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Chapter Fifty

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Dad.

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Bill joined Nathan and Allie for an early breakfast since his train departed mid-morning. They would drop off Allie at school, then head to the station and have a final hour to converse before the departure.

"So how was Youth Group, Allie-girl?" Bill queried as he sipped his coffee.

"Really good, Uncle Bill. Mrs. B. made cupcakes for the two November birthday people, but included me because they missed celebrating my birthday in October. Wasn't that nice?"

"It was very thoughtful. So, let's see now, how many celebrations did you have this year, Sweetheart?" Bill teased. "Sounds like too many to count, eh?"

"So many I think I am tired of cake! We'll have to have some pies for dessert now, Dad! We are learning to bake pies this week in Home Ec. so maybe I will pick up some hints to improve on ours!" Allie giggled at the look on her father's face.

"Our pies need improvement? I always thought we were good at pies!" Nathan made believe he was pouting by pushing out his lower lip.

"I knew you would do that, Dad! I know our pies are good. One of our specialties, but, maybe I can learn a new type of pie? We make apple and pumpkin and mincemeat at Christmas and blueberry and cherry and… what else?"

"Chicken Pot Pie?" grinned Nathan. "I think we are already experts, right Bill?"

"I have to admit, you do make good pie crust!" Bill admitted. "It's not an easy skill to master. At least it wasn't for me! Did I ever tell you about the shoe-leather pie I once made?"

Allie's eyes widened.

"Shoe-leather, Bill?" Nathan laughed. "Do tell!"

"I planned to make it to surprise my grandmother. I had watched her many times and thought, 'How hard can it be?' I had a bowl of blueberries I had labored to pick in the hot sun and decided to go at it alone."

"First, I added lots of flour and then, when it was too dry, I added lots of water, then more flour because it was too wet... I had a bowl full of dough when I remembered that it didn't look smooth until it was kneaded. So I kneaded it and kneaded it and kneaded it some more. Finally I rolled it over and over and over again until I thought the crust was good enough to place it in the pie plate. It hung over the edges so I trimmed it, forgetting to leave enough of the edge to crimp."

Bill laughed and held up his hand. "Then I added the blueberries, butter, sugar, spice and arrowroot, placing the top crust over it all. I tucked in the edges, although it wasn't pretty, but at least I remembered to cut slits! When it came out of the oven it smelled wonderful and looked delicious, but when my grandmother tried to cut it, it was tough as shoe-leather. Basically, inedible!" Bill smirked. "We salvaged the insides and slathered the blueberries on pieces of toast!"

"Oh, Uncle Bill! That's so disappointing! How old were you?" Allie felt so bad she couldn't even laugh.

Nathan, on the other hand was chuckling and grateful for another story to use to tease Bill in the future.

"I was thirteen. Just old enough to know a few things, but not old enough to know it all!" Bill laughed.

"It's a good thing Clara was good at baking, Bill!" Nathan grinned.

"Not just that, but I can tell you I didn't eat blueberry pie for a long time and I never again picked blueberries! I found a way out of it every time!"


When Nathan parked the car in front of St. Anne's Academy, Bill got out to give Allie a final goodbye hug. "It has been a treat to see you again, Sweetheart! Hope Valley just isn't the same without you, but I hope to be back for Christmas if your Dad will have me!" Bill kissed the top of Allie's head as she held him tightly. "Now, you enjoy your classes and the concert and take care of your Dad, okay?"

Allie nodded, but her voice was shaky. "I will. I love you, Uncle Bill." She raised her face to look into his. "And you really are a 'real' uncle too, you know."

That affirmation left Bill Avery speechless, so he just squeezed her again until she backed away enough to tug on his collar and bring him down so she could kiss his cheek.

"Bye, Allie-girl." Bill wiped the corner of his eye. "I love you too!"

"I know. Bye, bye, Uncle Bill."

"Bye, Dad. Have a good day!" Allie blew a kiss to her father and waved at both men before turning and running to the steps.

"What?" Nathan asked as he looked at Bill's face when he got back in the car.

"She just told me I really am a 'real' uncle too!" Bill looked ready to cry. "She is so special…"

Moved by Allie's inclusion of Bill once again, Nathan just whispered, "She is a special one, that's for sure."

"So you have all of our letters, Bill?"

As Bill nodded, Nathan continued. "Thanks again for being our carrier! Please greet everyone for both Allie and me? And hopefully you can report we are finding our place here in Regina and we are happy."

"That's for sure. I will give everyone a glowing report of Allie's doings and of your accomplishments as well, Nathan. Everyone will be glad to hear it. Shall I add that you miss everyone as well?" Bill gave Nathan a pointed look. "Or at least a few certain people?"

"Say what you think is right to say, Bill. I trust you." Nathan patted Bill on his back. "And do let me know your plans for Christmas, okay? Even if Adeli has to be with her mother, we still want you with us!"

"I'll let you know." Bill opened his arms for a hug. "Thanks for everything and take care, Son. Keep your heart open. I'm praying for you."

"I know, Bill. Thanks. And you are in my prayers as well."

After exchanging hugs, Bill picked up his suitcases and boarded the train for Hope Valley.

Nathan stayed to see the train leave the station before turning to head back to Depot. He shook his head as he reflected on all that had transpired in the past few weeks. 'Life has not been dull since we came to Regina! And now Mom and Dad will be here soon!"'


On his way back to the office, Nathan detoured to see Adeli in the Headquarters building. "Good morning! Do you have a moment?"

"Of course." Adeli motioned Nathan to the seat in front of her desk. "Is everything alright? Did Bill get off okay?"

"Oh yes. We shared a nice breakfast with Allie and now he is on his way back to Hope Valley. Listen. I have a favor to ask you. Would you be able to bring your camera here in the next day or so and take a photo for me? I would like to have one for my parents. If possible to take back with them." Nathan began to reach for his billfold. "I will gladly pay you for the trouble and of course, pay you for the film and developing."

"Put your money away, Nathan. I would be glad to. Maybe tomorrow at lunch? You can let me know the best time as I can be flexible." Adeli assured a very happy Nathan.

"Thank you so much. You'll be making a few Grants very happy!"


Back in his office, Nathan lifted the receiver of the ringing telephone. "Sergeant Grant. How may I help you?"

"Nathan? It's Zach."

Sitting up straighter, Nathan responded. "Hey there. Is everything alright?"

"Oh yes. Sergeant Maxon is letting me use a telephone in the office. I got a letter from our father. He and your mother are coming for the weekend. Did you know that?"

"I do know that. Shall I make the arrangements for another day of leave for you, or do you want to request that?"

"Would you mind?" Zach requested. "You know the Chief Superintendent."

"I will be glad to. I'll see if we can have the same arrangement as last time." Nathan paused. "Hey, would you be able to meet me for a few minutes tomorrow during your lunch time? I have an idea. It won't take long."

After arranging the time, Nathan asked. "How are you holding up?"

"I am trying not to show my excitement for all this, but I think I am smiling all the time! So far though, no comrades have quizzed me." Zachary paused. "Still, I have moments of unbelief and amazement!" Zachary cleared his throat. "Nathan? He signed my letter, "Dad."


William knocked on Elizabeth's and Jack's adjoining hotel room door in Union City. "Everything okay, Bess? We can have an early lunch in the dining room as soon as you are ready?"

The door opened to a surprised Elizabeth. "You haven't called me Bess since I was young, Father!"

"Oh! Did I say, Bess?" William scrutinized his daughter's face. "Do you mind?"

As Jack pushed his way past his mother's skirt and headed towards his Grandmommy, Elizabeth responded. "No. I always liked your name for me, Father. I just always thought I should call you Dad when you used it."

Surprised, William responded. "I would be delighted if you did call me 'Dad.'" He grinned.

Returning her father's grin, Elizabeth whispered. "Okay, Dad. We're ready. Shall we bring our coats with us?"

The Thatchers, Thorntons and Hudson spent the afternoon perusing Union City's fine stores while enjoying the brisk air and warm sunshine between stops.

Hudson and William shared the care of Jack, spending some time in a toy store and the Library, where they whispered stories from a couple of children's books new to Jack. No librarian corrected their behavior as Jack charmed them with his smiles and waves whenever they looked his way. Jack was having the time of his life!

Meanwhile, Grace insisted that Elizabeth purchase some new winter outfits, including a couple stylish dresses, a traveling suit and some unmentionables. Grace herself chose a couple of outfits that would be appropriate for the upcoming holidays in Hope Valley.

"When I wear these in Hope Valley, everyone will think I am competing with Fiona Miller! She is our most fashion-forward female in town." Elizabeth laughed as she turned, looking over her shoulder to see the back of the dress in the mirror. "I do like them though and not wearing a corset is rather enticing!"

"Who would have thought the day would come when a stylish, lady of high society would do such a thing!" Grace smiled, smoothed the sides of her outfit. "I agree it is nice to breathe freely, although I may still wear the corset under the looser clothing, just not tighten the stays as much!"

After many giggles and decisions in the women's department, Elizabeth and Grace chose some new outfits for an ever-growing Jack in the children's department. They emerged from the store having left their purchases with the store manager and decided to meet the menfolk at their chosen meeting point.

While enjoying a leisurely walk in the park, Jack was especially interested in checking every Mountie they saw. He would approach, tilt his head and shake it disappointed. If the Mountie addressed him, he would stand straight and give his little salute. He left smiles on the faces of numerous men in the red serge throughout the afternoon.

Finally, William asked. "Jack? Are you looking for Mountie Paul?"

Shaking his head, Jack answered. "Oh no. Mountie Paul lives at home. You know in Hope Valley. I'm looking for Daddy."

William stopped in his tracks, squatting in front of his grandson while Elizabeth, Grace and Hudson gathered around. "Jack, Son, your Daddy is in heaven. You know that, right? You won't find him here."

"I know that." Jack said matter-of-factly as he shook his head. "I mean Daddy-Nat'an. He left us. I don't know where he is. I miss him."

William looked up quickly enough to see the shock on Elizabeth's face. She and Grace both gasped, eyes glistening. Grace and Hudson each grabbed Elizabeth's elbows as she seemed to waver. Hudson quickly nudged them towards a nearby park bench and they sank onto the seat.

William tried to recover the situation. "Oh? You're looking for Mountie Nathan? Yes, Mountie Nathan moved away to a city called Regina. That's a long ways away from here though."

Jack reached out and played with the lapel on his grandfather's suit. "A long way from here? From home?" He looked as though he would cry. "Does that mean I can't see him too?"

"Well, Son. I don't know if you might see Mountie Nathan again someday. But I don't think there are any plans for him to return to Hope Valley now. But you have your friend Mountie Paul now, right?"

Jack nodded but added. "I still miss Daddy Nat-an."

William enveloped Jack in his hug while he looked at Elizabeth over Jack's shoulder. William shrugged and with his head, questioned if he would send Jack to her.

Elizabeth nodded and opened her arms to her little boy. She gathered him close and lifted him to her lap. "You miss Mountie Nathan, do you? I do too, my sweet boy. I think he misses you too, but he has a new job so he had to move away. Maybe you'll feel better when we get back to our room and you can hold your Mountie toy?"

As Jack nodded, Elizabeth kissed the top of his head. "Can we gather our purchases and return to the Hotel now? I think it may be time for some dinner anyway."


As soon as they arrived back at the Hotel, Hudson stayed with the packages as the bellhop unloaded the vehicle, while the family made their way upstairs. Upon opening the suite's door, Jack quickly ran to his bed and grabbed his carved Mountie, hugging it tightly. Although he ate and answered questions at dinner, he refused to let go of his Mountie and fell asleep holding him to his chest.

After countless tears, Elizabeth finally slept. However her dreams were of Nathan walking away from her, up the aisle of the schoolhouse towards the open doors, and her heart ached.


After receiving the breakfast that William Thatcher had ordered from room service, the family made plans for the coming day. This day would be devoted to Christmas shopping, so they divided their time to allow Elizabeth and Jack to shop for his grandparents, and Grace and William to head back to the toy store where William had noted some ideas the preceding day. Hudson agreed to accompany whoever had Jack, just in case he was needed.

Thus it was that Elizabeth found herself in the department store, pointing out photo frames to Jack. "Do you like this one or this one for Grandaddy and Grandmommy?" She held two brass frames, both of which she could approve!

Jack, still grasping his Mountie toy, pointed to his preferred frame, so Elizabeth placed it on the counter. "Okay. Now Mommy needs to choose a few more." Finalizing her decision, she handed the stack of photo frames to Hudson, while she held a few more and Jack's hand. They moved to the counter to purchase their finds before looking around at other displays.

Passing the men's department, they stopped to look at neckties and found two for her father. Just as she turned her eye caught a necktie that included all the shades of blue that she remembered from Nathan's eyes. Ever hopeful, Elizabeth decided to purchase it, along with a matching handkerchief for his suit-jacket pocket.

Stopping at the counter for writing implements, Elizabeth purchased quite a few fountain pens. One each for her parents, one for Rosemary with mother-of-pearl inlay and one for Lee with a stripe of black onyx. She chose tortoise-shell pens for Joseph and Dr. Ben, then realized she should get a pen for Bill and for Faith as a thank you for all her loving care. Her final choice was a rich blue pen, unadorned but sold in a stunning box with a blue-marbled fabric lining. Because of the midnight blue color she couldn't resist, this she would add to the other gifts for Nathan that she had been collecting! Hudson had no idea for whom she was purchasing the gifts, nor would he ever ask, so Elizabeth was grateful to make the private purchases, unseen by her family or Ned or Florence in Hope Valley's Mercantile! Looking back, she debated about a slender and more petite pen in purple and decided to get that for Allie, thinking, 'Maybe someday…'

At the jewelry counter, Elizabeth found a string of long beads that would go with one of her new dresses, then decided to get one for her mother and her sisters Julie and Viola. A set of cufflinks with an anchor pattern would be perfect for her father, and she decided to get a plain gold pair for Hudson. She noticed the tie-clasps and chose a matching anchor for her father and a monogrammed 'G' for Nathan. They didn't have any cufflinks with his initial, so Elizabeth's purchases were completed for that department. Between the shopping bag of frames, one for the ties, another filled with boxes of pens and the jewelry, Elizabeth was satisfied with her purchases.

Turning away from the counter, Elizabeth, asked, "Hudson? Do we have time to load these in the car? I can stand here with Jack and wait for you to bring it to meet us?"

"Sure. Let me set them around you on a bench near the door and I'll return as quickly as I can!" Hudson directed them.

Now seated with his mother's undivided attention, Jack commented. "Mommy, this is a big Mercantile, isn't it?" His eyes roamed the chandeliers, shiny brass and wood polished to a mirror finish.

"It sure is!" Elizabeth laughed. "It's pretty isn't it? And crowded too!"

"I guess it's pretty, but I like Mr. Ned and Mrs. Florence better than here."

"How sweet of you to say. Maybe next time we are in the Mercantile you can tell them that? I'm sure they would be delighted with your loyalty!"


Hudson had seen Grace and William and picked them up on his way back for Elizabeth and Jack. William emerged to help Hudson and inquired if they were ready for lunch.

Nodding enthusiastically, Jack offered his opinion with a resounding, "Yes!"

"We saw a lovely Café a block or so away, shall we eat out for lunch?" William suggested. "Afterwards we'll take Jack with us and you can continue working your way down your Christmas list!"


Weather in Regina was becoming colder by the day and Nathan was concerned for Allie. Her old brown coat no longer fit and with the designated money her grandparents had given for her birthday, Nathan wanted her to get her new coat soon. Knowing Carol would gladly accompany her, Nathan hesitted. He wondered if a better person to ask was Jane Samuels. Since she had two teen girls, she would be aware of current styles, good prices and a good fit. He decided to make a quick telephone call.

"Good afternoon, Jane. Nathan here."

"Well hello, Nathan! Is everything alright?"

"Oh, yes, thank you. How are you?"

"Very well."

"Jane, I have a favor to ask. Please tell me if this is an imposition? Allie needs a new winter coat and since the weather is changing rapidly, I would like her to get a coat as soon as possible. She could also use another Sunday dress for winter as she has a couple of upcoming concerts. I would happily take her, but I know nothing about current styles and since you have two young ladies, I wondered if you could take Allie shopping sometime soon?"

"Oh, Nathan! I would love to! I am certain Sally would love to come along. Maybe even Rachel? I am certain we could find a lovely coat at R.H. Williams. Do you have a budget? Or a color preference?"

"No. Just a reasonable, fair price. I want her to look like her peers and feel warm, comfortable and pretty. 'Pretty' seems to be more and more important these days!" Nathan chuckled. "As far as color? Something practical, so a darker color? Not brown because that is what she has now. Ask Allie please, just steer her in the direction of easy to keep clean?"

"Of course. This will be her main winter coat for church and school?"

"Yes. The body of her current coat fits, but the sleeves are too short and maybe the hem is as well?"

"Okay, Nathan. Once we get a satisfactory coat, let me take a look at the current one? Sometimes I can work special tricks to extend the life of a garment! I'll see what I can do." Jane smiled. "Would this Saturday morning be okay with you? I could pick her up at your home, maybe at half-past-nine? I just need to confirm with Jon that he doesn't need the car and can stay with Josh."

"That sounds wonderful! By the way, my parents are coming. I assume Jon told you about my brother?"

"He did Nathan and I am praying for all of you during this adjustment. I believe this can be a wonderful story and a blessing to you all." Jane paused. "Your parents are coming to meet him?"

"Yes. If Allie is not here they can concentrate on getting to know Zach and I will spend some time with Mom so Dad and Zach can have some private time as well."

"Of course! Would you like me to bring Allie home for lunch with us?"

"That might be wonderful, but could I confirm that when you pick her up?" Nathan asked.

"No problem. Maybe you could discuss with them if they would like to join us for Sunday dinner after church as well? You can let me know on Saturday."

"Thank you for your generosity, Jane. Since this is a very short visit, we might want to be alone, but I will gladly let you know. Eventually Allie and I will get back to our Samuels-Grant families' tradition. I really appreciate your friendship and our fellowship as well!"

Jane laughed. "No more than we enjoy you two! So, Saturday at half-past-nine! We'll see you then."

"Thank you for your generosity, and your prayers, Jane." Nathan responded gratefully.