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Chapter Eighty-three
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Dinner Together
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Working together as if they always had done so, Nathan, Elizabeth and Allie brought the serving dishes to the table, poured milk for Allie and prepared another pot of tea. Once seated, Nathan reached out his hands to take Allie's and Elizabeth's. He thought nothing of it until he felt her tremble as he wrapped his large hand around Elizabeth's. They both stared at their joined hands before lifting their eyes to meet each other's.
Forcing himself to break their gaze, Nathan said quietly. "Let's pray."
"Dear Lord, Thank you for this day, for your love and care, for your protection, and provision. Bless this food to our use and us to your service and bless the hands that have prepared it. Amen." Nathan squeezed Allie's and Elizabeth's hands. Allie was used to it and thought nothing of it. Elizabeth, on the other hand, was moved and let go reluctantly, but held Nathan's gaze.
"Uh… Dad?" Allie tried to get her father's attention. "The pork chops, please?"
Recovering with a shake of his head, Nathan reached for the platter and held it for Elizabeth to choose, then for Allie before serving himself. "This looks delicious! Thank you for cooking tonight, Elizabeth."
"You are welcome. It was fun, wasn't it Allie?" Elizabeth served green beans to herself. "I have a question though. Were you expecting company tonight? There were already three chops in the package."
Laughing, Nathan responded. "I guess it could look like that! Actually I often purchase three. If Allie can't finish her entire piece, then she has her leftovers for the next dinner and I have the third piece. The other reason is that I might make sandwiches for lunch the following day."
Elizabeth grinned. "You have it all figured out, don't you, Nathan Grant!"
Lifting one eyebrow along with his shoulders, Nathan responded. "I try!" He cut a small bite of pork, added some of the cinnamon-spiced apples and some dressing, and ate. "Ummm! This is delicious, Elizabeth. So tender and flavorful!"
Blushing, Elizabeth admitted. "Good. It has taken me years to perfect some recipes. My first attempts at cooking produced blackened and inedible crusts!"
"Ah ha!" Nathan chuckled. "We've discovered that recipe a few times too, eh, Allie?"
Giggling, Allie nodded her head. "Not on purpose though. Usually because Dad has been called out for emergency Mountie business and I was too young to realize I should take the pan out of the oven! Uncle Bill and Aunt Rosemary rescued us a few times!"
"I've been grateful for the community of Hope Valley on more than one occasion." Nathan smiled at Allie. "Tell us about school, today, Honey?"
While Allie filled them in on her classes, the extra rehearsal and the time to arrive Friday evening, they all finished their meal. "Dad? Do you think I can show Mrs. Thornton around St. Anne's?"
"Oh, right. I called Headmistress Hills and she said for Mrs. Thornton to meet you in the school office immediately following school on Wednesday afternoon if that works. Would that be okay with you, Elizabeth?"
"I look forward to it. It will be interesting to compare St. Anne's with my old schools in Hamilton. I haven't darkened those doors since I graduated, but I still remember a lot. Thank you, Nathan for arranging this." Elizabeth winked at a grinning Allie. "It will be fun!"
"Any dessert, Allie-girl? I have saved a space!" Nathan patted his stomach and grinned at his daughter.
"Oh yes! We have… wait, don't you have a question to ask Dad, Mrs. Thornton?"
Laughing, Elizabeth explained. "Evidently I should ask you about your favorite dessert and your favorite meal, Nathan?" She raised her eyebrow.
Nathan laughed freely. "That's easy! The answers are one and the same. Dessert." Nathan watched the confusion play in Elizabeth's face.
"I don't understand." Elizabeth looked from Nathan's grinning face to Allie's and back again.
"My favorite dessert is 'dessert.' And my favorite meal is 'dessert.' Makes life simple."
Elizabeth laughed. "Oh! So you have a sweet tooth and would enjoy any dessert for both dinner and dessert?"
"That's the sum of it!" Nathan turned to Allie. "So, for tonight?"
"Brownies, Dad. Mrs. Thornton loves chocolate and Brownies are one of her favorites. Isn't that convenient?" Allie grinned as she stood to collect the plates.
"Indeed it is. We'll have to remember this information." Nathan began to stand. "You stay right here, Elizabeth. In our house whoever cooks is exempt from cleanup!" He collected the other dishes and headed into the kitchen, pausing at the doorway. "Would you like coffee, tea or hot chocolate with your Brownies, Lisbeth?"
"I am going to say, a bit more tea for now, but maybe hot chocolate in front of the fire?"
"Of course." Nathan smiled, thinking how nice this evening had been so far and hoping for the same afterwards as well.
"Please let me assist you, Nathan. I can dry and then the washing up will be completed more quickly?" Elizabeth lifted a linen dish towel from a rod mounted on the wall.
Allie had retreated to her bedroom to continue her reading assignments, so Elizabeth and Nathan worked side-by-side in the kitchen.
"We heard about Allie's day and I told you about mine, Nathan, so what happened at Depot today?" Elizabeth reached for a rinsed plate to wipe it dry. "Exactly what are your responsibilities?"
As Nathan explained his oversight of classes, his guest teaching in some courses and the revisions of manuals, they gradually decreased the size of the pile of dirty dishes.
"Was it Allie or my father who said something about leading a special exercise? Oh, it was Allie, because she said it was an honor to be invited to do that!"
Nathan colored slightly. "I have been assigned the task of introducing the funeral exercises. We gather three Troops of Cadets and set-up a funeral scenario with the senior Mounties and Instructors, then the Drill Sergeant directs the Troops in their marches. I introduce the exercises to warn the Cadets about things that might distress them or remind them of a past trauma, and how they should identify those challenges now to work through them before a real event transpires. Mounties have a great many requirements and protocols to follow, so everyone trains diligently until everything becomes second nature." Nathan wrung out the dish cloth and wiped the kitchen table, before disappearing into the dining room to wipe the table. "Excuse me a moment."
Having given Nathan's words some thought, Elizabeth continued. "What makes that position one of honor?" She watched Nathan's reluctance to answer.
"Well, only one leader presents the instructions and is speaking to the entire group of gathered Mounties. I was told that they asked me because I am more calm and approachable than the Drill Sergeant." Nathan coughed slightly. "I have to instruct everyone that if they feel unwell, or faint, they should kneel and another Instructor will assist them. Also, to assure everyone that there is no shame in having feelings, they just need to learn to control them." Nathan glanced at Elizabeth and quickly looked away, wondering what she was remembering.
Her eyes glistening, Elizabeth whispered. "I think I have seen that self-control when I have lashed out at you, Nathan."
Nathan remained quiet returning the dry dishes to their assigned spots. He then turned and asked about making the hot chocolate.
"May I ask you a question, Nathan?" Elizabeth was seated on the sofa tonight.
"You may."
"Earlier I noticed another man who looks as though he could be your twin in that photograph." Elizabeth pointed to the mantel. "Who is he?"
Nathan took a deep breath, but knew that both Bill and William were aware, so he had better inform Elizabeth. "A few weeks ago, I discovered that I have a younger brother, Zachary Archer Grant. Well, actually a half-brother, but we are not telling everyone about the 'half' part."
Elizabeth was silent as she tried to grasp what Nathan was saying. Finally she whispered. "You didn't know?"
"No one knew." Shaking his head, Nathan explained a condensed version of meeting his brother, his father's confession and his parent's visit. He told her how wonderful Zach was fitting in to the family and that he was looking forward to Zach's graduation in February so they could get together more often as a family. He shared how Archie had encountered God in prison and was a changed man, and how precious his mother was in forgiving him, forging ahead in their marriage and how she had opened her heart to Zach. "We have seen many miracles since we have been in Regina, Lisbeth. God has been very good to us." Briefly Nathan searched her face, silently contemplating that her presence in his home was one of them.
Elizabeth remained quiet for a while, trying to comprehend how this news must have affected each individual in the Grant family. Finally, she looked into Nathan's face, whispering. "Does Allie know?"
"Oh, yes. I confided in her the night I discovered Zach. Allie is not naive, Elizabeth. She knows more than many teenage girls know since she has been around men of the law and discussions about those who are not law-abiding or are immoral. I have endeavored to shield her, but living with a Mountie can be educational. Allie is discreet, but she knows a lot. It is always best to be upfront and honest with Allie."
"I see." Elizabeth stared into the flames.
"Did I answer all your questions?"
"I think so… at least for now, Nathan. Congratulations on your brother and I look forward to meeting him." Glancing at the photograph once more, Elizabeth questioned. "Are Zachary's eyes as blue as yours?"
"Identical."
"Mmmm hmmm." Elizabeth looked to Nathan and decided to change the subject and ask. "Did you read the letter I left for you?"
Nodding, Nathan admitted. "I forgot it last night, but I read it earlier this morning."
"Do you have questions?" Elizabeth offered. "Or, can we discuss it?"
Nathan stood and grabbed his journal from the desk, opening the letter as he returned to his chair. Glancing at the first few paragraphs, Nathan looked at Elizabeth. "I know you need to remember all these encounters, Lisbeth, but I confess it is difficult for me. I have tried so hard to forget so many of our conversations…"
Examining the letter again, Nathan continued. "I guess one thing I can say is that I am grateful for your admissions about my parenting Allie." He looked at her face again. "I doubt you have any idea what it has been like as a man, a single man, to raise a daughter. I was ill-prepared as my father was so absent in my youth. I couldn't observe and remember how he handled Colleen's youth, so all I have to go on is my mother's example. Having that maternal example has been good, but mothering is natural to her and, of course, not to me. I guess no parent faces parenthood the first time knowing what and how to handle everything!" Nathan gave his half-smile. "With God's help, I have done my best, but thank you for acknowledging that my efforts have been fruitful."
Elizabeth nodded, quietly watching and waiting as Nathan spoke.
"You are right about that first after-school conference. I had the issue of stability raised with me many times and was ready to run. I am glad you stopped me with your suggestion that we bring Allie in and explain what we expected of her. She was actually used to that from me. I always felt that if she knew what I expected she had a chance to live up to that, and exhibit good behavior." Nathan chuckled. "Not perfect, obvious by her skipping school the first day, but at least she knew she had done wrong!"
"You've spoken a couple times about my being Allie's rock and safe shelter. Thank you for mentioning that. I've talked to Joseph about that, since we are both raising teenage daughters. He has shared that this is a security that fathers' can give their girls and that it helps them long into their adulthood. I sure hope so."
Nathan read Elizabeth's words. "You write: '…you directed her to find God as her rock and shelter as well. Her prayers were always earnest and trusting and her childlike faith was convicting to me as an adult…' Have you begun to see this in Jack? That childlike faith that is simple and pure and sweet?"
Elizabeth thoughtfully watched the flames rise and send sparks upward as she considered how to answer. "I've seen Jack's innocence and trust… I guess some bedtime or mealtime prayers have been honest and full of faith. I haven't thought about them though, beyond the moment anyway."
"Pay attention, Lisbeth. You will be blessed." Nathan waved the letter.
"I will say, again, that I forgive you, Elizabeth, but reading of your betrayal of my confidence to Rosemary is unpleasant. Yet somehow she has managed to still be my adopted 'sister,' supporting and encouraging me. But…" Nathan swallowed hard. "This revelation that you exposed me to Lucas is distressing. I confess, it is painful to read. I really don't understand how you could do that…"
Elizabeth saw that raw pain in Nathan's eyes again and she was compelled to move. Rising from the sofa, she went to kneel in front of Nathan. Eyes shining, she placed her hand on his forearm and whispered. "I can offer no excuse, Nathan. I am so sorry though."
Nathan looked down at her hand, feeling the warmth of her touch. He couldn't look at her face, nor could he summon words.
Elizabeth let the tears overflow and bent her head to rest on her hand. "I sinned…against you… I am filled with regret, Nathan. Forgive me, please? I promise to keep our confidences private and sacred from now on…" With imploring eyes, Elizabeth lifted her face, watching Nathan until he met her gaze.
Seeing her sincerity, Nathan quickly glanced away, blinking to keep tears from falling. Quietly he confessed. "This is where I have to learn to trust you, Elizabeth. This is where you have to prove you can be trusted. Much as I want to..." Nathan sighed. "I still need to guard my heart…"
"I know you do, Nathan." Elizabeth whispered a prayer aloud. "Lord, Help me to be worthy of Nathan's trust. May I be loyal and faithful… Always."
Staring, unseeing, at the letter still in his hand, Nathan listened to Elizabeth's words. He heard her promise and her heart's desire and a small measure of hope and trust began to meld together in his heart. As Elizabeth released his arm and leaned back on her heals, Nathan stood and held out his hand to assist her to stand. He let go quickly as she stood, ducking his head so she didn't assume any additional contact.
Turning slowly, Elizabeth moved back to the sofa and as she sat, Nathan sat back in the chair once again.
Clearing her throat, Elizabeth asked. "Is there anything else in my letter, Nathan?"
Shaking his head, Nathan admitted. "Not really. You are welcome for my rescue and protection. That is what a Mountie, what a man should do, Elizabeth, for those he loves." He captured her gaze and held it, his words rich with significance.
"I understand that now, Nathan, because you have been such a fine example of sacrificial love."
Blushing, Nathan broke their gaze and began to refold the letter. His eye caught her final paragraph and he spoke again. "I am grateful to see your freedom to express your faith, Elizabeth. I never saw or heard that from you before. It is an essential attribute to have to build a future together."
In spite of Nathan's hesitancy throughout this conversation, that one comment renewed hope and faith in Elizabeth's heart. Aloud, she said nothing, but silently she gave thanks to the Lord for a possibility.
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