O'Leary and the lumber crew left Hope Valley just after noon the following day. Though there probably wouldn't be enough daylight for them to start any real work, Lee wanted to get to where the trees were down and start planning a course of action as well as make sure his men were in a cabin before it got too dark. Lee was grateful that Jesse was coming out with him, though Clara looked no happier about the situation than Rosemary had been.
Having had an open discussion with Elizabeth that morning about his concerns about the condition of the roads and her safety, he had convinced her to not try teaching on Monday. Nathan found Florence after seeing Lee and the lumber crew off.
"I don't think she is quite ready to say she is done teaching until after the baby comes yet, but I did get her to agree to take some time off due to the conditions of the road. We wanted to know if you could take over classes. Elizabeth sent some detailed lesson plans with me."
"Of course, I will cover the classes," Florence replied. "Molly and I were just saying we thought it was about time that Elizabeth starts her leave of absence, especially with living outside of town now. I'll ask Molly to take over the switchboard for now."
"We appreciate it," Nathan said, reaching into the satchel he was carrying for the papers Elizabeth had sent into town with him. "These are the lesson plans for the next couple of days and some test papers that Elizabeth had already graded. She is still working on grading some essays which she wants to finish."
"Of course," Florence said, taking the papers. "Perhaps making the suggestion to her that she continued the grading might help persuade Elizabeth to stay home until after the baby comes. It would let her still feel a part of things and it would also mean my evenings would still be free to spend with Ned."
Nathan smiled. The suggestion did sound like it would benefit both women. "I will make the suggestion to Elizabeth. Thank you, Florence."
The phone rang at that time, and Florence nodded as she reached for the ear piece of the switchboard. "Hope Valley. How may I direct your call?"
Leaving Florence to her job, Nathan left the mercantile and made his way to the infirmary. Carson was the only one currently there.
"Hi, Nathan. Is everything okay?" Carson asked looking up from the paper he was reading. Knowing that Carson liked to keep up on the latest development, Nathan figured it was probably a medical paper.
"Yes," Nathan replied. "I just wanted to let Faith know that Elizabeth won't be coming in for her appointment tomorrow afternoon. Given the conditions of the road from our place into town I was able to convince Elizabeth to stay home for a few days at least. Florence is going to teach."
"I will let Faith know. Tell Elizabeth that either Faith or I will come out to her at some point tomorrow," Carson told him. "You know, it might be time for Elizabeth to consider just turning over classes to Florence until after the baby comes."
Nathan smiled. "I've been wanting her to do so for the last month at least. Why do you think I've been making sure she doesn't make the trip into town and home again alone? However, I'm just the husband. Elizabeth says until her doctor suggests it is time to take time off that she is still teaching."
Carson smiled. "I'll talk to Faith," Carson assured him. "If we're the ones she will listen to, then that suggestion can most certainly be made."
"That would be a relief for me," Nathan admitted. "I would much rather know that Elizabeth is home during the day rather than teaching classes. Of course I would feel even better if we had a telephone line out there. I think it might be something to bring up at the next town meeting. Bill might appreciate not having to do my job when it is hard to reach me."
"Being able to reach the Mountie at all times is definitely something the town council should discuss," Carson replied. "I will definitely back up the suggestion for you."
"It would make Rosemary happy as well," Nathan said. "Lee says the only thing she doesn't like about her new home is the lack of a telephone."
Carson laughed. "That sounds like Rosemary," he admitted.
"I'll let you get back to your reading," Nathan told the doctor. "Have a good day."
"You too, Nathan."
Nathan left the infirmary and this time headed for his office. Gabriel had offered to make rounds for him so that Nathan could stay in town for the afternoon. Given the papers scattered over the top of his desk, he had a feeling he would have plenty to keep him busy. Still, he felt a little guilty that he would be in a warm office, at least once the stove got going, while Gabriel was out in the cold.
If Gabriel insisted on helping out tomorrow, Nathan intended to have his friend man the office.
It was Carson who made his way up to the Grant's home the following day. Billy, Jack and Elizabeth were the only ones at home at the time, Ally and the Coulter girls having gone into town with Gabriel and Nathan for school. When Carson greeted the boy, Billy simply nodded silently from his spot on the blanket in front of the fireplace where he had been reading.
"Billy is leery of new people, especially men," Elizabeth told Carson as the two went up to her bedroom for the exam. Billy had put his book aside and was building with Jack to keep the toddler entertained for a little while.
Carson nodded in understanding. "Glad it isn't just me then," he told her.
Carson conducted his examination. He assured Elizabeth that she and the baby were perfectly fine, he made the suggestion that it might be time for her to let Florence take over her classes, especially given the weather conditions this time of year. Elizabeth brought up the idea of her continuing the grading and Carson assured her it would be fine as long as she let Nathan transport the papers back and forth.
As he was nearby, Carson stopped in to check in on Rosemary. Other than being worried about her husband, Rosemary was doing fine as well. She did ask Carson to have a cup of tea with her. Though he wasn't a big tea drinker, Carson had a feeling Rosemary wanted someone to talk to more than anything else, so he agreed.
For all those with friends and loved ones out with the lumber crew, there was a relief that no more storms came through the area. A light snow did fall during the night going into Thursday but it just added a coating to the snow already present. Gabriel took advantage of being in a town with a telephone line to place a call to Billy's great-grandmother. Virginia Merriweather was thrilled to hear her great grandson's voice as well as being able to talk to the man who was taking Billy in. Billy had a huge smile on his face for hours after the phone call.
Given the trips over to the Coulters that Nathan and Gabriel made during that week, a clear path of packed down snow was soon created between the two houses. A couple of evenings, Rosemary, Bridget and Ivy were even escorted to the Grant's home for dinner and escorted home afterwards. During one of those meals, Gabriel mentioned his and Lillian's desire to hire an architect to supervise the addition to the orphanage. Rosemary immediately suggested her friend Sophia Connely, who though hadn't given up her dream of being an architect, still found getting jobs challenging. Rosemary gave Gabriel Sophia's contact information and he promised to contact Sophia.
Everyone in Hope Valley rejoiced when Lee's crew returned. Not only were they home, but it meant the road was cleared and the lines had been restored. The morning after they returned, Gabriel and Billy made preparations to leave for Brookfield. Nathan delayed going into the office, helping Gabriel make final preparations. Bill had promised to call around to surrounding towns to get weather reports to be sure Gabriel and Billy wouldn't get caught on their way home.
"Be safe," Elizabeth told Gabriel as she hugged him good-bye.
"I will," Gabriel promised her. "The same goes for you," he added. "Take care of both yourself and that little one," he told her as he took a step back from her.
"I will," Elizabeth echoed, her hand rubbing her stomach. "I am looking to enjoying both weddings in Brookfield this summer while being able to hand this little one off to people instead of carrying him around all the time."
"Carrying her around all the time," Ally interjected.
Elizabeth smiled at her daughter. "I guess we'll see who is right when the baby arrives," she consented.
Ally nodded and then threw her arms around Gabriel. "I will miss you, Mr. Gabe," she told him.
Gabriel hugged his goddaughter and kissed the top of her head. "I will miss you too, Ally," he told her. "However, Miss Grace's wedding is only three months away and then I will see you when you come to Brookfield."
"And then the following month it is your wedding!" Ally said excitedly. "I remember Dad always told me you would get married before he did."
Gabriel, Elizabeth and Nathan all laughed at that comment. Nathan had looped his arm around Elizabeth's waist and said, "I just happened to get the right woman to say yes, first. Love depends quite a bit on timing, not just what your heart wants."
Elizabeth smiled up at Nathan.
"Timing has definitely been the challenge with, Lillian," Gabriel replied. "But I think we finally have our timing right."
Billy gave both Ally and Elizabeth a tentative hug good-bye. It was clear the boy wanted to be close to people but he was still struggling with the fears of his past.
Soon after, Billy was behind Gabriel on Apollo. Together, Nathan and Gabriel led their horses toward Hope Valley. Reaching the little town, Gabriel checked in with Bill. The judge assured him that all reports from the surrounding area reported clear skies. Thanking the man, Gabriel headed outside with Billy and Nathan.
"Thanks for the hospitality," Gabriel told Nathan holding out his hand.
Nathan took it. "Anytime," he assured his friend. "I'm looking forward to celebrating two weddings this summer."
"I'm not sure I can wait until you make it to Brookfield to see my new goddaughter. I may have to come visit before Grace and Chuck's wedding just to see her."
"You mean him," Nathan corrected him with a smile. Hope Valley's Mountie looked down at Billy. "Though if it is a girl, she will be welcomed with just as much love. However, we might be scrambling for names as every name we have come up with has been a boy's name."
"You mean you are not going to name your son after you?"
Nathan shook his head. "Elizabeth wanted to but I'd rather he have his own identity, first name including. I did compromise and his middle name will be Nathan."
Gabriel nodded. "You are going to be a wonderful role model for Jack and any other sons that come along. You proved long ago that you are not like your father, Nathan."
Nathan nodded. "I appreciate it. I would still rather my son have a name unique to him."
"I have my father's name," Billy said quietly as he stood at Gabriel's side.
Nathan knelt down as he addressed the boy. "I am not saying there is anything wrong with that. Jack has his birth father's name. Your father is probably very proud that you carry his name and the person that you are, Billy."
"Even though I ran way and have stolen things?" Billy asked.
"Yes, because you ran from a bad situation, Billy. You did not get the support and protection that every child should receive. As for the stealing, you did what you needed to do to survive. There is a difference between stealing food because you are starving and are too young to work and being able to work and stealing out of greed or bad judgment."
Billy nodded. "That is sort of what Gabe told me. It is easier to believe hearing it for a second time."
Nathan gave the boy a smile. "You can always trust what Gabe tells you. However, if you ever need that reinforcement of hearing it from a second person, feel free to contact me, Billy," he told the boy, holding out his hand to Billy.
Instead of reaching for the extended hand though, Billy stepped forward and gave Nathan a hug.
"Thank you for accepting me, Constable Grant," Billy told him.
"You are welcome, Billy," Nathan said, holding the boy close for a few minutes.
Gabriel had watched the exchange in silence. He had a feeling that getting acceptance from another Mountie was helping convince Billy that his father would still love him despite the things he had done to survive.
After Billy let go of Nathan, Gabriel mounted Apollo. Nathan lifted the boy onto the back of the horse behind Gabriel. Before Gabriel could leave though, Bill came walking quickly toward them.
"I am glad I did not miss you two," Bill said. "I have something for, Billy," the judge said. Bill reached into his pocket and removed a rectangular, thin object. As he held it up to Billy, Gabriel recognized it as the photo of Billy and his father that Bill had found in Constable Ander's old file. "I have finally gotten permission from Superintendent O'Reilly to let you have that photo Billy."
"I remember that day," Billy said, looking at the photo. "That ceremony was the last time I saw my father," he said, his eyes tearing up.
Stepping toward Apollo, Nathan reached up and placed a hand on Billy's back, offering comfort.
"I know what my father looked like now," Billy whispered.
"Your great-grandmother is trying to find a picture of your mother for you as well, Billy," Gabriel said, having asked the woman about a picture when talking to her on the phone. "She said there were not many but if she could find one, she would send it to you."
"Thank-you," Billy said, looking at Bill.
"You are welcome," Bill said, with a smile.
"You should tuck that into your front pocket for the ride home, Billy," Nathan suggested.
Billy nodded. Nathan stayed at the boy's side while he put it in the breast pocket of his winter coat and buttoned the pocket securely.
"Safe travels," Nathan told both Billy and Gabriel as he took a step back from Apollo.
Giving Apollo a nudge, Gabriel started the horse off toward Brookfield, giving Nathan and Bill a final wave as he rode out of Hope Valley.