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Chapter Fifty-six
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A Memorable Saturday Begins

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Archie and Ruth waved goodbye to their grand-daughter as Archie pushed the wheeled chair to the Cottage. They had met Jane Samuels and her two daughters at the car and been invited to join the Samuels for Sunday's dinner. Thanking Jane and telling her they would call tonight and let her know, they wished the ladies happy shopping and headed to the Cottage.

"Good morning!" Nathan greeted his parents on the porch so he and his father could help his mother take the steps. "How did you both sleep?"

"Very peacefully, Son. God was good to us to allow us to be well-rested. How about you?" Archie handed two canes to Ruth.

"I slept very well too! I was blessed." Nathan winked at his father who grinned at him. "Say, where is this second cane from?"

"Carol found it rummaging through a closet last evening and presented it when we got back. Isn't she sweet? Such a dear..." Ruth laughed as she pointed with her cane. "Oh, and she sent this jar of Saskatoon berry jam along with this tin of scones for our breakfast."

"Carol Collins cannot be outdone!" Nathan laughed as he stepped over to get the basket that had been hung on the back of the wheeled chair. "I don't think she believes that I can cook!"

"Well, she is mothering you when I am not around, Son, and that makes me very happy!" Ruth headed towards the kitchen until Nathan reached to stop her.

"Go right to the table, Mom. Breakfast is ready and waiting. I have to prove to you that Allie and I don't starve!"


Seated at the dining table, Nathan served his famous apple pancakes, hot apple, peach and berry compote, scrambled eggs and sausage, all of which had remained warm in the oven. Settled with coffee and tea, Nathan gave thanks and the family enjoyed Nathan's signature breakfast. "This is Allie's favorite meal. Well, other than freshly caught fried fish or pot pie or chicken salad or scalloped potato and ham, or… she has a lot of favorites! We often cook together now, so that is fun."

"She told me some of the things she is learning in Home Economics too. She will be better prepared to manage a household than I ever was!" Ruth smiled. "We did okay, though, eh, Arch? We learned together!"

"You learned to cook. I learned to eat! Oh, and to wash the dishes according to your standards!" Archie grinned at his wife. "I should say, your very high standards…"

"If the dish water isn't as clear by the end of the washing-up as it was when you began, the dishes are not clean. It's just common sense!" Ruth reminded him.

"Is that where I got that from! I forgot it was you who drilled that into me, Mom!"

Nathan and his parents continued to enjoy teasing and light conversation throughout breakfast, then Archie offered to wash the dishes while Nathan assisted Ruth preparing the pot roast for the evening meal. After browning, and while the roast began to simmer, the potatoes, carrots and onions were prepared, placed in a bowl and covered with a damp dish towel, ready for the roasting pot later in the afternoon.

The next project was a pumpkin pie and when Nathan offered to make the pie crust, Ruth hesitated. "Are you sure, Son? I can do that if you wish."

"Allie and I make pie crust all the time and it is light and flaky and you are going to love it, Mom. You proceed with the pie filling. Let me just get you the spices."

As Archie continued to wash and dry the dishes, he hummed a favorite hymn.

Nathan recognized it and began to sing.

"Dear Lord and Father of mankind, forgive our foolish ways;
reclothe us in our rightful mind, in purer lives thy service find,
in deeper reverence praise, in deeper reverence praise.

Drop thy still dews of quietness, till all our strivings cease;
take from our souls the strain and stress, and let our ordered lives confess
the beauty of thy peace, the beauty of thy peace." (*24)

"Those two verses are appropriate for today, eh?" Nathan asked.

"They are. I love to hear you sing, Nathan. I wish I could take a recording home with me!" Ruth spoke, longingly. "I love listening to your Dad, of course, but your voice is so smooth and strong. You mentioned you'll be singing a couple solos for Advent and Christmas. Do you know which ones?"

Nathan laughed as he shared one would be his favorite carol and another was one of Allie's favorites.

"Maybe we could all sing together tonight, with Zachary?" Archie suggested. "I know he plays the piano, so it is too bad we don't have one, but you could accompany us on the guitar."

"We will keep it in mind, Dad. Good idea."

The remainder of the morning the Grants baked ginger-molasses cookies and two apple cakes, one to share with the Samuels and one to take to supper with Peter and Carol on Sunday. Nathan prepared the tuna fish salad and Archie set the table to be ready for lunch. He opened two cans of tomato soup, commenting that opening cans was his specialty!


Soon it was time for Nathan to go get Zachary at Depot. Archie decided to stay back and wait at the Cottage with Ruth so when his two sons returned, Archie had been watching and opened the door wide.

"Zachary! Come in." Archie was beaming as he shook his hand. "Let me introduce you to your step-mother, Ruth Grant. Ruthie? Meet Zachary. Have you decided what you want him to call you?"

"Mrs. Grant. Pleased to meet you." Zachary set down a tote beside the sofa and stepped over to her to shake her hand, aware of the canes. "Please don't get up."

"Well, if I don't get up, you need to kneel down, Zachary." Ruth opened her arms for a hug. As the young man knelt and responded, Ruth spoke softly. "Would you call me Mom? Or Mama or something like that? As far as I am concerned, I am that to you and you are my young son."

"I would like to call you Mom, the same as Nathan does, if that's okay?" When Ruth nodded and patted his cheek, Zach added. "Thank you so much."

"Let me take your coat, Son, and have a seat. We'll have lunch in a short time." Archie hung the coat on the coatrack and returned to sit in the chair beside the fireplace. Nathan joined Zach on the sofa and seeing them side-by-side, Ruth exclaimed.

"My stars! You are identical! It is amazing…" Her hands on both sides of her face, Ruth stared from Nathan to Zach and back again a few times. "There is no doubt! You are Nathan's brother."

Nathan chuckled and pointed to Zach's open collar. "There is no doubt you are a Grant! It looks like you share the Grant male's aversion to buttoned-up collars!"

"Oh! It's not just me? Mother was always checking to be sure my shirts were buttoned behind my tie. I…"

Nathan and Archie guffawed, heads back and eyes filled with mirth. Once they recovered, Nathan explained. "Dad and I were just talking about that yesterday! We detest tight collars!"

Grinning, Archie moved his necktie to reveal his top button was open and decided to remove the offending article of clothing in the process. "And Nathan shared the challenge of the Mountie serge!" Laughing, Archie added as he carefully set his folded necktie on the coffee table. "A sacrifice you both are making to serve your country!"

"I confess, the top hooks and buttons are opened whenever I can get away with it." Zachary laughed right along and they became even more of a family with that admission.

The Grants enjoyed a simple lunch even as the Cottage became filled with delicious odors from the simmering beef pot roast that overtook the baking odors from the morning's efforts. Zachary and his father offered to wash the dishes which allowed Ruth to put up her feet and Nathan to get a fire started. The Cottage had forced air heat with wrought iron registers in each room, but the ambiance of a fireplace was often enjoyed evenings and weekends. In Hope Valley they'd had a pot-bellied stove with a small window, so watching the crackling fire here was a cozy treat!

Nathan grabbed his coat and work gloves and stepped out the kitchen door with a brass bucket that, along with a set of pokers, a shovel and a dustpan, came with the Cottage. He loaded the bucket with firewood from the stack outside the door so they could replenish the fire throughout the day.

Outside, it was a true November day-a brisk breeze, a mix of sun and fast-moving clouds, and bare trees, prepared for their winter mantle of snow. Inside the Cottage a fire burned in the fireplace and the Grant parents and sons relaxed in the front room, awaiting Allie's return.

Conversations flowed easily with Archie sharing about his family history. His parents emigrated from Scotland and Ireland and met in Nova Scotia. Together with the Grant family, his parents traveled west to settle and farm outside of Medicine Hat. "Although my father, James, and his brother worked the farm in the beginning, my father was absent for much of my youth. When my older brother married and took more responsibility, I left the farm and headed to Calgary to work as a ranch hand. When Ruth and I met and married, we found a position on an enormous ranch where my mathematical skills were eventually discovered and I was hired to keep the books. Both Colleen and Nathan were born on that ranch and those were good days. Our goal was to purchase a ranch of our own so when I learned of a more lucrative job in the town bank I took it. Because Ruth was an experienced horsewoman and trainer, the ranch owner gladly allowed her to work in exchange for us remaining in one of the ranch homes that was a distance from town."

"I thought I could collect more money faster and began to gamble. As you can imagine, I did well, until I didn't. My debts accumulated, creditors got impatient and I began to sell family heirlooms." Archie's voice dropped low. "Eventually I stole funds from the bank, was caught and incarcerated. That first time, Nathan was ten years old. I am ashamed that I left my wife and children with no savings or income."

Archie paused, looking from Ruth to Nathan, then spoke to Zachary again. "I regret that sharing my history includes a great deal of pain. In addition to Ruth working with the horses, the children worked odd jobs on the ranch even though still in school. I know it was hard for them."

"I came home a few times and worked in the General Store for a couple of years until the urge to gamble became too strong and the stealing followed the gambling debts each time. I couldn't keep my promises and I know now that the pain I caused Ruth and the children was great, especially when I sold a special piece of jewelry that belonged to Ruth." Archie sighed and looked down at his folded hands as he shared the next confession. "Eventually I no longer returned home. The last time I was in prison for ten years and I was away when Nathan joined the Mounties and when Colleen died."

Archie, gazed over at Ruth before asking, "Ruth? Do you want to share about the BB?"

"Sure." Ruth adjusted in her seat and began. "Nathan and I were able to negotiate to purchase the house, some nearby barns and surrounding land. It was enough to establish a horse-training, riding school and boarding business and that became, BB Ranch."

"While your father was in prison, Zachary, I managed the business with Nathan's help. We were partners and by working early mornings and after school, Nathan was able to save the cost of one ranch hand. Along with the savings I had managed to keep hidden from Archie, added to the contributions of a benefactor, we built a prosperous business. Colleen's contribution was selling some paintings in Calgary until she met and married Dylan Parks, Allie's father. They left our ranch to establish themselves as a family, but worked for Archie's older brother at the Grant family ranch for a couple of years." Ruth's eyes glistened as she remembered Colleen.

"When Allie was born, they moved back to Calgary and were close enough for me to visit and be involved in Allie's life, but I could see distressing signs of trouble in their marriage. Dylan began to spend more time at the saloon in town, drinking and playing cards. He may have gambled, but his downfall was alcohol."

Ruth sighed quietly. "When Colleen took sick, Dylan disappeared for a long stretch and I brought Colleen and Allie to live at our ranch. By then Nathan had been in the Mounties for a few years, and because of the success of the BB, I had hired a manager and additional employees. Nathan took a leave of absence to be home when Colleen worsened and subsequently died. Dylan visited long enough to attend the funeral and sign parental rights over to Nathan, then he disappeared again. I took care of Allie for a year or so, but it soon became clear that I could not continue to care for a young child when my arthritis worsened, so Nathan took in Allie since he was her guardian. A few years ago, Nathan and I sold the ranch and I relocated into the city, near my widowed sister. Do you want to continue, Archie?"

"Okay, but before I do, are there any questions so far, Zachary?"

"I am sure there will be many in the future, but for now, what is the meaning or significance of the name of your ranch? BB?"

Ruth and Nathan grinned and she nodded at her son. Nathan explained, "The name is 'Buioch Baile' which is Irish for Thankful Home. No one can pronounce it correctly so we shortened it to BB Ranch! The ranch was a true blessing and we were thankful for God's provision." (+++)

"I like that." Just as Zachary spoke footsteps sounded on the porch and Allie burst through the door, laden with shopping bags.

"Uncle Zach!" Dropping the bags, Allie hurried to hug her uncle.

"Hey, my sweet niece! How are you?" Zach stood, returning her hug and they swayed side-to-side for a moment.

Allie tilted her head to look into she uncle's face. "Really, really swell now!"

"So do you have hugs for any other relatives, Allie?" Nathan queried.

"Of course!" Releasing Zachary, Allie leaned over to hug her grandmother, then turned to embrace her grandfather. Coming to envelope her father in a warm hug, she whispered, "Just because I hugged you last doesn't mean I love you less, Dad. Don't worry."

Nathan grinned and returned her hug. "Whew! I was a little worried…" He tweaked her nose. "So, was your shopping trip successful? Did you find a coat?"

"And how! Wait until you see it, Dad! I love it. Do you want me to model it for you?" Allie almost bounced with excitement.

Before Nathan could speak up, his mother exclaimed. "Yes, please, Sweetheart. We would love to see our stylish granddaughter!" Ruth clapped her hands.

"Well! I think she likes her purchase!" Relieved, Nathan chuckled as Allie disappeared down the hallway and into her bedroom.

"Okay! Now close your eyes until I tell you it's okay." Allie's voice came from her room.

Quickly moving to the front windows, Allie twirled as she instructed. "You may open your eyes now! What do you think?"

"Oh my stars!" Ruth gasped. Archie whistled. Zachary clapped.

Nathan sat with his jaw dropped, staring. When he could speak, he questioned, "Allie? Is this really you?"

"Of course, it's me, Dad? Do you like it?"

"I absolutely do, Honey. You just look so much older…" Nathan gulped. "But, you look beautiful and very fashionable! Is this what young women are wearing nowadays?"

"Umm hmm… It's the latest. A collegiate coat! The saleslady said everyone will soon have one of these." Allie unbuttoned the two rows of oversize buttons and showed the shiny lining. "Do you like the charcoal gray, Dad? Oh… wait." Allie stepped to the cabinet beside the door and found a teal cloche which she donned while checking the mirror, and then wrapped the scarf around her neck. "There!" She posed. "Ta da!"

"Oh Allie! That looks lovely with the charcoal grey wool." Ruth was pleased Allie was modeling the knitted hat and scarf she had made for Allie last Christmas. "Perfect."

"Dad? You are so quiet!" Allie went over to her father and stood directly in front of him. "I decided to get the grey so that I can use this teal color as well as the dusty-pink items that Aunt Rosemary gave me." She posed with her hands in her pockets. "Well?"

"Allie, you are stunning. The dark gray is lovely and is a very practical choice as well. I approve." Nathan applauded Allie.

"Oh! There is something more…it comes with an accessory!" Allie was gone and back before you could blink, holding a fur collar in her hand. Removing the scarf, she wrapped the fur around her neck. "Now! It's like having two coats! Isn't this lovely? Rachel got one in dark blue and Aunt Jane bought a fur collar for Sally because she doesn't need a new coat. But we will all coordinate!"

"Allie!" Nathan was suddenly wondering. "Did Aunt Jane stay within the budget? All of this looks very expensive…"

Laughing, Allie explained, "Oh Dad, don't panic. This coat was on a re-sale rack, but it still has the original tags. It's never been worn. We came in under budget so I got a couple pairs of black wool stockings. Oops…" Allie blushed. "I shouldn't talk about that with men around. Sorry…"

"Don't worry, Allie-girl. We are all family and we are happy to know you will be keeping warm." Archie assured her. "Come let me feel that fancy fur…"

"Thank you, Grandpa and Grandmom for the birthday money for the coat." Allie kissed her grandfather's cheek, then did the same for her grandmother. "I will think of you when I wrap it around me. You know, like a warm hug!" Allie demonstrated happily before returning to her bedroom.

After displaying a new cranberry velveteen dress she purchased for use during some Christmas events, Allie returned to the front room and sat between her father and her uncle. "Tell me what have you been up to?"

"Let's see… Baking, cooking, washing-up, eating lunch, talking about family history for your uncle… Did I miss anything?" Nathan looked around and everyone else just nodded. "I guess that covers it all, Allie. Oh, we were learning that your uncle taught the young men's Sunday school class."

"I also assisted with the Youth Group, Allie," Zach added, "So I have some idea of what yours may be like. Are you enjoying it?"

"I am. A lot! Mr. B. is funny, but he gets good points across. We've been discussing not conforming to the world by not letting others decide our actions. You know, don't be pressured by them. Make your own decisions to follow and obey God."

"That's a wise lesson to learn so young." Archie stated. "Take it to heart, Allie."

"I think that is the way Dad has always taught me." Allie explained. "We have to choose our own actions. When we forgive people even though we want to get mad at them? We avoid letting their actions decide ours, right?"

"That is right, Sweetheart. No matter what others choose to do or say. We base our actions and words on what God teaches us." Ruth agreed. "What else goes on in Youth Group?"

"We sing a lot and sit around in a big circle and play group games or have a snack." Allie thought. "Oh! And we plan for special service projects. We are serving Christmas cookies and singing carols at the old age home. Did I tell you that, Dad? Aunt Jane said that I can help Sally, Rachel and her bake lots of cookies to take. Is that okay?"

"Sure. I just need to add the date to the calendar, Honey. Life in Regina requires me to keep track of my young social butterfly!" He gave his half-smile with a twinkle in his eyes. "It is a lovely thing to do though. Will you bring cards or make gifts or…?"

"Dad! That is a great idea. No one said anything about that, but we could all make Christmas cards so everyone in the home has one. I'll have to ask about that. Thanks!"

"Didn't you say something about helping the little children in the Christmas Eve service?" Ruth reminded Allie.

"Oh, right. We'll help with the pageant." Allie smiled. "You know showing the little ones where to stand and keep them from getting distracted! I love working with little children. Like Jack right, Dad? I used to help Laura with Mrs. Thornton's son sometimes. He calls me Owl-ie. He is so cute…"


(*24) Dear Lord and Father of Mankind, Words by John Greenleaf Whittier, 1872. Tune by Frederick C. Maker, 1887. Public Domain

(+++) Buioch (means Grateful) is pronounced Bwee'-och, and Baile (meaning Home) is pronounced Bah'-leh.