Chapter Ninety-Four: Goodbyes and The Train Ride Home
Nathan and Elizabeth had both gotten up early to go to the Train Station and see the Children off with the Coulters and the rest of Hope Valley.
It was a very proud and happy Group boarding that Train, anxious to get back to Hope Valley to show off their new Medals, and tell of their new Adventures!
Everyone waved from their Windows, along with Allie, Little Jack, and Frederic, as the Train slowly pulled out from the Station.
"Oh, no, I miss them already!"
"Elizabeth, they could have come back with us."
"I know, that's what I wanted. But Rosemary insisted we needed some time alone. To plan our Future, she said!"
"Rosemary thinks of everything for everyone! We could have done that with the Children there, but I'm certainly not going to complain about finally having some time alone with my brand new Fiancee! I'll have to make sure we get a private secluded seat in the back of the Train on the ride Home!" teased Nathan.
Elizabeth grinned, "You wish! Oh, 'Fiancee,' how I love the sound of that! But we've got to hurry back to the Hotel, Darling, if we want to make Breakfast with our Parents before we all leave!"
"On it," and Nathan waved to the Hotel Car that they were ready to be picked up.
"Just think, Nathan, we'll have the entire trip Home to plan our Wedding!"
"Can't wait, Love..."
As Nathan and Elizabeth walked into the Private Dining Room of the Hotel for the last time, they were both struck at how their Parents were happily chatting away, genuinely enjoying each other's Company.
But this time as soon as they entered, all four turned their full attention to the Newly Engaged Couple.
"Nathan, that was quite the Celebration last Night! How are you feeling this Morning, Son?" asked William.
"Still, working through it all, Sir. But, thanks for asking!"
"Did you have any idea at all what was going to happen?" asked Grace.
"Not till my discussion with the Commissioner. It was all so unexpected. That they would actually build an Official Academy for Inspectors in Hope Valley is beyond anything I could have ever imagined."
"You know, Son. Think of it this way. Elizabeth said you gave up an Inspector's Position in Union City for Allie to stay in Hope Valley. And here you are being given even more by staying in Hope Valley. I think Chief Inspector surpasses Inspector any Day of the Week!" complimented Archie.
"You're right, Dad. Hadn't thought of that, but it does more than make up for the loss of that position. You know I didn't even think of it as a loss, though. It was just the right thing to do. And you should have seen Allie's face when I told her we were staying! No Job compares to that!"
"How do you feel about this new position, Son? I have no doubt you can do it, but it does sound like a lot of responsibility," remarked Madelyne.
"It is a lot of responsibility, but the whole thing is rather intriguing. To be able to oversee the 'Highest Profile Cases' in the Country, well, that is just a dream come true! You know being an Inspector, dealing with Analyses, Forensics, Psyche of the Criminal, and Tracking – those things have always been my Area of Expertise, my Work Passion, so to speak. So, in that way, I guess I'm home."
"Well, we mean it, when we say, each of us couldn't be prouder of you, Nathan!"
"Thank you, William."
"Elizabeth! Madelyne and I have decided you're just going to have to phone us each week to keep us posted on all the Wedding Details!" demanded Grace.
"Mother, you don't even have a Phone!" interjected Nathan.
"Well, Mr. Know It All, I do now! Needed it for Ranch Business, if you must know!"
"When were you going to tell your Son? The one who writes you every week, because there's no Phone!" asked a shocked Nathan.
"Well, a Mother can love her Letters from her only Son, too, can't she? I'll give you the number before we leave, but that doesn't mean you get to stop writing your Mother, Young Man!"
"Yes, Ma'am!" laughed Nathan. "Oh, Mother, can you get Elizabeth a proper Riding Outfit and send it?"
"My pleasure! Consider it done, Elizabeth. But you're so tiny, you're going to have to give me your sizes. And keep in mind Ranch clothes aren't at all that fashionable! So think even smaller than you actually are!"
"I'll be happy to give you my sizes! Just don't tell Nathan, as I'll have to diet a bit before the Wedding! And I love Nathan's Ranch Clothes!" exclaimed Elizabeth.
"Wait a minute, Lisbeth! Do you really think you have to lose weight for the Wedding? No, you're absolutely perfect just the way you are!"
"Aww, that's so sweet, but Darling, it's a female thing," and both Grace and Madelyne nodded vociferously in agreement.
"Yes, Son, we'll all be watching our weight before and up to the Big Event," concurred his Mother.
"I will never understand Women. All three of you are perfectly stunning, and you want to lose weight?" asked an incredulous Nathan.
"Son, don't try to understand them. Believe me, it's hopeless!" assured Archie.
"Hmph! I've lived my entire life surrounded by Women, and have yet to understand a single one of them!" added William.
The Ladies all cleared their throats at the exact same time.
"There are three of us in the Room, Darling," threatened Grace, oh so sweetly.
"Oh, so sorry, Ladies!" apologized William, clearly under duress.
"Sorry, Ladies!" apologized Archie, knowing he would soon be under duress, too.
"More Coffee, Miss?"
"Yes, please. Thank you, Godfrey. It's been so good to see you. I'm going to miss you!"
"You too, Miss!"
"Sir?"
"Yes, thank you, Godfrey," and Nathan looked up and winked at his new Friend.
Nathan couldn't wait till someday when he could really take Godfrey aside and talk with him alone to find out all about Elizabeth's Childhood!
When their Breakfast finally ended, and their last cup of Coffee had been finished, it felt bittersweet for all of them, and each of them just wanted to linger a while longer, but all of them had Trains to catch, all traveling in various directions!
So, they walked to the Elevators together and parted for their individual Suites, to make sure all their belongings were packed and ready to be picked Up by the Porters, agreeing to meet back together in the Lobby within the next hour...
Nathan, being the efficient Mountie that he was, had already packed his Uniforms and changed into his Civilian Travel Clothes. Headquarters had given him a Bag and Hanging Bag to pack his new Dress Uniform in, and they would be sending him additional Uniforms within the Week.
"Yes, can you please send a Porter to Suite 640 for my Luggage? Yes, I'll wait. Thank you!"
As Nathan waited, he sat down on his Sofa and put his head in his hands, then he ran his hands through his hair, a habit of his when he was pondering.
"Chief Inspector, it doesn't even feel right yet, much less sound right!" he muttered aloud to himself. "How do I manage all this, and at the same time build a House and a Cabin, and help prepare for a Wedding?"
"Yet, it all has to be done, Chief Inspector!"
'Nothing like talking to yourself!' he thought.
"I'm actually talking to myself!"
Then came the knock.
He let the Porter in, who quickly loaded the Luggage onto the Trolley.
Nathan tipped him and then turned to walk through his Suite's Door for one last time, and the thought came to him, he was leaving an engaged Man!
And despite his new promotion, that was the thought that made him smile…
"Nathan!"
"I'm all done. Thought I'd check to see if you need any help!"
"I need you, come here!"
And he laughed as she pulled him into her Suite.
"I want a proper hug…and a proper kiss…"
"Although some, my Darling Lisbeth, might say that's a rather improper kiss!"
"Well, they would be wrong! It's perfect! Are you ready for our Train Ride?" she asked excitedly.
"I'm ready for anything with you!" and she smiled because she knew he meant it.
She kissed him with such passion that for a moment he forgot where they were, and that they were waiting for the Porter.
"Have you already called the Porter?" he mumbled through their very lengthy kiss.
"Yes..."
"Then I think we better be all proper Adults again, my Love!"
"I know, but you're so much fun to be improper with, too!"
He laughed, "Godfrey's got it right. You're so very bad! Some would say a very bad influence on me!"
"But so much fun, am I right?"
"Oh, most definitely," he smiled as she answered the knock at the Door and let in the Porter, who happened to be the same one who had picked up Nathan's Luggage.
Nathan rose from the Sofa, and reached in his pocket to tip him for the second time in less than twenty minutes!
"Thank you!" he said and then turned to Elizabeth.
"Lisbeth, are you ready, Love?"
"Ready! Oh, wait my Handbag! Got it!"
But she grabbed his hand and pulled him down to her and lightly grazed her lips across his, the whole time keeping her eyes locked on his until suddenly both sets of eyes were closed and they were lost in each other…
"So very bad," he muttered as he pulled her through the Suite's Doorway out into the Hall, grabbing her hand as they ran to the Elevator, laughing, together!
"Incorrigibly bad…"
In the Lobby, the Thatchers and the Grants were talking together as though they were trying to cram everything in, within the small period of time they had left.
The Thatcher Servants were standing off to the side behind Godfrey.
But now, somehow, even that seemed more normal for Nathan, and as he and Elizabeth walked down the Stairs of the Grand Staircase one last time, both realized they couldn't have dreamed of their Parents getting along any better than they actually had.
It was a good feeling to know that now both Families were connected, and not only as a soon-to-be Family but as real Friends.
Both Nathan and Elizabeth were very thankful for this very unexpected gift!
It had also been lovely to see their Parents with Allie and Little Jack.
Although it had perhaps been a bit awkward at first for her Parents, eventually they had come around!
All the Grandparents had even gotten up long before Breakfast to see Allie and Little Jack off in the Lobby, and both sets seemed very anxious to see them both again, soon. And even better, both Children seemed totally thrilled with their two sets of Grandparents!
"Darling, remember, call Madelyne and me at least once every week, so we'll know how to help you with the Wedding!"
"Yes, Mother, I will!" promised Elizabeth.
"And Nathan, you know I already love you. Just take good care of our Girl!" added Grace.
"I promise, Grace. The very best of care!" and Nathan reached down to kiss his soon-to-be Mother-in-Law.
"Thank you for everything, Grace. Especially the Ring! Forever indebted," he whispered.
"Never indebted, just so happy it all worked out! You've made my Mother very happy, indeed! Just as I am," she smiled.
"Son, don't stress over the new Job. Just take it one day at a time. It will all work out, and I have a feeling you're going to be great at it!" advised William.
And then William winked, "I'm sure that's an unexpected addition of income as well!"
Nathan grinned, 'Yes, and would you believe they haven't even told me just how much! But, thank you, Sir, and thank you so much for coming. It means everything that you all were here with us!"
"Wouldn't have missed it for anything!"
William reached to kiss his Daughter, then he turned to hug his soon-to-be Son-in-Law.
"Nathan, promise me you'll try to make a trip to the Ranch. Archie and I would just love for Elizabeth to see where you were raised, Son!" begged Madelyne.
"Yes, Mother, we definitely want to do that. Hopefully, not too long after we finish our trip to New York. But we're going to be quite busy till then!"
Nathan couldn't help but notice his Mother had said 'Archie and I would just love' as he reached to hug and kiss her.
"Son, we'll be there for the Wedding, of course. But if you need us before, just let us know and we'll be right there!"
"Thank you, Dad. That's very nice of you. I appreciate it!" and Father and Son hugged each other, in a hug that Elizabeth noticed for the first time felt real, and that made her truly happy.
"The Cars are ready," motioned William, who had lined up yet another string of Silver Ghost Rolls Royces to chauffeur them all to the Train Station.
"You're spoiling us William!" teased Madelyne.
"That's totally my pleasure, Madelyne!"
Elizabeth ran to give Godfrey a kiss Goodbye before he left to help everyone into their Cars.
He had already overseen the proper distribution of Luggage into the assigned Cars, so that everything would flow seamlessly when they got to the Train Station.
"Godfrey, you're the Best! It's been a pleasure to meet you," Nathan said as he got into the Car with Elizabeth.
"Sir, I must say the feeling is mutual!" and Godfrey gave a slight bow...
The Final Goodbyes at the Train Station had been more difficult than anyone would have imagined.
In fact, it is true that there were even a few tears shed, which surprised everyone.
But they were real, as were the relationships that had been forged on this Momentous Weekend.
Unknown to Elizabeth, Grace and Madelyne were planning to call each other Weekly.
And Nathan had no idea, that his Father and his soon-to-be Father-in-Law had exchanged private numbers to also converse and make more specific plans for their Fishing Lessons!
Archie also wanted the names of his Son's Books, so that he could purchase and read them before he next saw Nathan.
Apparently, Father and Son had never discussed Nathan's Writing.
There was also a Business Arrangement that William had been toying around with in his mind, and secretly wanted to discuss with Archie.
But, for once in his life, Archie had done absolutely nothing to instigate it.
Although William had the distinct feeling that had he said anything about it, Archie would have been blamed for trying to take advantage of him in some way.
But, no, this idea was all William's. He hadn't even mentioned it to Archie yet. And maybe, he should just wait on that particular idea till after the Wedding. There would be plenty of time later. He just somehow wanted to help…without seeming to be helping...
When Elizabeth and Nathan finally boarded their Train for Hope Valley, they both felt a bit drained and even sad, that they were leaving their Parents and wouldn't see them again till their Wedding.
Yet they were so happy to finally be together!
And to have this entire block of time alone to actually get to plan their Wedding was more than they could have dreamed for.
Nathan tucked Elizabeth in by the Window and he took the Aisle Seat.
She laughed, "You were really serious about this last Seat thing! But, I have to admit, I kind of like it. It really is more private!"
"Especially when no one is sitting anywhere close by! I like this very much!"
She nestled into him and he placed his arm around her, holding her close to him
Even before the Train pulled out of the Station, she had fallen soundly asleep in his arms.
The Conductor walked by and noticed, quickly returning with a Blanket and Pillow.
Nathan smiled and thanked him. He spread the Blanket across Elizabeth as best he could without disturbing her and tucked the Pillow in on the other side of her by stretching his long arm across her.
Even when the Train finally pulled away from the Station, Elizabeth was completely undisturbed, still Dreaming away, totally at Home in Nathan's arms.
And though he was trying to stay awake, the slow-rolling lull of the train, coupled with his exhaustion from all the activity of the last few days, kept drawing him closer to sleep.
Nathan finally closed his eyes, and it was as though the Couple was dreaming of each other in stereo!
Without knowing it, they were holding each other's hands, and even in sleep, their hearts were full of the one they loved...
"Constable Grant, so sorry to wake you. But we need your help!"
"Sorry, what?"
The Conductor was nervous, "Sir, there's a little Girl in the next Car, and we think she's being held against her will. Something is very wrong…she's frightened and she's crying. Hasn't stopped since they boarded."
"Is the Adult Male or Female?"
"Female."
"Is she armed?"
"We're not sure!"
"How many People in the Car?"
"It's full, Sir!"
"Can you relocate her with the Child to this Car, since there are fewer People here?"
"We've tried, Sir. She won't move."
"What does she look like?"
"Graying hair, probably in her mid to late fifties."
"Black clothes?"
"How did you know that?"
"She's Mourning over a Lost Child. She's armed and very dangerous. We have to get the Child away from her. She'll use her as a Hostage. Spill something cold on the Child then take her to clean it up. That will give me enough time to grab the Woman from behind. But wait!"
"Elizabeth, Darling, I need you to wake up. I have to help a Child!"
"Hmm?"
"Elizabeth, wake up now, Darling. I have to help a little Girl."
"What's wrong?" she mumbled.
"Everything's going to be alright Elizabeth, but I need you awake and alert!"
"A Woman who is a known kidnapper has a little Girl against her will. I have to get her."
"Go. I'm fine! Just be careful!"
Nathan kissed her quickly and followed the Conductor.
"Be safe!" and she watched helplessly as Nathan left with the Conductor.
"Radio ahead to the closest Town and have the Constable from there to meet us. Make an Emergency Stop."
"Yes, Sir," and the Conductor grabbed a Ginger Ale as they passed into the First Car.
"I also need your Emergency Cuffs. I have nothing with me except my Badge. Is there anyone sitting behind her?"
"No, Sir! The Cuffs are stored here!"
"Good, let's go; I'll slip in from behind."
As Nathan walked down the aisle. He flashed his Badge to the other Passengers and motioned for them to be quiet. As he slipped in behind the Woman, the Conductor spilled the Ginger Ale on the little Girl, and the Woman was furious, lashing out at him, using foul language, telling him he could not touch her Granddaughter in no uncertain terms. As she flailed her arms at the Conductor, Nathan instantly grabbed the Woman in a Chokehold with one arm from behind, quickly pinning both her arms with his other arm.
As he cuffed her and frisked her, he found not one but two guns, which he tucked into his own Jacket.
"I'm Chief Inspector Grant and you are under Arrest for the Kidnapping of this innocent Child!"
Nathan then announced her Rights and used another cuff to cuff her to her Seat, knowing full well who she was.
Her name was Nanette Grady, and she had served time for a prior Kidnapping back in the early 1900s.
Nathan knew that sadly she had lost a Child of her own just before that first Kidnapping.
He then turned his attention to the little Girl.
"Hello, don't be afraid, I'm Mountie Nathan, and I'm here to help you. I have a Daughter who's just a little older than you. You're going to be alright! Where are your Parents?"
His voice was so tender, so kind, that the little Girl just grabbed him around the neck and sobbed. He held her and talked soothingly to her, caressing her hair, just like he would for Allie.
"My Daughter's Name is Allie, what's yours?"
"Se..Serena. Serena Clayton"
"That's a beautiful Name, Serena. Can you tell me where your Parents are?"
"We were at the Library."
"Do you know what Town?"
"Union City," she started crying again.
"Is that your Home?"
She nodded yes.
"What are your Parent's Names?"
"Thomas and Mary. My Dad helps people. He's a Doctor."
"That's very helpful, Serena. Thank you. We'll get you back to your Parents as soon as we can."
Nathan turned to the Conductor.
"I need you to notify the Mountie's Office that Dr. Thomas and Mary Clayton's Daughter from Union City has been found on the Train, please notify them STAT to make immediate arrangements for Transfer. Also tell the Office that the Arrestee's name is Nanette Grady, Convicted Kidnapper. Served time in the early 1900s.
"Sir, I called you Constable. I'm so sorry. That's what was on the Manifest."
"Nothing to be sorry about," and Nathan smiled. "Recent change in Titles."
"Thank you, Chief Inspector! An Honor, Sir..."
Back in the Second Car, Elizabeth was praying that everything was working out okay and that Nathan was safe. There had been no gunshots, so she assumed that he was.
Suddenly, the Train came to a Stop, and she watched through the Window as Nathan exited with an older Woman in Handcuffs and a Little Girl, who he was carrying. She was holding onto him for dear life.
Two Mounties met him and immediately saluted as they recognized him.
"Chief Inspector, a pleasure, Sir!" said the Eldest Mountie. "John Welch and my Partner, Ben Jacobs. How can we help?"
Unknown to Nathan, at his new level of Promotion, a Release had already been sent out to all Mountie Offices across the Country with his Picture and new Title.
'News sure does travel fast!' thought Elizabeth as she watched the Salute.
They took charge of the Woman, as Nathan briefed them and held the Girl.
Then the Wife of the Senior Mountie walked over to talk with the Child.
Nathan helped her understand that Mrs. Welch, the 'Nice Lady,' was here to help her and would see that she got back to her Parents.
Nathan high fived the little Girl and promised her that everything was going to be okay, that he needed her to trust him and Mrs. Welch, so they could get her back to her Parents safely and quickly.
A tear fell down Elizabeth's cheek as she realized all over again that being a Mountie, no matter the Title, was what Nathan was meant to do, and did he ever do it well!
She was so thankful he had been here for this Child, who had so desperately needed saving.
She shuddered to think that Child could have been Allie or Little Jack!
And she was as proud of her Fiance right now as she had been last night with his Promotion and Two Lifetime Achievement Awards.
She was blessed and this little Child was blessed to have Nathan Grant in their Lives, as were Allie and Jack!
Suddenly the little Girl ran back to the Mountie Prince who had rescued her, for that was what the handsome man was to her.
Nathan knelt down to hold her one last time.
She gave him a kiss along with a huge hug, then one last smile as she turned to go with Mrs. Welch.
Elizabeth couldn't help but smile.
The Mounties then saluted Chief Inspector Grant, which he returned and then reboarded the Train, as it quickly pulled out from this necessary, but unscheduled Stop.
As Nathan reboarded, Elizabeth could hear the clapping from the next Car, and she prayed that Nathan would always be where he needed to be to help people, but with a 'Shield of Armor' around him to always protect him and bring him back to her.
"I'm so sorry, Lisbeth. This isn't what we planned."
"No, it's better. You saved that little Girl! And I couldn't be prouder of you!"
"Let's see, where were we?"
"Yes, Chief Inspector, where were we?"
He held out his arm and she nestled in just as she had when she had been sleeping.
He bent to kiss her forehead.
"Ah, that's it. I think this is exactly where we were…"