Chapter Eighty-Five: Introductions

As the early morning Train pulled out of the Hope Valley Station, Nathan waved one last good-bye to Elizabeth, Allie, and Jack, part of him dreading the long weekend ahead without them and part of him just wanting to get it over with!

He blew Elizabeth one last kiss and watched as she and the Children disappeared out of sight.

Then he slowly turned and moved toward the back of the Train to where Bill had saved him a Seat.

Aaron and Gabe were sitting a couple of Rows in front of them, already deep in conversation.

He nodded and smiled as he passed them.

"Nathan, are you ready for this?" asked Bill.

Nathan lifted his Overnight Bag to the Luggage Rack overhead. His Uniforms, Dress Uniforms and Dress Boots had already been stored away in a Hanging Compartment, along with those of the other Mounties accompanying him.

"I don't know, Bill. You tell me. Are we ever ready for the unknown?"

Bill chuckled, "When you put it that way, maybe not! But, Nathan, things are about to change…"

"What do you mean, Bill? Do you know something I don't know?" asked Nathan searching for any covert reaction.

"Maybe, but truthfully, I don't know it all. And what Harry has shared with me, well, he's sworn me to secrecy. But, I can tell you this much. As I said, things are about to change, but in a good way. And I also want to say this…"

Nathan glanced up at Bill, who had a very serious look on his face.

"I want to say, don't ever underestimate what you did capturing Packer and his entire Gang."

"But, Bill, that was all of us. That wasn't just me…"

"No, but you led us; and every Operation, Military or not, needs a Leader. You just happened to be a great one, a Leader that led us to complete Victory. You did that. You, see Nathan, things could have gone much differently, but thanks to you, they didn't! Don't ever underestimate that. I know Harold sure isn't."

"You know, Bill. I'm a simple man. I believe in doing your Job to the best of your ability, and then going out there and doing it again. I'm not at all comfortable with Awards, Medals, and that sort of thing. I just want to do my Job!"

"Yes, and I think that's one of the many reasons God has given Special Gifts to you. Want to know something really funny?"

Nathan's eyes shot to Bill with a questioning glance.

"Jack would have killed for Honors like the ones you're about to receive. That young Man lived for Medals and such! So, know this, he sure would be proud of you! And know also, I'm proud of you…"

Nathan turned as he heard Bill's voice catch.

"I'm really proud of you, Son!"

"That means the world coming from you, Bill! Thank you. More than I can say!"

"Now, as to exactly what's happening, I only know you'll be staying in Hope Valley, so put that fear out of your mind! Harold knows we're a team, and that's not going to be broken. It just may look a bit differently."

"I don't know whether to feel relieved or even more nervous…"

Bill laughed, "Well, let's change the subject. Do you mind a question? Since Adeline's not here to shut me up?"

"Oh, Bill…what am I supposed to say?"

"Let me ask the question. Then you decide whether or not you want to answer. Why are you and Elizabeth waiting? Waiting to be engaged? Waiting to be married? You love each other. We all know it. Why all this senseless waiting?"

Nathan sighed.

"Bill, if you must know...who knows, maybe it will help to talk about it. I guess it's my fault in a way. I have to ask her Father for her Hand in Marriage. I know it might not be necessary. But it's necessary for me. I can't do it any other way. Lee and Rosemary were going to travel to Hamilton with us, and of course now with Rosemary's pregnancy, that's no longer a possibility. We were going to ask you and Adeline, but Elizabeth says we may not have to make a trip at all, that maybe a phone call will do. Although, I hardly think that's an appropriate alternative."

"Okay, that's admirable. I understand that. But why didn't you just tell me?"

"There's more. Elizabeth is dreaming of a June Wedding. She has all her Flowers chosen and I want to make her Wedding Dreams come true. In fact, I promised her that," explained Nathan.

"Okay, I understand that. But, why aren't you at least engaged?"

"Well, that's my other problem. Apparently, Elizabeth wants only one Ring, and it happened to belong to her Granda who passed away."

"So, what's the problem?"

"The Ring is lost. Elizabeth's Mother and Aunts haven't been able to locate it since her death."

"So, what are you going to do?"

"I thought I'd track down the Jeweler and see if he could recreate it. But I need Elizabeth's Mother in order to do that, and of course, I have to talk to her Father first."

"Okay, so this is a little more complex than I imagined. But, Nathan you should have just told me."

"Would it have made any difference?"

"I think maybe I would have stayed off your back a bit more," admitted Bill. "Here's what we're going to do. After this hoopla at Headquarters, you're going to meet with Elizabeth's Father, even if I have to take you to Hamilton myself! And we'll figure out this Ring mess while we're there. We've got to get this show on the road, Nathan."

"Bill, it's not a show. It's our life; Elizabeth's and mine," Nathan said quietly. "And, I can't forget, it's the Children's lives as well."

"I know that. But, it's past time we get moving. Nathan, I see her look at you and I see you look at her. You two need to be together. The Children need you together. It's just that simple. You have to remember, I'm the one that watched her and Jack dawdle for five years and look at where it got them. Almost no time together. Now, don't get me wrong. I don't think anything like that's going to happen to you two, but it's still stupid to waste the time. Look at Adeline and me, we're jumping right in!"

"You'd really go to Hamilton with me?"

"Absolutely, if that's what it takes, that's what we'll do! Let's at least get an Engagement Ring on that Girl's finger!"

Nathan smiled at Bill.

"You know, I'm not used to having someone care, or even having someone to talk to. Thank you for that, Bill. I miss her already. She wanted to come, but I knew there would probably be very little time to spend with her. I love her so much. It's almost like I can't fully breathe when she's not with me. Like she has a part of me with her."

"That's love, Nathan. Pure love. I never thought I'd feel it again. And yet I do! Want to know something strange? It's so much better this time around. Adeline's my everything, and I won't take it for granted, not for one moment," mused Bill.

"You're different with her, you know. You're alive, fully alive! And you're happy. You do know, we love her! She just sort of embodies the hope and spirit of Hope Valley."

"Don't know what I did to deserve her, but whatever it is, boy, I'm grateful!"

"Don't you miss her, Bill?"

"Of course, but she's gonna…yes, of course, I miss her like crazy," and that was Bill's save, catching himself before he totally slipped.

Nathan, ever the investigator, noticed and watched him as he went on reading his Newspaper like nothing was wrong…like he hadn't slipped.

But he had.

Nathan just didn't know what it meant.

"Nathan," and Bill looked over the edge of his Newspaper, "I suppose now's as good a time as any. You know our Wedding is just a month and a half away. The day before Valentine's Day will be here before you know it! Don't suppose you'd want to be my Best Man, would you?"

"Bill, I would be so honored! That's an ecstatic yes! But you're not going to need any fancy Gentleman's Night, are you?"

Bill cackled.

"Hey, a night of Drinks around the Bar and we're good!"

Nathan laughed, "I think we can do a bit better than that!"

And he just shook his head...

Nathan had spent the morning at Headquarters with Commissioner Blake, who couldn't have been more complimentary, but for some reason, he was not being very forthcoming either.

Apparently, Nathan was going to be kept in the dark till the very last minute.

The Commissioner was now meeting with Bill, Aaron, and Gabe, and others, leaving Nathan with some unexpected time on his hands as well as the knowledge he was just going to have to wait a bit longer to see what exactly was planned for him.

He had been to Regina, Saskatchewan several times before visiting Headquarters.

Nathan assumed Regina had been chosen for Headquarters due to it being more centrally located than other options had been.

He was familiar with the 'Mountie Campus,' as it was often referred to by those inside, and it had been good to get Newton settled in the Stalls there.

But Nathan was also glad to go back to the Civilian World for a while, to be alone in his thoughts.

Regina was a large bustling Town, yet it still had a quaintness about it.

Not charm exactly, but a quaintness of sorts.

It wasn't a place, however, Nathan would ever want to live.

Much too big and Industrial to suit him.

As always in very large cities, Nathan longed for the Ranch, his Home where he had grown up, rolling fields, clear, fresh air, a smog-free sky, and beautiful Horses everywhere.

However, the crisp cool morning air invigorated him as he walked along, headed back to the general vicinity of their Hotel.

Commander Blake had insisted on putting them up in style at the Chateau Qu'Appelle, a luxury Hotel, recently built in the classic Scot's Baronial Style.

But now his thoughts were of Hope Valley, and in particular of one special person.

'Why did I discourage her from coming? What I wouldn't give right now to see her!'

He continued walking on, tipping his Campaign Hat to those who greeted him.

The Serge was indeed a universal Broker of Barriers.

Whether the Uniform just made people feel more safe and secure or whether they had actually had an experience where another Mountie had come to their aid, people were always polite, always recognizing, respecting their Mounties.

As the Doorman opened the massively carved wooden Doors of the Hotel, Nathan reached to take off his Hat, when he noticed off to the side, a huge Entourage checking in, apparently someone very important. They were surrounded by enough Luggage for a Royal Tour.

Nathan smiled, and turned to head up the Grand Staircase when he couldn't believe what he saw in front of him…

Nathan was truly speechless.

"Nathan!"

Elizabeth was running to greet him, as Allie took Little Jack's hand to look after him, bringing him to her Dad, both super excited, but patiently waiting their turn.

"Lisbeth!" he grabbed her and swung her around right in the middle of the Lobby, ecstatic to see her.

"How are you here, Darling? Are you even real?"

He still was grasping at how this was even happening!

"Very real, Darling! We took the train after you to surprise you!"

By this time the Children could wait no longer.

Nathan grabbed Allie and Little Jack at the same time, hugging and smothering them both with kisses, delighted to see them.

And for those watching, it was hard to tell who was more excited, the Children or the handsome Man in Serge.

Neither Elizabeth nor Nathan noticed, but they were being observed very carefully by many, but specifically, by the huge Entourage just checking in…

Totally oblivious to them or anyone else around them for that matter, love exuded about them and surrounded them, and all those who watched them smiled, as they could clearly see it.

Yes, even the huge Entourage…

Elizabeth was so caught up in greeting Nathan, she hadn't even noticed the Entourage until familiar voices drew her attention to the People at the Front Desk.

To her delight and surprise, she saw they were her Parents!

"Mother, Father! You came! You didn't call! But you came!"

Elizabeth couldn't believe it! Here, standing in front of her were her Parents.

The last time they had spoken by Phone, her Father was unsure he could change his Schedule in order to fit the Trip in.

In fact, he had sent a Telegram, expressing their regrets, as it currently looked hopeless to get everything changed on his very busy Calendar.

But Elizabeth had called back immediately, and been insistent, "Father, this will be the most important moment of Nathan's Career and I want you and Mother there to share it with us. Please, Father, do this for me! Nathan doesn't even know I'm going to be there, much less inviting our Families. But, for some reason, I think, deep down, this is important for all of us."

Yet still there had been no answer.

There were kisses and hugs between Father, Mother, and Daughter, as Nathan watched and held Jack with his arm wrapped around Allie.

He couldn't believe what he was seeing, but he could see the resemblance.

It was clear to see Elizabeth took after her Mother but had the fortitude of her Father, which was on full display in the manner in which he carried himself.

Those important people checking in were Elizabeth's Parents!

Nathan stood, not knowing quite what to do till, Elizabeth turned to him, beaming, "Father, Mother, this is Nathan Grant..."

He reached out his free hand and took Grace's hand, raised it to his lips, and gallantly kissed it.

So as not to let Elizabeth hear, he lowered his voice to a whisper, "Mrs. Thatcher, you're as beautiful as I imagined. So lovely to finally meet you after your kindness to me!"

Mrs. Thatcher leaned in closer to Nathan whispering, "Don't be silly, it's Grace! Delighted, Nathan. You're even more handsome than I imagined. And I was delighted to help. A Mother always loves to feel needed."

Nathan smiled, then turned to Elizabeth's Father and offered his hand, "Mr. Thatcher, Nathan Grant, an honor to meet you, Sir!"

He shook Mr. Thatcher's hand firmly, a fact not unnoticed by Mr. Thatcher, who was indeed sizing him up.

Elizabeth had to stifle a laugh when she saw her Father looking up to meet Nathan's height.

"Mother, Father, meet my Son, Jack, and Nathan's Daughter, Allie…"

Elizabeth wanted to say her Daughter but knew that was going to take some explaining. And she also knew Nathan would have been mortified, as he was determined to talk with her Father first.

Nathan could see Mr. Thatcher struggling a bit, not actually knowing quite how to react to the Children, but Grace surprised him and reached to kiss both Jack and Allie, both of who were on their very best behavior.

"Allie, now what does that stand for? I know it must be a beautiful name for a beautiful girl."

"Alexandra Rose Grant, Ma'am."

"How lovely! My Elizabeth's middle name is Rose. I like that. I like that very much!"

"Thank you! You're very beautiful, Ma'am!"

"Why, thank you, Allie. I think we're going to be great Friends!"

Nathan noticed neither of Elizabeth's parents reached for Jack, but he could tell they were trying. Perhaps they just weren't used to dealing with a Child that young.

For now, Nathan was just thankful, they were being very gracious, and that was a good enough start.

Always the observer, Nathan watched as Mr. Thatcher tried to reign in some control.

"Elizabeth, allow your Mother and me to get settled and I believe we should all meet for Lunch at say, Half-past Twelve? Godfrey will handle the Reservations."

It was then that Nathan noticed an older Gentleman formally dressed in a Tux standing close by, and apparently, Elizabeth noticed him at the same time, because she ran to envelop him in a huge hug.

He broke his solemn stance long enough to hold her close and Nathan noticed his eyes literally came to life with her in his arms.

At first, Elizabeth's Parents were unsure how to respond, but when they saw the tears glistening in their Butler's and Daughter's eyes, they threw decorum away and smiled approvingly instead.

Yes, Godfrey was their Butler, but he had also helped raise their Daughters, and Elizabeth was his favorite, and they hadn't seen each other for the longest time.

Then, Nathan watched as Elizabeth noticed the line of people behind Godfrey, more Servants he correctly assumed, and she then went down the line, hugging each and every one.

Nathan couldn't help but slightly smile, as he realized this brought an alarmed reaction from her Parents, along with a clear look of disdain.

This was familiarity that would generally not be tolerated at all by the Thatchers, and their Daughter's behavior in this particular instance was most certainly not going to be overlooked.

Nathan assumed there would be a private conversation about the matter before end of day, between Parents and Daughter.

He knew Elizabeth's parents were High Society, but knowing it and actually seeing it in action were two entirely different things.

Nathan realized he would have to be on his very best behavior, for Elizabeth's sake.

Not that he would be anything but what he was, because with Nathan you got authenticity, but he would mind his P's and Q's for the Woman he loved.

He tightened his hold on Little Jack who was rather unsure about who all these people were exactly.

Jack reached his little hand to Nathan's neck, wrapping his little arm around him, snuggling in, secure in who was holding him.

It was in that instant, that Nathan knew this was his Son, and he would do anything to protect him from whatever hurt was out there, even if it came from his own Grandparents.

"Elizabeth, Nathan, we'll see you at Lunch!" commanded Mr. Thatcher, as he led his Wife away, with his Entourage following at a respectable distance behind.

It was clear Mr. Thatcher was very comfortable with giving orders, to his employees as well as everyone else, Nathan thought, a formidable Man to be sure.

And with that, the Thatcher Entourage ascended the Grand Staircase, in almost what could have been called a Royal Procession.

"I think that went quite well," muttered Elizabeth, looking after her Parents.

"You, my Darling, have a lot of explaining to do!" smiled Nathan wanly.

"Come with us to our Suite, and I'll explain away…the Children are with me, along with Laura. Where are you staying, Darling?"

"Oh, this explanation I can't wait to hear, and the answer's Sixth Floor…" but at that exact moment, Nathan heard a familiar voice and Allie shrieked!

"Grandma, Grandpa!" and she ran to hug Nathan's parents, who apparently had just arrived.

Nathan was dumbfounded and gave Elizabeth a helpless look…

"More explaining?" shrugged Elizabeth as she was off to greet his Parents.

'Note to self – the Love of your Life is a Powerhouse!' muttered Nathan to himself. 'But what is she thinking, both sets of Parents in the same spot at the same time? Oh no! This could be an unmitigated disaster!'

"Mother, Dad?" he asked incredulously.

He hugged them both, but his Mother wouldn't let go.

"Mother, this is my Elizabeth, the one I've told you so much about!"

"We've already hugged, Son. You're simply beautiful, Dear! Just beautiful! And who is this? This must be Jack!" and she reached out her arms for the little Toddler who went straight to her.

"My, he's never done that before!" marveled Elizabeth.

"Oh, he's a fine boy!" and somehow Jack and Nathan's Mother were suddenly busy having a two-way conversation that they alone understood.

Elizabeth looked at the striking woman in front of her, and then she saw her eyes, Nathan's eyes, those same beautiful oceans of blue and she was amazed.

She was tall and thin, an inch or so taller than Elizabeth and her hair was the color of Nathan's with just a single striation of gray peeking through on one side as though it had always been there, adding to her unique persona. Her face was simply beautiful. Her hair was pulled back into a chic chignon, framing high cheekbones sun-kissed with an air of earthiness, and though Elizabeth knew she ran a Horse Ranch, her hands were elegant, slim with long fingers and short nails, perfectly manicured. And overall, beyond her earthiness, there was an elegance and a wisdom that surprised Elizabeth and charmed her as well.

Nathan's Mother was striking and Elizabeth could tell she was a Woman who gave her all and loved with her whole being; an elegant Woman of Substance, Elizabeth thought.

At that point, Nathan's Dad reached to hug Elizabeth, "A pleasure to see you again! And I hear Courting Congratulations are in order!"

She smiled and hugged him, "Yes, they are, Archie! So good to see you here. Thank you both for coming. I guess I should explain. We wanted to surprise you, Nathan. We couldn't let you receive an Award of a Lifetime and not have your Family here!"

Nathan blushed, but then came gratitude, "I'm very grateful. Elizabeth's right, I can't imagine not having you both here. Thank you for making the trip Mother, Dad. Thank you, Elizabeth for knowing exactly what I needed before I did."

And he reached to kiss her cheek.

"See, I told you, you'd love her!" grinned Archie.

"You're absolutely right, Archie! I already do!" and his Mother reached to give her another hug.

"Lunch will be with my Family at Half-past Twelve. My Father's more Bark than Bite, so please overlook any of that. And fair warning, Mother's a bit on the formal side. Let's let you get settled and I'll call to let you know the place."

'Mother, do you need help checking in?" asked Nathan.

"Son, I'll take care of it. You two go on. I'm sure you have plenty to discuss. We'll see you at Lunch!" offered Archie.

"Thanks, Dad. Good to see you both!"

He watched as his Parents walked to the Front Desk together.

"You do know that's a Miracle in itself. Those two in the same room smiling at each other. I'm not sure what to think!"

"Think good thoughts, Darling!"

"Lisbeth, do you have any more surprises I should know about?"

Allie was trying to stifle a laugh and Elizabeth let out a giggle too…

"No, just that Half of Hope Valley is here, the Coulters, Adeline, Felicity, Nathaniel, Carson, you name it. Everyone's here to honor you, Darling!"

"Surprise, Dad!"

"Oh, it's most certainly that!" and Nathan glanced up to see a man exit the Lobby who looked suspiciously like Gustav.

"Gustav's here?" he asked in disbelief.

"Darling, he wanted to receive his Citizen's Award in person, so yes, and quite a few more are here, too, if you must know. I said half the town…"

"Yes, you did say that! Your hand, Mrs. Thornton?"

She offered it with a flirty smile, and Nathan took her hand, then her arm, giving her a look back she couldn't quite define as he led her, along with Allie and Jack, up the Grand Staircase to the Elevators to take them to Elizabeth's Suite.

After Laura took the Children into their Bedrooms to read with them, Nathan and Elizabeth finally had a few moments to themselves, but Nathan still seemed more than a bit overwhelmed.

"It's going to be alright, Nathan, I promise."

"But, Darling, both of our Families. I mean, I just don't know how this is going to work. What if they hate each other. I mean they're night and day different. I…"

"Darling, stop pacing, look at me, it's going to be okay. You and I are going to be together no matter what. I know it's important for you to officially ask Father for my Hand, but Nathan, if he doesn't give it, I'm giving it to you anyway!"

"Oh, thanks for that! That makes me feel a lot better! You think he might say no? I hadn't even thought of that! Elizabeth!"

"Don't panic. Everything's…"

"Elizabeth, you don't know that! You can't know that!"

"Just breathe, in and out. I promise Nathan, it's going to be okay! In and out. They're only my Parents and your Parents..."

"What were you thinking, Darling? Oh, forget it! Let's not even discuss it now. Come here," and he drew her close to him and then, though he was still very nervous about this entire situation, he held her and she managed to cajole him into a kiss, first a light kiss, then a second one (this was being much harder than she thought it would be) and then a third real kiss that he fell into in spite of himself.

"See, I haven't lost my touch!" she gloated in a whisper.

And then he glared down at her (she wasn't sure if he meant it or if he was pretending), "Elizabeth, seriously, we have a real dilemma on our hands. Just what are we going to do?"

"Well, I'm kissing the Man I love, and my suggestion would be for you to kiss the Woman you love back!"

"Elizabeth, our Parents, what are we going to do about our Parents? I can just see them meeting each other now! Oh no! It's horrible. It's just going to be horrible. And it's all going to happen in less than two hours! I'm not even going to get a chance to ask your Father before we have a catastrophe on our hands! How can you be so calm?"

"Okay, let's look at this analytically. You've already met my Parents and it went very well. Mother loved you, and Father is sizing you up. That's to be expected. Of course, he's going to do that! And I knew it, he did have to look up to you!" she giggled. "That's what's bothering him right now, I can tell you that! Now, once you have your talk with him alone, you'll feel better about the whole situation. You can tell him we're already Courting and add…well, whatever you Men talk about. And, see that's that! Lunch is just Lunch between two Families."

"Our two Families and my Family's not even a Family! Oh, Elizabeth, what are we doing? This is most certainly not the smartest thing we've ever done!"

"Nathan, did you see your Parents? They were charming, and they seemed quite happy to be together. Don't worry, Darling. My Parents aren't Monsters, a little posh, yes, and a little on the formal side, but good manners will rule. So, see nothing to worry about…"

"What in the world do you ever see in me?" he whispered.

"Oh, I see the most wonderful, handsome Man, a Man who is authentic and kind and good and wise. A Man who is the Love of my Life. I could go on forever, you know…"

"Just kiss me instead!"

And she did.

"It's really going to be okay?" he mumbled through their kiss.

"It's really going to be okay," she mumbled back.

And then he was calm, "It is what it is with both sets of Parents. That doesn't change us, does it?"

"No, my Darling, it most certainly does not!"

"I love you, Lisbeth. I love you with every ounce of my being."

"I love you, Nathan. With my whole heart, I love you! Have you been able to find out anything?"

He shook his head no, "The Commissioner was full of praise, but also very close-mouthed. We worked on maneuvers all morning, together. Bill did assure me on the way down, that whatever it is, it's in Hope Valley. He says they're not breaking up our team, but that it might look different. I can live with that, as long as we're in Hope Valley together."

"I'm so very proud of you, Nathan!"

"I know you are, Darling," he smiled. "You know what I think about when I think about Packer and his Gang? I think about how all that brought about our very first kiss. And I almost feel I need to thank him for that!"

"That…that was about as memorable as it gets!" cooed Elizabeth with her flirtiest of grins.

"I'll always remember how you had faith that it was all going to be okay. That Bill, Lee, and I were going to be safe. You were truly at peace when you told me about it after. That's what let me know for sure, that you and I would get through anything that came up, together. It especially let me know, that even though we can't control it, we can get through my job together. I had been so torn about that."

"Yes, that, and even this, Darling. Especially this. I don't know how, but I know it's all going to work out for the best. Trust me. I just know it!"

He kissed her completely and found his peace.

Yes, they would get through this together...