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Chapter Eighty-nine

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Baking Cookies and a Date

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Elizabeth awakened early, refreshed, relieved and eager. She lay in bed, smiling and hugging herself as she thanked the Lord for this new day. Today she would spend the entire day with Nathan! Her heart swelled with joy as she remembered how they had parted last night. The conversation had been a challenge, but as truth flowed and they understood one another and confessed their love, their connection had been sweet and Nathan's prayer had warmed her heart.

Finally, she and Nathan Grant were on the same path, facing forward and walking together towards the future. Only God knew what the future held, but having learned a lesson in communication, Elizabeth knew they could build on that lesson from now onward.

She arose and prepared for the day, taking extra care to look nice for her Nathan. Elizabeth chose a medium blue wool skirt and long suit-jacket along with a matching blouse. She decided to wear her hair in a low chignon, secured with a pearl clip and chose her simple pearl earrings as her only other jewelry. Searching through her drawer she found the shawl, also perfectly matched, as she could wear that secured with an apron as they were cooking in the Cottage. She decided to bring her white beret, wondering if Nathan would remember it, and decided to wear her darker blue wool overcoat.

Satisfied with her choices, Elizabeth went to the kitchen, following the fragrance of coffee and that of something tempting that was baking.

"Good morning! I guess I need to learn from you, Carol, as you seem to have a days' work accomplished before I emerge from my bedroom. Something smells delicious!"

"Good morning, Sweetheart. You look beautiful this morning. It appears that a good conversation cleared the air and you slept well?"

"I did, Carol. Thank you for watching Allie and for the use of your sitting area for Nathan and me to talk. We navigated a huge hurdle last night and are now on the same path, walking side-by-side. It feels so good!"

"God be praised! I am so happy to hear this. When Nathan walked me back here last night, he told me you were on the same page now, so I think everyone slept well. I just hope he spoke to Allie because she was very worried last night." Carol opened the oven door and removed a coffee cake and placing a plate on top of the pan, deftly turned it out onto a plate. "Let's let this cool a bit before we slice it. Nathan said he was taking the day off to spend with you, so you might want to take a couple pieces to the Cottage for a morning snack." Carol laughed. "Or an anytime snack as far as Nathan is concerned. If you don't know by now, that man has a sweet tooth any time of day!"

Elizabeth giggled. "Allie told me to ask him what his favorite dessert was and also ask what his favorite meal was. I did and Nathan said the answer was the same for both questions! 'Dessert!'"

Carol laughed loudly. "Well, that is the truth!"

"Good morning, ladies! Did you sleep well?" Peter looked closely at Elizabeth.

"Oh yes, Peter. I don't know what you said to Nathan last evening, but thank you. We had such a good talk. We had to laugh at how messy our relationship has been up until now, but Nathan reminded me that gold is produced in the refiner's fire and we have been through the fire. We are finally walking together, Peter, and headed in the same direction!"

Peter was beaming with this news. "I just spoke to Nathan on the telephone and he informed me that all is well with you two. He said 'Finally!' I would have to agree." Turning to Carol, Peter pointed to the coffee cake. "Is that ready to eat? It is for now, right?"

Chuckling and nodding, Carol cut a piece, plated it and handed it to her husband, then cut one for Elizabeth and herself, leaving a plate nearby for Grace. "Shall we go into the dining room?"

Nathan knocked and entered the main house to collect Elizabeth. Seeing Carol in the kitchen he made a quick detour to kiss her cheek and quietly apologize for his attitude the previous evening. Carol readily forgave him and engulfed him in a warm hug at which time Grace entered the room with her empty cup and plate.

"Oh, Good morning, Grace." Nathan quickly moved to her and placed his arm around her shoulders. He whispered his apology into her ear and her face shone like the sun. "Of course, Nathan, my boy. You are forgiven. I am just glad that you and Elizabeth are together now, facing the future! Our prayers are being answered!"

As Elizabeth entered from the hallway at just that moment, everyone laughed together. "Well! Isn't this a lovely way to start a day! Good morning, Nathan." Elizabeth blushed.

Immediately moving to her side, Nathan reached for her hand and kissed her knuckles, looking deeply into her eyes. "Good morning, Lisbeth."

They hardly remembered to say goodbye as they headed down to the Cottage to plan their day. "Oh, thank you for the sweet treat, Carol. You are the best." As an afterthought, Nathan called back before he shut the door behind them.

Carol and Grace dissolved into joyful laughter to see this blossoming relationship!

In the Cottage, Nathan took Elizabeth's coat and admired her outfit. "You look beautiful today, Lisbeth. I love that color on you and this is how you wore your hair at Jack's Christening and Allie's adoption isn't it?"

Elizabeth gasped. "You remember that, Nathan?"

"Oh, Elizabeth, you would be surprised at how much I remember about you. Not much escaped my notice. Plus, remember I am the father of a daughter so I am well acquainted with noticing hair and clothing on the ladies I love."

Nathan winked and Elizabeth marveled at his transformation over these past few days. He was attentive and endearing and utterly loveable! If this was how loving he was with Allie then it was no wonder that she had become the secure and beloved girl that she was.

"So, shall we have our treat while we plan our day?" Nathan was already carrying the plate of coffeecake to the kitchen. "Another cup of coffee for you as well?"

Giggling, Elizabeth followed. "Yes, please. Carol was right. She didn't think this cake would last long in your possession!" Elizabeth washed and dried her hands and reached for the coffee mugs.

"Oh, did she? Well, I guess I have a reputation to uphold. Chief taste-tester for Carol Collins! Or any baker for that matter."

"So, I am learning." Elizabeth got the cream from the icebox as Nathan poured the coffee.

"Let's sit here." Nathan pulled out the chair for Elizabeth. "Any ideas what recipe you want to make for the cookies and for dinner tonight? I was thinking we could get some stew beef at the butchers after we stop at Victoria's Café and get some lunch. Would you like that? It is a lovely Café, reminiscent of Abigail's just without all the familiar people each time you enter!"

"I would love that, Nathan." This time, Elizabeth immediately accepted Nathan's invitation to dine. "Stew sounds good too. Do you have the carrots and onions and potatoes? We could cut them up now and cover them until we need to add them later. Since we are eating again, we don't want to eat lunch too early. Maybe we could make one recipe of cookies now?"

"Sure, I have ingredients for sugar cookies we can bake this morning, or oatmeal cookies or molasses or…" Nathan held open the Hoosier cabinet door. "We could probably make gingerbread, although that might be too time consuming. Maybe molasses-ginger crinkles? I love those!"

"Nathan Grant, you are just too adorable! Whatever you decide is fine with me. Just baking with you is all I want."

"Well, aren't you easy to please! Let's make the molasses-ginger cookies now. If we get some more icing sugar we can make the sugar cookies later and Allie can help ice and decorate them. That is as long as we don't have any repeats of a certain teacher swiping icing on the Mountie's nose!" Nathan looked at Elizabeth sternly which only caused her to giggle all the more.

"No promises, Staff Sergeant Major. In spite of your fancy title!"

Chuckling, Nathan brought out Allie's recipe book. Finding the page he was looking for he proceeded to gather all the ingredients. "You want to measure and I'll mix? The dough can be stiff."

"Okay. Is that what you and Allie do together?" Elizabeth queried.

"We do indeed, plus it keeps us from becoming confused as we add ingredients! Averting a disaster!" Nathan laughed again. "We make a good team after all these years."

Elizabeth measured the ingredients, then looked at Nathan. "Tell me what was it like to suddenly have the responsibility of a little girl? What was the most challenging aspect?"

"Whoa... That is a loaded question." Nathan stopped mixing momentarily. "The most challenging aspect was everything! I had no way to work into anything slowly, Allie was just there. Mine. I had to figure out how to feed her three times a day. How to feed her food she would eat too! How to keep her and her clothing clean. How to keep her occupied, although Allie was always imaginative and happy to play by herself. Still I felt guilty leaving her in the care of the wife of another Mountie or the owner of the boarding house..."

"When I came home I felt I needed to spend time with her, so that was how we began to cook together. I had her help wash the vegetables, or cut in the butter with the flour to make scones or smash the potatoes until they were like soup! Somehow we ate, had fun and worked together. I piled soap suds on up-turned cups and made up stories about elves who lived in a land of bubbles and princesses who wore bubble dresses. Princesses were always Allie's favorites!"

Looking out the window, Nathan had a faraway look as he recalled those years of Allie's childhood. "We read a lot together. We also played music and sang and painted. I learned to play dolls… I know. Don't tell any criminals because they would think I am a softy!"

Elizabeth smiled, thinking he truly was a tender-hearted man. And funny!

"Here, you roll the balls and I'll roll them in sugar in this bowl, then press them with the glass."

Nathan set the two cookie sheets on the counter and they worked side-by-side.

Chuckling, Nathan continued. "I never knew how to raise a child, let alone raise a girl, but because I was so close to Colleen, I knew about girls. That helped me when I remembered things Colleen liked when she was younger. Colors and ruffles and plaiting her hair or even just brushing it until it shone. Cuddles before bed or if she had been hurt or was afraid. Those things came naturally or at least God inspired me to do those things when needed. I depended on the Lord every day, Elizabeth. He got me, he got us through."

"Oh, Nathan. What precious memories you have. I can picture you doing each one of those things and Allie just thriving in your care. No wonder you are so close. You have been devoted to her. Probably more devoted than most fathers are. I know more devoted than my father was." Elizabeth glanced at Nathan. "He has confessed this, so I am not revealing anything he hasn't admitted himself. My father was devoted to his business and both he and Mother let our Nannies raise us in large part. I hope you can meet Hudson soon though, because he was actually more like a doting father to me than my own. Now, I think my parents recognize this and that is why he is often included in our family gatherings. He is not just a butler, but is a beloved family member. It's been interesting to see him with my parents in Hope Valley. They have become friends!"

"I think this pan is done." Nathan pointed as he removed one cookie sheet from the oven. "You want to put this one in?"

After closing the oven door, he saw her hand. "Lisbeth! That's hot!" Nathan warned.

Quickly moving a cookie from one hand to the other, Elizabeth blew on the fragrant disk. "I know, but they are so delicious straight from the oven." She took a bite and broke off a piece to feed to Nathan. "See? Throw caution to the wind, Sergeant, and live a little!"

Nathan laughed. "Do you ever bake cookies with Jack? Because if you do, remember he is watching you and will mimic his mommy and burn his little tongue."

Elizabeth laughed. "Oh, there are ways a mommy learns to distract her little boy so she can indulge!"

"Don't be so sure, Mrs. Teacher Thornton! Little pitchers have eyes and ears!" Nathan grabbed another cookie. "See? I was watching and learning from you just now!" He popped it in his mouth. "Oh my. These may be the best I've ever made. They are perfectly chewy and crispy!"

"Just better when hot!" Elizabeth insisted she was right.

"So, what did you and your sisters do as you grew up. Were you princesses too?" Nathan asked, curious.

"Our dolls were princesses and queens, but we liked to play dress up. We had a trunk of old dresses and scarves and shoes and hats and we dressed ourselves and each other, playing bride with dresser scarves trailing behind us. We had to take turns on that though because everyone had to be a bride. Nannie Sharpley made a chart for us to keep track of who was the bride last and who would be next. You see the bride got to pick her outfit first and then she also picked the colors for her attendants. I mean, we had to be fair! Especially with three little girls!"

"I bet you were adorable. I hope I can see photographs of you as a little girl, Elizabeth."

"You might not recognize me, Nathan. My hair was a mass of untamed curls! I know how to control them now, but back then they were just tied with a ribbon and constantly escaped!"

Nathan reached across the table and tweaked a tendril near her forehead. "A little like this one?"

Laughing, Elizabeth reached back across the table and moved a curl off of Nathan's forehead. "Or a little like that one, Nathan!"

"Yeah, that one is a pain. No matter how my hair is cut, that curl is falling onto my forehead." Nathan shrugged. "What's a fella to do?"

"Just let it fall, Nathan. I love that recalcitrant curl!"

"You do?" This was news to Nathan. Someone loved his wayward curl?

"Absolutely. Actually, I am somewhat jealous of Fiona because she has been able to run her hands through your gorgeous hair, Nathan. She is one lucky lady!"

Nathan guffawed at that until he realized Elizabeth was serious. "Well. Maybe the day will come when we can do that to each other's hair! I mean run our hands through each other's hair. I have thought of that, you know…" Nathan blushed, but was beginning to dream that it might happen.

"Nathan Grant, you are flirting with me!"

"I am? I don't really know what that means, you know. Flirting I mean. I sometimes think I know when a woman does that with me, then I think about it and decide that wasn't flirting." He shrugged again. "I'm never sure."

"Oh, Nathan. You have had woman flirting with you since the day you arrived in Hope Valley and I would wager many times before that as well!" Elizabeth smiled knowingly.

"Don't tell me, please. I don't think I want to know."

"Oh, don't worry I won't tell you. But if I am with you and it happens, then I will!" Elizabeth warned pointing her finger. "I will also make sure that woman quickly learns you are off limits!"

"Possessive are we?"

"When it comes to you? I certainly am. I have worked too hard to get here to let anyone else interfere now." Elizabeth stood. "I think this next batch is ready."

Working in tandem, Elizabeth and Nathan packed the cookies in tins and cleaned the kitchen. Every once in a while Nathan lightly touched the small of Elizabeth's back to guide her as they worked. He was totally unaware of it, but Elizabeth felt the tingle and the warmth even from the briefest of connections. She felt cared for and she relished Nathans's every touch.

"Before I forget, Nathan, that key hanging between the windows here is a curious ornament. Is it significant?"

"Oh yes. That is the key to Hope Valley. Lee and the town's business people presented that to me along with a certificate to honor my years of service as the town Constable. Allie thinks I should hang it with a blue ribbon to match the curtains, but the red means a lot to me, especially since I no longer wear the red serge. Wasn't it a lovely token of remembrance?"

"It is, but I never heard of it." Elizabeth nodded. "When did they present it to you? Or did they just post it?"

"Actually, they presented it at the train station the day we departed. A crowd of people had gathered to send us off, banner and all. I understood that Rosemary had a part in planning that although she wasn't there. She was in the Infirmary with you."

Nathan stated it matter-of-factly but Elizabeth had a twinge of regret. She hadn't known and she had prevented Rosemary from attending. She would consider this later, but for now continued to listen.

"They also presented that mantle clock to us to remember them by. As if we could ever forget, but I do love that clock. Now, it feels as though it has always been there, but in the beginning the memories were full of homesickness."

"Oh, how lovely. I didn't know about that either. You were appreciated, Nathan." Elizabeth searched his face. "It is sad that we miss out on telling people how much we appreciate them until it is time to say goodbye, or in my case we realize how much we thought of them after they are already gone."

"No regrets, Elizabeth. We are here now and you can tell me how much you appreciate me any time." Nathan chuckled and tweaked her nose as they headed towards the front door to don their outer garments. After helping Elizabeth with her suit-jacket and then her overcoat, Nathan lifted a charcoal gray tweed blazer with black leather elbow patches from the desk chair.

"Nathan! I've never seen that before. That's a Harrison Tweed isn't it? Where did you acquire that?"

"You know what this is? Most people don't. This and a brown tweed one were my big splurge after the first royalty check came in. I invested the rest of the royalties over the years. There wasn't much call for blazers in Hope Valley, but it will be great in the winters here in Regina." He looked down at it as he pulled down his pale blue shirtsleeves. "Do you like it?"

"Oh, Nathan. Do I ever! You are stunning in that Tweed and I am impressed with your taste." Elizabeth gently touched the lapel.

Laughing, Nathan admitted. "Don't be! I was advised by Superintendent O'Reilly's wife. She had no idea of the occasion, I just asked for advice on where to find a tweed blazer and she sent me to this friend who owns a haberdashery. He talked me into the Harrison Tweed, saying it was a lifetime investment, so I hope that's true."

"You were well-advised, Nathan. A wise purchase and a gorgeous jacket!" Elizabeth was thrilled to see him in such a stylish blazer and one he could wear proudly for a long time. "Excellent!"

"Glad you approve!" Nathan winked at Elizabeth then added his black overcoat and they closed the door behind them.

On the drive downtown Nathan and Elizabeth decided to window shop for a while before collecting their groceries and the meat. They had determined that it was cold enough outside to keep the meat safe in the trunk of the car while they ate.

The detailed Christmas displays of the R.H. Williams Department Store windows drew their attention. Had it been after school or a weekend, they would have been unable to get close enough to notice all the intricacies, but for today it was perfect. They stood arm-in-arm pointing out each new discovery. "Nathan, you must bring Allie to see this. She will love it!"

"I intend to." As they turned towards the grocery store, Nathan added. "We don't seem to lack for things to do in Regina!"

Again gently guiding her into the Café, Elizabeth felt Nathan's hand on her back. At one point she shivered and he was concerned if she was cold. Her quick response told him otherwise so he didn't worry, but that simple gesture became an integral part of their times together.

"This place is charming, Nathan. You have eaten here before?"

Blushing, Nathan told Elizabeth about the coffee 'date,' downplaying the excuse to meet. Elizabeth read between the lines and mentally noted to be aware of a certain choir director.

"Allie hasn't been here yet though. Eventually we'll get around! Your father treated us to meals at two other restaurants though. The Crown was extremely elegant and formal and best reserved for special occasions. The King's Restaurant is still delicious, plenty of ambiance and yet less formal. We've eaten there twice and enjoyed it very much. I'll take you there sometime."

Nathan's comment was so natural, that Elizabeth hardly noticed. "That's really sweet, Nathan. You've taken Allie out for a special father-daughter dinner?"

"I have in the past, but not to this restaurant. Last Saturday, Ardis Ross, Allie's art teacher and friends with Claire Collins and Rachel Bell, the choir director, came with Allie and me to have dinner before we attended a piano concert at City Hall. That's where we'll be going on Friday evening for Allie's concert. It is a lovely venue! I think you'll enjoy it."

Ever alert as she was getting to know more about Nathan's life in Regina, Elizabeth circled back in her questioning. "So you dated this Ardis woman? Just that one time, or?" She tried to keep jealousy from her tone.

"Dated? No. Just that one evening. I heard her say she didn't want to play the third wheel with Claire Collins and her fiancé, so knowing Allie and I wanted to attend I invited her to join us." Nathan explained. "We had a lovely meal and the concert was beautiful, but it wasn't a date."

Elizabeth leaned back and assessed Nathan. "Ahh, Nathan? Exactly how would you define a date?"

"Define it? You know, ask a woman out for a meal or an event or a walk or something like that. Why do you ask?"

"Is this a date?"

"Yeah, I guess it is. Is it okay to call it that?" Nathan asked suddenly nervous.

"Yes, Nathan, it is. But what is the difference between this date and your evening with Ardis?"

"Ahhh. I don't know. Maybe there isn't any? Although Allie was with us so it wasn't romantic or anything like that!"

"In your opinion or hers?"

"Not to me. I don't know. I guess maybe it was. What is your point, Elizabeth?"

"Only this. Ardis may be expecting you to ask her on a second date, Nathan. So you may need to make it clear to her that it was a one-time event and you are involved with another woman, namely me! I met her yesterday at St. Anne's and she is lovely. You don't want to hurt her and my arrival was only the day following your date. She may see me with you tonight or at Allie's concert or…" Elizabeth let her voice trail off.

"Oh dear. You think so? I'll have to explain to her. She is a lovely woman and I don't want her to be hurt. Wow. Dating is fraught with trip-falls! I didn't know." Nathan looked genuinely worried.

Elizabeth reached her hand across the table and placed it lightly on Nathan's. "Nathan? Do not worry. You haven't done anything wrong. I do think it would be good to talk with her though just so she isn't dreaming or hoping for more with you. I know you'll be a gentleman and be kind." She patted his hand and removed hers. "Oh. And just so you know, there will be no trip-falls with me. When we are out, we will be on a date. It's as simple as that!"

Nathan grinned, relieved. "So you mean I just bypassed the challenges of dating?"

Elizabeth laughed heartily. "We are way past those challenges, Nathan, my dear." She whispered behind her hand. "We have already professed our love! Even before our first date!"

"Right. Oh!" Nathan looked at the sandwiches just placed before each of them. "These look delicious. Thank you so much, Deborah!"

Elizabeth gulped as she watched. She had only just spoken about this and here she had to say something already? "Hello, Deborah. How do you know Deborah, Nathan?"

"She has been my waitress previously. Elizabeth, please meet Deborah."

"Hello, Deborah. Thank you for your service and yes, the food looks delicious." Elizabeth smiled warmly, then looked at Nathan with her hand reaching across the table. The waitress did not need to know that her hand was extended for them to pray!

"Let me know if you need anything and please enjoy your meal!" Deborah turned and walked away.

Nathan thought he had just missed something, but took Elizabeth's hands in his and led them in a prayer of thanks. As he said 'Amen,' both Nathan and Elizabeth squeezed each other's hands and, opening their eyes, both looked down memorizing the sight. Joined, their hands brought a warmth to them that they couldn't identify with words but felt in their hearts and everything just felt right. Lifting their eyes to each others, they smiled then attended to their lunch.

Before lifting her sandwich, Elizabeth grinned with twinkling eyes and spoke softly. "Nathan? That was flirting. Just so you know."

Looking as confused as ever Nathan blinked, but only said. "I think you need to explain more, but later. Let's just eat now, okay? You, Elizabeth, are my date for this lunch!"

Nathan winked and Elizabeth's heart melted. She knew she belonged to him and he to her, but she had some lessons to teach this extremely handsome man.

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