Chapter 3
As Nathan slept, he felt the puppy moving around. Suddenly cold water hit his face. Nathan woke up shocked. But not only did he wake up shocked, he woke up to a man holding a shot gun.
"You have three seconds to tell me who you are before I shoot your head off." The man said.
"My name is Nathan Grant. The wagon I was riding in broke down. I walked all day yesterday. I saw your barn last night and I came in here to lie down. I didn't mean to fall asleep for that long. I'm heading to Hope Valley." Nathan said.
"Hm. Hope Valley. That's an hour on horseback from here. Three hours on foot." The man said.
"I'm trying to make it for my sister's funeral." Nathan said
The man put his shotgun down.
"How about I give you something to ride in exchange for any more of those fancy suits you are wearing." The man said.
"One of my suits?" Nathan asked.
"Yes. One of my boys is going off to college. You're a little taller than him but my wife can work magic with a needle and thread." The man said.
"Deal." Nathan said.
"I'll go get your ride." The man said walking away.
Nathan took one of his suits out of his suitcase. Nathan grabbed his puppy. The man came back with the animal, but it wasn't a horse.
"A donkey?" Nathan asked.
"You didn't think I was going to trade one of my horses?" The man said.
"Of course not, but aren't donkeys stubborn?" Nathan asked.
"Not this one. Just give a few kicks to the side and it will get you to Hope Valley." The man said.
Nathan nodded his head.
The last time Nathan had ridden a horse, he was eight years old. Horses weren't as common in Toronto as they were in the country. Nathan tried to get up on the donkey. First, he tried to get up by climbing and trying to balance himself on his stomach to situate himself, but he fell off. Next, he tried a running start but instead missed the donkey completely and flew over it completely. The man watched with amusement.
"I'll hold onto the donkey. You're going to lift yourself with one leg then the other." The man said showing Nathan the motions.
Nathan did as the man told him and finally got on the donkey.
"Good." The man said handing Nathan his suitcase and puppy.
"Thank you." Nathan said.
"You're welcome. Safe travels." The man said. The man waited for Nathan to leave.
"Giddie up." Nathan said to the donkey. The donkey didn't move. Nathan gave an embarrassed laugh.
"Go donkey." Nathan said. The donkey didn't move. Nathan gave an embarrassed grin.
The man frustrated with Nathan not knowing what to do and nudged the donkey along.
"There we go!" Nathan said. He steered the donkey out of the barn. In one hand he was holding a puppy and the other hand, stir ups. He had suitcase on his lap.
Even though the donkey wasn't as fast as a horse, they were going quick. Nathan passed corn fields after cornfields. After about two hours on the Donkey, Nathan saw the water tower that said Hope Valley on it.
Once in the town, he tied the donkey. Nathan looked at his watch. The funeral was going to start soon. Nathan didn't have time to clean up. He decided that he would have to go to the funeral smelling like a barn. Nathan threw on a jacket and a tie. He saw people in black walking in one direction. With his puppy and suitcase, Nathan followed them.
Once at the cemetery, he stood in the back since all the space in front was taken. Nathan looked around for Allie. When he finally spotted her, he gasped. She was the spitting image on her mother at that age. She was standing next to a woman with auburn hair who was holding a baby. The woman put her arm around Allie.
The preacher started the service. He said a few words about Colleen's life. He mentioned that she would always be with them in spirit. A few other people gave a eulogy. The preacher gave one final prayer and invited everyone to Abigail's Café for refreshments. Nathan watched Allie leave with the lady with auburn hair. After everyone was gone, Nathan went over to the casket. He set his suitcase and puppy down. He undid the cufflinks from his shirt. He put them on the casket. They were a gift from Colleen for graduating college. She had told him that every man needs a pair off cufflinks. A lump started to form in Nathan's throat.
"I finally made it to Hope Valley, sis." Nathan croaked out. After about a minute of silence, Nathan heard footsteps walk up behind him. Nathan turned around.
"You must be Nathan Grant." The man said.
"I am." Nathan said.
"I'm Judge Bill Avery. Let's go to my office, we have a lot to talk about." Bill said.