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Chapter Forty-one

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Invitations

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Nathan took advantage of a quiet office, knowing that Wes was in class for the next hour. He locked the office door and sat at his desk, swinging his chair to face the window. He watched the drills in Parade Square as he waited for his mother to pick up the telephone. Due to her arthritis, he never wanted to hurry the call. "Hi Mom! Nathan here. How are you?"

"Son! Let me just get situated. There. Is everything all right?" She already sounded worried.

"Once a parent, always a parent! I am fine and Allie is fine. I am calling to find out how you are. I assume Dad talked to you about who I met here at Depot?"

"I wondered when you would call. Yes, your Dad told me as soon as he hung up from talking to you. He knew this was something we both had to work through together. How are you with the news, Nathan?" Ruth Grant took a deep breath and released it quietly.

"Honestly, I am better now. My first reaction was pretty awful, Mom. I took a walk and got sick. I mean I lost my lunch and I sobbed like a baby. Pretty embarrassing really, although no one saw me, but that's what happened. It was emotional but also a physical pain to learn of Dad's unfaithfulness to you and the worry about Allie finding out too."

Nathan asked gently and softly. "How were you when Dad told you, Mom?"

"I was numb, Nathan. I thought I had seen the last of your father's life choices shocking me, but this was the most surprising. After twenty years to learn he has another son! It brings up his betrayal all over again." Ruth paused before continuing softly. "This will take some time, Nathan, and your father knows it."

"So, if you were numb when he told you, how are you now?"

"I am working on forgiving often throughout the day, and night, again and again. Yet, I am seeing your father's truly redeemed character. He has shown me concern and love in spite of the personal shock to him. We've shared our tears, but God is at work, Nathan. I believe God may be strengthening our marriage through this… Still that doesn't make it easy."

"I am so sorry, Mom."

"I know, Honey. I keep remembering that the refiner's fire is what purifies the gold. Our family certainly has spent a lot of time in the fire. I only hope pure gold is the end result."

"For you, Mom, the result will be a pure, golden crown."

"I can only hope so for all of us, Nathan." Ruth quieted, then asked. "Does Zachary really look like you, Nathan? I find it hard to imagine…"

"Well, when you see him you will have no doubt we are brothers. Identical blue eyes, same color hair, chin-cleft and even the signature Grant half-smile! He's a little shorter than I am but same lanky build, just like Dad. It's really startling to us both!"

Nathan lifted his feet to rest on the edge of his desk, leaning back. "What do you think about Zach?" Nathan closed his eyes to concentrate on her answer.

"My heart goes out to that young man. He never knew anything and probably thought his father didn't care at all. I mean, not knowing? Our difficulties with Dad were one thing, but this? I can hardly think of myself, because really it just means we welcome another fella into our family. But for him, he gets a father, brother, niece, me…? That's a lot." Ruth paused briefly. "Plus he not only gets the people, he gets our history. His father's history. Are you going to tell him?"

"I have to, Mom. We'll get together on Saturday, he'll meet Allie and I will tell him about Colleen." Nathan stopped a moment thinking of those who would never meet each other on earth. "Then I will tell him about Dad. You can pray for me, Mom. This isn't going to be easy for me or for Zach, but no secrets."

"Right, Nathan. No more secrets." Ruth agreed softly. "And I am already praying. For everyone."

"Mom?" Nathan hesitated slightly. "Have you ever told Dad about the monthly checks we used to receive? I mean didn't he wonder how we could afford to purchase the house and land?"

Ruth sighed. "It wasn't an easy discussion, Honey, but yes, I told Dad even before he moved back in with me. He had to understand that although he didn't provide for our family, God did."

"I also needed to explain that I could not add his name to our bank account and that it was a stipulation established when you and I started the account. If he wanted to begin a separate joint account, then that was his decision, but the money from the sale was protected. He told me he understood and was actually relieved we had been so wise. Dad established a joint account and we have been living on your father's salary, so the savings are just gaining interest." Ruth paused. "I'm sorry I never told you. It just seemed as though it was a private thing, but I realize now you do need to know. I hope it means you trust your father more, Nathan?"

"I am glad to know, Mom. It is another proof of what God has done. It is one less secret between us. Don't worry, I will not share financial information with Zachary, although you and Dad and I need to have that discussion in the future."

"We will." Ruth was relieved and changed the subject. "So, how did Allie take it?"

"Allie is amazing, Mom. I just let her put one and one together and she accepted it. You know one of her first concerns? You. She asked, 'Does Grandmom know?' I thought that was sweet." Nathan smiled. "She is pretty excited to have a 'real' uncle as she calls him!"

"Of course she is. That girl wants to grab all the family she can!" Ruth laughed as she agreed.

"So how is Dad? He hung up before we finished saying goodbye."

"He was in shock the entire night you called. He told me right away, but he was dumbfounded. We both cried a lot. Please don't tell Zachary? It wasn't a reflection on him, it was the shock. And what to do about it! Dad and I talked more the next day and worked through forgiving again. We concluded that God has known about this young man all along and he has a purpose for Zachary and for us too."

"Dad and I both realize we have to approach this with compassion for him. Poor fella shouldn't be ostracized or judged or shamed for the circumstances of his birth. We are both grateful that his mother is gone though." Ruth sucked in her breath. "Does that sound awful, Nathan? It would just be so much more difficult to figure out how to let him into our family if we had to include her, you know? Alone, he is a young man to embrace and welcome."

"You amaze me, Mom. I am so thankful for you and that you are my mother." Nathan's voice was low. "I love you, Mom."

"Thank you, Son. I love you too. I am the blessed one to have you as my son. Now God is giving another blessing. I am wondering how this will all turn out!"

"Me too." Sharing his concern, Nathan asked. "Mom? I don't know what's going to happen here. I mean word is bound to get out. What do we say? I don't want to expose Dad. I don't want Zachary to bear the shame of his birth, nor do I want Allie to bear the shame of the family. I just don't know how to handle this. I mean I am praying, but I don't have any answers yet."

"I've been thinking about that. It really is no one's business. Have you told anyone yet?"

"I had to tell Peter and, in order to get time off for Zach, I had to tell Tim, the Chief Superintendent here, a condensed version. They both will keep the information confidential." Nathan gulped. "My concern is that seeing us together, it is obvious. What do we do or say?"

"Introduce each other as your brother. Leave out the 'half' part, unless talking to a very close friend. Say, you haven't been in touch for a long time? No one needs to know 'a long time' means 'never.' Or, say he's been living in Edmonton and you in Hope Valley. Let distance be the reason you've been a part. I don't want to put words in your mouth, but I believe you can find a way to keep the information truthful and private to protect everyone." Ruth had a sudden thought. "The one to be concerned about is Allie. Maybe you need to sit down with her and tell her to curb her exuberance and not share the newness or uniqueness of the situation. Just introduce Zachary as the uncle from Edmonton whom she had never met?"

"That's true, I hadn't thought of her telling everyone and not realizing the consequences for each individual person, including herself." Nathan sighed. "Both she and I agreed the other night. Life is messy!"

"It is, but God reaches into the mire, the pit, to pull us out and rescue us, Honey. He has a plan." Ruth admonished. "Trust Him."

"True. I'll have to remember to tell Allie about that verse. Thanks, Mom." Nathan lowered his feet to the floor. "I think I better get back to work now. Thanks for talking, Mom. Oh, did Dad say anything about visiting in order to meet Zachary? Tim said he'll arrange for time off for Zachary to have some time with Dad."

"Dad said he was going to discuss it with his boss at work and see if he can get a few days off in the next few weeks. It's important." Ruth thought she had better ask. "Do you think I should come too? Or just let Dad meet his son alone? Would there be a place for us both to stay?"

"I want you to please come because I want to see you, but I'll let you and Dad decide that. I believe the Commissioner and Carol would want to host you. Then, maybe Zachary can get some leave between graduation and a new assignment? I don't want to interfere, but I could suggest he see what he could arrange. Then he could visit you both away from here. That might be good for everyone."

"True. So much to pray about! Well, thank you for checking up on me, Nathan. I love you so much and I am so proud of you and how you are handling all this." Nathan could hear his mother's smile through the telephone line. "Give my love to Allie?"

"Sure thing, Mom. I love you and we'll all keep praying. Bye for now."

"Bye, bye, Honey."


Elizabeth continued to work on her letter to Nathan in her journal. It was not a happy time to have to remember all her failures with Nathan and then with Allie, but she knew it was necessary.

Joseph had invited her to a walk to the swing at the schoolhouse while the students were inside. He wanted her to get out in the fresh air and to take a break from her work. He also wanted to be available to her if she had any concerns or questions during this letter-writing process. Having had many discussions with his friend, Nathan, Joseph was well aware of the encounters between Nathan and Elizabeth. It was with prayerful preparation that he managed to keep an open mind and an open heart to her in the beginning of her collapse. But gradually, as he saw her genuine attempts to make things right, to repent and to make amends, he was more easily able to guide her.

Joseph was also amazed at the conversations he'd had with Dr. Ben Marshall. It was becoming obvious that Ben was learning new ways of helping people heal, and that was with Divine assistance coupled with his medical expertise. It was a pleasure to interact with him and see him awakening to more than science.

Dr. Ben had met privately with William and Grace, explaining the process and Elizabeth's current status. He encouraged them to enjoy family time with Elizabeth and Jack every night, whether it was reading or playing or singing together. Ben wanted Jack to continue to build up happy memories with his mother and grandparents even while allowing Elizabeth the space to do the hard work of remembering.

Ben also took the time to get to know Dr. Faith Carter. In addition to consultations regarding Elizabeth and her progress, they had shared some lunches and dinners that were more personal in nature. He knew there was mutual attraction, but wanted a well-established friendship before making any promises for more. Nevertheless, he had made a day-trip to the Union City General Hospital to investigate possibilities for consulting or possible office hours a couple days a week after the New Year. He knew how valuable Faith's work was to Hope Valley and was fairly certain she would not be willing to relocate. The more he thought of her though, he felt she was worth relocating for, if that became a possibility! In one of his many conversations with Joseph, he even confessed his interest and asked for prayer. For Dr. Ben Marshall that was a first!


Behind the scenes, William Thatcher had been making plans of his own. Grace and he had agreed that a trip to Regina would be good for William. He wanted to meet Sergeant Grant and take the temperature of the situation once Bill Avery returned from his visit. While he waited, William decided to chat with his daughter one clear, autumn day.

"Elizabeth? I feel the need to stretch my legs and clear my mind. Would you accompany me on a walk this afternoon? Your mother has been invited to lunch in the Café with Molly. They have had coffee a few times and seem to get along wonderfully." William assessed Elizabeth's status. "What do you say?"

"That would be lovely, Father. Shall we go right after lunch? I can ask Laura to take Jack into town so he doesn't feel left out of an adventure!"

"Okay. Let's plan on it." Almost as an afterthought William added, "Would it be okay to drive out to Jack's land and walk there?"

Curious, but knowing she had been okay the last time they visited the land, Elizabeth agreed.


Closing the car doors behind them, William took Elizabeth's hand in the crook of his arm. He commented about the views and the beauty of the place before he introduced his intended subject, but on the spur of the moment, he had a different question. "The other day you said you didn't want to build the house that Jack had planned? I guess I can understand that. But would you consider building another home? Another design?"

Elizabeth looked at her father wondering, but answered. "Honestly, Father. The only way I can think of building here would be if I was getting married again and my husband and I designed a home together. It would need to be very different from Jack's vision." She debated telling her father more, then figured since it was an unlikely dream she would just tell him her foolish thoughts. "Actually, sometimes I daydream about if Nathan would ever return to Hope Valley and we could build a life and a home together. It's not going to happen, but I do daydream about it once in a while."

"Why do you say it isn't going to happen? Are you praying about it? Would you like to have a life with Nathan?"

"Father, he is in a wonderful position at the Academy. One that doesn't come along every day and I couldn't ask him to give that up. At this point my prayer is that someday I can tell him how I feel about him and he will believe me. I can't pray beyond that. Especially when I realize how abominably I treated him when he was in Hope Valley. This homework assignment I've been working on has been a shocking revelation of my poor behavior and decisions."

"You wrote to him before Bill left, right? Might you consider writing to Nathan again? Asking his forgiveness? Having read his books I don't think he will withhold that."

"I know he won't, Father. He is forgiving and patient and kind and… My concern is if he will truly believe me or believe I have changed. Or if he will even like who I am becoming now." Elizabeth sighed. "But to answer your question, I do plan to write him a more detailed letter…eventually."

"Elizabeth? I want to make two offers to you. I intend to visit Regina and meet Nathan for myself. I admire his writings and would consider it a privilege to talk to him about some of his work. So my first offer is this. Would you like me to bring a letter to him? You have time to compose it as I won't go until after Bill returns as I don't want to encroach on his time with the Grants. Would you consider this?"

"Really? Oh my goodness!" Elizabeth suddenly had a ray of hope burst in her heart. Maybe a hand-delivered letter would be read, especially if it was delivered by her father. "Let me think about this, Father. I am already doing the work of remembering, so I could extract from my journal what I need to address. That's a long distance to go though, Father, just to deliver a letter."

"It is, but as I said, I want to meet Nathan." William laughed. "And meet Allie too! I've heard so much about them both it would be a pleasure to see them in person. Also, I will travel with David, my assistant, so the time won't be wasted. I might even meet with some of the Mountie brass as I have been in touch with many of them over the years!"

Studying her father, Elizabeth hardly knew what to think. 'Wanting to meet a teenager? Wanting to meet with Mounties? Father is so different nowadays.'

"Elizabeth, the second offer is this. What if I built a home for you on this property? The row house is fine, but has its limitations, including room for guests. Your mother and I want to visit more often and a row house might not always be available! You could design what you want, and if you and Nathan might get together, you can design it together. It wouldn't be started until spring or summer so you have plenty of time. The house could be your vacation home if you don't remain in Hope Valley. What do you say to that?"

Surprised at the turn in conversation, Elizabeth was momentarily speechless. "Right now, I don't know what to say, Father, but I will think about it."


Peter and Carol Collins had extended the invitation to Adeline Foster to join them for Friday night supper with the Grants and Bill. Although Peter knew her from Headquarters, Carol wanted to get to know her, hoping she would be someone local with whom Allie could forge a bond.

Adeli came home with Nathan and Bill, who had spent the afternoon in Regina's bookstore after meeting Nathan and some colleagues for lunch in the Faculty Mess. Bill enjoyed access to a wider selection of volumes in the local bookstore than he had seen at Union City, so purchased a couple newer books on law as well as some gifts.

Nathan had recommended a couple titles for Allie's birthday and Bill also picked up some art supplies that Adeli wanted to give to her as well. Knowing the limited baggage a Mountie could travel with, Bill and Adeli had decided to give Zachary Grant a small hinged photo frame so he could eventually have a couple photos of his new family. Adeli had requested that Bill pickup eight or ten frames while in town as she had an idea!


As was her custom, Allie hurried to the door to hug her Dad, Uncle Bill and, tonight, Aunt Adeli as well.

Nathan was the last to get his hug. "Hello, Allie! How's my girl?" He held her tight.

"I'm fine, Dad, but glad it's Friday." She leaned back and scrutinized his face. "How are you?"

"I am well, Sweetheart. Also glad it's Friday and excited for tomorrow with Uncle Zachary!"

"Me too! I didn't want to say that until you did." She hugged him again and Nathan kissed the top of her head.

Carol and Peter entered the entryway and observed this family exchange, grinning. Knowing the background they were grateful that Zachary had found his family.

Peter extended his hand to Adeline and introduced his wife. Carol reached out to Adeline who offered a bouquet of flowers.

"Welcome to our home, Adeline. It is lovely to meet you and thank you for these flowers." She raised the roses to inhale their fragrance. "Yellow with sprigs of bittersweet and ferns. They are not necessary, but they are beautiful!"

"Well, please call me Adeli? Thank you for including me in your family gathering this evening!" Adeli stated. "I understand this has become a tradition?"

"It is and it gives Peter and me a chance to keep up with Nathan and Allie's happenings. Come in please." Carol waved Adeline into the kitchen.

Allie had set the table, so removed the cornucopia of fruit that was used as a centerpiece to the sideboard and replaced it with the vase of flowers in the center of the table. As Carol and Adeli brought in the serving platters, the three men took their seats, ready for a feast. Carol had simmered a beef stew with apple cider most of the day and the house smelled delicious!

After the blessing offered by Peter, getting-to-know-you questions were directed at Adeli, once she requested he also use her nickname. Working at Headquarters, Adeli knew that sitting around the table with the Commissioner was an honor and a privilege, but her initial nerves were calmed by Carol's welcome and she began to relax and enjoy herself enough to share a brief history.

"So, Allie," Grampa Peter asked. "Tell us the highlights of your week. Anything special transpire?"

Allie giggled. "Well, for one thing, it's been great to have Uncle Bill here and to meet Aunt Adeli. And, I'm excited to meet my new uncle tomorrow."

Allie continued. "I got a letter from my friend Emily who says the new Hope Valley School should be open in the next couple weeks. She says it looks really enormous compared to the old schoolhouse. The students are making signs and banners for a big opening celebration. The new teacher that will help Miss Yost should arrive next week and everyone is excited to meet him."

"Emily says she thinks one of the boys like-likes her because he keeps offering to carry her books and walk her home. She thinks he's cute. She's seen Mrs. Thornton around more, but hasn't spoken to her yet." Allie missed the glance between Nathan and Bill, although everyone else at the table noticed it.

Switching to school news, Allie continued. "In chorus we are practicing for the Christmas concert, and Miss Bell wants me to sing a solo part. Is that okay, Dad?"

"Of course it's okay. Remember you sang solos in Hope Valley. What piece is she asking you to sing?"

"You will never guess!" Allie looked around the table as an open invitation to do just that. "Guess?"

"Silent Night?" Asked Grampa Peter as Allie shook her head.

"'O, Come All ye Faithful' just like in Hope Valley?" Suggested Uncle Bill.

As Allie shook her head again. "I don't think anyone else will guess, except maybe Dad. What do you think, Dad?"

"One of your favorites? 'Brightest and Best?'" Nathan suggested.

"No! But I would love to sing that. No, the one I will sing is Quem Pastores! Miss Bell wants me to sing it in Latin! Isn't that neat, Dad?"

"Well, that's great Allie! I'm proud of you and I know it will be beautiful." Nathan grinned proudly at his daughter, even as he wondered silently if taking Latin was still an issue now.

"Miss Bell said I should ask Miss Dugan about any pronunciation questions I have and she will tell her to expect that possibility." Allie added, "I think I'll be okay, but I may ask just to be sure."

"So you are taking Latin, Allie?" Adeli asked innocently, while Nathan held his breath.

"Yes. I am in Latin II, although not with my fellow classmates. But Rachel Samuels and Ellie Blake are in the class and they have been friendly so I don't feel as out of place as I first did. Plus they both told me to ask them for help if I need it, so that's really nice and Rachel helped me after school yesterday." Allie took another forkful of food so missed her father's sigh of relief.

Once everyone had finished dessert and clean-up, Adeli brought out her camera to capture some photos of Nathan and Allie and then had Peter take one of her with Bill and also one with the Grants. Nathan asked if she could take a photo of Peter, Carol, Allie and him and various poses and 'family' combinations were recorded on film. These were memories they all wanted to hold dear and no one but Bill knew Adeli had purchased a few extra photo frames!

As Nathan and Allie walked to their Cottage, they confirmed tomorrow's plans. Bill would accompany Nathan and Allie to get groceries in the morning and Nathan would drop him off, along with some groceries, at Adeli's flat. While Nathan and Allie were with their newest family member, Adeli and Bill would make the evening meal to bring to the Cottage for dinner with Zachary Grant!