms.
Allie flushed with embarrassment.
"Don't worry, Jack, I intend to do everything I can to make her happy," Robert said.
Allie smiled as she took Robert's arm.
They left the house first.
"So, is anyone in your family coming for your birthday?" Robert asked.
Allie shrugged.
"I have no idea. Normally they can't afford to go, but with Grandpa and Grandma working with the Thatchers now, but it also seems like we don't have the space for out of town guests at the moment, so I don't know where anyone would stay," Allie replied.
"Let me know when your party is?" Robert requested.
Allie looked at him.
"I would hope you want me there," Robert said.\"I do," Allie agreed.
Elizabeth, Nathan, and Jack watched them walk slowly towards town as they dropped Jack off at the Coulter's house.
"Thank you for agreeing to watch Jack," Elizabeth said to Lee and Rosemary as they opened the door.
"It's our pleasure. And he and Fred get on quite well. We're going to have a lot of fun," Rosemary said with enthusiasm.
Elizabeth and Nathan both waved good bye as they began to slowly follow Allie and Robert.
"There is an overabundance of people now," Elizabeth said as she saw the busier main street.
"Lucas admitted that he's been having to turn people away who want a room," Nathan added.
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow in concern.
"I don't see him," Elizabeth said as she was looking around the entrance to The Queen of Hearts.
"Mike asked me to speak to him about taking a break," Nathan admitted.
"Why?" Elizabeth asked slowly.
"Because ever since Julie left he's been working all the time," Nathan added.
Elizabeth sighed in frustration.
"Julie would have his head for that," Elizabeth said.
Nathan nodded in agreement.
"How is Allie's birthday present coming along?" Nathan asked.
Elizabeth smiled.
"It's supposed to be here on time."
They smiled at each other and watched the edges of the dance as the music was started and the couples lined the floor. Robert and Allie were a respectable distance away from each other.
The next dance, they went to the dance floor.
Robert and Allie were outside while they needed a cool off break.\They were just enjoying the quiet of the night and watching the sky.
"Happy Valentine's Day, Allie," Robert said as he pulled out a small box from inside his jacket pocket.
Allie looked at him in fear.
"Robert, you shouldn't be spending money on me. You're trying to earn enough to buy a horse," Allie reprimanded.
"I don't know much about dating and the rules to relationships, but I do know that my dad buys my mom something every Valentine's Day," Robert explained as he handed over the wrapped box.
Allie took it gingerly and opened the box.
Inside was just a chain.
"I know that you don't wear jewelry much or often and the pieces you wear have family significance for you. But I wanted you to have a necklace chain for your future necklace pieces," Robert explained.
Allie smiled.
"One day I hope to take you fishing," Robert said.
Allie smiled again.
"And go worm hunting, but that has to wait until summer," Robert added.
Allie just laughed at him.
"I have something for you as well," Allie admitted.
"You definitely shouldn't be spending money on me," Robert protested.
"It didn't cost me a pennie," Allie said as she stepped closer to him.
Robert gave her a skeptical look.
Allie stepped into his personal space and as Robert was trying to keep a respectful distance was backed into the outside wall of the saloon. Robert looked at her in confusion as
Allie pushed him against the wall, stood on tiptoes, and gently placed her lips on his.
Robert's brain stopped working.
Their first kiss was quick and innocent, but it made them both blush and smile.
"Allie Grant, that was…" Robert started to say.
"Was it too forward? Did you want to take charge?" Allie asked.
"No. Not at all. I've been wanting to kiss you for a while, but I wasn't sure if you wanted it," Robert admitted.
Allie smiled at him in relief.
They both went back inside.
All couples enjoyed themselves at the dance. Robert escorted Allie home before beginning his walk back to his parents farm. Elizabeth and Nathan both noticed Allie's happiness and knew she wasn't going to sleep any time soon.
"Awww, they must have kissed," Elizabeth said in a whisper as they watched Allie practically float up the steps.
"Yup. This is one of those times I'm glad you're here," Nathan said flatly.
Elizabeth rolled her eyes at him.
"I'm going to go talk with her," Elizabeth said softly as she kissed her head and squeezed an arm.
"Mmmhhmmm," Nathan said as he turned to into their room.
Elizabeth quietly knocked on Allie's door.
Allie was sitting in front of her mirror and hadn't gone far into getting undressed.
Elizabeth stood behind her as she helped.
"Want to tell me about it?" Elizabeth asked.
Allie blushed, but nodded.
"Robert bought me a necklace chain," Allie said as she pointed to the chain hanging from her mirror.
Elizabeth smiled.
"I'm the one who kissed him. I was planning on trying to find a moment tonight, even before the gift, because let's face it Dad scares Robert into his best behavior around me, and that's not a bad thing, but it had begun to feel like the only thing different about our relationship was hand holding. I knew that if I wanted to show him that this is something I wanted, I would have to be the one to show him," Allie said.
Elizabeth smiled.
"Your dad is very good at being a protective father and it shows-it is also the thing I love most about him. But I also can understand and see where that would be problematic with your dates and dating," Elizabeth said.
Allie smiled in response.
"Do you have any questions?" Elizabeth asked knowing Allie was curious.
Allie looked at her and seemed hesitant.
"It's okay to ask," Elizabeth encouraged.
"I do have questions, but I don't want them to interfere with your time with Dad. I will write them down and ask later," Allie said.
Elizabeth smiled. They hugged goodnight and Elizabeth walked back to her room.
Nathan was hanging up his formal serge jacket.
"That was fast," Nathan commented, knowing Allie's questions took longer than she was gone.
"Allie didn't ask any questions. She's saving them for latter so that we can spend time together," Elizabeth said in a whisper.
Nathan looked at her in surprise.
"Our present for her is well deserved," Elizabeth said huskily.
Nathan smiled.
"Now, husband, come here so I can show you why suspenders are what I love about your dress," Elizabeth said in a teasing whisper.
Nathan stood in front of her. She grabbed his suspenders and pulled him down to her level to kiss him hard.
They spent a lovely night enjoying each other.
The next weekend was Allie's birthday. The Grants had decided to hire out the saloon dining room in order to have space for her in town guests. Allie was inviting all of her friends. Bill and Minnie were helping with the menu and food.
It was a loud, boisterous crowd in the saloon. Robert had been invited. Opal and Emily were both present and escorted by Gabe Montgomery, who had decided to stick around for a while.
Nathan let Elizabeth be in charge of the games and the party progression. He felt that it was his role to just sit back and follow directions.
As the games were winding down and they started the cake, everyone was sitting near or around Allie.
"Allie, we're so glad you stayed," Anna said once they had gathered.
"Me too," Allie admitted.
"I think Robert is the most thankful," Opal teased.
Allie blushed but looked to Robert.
"I'm not even going to deny it," Robert admitted.
They all laughed and smiled at his response.
Everyone started giving Allie their presents.
As she was done with the pile, everyone had noticed that Nathan and Elizbeth hadn't put on in the pile, and knowing them too well, all looked at them both in confusion.
Nathan just shrugged while Elizabeth smirked.
Allie looked at them in confusion, but smiled.
"I'm told there's a birthday girl in here," a voice said firmly from the front door of the saloon as someone entered with a boisterous mien.
Allie looked up in surprise, but also happiness.
"NANA THORNTON!" she said as she got up and wrapped her arms around her honorary grandmother.
"Hello, dear," Charlotte said as she embraced Allie back.
"What are you doing here?" Allie asked.
"Delivering your present," Charlotte said.
"My present?" Allie asked.
"It's outside," Charlotte said.
Allie grabbed her coat and hesitated briefly while the others got theirs on, before following Charlotte outside.
There were two horses tied to a post. One was Charlotte's. The other was a gentle mare they hadn't seen before.
Allie was looking at the horses in hope but also not willing herself to believe it."Is she mine?" Allie asked.
"Happy Birthday, Allie," Nathan said as he put an arm around her shoulders.
"You said I had to pay for it myself," Allie said.
"And you will have to pay for her upkeep and lodging her, but you've proven that you're responsible enough to have a horse," Nathan said.
Allie hugged Nathan hard around his waist.
"Thanks, Dad, and thanks Nana Thornton for bringing her," Allie said with a wide smile.
Nathan just smiled back.
"I did say that I would be around more often for birthdays and holidays," Charlotte said.
"And we're glad you are," Elizabeth said honestly.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"What's her name?" Allie asked as she reached out a hand to touch her new horse.
"This is Summer," Charlotte said affectionately.
Allie looked at her with wide eyes but nodded.
"But if you want to change it, it wouldn't be hard," Charlotte added.
"Summer is perfect," Allie said as she leaned into the horse's neck.
Nathan nodded.
"Did you pick her, Dad?" Allie asked.
Nathan shook his head.
"No. We just asked Charlotte to pick a gentle mare for us and you. We trusted her to know what kind of horse you needed," Nathan admitted as he reached out to stroke Summer's long neck as well.
Allie smiled at the horse.
"I believe it's God's will," Allie said.
"I believe it's more your mother at work," Nathan said.
"Care to share?" Bill asked gruffly.
Allie and Nathan both looked around the town with a smirk of shame.
"Colleen's dream horse looked exactly like this one. She had wanted to buy a horse herself, and she was going to name it Summer," Nathan explained.
Everyone looked at Allie and the horse Summer.
"That's wonderful," Elizabeth said as she watched Allie and Nathan look over the new horse. Nathan and Allie went on a ride after Allie's party. Charlotte helped Elizabeth with clean-up and watching Jack.
"How are you doing, Charlotte?" Elizabeth asked, sensing that something was wrong with her.
Charlotte was paying special attention to Jack and holding him tightly.
"I'm alright," Charlotte said.
Elizabeth didn't believe her.
"Shall we go back to our house?" Elizabeth suggested.
Charlotte nodded in walked back to the row houses. Charlotte helped with Jack and was looking at her pictures.
"How are you all settling in?" Charlotte asked.
"We're doing just fine. Nathan and I have finally started planning the house," Elizabeth said.
Charlotte smiled.
"I'm glad. It makes me happy to see how well you and Jack are," Charlotte said.
Elizabeth looked at her.
"Is something wrong?" Elizabeth asked.
"Nothing you need to worry about," Charlotte said.
"Charlotte, we're family. We help each other," Elizabeth encouraged.
Charlotte sighed heavily.
"It's not something that can't wait a day or two," Charlotte said.
Elizabeth gave her a long look, but Nathan and Allie both returned home. Allie was beaming at them from her ride on Summer. Nathan also entered with his wide, crooked smile, but it downsized when he noticed Charlotte.
Elizabeth and Nathan both looked at each other and had a silent conversation. They agreed to not say anything until Charlotte was ready to talk.
Charlotte ate dinner with the family, giving Allie and Jack long hugs before walking back into town.
Elizabeth couldn't help but watch her with worry.
"Did you get the feeling that Charlotte is struggling with something?" Elizabeth asked
Nathan as they got into bed.
"You know her better than I do," Nathan pointed out.
"But you're a Mountie," Elizabeth retorted back.
"She did seem to be off," Nathan added.
"We'll just keep letting her know that we're family," Elizabeth whispered as she leaned into Nathan's chest.
Nathan nodded as he wrapped his long arms around her and they cuddled together before falling asleep.
Nathan was woken up by Elizabeth heaving and running to the water closet and emptying her stomach inside the bowl. Nathan quickly followed her and held her as she emptied her stomach.
"You okay?" Nathan asked as he held her once she popped her head back up.
Elizabeth looked at him as she held her stomach.
"I think I need to see Carson and Faith latter today," Elizabeth said.
"I'll go with you," Nathan said firmly.
Elizabeth just nodded.
The Grants walked into town under the premise of Allie and Jack spending time with Charlotte, while Elizabeth had a checkup.
Faith and Carson led Elizabeth behind the privacy curtain.
"What seems to be the problem?" Carson asked.
Elizabeth didn't even have the chance to verbally answer before she smelled a pot of Bill's strong brew and started heaving.
Carson and Faith both looked at each other.
"Elizabeth, when was your last course?" Faith asked quietly.
"December," Elizabeth admitted.
Faith and Carson looked at each other.
They started asking questions to make sure of what they and she thought it was before they started to feel around her stomach.
"We think you're pregnant," Faith said with a large smile.
Elizabeth sighed.
"I thought so too, but I had hoped that we have more time," Elizabeth admitted.
"Well, there is the possibility that it won't stick. I would suggest not telling anyone besides Nathan about the pregnancy until we know for sure," Carson said.
"In the meantime, ginger tea and toast for your morning sickness," Faith added.
"Sure thing," Elizabeth said.
They let Nathan past the partition.
Nathan looked at her in confusion.
"You were right," Elizabeth smiled.
Nathan looked flabbergasted but also like the luckiest man alive.
"It's still too early to tell others, but I will be drinking a lot of tea and eating a lot of toast," Elizabeth said.
Nathan leaned over to give her a kiss.
"You're going to be a dad, Nathan," Faith added with an excited smile.
"I'm already a dad," Nathan added tersely. "But a growing family isn't something I had ever dared to hope for."
"How do you feel, Nathan?" Elizabeth asked.
"Like I am the luckiest guy in the world. Although, I am glad we've started the build plans. Our children need the space," Nathan said before kissing her.
Elizabeth smiled before kissing him back.
The doctors' advice to Elizabeth and Nathan were well intended but what they failed to consider was that Elizabeth and Nathan were horrible at hiding their emotions, especially to the people they had grown to love and knew them. The couple walked out of the Infirmary and walked down the street and made it one block before Bill took one look at them and gave them a knowing look.
"Congratulations, you two," Bill said.
Nathan and Elizabeth were both not able to deny their joy and just nodded.
"Did you see where Charlotte went?" Elizabeth asked.
Bill nodded and pointed where she had taken Allie and Jack.
Elizabeth and Nathan both went towards their direction.
Charlotte was with Allie and Jack building a snowman in the meadow.
"Hello," Charlotte greeted.
Nathan and Elizabeth both smiled.
"Are you alright, Mom?" Allie asked.
"I'm fine," she said.
"You look sick," Allie said.
"I will be on and off for a while," Elizabeth admitted. "But that is normal."
"Normal?" Allie and Jack both looked at her in confusion.
Charlotte looked at the family and then shook her head.
"You're going to have a little brother or a little sister in about six months," Elizabeth said to Allie and Jack.
Allie looked between her and Nathan.
"Really?" Allie asked.
"Mmhhmmmm," Elizabeth confirmed.
"Why take so long?" Jack asked.
"Because it's growing inside me and it has to be big enough to be able to live on its own," Elizabeth said. "But once he or she does, he or she will be very excited to meet its family."
Allie and Jack both hugged Elizabeth hard and both were talking over each other in their excitement.
Charlotte smiled at them as well but seemed to be struggling even more.
"Charlotte?" Elizabeth asked.
"I'm so happy for you," Charlotte said.
"Charlotte, know that you're still family," Elizabeth said.
"I know. But I'm not going to be under foot while you all are getting used to this new development. Having your husband close during these months are very important, Elizabeth. This is new for you because you didn't experience it with Jack," Charlotte stated.
Elizabeth nodded.
Nathan and Elizabeth looked at Charlotte in concern, but she walked off towards town.
"Nathan?" Elizabeth said.
"I don't think she's going to ask after this," Nathan admitted. "Who else can she go to?"
Elizabeth shrugged.
Bill Avery was the one she ended up going to. But as Charlotte was explaining her misgivings and suspicions and mother's intuitions, Bill sat back in horror and realized that the best person for this job was, in fact, Nathan.
"Charlotte, I can't tell you how much it pains me that you're having to deal with this, but I'm not as quick as I once was, and Nathan out skills me as a tracker on my best days," Bill said.
"I'm not asking him to leave…" Charlotte protested.
"I know why you don't want to. But I also think it should be their choice. If you need a Mountie, he's the best tracker, and time is of the essence," Bill said.
Charlotte glared at him, but Bill glared back.
"You need to let them know," Bill said firmly.
Charlotte finally sighed heavily and nodded.
Bill led her to the Mountie office where Nathan was doing paperwork.
"Bill? Charlotte?" Nathan said in surprise as they both entered.
"Charlotte has a professional request," Bill explained as he stood post by the door.
Charlotte took a seat.
Nathan looked at her.
"My youngest son, Tom Thornton, was not the type of person to be in service. He respected his father's and brother's work, but he knew that he wouldn't be the type of man who could handle the life and the hardships men in service see and live with," Charlotte said.
Nathan nodded. Elizabeth had said something similar.
"He was conscripted in 1917 to the war," Charlotte breathed out.
Nathan let out a breath of surprise.
"He made it back. But not the same, and he's been living inside a bottle and gambling halls. I've tried to get him to talk to someone about it, but I'm his mother, he won't say anything to me, and he doesn't have good friends who try to keep him healthy and sober because they have the same issues," Charlotte explained.
Nathan looked at her while she paused.
"Tom has stopped contacting me. I don't know where he is, and he's no longer at his work or in his apartment. I can't get this feeling out of my stomach that he's going to do something stupid, and I don't know where else to look," Charlotte admitted.
Nathan immediately grabbed his pencil and pad and started asking questions of Tom and where his last contact had been.
Charlotte gave him a look.
"I'm going to track him, Charlotte. I will find out what's happened to him," Nathan promised.
"Why you?" Charlotte asked.
"Because I'm the fastest. I also don't trust anyone else to be in charge," Nathan said.
"You've just found out that you're expecting your first natural child," Charlotte pointed out.
"I know," Nathan admitted.
"You can't make this decision without letting Elizabeth know," Charlotte insisted.
Bill went to find Elizabeth and bring her to Nathan and Charlotte. Nathan was in the process of packing things around the Mountie Office while Charlotte was glaring at him.
Elizabeth looked at both of them in fear.
"Tom Thornton was conscripted and is having issues dealing with life after returning. He's gone missing," Nathan explained. Elizabeth smiled at her husband.
"And you're going to be in charge of the search team," Elizabeth said.
Nathan nodded.
"Good luck, my love," Elizabeth said.
"What is wrong with you two?" Charlotte said.
Nathan and Elizabeth both looked at her.
"I need to update Cadet Brooks and Cadet Cross," Nathan said as he left.
Charlotte glared and huffed.
Elizabeth smiled.
"Nathan is doing it because Tom is family to us," Elizabeth said.
Bill nodded in agreement.
"He really is the best person for the job," Bill said.