A/N Sorry it took so long between chapters but have had a lot on my plate. I should be able to be more regular from here on out. These next five chapters are spread out concerning the dinner because there are things I want to get out of the way. Hope you enjoy and Chapter 14 will be the actual dinner. If there any suggestions good or bad please private message me and I will respond back. Thank you for taking this journey with us.
Chapter 11-BEFORE THE GATHERING STORM-Part 1
Nathan's POV
As he walked away from the ladies and headed back towards town he reflected on the conversation he had just had with Allie's teacher. "Nathan would you and Allie like to come for dinner tonight? I wanted to talk about Allie's schoolwork and get her records." How many times have I heard that question thrown my way. He thought in disgust. But he had to say that judging by what he saw in Allie's eyes would be worth any aggravation if she was happy. He was afraid to gain any optimism because it was all about to change.
He couldn't help but recall his past experiences of parent teacher conferences. He couldn't help the feelings that swept over him at the thought of dinner alone with a woman especially one that had an important role in her life now. In fact, had he been more aware of it he would have backed out. But he lost track of everything but the possibility that Allie might be more advanced in school. The only reason he hadn't was because Elizabeth didn't even appear to notice it and the overall happiness that Allie displayed of eating at a friend's They were very mixed and, in some ways, conflicted with one another especially given that Elizabeth was the teacher involved.
On one level he knew what kind of woman Elizabeth was and could see the respect she had from all the others in town unlike Alice. It went without saying that she was also very loved by her students and he loved how they lit up talking about their experiences. Not to mention that fact that he did have her records so it would be a logical request and since he had put it off enough already, he agreed. It made him feel better too when she included Allie which was something that nope not going there⦠It still hurt whenever he thought of what happened at Fort Simpson especially when it was on the heels of Fort Clay. Allie was so hurt by her and it hurt that he was completely clueless as to what was happening. Thankfully a fellow Mountie brother had pointed it out when they had an assignment.
He had seen how quiet Allie was getting but he was so wrapped up in what was happening with Alice. All the sleepovers, the unsolicited advice, and the general way that she had been excluded from outings they had. He still couldn't think about the look on Allies face when he surprised them by coming to the school when they finished an assignment early. Both of their hearts were shattered after that incident and their walls around themselves grew thicker. Then the very next day he ran into Hargraves and learned about Jack. It was certainly providential that the opportunity came up just as he was reeling about everything that happened with Alice. He would never again let another woman so close to her unless there was a ring on her finger and a wedding the next day. He thought. He would go the dinner and make it clear
As he set about bedding Newton down for the evening after completely rounds his mind reflected back on the day. He wasn't sure why he was so anxious about it really. 'Come on Nathan' he could almost hear his friend say 'you know what's going on.' He wished that he had someone he could talk to. Elizabeth was so kind, compassionate, beautiful...
'Nathan, you do not want to go there buddy!' slamming the brakes on those thoughts before they took hold. He could not and would not entertain them.
"I sure wish Gabe was here now Newton because I could really use some advice about now." He whispered to his faithful friend. If it wasn't for him Nathan didn't know what he would do. Maybe he and Allie could take a day trip down to see him real soon.
"Care to share?" Bill asked. Nathan was startled when he heard Bill's voice next to him.
"I'm not Gabe but I'm a fellow Mountie and known for keeping my mouth shut. The best thing of all Nathan is I am right here in Hope Valley. Come let's go to the jail and talk. There are some things we need to discuss anyway and I think it's the perfect time to do it."
Bill where did you come from?"
"I was coming from the mercantile and saw you heading to the livery so I wanted to talk to you anyway. You looked really deep in thought."
"well I'm due to Elizabeth's in 2 hours and I have some stuff to do.
"Which I'm sure can wait."
Nathan began to feel uneasy picking up on some things in Bill's voice Judging by the look in his eyes there was no avoiding whatever conversation was coming.
"Okay Bill, shall we go to MY office? You may want to stop off and grab a chair to sit at because I only have the one chair right now." This resulted in a sort of stare down for a bit as Nathan rose to the silent challenge that Bill threw down.
"Well actually now that you mention it MY office is closer and has another chair to sit at other than at MY rather LARGE desk. Plus the furniture in the SITTING area is much more comfortable. You know because when you get PROMOTED there are certain perks too." Bill answered with a smirk.
"YOUR Office?" Nathan answered. "What office?" Bill just shrugged his shoulder4s nonchalantly before answering.
"Abigail is letting me use the mayor's office with her until we can figure out a better situation." Then thinking about his early day with Judge Black he added "Not to mention that Judge trumps a Mountie so shall we?" as he gestured towards the mayor's office.
"Yeah well you may have the better office but MY office comes with the serge." Nathan answered back.
"Yeah you definitely have me there" Bill said a little wistful.
With that they both laughed and headed to Bill's office. For some reason Nathan felt better. He didn't know what it was about Bill but he liked him from the start. They had a way with their shorthand, and he knew that he found a confidant in Hope Valley after all. As they entered Bill paused to lock the door. When Nathan questioned him silently bill answered.
"Nathan what have to talk about requires delicacy and privacy so I don't want to be surprised. If you don't mind I want to go ahead and get it resolved before we go on with your thoughts. Will that be Okay?"
"Sure Bill, what is it?" Nathan I think you should know that I or should I say we Abigail and I know about Fort Clay and why your here.
As the color drained from his face Nathan could only get out "how?"
