CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

Nathan held Elizabeth on and off throughout the rest of the night.

The only time he left her was to check on Sargent, and unknown to Elizabeth, that had been many, many times.

He was still very concerned that Sargent wouldn't have a setback. He had seen that happen with other horses he had tended.

There had been one time in the middle of the night, Nathan thought Sargent was starting to choke again. But on close inspection, he had made the noise from dehydration. So, Nathan had dampened a clean cloth and held it on Sargent's tongue for a few minutes to moisten his mouth. Which was not an easy feat, but he had managed it.

The gratitude in Sargent's eyes made it worth the extra effort.

"You hold on, Boy, morning will be here soon, and I get to give you a drink!"

Nathan was tired, but he had been afraid to sleep.

He was, however, relieved when Elizabeth had finally gone off to Dreamland.

She needed sleep and a new perspective. Yesterday had been so painful for her in multiple ways. And Nathan was ready for her to put all that behind her, but deep down, he knew she wasn't quite ready.

Nathan watched Elizabeth sleeping so peacefully. He really didn't want to bring her back into this situation, which was still filled with pain for her, but as he checked the time, he knew he needed to wake her soon. At least he could make sure she woke up in his arms. He sat down beside her, scooted in next to her, and wrapped his arms around her. She didn't move, except to snuggle in against him. How could God have blessed him so much? He knew in his heart that God had brought them together and that somehow they had been made one for the other. They were meant to be. He knew that without any doubt. She was his richest gift and blessing beyond measure. And he prayed with all his being that he would be the same to her.

He just didn't have the heart to break her sleep, so he watched both Elizabeth and Sargent, till finally there was no putting it off any longer.

"Time to get up, my Love!" he whispered gently.

She opened her eyes sleepily.

"Sargent is he.."

"He's fine. We had a little hiccup in the middle of the night, but he was just dehydrated, so I dampened his tongue a bit. He sure is ready for a drink, but we're going to have to be careful. I'm afraid he's going to inhale it, and we'll be right back where we started."

"Nathan, did you get any sleep at all?"

"No, but I wasn't supposed to. My job for the night was to look after Sargent and you."

He turned and kissed the tip of her nose lightly.

"You know, today is the day we become owners of a very special cabin and a whole lot of land! Although, I still find it difficult to believe all this is happening. Mr. Helmsley is supposed to be at the Cafe around noon. Since you're off school, do you think you and Little Jack could come and have lunch with us?"

"Of course!" she said excitedly. "But it's probably better I leave Little Jack with Rosemary if you want to get any business done. Are you okay to stay with Sargent while I take Jack home for the morning and see that Allie gets off to school, alright?"

"Sure, thanks for doing that, Elizabeth. I've got to line someone up to watch Sargent while we go to lunch too. You know, Darling, besides Bill, Gabe and Aaron are the only ones I really trust for that. Can you stop by my Office and see if Bill can spare one of them for an hour or so around noon?"

"Will do. I love you, Nathan Alexander Grant."

And she reached up to give him a good morning kiss.

"I love you, Elizabeth Rose Thornton, and don't you forget it!"

Elizabeth ran into Bill on the street, and she was dying to ask him about last night but knew better.

At this point, Bill did not need to know that she and Rosemary were pulling a few strings behind the scenes.

Instead, she threw her arms around him, thinking about what Nathan had told her.

"Bill, you know you're like a Father to me, and you're Little Jack's Godfather. Neither one of us could have made it without you! The whole town couldn't have made it without you! I'm so happy you're here with us!"

"Me too, Elizabeth, me too. It was a close one! And I owe my life to Nathan. He was eerily brave, Elizabeth. Put his hand right on the barrel of that rifle, calmly talking Jenny down the whole time. And he would have succeeded, too, if not for that young Mountie's Rookie move! Talk about a senseless death! But, that Nathan, I've never seen anything quite like it. Not sure, I could have done what he did. But, boy I'm sure thankful he did it!"

"We're all thankful, Bill. More than you know. I can't even imagine my life without you in it! And neither would Hope Valley have been able to either!"

They both were close to tears but to keep them from flowing, they decided to walk on together, arm in arm.

"Bill, can you spare Gabe or Aaron around lunchtime so Nathan can meet with Mr. Helmsley? Nathan said he only trusts you, Gabe, or Aaron with Sargent."

"Consider it done. I'll probably send one of the boys if you don't mind me having Lunch with you all. I'd like to catch up with Helmsley, myself."

"Oh, that would be great, Bill. Love to have you. You know small talk's not Nathan's most favorite thing, although I must say he's doing much better! And you, on the other hand, are a pro at that. I'm sure he'd love for you to just be there, too! See you at the Cafe at Noon. Oh, and Bill, that meal last night was nothing short of spectacular!"

"It was pretty good, wasn't it? The company wasn't half-bad, either."

"No, it wasn't Bill. It was lovely to spend time with the Stewarts. They're terrific people."

"Elizabeth, I've been meaning to talk with you about this. I've been talking to my old friend Commissioner Blake, and whether Nathan likes it or not, there's going to be a huge ceremony with the presentation of not one, but two medals, when his time off is up. Maybe more. Blake is trying to figure out how to honor him for getting Johnston's entire gang, too. But don't tell him. Anyway, it's a really big deal, Elizabeth. A really big deal. The one medal is the Mounties' highest Honor of Distinction, and they sure don't give out many of those! What do you think about the Coulters and all of us going up with Nathan on the train? He can't do this alone, and knowing Nathan, he won't even tell us about it."

"Bill, that's a wonderful idea, and you're right. He's said as little as he's had to about it, something like he 'was just doing his job,' and he 'never understood why medals were given for just doing your job!' He hasn't even told me a date. Can you get all the particulars? And I'll talk to Rosemary and Lee."

"Will do. Aaron and Gabe want to go, too. But I'm not sure they can get someone else to cover here with all of us gone. However, I am working on it. Anyway, don't say anything to Nathan about this. We'll probably all have to just surprise him on the train! Oh, and Elizabeth, his Mother and Father should know, and at least be given the opportunity to attend."

"I'll see what I can do, Bill. Maybe go through Allie. Just let me know when you have the date. Have a good morning. See you at Lunch!"

"Elizabeth, one other thing we haven't gotten to talk about. I'm so happy you're with Nathan! You had me worried there for a while."

"Bill, I had myself worried for a while. I did so many stupid things that weren't me. Next time I do something crazy like take off on an overnight trip with a gentleman, I barely know, and without a chaperone, just sit me down and let me have it! You have my permission! In fact, let's just say from now on, it's your job!"

She reached over and gave Bill a kiss on the cheek.

He laughed, "I think Nathan's got that covered now, but it's a deal. I'll be back-up! You know I'm always here for you, for both of you!"

"Yes, I do. I just wish I had remembered that over the last two years! It sure would have saved me a lot of indecision, and Nathan a lot of heartache! Why is it always easier to see everything so clearly when it's all said and done?"

"That, my dear Elizabeth is the million-dollar question!" and Bill chuckled as only he could do.

Elizabeth laughed, smiled, and waved back at him, then walked briskly on to the Coulters' row house trying to catch Allie before school.

"Allie, you look so pretty. Your Dad wanted me to see you off to school. Rosemary, want to come with us? We can talk on the way back."

"Sounds perfect. Want to let Little Jack sleep a bit more? Lee's having coffee, and he'll be happy to watch him till we get back."

"Yes, let's make this a 'Ladies' Only Walk!'"

Allie and Rosemary bundled up for the outside cold. Elizabeth had kept her coat on and was all ready to go.

Thankfully, Rosemary remembered to grab Allie's Lunch!

As they started their walk to school, Allie giggled, "I like it when we Ladies do things together. Besides, I want to ask you about Uncle Bill and Mrs. Stewart. They sure seemed to hit it off last night."

"Allie, welcome to the club!"

Elizabeth gave Rosemary a chiding look.

"What club?" asked Allie innocently.

"The 'Let's Help Uncle Bill find a Friend Club!'" answered Elizabeth before Rosemary could speak.

"That's exactly right!" agreed Rosemary, shaking her head furiously.

"Well, I think Mrs. Stewart really liked him. She smiled at him an awful lot. And she laughed too! More than once."

"That she did, Allie. That's very observant of you," said Elizabeth.

"Well, you were always making Dad smile and laugh. You still do. I guess that doesn't go away."

"No, when you love someone, it doesn't."

"Does that mean Uncle Bill loves Mrs. Stewart?" asked a confused Allie.

"Well, at this stage, I think it's more like than love, like a friend. They're just meeting each other. And Allie, it's probably best we don't say anything to Uncle Bill unless he asks our opinion. And we definitely shouldn't say anything to Mrs. Stewart."

"I understand, Mrs. Thornton! Well, we're here, have a good day Mrs. Thornton and Auntie Rosie. Thanks for keeping us last night. Sargent is okay, isn't he?"

"Yes, Allie, thanks to your Dad, he is! You have a good day too, and try to help Laura if she needs it!"

Allie's smile brightened. She loved being needed.

"I will, Mrs. Thornton," and Allie turned to start her day.

"Oh, here, Allie, don't forget your Lunch!" called out Rosemary.

"Yes, Ma'am! Thank you!"

They both gave Allie a quick kiss, then waved until she got ready to enter the schoolhouse and turned for one last wave.

"Elizabeth, I can't believe how well last night went!"

"Me neither. Even the men were impressed! Rosemary, I think they're a perfect match! Even Chuck said he had never seen his Mother so happy since his Father was alive. Can you believe it? I saw Bill this morning but didn't dare ask. But I did compliment him on the meal, and you'll never believe what he said?"

"What, what did he say?"

"He said the company wasn't half-bad, either!" Elizabeth smiled smugly.

"Oh, I wonder what happened after we left. Maybe we can talk to Clara and find out. She'd never say anything to Bill!" declared Rosemary.

"Rosemary, did you notice, Bil and Tess even made plans to meet in Brookfield!"

"I did! I'm telling you, Elizabeth. From where I was sitting, it was meant to be. I think I even saw him wink at her!"

"You're kidding! I do think you're right, Rosemary. Maybe we should just step back from here on out and let nature take its course."

"Like we did for you and Nathan? No, thank you! We're not waiting two years for this to happen! Are you in or not?" frowned Rosemary, getting a bit frustrated.

"I'm in! I really do want them both to be happy, especially Bill. He's been alone for so long. I want him to have someone to love him and take care of him! And I think Tess is the one to hold her own with him! Not many women could do that! And you know, when you think about it, Tess needs Bill as much as he needs her. I don't think she's done anything except work since her husband died. And that's been a very long time ago. Yes, I want both of them to have love in their lives! And if we can help make that happen, I'm ready!"

"Now that's the spirit! The first thing on our agenda is to talk to Clara, whichever one of us sees her first."

"Deal!"

By that time, they had reached Rosemary's house. Lee was playing with Little Jack, who was still in his jammies.

"Oh, I think he's the cutest thing ever, especially in his jammies. Come to Mama, Little One!"

"Mama, Mama!"

Elizabeth twirled him around, but he wanted to go high.

"Oh, Sweetest One, we'll have to wait for Nathan to lift you higher!"

"Horsey!"

"Yes, and Nathan's with your horsey, Little Jack. He's taking care of Sargent right now. We're lucky to have Nathan, Jack!" and she started to cry.

"Elizabeth, please don't cry! Everything's going to be fine with Sargent, isn't it?" asked Rosemary.

"Yes, yes. Nathan stayed up all night with him. But we just came so close to losing Sargent. And truthfully, I'm not sure I could have handled that! I have to tell the two of you something, though, or I'm going to burst, just between us!"

"Always, Elizabeth. Whatever's wrong?" She could see the concern written all over Lee's face.

"Before we came to dinner, last night, Nathan figured out that Sargent had eaten sugar beets. That's what he choked on and apparently, the beets swell in a horse's esophagus. Chuck said Sargent would have died had Nathan not gotten to Sargent when we did. When Nathan questioned Seth, he remembered they found a basket of beets in Sargent's stall, but he didn't know how they got there. Later, Nathan and I were just standing in Sargent's stall, and all of a sudden, a voice was asking Seth if he knew where his basket of beets was, and the person headed straight for Sargent's stall. It was Lucas. He had been in Sargent's stall and left the basket of beets there. Sargent had eaten several."

"Oh, no!" Lee just bowed his head between his legs. Rosemary looked like she was going to cry.

"What did Nathan do?"

"He was seething inside, but he sure didn't show it. He just bowed his head and didn't say a word. I, on the other hand, exploded! I told Lucas he almost killed my horse, and that horse meant the world to me. I told him to stay away from my horse and me. And I meant it, too. And I still mean it now. Is that horrible of me? I don't think I've ever been so mad!"

"Well, sounds like he deserved it, Elizabeth!" said Rosemary in a serious tone.

"You know, if you want a man's perspective, it sounds like you found your voice again, with Lucas, I mean."

"Oh, no, Lee. You saw it too?"

"It was pretty hard to miss." Lee looked down at his shoes.

"Nathan says that Lucas wouldn't have intentionally hurt Sargent and that we'll make it right with him, but right now, I don't feel so forgiving."

"I agree with Nathan, I don't believe Lucas would hurt Sargent, either. He just doesn't know much about horses. But whatever you're feeling is okay. My advice is to take the time you need. You've been through a lot with Lucas. I think he's a good man, but somehow when the two of you were together, Elizabeth, I didn't hear equal voices, like I hear with you and Nathan. like I heard with you and Jack. I believe Lucas will have that too, when he finds his perfect match, and that's all I'll say about the matter." Lee stood up and came over to Elizabeth and kissed her gently on the cheek. "Rosie and I love you, Elizabeth, and we're always here for you, and for Nathan."

"Lee, I have something important to ask you and Rosemary, but it has to be kept private. Bill talked to me about this, this morning. And I hadn't had a chance to tell you before, because Nathan only told me about it when we took the sleigh back to Buxton."

Both Lee and Rosemary sat down across from Elizabeth.

"Nathan doesn't like it, but he's getting a couple of medals. Maybe more that he doesn't know about. One is the highest Honor of Distinction the Mounties give. That one's for arresting Packer Johnston. The other one is for saving Bill's life."

"What?" they both asked together.

"Apparently, Bill had Forensics to review the case involving Elias and Jenny O'Rourke. Nathan did not cause Constable Crawford's death. They said that would have happened had Nathan moved the rifle or not, but by moving the rifle, he saved Bill's life. The bullet would have also hit Bill. And if not the actual bullet, the shrapnel would have, and either way, they say Bill would have also been killed."

"Oh my goodness!" and that was all Lee could get out.

"We almost lost Bill?" asked Rosemary with tears in her eyes.

"Yes, we would have, had it not been for Nathan moving that gun. I get sick when I think about Bill not being here. But thanks to Nathan, he is here, and Bill thinks we should all surprise Nathan and go with him on the train to Headquarters for the Award Ceremony. Bill doesn't even have a date yet. He'll let us know as soon as he knows."

"Wouldn't miss it! Count us in. But if I don't get to work, Jessie's going to have my hide! Kisses, Darling!"

"You come right back here, Husband! I want a real kiss!" demanded Rosemary.

Lee retreated to his beautiful wife, took her in his arms, and planted a huge kiss, squarely on her lips!

"Much, much better, Leland Coulter! Have a good day, Sweetheart!"

"You two try to stay out of trouble, and both of you know exactly what I mean!" said Lee forcefully, giving them a look that both knew all too well.

They waited till Lee closed the door, and both broke out into fits of laughter.

"I hear you!" Lee shouted through their front door.

And then came waves of hysterical giggles from the Ladies inside!