Chapter 29

Nathan and Allie attended church on Sunday and as had become their practice they sat with Sarah positioned comfortably between the two of them.

Joseph's sermon was about being open to God's plan. "How many of you like to make plans?" Joseph waited for a few to raise their hands. "Today I want to talk specifically about the plans we make for our lives. We often think our plans are going along smoothly, right on schedule. Then something comes along and blows up that plan and we're left wondering what do I do now? Often times we grieve what we had planned for ourselves when we realize it's not going to be." Nathan wondered how it was that Joseph always seemed to be talking directly to him. "What we need to do is be open and accepting to God's plan for our lives. As humans, we are fallible therefore our plans are too. God is not fallible so it stands to reason that his plan won't be either. It sounds easy but it's not. We need to let go of our need for control. I want to challenge each of you this week to look for those moments when God's plan for your life is at work and open yourself up to the wonderful blessings he has in store for you. Amen."

Nathan listened and looked at Sarah and took her hand. They exchanged glances and both looked at Allie who was sitting close to Sarah with a look of contentment on her face that made Nathan's heart swell.

After church they visited with Rosemary and Lee. Sarah wanted to get Rosemary's input on her festival plans. They agreed to meet at the newspaper/Coulter lumber office Monday morning to review what Sarah had put together.

Nathan walked Sarah home happy to have even this short time together and looking forward to their ride in the afternoon. Nathan told her he would come and get her at two o'clock. When he kissed her goodbye it was a simple kiss but when his lips touched hers she felt it to her toes.

Nathan got home and found Allie in the kitchen making lunch. "Dad, what's going on with you and Miss Crawford?"

"What do you mean sweet girl?" Nathan had taken to avoiding Allie's never ending questions about Sarah.

"Are you going to ask her to start courting?" Allie made it sound so simple. Maybe it was. Maybe he was making it way too difficult.

"What would you think if I did?" Nathan thought he knew what Allie's answer would be but he wanted to be sure.

"I would say what have you been waiting for?" Nathan could tell Allie wasn't trying to be sassy. She just saw things through the eyes of a thirteen year old girl.

"So you would be okay with that?" Nathan was so concerned about Allie being hurt again.

"Dad, as long as she makes you happy, I'm happy." Allie got up from the table and hugged Nathan. Placing one hand on either side of Nathan's face Allie positioned it so their eyes were looking directly into each other's. "Really Dad, I want you to be happy and I see how happy Miss Crawford makes you. You're pre-Fort Clay happy." Nathan couldn't argue with her. The weight he'd carried for over three years was gone. He was ready to move forward. Nathan pulled Allie into his arms hugging her while trying to stem the flow of tears that threatened to fall. "Thank you for being patient with me Allie. I couldn't have gotten through the last few years without you. I love you."

Shortly before two Sarah looked through her window to see Nathan approaching on Newton with Bridget trailing behind. She wondered if it would ever get old seeing Nathan in full uniform riding Newton. It still made her pulse quicken.

Rather than make him tether them she made her way downstairs just as Nathan was dismounting Newton. She had a stack of flyers with information about the Christmas festival that she planned to hand out to the new residents that lived farther outside of town.

"Thank you Nathan for taking me with you today." Sarah had been looking forward to this time with Nathan all week. In all the busyness of the last couple of weeks they really hadn't had much time together.

"There is no one I would rather do rounds with." Nathan said to her with a wink and one of his smiles that made Sarah go a bit weak in the knees. Would he always have this effect on her?

Sarah mounted Bridget with no help required by Nathan. Though they'd only ridden together once before, Nathan had been able to see that Sarah was a better rider than she let on. He looked forward to many more rides in their future.

They started on their way riding side by side and catching each other up on happenings since they'd last talked. Nathan told her about testifying and his meetings in Union City. "My superiors in Union City are wondering if Hope Valley might need an additional Mountie given the growth we're experiencing."

"How would you feel about that? They wouldn't be replacing you would they?" Sarah had a moment of worry that Nathan would be transferred.

"No, I'm fine. I actually agree that it may be necessary in the not too distant future. We actually talked about a few different scenarios." As if he was reading her mind Nathan added "I'm not going anywhere. Hope Valley is home for Allie and me."

They made it to the area with all the new housing and Sarah and Nathan dismounted and tied up the horses. Going door to door they introduced themselves and left information for the upcoming festival. Most were excited about the event but a few expressed concerns that they may not be able to get into town. Most families didn't have cars and most only had one horse. Walking was possible but the weather could make it difficult. Sarah promised that she would try and come up with a solution to the problem and let them know.

As they made their way back toward Hope Valley Sarah asked Nathan if he thought Lee Coulter would let them use lumber wagons to shuttle people back and forth from the event. "Lee is one of the most generous men I've ever known. I'm sure he would be happy to but you should ask him tomorrow. Don't forget to ask him about the Giving Tree. He donates that too and has his men set it up in the center of town." Nathan told Sarah if she wasn't careful she would be recruited to organize all the town's festivals.

"Let me get through this one first and see how I do." Sarah thought about all the work it had been but she'd enjoyed every part of it especially feeling more a part of the Hope Valley community.

Nathan and Sarah had reached a clearing and Nathan suggested taking a break and having a snack. I didn't bring anything." Sarah wished she'd have thought to pack something.

Nathan grabbed his saddle bag. "Don't worry, I brought something." Nathan proceeded to bring out a tablecloth and spread it on the blanket he'd already laid down. They sat down and Nathan unbuttoned the top buttons of his serge exposing his shirt underneath. Just doing so helped him to relax and quell his nerves. He'd brought a loaf of bread, some cheese, fruit and some of Sarah's favorite blueberry muffins he'd gotten at the café. A thermos of coffee and two mugs was ready to warm them up . "I'm sorry it's not fancy but I hope you enjoy it."

Sarah was touched by Nathan's thoughtfulness. "It's perfect Nathan. Coffee sounds wonderful."

Nathan had been thinking about what he wanted to say to Sarah. He'd actually been thinking about it for quite a while. "Sarah, I want you to know how much I have enjoyed spending time with you. From the day I met you I knew you were special. A woman like you who is confidant, smart, beautiful and kind and generous is rare and I'm so thankful that you came to Hope Valley." Nathan stopped and took a deep breath trying to slow down his words. "I know we haven't known each other long but I can't imagine my life without you in it. You make me want to be a better man and I wonder if you would do me the great honor of allowing me to court you."

Sarah's heart felt like it skipped a dozen beats. With a small chuckle Sarah answered "I kind of hoped that's what we were doing."

Nathan laughed. "I suppose in a way, yes, that's what we've been doing. Sarah, please be patient with me, I don't have any experience in this." Nathan looked a bit embarrassed to admit that. "All I know is that I want you to understand my intention is for us to be each other's futures. I want us to be purposeful in our time together. I need you to know I'm serious about our relationship and if that means we call it something specific like courting than that's what I want to do."

"How does Allie feel about this?" The fact that Sarah's first concern was for Allie told Nathan he'd chosen the right woman.

"She asked me what was I waiting for." He and Sarah both laughed at the same time. "Listen Sarah, I know some will say we haven't known each other long enough to begin courting but while I was listening to Joseph's sermon this morning all I kept thinking is that you are God's plan for me. We can move as slowly or quickly as you are comfortable with. I just hope you feel the same."

Taking Nathan's hand in her own Sarah looked into Nathan's eyes "Nathan, I appreciate you saying that. In my previous relationship I kept delaying making decisions about moving forward because I knew, deep down, that it wasn't right. I don't feel any of that hesitation with you. I am ready to move forward and nothing feels more right than to have you court me."

Nathan stood up and pulled Sarah with him. Taking her in his arms he pulled her close and brought his lips to hers. They met each other's passion. Sarah's hands found their way through Nathan's hair while he brought her closer to him. When they finally released their kiss Sarah rested her head against Nathan's chest feeling his heartbeat. Nathan rested his chin on the top of her head his eyes closed saying a silent prayer of thanks for the woman in his arms.