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Chapter Sixty-nine
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An Uninterrupted Dinner
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Meeting William at the King's Restaurant, Nathan and Allie followed him into the dining room. "Oh Mr. Thatcher! This is nice too. The blues and greens are my favorite colors and..." Allie lowered her voice, "It's almost as nice as the one from Saturday."
"Glad you said that quietly, Allie-girl." Nathan chuckled. Addressing William as he picked up the menu, Nathan spoke. "Thank you in advance for this, William. We have been introduced to a couple places we might want to keep in mind for special occasions!"
"I'm glad to hear that, Nathan, and you are most welcome." William returned to peruse the menu selections. "Hmm… I think the Shrimp Scampi sounds good. You are welcome to try anything though."
Allie looked at her father who nodded his okay. "I would like to try that, Sir. I like to eat things in restaurants that we don't cook at home."
"Make it Shrimp Scampi for both of us then, please?" Nathan requested. "It does sound good."
"We can share a salad so I'll ask for three plates, but what about soup? Corn chowder or butternut squash or tomato bisque?"
Nathan opened his hand for Allie to choose first.
"Butternut squash sounds yummy!" Allie blushed. "I mean sounds delicious."
Nathan and William both swallowed their laughter, but both thought Allie was delightful!
"The squash soup is fine with me as well, William." Nathan offered as he closed his menu. "Thank you."
As the waiter arrived immediately, William ordered for each of them and, after thanking the waiter, turned his attention back to the Grants. "Tell me about your day, Miss Allie? Anything special take place?"
As Allie shared about her sewing project in Home Ec. class, with short mention of her other subjects, William inquired, "How is your mathematics class? Elizabeth has mentioned you excel in that subject."
"Mrs. Thornton told you that? Hmm." Allie thought of how to answer. "I am in two classes with the grade that's higher than mine, but I like math a lot. My grade last month was good too."
"Might you be interested in a career involving math?"
Nathan was grinning as he knew the answer she would give.
"Umm. Absolutely not!" Allie shook her head. "I want to be a teacher or a writer or an artist or a librarian or… anything but work in math!"
"Oh! A librarian, Allie? That's a new possibility added to your list. What made you think of that?" Nathan inquired, surprised.
Allie blushed and looked down at her hands in her lap. "I know of someone who is going to study that and it sounds interesting."
"Really? Who is that, Allie-girl?" Nathan inquired, curious.
Her blush deepening, Allie glanced at her father looking shyly from under her eyelashes. "Jared." She spoke so quietly, the men hardly heard.
"Oh? Jared? Well that's interesting." Nathan gave a slightly panicked look to William who quickly assessed the situation and tried to help.
"Jared, eh? You go to a girl's academy so how do you know this Jared fella?" William inquired with a smile that bordered on teasing.
With a quick glance at her father, Allie proceeded to explain about Youth Group and how Jared always talked with her more than with the other girls. She then described his looks, "Tall, blonde with blue eyes, but more grey blue than Dad's, handsome, smart, a bit older than me, and really nice. His father is an instructor at Depot, like Dad, and his father is in the choir too."
"Well! That's quite a description Miss Allie. Does he have a family name?"
Allie proudly declared. "Jared Blake. Isn't that a nice name?"
Grinning now, William continued. "Sounds as though you really like Jared?"
Her blush deepening, Allie admitted softly. "I really do."
"So may I assume this is not the first time you have heard of Mr. Jared Blake, Nathan?" William felt the concern and, as a father of three young women, shared it.
"His name has been mentioned before, but we are trying to get to know a lot of different people right now, right Allie?" As she reluctantly nodded, Nathan looked at William with a meaning-filled glance. "Neither Jared nor his sisters are allowed to develop exclusive relationships or date until they turn eighteen, and Allie and I have had similar discussions. We don't want to make promises or commitments yet."
When he turned from Allie, Nathan gave a wide-eyed look to William who decided to reinforce this parenting. "I agree with your Dad, Miss Allie. Now is the time to get to know everyone and learn what attributes you appreciate and those you aren't fond of. Your teen years are full of learning and getting to know others and yourself. Keep seeking God's direction and he will lead you."
"Thank you, William." Nathan said quietly as the waiter arrived with their bowls of soup. "Doesn't this look delicious?"
Their conversation changed and flowed from Allie to the success of William's meeting with the railroad and his trip back to Hope Valley.
"Have you moved there, Mr. Thatcher?"
"Not really, although we have been there since September. The plan is to stay through the holidays and depart sometime in mid-January. I've kept up with most of my business, but need to return to Hamilton to deal with a real estate acquisition and some tax issues. Some things need to be done in person."
"So you'll be in Hope Valley for Jack's birthday?" Allie grinned. "I bet he will love that!"
"That's the plan." William confessed. "I think I am looking forward to that celebration and Christmas this year more than in a very long time!"
"Jack's so cute. I miss him." Allie looked at her father. "You know Jack really loves Dad? He used to visit and choose a piece of candy from Dad's office drawer and whenever Jack saw Dad on the street he got so excited and always wanted to talk to him and get a hug."
Laughing, William explained. "The current Constable, Paul, has had to dedicate one of his drawers to candy for Jack!"
"So, I left a legacy, eh? Maybe I should send Paul a contribution towards that candy drawer!" Offered Nathan.
"I don't think that's necessary. Jack and Paul have become buddies and visiting the RCMP office is a highlight for Jack, Paul and Miss Laura, if I read things correctly!"
"Is that so?" Nathan chuckled. "That is delightful news."
"Oh? How come its's okay for Laura to get to know the Constable, Dad?"
William and Nathan gulped in unison, but Nathan was the one to speak. "Allie, Laura has been out of high school for quite a few years and I believe is nearing the end of her teaching studies. Isn't she expected to take her certification exam in the New Year? She is mature enough to begin a relationship now."
"Oh." Allie looked down dejectedly.
"Honey? When the time is right, you will know it and all your family will be along for your journey. Please don't feel you are being kept from anything. You know Jared is not allowed to date yet, right? When he goes to college you may write to each other if you are still interested to do so at that time, but for now, just enjoy what is right in front of you… concerts and youth group events and Christmas... There is a lot of joy just in the coming weeks. Right?"
"I guess so." Her voice was soft.
"Allie?" Nathan lifted her chin and looked into her eyes until she returned his smile. "That's better." He tweaked her nose and caused her to giggle. "So, what's for dessert?"
William had enjoyed watching this conversation and approved of Nathan's way of handling a delicate situation, but he was also glad to change the subject. "I have a surprise for you. Dessert has already been ordered! I called in advance to be certain we could order this."
Perking up immediately, Allie grinned. "Oh! Is it chocolate or carrot cake or?" She wiggled in her seat. "I don't really care! We'll like it no matter what, right Dad?"
"You know me!" Nathan laughed and William motioned for the waiter who collected the plates and promised to return with dessert.
"So, do you have a letter for me to bring back to Hope Valley, Nathan?"
"If you don't mind, we have two." Nathan reached inside his suitcoat and handed them to William. "One from each of us, with our gratitude, William."
"Oh good! I am the one who is grateful and Bessie will be overjoyed I'm sure."
Allie perked up, "You call Mrs. Thornton 'Bessie?'"
William laughed and explained it had been his name for her since she was little and was climbing up on his knee. "She always cuddled closer when I called her that. Maybe because neither of her sisters had a nickname like that? Julie already had a name that sounded like a nickname, and Viola wasn't someone you would dare call anything but Viola. She has softened in some ways, but given her current station in British society, I doubt anyone would call her anything but Lady Viola!"
"I never got to meet Miss Julie when she came to Hope Valley, but I like the name Bess or Bessie for Mrs. Thornton. Don't you, Dad?"
As the dessert arrived, Nathan was spared from answering aloud, although he later thought he really did like those nicknames.
"Oh! Crème Brule! You ordered this for us, Mr. Thatcher?" Allie looked from him to her Dad and back. "Thank you so much!" She wiggled in her seat as she waited for the beverages to be served so they could enjoy the favored caramelized custard.
"This is very thoughtful, William." Nathan chuckled. "Missing out on our dessert the other night was one of my big regrets!"
"You are welcome! I also asked them to prepare two additional dishes for you to take home with you for tomorrow! It will be a delicious memory, right?" William winked at Allie whose spoon was poised. "Let's enjoy these now though!"
Over dessert William asked about Nathan's responsibilities at Depot and how he enjoyed the work. He was happy to learn that Nathan loved the work, the variety, the subjects and the writing projects and even happier to hear Nathan's brief description of being asked to participate and lead the funeral exercises. "I can picture you doing that, Nathan, and doing it very well. Having seen you in action making the arrest on Saturday, I see you know your stuff and the other Mounties readily respected you. Yet, I can also see an opportunity for compassion and empathy in that role. Good job, Son. Maybe I can observe that some day?"
Nathan shrugged. "They only begin that training a few times a year since they combine three troops together and it requires significant contributions from leadership and other instructors, not to mention the pipe band. It is fascinating to watch though."
"You didn't tell me about this, Dad. Could I come and see it sometime?" Allie queried.
"I suppose you may. We'll just have to plan it, okay? You can attend Uncle Zach's graduation, so you will see a great demonstration there." Unaware he had revealed Zach's existence, Nathan kept speaking. "I won't be leading that, although I may participate in some manner."
William picked up on the mention of Zach. "Uncle Zach? Graduating soon? I didn't know. You have a brother who is here training, Nathan?"
Allie looked nervously at her father, but Nathan realizing his mistake, just decided to share the minimum information he could.
"I have a younger brother, Zachary Archer Grant, who began training in August. He'll graduate in February."
"Oh! For some reason I thought you only had a sister who passed away. Is Zachary a more mature student, or is there a wide age gap?" William was innocently asking questions, oblivious to the Grant's uncomfortable shifts in their seats.
"Zach is twenty-one, so around the same age as many other Cadets. Most men join the Mounties after high school or into their early twenties. I came to Depot at nineteen. It's hard to believe it was so long ago now!"
"It seems so young to carry such important responsibilities. I admire your willingness to take on the task and serve, Nathan." William reached his hand across the table to pat Nathan's hand. "I imagine you have all sorts of commendations framed on your walls?"
Nathan blushed, "Ah, no, Sir. I don't."
Allie was quick to jump in. "Dad does have all sorts of commendations, he just doesn't display them. They are packed in a box in his closet!"
"Allie?" Nathan's tone was one of warning, but William interjected.
"Thank you for sharing that, Miss Allie. I cannot imagine that a man like your father hasn't been oft recognized." William winked at Allie, then turned his gaze on Nathan. "I understand your humility, Son, but remember that those who love you rejoice to see you celebrated. What else haven't you told us?"
By Nathan's flinch, William knew there was something on Nathan's mind. "Ah… I haven't said yes and I don't think I will, but I was approached by the Chaplain at Depot who asked me to become an on-call person when he is unavailable. My lack of seminary or psychological training didn't seem to faze him."
"Well, that is an honorable request." William went on to ask, "So what are your reservations about accepting the offer?"
"It was just offered on Thursday and I really haven't given it much thought. But, I am inclined to decline because one of the advantages of transferring here was mostly free evenings and weekends. Allie is my priority and I have plenty on my plate in addition to her with the current responsibilities at Depot, choir, family and friend times… I promised to pray about it though and plan to call Pastor Joseph and discuss this with him before giving my answer."
"That's wise, Nathan. I can see your point about becoming overcommitted. You also need time for correspondence since your parents and so many friends are at a distance. Plus, you need time to just 'be!' That is a lesson I am learning during this time in Hope Valley. My family thinks that I personally have suffered by my overzealous work ethic and desire to build a legacy. I think I am beginning to agree with them. I will pray for God to guide you in this, Son." William set down his spoon having finished his dessert. "May I tell Elizabeth about this so she can pray for you? I am sure she would be happy to do so."
Nathan looked up at William, surprised. "Um… I guess so. We can never have too much prayer."
"Oh, rest assured Elizabeth prays for you daily. For you too, Miss Allie. This request is just a more specific request and gives her insight into your life and accomplishments here."
"Mrs. Thornton prays for Dad and for me every day?" Allie was surprised. "Really?"
"Oh, I know she does. Mrs. Thatcher and I do as well, Allie. We may not be officially family, but with your connection to Mrs. Thornton, our daughter, we feel connected as well." William smiled tenderly at Allie's sweet happiness with these prayers. "Well, I think I have kept you out late enough on a school night. Shall I collect the check and the two desserts for you to take home?"
"We can't thank you enough, William." Nathan began to reach into his suitcoat for his billfold. "May I at least contribute the gratuity for the serving staff?"
"Absolutely not, Son. This is my treat and I plan to return to Regina sometime and we can do this again. I like this restaurant, do you? A little more relaxed for a family dinner, though not as public as a meal at Abigail's Café is right?" William chuckled as he stood. "Excuse me a moment."
While William paid the bill, Allie leaned over against Nathan. "Isn't he nice, Dad? I could see him as another grandfather! And everyone is praying for us… Wow!"
"Wow, indeed, Allie. I had no idea, but it is very comforting, you know?"
Nodding Allie agreed. "It is, Dad. And just think, if we hadn't come to Regina we would never have all the love and family we have now."
"We have a lot to be thankful for, eh?"
As they drove to the Gentlemen's Club, Nathan shared a concern with William. "I want to warn you, William, that my letter to Elizabeth is brutally honest. I felt it was my opportunity to share my perspective on the many interactions for which she asked forgiveness and to identify a few additional challenges I had. I endeavored to be kind and regularly assured her of my forgiveness, past and present, but I am praying these revelations will not hinder but rather help in the healing process. I felt it I needed to be heard."
"Ah ha." William paused. "Well, I trust you, Nathan, and I am sure you delivered the difficult words with kindness. Nevertheless, I will keep my eyes open and make sure Elizabeth has the counsel and prayer she requires." Thoughtfully, William added. "Sometimes a wound has to be reopened to be cleaned out right? The true healing then begins. I'll be praying, so I thank you for the warning, but don't you worry, Son. God is at work. I am certain."
Pulling up and parking in front of the Gentleman's Club, Nathan offered to pray before William departed. As William readily agreed, Nathan prayed.
"Dear Lord,
Thank for this special weekend, for your protection, the meals we've shared and for your provision of so much time together. Thank you for our many conversations and for those in our circle of love. Give William a safe journey back to his Hope Valley home and continue to bless his time there with his wife, daughter and grandson. May the upcoming celebrations be memorable and blessed. Please continue your healing work in Elizabeth as well as in each of us and our relationships, and guide us in all your ways. We are grateful for your many blessings.
I pray this is Your Name,
Amen."
After Nathan and Allie hugged and said farewell to William Thatcher outside the Gentleman's Club, Allie was thoughtful on the drive home. When she spoke it was softly. "Dad? I think we need to add Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher to our prayer list now too. I mean we don't know the future, but God does."
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