Though their start had been delayed, Nathan still stopped that evening at the time he had planned. If it meant they would get to Brookfield a little later tomorrow afternoon, so be it. He did not want the kids getting too restless in the wagon. They would also need time to gather wood for a fire.
Finding a place near a stream to make camp, Nathan gave instructions to everyone. Ally took Jack by the hand as the two gathered sticks for the fire. Elizabeth refilled canteens in the stream and found the food supply while Nathan found rocks to line the fire with. Once he had the fire going, Nathan set about pitching the tent while Elizabeth opened cans of baked beans and warmed them up over the fire.
The sun was setting by the time they finished dinner. Not forgetting about the earlier punishment he had given Jack, Nathan sent the boy to the tent for his ten minute time out after dinner was over. The boy went without protest and sat silently in the tent as Ally, Elizabeth and he started a game of "I spy." Not once did Jack ask if his time was up yet. When ten minutes was up, Nathan called to Jack to join them and the boy did slowly. Nathan suggested that Nate might like a little time out of his crate. He noticed that Jack looked to his mother for confirmation before retrieving the duckling from his crate.
The game of "I Spy" continued until Nathan decided it was time to roast marshmallows. Nate, now sleeping peacefully, was placed back in the crate, as the activity began. When they had their fill of marshmallows, there was a short songfest before the fire was banked and they retreated to the tent.
Nate's crate was placed in the corner of the tent on Ally's side of the tent, her shorter legs allowing for there to be enough room. Jack slept in between Nathan and Ally, while Elizabeth took the other side of the tent. Given the tight quarters, everyone was close to one another, but everyone was soon fast asleep, their day of traveling having worn them out.
Carrying to mugs of coffee, Gabriel slipped out the front door of New Hope Orphanage before dawn. Though the kids would have school, he and Faith were the only two currently awake in the house. Gabriel knew that would not be the case much longer as Eleanor, Sam, Lillian and Grace would soon be up to get their charges off to school.
For now though, he and Faith could enjoy a few moments of quiet together as they watched the sun rise.
Stepping onto the porch, Gabriel looked around for Faith. His fiancé had forgone the selection of seating on the front porch and had instead made her way out to the gazebo. Lillian may have wanted the structure to watch the sunsets from, but it's three hundred and sixty degree view allowed for one to watch sun rises as well.
Gabriel strode across the grass to the gazebo. Stepping into it, he held the mug of lighter liquid out to Faith. Though neither of them put sugar into their coffee, Faith did like to put a lot of milk into hers.
"Thank you," Faith said, accepting the mug from him. She immediately took a sip, the milk having cooled the hot liquid down enough to allow for immediate drinking.
"You are welcome," Gabriel told her as he settled on the bench beside her. He rested one arm across her shoulders as he held his own mug in his other hand. Faith responded by leaning into him. "By sunset tomorrow you are going to be my wife," he commented. "Are you ready for that?"
"More than ready," Faith replied. "When I left Hope Valley after Carson chose his career over me, I felt like I was running from something. Looking back, I realize I was running to something." She titled her head to look into Gabriel's eyes. "I was running to my life with you. With you at my side, being back in Hope Valley has been easy. I am happy to be back among the people I had grown to love and none of the ghosts of my relationship with Carson haunt that happiness now because I have you."
"I am glad you came to Brookfield, Dr. Carter. My mother always told me that there was someone out there who would love me just as I was. Who would support me in whatever career, I chose. I was starting to doubt that until you came into my life."
Faith sighed and leaned her head against Gabriel's shoulders as both turned their gaze toward the bright colors of the horizon that shifted as the sun crept into sight.
Gabriel lifted his mug to his lips, sipping the hot liquid, as they watched the sun chase away the last greys of the dawn. Though Faith occasionally lifter her head from its resting place on his shoulder to sip her own coffee, the two sat in companionable silent watching the new day come to life.
The reds, oranges, and purples had faded by the time Eleanor called to them that breakfast was ready.
"We'll be right there," Gabriel called back to her.
Helping Faith to her feet, Gabriel turned to face her. He wrapped the hand not holding the coffee mug around her waist and gently pulled her to him. Faith came willingly, her own coffee mug sitting on the bench seat. She rested her hands on his shoulders as she met his gaze.
"I love you, Faith," Gabriel told her softly, his voice husky with emotion as he took in her beauty.
Faith smiled. Instead of returning the words though, she moved her right hand from his shoulder to the back of his head, her fingers running through his hair. With gentle pressure she tilted his head forward even as she rose on her toes. Feeling her lips against his, Gabriel closed his eyes, savoring the experience. Faith's kisses seemed like a brand new experience every time.
The need for air finally had them break the kiss. Even then, Gabriel held Faith close to him for a little while.
"So, after sleeping on it, do you still want to go through with our plan," Gabriel asked her softly.
"Yes," Faith said without hesitation. "Let's talk to Lillian and Grace some time today."
Gabriel nodded, a smile on his face. "We should probably head inside before they come looking for us again," he commented.
"All right," Faith agreed.
Keeping their arms around each other's waists, Faith and Gabriel headed into the orphanage. The scene they walked into could only be described as organized chaos as Lillian, Grace and Sam tried to get their charges settled at the table. Though Vincent and Mary Louise were the only two orphans still present from when Gabriel had returned to Brookfield after getting shot, he was still familiar with most of the other children. Violet was the newest child at New Hope Orphanage, and had come to be with Lillian and Grace after Gabriel and Faith had moved to Hope Valley. She was as happy as the other children to be helping with the wedding preparations.
As they sat down for breakfast, Gabriel noticed that the children were coming up with reasons to be allowed to skip school and help with wedding preparations. He bit his lower lip to keep from chuckling at their reasons. He knew his amusement would not help Lillian, Grace and Sam to get the children off to school. Though the talked remained on the wedding, the children did finally give up trying to get out of school. Instead, as Faith and Gabriel helped Eleanor clear the dishes, Lillian and Grace made sure that kids had lunches and school books and sent the off to school with Sam.
Once breakfast was cleaned up, Gabriel sat down at the diningroom table with Faith, Lillian and Grace. Everyone had a second cup of coffee, in front of them. In front of Lillian were sheets of papers with her many lists. Though Gabriel had gotten in some good-natured teasing about her lists, he had to admit that they were helping to keep preparations moving smoothly.
Before Lillian could start going over her list of things that needed to be accomplished today, Gabriel spoke up.
"Before we get to the wedding preparations, Lillian, Faith and I want to talk to you and Grace about something. About Vincent actually."
"Did he do something?" Grace asked, looking about ready to defend her charge.
"If he is getting in the way, I will tell him not to continue to follow you around when he gets home from school today," Lillian said quickly.
"Vincent has been quite helpful," Gabriel said, hoping to assure both of the sisters. "I have always enjoyed the time I spend with Vincent. Yes, there was that incident of leaving out information about the fire, but that is in the past."
Both Lillian and Grace let out sighs of relief.
"The thing is," Gabriel continued. "Faith and I were talking last night and when we come back from our honeymoon, we want to begin the process of adopting Vincent."
The two sisters stared at Gabriel, surprised by the admission.
"You know Vincent is fifteen right," Lillian said.
"We are aware of that, yes," Faith said.
"It is just that most folks want to adopt the younger children. Especially when it would be a couple's first child," Lillian said.
"Once I turned fifteen, I was resigned to the fact that I was not going to end up with a family," Grace admitted. "I think Vincent is as well. He does not even get excited when people stop by interested in adopting any longer."
"Everyone should have family," Gabriel commented. "You got lucky and had a big sister that came and found you Grace. I do not think that is likely to happen in Vincent's case."
"No. Probably not," Grace admitted. "But are you positive you want to take on a child, after just getting married at that, who will be heading off on his own in less than three years."
"Gabriel and I talked about it quite extensively last night," Faith replied. "Neither of us want to see Vincent age out of the orphanage and be out on his own. We are sure the two of you would do what you could to help, but you will have other children in your care as well. There is only so much you can do for him."
"Over the years, Vincent has mentioned several different dreams of his."
"Most recently he talks about wanting to be a Mountie," Lillian commented. "I think that admission is what showed me just how much he looks up to you, Gabriel."
Gabriel was surprised by that information. "He had not mentioned that one to me," he admitted, feeling flattered. "I think he could make a good Mountie, if that is truly what direction he wants his life to go in. However, I would like to make sure he has the opportunity to learn more about the other options out there for him. I do not want him taking a job just because he feels that is the only option he has. I want him to choose what would make him happy. I want him to go out in the world knowing that if things get to rough, he has family to fall back on."
Faith took Gabriel's hand and smiled over at him.
"We hope to be able to have children of our own as well. Children that we hope will have a big brother to look up too," Faith told them.
"Oh, it would be so good for Vincent to have someone finally adopt him," Grace said. "Aging out of an orphanage and setting out into the world alone is a frightening prospect. One that I would not wish on anyone."
Lillian reached out for her sister's hand. Giving it a reassuring squeeze, her words were addressed to Gabriel and Faith.
"If Vincent is open to the arrangement, and I see no reason he wouldn't be, I think the two of you would make wonderful parents. Do you want to tell him before hand?"
Gabriel shook his head. "Faith and I think it would be best not to say anything to him until we came back from our honey moon. We just did not want to have to worry about someone actually deciding they want to take the lad in while we are away. Things tend to happen just when you don't want them too. Bill will be here for the wedding, and we thought we might get him to get the paperwork in order while we are gone. We were going to take the train into Clearwater on the way home anyway as we are leaving my wagon here while we are gone. We thought we would just wait until then to speak with Vincent. Somehow, I do not think he will oppose the idea."
"Probably not," Lillian agreed. She reached out for Faith's hand. "This is an answer to my prayers for Vincent," she admitted. "I couldn't think of two other people I would rather turn him over to. Grace and I will make sure no one else adopts him in the meanwhile," she assured them.
"Thank you," Gabriel replied.
"Now we even have more of a reason to make sure this wedding happens tomorrow," Grace chimed in lightly, her voice giddy with excitement - both for the wedding and with knowing that one of her charges had finally found a family of his own.
"Ah, the boy is holding a duck?" Ronnie commented, as Nathan stood at the reception desk of the Royal Brookfield.
"He is," Nathan confirmed. "Nate is Jack's pet duckling. He found some eggs after the mother was killed. Nate was the only duckling that hatched and he has attached himself to the family, though especially Jack."
"Well, the hotel does not allow for pets," Ronnie commented. "It was bad enough having animals in here after the fire when Chuck was trying to patch people up."
Just then, a well-dressed couple came down the steps. The woman carried a little terrier in her arms. The dog was wearing hair ribbons that matched her own.
"That looks like a pet to me," Nathan commented, looking from the dog in the woman's arms and back to Ronnie.
"Ah well, Mr. Chanders is a well-known business man. A good review from him could go a long way to making the Royal Brookfield more popular."
"And you are not worried about a member of the Royal Northwest Mounted Police talking about how his family was denied having a pet during their stay but another customer was allowed one simply because from appearances, they had more money. That might not go over well. I am sure word will spread quickly through the force."
Ronnie's smile fell. "That is not a pet. It is a duckling. It should be in the wild."
"Except that the duckling would not survive in the wild because it has no mother. It thinks Jack is its parent. Therefore, in this case, it is a pet."
"I don't want a duck wandering around my room."
"I promise we will keep it in its crate while it the room," Nathan told him.
"What about when you leave the hotel? Mrs. Chanders takes her pet with us."
"I promise, we will take the duckling with us wherever we go," Nathan said.
Before Ronnie could say anything else, another voice chimed in.
"There you are," Gabriel called out striding into the hotel. "We were starting to wonder if you would make it for supper."
"We got a late start," Nathan replied, planning on leaving it at that but Jack chimed in.
"I was bad. I hid, insisting Nate come with us and Dad was right. Nate is making things harder. The hotel man will not let us have a room with the duckling," Jack said, tears brimming in his eyes.
"Now, now don't start crying," Ronnie said, his voice softening at the site of the upset child.
Nathan was about to move to pick Jack up but Gabriel was closer. He picked Jack and the duckling up. "Now, you should listen to your Dad and Mama all the time, but have you apologized for your actions."
"Yes," Jack replied. "I also took my time out quietly as punishment but now Dad is being punished because he let Nate come."
By this time, Ronnie was noticing that the exchange was attracting unwanted attention from other patrons.
"Now, now, no one is being punished," Ronnie spoke up. "Just going over ground rules for pets. If the duckling has a crate to stay in while inside and you promise to make sure it stays supervised at all times, everything should be fine. Just sign the register Constable Grant and I will get you the room key."
Gabriel grinned. Ronnie always had liked to bluster but he also did not like to attract questionable attention. Being known as the hotel owner that made a child cry was not the image the man wanted.
"Everything is working out fine, Jack," Gabriel assured the little boy in his arms. "Nate is going to be a hit with the kids at the orphanage."
"Nate is also going to be attending your wedding unless you want to pick a different best man so I can supervise the duckling here," Nathan teased, wondering what his friend's reaction would be.
Gabriel's response was to take the duckling in one hand and hold it up. "We'll find some dark ribbon and put a bow around his neck so that he'll be dressed up for it," he said. "We'll ask Miss Lillian what kind of ribbon she has when we go out for supper tonight."
"Really?" Jack asked, his eyes growing wide with excitement.
"Yes," Gabriel said. "Your duckling is welcome at my wedding any day Jack," he told the boy.
Jack threw his arms around Gabriel's neck. "Thank you, Uncle Gabe."
Nathan smiled as he accepted the room key from Ronnie.
"Enjoy your stay, Constable Grant," Ronnie told him.
"I am sure I will," Nathan replied. "I will be sure to spread it around the force about how accommodating the Royal Brookfield is," he added.
Ronnie reached up to finger his collar nervously. "That would be most welcomed," he told Nathan.
Nathan handed Elizabeth the room key. "How about you take the children upstairs to wash some of the trail dust from you. Gabriel and I will bring our things up to the room."
"Are you sure?" Elizabeth asked. "I could help carry something."
Nathan shook his head and leaned in and kissed her cheek. "I am sure you could but I don't want you to. Go ahead," he said nodding to the steps.
Gabriel had handed Nate back to Jack and placed the boy on the ground again. Seeing Ronnie open his mouth, Ally spoke up.
"I will grab Nate's crate and be right up, Beth," Ally chimed in, already headed toward the front door.
As Elizabeth took her son's hand and headed for the steps, and Nathan and Gabriel started following Ally, no one noticed the huge sigh that Ronnie gave as he sat down on a stool he kept behind the counter. As he looked to the ceiling, Ronnie's lips moved in a silent prayer.