Sorry about the delay! My hope had been to update once while I was in Ireland. However, I didn't actually have as much time as I thought I would to write while I was visiting a dear friend. Thanks for your positive feedback and your patience!

Chapter 36

Town Councils are Brutal

Elizabeth and baby Colleen were both happy and healthy enough for Elizabeth to return to her duties as teacher. Charlotte seemed a little sad to have to give up the classroom again, but she was also waiting patiently for when Elizabeth went on maternity leave. Charlotte had also signed up for a test session in Union City for her teacher recertification.

When Bill had asked her why she hadn't been studying, she just laughed at him.

Nathan had spent time setting up his wood carving space. Then he had spent a great deal of time trying to find the correct wood for Colleen's cenotaph. When he found the correct wood, he then went about designing how he wanted it to look. He showed Allie his initial sketches, and she gave him feedback. Then he spent time slowly carving the wood and creating a space for Colleen in the Hope Valley cemetery.

The day that Nathan found it to be ready with its layers of polish and finish so that it could withstand Canadian winters he showed it to Elizabeth and Allie. Elizabeth smiled at it with pride. Allie gave him a tight Allie hug.

"When do you want to put it up?" Elizabeth asked.

Nathan looked at Allie.

"Her birthday," Allie suggested.

Nathan nodded in agreement. Colleen's birthday was in a month. It would allow for Archie and Ruth to be able to come if they wanted to. It would also allow the ground to thaw a bit before they were placing it into the ground.

Spring was coming.

This meant that Nathan could help direct the workers hired for building their house.

Bill had been correct in his assessment of Cadet Brooks and Cadet Cross being much more confident in their duties. Nathan rarely had to correct them anymore. This allowed Nathan to be away from the Mountie Office to start laying lines for the house.

Nathan was more often with Lee or on his property.

Gabe Montgomery was one of the crewmen who had been hired to build. Several of Lee's wood workers were also hired. Lee had made it clear that it wasn't him in charge: Nathan was. Nathan was also using Lee's wood shop to work on the more intricate pieces of their home.

Archie and Ruth arrived in Hope Valley two weeks later. Both were looking better off than they had been. But neither were wearing anything over the top. Nathan could only tell that William was paying Archie well because the clothes hadn't been washed thread bare. Nathan had met them both at the train station with his car to drive them into town.

"William and Grace will be along soon. They needed to stay in Calgary for a little longer to get things settled," Archie explained.

"We wanted to be here as soon as we could," Ruth added.

Nathan nodded as he drove them into town.

"Whew. This place is just as busy," Archie said as he saw the busy town.

Nathan nodded.

"It's getting worse," Nathan admitted as he drove them to the boardwalk before the saloon.

Archie and Ruth both nodded as a passing car almost hit pedestrians.

They both sighed and shook their heads in frustration.

Nathan helped them inside. Lucas was looking frazzled and askew. But he smiled as he saw them enter.

"Mr. and Mrs. Grant," Lucas said as he brought the key to them, rather than having them come through the busy dining room.

"Lucas," Archie shook his hand.

Archie took the key, while Nathan escorted his mother up the stairs. He helped his parents get settled.

"I'm sorry you have to stay here," Nathan apologized to his parents.

"It's not like ya have the space at your row house," Archie said.

Ruth nodded.

"We know it is currently the only sleeping accommodations in Hope Valley," Ruth added.

Nathan looked at his mother and father and was about to protest once more.

"We will be fine, Nathan," Archie said firmly. Ruth nodded with a glare.

Nathan knew better to fight his mother when she gave him that look.

"I will let you get settled. I'm glad you're here," Nathan said as he left the room.

Archie and Ruth both smiled at him back.

Archie and Ruth met the family in Abigail's Cafe for dinner. Elizabeth was glowing with maternity. Jack had taken one look at his grandparents and loudly ran to them.

"Grandma Roof!" Jack said as he climbed into Ruth's lap. Ruth smiled at him as she held more securely in her arms.

"Jack!" she said back.

Everyone else was laughing at the two of them.

"Mama having baby," Jack said proudly.

"We know," Ruth added with a smile.

Nathan helped Elizabeth into her chair. As the Grants got caught up, Bill had already prepared a meal for the family without an order. He brought it over personally.

"You gotta see Dad's workshop. And the house," Allie said excitedly.

Nathan blushed.

"I'm sure they would rather stay in town," Nathan said.

"No. They want to see it," Jack said.

Archie and Ruth both laughed but nodded their agreement.

Nathan drove the family to the house build site first. He described where things were going to go. Archie and Ruth were both smiling widely with pride as they watched their son. Nathan then drove them back to the row house where Allie proudly displayed the woodshop in the shed. Archie and Ruth had both looked around and saw the etching in the table. Nathan smiled at his children as they ran into his long arms.

Ruth and Archie had both gotten back into the swing of things as they were reacquainted with Hope Valley.

Julie and Lucas spent as much time as they could rehearsing her speech to the town council which was scheduled for the next meeting. Lucas felt completely confident in her abilities and her end goal. Julie swayed from confidence to utter despair as she also realized that a lot of them didn't respect women with good business sense. And some of them had been around long enough for them to remember her on her first trip to Hope Valley. On the evening of the town council meeting, all the council members and interim mayor were all there. She saw a few friendly faces, Elizabeth and Charlotte as their role as teachers, Nathan was in his Mountie uniform. Bill was there as judge. Rosemary and Lee Coulter both smiled at her. Lucas was sitting off to the side, but he was also there as a major business owner.

The interim mayor called the meeting to order. Asked for approval of the agenda. Seconded.

"Folks, today we are here for a few different line items, but we are here mostly because a new potential business owner wants your attention. Ms. Thatcher," the old grizzled man growled out. Julie walked to the front where everyone could see her. She looked at her display boards that carefully described her purpose and potential profits. She took in a deep breath to calm her nerves before she turned around.

"Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Citizens of Hope Valley my name is Julie Thatcher and I would like your permission to build Hope Valley its first hotel," Julie said firmly and clearly. Several of the council members rolled their eyes and scoffed at her. Some of the members who saw the need of the hotel, but worried about the cost didn't react but listened more closely. Lucas met her eyes and gave her a small nod to continue.

"What I want to bring to Hope Valley with my vision of a hotel is about class, charm, sophistication without losing the Hope Valley element, lifestyle. It would be a better place for community members and visitors alike together in the same place. Hope Valley has long since needed new accommodations, and I would like to be the first to build it," Julie explained her plan. Went over expenditures, incomes, costs and showed her growth projections.

"What business experience do you have, exactly?" one man interrupted.

Julie looked at him in surprise.

"This would be my first," Julie said.

"Run by your father instead, you mean," the man growled out. "It would seem that William Thatcher is trying to take over our town."

Several people gasped at that.

Elizabeth was about to protest when Nathan beat her to it.

"William Thatcher is a shipping tycoon. As Hope Valley is landlocked I don't see why he would want to do business in a small town, and yes, this is still small compared to the cities where Thatcher Shipping does business. And may I also remind you, that it was out of the goodness of the Thatcher's hearts that many of your families didn't have to worry about the loss of your personal items last winter," Nathan said firmly.

The people were all flushed with embarrassment.

Julie continued.

"Which is why my vision would be the best vision for Hope Valley," Julie ended.

"Any questions for Ms. Thatcher?" the interim mayor asked. No one had any as Julie had gone over everything in thorough detail.

"You may leave Ms. Thatcher, while we discuss this."

Julie exited.

"Discussion on the hotel," the interim mayor said.

"She's a Thatcher! Do you really think that William Thatcher will have no hand in this?" the man who had asked the question before asked.

"YES!" Lee, Rosemary, Lucas, Bill, Nathan, and Elizabeth all said firmly.

"While, I don't believe that William Thatcher has any want or need to be involved in this, even if he did, why is that a problem?" Lee asked.

"Thatchers are not the type of people we want in Hope Valley."

The man was found being glared at by a lot more people.

"Have you forgotten that your school teacher is a Thatcher?" Nathan asked.

The man looked down and shook his head.

"But Ms. Julie hasn't been living here, either," he argued.

Lucas glared at everyone down the table. All the people who were against her were men.

"Ms. Thatcher has presented a very stable business plan about building a hotel this town desperately needs. She saw a need and is trying to fix it. Are any of you wanting to build a hotel? Do you know of anyone who wants to take on such an investment project? Did you miss the part where she is putting her own money as initial investment? Do you want to back her with equal money? Let's be real, if she were a man, we wouldn't even be arguing about this. But because she is a woman with money, many of you don't trust her because of her gender. However, Mayor Stanton was a business woman first. Mrs. Coulter owns her own business. Dottie Ramsey owns two shops. Fiona Miller has become the barber. I do not see why her being a woman should be a negative thing. Especially here," Lucas argued.

Those of whom had supported Julie all smiled at him in agreement.

"I…" the man started to reply.

"Let me be clear. I have seen men get support and funding on a less secure plan. So I say we take a vote," Lucas said loudly.

"I second," Lee said.

The mayor went about counting votes.

"Bring Ms. Thatcher back inside," the mayor instructed. Julie was brought back inside. She looked around the room trying to read faces, but that only confused her more as Lucas was glowering, and the others were either not happy, or smirking at Lucas.

"Ms. Thatcher, the town council, on a narrow vote, has approved your petition to build your hotel," the mayor said.

Julie sat there in shock for a minute before smiling and thanking everyone with a handshake. Everyone led her outside after the meeting was dismissed.

"It was Lucas who defended you," Elizabeth said as Julie walked proudly next to her.

Both women watched as Lucas walked stiffly in front of them. Julie smiled at his back.

"I really like him," Julie admitted. "Is it weird for you?"

Elizabeth shook her head.

"Definitely not. Lucas is a friend. He is also a good man. You both deserve to be happy," Elizabeth said as she felt a kick.

Her hand went immediately to her stomach.

Julie looked at her.

"Nathan," Elizabeth called her husband over.

Nathan stopped and looked at her.

"Come here," she said excitedly.

Nathan walked to her. She put his hand where hers was. Nathan looked confused for a moment, but then he felt the kick himself.

"What?" Nathan asked in wonder.

"That's baby Colleen," Elizabeth said. "I'm glad you can feel her too now."

Nathan smiled at the wonder and joy at feeling the kick.

"Does it hurt you?" Nathan asked.

"Only towards the end of the pregnancy," Elizabeth said. "Julie, come feel your niece."

Julie walked over and gently placed her hand on her sister's stomach. There was a soft, but unmistakable kick under her hand.

"This only reinforces why I need to stay here. My closest sister is going to need babysitting help," Julie said with a wink.

Elizabeth and Nathan both smiled at her.

"Go talk to Lucas," Elizabeth said in a whisper as Lucas was walking more slowly as was dreading the long lines at the saloon.

Julie nodded before quicking her pace so that she was at Lucas' elbow.

"Thank you for your help and support," Julie said as she took his arm.

Lucas smiled down at her only partly surprised by her showing up.

"If I thought you wouldn't have been successful I would have said so," Lucas said.

"I know. That is why I came to you first," Julie said.

Lucas smiled at her. She smiled back.

"How can I help?" Julie asked.

"I think you would just break things," Lucas said with a laugh as they watched more people enter the saloon.

"I owe you," Julie said. "How can I help?"

"Mingle," Lucas said as he entered and immediately started busing tables. Julie smiled at him briefly.

"Hello, welcome to The Queen of Hearts. We hope you enjoy your experience with us," Julie immediately started mingling and greeting each guest. Lucas smiled at her. Her mingling allowed him to work on other areas. By the end of the dinner shift Lucas was even more certain that Julie Thatcher would make her own name with her hotel.

On Colleen's birthday, Nathan woke up early to walk to the cemetery and have a private conversation with Colleen before everyone else showed up for her cenotaph unveiling.

'Sister, I truly hope you approve of my life here. That you're not upset that I adopted Allie. That I'm married,' Nathan thought as he walked through the quiet cemetery morning.

He felt the breeze increase and hit firmly in the back of his head where his injury was.

"Noted," Nathan said out loud as he rubbed the spot. Nathan watched the sunrise over Hope Valley. Eventually he felt Allie stand beside him. He put an arm around her shoulder. Her hair was done long, but held back by a ribbon. Elizabeth and Jack were next. Ruth and Archie followed with Bill and Charlotte a respectful distance away.

"Happy Birthday, Mom," Allie said softly as she looked down at the covered plaque.

Nathan squeezed her shoulder in support.

"We love you and miss you," Allie added.

As the time of the unveiling was getting closer, the cemetery was becoming more full. The people of Hope Valley were there to honor their members' lost loved one. Each Thatcher was also present. Grace and William had arrived on the late train. Nathan had looked at them and shook his head. Gabe Kinslow was also there. Everyone looked at him in surprise. He just walked towards the Grants as they were standing around Colleen's cenotaph.

"Friends and family, we are here today because we are honoring the life of Colleen Mayes Grant. And while she has been long since passed into the Lord's loving arms, we are here because she needed a place to rest and look out for those she left behind," Pastor Canfield said as he started the ceremony. "While I did not know her personally, and many of us didn't, we are here because of the legacy of those people who did know her and loved her, and we love them; so we know she is worthy of our love and a spot in our own cemetery. This spot was picked specifically for her. And we all believe she will enjoy coming to sit and watch Hope Valley. Nathan will you come up here and say a few words?"

Nathan sighed as he looked out at the crowd.

"Colleen was my big sister, and anyone who has siblings knows the kind of relationship we had. She truly was my best friend. Losing her in such a tragic way, was not fair to her or Allie. She had just gotten her paperwork saying she was a Grant again. Hope in her life at a second chance. She had fought so hard for her freedom, only for her life to be ended by a drunk driver," Nathan said. "It was an adjustment. Having someone who you went to about almost everything suddenly not be there anymore."

Nathan paused for a minute. Elizabeth took his hand.

"She was buried in a simple manner in Calgary," Nathan said. "Just her name, birth and death dates. But nothing that showed her personality or what she left behind, which is why I needed to make a cenotaph for her when we decided to stay in a place. And that took longer than it should have. But this…this is who Colleen was and we try to celebrate her still."

Nathan said as he gestured towards Allie who nodded.

Allie pulled off the blanket.

Colleen's cenotaph was a work of love. Her brother had known her well.

Colleen Mayes Grant

Born —

Died —

Much loved mother, daughter, sister, and auntie.

Lost in life but forever in our hearts!

Nathan had elegantly etched her favorite flowers around her name. An Irish blessing on the bottom written in Irish.