Nathan stood by the phone in the mercantile, waiting for Florence to make a connection with Graham Parks in Calgary. Graham had been a banker until his retirement a couple of years ago. Though not considered wealthy, he had been able to provide a comfortable lifestyle for his wife and their only son, at least until Dylan had fallen in with a bad crowd of boys in his teens and all of Graham and Sarah's influence had not been able to change the path their son had taken.
"Go ahead, Constable," Florence called from the switchboard.
Nathan nodded and turned his back to her for what little privacy he could manage in the mercantile.
"Hello, Graham," Nathan said.
"Nathan, I got to admit getting a call from you, especially on Christmas Eve, does not sit well with me. It is about Dylan, isn't it?"
"Yes, sir," Nathan replied.
"As you are calling and not some random officer, I have a feeling my son is dead and that he was in your town?"
Nathan nodded, though the man could not see the gesture over the phone line. "I am sorry, sir," Nathan replied. "Dylan died last night from a gunshot wound."
"How did it happen, Nathan? I want to know the truth. You do not need to sugarcoat anything for me, and if you were the one to pull the trigger, I know it was because you had no other choice. I may not tell Sarah everything, but I need to know."
"You know that Dylan recently escaped from prison?" Nathan asked.
"Yes. We were informed of that. The Mountie who called, told us to call them if we heard from or saw Dylan. I also know that this last prison sentence was because of bribing and assaulting a law enforcement officer. They would not tell us the officer's name but Dylan did when Sarah and I went to see him in prison shortly after he was sent there. I am so sorry for the trouble my son has caused you and Ally, Nathan. I am sorry I did not follow my instinct and try to talk Colleen out of marrying Dylan. However, I hoped that she could be a good influence on Dylan. That if he loved someone, and that person loved him back, that the person my son was when he was younger would resurface."
"No one blames you or your wife, Graham," Nathan told the man. "No matter what Dylan did, he was still your son. The love of a parent for a child knows no rival. I know that from the years I have had Ally."
"Thank you for your grace of forgiveness for being blinded by that love, Nathan," Graham replied.
Nathan did as Graham had asked after that. He gave the grieving father all the information that he had surrounding Dylan's death. He could hear some sobs over the line, but as Graham did not ask him to stop, Nathan continued the story without pause. He included what Dylan had said to him but chose to keep the deathbed confession to himself. He could spare the Parks that bit of the truth. Besides, the less people who knew, the less likely Ally would discover the information.
"I am sorry to be the bearer of such news on Christmas Eve," Nathan finished, in a calm voice. Talking to his brother-in-law's father, Nathan thought he should feel more emotion but the simple truth was he did not. He felt bad for Graham and Sarah. No parent wanted to bury a child. However, he did not grieve Dylan's death.
"I know you are," Graham said, his voice shaky. "I know you must also be relieved that there is no chance of Dylan hurting Ally again. Honestly, in a way so am I. I think part of me gave hope of Dylan ever changing his ways years ago. At least he can no longer cause anyone any pain, his mother and I included. Tell the man who was struggling for the gun that even if he did pull the trigger, Sarah and I have no ill will toward him. He was just protecting innocent people, himself included."
"I will pass along the message, sir," Nathan told him, thinking of Lucas' distraught demeanor the night before. He had a feeling the message would help him.
Nathan and Graham made arrangements for sending the body to Calgary for a proper burial. Afterwards, Graham spoke again.
"Nathan, now that Dylan is no longer in the picture, I was wondering if you would allow Sarah and me in Ally's life now. She is the only part of our son we have left now and I know there are years to make up, but we would like to know our Granddaughter."
The request was not a surprise to Nathan. Nor did he have any problem with letting Graham and Sarah Parks into Ally's life. They were her family and they had proved their love with the decision they had made years ago. When Dylan had left after Colleen's death, they had not tried for custody of their granddaughter, feeling that she would be better off with Nathan. When Nathan's posting away from Calgary came through, Graham had said that he and Sarah had discussed it and that they did not want to know where he was going. They thought that unless Dylan showed a lasting reform, Ally was safer if her father did not know her whereabouts. Graham and Sarah had feared that if they kept touch with Nathan and Ally that Dylan would be capable of hurting them to get what he wanted. The Parks' had told Nathan that they would keep the Mounties aware of their whereabouts if he ever needed to get in touch with them. This was the first contact he'd had with them since that agreement was reached.
"I think we need to handle this delicately," Nathan said, thinking of the emotional turmoil Ally had been through this past year. "I have simply told her that I lost contact with you over the years when she had asked about her father's parents. I need to explain the full situation to her and the arrangement we made."
"Tell her it was our choice, Nathan," Graham told him. "I do not want her thinking that you tried to keep us away from her."
Nathan thought of how things had played out with his own father and was grateful for Graham's words.
"I will," Nathan said. "I also want to wait a few days before bringing this up after everything that has happened," he told Graham. He told the man about the accident and Ally's lingering injury. "At this point, I just want to allow her to try to enjoy the holiday as much as possible. After Christmas, I will sit down and explain everything and we will go from there."
"You do what you think best, Nathan," Graham told him. "We will wait for you to contact us again."
"I will call you within the week," Nathan promised before saying a good-bye to Graham Parks.
Hanging up the phone, Nathan suddenly felt very tired. He leaned against the wall and closed his eyes. Despite it being Christmas Eve, there was still a lot that needed to be accomplished, not all festive.
Elizabeth smoothed the skirt of the dark-brown dress she had chosen for the small memorial service that would be held for Dylan Parks. She knew she did not need to go. No one would expect her to go, let alone blame her if she did not go. However, she had made the promise to herself to be a better friend to Nathan. As a friend, she felt she needed to go to support Nathan and Ally.
"Are you sure you do not mind finishing the party preparations and watching Jack?" Elizabeth asked, looking up at Rosemary who was currently holding Jack.
"Not at all," Rosemary replied immediately. "The cake is ready and I can finish up the rest of the food in no time." She looked down at the boy in her arms. "This little guy is always a joy to watch even when he is fussy."
Elizabeth chuckled. Little Jack had definitely helped win Rosemary over to liking children. Perhaps even helped with her longing to have a child of her own. Elizabeth hoped that would still happen for her friends. Rosemary would make a wonderful mother.
Elizabeth walked over to her friend. "Thank you for everything, Rosemary," Elizabeth said, giving her friend a hug.
"You are welcome," Rosemary replied, hugging her back with the arm not holding Jack.
Elizabeth took a step back and looked at Jack. "Mama will be home shortly, Birthday Boy," she told her son, leaning in and kissing his cheek.
"Mama, go?"
"Yes, but I will be back soon and then we get to have your birthday cake."
"Cake," Jack said perking up.
"Yes. A birthday cake for my sweet boy. How old are you today, Jack?"
"Thee!" Jack said, holding up three fingers.
"That is right," Elizabeth said.
"Where has the time gone?" Rosemary asked. "It does not seem possible that I was helping Abigail deliver this one in a blizzard three years ago."
"I know exactly what you mean," Elizabeth said. "I should be going."
"Be careful," Rosemary said.
"I will," Elizabeth replied as she turned to don her coat, hat, gloves and mittens before venturing out in the cold.
As she approached the cemetery, Elizabeth saw a small group gathering in the front corner of the fenced off area, right of the gate. Nathan was the most noticeable, his red serge standing out against the snow-covered land. He was placing Ally down in a chair that had been brought out. Elizabeth noticed that Carson was nearby and leaned down to speak to Ally briefly. Elizabeth wondered about the doctor's attentiveness as Ally had been doing well in her recovery.
Joseph was standing in front of the fence, his back to her. Elizabeth did not see the rest of the Cannfields which told her Minnie had elected to stay home with the children, though Cooper had recovered from his bout with strep throat. Though he was coming to the concert tonight, Faith had advised him not to sing in the choir just yet. Cooper had been disappointed but Elizabeth had assured the boy that there would be more school concerts.
Bill and Abigail were standing next to Nathan. Behind Ally's chair, Robert and Cody now stood. Robert had both hands resting on Ally's shoulders. Elizabeth was glad that Ally had the support of a couple of her friends at this time.
As she entered the cemetery, Elizabeth noticed that Lucas had also come, though he stood a little apart from the others. Lucas nodded to her as she walked by him and Elizabeth nodded back. Lucas looked a bit troubled, and Elizabeth had a feeling that the events of the night before had shook him. She hoped this little memorial service might help him find some peace.
Elizabeth stopped briefly in front of Ally, and gave the girl a hug. As she straightened up, Nathan thanked her for coming as Elizabeth took the few steps necessary to stand beside Abigail. As she looked toward Joseph, Elizabeth saw that their pastor was standing next to a simply made cross that was hanging from the fence for now. Dylan's name and the dates had been carved into the wood. Elizabeth assumed that Nathan had made the simple, but well made, cross. She had a feeling that when the ground thawed out enough, the cross would find its way into the ground.
The memorial service was short and simple. No tears were shed, though Elizabeth had not expected any. What memories Ally had of her biological father were not good ones and Elizabeth doubted that Nathan had many good memories of his brother-in-law either. However, they did pay respect to a fellow human being. Joseph had used the story of the thief on the cross to prepare his short speech. He had also reminded them that though Dylan had made many mistakes in his life that he was somebody's son and had brought Ally into the world. Elizabeth had a feeling that the last reason was probably one of the few good things the man had managed in his life. Nor did she have much faith that the man had repented at the end of his life like in the story of the Thief on the Cross, but perhaps he did. If that thought brought Ally any peace at all, either now or later in life, then Elizabeth was fine with that.
After a short prayer to end the little service, Joseph walked toward Ally and Nathan. The pastor hugged the girl and shook Nathan's hand. Joseph told both of them that if they ever needed to talk his door was always open to them.
While this was going on, Elizabeth noticed that Lucas had started to leave and Bill had gone after him. As Joseph turned to leave, Lucas came back to the little group. Squatting down in front of the chair Ally was sitting in, he spoke to Ally.
"I hear you wanted to talk to me," Lucas said.
Ally nodded. "I wanted to say that I am sorry for being mad at you. I know you did not intend to hurt my feelings."
"That was never my intention," Lucas told her. "I also understand you being mad at me. At least you still have not bitten my ankles," he said with a smile, which got Ally to laugh.
"Thank you for saving Uncle Nathan's life last night," Ally said. "He is the only father I have known or need. I do not know what I would do without him."
"I am glad I was there when I was needed," Lucas told her.
Ally held opened her arms and Lucas stood and leaned in to embrace the girl. Elizabeth noticed that Nathan was looking up at the sky and had a feeling he was struggling with his emotions. She wanted to reach out and comfort Nathan and was thankful that Bill did, place a reassuring hand on Nathan's shoulder.
"That gift you returned is still wrapped and sitting in my office," Lucas told Ally as he stood up. "May I bring it by? I think you would like it."
Ally nodded.
"I will stop by with it later," Lucas told her.
Lucas shook hands with Nathan, the two men exchanging a few words. Lucas then turned and left.
"Are you ready to go home, young lady?" Carson asked Ally.
"Yes," Ally replied.
"I will be home soon, Ally," Nathan said. "I am just going to make a set of rounds and then I will be home to spend the rest of Christmas Eve with you."
"Be careful," Ally told him, even as Carson reached down to pick her up.
"I will," Nathan told her, leaning in to kiss his daughter's cheek. Elizabeth noted that Nathan's movements were stiff.
Carson left with Ally. Robert and Cody followed, apparently planning on at least walking Ally home. That left Elizabeth there with Nathan, Bill and Abigail. As she did not feel subconscious about showing her concern for Nathan with just Abigail and Bill present, Elizabeth stepped forward.
"How are you feeling, Nathan?" Elizabeth asked.
"Honestly, I do not know. I do know that it does not feel like Christmas Eve to me, but I need to go home and try to make it festive for Ally. Hopefully, our Christmas Day fishing trip helps tomorrow feel like Christmas."
"You are still taking Ally fishing?"
"If the weather holds, yes," Nathan replied. "Lee is going to come stay with Ally tomorrow morning so I can take the chair and fishing gear out to our favorite spot on the river. Then I will come back for Ally."
"That will be good for both of you," Elizabeth said. "The children also plan on stopping by before the concert this evening and give Ally her own special concert. They have a gift for her as well, though I do not know what it is."
Nathan nodded as he swallowed hard. It was a few moments before he spoke. "Everyone has been so generous and helpful. I do not know how we would have gotten through these last few weeks without everyone's support."
"You have done a lot for Hope Valley, Nathan, and now Hope Valley is just showing their appreciation. They all care about you and Ally," Elizabeth said. She reached out for his gloved hands. "I care about you and Ally," she added, looking up at him. "After you are done with your rounds, can you stop by so I can send home some of Jack's birthday cake for you and Ally."
Nathan nodded. "I will bring by the Christmas gift that Ally and I made for you as well," he told her. "Bill has a birthday and Christmas present for Jack as well. I did not expect to see you here but I appreciate that you came."
"I wanted to show my support," Elizabeth told him. She hesitated, thinking about Carson's hovering presence around Ally. Was he simply allowing the women who had been helping out during the day to be home with their family on the holiday or was it more to it? "Is there a reason that Carson is the one with Ally, today?" she finally asked, hoping that Nathan would tell her no. She could tell by his expression that it would not be the case even before he spoke.
Nathan shook his head. "Ally woke up this morning and told Faith that her legs felt strange, though she could not explain how she felt. Faith examined her, but did not see any change. However, after breakfast, Faith went and got Carson. Carson discovered that though Ally says she does not feel anything when Carson poked her toes gently with a pin that there was a reflexive movement away from the pin. There is still no voluntary movement or feeling but Carson wants to keep a close eye on her as it is a change. I am afraid to hope that she might continue regaining feeling. If I do not hope then I can't be disappointed."
Elizabeth gave Nathan's hands, which she still held in hers, a comforting squeeze. "Then I will hope for you, as well as say a prayer for you both."
"I will take all the prayers I can get at this point," Nathan replied.
Bill put an arm across Nathan's shoulders and gave him a sideways hug. "You do your rounds this afternoon, but then I do not want you to think about being a Mountie tomorrow. Mackenzie plans on staying in town through the New Year and will handle anything that comes up tomorrow and perhaps even the day after. You and Ally can have your morning together, but I will be there in the afternoon to help with dinner and make sure you take some time to rest yourself."
"Have you talked to headquarters about me, Bill?"
"Not yet, but if you do not listen to me, I will," Bill said sternly.
Elizabeth smiled as Nathan nodded.
Elizabeth, Bill and Abigail said goodbye to Nathan who then left the cemetery and headed toward town. Bill meanwhile held an arm out to each lady. Elizabeth and Abigail obligingly looped an arm through Bill's and the trio headed toward the row houses.
"Should Nathan be out doing rounds?" Elizabeth asked. "His movements seemed a bit stiff."
"If a Mountie let every little ache stop him no one would even make it through training, Elizabeth," Bill commented.
Elizabeth shot him a look.
"Nathan has let both Carson and Faith examine and treat him," Bill told her. "Riding might cause a bit of discomfort but he will be fine. Besides, mentally I think Nathan needs a little alone time after the last twenty-four hours."
Elizabeth nodded as Bill paused.
"I am keeping an eye on him, Elizabeth. Do not worry. Besides, I think you just showing up today has been a bit of a balm to him."
Elizabeth felt the heat creep into her cheeks, knowing exactly what Bill was hinting at.
"Are you ready for this evening, Elizabeth?" Abigail asked, choosing to steer the conversation to safer territory. "Cody is so happy to be back in Hope Valley and a part of the concert again."
"Yes. We are all ready," Elizabeth said. "Thank you for letting us meet at the café before going to Ally's house for the concert preview."
"It is no problem," Abigail told her. "Hot chocolate and a gingerbread cookie should give them plenty of energy for the concert."
Elizabeth laughed. "Let's hope for the parents' sake that the concert burns off that energy or Santa is going to be coming to Hope Valley very late this year."