I'm sorry it took so long to publish the next chapter but my Psoriatic Arthritis has been severely flaring especially on my fingers and then I kind of got lost thanks to the brain fog. My goal is to publish at least one chapter every Friday. For future reference LJ will be known as simple Jack while his father will be Jack Sr. Special thanks to Cinda K Justice for all her help. I hope you enjoy this. Please free to message some things you might like to see in the story. I don't necessarily intend to stick with canon but take it in a more of what if certain changes are made etc. While I try to be historically accurate there may be some errors like during the time it's set men didn't wear wedding rings etc. Thank you to all for your comments. Please let me know how you feel as we go along.
CHAPTER 8
Nathan woke up and had breakfast as he sat finishing up his dishes. He was so excited because Allie would be there in the afternoon on the train. It had seemed like a year since he had seen her instead of two weeks. He figured he'd go and do his morning rounds and finish up some paperwork before going to the train station. Suddenly he realized he still hadn't discussed Allie with Mrs. Thornton. But he had heard good things from some of the townspeople so just maybe they could meet sometime during the week. Allie was his sister's child, but he got her when she died, and her father ran off. He went and did a couple reports that he needed done, then went to get Newton to do rounds. The closer it got to Allie's arrival the more excited he became. It had been so lonely without her, and he was glad it was about to come to an end. As much as she would hate it though they would have to go from the station to the school. He had already made her lunch so they would be ready. She had already missed 2 weeks and he didn't want her to miss anymore. He hoped there wouldn't be any out-of-town assignments in the near future. He didn't want to leave her when she is just getting used to everything. Not to mention he still didn't have any arrangements for her. He was hoping that he could get ideas from Mrs. Thornton. He was glad it's Friday because they could spend the weekend at a fishing hole he had found while doing rounds. Maybe they could also make up a picnic basket, grab Newton and find a place to just sit. As he was tethering Newton, he heard Bill talking to someone. Suddenly he heard a voice he would know anywhere. He ran up the stairs entering the jail and there was his niece, Allie. When Bill saw Nathan entered the office he said
Nathan quickly recovered said "Allie how was your train ride?"
"It was OK uncle Nathan I'm just glad to be with you because I really missed you."
Nathan knelt down and gathered her in is arms and comforted her.
"Oh, I missed you too sweetheart I'm glad you're back I feel like I'm finally complete again. Were you good for your grandma?"
Allie just looked up for her that her uncle with a stern look at her eyes and said "yes of course Uncle Nathan.
"Your niece told me that you think I've been sort of nice to you?" Bill smirked as he could see Nathan was trying to find a way to be truthful and diplomatic but finally said.
"Okay, Okay I did say that. But it was immediately after you threw me in jail."
"Well OK then I understand, and I will see you later. Oh, and I will do evening rounds tonight and cover the next two days. why don't you take the rest of the next two days off? That way you can get her settled for the day.
"That would be great Bill if you are willing."
"Well, I have to get Miss Allie's opinion of me better than sort of nice." he teased.
"I thank you for the invitation and I accept Nathan thank you. So, who's going to cook Miss Allie you or your uncle? Bill asked laughing.
"Oh, Uncle Nathan will cook. It is the one dish he really good at making." She replied.
The three laughed and then Allie and Nathan prepared to go. "Allie is your luggage still at the station?
"Yes, Uncle Nathan. The escort said they would arrange for it to be taken as well.
"Well let's go Allie Girl and make sure. I missed you so much Allie. I hated not seeing you every day. I want to show you all around Hope Valley especially our fishing spot."
"Oh, Uncle Nathan, I missed you too! I can't wait to see all around Hope Valley" then Nathan heard someone calling out to them.
"Hello Nathan, how are you settling in?"
"I'm doing well. Allow me to introduce my niece Allison Parks. Allie this is Mrs. Stanton who works at the café."
"Hello Mrs. Stanton! It's very nice to meet you."
"It's very nice to meet you too Allie."
Then placing an arm around her shoulders, they continued on to the Station and retrieved her luggage. After getting her suitcase they headed over to the rowhouse. He noticed she was quiet and that she was feeling overwhelmed. She said all the right things, but he could see the anxiety in her eyes. He was sure it was probably still showed in his. Allie was always struggling with it whenever they moved to a different place. He suddenly remembered that he still had to talk with. He meant to ask Bill to see if he would be able to help with that. He didn't want to cause any undue stress or pain for Mrs. Thornton.
"Here we are my Allie girl."
As he stepped up on the porch and unlocked the door. Suddenly he surprised her by picking her up and carrying her through the door. He kept her in his arms and proceeded to carry her through showing her the rooms.
Giggling she said "Uncle Naaathaan!"
"Allie! "What? "What am I doing?" He asked. "I just wanted to give you the guided tour!" he finished.
She rolled her eyes and both laughed as he set her down. He gave her another hug as he reveled in just being with Allie. How he missed her and missed this. The teasing each other and they just loved being near each other.
"WOW! It's so nice. Uncle Nathan it's an actual house with a yard and everything." He could see the tears forming in her eyes.
"May I see my room Uncle Nathan?"
"Of course Allie. This is your home so feel free to explore. I'm going to change and make some tea then I'm all yours for the rest of the evening. How does that sound my sweet Allie?"
"Oh Uncle Nathan I can't wait to see everything."
"What's the first place you want to see."
"Well if I'm being seen around town then I want to clean up a bit. I never want to cause anyone to think negatively about you."
Nathan was so proud and just when he thought he couldn't love her any more she says something like this and the love in his heart grows stretching his heart even more. He felt the tears well up in his eyes! Oh, how I love my little girl, my wonderful, sweet Allie. She is the best thing to ever happen to him and never a burden nor did he regret taking custody of her. To the world she was his niece but, in his heart, she was his child, his daughter. He would do whatever he could to make sure she knew she was wanted and loved. Thanks to Dylan deserting her and her mother passing she felt insecure at times. He could understand that feeling because of his own experience with his father.
"Allie, listen to me. I am so proud of you, and you just need to be you, the real Allison Parks. When you try to be someone than who you really are it changes you into someone you wouldn't like or recognize in the mirror. You are a funny, spunky, talented, respectful, and caring girl and that's what I want to focus on sweetheart okay? Because it's easier to speak the truth than tell lies that you'll have to remember. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Uncle Nathan I understand and I will be just Allie." She said with a smile. "Thank you for all that you do for me. I love you very much Uncle Nathan and I'm so lucky to be with you."
"I love you too Allie girl and I'm the lucky one in our relationship. He gathered to him in a hug and kissed the top of her head. Now where are we going?"
"Can we go for a ride on Newton?" she asked.
"Sure, we can. I bet that Newton has missed you as much as I have. So let's go for the ride, then we can get dinner at the café so we can make it an early night!"
"But I'm not tired Uncle Nathan." He didn't argue with her, but he could see she was very tired.
"So, Allie how are you feeling about the move and everything?"
She didn't say anything at first but after a while she began to speak. "To be honest Uncle Nathan it's a bit overwhelming still but not like it was when we weren't together. It also helps that I've seen where we are going to live and the town itself. But I'm really nervous about stating school and meeting the other kids. What if they don't like me or I do something stupid they make of me about."
"Allie remember when I told you to just be yourself?" She nodded her head in response. "That's why it's so important to be true to who you are. I know I'm just your uncle and you probably think I can't understand where you're coming from but your wrong Allie. I had the same issues as you even as a Mountie. I tend to be on the quieter more conservative side. But I have people looking to me for help. Others who need me to help settle disputes. There are times when I have to step in and take charge. It takes me out of where I comfortable, but I don't necessarily think it's a bad thing. When I was in school, I didn't have many friends and I wasn't popular in school. But you know what? One of the best things I learned in life and there's a poet Emerson, one of my favorites actually, who said "the best way to have a friend is to be one first. I really believe that's true and Allie even if you end up with only one good friend then consider yourself blessed. A few good trustworthy loyal friends are worth way more than acquaintances. True friends will stand beside you while acquaintances tend to disappear the moment you can cease to be helpful to them. I'm not going to lie and say that you won't feel awkward for a bit but let the kids see who you really are, and they will see what I do."
At her skeptical look he said "You don't really think I can understand still? Ok well when I took this posting I did it with the knowledge of how hard it would be. You see the Mountie I am replacing was killed in the line of duty. Not only was he the town's first Mountie but they were all very close to him and his widow. Just imagine how you would feel if someone came in to replace me in your life. You would not like it and wouldn't trust them or be open to them, right? But it was very awkward especially when they would look at me and whisper to each other. But that's easing up because they are beginning to see I'm not trying to erase their former Mountie but rather respecting him. In fact, it's gotten a lot better for me. But if I had come in trying to be someone, I'm not it could have a negative impact on the town making my job more difficult.
By this time, they had reached the livery and as she waited for her uncle to ready Newton she looked around at the other horses. She heard a whinny behind her and saw a beautiful dark brown horse. "Hello there aren't you handsome. I wonder what your name is."
"His name is Sargent and I think he's handsome too." a woman said with a laugh as she stepped out of his stall. About that time her uncle stepped out with Newton.
"Oh, Constable Grant how are you today?" Elizabeth asked.
"Good afternoon Mrs. Thornton, we are very well today, thank you for asking. I trust you are as well?" "Yes I am and thank you for asking as well."
"How fortunate it is bumping into you! I was trying to figure out how I could talk with you about my niece. Mrs. Thornton this is my niece Allison Mayes Parks. I have the pleasure of being her guardian. Allie this is your teacher Mrs. Thornton."
"Oh it's so nice to meet you Allison. Do you prefer to be called Allie or Allison?"
"I prefer Allie over Allison please Mrs. Thornton. I only hear Allison whenever Uncle Nathan is scolding me." Elizabeth laughed at her comment and Nathan rolled his eyes.
"Allie!" he said in embarrassment.
"It's okay Allie, I heard my full name lots of times growing up so I can understand. I'm sure my son when he gets a little bigger will know the same. Do you want to know a secret? I think it's because it gives the grownups a few minutes to calm down to find the right words to say. It's done out of love although in your position it may not seem like it. Anyway, I wanted to tell you that Sargent was also a Mountie horse like Newton. He once belonged to my husband but when he passed, they gave him to me. In fact, Newton and Sargent are friends and like each other a lot. I wonder do you think they swap stories." she said with a laugh causing Allie to laugh as well.
"I have to also be honest and say that Newton is every bit as handsome as Sargent as she reached up and brushed her fingers through his mane. I look forward to seeing you in class on Monday Allie. We start at 9 am and we hold classes at the church. If you think of any questions between now and Monday, I'm at the far end of the row houses or I get to school at 8:30. Bill also knows how to reach me if you prefer Constable. Don't be anxious Allie the kids are going to like you." Elizabeth said as she cupped her cheek.
"I'll let you get on with your ride Constable. Have a good day both of you it and it was nice meeting you Allie."
Nathan couldn't believe his good luck in running into Mrs. Thornton. It warmed his heart to see how she comforted Allie. He appreciated how she went out of her way to make Allie feel at ease.
"Wow she seems very nice, and I hope she is right about the kids liking me."
With that said Nathan put Allie up on Newton and then got up behind her in the saddle. Sadly, he knew it wouldn't be much longer before she wouldn't want to ride with him like this. But tonight, he knew Allie was tired and he didn't want her behind him in case she fell asleep. Besides his girl liked to see what was in front of her. They rode for about an hour with her talking a mile a minute about what she was seeing. Then they turned back as it was getting close to dinner time. On their way back Allie began leaning against him more and more. Suddenly he noticed that she was very limp and heard a soft snore. He laughed as he remembered other times like this when Newton would put her to sleep. He often resorted to a ride when she was cranky and refused to go to sleep. He just let her sleep and enjoyed cuddling with her like they did in the earlier days. But when she turned 10, she just wasn't as affectionate. At least she still wanted him to read to her at night and go fishing. As they arrived back at the livery and Newton stopped, she woke up. At first, she looked around in kind of a dazed look but then she looked up at her uncle's amused smile.
"Not sleepy huh Allie?"
"Well maybe I was a little Uncle Nathan." she replied sheepishly. After they got Newton settled for the night they headed to the café.
"Uncle Nathan can we just get food to go?"
"Sure, Allie I think that's probably a good idea because you look very tired." So, they went in and ordered the special with two slices of apple pie and waited for it to be ready. The door opened and Bill came in.
"Hey, you two how was your ride? What do you think of your new home Allie?"
"I think it's great Sheriff Avery. I even got to meet my schoolteacher Mrs. Thornton. We met her when she was coming in from a ride and we were getting Newton ready to go out on one. She is very nice, and I think I will like her as a teacher."
"Well, I'm glad to hear that you like her and I'm sure the other children will like you too. But if you have problems, I know Mrs. Thornton is very helpful and can be trusted." Bill advised.
About that time Clara brought the food out and they gratefully took it home to eat. They ate their dinners and then Allie took her bath and got ready for bed. Then they ate dessert quickly because she was beginning to nod off. He tucked her in relishing being able to after being apart for those couple of weeks. He brought out the book she wanted him to read. He didn't even get more than 2 pages than she fell asleep. Kissing her gently on the forehead he turned out the light and closed the door. He was finally relaxed enough that he two decided to turn in early because he hadn't slept well in the time, they were apart. As he thought about that fact, he marveled at it because it really reflected the closeness the two of them shared. With that last thought he prayed and then turned out the light falling into a deep sleep. The next morning, Allie was up early, looking forward to going fishing with her uncle. She was so excited that she ran downstairs thinking she would get breakfast for them. But as she got to the bottom of the stairs, her uncle was already up and putting breakfast on the table.
"Hey sleepyhead, I was about to start without you," he teased. "Uncle Nathan why didn't you wake me? "Well, you practically fell asleep in your plate last night so I knew you were tired."
"Yeah, I kind of didn't sleep very well away from you, Uncle Nathan." She began to cheer up as she came over to her uncle and threw her arms around his waist. He gathered her to him, his heart overflowing with love for his girl. He didn't know how long they stayed in that hug, but neither was in a hurry to end it. When each of them separated there was a sense of finally being home that only happened when they were together. After eating breakfast, they finished the cleanup before heading out to fish. They came to the fishing spot and started setting up all their equipment. They had brought a picnic lunch since the plan was to keep the fish for tonight's dinner. Nathan couldn't believe how much the neighbors around him went out of their way to say hello. They spoke to him wanting to make sure he knew the town accepted him, were happy he was there and overall glad that they had a Mountie again.
"Soooo, Uncle Nathan, now that we've met the new schoolteacher what do you think? Although I'm sure you had already met her before, but Mrs. Thornton seems kind of pretty, don't you think?"
"Allie. Uh, well. Yeah, I guess she is, but I really hadn't noticed."
"Uh huh are you trying to convince me or you Uncle Nathan."
"Allie, we're not going to go there. I'm not having that type of discussion with you."
He wasn't about to tell her about the sudden increase in traffic at the Mountie office. After a conversation with Bill and Carson he became aware that many were single women. "Why are they hanging around me Bill? I mean, I'm not giving them any kind of encouragement. I don't think I have given anyone hope that I'm interested in pursuing them. In fact, I don't really say anything unless I have something to contribute which is rare. Both of you know how I am around women. Well except for Opal's aunt who I took to dinner a couple times. But I'm not even serious about her other than as a courtesy to the Weis's for all they do for Allie. There isn't a woman in Hope Valley that interests me honestly." Well actually there's one I am very interested in and I thought she might be too but apparently, I was wrong he thought with a sigh. "No, you weren't wrong Nathan, but you need to give her time." Bill said suddenly. Nathan looked up his face as red as his serge. "Nathan you aren't hiding anything and anyone who really know you can see it. I saw the attraction on both sides immediately. You have to see that the charged atmosphere between both when you meet up right?" Carson added.
"You know there's a bachelor auction coming up at the Founders Day celebration. A few other things as well designed for making couples. All of the eligible bachelors are experiencing the same. Poor Mike runs in the opposite direction and Lucas stays in his office. Faith is having women come up to me some other things so just grin and bear it. But in the meantime, take advantage and use it to make her appreciate and maybe just a little territorial. Besides once the events are in the past t you, it will all die down after the Founders Day festivities." He cleared himself of any further thinking and turned back to his niece. As they cast their lines in the water, they decided to have friendly fishing contest. Allie challenged her uncle to see who could catch the most fish. But they agreed not to catch more fish than they needed wanted to make sure that they didn't catch more than they would eat for that night. The two just enjoyed being together and doing their favorite activity while enjoy nature. "Uncle Nathan, do you think we could maybe check on Newton and take another ride before dinner?"
"You know Allie I think we can manage it. But we can't take a long one. In fact, we have all the fish we need for tonight's dinner so why don't we go ahead and do it now. What do you say?"
Allie just nodded with a big smile on her face and said "that sounds perfect to me! You know Uncle Nathan someday when we are sure we are staying maybe we can put down roots finally and maybe I can get my own horse."
"You already like it that much? Let's give a few months and then revisit this conversation alright?" Allie nodded her agreement and off they went to get things put away in preparation for their ride and dinner. As they neared the stables, they heard the most beautiful voice singing "Danny Boy." He had a feeling that it was Elizabeth. He only thought of her as his Elizabeth, but he would never presume to call her by her first name without leave from her. And then you know we have church tomorrow. And then school on Monday. Are you nervous Allie about starting a new school? Uncle Nathan I'd be lying if I said I wasn't very scared. What if they don't care for me if the girls don't accept me. didn't If I said I wasn't nervous. But I'll be OK. At least they'll do is tell me they don't like and make me sit in a corner or something. OK. You know, something Allie? I was never popular in school like your mother. I was an industrious student and I have a feeling that I. OK, so let's see. hello when actively talking it was always Mrs. Thornton. "Come on and let's get Newton saddled sweetheart."
"Good afternoon constable? How are you enjoying Hope Valley Allie?"
It's really great and we got to go fishing at our new spot. So far, I really like it here, Mrs. Thornton, thank you for asking. But I can't say I'm looking forward to Monday." Allie you will do fine if you just bee yourself and allow them to see you.
"Your very welcome." She said as she was preparing to leave the livery she paused with a bit of a smirk on her face. "Oh, and Constable Grant?" He looked up at her and said, "yes Mrs. Thornton?"
"You may call me Elizabeth." Just before walking to the door opening. She checked to make sure Allie was occupied and saw she was enthralled with Newton. She said, "have a good afternoon, Constable." with smile and a flirty wink. He just responded back with a crooked smile and softly said "Lizbeth it's Nathan." She smiled again and said softly "have a good afternoon, Nathan."
Later that evening they had dinner with Bill. "Nathan that fish was delicious." Bill said. "I don't suppose you would be willing to give me the recipe."
"I'm sorry Bill but it's a secret family recipe. I picked up an apple pie for dessert. Would you like a piece Bill?"
"I think I would like a piece Nathan thank you. It's hard to believe that it was only a couple weeks ago I threw you in jail. Bill said laughing. Nathan looked at him and smiled his crooked grin.
"Uncle Nathan would you tell me the story" Allie asked. "Let me tell her Nathan OK?" Bill asked. Nathan nodded and began clearing the table.
"Your uncle came in the night before and I didn't even know we had a Mountie. So, when a fight broke out both me and your uncle responded. I locked him and the other guy up. I told him to leave the law and order to me and he said he couldn't because he was the new Mountie. But the next day there was a stagecoach robbery and your uncle, and I solved it in 2 hours."
"WOW. Uncle Nathan that's great and I'm proud of you." "Thank you, sweetheart I appreciate that." Nathan leans over and kisses the top of Allie's head as he puts and arm around her shoulders.
Well, I'm going to go but thank you Nathan and Allie for your hospitality. It's been a while since I have been invited to dinner. "Night Bill, Night Sheriff Avery. Goodnight you two. I'll see you at church tomorrow. "
After Bill left Nathan looked at his niece and said "Allie do you want to wash or dry? Wash I guess since I don't know where everything is yet. OK let's get these finished and then what do you want to do. Uncle Nathan can you read to me for a while? Maybe we can restart Alice in Wonderland do you think? Sounds good to me Allie, I love your bunches." I love you too Uncle Nathan so very much. I'm so glad to finally be home with you."Something she had earlier reminded him of a concern he had and wanted to find out so he asked
"Allie, can I ask a question? Does it bother you that I'm a Mountie when I must go on assignments?" he could see her hesitate to answer. "Allie, it's ok you can be honest with me."
"Well Uncle Nathan it's the missions that require you to go and leave me. Especially now that we are here, and I don't know anyone yet. But where would I go if something happened to you? Grandma can't take care of me so where would I go."
"You would go with Uncle Gabe who is your guardian sweetheart. But I never take unnecessary risks and do everything in my power to come home to you. Allie you are everything to me and my world. You're the daughter of my heart and I'm sorry I never told you."
"Oh, Uncle Nathan as she began to cry, I love you and I think of you as a father." He gathered her in his arms, and they held each other, and tears fell down their faces over the moment just shared. He read to Allie for a while before she fell asleep. Then he went to his room and prayed before quickly falling asleep at peace knowing his sweet girl was nearby.
