Chapter Forty-five
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Good Friends
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After a quick lunch in the Mess, Nathan and Jon Samuels took a walk at Nathan's request.
"What's on your mind, Nathan?" Jon inquired as they headed down the front steps of the office block.
Nathan took a deep breath and began. "I need to bring you up to date on news in my family, Jon. While in the stables the other day, Maxon called out 'Grant.' Thinking he was calling me, I responded. But there was another Cadet Grant who responded as well…" Nathan explained Maxon's comment about looking like brothers. "When I looked at Zach I was astonished. We look very much alike! When I asked the young man his name, he said, 'Zachary Archer Grant.'"
"Jon, my father's name is Archer." Nathan glanced at his friend, then explained. "In the course of conversation I learned that Zachary never knew his father, but his mother had named him with his father's name as his middle name. It turns out that Zach's father and his mother had a one-night relationship and then his father left town, Edmonton."
Nathan looked up at the sky before continuing. "It sounded as though my father was his father which meant my father had been unfaithful to my mom. I had to wait to call my father after he returned from work, so I went for a walk to try to absorb the shocking news. Jon, I got physically sick to my stomach and sobbed until there was no food in my stomach and no tears left to weep. When I called my father I asked if he had ever been with a woman twenty-one years ago in Edmonton."
Nathan relived the conversation. "When Dad asked how I knew that, I told him you have another son. I met him today."
Nathan looked back at Jon as he inhaled sharply. "I know. Out of the blue I learned I have a younger brother. When you see him you will have no doubt. I confided in Peter that evening to find out how to get permission for Zach to spend some time with Allie and me this past weekend. Peter directed me to Tim who arranged for time for me to tell Zach what I learned from Dad and to spend the afternoon and evening with us yesterday."
Jon reached his hand over and placed it on Nathan's upper arm, stopping them both. "Nathan! What about your mother?"
"Dad had already confessed his indiscretion to Mom and after I called he told her about Zachary." Nathan nodded. "I talked to her and she was in as much shock as the rest of us, but ready to welcome Zach into our family." Nathan shook his head. "She is a saint."
"And did you tell Allie?"
"I told Allie the night I found out. She's an amazing young woman, Jon. She knows right from wrong, yet can forgive her grandfather, be concerned for her grandmother and for me as well! Children of Mounties that serve within a small community learn the facts of life at a young age, so I didn't need to explain much for her to figure it out. She got very excited to learn that she has a 'real' uncle though!"
Jon chuckled. "I bet she did! And how are you doing, Nathan? Suddenly you went from being the only son to being an older brother to another son!"
The men began to walk again as Nathan answered. "God must be giving me grace and peace, because I am doing okay. I mean I feel somewhat drained today as Saturday was a full and an emotional day for me."
"Zach came for lunch with Allie and me, then while she did homework I told Zach our family history, about Dad's gambling and serving time for theft. I told him about Colleen and Dylan and my adopting Allie. Zach told me about his life with his mother, who was a caregiver for his great aunt, and how he was raised. His mother's father was a Mountie! All of his relatives are deceased so he's been alone for the past year, closing up the house and selling things. At twenty!"
"Oh? So his mother died? Was she ever married or does he have siblings? It can get so complicated…"
"No, his mother never married and it sounds as though the night with my dad was her one and only time of intimacy, so, mercifully, no siblings. She raised Zach in the church and with good morals, confessing the wrong she had done once he was old enough to understand. She always spoke well of our father though."
"In the evening, Bill, Adeli, Allie and me shared dinner with Zach and surprised him with a birthday cake and gifts. His birthday is next Saturday! Twenty-one." Nathan chuckled. "Jon, I confess it felt so good to bless him and welcome him into the family. I see God's fingerprints all over this, you know?"
"Mom and Dad are planning to visit in about ten days, for a long weekend. Tim, without knowing every detail, has been so kind. He arranged for Saturday with us and he will allow Zach to have some leave when Dad and Mom come to visit as well."
"I wanted you to know the truth, Jon, but we are not telling everyone. Mom suggested we drop the 'half-' and just introduce him as my brother and Allie's uncle from Edmonton. No one needs to know more than that. So, if you want to tell Jane in private, that's fine, but please don't tell the children or anyone at Depot or at church? We want to protect Zach and Allie and Dad from gossip and judgement and stigmas. You know how people can be…"
"Absolutely. I will honor your confiding in me, Nathan, and it means a lot that you are trusting me with this private information. I agree and understand the need to protect everyone… for very good reasons."
"Thank you, Jon. And your prayers are welcome as we navigate the coming weeks too!"
Nathan found Sergeant Maxon in the Sergeant's office as Nathan was on his way back to his desk. He knocked, entered and gave him a sharp salute.
"Sergeant Grant! How are you?" He motioned Nathan to a seat across the desk.
"I am fine now, Maxon. Thank you for your understanding the other day, but I need to ask something else of you."
"Name it."
"I cannot disclose details, but you were correct in your assessment that Cadet Zachary Grant and I are brothers. Actually half-brothers. To protect him, my father and my daughter we are not naming him as 'half-' anything, just as my brother who lived in Edmonton. May I ask you please to keep what you heard and saw the other day in confidence? I hope you haven't said anything to anyone already?"
"No. I haven't mentioned it to anyone. It seemed like a sensitive issue and you were so shocked." Maxon reassured Nathan. "I am glad to know that you have found each other though and I truly hope you will find your new family member a blessing. I can say that I am impressed with Cadet Grant and believe him to be a young man of integrity and one who goes above and beyond what is required. Not to gain favor, but rather because he is dedicated to being the best Mountie he can be and that is refreshing!" The Sergeant added, "You have my word that I will keep your confidence."
"Thank you so much, Maxon." Nathan stood to salute again. "Have a good afternoon."
Returning the salute, Maxon responded, "You as well, Grant."
When Faith Carter saw Elizabeth for a check-up, she invited Elizabeth to lunch at either the Café or the Barbershop with Fiona. "You may chose the location in which you are most comfortable, Elizabeth, but we want to connect with you again."
"Oh, really?" Elizabeth gulped. "I don't think I have much to offer, but I would enjoy lunch if we could eat in the Barbershop? I am not ready to face all of the citizens of Hope Valley, no matter how concerned they may be. Are you thinking of today?"
After a brief meeting with Joseph and then checking-in with her parents, Laura and Jack, Elizabeth was driven into town by Hudson who was picking up some lunches at the Café.
Elizabeth timidly knocked on the door of the Barbershop and when welcomed to come in, entered to find a beautiful table set with a lacy cloth, china and a vase of dark orange, bittersweet berries, some of which were opening and surrounded by deep golden petals. "Oh! How lovely!"
"Elizabeth!" Fiona was in front of her in a moment's time and opened her arms for a hug. "You are a sight for sore eyes. Thank you for coming!"
Elizabeth giggled. "Thank me? Thank you for inviting me! Hi Faith." She returned Faith's hug as well. "This is so thoughtful."
As Elizabeth's eyes glistened, Faith chided her. "Now, no tears allowed unless they are happy ones!" She laughed. "At least we will try to keep tears at bay. Have a seat."
Fiona offered coffee or tea while Faith handed Elizabeth a plate of small sandwiches, cut in eighths of differing shapes.
"These are not as elegant as tea sandwiches, but we'll just make believe because they are small. I didn't know what kind you would like, so take your pick of the variety." Faith offered.
Once each of the ladies had a few small sandwiches on their plates, along with some celery and carrot sticks, Faith offered to give thanks and they began to share their meal and conversation.
"I see Laura bringing Jack to the Mountie office a lot. He is growing up so fast, Elizabeth! It's amazing. He even says 'Hi, Miss Fiona' when he sees me! It's so cute!"
"Oh? I'm so glad to hear that. Does he call you Dr. Faith?" Elizabeth inquired, proud of her little boy. "That's what we call you at home."
"He does indeed and he likes to stop in to see the Infirmary and all the bottles and jars. No candy in there, although Paul said there is a stash of candy in the RCMP office?"
Elizabeth laughed. "Yes! Paul is continuing Nathan's tradition of the 'candy drawer!' Of course I understand that Paul didn't have much choice!"
"That was such a sweet thing for Nathan to do. I wonder if other children received treats as well?"
"I have no idea. I never thought about it. But Jack has a soft spot for Nathan and I think Nathan did for him as well." Elizabeth became quiet and looked down at her food.
Deciding to be bold, Fiona questioned. "Have you adjusted to Nathan and Allie being gone?"
Faith raised her eyebrows at Fiona's boldness, but Fiona just nodded. She felt honesty and openness would help Elizabeth and Elizabeth's response proved her correct.
"I don't know if I will ever feel adjusted, but I am resigned to it. I miss them both terribly, but I know they had to leave and I am glad they did."
"Glad?" Faith inquired, surprised.
"Yes. If they hadn't I wouldn't have realized how I had changed over these past few years. Plus I might have gone ahead and made the mistake of marrying Lucas. So, for those reasons I am glad Nathan left. It was what awakened me, shocked me really." Elizabeth spoke softly and looked from Faith to Fiona.
"I see!" Fiona commented, pleased with Elizabeth's insights. "What do you mean you changed?"
"I am ashamed to admit, but I haven't been a very good friend to most of you. I ignored and showed little interest in some of my closest friends and was very unkind. I am trying to correct that though, with God's help. I want to be kind and gentle and loving and a good listener. I am in the midst of writing some apologies that I hope will be believed." Elizabeth sighed. "I just hope Nathan will believe me… But enough about me, how are you, Fiona? Is the Barbershop busy?"
Fiona took the cue and discussed her latest trip to see her family in San Francisco and how she had withdrawn from working at Gowen Petroleum. "The Barbershop is doing well, but I am thinking about doing more photography. Maybe offering portraits and using half of the Shop here for that purpose? I plan to give it a trial run in a week or so. You know, before Christmas. I'm placing an advertisement in the Valley Voice's next edition." Fiona shrugged her shoulders.
"I've enjoyed a few dinners out with Mike, but we fit better as friends. I encouraged him to get to know Katie Yost!" Fiona grinned. "Ask Faith with whom she has enjoyed some dinners!"
"Fiona!" Faith protested as she blushed.
"Oh, do tell, Faith. I am so out of date with the happenings in town!" Elizabeth smiled as she finished another small sandwich. "Who?"
"Well, I guess it isn't a secret… Dr. Ben and I have seen each other a few times." Faith's blush deepened.
"Really? Faith! That is wonderful and he is a lovely man, although I am not getting to know him that well since his questions are directed to me. But, if this develops what about the distance? Eventually he won't have to stay for me." Elizabeth confessed worriedly.
"Right now, we are just enjoying getting to know one another, so no future plans have been made. I have mentioned that I am committed to Hope Valley and he didn't seem to balk at that. We'll see. He is a lovely man though…" Faith Carter looked dreamily out the window.
"See? Elizabeth, it's a good thing you met us for lunch!" Fiona laughed. "Things are happening in town!"
While Allie read her book, Nathan opened his mail.
Rosemary had written a newsy note about Hope Valley. She mentioned the imminent opening of the new school and the arrival of the new male teacher. She added that some of Allie's friends could still be seen moping around town, missing her.
She wrote about how well Elizabeth was doing and how their friendship had been restored and was better than before. "Deeper, Nathan. More thoughtful and reciprocal. She is more like the old Elizabeth I first grew to love. Well, that is after she was with Jack and I was with Lee! It is refreshing and I wish you could see her now. In my opinion, she even looks prettier!"
"Oh Nathan," She wrote. "This is *BIG* news! The Saloon has changed hands and the town council thoroughly vetted the new owners!" In typical Rosemary fashion, even her letters had stars and exclamation points. The next sentence had those and a few arrows as well. "Mike's parents have purchased the Saloon and will name it *The Hope Hotel*!" Nathan laughed and counted the exclamation points. He could just hear Rosemary's excitement. "The first floor will be *Hickam's Restaurant* and they have agreed to install a small stage near the stairwell, so they can host live musicians! It is not a playhouse, but it is a start!"
"What is so funny, Dad?" Allie watched as Nathan laughed reading the letter.
"Listen to this and just picture Aunt Rosemary saying it." Nathan read the news and laughed again. "She has used fifteen exclamation points in just five sentences!"
Allie grinned. "That sounds like Aunt Rosemary! But, didn't I tell you that, Dad? I'm sorry. Opal told me in my last letter. We must have been too busy with Uncle Bill and Aunt Adeli. It is good news that the Saloon is gone though, isn't it?"
"Very good news indeed." Nathan smiled, happy for the town.
A light knock sounded and Bill entered the Cottage. "Hey there! Thought I would stop in for a bit before bedtime. I missed you all today." Bill welcomed Allie's hug. "Tomorrow I'll have lunch with Adeli so we can share dinner together, okay?"
Bill settled himself on the opposite end of the sofa from Nathan. "So, what are you doing?"
"I am reading news from Rosemary. Evidently the Saloon has been sold?" Nathan raised an eyebrow at Bill.
Bill colored. "Oops! Didn't I tell you that? It was a strong possibility when I left as I did some background investigating on the new owners until I found out who they are. Are you sure I didn't tell you this?"
"Evidently I am the last to know! Allie knew, you knew and no one told me! Thank the Lord for Rosemary!" Nathan laughed, waving the letter. "That just shows you how distracting a certain Miss Foster can be!"
Bill laughed. "Well yes, of course. She's a beauty. I won't deny it!"
Nathan glanced back at the letter as he spoke. "Anything else you've forgotten to tell me?"
"No. But does she say anything about Elizabeth?" Bill asked innocently.
Allie drew in a sharp breath, watching her father closely.
Nathan scanned the rest of Rosemary's part of the letter and in Lee's part saw Elizabeth's name. He straightened as he read it, then looked up. "Lee says Elizabeth is making steady improvement, has been back to church although she arrives late and leaves quickly, and can be seen walking with her parents and with Jack." Nathan looked up at Bill. "Rosemary said their relationship is better. She used the word 'refreshing!' So, I guess that is an improvement?"
"I'll say. Glad to hear it. Lee say anything about Paul or Mountie business?" Bill asked.
"No, but I doubt he would. He knows the town is in good hands so he doesn't need to double check with me, Bill!"
"True, but I'm not there." Bill explained. "Did he say anyone misses me?"
With a twinkle in his eye, Nathan glanced at Allie, then back to the letter. He pointed his finger in the middle of it. "Well, actually, he says that Paul had to break up a disturbance outside the Judge's office. Seems as though some very impatient people were beating on the door, clamoring for court dates!" He glanced at Allie, who was grinning, and continued. Pointing to a different part of the page he teased, "Oh, and here. It says that people miss seeing your horse around town. Not you, just Hero." Nathan gave a side glance to Bill who was grinning.
"Hahaha…" Bill picked up a throw pillow and tossed it at Nathan…
Returning to his office after supervising a class on Tuesday morning, Nathan found a note on his desk from his officemate. 'Pastor Joseph called and asked you to call his home at your convenience. Nothing urgent! Wes'
Glancing at the clock, Nathan knew he could make the call as soon as he grabbed a cup of coffee. "Joseph!"
"Nathan, my brother. How are you?" Exclaimed Joseph.
"I am well, thank you and you? How is everyone in Hope Valley?"
"Everyone misses you and Allie. I frequently have a very disheartened daughter at the dinner table at night. Angela perks up when she gets a letter from Allie or the other girls share news, but there is no substitute for Allie's high spirits! How is she adjusting, Nathan?"
"Amazingly well. She has met a few 'bosom friends' and is enjoying some courses not available in Hope Valley. She's also in Chorus and thoroughly enjoying that and preparing for a solo for an upcoming Christmas concert. She is in a Youth Group at Knox Presbyterian and loving that as well. You know though, she was just bragging about her friend, Angela, who plays the piano so beautifully back in Hope Valley. I confess I miss hearing Angela's music too!"
"Well, I will be certain to tell her that! That will cheer her." Joseph smiled into the telephone. "So are you settled-in to the Instructor position? Is it a good fit?"
Nathan looked out the window at the cloudless autumn sky. "It is, Joseph. The Commissioner promised it was a stepping stone in my career, but it is enjoyable. In addition to supervising other instructors and advising on ways to improve the lessons. I am also writing and rewriting some manuals. I do miss being out on rounds, but I'm trying to ride Newtown a few times a week."
"Oh? I thought you would teaching, not supervising. I suppose though if you can share the knowledge you've gained as a town Constable, that is a good use of your field experience. Have you made some friends too?"
Telling Joseph about Peter and Carol, Jon and Jane Samuels, his officemate, Wes, Isaac and some female teachers who sing in the choir he plans to join, Nathan explained he was finding friends.
He then explained, "Regarding instructing rather than oversight, I do both. I am a guest instructor at times, but not responsible for the entire class all semester. Classes in Tracking and Horsemanship are my specialties and I share responsibility for the content as those are taught in each separate Troop throughout the year. You see there is a new Troop of Cadets that arrive every month and stay for six months. The advantage to me is great variety. I rarely do the same thing two days in a row! It's a good challenge and I do feel at home here now."
"Interesting. Grateful God opened this opportunity! I heard you mention some ladies?"
Laughing, Nathan responded. "So you did!"
Joseph laughed as Nathan finished his sentence. "Is that all you are going to give me?"
"I'm afraid there isn't any more to tell. Allie thinks two of the women are interested in me! I think that is a first for me, but I'm not in a place to do anything about their interest."
"And why is that, Nathan?"
Nathan coughed and cleared his throat. "I can't deny this to you, of all people, Joseph, but Elizabeth Thornton is still in my heart. It wouldn't be fair to go on dates with others right now."
"Mmmm hmmm. Maybe group gatherings to get to know them as friends?" Suggested Joseph. "Elizabeth is improving incredibly fast and I am impressed that she forges ahead of Dr. Ben and my current assignments. She is surprising both of us, in a very good way! But getting to know some other women, might help solidify what you can and cannot give to Elizabeth. Just a thought though, from your old pastor-friend. I want you to find love and happiness, Nathan. You deserve it. And if it is with Elizabeth, that would be wonderful, but you have been waiting for a long time so knowing your own heart and mind is essential." It was Joseph's time to clear his throat. "That's not why I called though. You came to mind as I was praying this morning and I had a strong feeling I needed to call you today. Anything unusual going on?"
"Whew, Joseph! Right to the point! There is something… Huge news that we're adjusting to in my family. There's no easy way to say this, Joseph, but I have a younger brother, Zachary…"
Nathan explained how they discovered each other, how his father hadn't known, how Zach was a Cadet but all alone in the world yet God had brought them all together… He described their family gathering and celebrating Zach's birthday and how the Chief Superintendent had allowed time for them to get together. He described their decision to not reveal the details except to a select few, but to let the distance between Edmonton, Hope Valley and Calgary be the reason they hadn't been together.
Joseph listened dumbfounded.
"Dad and Mom are coming next week to meet him. So you can guess the many prayer requests regarding that! The thing is, I really appreciate Zach. I heard from one of his instructors that he is highly thought of and a conscientious, thoughtful man. He was raised well, Joseph, and brought up in the faith too. He is a gift to us and, I'm fairly certain, we are a gift to him." Nathan paused. "Isn't it amazing what God has done? Beyond what we could even have imagined!"
"Pardon my silence, Nathan, but this is just so… amazing! And God's timing to have you there when he is training and he can fit into your family! Incredible…" Joseph continued. "Ahhh… so Bill has met him then?"
"Oh yes, Bill and Adeli. Our family has expanded, Joseph, and here Allie and I thought we would just be our little family unit here in Regina. By the way, please do not tell anyone in Hope Valley? Well, if you must tell Minnie, but please make sure no one overhears and she knows to keep our confidence? If I am with someone in person and they should know, I will share privately, but this is not information to circulate around the town. I won't commit this story to paper either."
"Of course, Nathan. Pastoral confidentiality, and you know Minnie will be praying for you too." Joseph chuckled to himself. "Whoever you do share this with? I hope they are awed by God's work. Ummm… Who is Adeli?"
"I'll let you ask Bill upon his return. I believe it is another God-be-praised story."
