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Chapter Eleven
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Discussions and Dreams

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As they stepped from the Queen Victoria and into the night air, Nathan whispered. "Would you like to walk around the lake in the park over there? I'm not ready to go back yet."

"Lovely idea, My Dear Nathe." Faith looked up and giggled. "If you are going to call me Faie, which I like very much by the way, I need an endearment for you!"

"Well, Nathe is a first! But when you say it, it warms my heart." Crossing the street, they followed the lamp-lit path, hands intertwined.

"Thank you, for the most wonderful night of my life." Faith leaned close.

"And mine." With eyes sparkling, Nathan pulled Faith to a stop and turned towards her. Looking from her eyes to her sweet lips to her eyes again, he sought permission to seal their confessions as he lifted his hands to each side of her face, his voice breathy. "May I?"

Longing to know the touch of his lips on hers, Faith placed her hands flat against Nathan's chest and, tilting her head, she closed her eyes.

Sending shivers through them both, this first kiss was memorable, soft, sweet and gentle.

Nathan thought the kiss perfectly expressed who Faith was yet, when the next kiss lengthened, he felt her strength as well.

The word that came to Faith in that moment was 'Bliss.' Aloud she confessed, breathless, "I love you, dearest Nathan, my precious man."

Dappled shadows crossed their faces as low-hanging tree branches danced in front of the lanterns that lined the pathway. Bright moonlight made its own path, sparkling on the lake beside them. A gentle breeze caused soft ripples to sing their tune against the waters' edge.

Embracing, Nathan and Faith felt they had found their home, their place of belonging, their hearts' peace. Hearts full, they began to walk again, hand-in-hand, not wanting to interrupt the silence.

Another couple walked past them and the man spoke aloud, "Good evening. Isn't this a perfect night?"

Spell broken, Nathan gave a delayed response. "Uh… Yes. It is perfect. Enjoy your walk."

Faith looked at Nathan and decided to share about her afternoon with Allie. "I want to tell you about my time with your sweet daughter. We had the best time, Nathe, and Allie is hilarious, even when she doesn't intend to be. Her sense of humor is delightful and her laughter, infectious. Honestly, we got silly!"

"Silly? Both of you? Sorry I missed that." Curious, Nathan gazed down at her as Faith laughed lightly.

"Allie took everything we said one step further into the ridiculous and we got weak in the knees!"

"Further into the ridiculous? Care to share?"

"We discussed my outfit for tonight and she asked about jewelry. When I explained it could be a safety hazard, we got to imagining scenes where patients would leave the office with necklaces and bracelets dangling from the wounds I stitched." Faith chuckled. "My reputation spread and patients sought my care to increase their jewelry collections!"

"However, when we sat down to wait for the cake to bake, Allie got serious. She showed me her sketchbook and, Nathan, she is amazing! She also told me you can draw well, but don't anymore?"

Chuckling, Nathan confessed. "I think it was just more fun to watch Allie and her progress. I often see a scene with words and descriptions rather than highlights and shadows like Allie does. It's fascinating."

Faith added, "That makes you a great Mountie, Nathan. I would guess that you often need to use words to describe things?" She hesitated, then pressed on. "Allie showed me the figure drawings she has attempted and shared her desire to learn more about the human body, how it works, what muscles are attached and where. Did you know of this interest?"

"I've sat at the table while she has drawn my arm or hand or ear… You know, as a built-in model!" Thoughtfully he added, "She hasn't expressed a desire to learn anatomy though."

"She did to me. I asked about studying biology and she didn't know if they would." Trying to be diplomatic, Faith continued. "Honestly, at her level, she would be studying that in a city school. I wonder if having younger children in the classroom may limit what Elizabeth teaches them? Allie also mentioned she is often bored."

Nathan pulled her to a stop and turned. "In Hope Valley? She was so engaged and interested in school when she came here that I was encouraged. Now, she's bored? What do I do about that?" Nathan frowned. "She hasn't admitted this to me."

Faith tugged Nathan's hand towards a bench that looked out over the lake and they sat, close together, his arm automatically going around her shoulder as she snuggled close to his side.

Taking in a breath, Faith broached the subject. "I wonder if Elizabeth's teaching has changed or suffered over the past year or so? She's been so distracted."

"Do we really have to talk about Elizabeth tonight? I would rather not think about her." Nathan's voice had an edge to it.

"No, I guess not, but we do need to discuss Allie and her education." Faith took his hand as it was draped over her shoulder, intertwining their fingers before continuing.

"I am here to support both of you and this might be something I can help with, supplement, and even surpass Elizabeth's knowledge. Allie said she thinks you teach her a lot, not formally but just lessons as you encounter things in life. Are you making a concerted effort to do this, or is it accidental or just natural for you to share what you know with her?" Faith paused as she watched Nathan shrug his shoulders. "Any one of those reasons is admirable, Nathan, and I am impressed, both with your fathering and with Allie's knowledge. And that's not even mentioning her artistic ability or her special way with children… By the way, I was impressed with how carefully she answered Marit's question about where her mother was. Allie prevented anyone from feeling uncomfortable."

His voice softened, Nathan explained. "That is not the first time she has had to answer that question. I find it best to let her say whatever she feels is appropriate in each situation." He was proud of his maturing daughter. "She has a natural affinity for children…"

"I'm seeing that. Her background has given her empathy and understanding many adults lack. However, back to her education, I have some textbooks that would be very helpful for her to study and I would be happy to teach her how the muscles move and form the basis for the skin that covers them. Actually, you also want to study the skeletal structure when observing how things move so we could begin there. She's not getting this in school from what I can tell." Faith decided not to comment further on Hope Valley's schooling. "Would you allow me to teach Allie these things?"

Leaning forward, Nathan inquired. "You would do that for her? Really?"

Nodding Faith cautioned Nathan. "I would. Of course, that may mean she is introduced to the differences in males and females and even get into pictures and discussions of the reproductive system. Are you comfortable with her knowing about all this? Comfortable with being present when we discuss it?"

Nathan leaned back against the bench. "It was awkward, but quite a few years back I had to tell Allie about conception and birth. She's known a lot as a Mountie's daughter. As much as I have tried to preserve her innocence, Allie has overheard discussions and asked me about them later. I am grateful she's been willing to come to me for the truth, so you reinforcing things from the medical viewpoint will be fine." With heat rising to his cheeks, he spoke in low tones. "I confess I may have to get up to get a cup of tea or something during one particular subject. It may be more uncomfortable having it discussed with you there."

Faith giggled. "If we are walking the path I think we are, Nathan, this subject just may come up eventually, you know?"

"True." Nathan was grateful for the darkness, but leaned over to kiss the top of Faith's soft hair. He was also thankful he didn't need to speak.

Returning to Allie's interests, Faith commented. "Teaching Allie would be fun. She also asked to observe when I do an operation or give someone stitches. She must have a strong stomach!" Faith grinned. "Most teen girls are squeamish!"

"Allie has never had a problem with worms or gutting fish or seeing blood. I've told her a career in medicine might be a wise choice for her, so if you have the time, I would be happy for Allie to be trained by a professional. Thank you, my dearest Faie. This means a lot."

"There is more, Nathan." Faith smiled at the possibility. "Her gifting in Art might make her a good candidate to illustrate medical texts. The challenge would be accessibility as she might have to fight for her place as a woman, but I think Allie has the confidence and courage for that. Have you ever thought of that?"

"Wow! No, I haven't. Maybe God's timing in our relationship is going to be a blessing to Allie as she considers her future. This actually makes me excited, even though the thought of her leaving for college is still too difficult to face." Nathan sighed, immediately deflated.

"I cannot believe how brave I feel to say these things to you, Nathan, especially when we have only formalized our courtship tonight! I guess our long friendship emboldens me…" Faith paused long enough for Nathan to question her.

"Brave to say what, Faie?"

Faith gulped. "I was going to say that we have a few years before she will leave home and by then…" Her voice quieted. "…There may be other little Grants to keep us busy."

Tears formed in Nathan's eyes. 'She is really serious about a future family with me. Me! I am so blessed! Thank you, Lord.'

Concerned that his silence was shock, Faith whispered. "At least that's my dream…"

Clearing his throat, Nathan spoke softly and tightened his hold. "May it be so…"

With Faith's head leaning against his shoulder and Nathan leaning against her soft hair, they grew silent. Daring to consider their future, the couple quietly watched the sparkles of moonlight rippling across the lake's deep blues.

Nathan glanced at his wristwatch before regretfully suggesting, "I don't want this night to end, however I think it is time to leave, okay?" Again, he kissed Faith's hair, inhaling and memorizing the fragrance of honeysuckle before standing and holding out his hand.

Looking into his glistening eyes and endearing half-smile, Faith gave him a beatific smile of her own as she took his hand and squeezed his arm close to her side.

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Their drive home to Hope Valley was quiet, in that companionable silence of contentment and gratitude, until seeing the town's lights in the distance. Nathan needed to confirm plans for the following day. "Shall we ride out to the Sterk's when I begin my rounds? I'll continue from there and see you at church."

"I'd love that."

"Good. I can bring the horses to meet you at your office." Wanting to schedule Faith for the entire day, Nathan continued. "Will you go fishing with us after church then? I can rustle up some food to bring and then we can tell Allie our wonderful news."

"Yes, let's do that." Faith grinned at the prospect. "When shall we call our parents?"

"When we return from fishing?" A wide smile crossed Nathan's face. "Then we'll have fried fish for supper!"

"You sound awfully confident, Constable. Are you sure you'll catch supper?"

"Just you wait and see! Remember you are talking to a Grant!" He smirked.

"Oh, that I won't forget. I'll probably dream about one of those Grant's tonight." Faith giggled.

"Oh, I sure hope you do, because I'll be dreaming of an adorable blue-eyed blonde."

"You'll be dreaming of little Jack Thornton?" She couldn't help grinning.

Grateful they were still in the vehicle, Nathan guffawed. Loudly! Once he caught his breath and came to a stop outside Faith's row house, Nathan looked over at her laughing at him. "You, Faith Carter, are a tease…" He added, "…And a delight!"

On the porch, and still not wanting the night to end, Nathan wrapped his arms around Faith, holding her close as she encircled his waist.

"I love you so much." Huskily he whispered and lifted her chin, "Once more to celebrate this momentous night?" Nathan bent, searching her eyes in the moonlight. He touched her lips with his thumb as he spoke, waiting.

When Faith nodded and closed her eyes, he bent to share a tender goodnight kiss with a promise of tomorrow.

As they parted, Faith whispered, "I love you, Nathan Grant."

Heading down the steps he turned and grinned, wiggling his eyebrows. "I'm glad to hear it!"

Unable to stifle a giggle, Faith shook her head, waved and closed the door on the best night of her life. The fragrance of roses welcomed her home and she immediately went to inhale their sweetness. She knew she would enjoy sweet dreams tonight.

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Nathan was grateful that Allie was not home, the town streets were empty and even the Saloon was shuttered. He could not stop smiling. Parking Henry's car outside Gowen Petroleum as they had prearranged, Nathan withdrew an envelope from his pocket and left the cash and thank you note on the car seat. He locked the car and after a quick glance around the quiet street he placed the key under a flower pot and began the walk to the row houses.

Unable to contain his joy, Nathan had to refrain from whistling and awakening his neighbors. Instead he contemplated every detail he could recall from this momentous night with this magnificent beauty. She had completely captured his heart and he was filled with intense love for her. Yet, as he gazed into the expanse of sparkling stars against an indigo sky above, he realized that his Faie's heart was just as full, if not overflowing, with that same immense love for him. Nathan was humbled and grateful beyond measure.

Remembering how he had felt with Faith dancing in his arms, Constable Nathan Grant floated home, his overnight dream already beginning with a daydream!

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