CHAPTER THIRTY
Mr. Helmsley was a very distinguished-looking gentleman in his mid-sixties with wavy white hair and very dark eyes. He had been educated in the best schools, the East had to offer, and he had made his money as a high-powered trial lawyer in New York City. Most of his work had been as Lead Prosecutor on some of the highest-profile cases the United States had known.
But he had grown weary of the hustle and busyness of the city. So, in his early forties, he had brought his beautiful socialite wife and children west, settling between Hope Valley and Benson Hills, where he had built a stunningly beautiful, massively large home.
Still, the home was no match for its magnificent surroundings. The land he had placed their house on was some of the most glorious land this country had to offer, with breathtaking views, no matter the direction you traveled in. And over the years, he had acquired more and more land until he had become not only the largest landowner in the area but the owner of the most beautiful property around.
Nathan had only met him once before when he had traveled to his home to ask permission to use his cabin for the evening. They had immediately liked each other. Both had dedicated their lives to upholding the law. But it was even more than that. Their love of books and love of nature had also bound them together, along with their love of two different women, both who happened to be named Elizabeth.
When Mr. Helmsley had asked Nathan what he wanted to use the cabin for, Nathan had answered him very directly.
"I'm in love, Mr. Helmsley, for the first time in my life. So, I'm somewhat in uncharted territory. The woman I love is breathtaking. She was married previously, to another Mountie, in fact. She's extraordinary in every way, and she has the most beautiful son. I just get the feeling she's going to be a bit uncomfortable on a first date in any of the places she and her husband had gone to, together. Quite frankly, I don't know where to take her, except I know she loves the woods, and she has taken shelter in your cabin before, with her schoolchildren, during a wind storm. I had to go up there to see that she and the children made it home safely. That's what made me think of your cabin. She's from Hamilton, a very wealthy family, I hear. But she's nothing like that now. She's so intelligent and down to earth and she works hard to teach the children of Hope Valley. I got this crazy idea, though, that I wanted to bring both of her worlds together for our first date. Really make her feel at home. And somehow let her know I'm at home with her whatever life she has her foot in at the moment!"
"Do you realize your eyes light up just talking about her?" asked Mr. Helmsley, with a look of total understanding on his face.
"No, Sir! I just know I would move Heaven and Earth for her if needed." Looking into Nathan's eyes as he said that, Mr. Helmsley knew he meant it.
"I felt the exact same way about my wife. Her name was Elizabeth, too. And she was the belle of the social scene back in New York City. She also came from a very wealthy family. But for some crazy reason, she fell in love with me. I wasn't even anybody then. But I was determined to make something of myself for her. I wanted, I needed to deserve her, you know? So, I worked really hard to set up a Law practice and provide for her in the way she was accustomed to. We were very happy, don't get me wrong. We had everything money could buy. Yet both of us were restless. The more we learned about each other, the more we knew city life wasn't for us, so we came out here. Our families thought we were insane. I'll admit it was hard, but we were contented here. We were at home here, as a couple and as parents. The children loved growing up on this land, but sadly they've all moved back East, all in large cities. Go figure!"
"Constable Grant, that cabin was built for my Elizabeth, so she'd have a place to stay while I hunted and fished." He laughed, "She didn't much care for either, but she always wanted to come along with me. She'd curl up with a book by the fire and was as happy as a clam."
And in that instant, as Mr. Helmsley remembered his beautiful wife reading by the fire, Nathan knew he had come to a decision.
"Constable, my Elizabeth and I would be honored for you and your Elizabeth to use our cabin as the place for your first date! We packed a lot of love in that little space over the years. You see that you two do the same!"
"Thank you, Sir! You can't possibly know how grateful I am for your kindness."
On this blustery Monday morning, Nathan and Bill were sitting In the Cafe having Coffee, waiting for both Mr. Helmsley and Elizabeth. It seemed both were running late.
But, not long after Nathan and Bill finished their Coffee, they looked up to see a smiling Mr. Helmsley with Elizabeth on his arm, coming through the Cafe door.
Nathan jumped up to go greet them. He rushed to kiss Elizabeth's cheek and shake Mr. Helmsley's hand, "I see you two have already met!"
"That we have Nathan, and she's as lovely as you led me to believe!"
"Come, Judge Avery is anxious to see you!"
"Bill, so nice to see you, my friend! Congratulations on the Judgeship!"
"Nathaniel, have really been looking forward to seeing you again! Think we could get you to dust off those old law books?"
Both Nathan and Elizabeth looked at Bill sharply. He hadn't told them Mr. Helmsley's Christian name was Nathaniel!
"I don't know, Bill. It's tempting. You know what they say - once a lawyer, always a lawyer!" he laughed. "And, I'm told we old Prosecutors simply refuse to die, or if we do, we just keep prosecuting on the other side! You know, keeping all the rif-raf and such out of Heaven, they say!"
"Well, I can understand that Nathaniel. Especially when you're one of the very best in the country, if not the best!"
"Well, I wouldn't go that far, Judge. But, first, I must apologize. I ended up having to make some acreage adjustments this morning when I realized the old property lines fell smack dab in the middle of a huge lake. And we all know that will never work! Nathan, is it true? Ned Yost tells me you're quite the fisherman!"
"Yes, Sir! Love to fish! Do it all the time. But truthfully, my ten-year-old daughter is the real fisherman in the family. Hate to admit it, but she's every bit as good as me!"
"I didn't know you had a daughter," Mr. Helmsley looked puzzled.
"Well, Sir, technically she's my sister's child. But I've raised Allie since she was four years old when my sister died. Allie's always called me Uncle Nathan till this past weekend when she decided she wanted to call me Dad! Can't tell you how honored I am. You'll have to meet her. She's something else! In fact, she made me promise to get you to agree to come to have Dinner with us some evening soon."
"I'd love that. Maybe we can all go fishing too!"
"Oh, that will make Allie very happy, indeed! She'll love that. You just name the time, and we'll be there to fish, with Dinner at our house afterward!"
"Well, back to this lake problem at hand. I don't want the lake split down the middle, and it's a beauty, I'll tell you that. Full of every kind of fish you can imagine. I got to thinking about it, and I do have a couple of other lakes that are also beauties, and just as big, so I think this one needs to stay with the cabin. It's really not very far from there. I always fished there whenever we went to the cabin! I'll go with you and Allie the first time you go fishing, and show you the best spots!"
He then unfolded a huge plat of land and laid it on the table.
"Nathan, can you sign these papers here? Then we'll take a tour of the plat. Elizabeth and the Judge can serve as witnesses."
"But, Mr. Helmsley, Sir! There must be some mistake. This says thirty-two acres of land, not the sixteen you were talking about, which is already more than generous!"
"Nathan, Son, that's no mistake. I told you it was a huge lake, and I want the entire thing to be included with your cabin, and of course, some land around it. I want you to have it all, Nathan! My mind's made up."
"But, Mr. Helmsley..."
"I think it's time you call me Nathaniel, Nathan! I would be honored!"
"Nathaniel, it is my honor. But it's such a huge gift! Are you certain you don't want to just keep it and let us help you keep it up? We'd be more than happy to do that."
"I knew that was what you'd say, and that's exactly why I'm gifting it to you! Nathan, when I was starting out with my Elizabeth, a gentleman we barely knew, gave us a huge gift of property in the Hamptons, no less. Let's just say I'm returning the favor. And if my Elizabeth were here today, she would choose you and your Elizabeth for us to do the same. A young couple needs land as an investment, even though I hope you never have to sell it! I know it's probably too far out for you to build a house on, but it will give you plenty of fine lumber wherever you do end up building your house. And that doesn't mean you can't enjoy it as your perfect weekend escape. You know, that's very important for a couple. You and Elizabeth just fill that cabin with as much love as my Elizabeth and I did, and I'll die a happy man!"
Nathan got up and reached for Nathaniel's hand, drawing him into a hug. "I have one condition."
"That's why I like you, Nathan, I knew you were a born negotiator! What's your condition? Although I thought I was the one who was supposed to make the conditions!"
"Yes, Sir! But I have one too. You become part of our family, and that includes spending Holidays together, and anything else families normally do."
Nathaniel bent his head back and let out a booming laugh!
"Nathan, you may regret that condition, because my Elizabeth always said I could be quite a handful, but you've got yourself a deal, Son!"
Both men were now standing. They shook on their deal with its agreed-upon condition. And further sealed the final agreement with a hug. Elizabeth was beaming. Bill got up first.
"Welcome to the family, Nathaniel! Glad to have you! And sorry, but I guess that makes us related now, because I'm part of their family, too!"
"I think I can handle that, Bill. Never hurts to have a Judge in the family, and a Constable too!"
Elizabeth reached up to kiss him on the cheek, "Welcome to our family, Nathaniel! And thank you, from the bottom of our hearts! Are you hungry? Let us get your lunch! Bill, what do you have for us today?"
"I've already got some massive Rib-Eyes on the indoor grill for us, along with Baked Potatoes in the oven. They should be ready any time now. We're going to load them up with all sorts of goodies! There's also Grilled Asparagus and a Tangy Carrot Cole Slaw. And don't forget my famous Yeast Rolls. I'll surprise you with Dessert later."
"Sounds great, Bill! I'm suddenly ravenous! But do you have any of your Apple Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream? You know that's my favorite!"
"Nathaniel, would I serve you anything else? Except maybe add in a Chocolate Pie for you to take home?"
"My second favorite! You take good care of me, Bill, excellent care! Thank you for that!"
"Nathan, I want to hear all about Packer Johnston's capture, as well as his gang. That's all anybody wants to talk about, wherever you go! Benson Hills, Buxton, Portland, even San Fransisco! I just got back from there last week! People everywhere are amazed they were finally apprehended! I tell you, it's tempting to go back to prosecuting for those trials! Especially Packers'. Boy, now that, I'd like to be in on!"
"Well, come back and work with me, Nathaniel. I'll get you a spot, alright, as the Lead Prosecutor. Seriously, you just say the word! I don't know of a better one!"
"Let me think about it, Bill. And I promise you, I will! But, tell me, how did you all do this?"
"Well, Nathan got Packer single-handedly!"
"Bill!" chided Nathan.
"Nathan, that's as true as the Bible!" Bill retorted.
"Actually, Nathaniel, I was sitting on my horse, in front of the Saloon in the middle of the night, on my way to give our condolences to the family of a fallen Mountie. Something felt off, really off! Suddenly, I saw a darker, moving shadow in the darkness at the Saloon's side. I jumped off Newton, with my gun drawn, and actually had it at his back as he was using his weapon to break out the glass of the Saloon window. He didn't even put up a fight, didn't even say a word, and I didn't see his face till I walked him around to the front of the Saloon. Then I immediately knew it was Packer Johnston, of course, and that he was there to commit a murder, not robbery, as I had originally thought. The rest of it was locking down Hope Valley, getting the Mountie Regiment and deputized Townsmen organized, and setting up hidden ammunition stations throughout the town. Then we just had to wait."
"But, Nathan, when they finally got here, how in this world did you arrest them all without a single gunshot. I mean, that's just unbelievable. "
"Nathaniel, let me just say, our modest Mountie is leaving out quite a bit. I've never seen a Mountie pay such close attention to every single detail for every possible contingency that existed. And I've never seen one organize and motivate a Regiment, along with the Townsmen like he did! Never in my career! Believe me, that gang didn't have a chance. Nathan had us ready for anything and everything!"
The compliment was an unbelievable one, coming from Bill.
"Thank you, Bill, but I was just doing my job."
"Well, Nathan, look at it this way... How many Mounties have been assigned to go after Packer Johnston over the years? They were doing their job, too. But with no success. You weren't even assigned to him, yet you brought him and his entire gang in, without a single gunshot. I'm sorry, I'm with Bill on this. Extraordinary work, Son. Extraordinary! But back to the gang's capture. How did that happen?"
"Thank you, Nathaniel. That's very kind. As for the Gang, Bill knew they would come at night, and I knew they would do just about anything to not die, and we were ready. I was determined we'd take them while they were still on horseback, and that's exactly what we did. There was no fight when I told them there were fourteen sharpshooter Mounties with rifles aimed at their heads, and for them to drop their weapons or we'd shoot to kill."
Elizabeth watched this humble man she loved so much and thought how really extraordinary he was.
"That's amazing, Nathan, simply amazing!" commented Nathaniel. "You must have used some commanding voice, and convincing one, to boot, to get them to give up without a fight!"
"Oh, he did! You could have heard a pin drop, literally. They knew Nathan meant business! So did everyone else who heard him. I think Nathan gave them zero seconds to decide, and then made them drop their second round of weapons within ten seconds!" Bill chuckled.
"They were like lambs to the slaughter. It was the darnedest thing I've ever seen in my entire career!" marveled Bill as he went to go get their lunch since Clara had signaled everything was ready!
Bill had Clara help him bring everything out.
"Judge, this is a fine-looking lunch, indeed! More than worth the trip!" grinned Nathaniel.
They gathered hands, as was their family tradition, and Nathan prayed a prayer of thanks.
"Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for this day You have given us, the delicious food You have set before us, and the preparers of that food. We thank You most of all for our newest family member, Nathaniel Helmsley, and his gracious gift of land and lake to us. We ask that You help us keep this creation he has entrusted to us, in ways that please both You and the earthly giver of the gift. May You pour out Your richest blessings on Nathaniel, we ask. In Your Holy Name, Amen!" which was followed by a chorus of Amens.
"The Rib-Eye is grilled to perfection, Bill! I haven't had a steak this good in a very long time, not even in San Francisco!"
"Thank you, Nathaniel! So glad you like it!"
Nathan glanced at Elizabeth and noticed her watching Nathaniel. And after having seen that look just last night, he recognized it immediately.
'Nathaniel, you'd better watch out my Man!' he thought to himself. 'You'd better watch out!'
"Nathan, Ned Yost also told me you were up all night with a sick horse. How's the horse doing?" asked Nathaniel.
"It's Elizabeth's Husband's horse, Nathaniel. He choked on some sugar beets while we were in Buxton yesterday, returning the sleigh I had borrowed for our trek to the cabin Friday night."
Nathaniel noticed the look of love between Nathan and Elizabeth.
And it made him smile.
"Who would ever place sugar beets by a horse?"
"Apparently, someone who didn't know better. Sargent's much better today. The two Mounties filling in are taking turns watching him for us now. But last night was a bit rough. At one point, I was worried about a setback, but he was just dehydrated. He was able to keep a little water down this morning without choking. So very thankful for that!"
"Nathan, why didn't you have me postpone this? We could have done it another day."
"But you had already made plans, Nathaniel, and I didn't want you to have to change your plans for the week! I'm fine. Pretty used to going without sleep. It will hit me later on in the day, probably my luck, when it's time for Dinner!" he laughed.
"Oh, my goodness! We shook, and we hugged, but we didn't sign! And here we have a Teacher, Constable, Lawyer, and Judge right around this table. What do you say we sign now before that delicious Apple Cobbler comes out and demands my full attention!"
They all laughed, and Nathaniel pulled out his elegant pen, quickly and proudly signing over ownership of thirty-two acres of his prized land that included a majestic lake, to Constable Nathan Grant!
Nathaniel handed Nathan the pen, who placed his signature in a beautiful script just below Nathaniel's signature. Both men hugged.
"You now own the land and the lake, and you're stuck with me as family! Now, that's an extra bonus I hadn't counted on! But I love it! You know, I've been a little lost in that big old house without my Elizabeth," and the three around the table could see a tear start to form.
"Nathaniel, the next time we meet, could you show me pictures of your Elizabeth? I'd love to know her better. Bill says she was a true beauty!" asked Elizabeth.
"Of course, my darling Elizabeth. I would be honored to do that. And yes, she was quite the beauty. But I think I fell in love with her inner beauty! I miss her constantly. But it helps to see the two of you together. I see us in you both, and that's a wonderful thing. The circle of life, I suppose!"
Then Nathaniel added, "You both have made me very happy today. More than you'll ever know."
"Well, to say you've made us happy is quite the understatement. This means more to us than we can say!" Nathan was holding Elizabeth's hand and looking directly at her, and she was beaming in agreement.
Nathan turned back to Nathaniel, "We've never had such a magnificent gift. We'll treasure it and personally, I can't wait to explore the land and lake with you. But Nathaniel, since you're now family, you'll have to join us all when we go to the cabin!"
And with that, Nathaniel broke down. A tear streamed down his face, and he didn't even bother to try and hide it.
"I hadn't even been back to the cabin till Friday afternoon. I just hadn't been able to go without my Elizabeth. But with you two there, I think I'd like that very much. Very much, indeed!"
"Then, it's settled!" and Nathan gave Nathaniel a hug.
Although Nathaniel had four Sons who had moved back East, and Nathan had a biological Father who was now doing his best to be a part of his life, from a distance, both Bill and Elizabeth realized the same thing as they were watching the two men hug.
A Father without his Sons, and a Son without his Father.
Some relationships in life are just meant to be, and without requiring a label, they just come into being and exist for a reason, sometimes filling the gaps in our lives we don't even recognize are there.
And in a way, that was what Hope Valley was all about.