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Chapter Fifty-eight

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Zachary's Family is Expanded

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Zachary was standing at ease in the parking lot, having changed into navy dress trousers and matching waistcoat with a grey striped shirt for the remainder of the day. Dressed in his winter overcoat, he grinned and waved as the Grant vehicle approached.

Archie observed. "He stands just like you, Nathan. Is it your Mountie training?"

Chuckling, Nathan confirmed. "It is the 'at ease' position and it becomes a part of you!"

Zach opened the door on Allie's side as she scooted to the middle of the rear seat. "Hello everyone!"

A chorus of happy greetings rang out as Zachary got into the vehicle.

From behind his back he revealed a bunch of bittersweet he had collected along the edge of the property. "I brought these for Mrs. Samuels, Allie. I was inspired by the arrangement on your mantel. Do you think this is okay? It is frustrating to not be able to get in to the city right now!"

Allie threaded her hand through Zach's arm and beamed at him. "I'm sure Aunt Jane will like them, Uncle Zach. We brought a cake too, although you'll have to have it for lunch and dinner because we made one for tonight too!"

"I'm guessing it will be delicious, so no problem, Allie!" Zach grinned down at Allie's upturned face. "Don't you look stunning in your new coat!" Winking at Allie, he looked over at Ruth. "You look beautiful, Mom. That shade of blue suits you."

"Thank you, Son. I can tell you were raised with women!" Ruth laughed as everyone else joined her.

"You are right! I've been trained to notice and compliment when compliments are deserved." Zach laughed. "In this family, they are always deserved! So, tell me the names of your friends again? I don't want to get them wrong."

As Allie explained the Samuels family, Nathan drove into their driveway and pulled as close as he could to the front door.

Handing the bouquet to Allie, Zach joined Nathan to assist Ruth into the house as Archie followed carrying the cake. Archie held the door and Allie ducked under his arm to hand the bouquet to Aunt Jane and explain the bittersweet was from her uncle.

After introductions were made for Zach, Jon offered. "Why don't we go right to the dining room after you freshen up and that will be less walking for you, Mrs. Grant."

Once settled at the table, Jane and Rachel served the pork loin, fresh applesauce, mashed potatoes, butternut squash and peas. Jon prayed the blessing and he had hardly finished before Joshua spoke up, staring at the Grants.

"Wow! You ALL have very blue eyes!"

"Joshua, remember we've talked about that." His mother chided.

"Well, I am only speaking the truth…" Josh blushed, but had to defend his comment as the adults smiled and chuckled.

"What color did we decide on for you, Josh." Teased Nathan. "Was it root-beer brown?"

"Just brown, Uncle Nathan." Josh shook his head. "Just brown."

"Oh, right!" Nathan winked at Josh.

Clearly enamored with Zachary, Josh spoke up again. "Uncle Zach? Are you learning to shoot?" Josh inquired before bragging about his father. "My Dad is a marksman."

Zach grinned. "I am learning many things, and firearms is one of them. Congratulations, Sergeant Samuels."

Jon chuckled. "I believe your brother is also a marksman, correct, Nathan?"

Nathan nodded. "I am." Changing the subject, Nathan complimented Jane on the meal and thanked her again for including all of them.

"Delighted to do so! What did you think of Allie's new coat, Nathan? Mrs. Grant?" Inquired Jane as she passed a serving dish.

"Perfect" Nathan was grateful. "Thank you so much for taking Allie yesterday and finding such an excellent deal!"

"Splendid purchase, Jane." Ruth added. "Allie looks very stylish. You, young ladies, did as well. I think you will garner a lot of compliments for all of your outfits!" Ruth winked. "I don't think I have even seen such lovely styles at church in Calgary yet!"

Conversation flowed with everyone showing interest in the elder Grants and Zachary and his training. Because both Jon and Jane knew the recent Grant family events, they planned to steer the conversation to Zachary's hobbies and interests, especially with the children present. As it turned out, the children's questions and stories kept the conversation going throughout the meal.

"It has been our tradition to play dominoes together in the afternoon. The children play at one end of the table and we adults at the other. Is anyone interested? The children can still play if we chose to converse in the living room instead." Jon offered looking from Nathan to Archie and back.

"Mom? Dad?" Nathan questioned. "What would you prefer? I'll gladly follow your lead."

Archie and Ruth shared a glance that no one else could read, but Archie seemed to understand. He turned and explained. "I think we would prefer to go into the living room if you don't mind? The rest of you are welcome to enjoy your game though."

"That's fine. Zach, would you enjoy playing dominoes with the young people or join us in the living…?"

Before Jon could finish, Joshua interrupted. "Play with us Uncle Zach! Play with us?"

Joshua was joined by the young ladies who also encouraged Zachary to join them.

Looking at Nathan, Zachary didn't want to insult the adults by choosing the game.

Sensing Zach's quandary, Nathan spoke up as he stood. "You go ahead with Allie and the young folks if you want, Zach. We still have dinner tonight with Mom and Dad, and Allie won't be with us then. Have fun!"

Nathan began to collect the dessert plates. "But first, I think I need some volunteers to assist me with the clean-up, eh? Aunt Jane cooked, so you know the rules!"

As the young ones stood and joined Nathan, Zach stood and spoke up. "Dad? Mom? If you don't mind I'll play a game or two after helping Nathan? Okay?"

"Of course, Son. Enjoy yourself." Archie laughed. "Mom and I may even nod off for a few moments as it is Sunday afternoon you know!"

Jane laughed. "I may just join you! Let's retreat and if sleep comes, it gives us all permission to rest a bit!" She winked at the Grants adding, "It's all in the family anyway!"


Zach, Allie and the Samuels young people played some spirited games together and for Zach it was refreshing to be around the youth. During his time in Edmonton he had enjoyed interacting with teenagers as he assisted with the upper-class boys in the Sunday school and church youth group. Although they had coordinated some activities with the girls, Zach was less comfortable with them, especially since so many seemed to have crushes on him. Here though he had Allie, and the only one who seemed somewhat dazed in his presence was Rachel, and of course, Joshua!

In the living room, Ruth and Archie shared what they had done with Zach the day before, describing the music night and the exchange of photos.

Jon immediately had an idea. "Would all of you like me to take some photos of you together? I would be happy to do so. My camera is right in the front closet." Before anyone could answer, Jon headed to the coat closet and grabbed the camera.

"That would be wonderful, Jon. Thank you so much. We don't have any with all of us!" Ruth grinned with this happy suggestion.

"Thank you, Jon." Nathan agreed. "Every day my parents are here I realize I need to invest in a camera! In Hope Valley I could use the Mountie camera on occasion, but my job at Depot doesn't include that perk! Maybe you can advise me on the best options, sometime soon Jon?"

As Jon nodded, Jane interrupted. "Jon?" Jane looked up at her husband, motioning him to take his seat again. "Let's give the children a little more time with Zach? By the sounds of it they are enjoying each other!"


Before the Grants departed, the entire family had convened in the living room. Amidst teasing and much laughter, Jon had taken many photos with varying combinations of the Grant family, including one that Ruth was especially happy about. Jane had posed Archie with both of his sons and it was going to be a family treasure that Ruth was looking forward to behold.

Knowing his family had expanded again today with the addition of Sergeant Samuels and his family, Zach also requested a photo of the young people and himself. He was unaware that Rachel would be petitioning her father for a copy of that one!

Allie donned her coat to walk her grandparents, uncle and father to the car. "Is it really okay if I stay and go to Youth Group, Dad?"

"Of course, Honey. We'll see Uncle Zach here in Regina and tomorrow we'll share breakfast with Grandmom and Grandpa before they meet their train. You enjoy yourself, okay?" Nathan assured his daughter as he gave her a sideways-shoulder-hug. "Go ahead and say goodbye to Uncle Zach for now."

Sending her uncle off with thanks for the fun afternoon and telling him how she looked forward to the next time they'd see each other, Allie had one parting gift to bestow. As she reached to hug Zach, she stood on tiptoes and whispered in his ear. "I really do love you, you know."


As the parents and sons drove to the Collins' house, Ruth spoke up. "Nathan, those teachers we met at church are lovely women. Have you gotten to know any of them?"

Nathan grinned. "Always looking out for me, eh Mom? I met them at St. Anne's faculty Tea and we have also conversed as we are all in the choir together, but that is all."

"Might you take them out for tea? I mean individually of course, but maybe you could get to know them better?" Ruth suggested.

"Uh, Mom. No match-making please." Nathan chided his well-intentioned mother.

"Son, even if your heart lies elsewhere, it doesn't hurt to get to know others. Actually, it may confirm your true feelings!" Encouraged Ruth gently.

Grateful Allie was not in the car at this moment, Nathan admitted. "I've had the same thought myself, so maybe I will do that. There has hardly been time over the past few weeks though!" He did not ackowledge that his Hope Valley pastor and friend had made the same recommendation.

"True. But life will settle down, Son. I agree with your mother. Those ladies are charming and seem to have their eyes on you!" Archie chuckled but, since he was seated in the front seat, he saw Nathan's cheeks begin to turn pink. "At least pray about it, Nathan."

Nathan caught Zachary's eye in the rearview mirror. "Zach! Beware! This is what you have to look forward to!"

Zach grinned. "I think I would like to see these ladies myself, Nathan! I'm way to young though…"

Ruth reached her hand over to cover Zachary's. "Your time will come. Just wait!"

As they pulled into the driveway, Zachary again realized how much he felt a part of the Grant family. However, he put that thought aside for later as he contemplated who he was going to meet now!


Gathered in Peter and Carol's front room as they awaited supper's completion, Zachary shifted in his seat. "I confess I am a little uncomfortable being in your presence, Commissioner. I am sure none of my Troop-members would believe I now know you. Thank you for including me though."

"Oh, Zachary, it is our pleasure. I will dispense with your formal title unless we meet at Depot, but since the Grants are connected to us and you are a part of their family, you are therefore a part of ours. I will wait to allow you to use a less formal address to me until after you graduate though, okay? I don't want you to slip accidently and be disciplined for not following protocol!"

Expressing their sympathies for the loss of his mother, Peter continued, but wanted to address another issue. "Zachary, because of our closeness with Nathan and Allie, we know about your family history and how new all of these relationships are to you. I want you to know you can be free to share or ask anything of either Mrs. Collins or myself at any time, okay? I know it is not common for Cadets to just walk into the instructors' office building, but with my permission, you may enter the Headquarters building if you wish to seek me out. Just inquire at the front desk and you'll be directed to my secretary. He'll know if I am available. Understand?"

Zachary nodded, even more in awe, and responded. "I do, Sir. Thank you."

Nathan knew the privilege being offered to his brother and silently gave thanks to the Lord. He also knew the history of the Collins's as benefactors and was grateful that Peter was laying the foundation for when Nathan would reveal that to Zachary. Nathan was certain that once Zachary knew the connection that would cement his relationship with Peter and Carol, although Nathan would wait until Zach graduated to inform him. For now, Nathan looked forward to his brother having Peter's and Carol's interest and support locally after their parents returned to Calgary. The more family for Zachary the better.

As Archer and Ruth looked on proudly, Peter and Carol asked many questions of Zachary, wanting to know about his schooling, interests, hobbies, and goals. "It may be early, but do you have any dreams about where you would like to serve in the RCMP if you could choose?"

Nathan was surprised by the question and knew Zachary had no idea that the Commissioner was someone who might have influence in Zachary's career. He listened carefully.

"I believe my dream has changed in the past few weeks, Sir. When I joined I wanted an assignment that would be interesting, maybe even exciting? I know many Mounties lost their lives in the Northern Territories, but without any family, I often thought I would willingly serve in any uprising like that." Zachary looked down at his folded hands and when he lifted his head to continue, his eyes were glistening. "Now though, Sir? If assigned I would go and be the best Mountie I could be, but I no longer wish for that type of risk or excitement. I would be glad to serve in a small town, or even here at Depot. Especially if Nathan and Allie lived here."

"I see. You know sometimes a new Cadet is assigned to shadow a more experienced Mountie before settling anywhere on his own?" Peter turned to Nathan. "You moved from Fort to Fort in your early career, especially when in the Officer training track." Turning back to Zachary again, Peter inquired, "Would rising in the ranks be of interest to you?"

"I never thought about that, Sir, I just want to serve and protect. No visions of grandeur." Zachary colored, suddenly aware of what he had said. "Excuse me. No disrespect to you, Sir, or to you, Nathan. You both are humble men whom I will happily emulate."

Peter and Nathan caught each other's eye as they both chuckled. "No offense taken, Son. We understand what you mean!"

"Zachary, Nathan is a good resource for you as he has wide-ranging experience. Please keep him informed as your interests and goals solidify or change? You are welcome to question me about how things work as well. Remind me to give you our telephone number before you leave this evening?"

"No, Archie and Ruth?" Peter relaxed back in his wingback chair. "How has your visit been?"

Archie nodded to Ruth to respond first. "My perspective is different from Archie and you Mountie men! There are a few words I would use to describe the weekend though. Memorable. At times, astonishing. Rewarding. Uplifting. Worthy of thanksgiving to the Lord for his marvelous works. Grateful for each one of you, and Allie of course." Ruth laughed. "I am sure there are more words if I really think about it. I am just enjoying every minute though. Archie and I will have much to remember and discuss in the coming weeks. This visit has been life-altering really." Ruth caught and held Carol's gaze. "When I came I didn't know I would be leaving with a friend like you, Carol. I am blessed."

"You are not the only one." Carol smiled knowingly. "I think all your words are perfectly descriptive and I can claim grateful and blessed as well."


As the family enjoyed coffee and tea after their dessert, Nathan looked earnestly at this father. "Dad? We didn't get a chance to have Allie ask a question she had for you. I will gladly relate your story to her, but while all of us are present, would you be comfortable enough to share what happened to you in prison that last time? You have said you had an encounter with God, but I would love to know more. Are you willing?"

Archie slowly moved his eyes from one face to another, Peter, Carol and this family, landing back on Nathan. All he saw was acceptance, appreciation and love. He took a deep breath. "I have nothing to hide, so I'd be glad to share." He reached his hand over to take Ruth's and began.

"For the first years in prison, I had to work through anger. A lot of it. I was angry I had been caught. Angry I lost games and owed money. Angry I had ever begun to gamble in the first place. I was angry at Ruth, with no justification to be so. I was angry at Colleen for dying and angry with you, Nathan, for your goodness. You were so opposite of what I was in my dark, hateful heart that I was convicted. I had no name for it at that time though."

"For a while, I attended the prison chapel services whenever they had them. Not out of interest in the content, just to be able to get out of the cell. At one of the services I really saw my sin and became despondent and depressed, so I stopped attending and withdrew into myself as much as I could. I was ashamed. The prison Chaplain noticed my absence and visited me. I talked with him, but I know I was defensive. He kindly listened though and, for months, returned once a week to check on me. His interest and care began to soften my defenses and when he eventually offered me a Bible and suggested I read Psalms and the Gospel of John, I did so. I began to have questions and he readily engaged with me, sometimes answering my questions and sometimes suggesting I pray and ask God directly."

"During Lent, the Chaplain led me to name, admit and confess my sins. By Good Friday, I had grasped that Jesus died on the cross for me and offered forgiveness because He loved me. At the Easter Sunday service I turned my life over to God. That was the turning point, I was never the same again."

"Oh Dad. How precious." Nathan's eyes shown with love.

"Wow. Dad." Zachary added. "I am so thankful for that patient Chaplain."

"I am too, Son. For my remaining couple years, Chaplain Jones visited a couple times a week, most weeks. He gave me chapters to read and questions to consider. He recommended Bible verses to memorize and even had me share in Chapel a couple of times. But, most of all he prayed for me and showed me God's love and acceptance. By the time I was released, I felt ready to start a new life. That's when I came to Hope Valley."

"I wish I'd known all this when you came, Dad. It might have been easier on both of us."

"It's okay, Nathan. I was still proving things to myself and only found your location after I got out." Archie smiled at Nathan. "God got us through that trial and we began a new relationship then."

"When did you and Mom get back together?" Questioned Zachary.

"I sent a letter to her, via Nathan. When Mom responded, we began to write to each other. Eventually I visited, then relocated to Calgary and the rest is history." Archie lifted Ruth's hand to his lips and gently kissed her knuckles. "This wonderful woman was willing to take me back and I have been humbly grateful ever since. God has been very good."