Chapter 4
"First, let me offer my sincere condolences. Colleen was an important part of this community." Bill said.
"Really?" Nathan asked.
Bill went inside his desk and pulled out a jar of jam. He opened it and scooped some out.
"Taste." Bill said.
Nathan tasted the jam. It was the best jam he had ever tasted.
"Good." Nathan said.
"Your sister made that." Bill said.
"Really? I had no idea." Nathan said.
"She made enough money for herself and then rest was donated to the town, she was important to the town." Bill said.
Nathan nodded.
"Now, I helped you sister with you will. She left the ranch to Allie." Bill said.
"She has ranch?" Nathan asked.
"Small. She grew her berries on there. She has a cow and a couple of hens." Bill said.
Nathan sat back in his chair. Nathan didn't know much about his sister.
"She has left money for Allie for you to distribute when Allie has needs." Bill said.
"Why me?" Nathan asked.
"Finally, your sister made you Allie's guardian in case anything was to happen to her." Bill said.
"I see" Nathan said.
"Mr. Grant. I know that this must all be a shock to you. And from what Colleen has told me, you are a single man with no one to help you. I have spoken to Mr. and Mrs. Coulter and they have agreed that if you feel as if you are not up to responsibility, they would more than willing to adopt Allie." Bill said.
Nathan thought for a moment. Maybe this would be best for Allie. Staying in Hope Valley where she has a life. But all Nathan could picture Colleen's disappointed face. Before they moved to Toronto, she had always protected him. He needed to do this for Colleen.
"I can take care of her. I'll start packing her things and we'll move to Hamilton." Nathan said.
"Actually, you can't." Bill said.
"And why not?" Nathan asked.
"Because if you agreed to take care of Allie, Colleen put in a provision that if the school year had already started, you and Allie would have to stay in Hope Valley until the school year was over." Bill said.
"What? I don't think that is legal." Nathan said. Nathan did the math in his head. If it was September now and school ended in June, that would be ten months.
"I can't stay here for 10 months! I have a life back in Hamilton. My own practice." Nathan said.
"Now you listen here Grant. I'm going to execute this will to the fullest. If I see you trying to leave Hope Valley, I will have the Constable arrest you." Bill said sternly.
"I'll go to a Judge." Nathan said.
"You could. But I know all the Judges around here. They would side with me." Bill said.
Nathan knew he was stuck. He took a deep breath.
"Where do I sign?" Nathan said.
Bill showed where to sign on the documents to execute the will.
After signing the paperwork, Nathan walked out of Bill's office. He saw Allie sitting on the steps.
"Allie?" Nathan said.
Allie turned around to see Nathan.
"Hello Uncle Nathan." Allie said.
"What are you doing here?" Nathan asked.
"I was told to wait outside for you here." Allie said.
Nathan sat down next to Allie. He handed her the puppy. Allie smiled.
"He's yours if you want it." Nathan said.
"I do." Allie said petting the dog.
"I'm going to be your guardian, Allie." Nathan said.
Allie's smiled disappeared.
"Are we leaving Hope Valley?" Allie asked.
"No. It was your mother's wishes that you stay in Hope Valley for the remainder of the school year until I take you out of Hope Valley." Nathan said.
"That's not until next June." Allie said.
"I know." Nathan said.
"What are you going to do here for the time?" Allie asked.
"I have no idea. But I want you to know that I'm here for you." Nathan smiled.
Allie gave a smile back.
"Where is your stuff?" Nathan asked.
"At Mrs. Thornton's." Allie said.
"Let's go get your stuff." Nathan said. Allie nodded.
Nathan and Allie started walking. Nathan looked around the small town. Nathan knew this small-town life would never grow on him