Chapter 50

Nathan was wrapping up his meetings in Union City and hoping to make the afternoon train to Hope Valley but he needed to meet with Jason before he left. He found him in his office with a small stack of folders for Nathan. "Here's what I found for you. It's not a lot. Lucas Bouchard created an umbrella corporation and his businesses and properties all fall under it. It's set up as a sole proprietorship."

"What does that mean Jason?" Nathan needed a bit more explanation.

"It means he is personally responsible for any and all debts of either company. You said he admitted struggling with keeping the oil business afloat. I'm wondering if he's at a point where he can't do that anymore." Jason went on to explain that he'd found some public tax records that showed Lucas was far behind in his property taxes as well as his employment taxes.

Nathan considered what Jason told him. "So it doesn't sound like Lucas has done anything criminal but if he's not paying his taxes he must be running out of money. He's not re-hiring people and he's taken the insurance money for the oil derrick that burned but hasn't done any repairs. He won't let anyone look at the books. What are the consequences for not paying property and employment taxes?"

Jason told him it would depend on whether Lucas was attempting to reconcile his delinquent taxes or trying to avoid paying altogether. "The government could come and seize his assets which, in this case, include the saloon, the oil business, and any other property he owns."

Nathan realized that might also include the library which Lucas said he had donated to the town. If he still had ownership and was just letting the town use the space then it was also at risk. He knew Lucas was a proud man who would have a hard time if the stellar reputation he'd spent so much time developing, crumbled in public. "I'll go see him when I get back to Hope Valley. Right now I need to go catch my train." Nathan thanked Jason and they shook hands promising to stay in touch.

Nathan tried to relax on the train ride home but he had too many things going on in his head. A small part of him felt bad for Lucas guessing he was feeling the pressure of looming debts and unpaid taxes. On the other hand Nathan always felt as though Lucas used his wealth as a way to impress people, especially Elizabeth when they were both vying for her attention. Nathan also worried about the people who worked for Gowen Petroleum more than he did Lucas.

The train pulled into Hope Valley and Nathan got off knowing he had a bit of a walk to get home. At least it wasn't as cold as it had been. As Nathan made his way out of the train station the full moon illuminated the road ahead of him. Guided by the moonlight he spotted her standing on the side of the road holding the reins of Newton and Bridget. Sarah had come to welcome him home. He wasted no time going to her and pulling her into a kiss that left no doubt how much he had missed her. Sarah put her hands on Nathan's chest and thought she could feel his heart beating even through his layers. Breathless she pulled away but she kept her open palms on his chest and could feel it heaving as he tried to steady his own breathing but before he could she leaned up and gave him a long, lingering kiss. Speaking softly she said "I missed you Nathan. I couldn't wait to see you so I asked Allie if I could borrow Bridget."

"It's a wonderful surprise. I've missed you too." Nathan stood there staring at Sarah's eyes that sparkled in the cold night air. Finally the chill in the air convinced them to start heading into town. Sarah told Nathan she'd made dinner for him and hoped he would join her assuring him that she'd cleared it with Allie and Archie. Allie was at a sleepover so wouldn't see him until she was done at the café in the morning. "Well in that case I don't think I can refuse you."

They arrived at Sarah's and the aroma of food made Nathan's mouth water and he realized he hadn't eaten since breakfast. He removed his uniform jacket and hung it on the hook by the door. Sarah turned from the stove and saw him standing in his white henley with his suspenders dropped by his waist. The shirt fit tightly across his chest and she could see the outline of his muscles through the strained fabric. Sarah felt an intimacy with Nathan that she'd not experienced before. She could feel the flush of her cheeks and turned her head not wanting him to see her reaction. Nathan didn't want to make her uncomfortable and offered to put his jacket back on. "No Nathan, I'm being silly. After all, we're going to be married in three months. I'm just used to seeing you in multiple layers. She went over and gave him a kiss daring to touch just below his neck where his buttons were undone. The feel of her hand on his bare skin made the hairs on his arms stand on end and his breath caught in his throat. "Don't worry, I can definitely get used to this look" she teased.

While they ate they caught up on their weeks. Nathan told her what he could about his meetings and she told him about planning a baby shower for Clara and Rosemary. "That's very nice of you but it's a lot of work isn't it?"

"It's nothing compared to the festival. Besides, I asked Elizabeth to help. She's close to Clara and Rosemary so I thought she might want to host it with me." Sarah sounded as though teaming with Elizabeth was the most natural thing in the world.

"You are full of surprises Sarah Crawford. I hope you're able to work together and it's not too awkward.

"Well, I'll know tomorrow. We're meeting at the café to make some plans." Sarah said passing Nathan the biscuits.

"Sarah, I want us to set a wedding date." He noticed the relieved look on Sarah's face.

"I've been hoping you would finally come around. I've wanted to set one for weeks but you've been so stubborn about having the house finished." Sarah was relieved Nathan finally was ready to set a date.

Nathan looked at her incredulously. "You think I'm being stubborn?"

"Yes, actually I do. I know you want to have the house finished before the wedding but there are so many things that can derail that plan and I don't want to wait any longer than necessary to get married. I really appreciate how hard you're working, I do, but I just want to be your wife and I don't care whether the house is done or not." Sarah didn't want to discount how hard Nathan was working but she wanted to make sure her point was made.

Nathan gave her a sheepish grin and took Sarah's hand in his gently playing with her ring. "Sarah, I want nothing more than for us to start our lives together. The reason I've been so stubborn, as you say, about the house is because I want us to spend our first night together as man and wife in our own home."

Sarah understood what Nathan was saying. "Nathan, you will never know how much that means to me but I would be happy to spend our wedding night in a tent as long as I'm with you."

Nathan laughed. "Well if I don't find time to work on the house that may very well be how we spend our wedding night."

They went back and forth on dates and settled on June 15. Nathan said he would call his mother the following day and make sure she could come. Sarah asked him to have her send her measurements to him. Sarah wanted to make sure she had a new dress to wear.

There was one other thing weighing heavily on Sarah's mind. "Nathan, When I had dinner with Allie and Archie the other night, I noticed Archie seems to be getting stronger but I'm not convinced he's going to be ready to return to his old life. I was thinking we should ask him to live with us in the new house. We have plenty of room and I'm sure Allie would love to have him stay. Maybe he could get a part-time job in town that would give him something to do." Sarah was uncharacteristically rambling as she tried to make her case. She felt very strongly about Archie staying but wasn't sure Nathan would agree.

Nathan put a finger on Sarah's lips to quiet her. "I don't know how you do it but sometimes I think you read my mind. I wanted to ask you the same thing though I'm not sure Archie will want to live with us. Maybe he could take over the lease on my row house." Both of them were relieved that they were in agreement about Archie. Archie had worked his way into Sarah's heart and, since her own father was gone, she was thankful to have Archie's influence in her life.

After dinner they talked a bit more about the house, the wedding and whether they thought Archie would accept their offer to stay in Hope Valley. Nathan finally realized it was getting late and he still needed to take the horses to the livery. Nathan and Sarah wrapped themselves in each other's arms and brought their lips together lost in their passion for each other. Sarah could feel the muscles in Nathan's back flexing through the thin layer of fabric that separated his skin from her hands. He pulled her closer and she could feel the heat of his body as they held each other. She ended their kiss reluctantly. They stood for a few more moments her hands on his shoulders and his arms around her waist. Nathan put on his jacket and before heading out the door Nathan turned to her "I love you Sarah."

"I love you too Nathan." Sarah went to her window and watched him as he headed to the livery.

Nathan didn't see Allie on Saturday morning. She'd left early for work at the café. Bill had gradually given her more responsibility so she was taking orders and delivering food in addition to pouring coffee and checking out customers. Allie had become friends with many of the regulars and they came back week after week just to see her. Nathan knew Sarah was meeting Elizabeth at the café this morning and he was doing everything in his power to avoid stopping in when he knew they would be there. He knew Sarah could handle it on her own but his protective side was having a hard time staying away.

Sarah was waiting in the café when Elizabeth brought Little Jack in with her. He got so excited when he saw Allie. Unable to pronounce her name he called her AhYee. Sarah thought it was sweet that he still remembered her and she saw how sweet Allie was with Jack. As the breakfast crowd dwindled Allie had more time to pay attention to him. He was getting restless so Elizabeth put him down and he followed Allie around the café. Sarah and Elizabeth kept their focus on the baby shower and after 30 minutes of discussing ideas they'd come up with their guest list, a couple of games and the food they wanted to serve. Elizabeth offered her house to hold the party which would work perfectly. They finally felt comfortable with their plans but Little Jack was still following Allie around the café. Elizabeth tried to call him to her and he refused repeating AhYee! AhYee! Elizabeth looked exasperated but Sarah told her not to worry and Allie seemed to enjoy his attention to her. "He seems to have a mind of his own these days and the meltdowns have increased in frequency."

"I imagine that's exhausting to deal with especially after a long day teaching." Sarah had sympathy for what Elizabeth was going through. "He certainly has a lot of energy doesn't he?"

"He has boundless energy" Elizabeth agreed. "The Winter months are hardest because we can't get outside very much and when we do he wants to walk everywhere himself. Anyway, I better get going. Please let me know what else I can help with and thank you again for including me. It feels good to do something nice for Clara and Rosemary. They helped me a lot these past few years."

Elizabeth finally corralled Little Jack and the two of them walked out of the café with Sarah after saying goodbye to Allie. Sarah had to get back to the dress shop and on the way Elizabeth mentioned she hadn't been in since Sarah had made the changes. "Why don't you come in and take a look around. You can say hi to Clara and my seamstress Anna." They walked in with Elizabeth being mindful of Jack wanting to touch everything. Elizabeth and Clara hugged and she introduced her to Anna. Elizabeth admired all the changes and told Sarah it looked much nicer than it had before. Sarah appreciated Elizabeth's compliment. "I hope you'll come in soon when you're able to take a longer look around." Sarah said goodbye to Elizabeth and Little Jack before excusing herself to get some work done in back. Elizabeth spent a few minutes talking to Clara before going home. It felt good to be out in town again and seeing people and Elizabeth felt much more encouraged that she had in a long time.