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Chapter Fifty-one

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Arrivals and Confessions

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Judge Bill Avery was deep in thought as the train drew near to Hope Valley. In spite of traveling alone and sleeping two nights on the train, Bill had enjoyed the time to think without distractions. He had enjoyed time with Nathan and Allie, however the surprise connection with Adeli had overshadowed his time with the Grants. Bill secretly hoped that when he returned to Regina to spend Christmas with Nathan and Allie, Adeli would be visiting her family in Saskatoon. He wasn't quite ready to give up his bachelor ways nor to spend such an important holiday with divided loyalties!

Looking out the window, he suddenly realized that the Hope Valley station was up ahead. Shaking himself from his reverie, Bill collected his luggage and departed the train mid-morning. Molly had arranged a ride with Jesse who drove Lee's vehicle to the station and stood beside it awaiting Bill's arrival.

"Hey, Bill! Welcome home. How was your trip?" Jesse reached for Bill's luggage.

"It was wonderful to see Nathan and Allie! How is everything in Hope Valley?"

"Mostly the same." Jesse climbed into the driver's seat as Bill settled next to him. "Elizabeth Thornton is getting better. I see her around town more than before. There are some changes in people's lives, but I believe they want to share their own news." He turned a corner. "To your office, right?"

"Great. Thanks for the pick-up, Jesse."

Bill could see movement through the windows as he climbed the stairs, so knocked at his own office door.

A flash of red hair was visible as the door was unlocked. "Bill! Welcome back." Molly stepped back to let Bill in. "Watch that wet part of the floor…" She indicated the side she had just mopped. "Since Elizabeth and the Thatchers were away for a few days I did a thorough cleaning and am just finishing today since we expected your return." Molly picked up the mop and continued as she inquired. "How was your trip? How are Nathan and Allie?"

"The trip was wonderful and the Grants are all doing well. Both are settling-in to their respective academies and have found new good friends and a good church. Lots of changes in their lives!"

Bill wasn't going to share any more about Nathan's family. "Did you say Elizabeth and the Thatchers were away?"

"Yes. Just a couple days and nights. I heard they went to Union City,"

"Wow! She must be improving rapidly." Bill leaned on his desk. "How is everything else? Anything I should know about?"

Molly blushed, bending over the bucket to hide her face as she wrung the mop. "The new teacher has arrived. His name is Ian McNutt…" Molly's voice quieted. "We've had dinner together."

Bill whistled and grinned. "Dinner? As in, he took you for a date?" Bill knew the answer to his question just by catching a glimpse of Molly's blush.

She nodded and admitted, "Twice."

"Whoa! I really did miss things happening in Hope Valley! Will there be a third date?"

Nodding again, Molly whispered. "Friday night."

"Congratulations, Molly. That is wonderful news!" Bill chuckled. "I think you should wear that special dress."

Looking up, Molly laughed. "You mean Florence's wedding dress?"

"Oh… I forgot about that. Well it was yours first. I doubt anyone would mind and you were stunning in that outfit." Changing the subject, Bill inquired about the Café and the new hotel and restaurant.

"The hotel is undergoing restoration and expected to be open in a couple weeks. I don't know about the restaurant. However Minnie and Clara have been swamped and are grateful that Abigail arrived to help!"

"Abigail is here? In Hope Valley?" Bill stood up straight. "I guess I need to get over to the Café right away, then." He carried his luggage and left it on the first few steps up to his apartment, quickly returning to his office. "I think I will head over there now. Thanks for the cleaning, Molly. The place is sparkling."


"Abigail Stanton!" Bill had knocked and entered through the kitchen door. He opened his arms to his business partner and friend. "What a delightful surprise!"

"Hello, Bill!" Abigail gladly hugged Bill as she exclaimed. "It has been too long. So much has changed!"

"That's an understatement" Bill chuckled. "Can you join me for dinner tonight to catch-up?"

"Would you mind if Henry joins us?"

Bill coughed. "I cannot speak as freely, so maybe a picnic lunch in my office tomorrow instead?"

Abigail eyed Bill, trying to assess whether this was his old distaste and distrust of Henry Gowen. Unable to read Bill's face, she agreed to lunch Thursday noon.

"Abigail?" Elizabeth Thornton's voice carried through from the dining room entrance as she hurried towards the kitchen. As the curtain parted, Elizabeth was already in tears.

Hugging tightly, Abigail responded. "Oh Elizabeth, how I have missed you!" She leaned back to look into the eyes of her friend. "How are you?"

"I'm getting better every day, but it is such a delight to see you. When did you get here? How long are you staying? Can you come to dinner tonight? We just got back from Union City, but we'll bring food from here…" Elizabeth pulled Abigail over to the settee. "My parents are here."

"I know! I have plans for tonight and tomorrow lunch, but how about supper tomorrow?" Noticing Elizabeth's disappointment, Abigail assured her. "I am staying for some weeks, and maybe longer, so we'll have plenty of time to catch-up. Right now though, Minnie and Clara need my help, so I can't talk more. Go home and get settled and tomorrow will be here before you know it." Abigail patted Elizabeth's hand. "I can't wait to see you and Jack. I doubt I will recognize him!"

Bill stood to the side, but when Elizabeth turned to depart from the kitchen door, he stepped close and placed his arm around her shoulder. "How are you, my dear?"

"Oh, Bill! You're back! I didn't even see you there." Elizabeth moved her arm around Bill's waist. "When did you arrive?"

They stepped down onto the street. "Just an hour or so ago." Bill repeated his question. "How are you?"

"We had a wonderful time in Union City and I am improving every day. Right now though I am excited to see Abigail although I have also been anxiously awaiting your return, Bill…" She blushed and lifted her face hopefully. "Did you bring anything back with you from Regina?"

"I did. It's back at my office. Shall I deliver it later?" Bill offered.

"May I come with you to get it now? I've been on pins and needles waiting. How are they? Did he seem okay with my letter? How is Allie? I want to know everything you can tell me, Bill. Please!"

"Elizabeth… We both just arrived. I need to get some lunch, stop at the RCMP office, get some supplies at the Mercantile and unpack! How about I bring the letter when I finish my errands and dig it out of my luggage?" Bill responded. "Then I'll deliver it at the row house. Maybe in a couple of hours?"

Sighing, Elizabeth nodded. "I guess a few more hours is okay. If my parents are there, maybe we could go for a walk?"

"How about a ride?"

Elizabeth's face brightened. "Oh yes, please! Shall I meet you at the livery?"

"No. Why don't I saddle Sergeant and meet you at the row house."

"Oh! Thank you, Bill. I haven't been riding since… well, you know… It will be good to be with you as I get back in the saddle. You'll remember to bring the letter?"

"Of course, my dear. I'll meet you as soon as I can." Bill leaned over and kissed the top of her head. "Go get settled now."


Nathan set down the receiver and stood. "Wes, if anyone asks, Peter Collins wants to see me. He said it's Mountie business so I hope I won't be gone too long!" Nathan grabbed his coat and cap, giving the hat-tip salute to his officemate.

"Sure thing. See you later." Wes nodded.

"Hello, Nathan." The Commissioner waved Nathan into his office, then instructed his secretary that they were not to be disturbed. He rounded his desk and locked the door as Nathan sat in the chair before his desk.

Concerned, Nathan inquired. "Is everything alright, Peter?"

"Yes and no, Nathan." He returned to sit behind his desk and folded his hands before him.

"I have something to tell you. To confess really…"

Nathan relaxed against the back of his chair and waited.

"It's all arranged for your parents to stay with Carol and I. She is especially looking forward to getting to know your mother and maybe to be a listening ear if your mother needs that from another woman who knows the whole story." Peter cleared his throat before continuing. "I, on the other hand, am nervous." He looked at Nathan unable to continue.

"Peter? What is it?" Nathan sat straighter.

Peter took a deep breath. "Do you remember I told you I had once met your father?"

Nathan nodded, curious now.

"Nathan, I was the Mountie who arrested him that first time. When you were ten…." Peter paused to let this information sink in.

Nathan's face paled. "That was you?" Even as he voiced the question, Nathan's skilled investigative mind suddenly made a connection that he had never thought of previously. He gasped. "Peter!" Sudden understanding illuminated his history. "It was you? And you are the one who sent the money to our family, aren't you? Just like you did to Zachary's mother. You are the one aren't you…?"

Nathan's voice trailed off as he watched Peter's face show his surprise that Nathan had figured it out.

Peter nodded slowly. "I am." By way of explanation, he quickly added. "I felt so awful seeing you and your sister watch me arrest your father and take him away. I vowed to never let children witness that again if it was within my power to avoid it. But you and Colleen were amazing. Your mother too. Although you were all weeping, you were so grateful that I promised to take care of him. You may not remember, but you children hugged me…"

Peter looked down at his folded hands as he fought the moisture forming in his eyes. When he looked back at Nathan, the young man had tears glistening in his own.

"That left a lasting impression." Peter confessed quietly. "You and Colleen melted my heart. I know I should have been more stoic as a Mountie, but I believe God put you on my heart. I knew your father left your family with his debts as well as without a source of income. Carol and I spoke about it and decided to make an anonymous gift. Our hope was that Archer would conquer his addiction and take his role as provider once he got out of prison, so I kept track of him. When he didn't take care of you, we decided to continue to send a monthly gift to your mother. So, yes, it was me, us…"

Nathan sat motionless, but his mind was processing speedily. "The Mountie who inspired me was you, Peter. The Mountie who became a provider to my family was you." He was trying to absorb this news. "I owe my life direction to you." Nathan ran his hand through his hair. "How can I ever thank you?"

Nathan's eyes went wide as he remembered. "And you supported Zachary too!"

As Peter remained silent, he only nodded slightly.

Nathan exclaimed. "How can I ever repay you?"

At this statement, Peter leaned forward and spoke firmly. "You don't. Carol and I gave to God, to meet a need. To help two women who were supporting their families. We had plenty. In fact, it was no sacrifice to us so it really counts little in our favor. We gave from our abundance. In our hearts we were giving back to God."

Nathan shook his head, but remained quiet. After some moments of silence, Nathan recalled what Peter had first confessed. "Why are you nervous, Peter?"

Quietly, Peter responded. "I am afraid your father or mother will recognize me."

"It was a very long time ago, plus a traumatic and very emotional time. I doubt they would." Offered Nathan. "But if they did, would it matter?"

"Think about it, Nathan. Your father finds out someone supported his family when he didn't? He'll be ashamed and I don't want that for him. Especially now when he already has to deal with finding out about his younger son…"

"Dad already knows about the contributions, Peter. Mom told him that was how we could save so much to purchase the ranch." Explained Nathan.

Peter exhaled slowly. "I don't want him to be reminded of how he failed you."

"I guess I understand that, but Dad is handling the situation with Zach very well. I told him what you shared about shame being a blanket we can throw off of ourselves because of what Jesus did on the cross. He found that very helpful." Nathan hesitated momentarily. "Isn't this just more of the same? Dad paid his debt with prison. Once he confessed to the Lord, he can toss away that covering of shame and be free. Plus, God provided the house and Mom's job training horses. We lived frugally, but we never went hungry."

"'I have been young, and now am old; yet have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.'" Peter smiled at Nathan. "That verse is from the Psalms." (*22)

"It's a good one." Nathan took a deep breath. "So do you plan to tell Dad, and Mom? If you don't, may I?"

"I don't intend to tell him, but I won't lie if they ask. I cannot prevent you from telling them, but could you please wait until they return home? I don't want any praise for obeying God's prompting. God deserves the gratitude that Carol and I found out about all of you and that God had provided for us so that we could share. No accolades, Nathan."

"We thank God, Peter. But we also thank you for what you did. I can never thank you enough…" Nathan smiled. "Did you ever read either of my books? One is dedicated to you, you know."

"Carol and I read the dedication a few week ago. It means a lot." Peter admitted. "Thank you, Nathan."

"Thank me!? I am just honored to have had such a noble and generous man as my inspiration and my benefactor." Nathan held Peter's gaze, hoping his look conveyed his depth of appreciation. "Thank you, Peter."


Packing for their trip to Regina, Ruth and Archer Grant decided on the clothing to bring. Archer brought two good suits with changeable ties and three waistcoats. He wanted to look sharp for his sons. "I hope we'll get to see Depot while Zachary is busy in classes. I want to see where Nathan works, don't you?"

"It's a short visit, Arch, but I would love to if we have the time. I'd like to see Allie's Academy too, but that may just be too much." Ruth admitted, before voicing a concern. "Do you feel awkward staying with the Mountie Commissioner? I mean, we don't know the Collins couple."

"With how they have treated Nathan and Allie, I don't think I feel awkward. They have welcomed them into their family according to what Nathan and Allie have written, so we will expand that!" Archie chuckled. "Expanding families seems to be what God is doing a lot for us!"

"True. I just wonder if my clothes will measure up to the wife of a Commissioner. I don't want Nathan or Allie to be ashamed of us." Ruth confessed. "I'm nervous."

"Ruth Grant! You are a beautiful woman and what you wear will hardly be noticed. You will outshine any woman around you!" Archie assured his wife.

"Well, you have to say that, Archie. You love me… and you know what they say about love being blind?!"

"I assure you, I see every sparkle in your blue eyes and every curve of your sweet smile… Not to mention other lovely curves." Archie grinned and his eyes twinkled as he wiggled his eyebrows.

"Archer Edward Grant!" Ruth feigned shock at her husband's teasing. "You are too much… and I am being serious."

Archie went over to his wife, wrapping his arms around her waist. "Ruthie, I am being serious too. You are beautiful inside and out and I am privileged that you said yes to me so many years ago, and stuck with me for all the trying years thereafter. I love you, you know." Archie bent to kiss Ruth then added. "And I thank you for forgiving me so many times and for accompanying me on this journey. I wouldn't want to do it without you and I pray God helps you with everything we encounter this weekend. We will face it together. We have each other and the children and we have God with us all." He kissed her nose, then released her as he pointed to a wool suit in her wardrobe. "Make sure to bring that outfit. It matches your eyes."

"Really? I was wondering about that one. I'll wear the navy one to travel, but bring this one too then." She glanced at the alarm clock. "We need to finish up soon you know. Six in the morning will come very quickly."

"It will, but we have all day on the train, so we can nap on each other's shoulders. If we are not too excited, that is!"

Ruth was not sure how much she would be able to sleep, tonight or tomorrow. As she folded her garments, she whispered. "Tomorrow at this time, we will have already arrived!"


(*22) Psalm 37:25 King James Version, Public Domain