Nathan appreciated the quiet of his office. Lucas's auction had drawn everyone into the saloon so the streets were empty. Steven was off doing rounds and then heading to the auction to be a Mountie presence duration giving Nathan time to read some reports he'd been putting off and make plans to go to Benson Hills to help with an investigation into some home robberies. The last thing he wanted to do was to leave town but he didn't have a choice and, though Sarah was still not back to her usual self, she reassured Nathan that she would be fine and planned to spend some time with Allie while he was gone. Nathan felt a dull ache in his heart when he played the events of the weekend over in his mind. He'd never seen Sarah as sad as she was when she finally let him see her on Sunday. They spent the afternoon talking through her fears and in spite of his reassurances he could see that she was still struggling. All he could do now was continue to reassure her and pray that she would not let the fear control her decisions.
They were having dinner with the Canfields this evening. Joseph was officiating their ceremony and Nathan had reached out to him asking for counsel. Nathan was confident that Joseph would provide good guidance for both of them to get through this rough patch. As the wedding date got closer Nathan was more prone to letting his mind wander to Sarah and what their life would be like once they were married. He pictured early mornings on the porch swing drinking coffee and planning their days. He could see afternoons fishing down at the creek. Winter meant roaring fires in the fireplace while they sat reading or Nathan played his guitar. The image that always made him smile was the one of their future children playing in the yard while Nathan and Sarah watched them from the porch. Nathan's daydreaming was interrupted by Steven's entry into the office. Refocusing himself he asked "How did the auction go?"
"No issues. I noticed Mayor Miller was bidding on quite a few things. She said they had sentimental value. Was she ever an item with Lucas?"
Nathan laughed. "No, no, they never seemed to be more than friends though it would have done Lucas some good to have someone as outspoken and independent as Fiona in his life. Why do you ask?"
"I asked her to dinner Thursday." Steven had been impressed with Fiona from the first time he'd met her and seeing her today he finally worked up the courage to ask her out.
"Really" Nathan thought Steven was a bit quiet for Fiona but who was he to speculate. "Well I look forward to hearing how that goes when I get back."
There was a light knock on the door and James Stafford came in carrying his briefcase. "Inspector, Constable" James addressed both men while he looked around the barebones office. "No offense gentlemen but I think I prefer my table at the café to this."
Nathan scoffed but wasn't offended. "Well, it is a jail. We don't want it to be too comfortable. What can we help you with James?"
"I have something for you Nathan." James opened his briefcase and pulled out a cache of papers and a set of keys. "I just need you to sign these papers and arrange for payment and Lucas's car is yours."
A stunned smile spread across Nathan's face as he took the keys from James. In retrospect, he thought he should have discussed it with Sarah but he wanted it to be a surprise. Taking care of the paperwork Nathan asked where the car was. James said it was parked behind the saloon and he could pick it up any time. The irony was not lost on Nathan that for all of Lucas's demeaning comments to him over the years he was now in possession of Lucas's prized status symbol.
Nathan and Steven walked over to the saloon and found the car right where James said it would be. Nathan stood back and admired his purchase for a few minutes before he got in and started looking at it in detail. He opened a small compartment on the dash and found a pair of riding gloves. Nathan assumed they were Lucas's and rather than throw them out he thought he should return them. He grabbed them and walked into the back door of the saloon through the kitchen. It was eerily quiet and empty. He made his way to Lucas's office and found him sitting at a makeshift desk crafted from a table that replaced his large mahogany desk which had been sold at the auction. Lucas was nursing a drink and looking contemplative. He looked up when Nathan cleared his throat. "Hello Nathan, what do you want?" There was a thread of arrogance in Lucas's tone which was not lost on Nathan though he wondered how Lucas thought he was still entitled to use it.
"I just wanted to return these, I assume they're yours." Nathan held up the gloves.
Lucas looked at them and asked "Where did you get those?"
"I found them in the car." Nathan said.
"What car? What do you mean?" Lucas said in disbelief.
"I bought your car at the auction and was just out back looking at it." Nathan took a moment to look around the office and saw that most of the personal items were gone, likely sold at the auction.
Lucas looked at Nathan "Really? Why do you need a car? Aren't Mounties supposed to ride horses?" Lucas had thought of a few people in town that might buy his car but he never suspected Nathan.
Nathan could hear the contempt in Lucas's voice so he ignored his question he asked what Lucas planned next.
"James said I will likely be able to save the saloon so I have to decide if that's what I want to do or if I should sell it and use the money to start up somewhere else." Lucas sounded very uncertain.
Nathan knew he should have offered some words of encouragement but given Lucas's disdain for him he decided to save his breath. "Well, keep our office informed of your decision." and he walked out.
The dress shop was busier than usual but it was April and Clara's baby was due to make its arrival sometime in the next couple of weeks. There was an air of anticipation in the store as they waited for the baby to make its appearance. Sarah, Anna and Betsy drove Clara crazy with their constant hovering and always asking if she needed to sit down. Most of the customers knew Clara would be out for some time after having the baby so they had seen a steady stream of women coming in to see her before she delivered. It felt like spring was coming early since they were already working with spring and summer materials and designs earlier than they usually would be. The other thing that brought new life into the store was the baby clothes that were being made for both Clara and Rosemary. It wasn't something they carried or sold regularly but Sarah wanted to make sure her friends were well prepared for their new babies. She couldn't resist admiring the tiny clothes that looked as though they were made for dolls. Sarah picked up a lovely gown made of light yellow linen with smocking across the front of the bodice and a little peter pan collar. Betsy, who'd proven to be a master embroiderer, had stitched little ducks all along the bottom of the gown. Holding it up Sarah let her mind wander to a day when it might be her preparing for a baby. It was certainly a better image than the one that had continued to invade her thoughts since Saturday. She knew it would take time to let it go but was grateful that she Nathan had continued to shower her with patience and love while she worked through it.
She looked at her watch and realized she needed to get ready as Nathan was going to stop by to walk her to the Canfield's for dinner. Sarah looked forward to an evening with Joseph and Minnie. Joseph and Nathan had become good friends while she and Minnie had formed a friendship over Sarah's many breakfasts at the café. The ladies in the store were startled by the incessant honking of someone's car out on the street. Anna stepped to the window to see what was going on and said "Sarah, I think you better go outside."
Sarah stepped onto the boardwalk and couldn't believe her eyes. "Nathan Grant what are you doing and where did you get this car?"
Nathan got out of the car looking like a kid on Christmas. "What do you think?" Nathan held his breath waiting for her response. Before she could answer he explained. "I knew you would need a way to get back and forth to town once we're in the new house so I bought the car at the auction. I hope you're not upset that I didn't talk to you about it first but I wanted it to be a surprise."
Nathan's enthusiasm was so contagious Sarah couldn't help but join in. "I don't know what to say. I think you're spoiling me." Sarah kissed him. "Thank you Nathan. I love it. Oh my goodness, Allie is going to love it too."
Nathan was relieved. "I want to spoil you and you're right Allie will love it but right now we are due at the Canfield's so we'll have to show her later." Nathan held the door for Sarah and back in the driver's seat he managed to get them there without stalling the engine.
Joseph and Minnie Canfield were so welcoming to Sarah and Nathan they felt immediately at home. Before dinner they gathered in their sitting room and talked about the kids and school. Minnie gave them an update on the plans for the school expansion which was scheduled to get started over the summer. Two more rooms were going to be added and two new teachers would be hired. Minnie was thrilled that Angela would start getting the attention she needed.
They sat down to eat and Joseph prayed over them and the food. "Heavenly Father we thank you for our friends Nathan and Sarah and the opportunity to share with them your love and guidance as they prepare to marry and spend their lives together glorifying you. We thank you for this wonderful dinner prepared by my dear Minnie and the nourishment it provides. Amen."
The four of them made small talk while eating until Minnie finally asked that they tell her and Joseph about the wedding plans. Sarah shared that it was being held at their new house and also that they were thankful that she and Bill were taking charge of the dinner and cake.
Joseph then asked "How are the plans for your marriage?"
Nathan and Sarah looked at each other and Nathan took Sarah's hand playing with her engagement ring. "We look forward to being married more than getting married. We know it will be an adjustment especially since we have Allie and Archie to think about. I think we're confident that wewill do whatever it takes to make sure we build a solid marriage."
Minnie asked Sarah how she was feeling about their marriage. "Honestly? I'm nervous. Nathan, Allie and Archie are already a family and sometimes I'm not sure how I'm going to fit into that." Sarah hadn't said this to anyone, not even Nathan. "I'm trying to stay focused on the beautiful life we have to look forward to but there are times my fears overwhelm my thoughts."
Minnie encouraged Sarah to share more. "Our courtship and engagement haven't been very long and I just don't want Nathan to wake up one day with any regrets." Sarah's voice was barely a whisper as she said the words.
Nathan cringed when he heard Sarah say that. Minnie asked "Sarah, do you think you'll wake up one day with regrets?"
Sarah was quick with her answer. "No, not at all." Looking at Nathan she smiled. "Nathan is everything I have ever wanted in a husband."
Nathan jumped in before anyone else could speak. "And Sarah is everything I have ever wanted in a wife. I know she is who God intends me to be with for the rest of my life. I just need her to believe that." Nathan squeezed Sarah's hand.
Joseph nodded. "Two people joining their lives together is a beautiful thing ordained by God. That doesn't mean there won't be challenges. There will be but letting fear and worry direct your decisions is like taking things out of God's hands. Put your fears, concerns, and worry back in God's hands and make Him part of your marriage every day. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says "though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
Minnie joined in. "The Lord knew that the two of you were meant to create a family together. That's why you found each other when you did. Sarah, you may think your relationship came about too quickly but trust the Lord's timing. His plans for you are greater than anything you could imagine for yourselves."
Joseph added "I have watched the two of you since you first came together and I know that you already have one of the most important things necessary in a marriage and that's communication. Never be afraid to talk to each other about what's on your heart."
Nathan still had Sarah's hand in his and he lifted it to his lips kissing it. Sarah smiled at him feeling more at peace and thankful for Joseph and Minnie's counsel.
After dinner Nathan and Sarah stopped to show Allie and Archie the car. Allie was beyond excited and asked Nathan when she could learn to drive. Nathan told her to slow down and that for now he would drive. "Don't I get to drive it?" Sarah asked.
"Do you know how to drive a car?" Nathan asked.
"I'll have you know that my father taught me to drive when I wasn't much older than Allie." Sarah got into the driver's seat and started the engine. A startled Nathan told Archie and Allie to get in the back seat while he took the passenger side in front. Sarah drove them to her apartment and Nathan had to admit that Sarah was a better driver than he was.
They got out of the car and Nathan walked Sarah up to her door. He pulled her to him wrapping her in the strength of his arms. He asked if she was sure it was okay for him to leave for Benson Hills in the morning. "Nathan, of course it is. It's your job. I'm sorry if I overreacted this weekend. I'm feeling better after dinner with Joseph and Minnie."
Nathan lifted Sarah's chin with his finger while his eyes locked onto hers. "Hey, you don't ever have to apologize to me for your feelings." He brought his lips to hers. Sarah could feel the tension, that had her on edge since Saturday, begin to melt away as Nathan's mouth explored hers fully. She clung to Nathan not wanting him to leave her. Finally she pulled back never taking her eyes off him. "Nathan, I'm sorry if you think I ever doubted you. Please forgive me."
Nathan used his finger to move a stray lock away from Sarah's face and tucked it behind her ear. "Darling, there is nothing to forgive." Nathan cradled Sarah's beautiful face in his hands and gently kissed her forehead. The sound of the car honking broke the mood and Sarah and Nathan couldn't help but laugh realizing they'd forgotten Allie and Archie were waiting down in the car. "I'll come see you before I leave for Benson Hills in the morning. Good Night my sweet Sarah. I love you."