And the greatest of these is Love
Chapter 21
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Bill was chomping at the bit. Nathan barely hung up the receiver when he demanded, "Well?!"
"When the investigation first began just recently, the artist drew what Ruth might look like at her current age next to her description of what Jake told us she looked like when he last saw her," Nathan said. "There seems to be a woman east of here that resembled the drawing we have of the younger Ruth."
"Where east?" Bill inquired.
"The alert came from Hamilton of all places. There's a woman known as Ruth, who is single and is a housekeeper for the owner of the newspaper's Hamilton Standard. Apparently, little is known about her but once the picture was sent to the Mountie office, they distributed the picture to their local newspapers," Nathan informed.
"So, now everyone in Hamilton knows about her being missing?" Bill was very curious.
"Luckily, no. Mr. Riemann, the owner of the Hamilton Standard recognized the picture of Ruth before the notice would have been sent for publishing. He pulled the notice and approached his housekeeper with it at home in his study. That's when her full story was realized."
"So, you got a telephone call from Constable Winston in Hamilton? Is he sure she is Ruth Taylor?"
"What he told me was that Mr. Riemann called him and he went over the next morning to interview this Ruth. She admitted that she had run away from Union City and headed to Hamilton where she thought she could get lost in the big city and where no one knew her. At first, she worked as a waitress for an elderly couple who owned a coffee shop. They felt sorry for her being new in town, so they gave her a room in their apartment above the restaurant. She had kept a low profile and never went anywhere." Nathan informed Bill.
"That was smart thinking on her part." Bill acknowledged.
"Then," Nathan continued, "when the elderly couple were ready to close the coffee shop and retire, they let her stay there until she found another job. Luckily for Ruth one of the reporters who worked for Mr. Riemann, stopped at the coffee shop daily and knew the couple quite well. When they told him they were closing and that Ruth would need a new job, he told Mr. Riemann because he knew he was looking to hire a housekeeper. So, that's how she got her current job."
"Did she say anything about where she came from? Or mention Jake?"
"She said she had a brother, Jake, but had no idea where he was. Once she went home to see how her family was doing and watched them from a distance. She was only there for the day and was torn that she couldn't go home to talk with them, but she was too scared that somehow those boys would find out and hurt her family. Then the next time, she found that the house was abandoned and she had no idea what happened until she thought to look at the local graveyard and found that her parents were buried there." Nathan shook his head.
"That poor woman has had one sad thing to go through after another." Bill sighed.
"It was lucky though that she works for the newspaper's owner or she might not have been noticed," Bill offered.
Nathan stood up and grinned. "I've got to go over to the Taylor's home and talk to Jake. I can't wait to give him the good news!"
Bill slapped Nathan on the back, "I hope it gives him a new outlook on his life. He needs every bit of good news he can get."
Over at the Bible Camp, Mrs. Teresa was showing some of the children who were done with lunch one of the crafts while outside. Flo had brought some cardboard pieces Ned had cut into squares from the boxes that merchandise was delivered to the Mercantile. Kevin had brought some small cans of paint that were half-used and couldn't be sold in the hardware store with some brushes too.
"Today we are going to paint the cardboard white and let it dry. Tomorrow, we will make the shape of a cross and tape it in the middle. Then we'll paint the over the white with any of these other colors to choose from. When we remove the tape there will be a white cross with all the colors around it. So, who's ready to paint?" Mrs. Teresa asked with a big smile.
Mrs. Jackie and Mrs. Mary were also outside playing games like tossing bean bags to eachother at random, going faster and faster until someone didn't catch and would be out. There was a game of duck, duck, goose going on with the younger children too.
Mrs. Sherri had finished up making fish puppets out of socks for their show while others were dancing with Mrs. Jane and Mrs. Diane the Horah, having a great time laughing throughout the dance.
Mrs. Susanne and Mrs. Christine were over at the music center joining in the singing with Mrs. Dee and those playing their instruments helping the children learn their new songs. It seemed the songs were fairly catchy so soon the children voices started to blend together for the most part anyway.
Dee looked at the children singing and having fun and felt good that today was a successful day at Bible Camp.
When Mrs. Rosemary and Mrs. Thatcher brought the children back to Billees from the church that signaled that Pastor Canfield was coming too. This time all the children knew to come inside because Joseph rang the church bell to signal their return.
Today, Pastor Canfield read from Scripture about Jonah and the whale. The huge whale that was built by Mrs. Kenda and her helpers Mrs. Debbie and Mrs. Crystal helped the children to imagine the story.
Pastor asked questions from them. "Do you think that a whale would really swallow a man and then spit him out three days later, or do you think this might be a parable?"
"What's a parable?" one of the children asked.
Pastor Canfield chuckled, "A parable is when someone, like Jesus, tells a story to explain something that might be hard to understand. So, in this case, it's a way to tell us that some of us need to have a change of heart. Jonah wasn't listening to God, so he was swallowed up by a whale, but when he was spit out, he did what he was asked to do in the beginning."
The children were fascinated with the story and asked lots of questions. When the day ended, all the Chickadees gathered with the rest of the ladies and were quite pleased that all their planning and hard work had paid off.
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Nathan spotted Violet coming back from Clara's house visit and told her to come straight home and she could go back to the Infirmary later. He promised her it was good news.
If Jake could've lifted Violet and swung her around he would have, but he couldn't. He was absolutely thrilled that his sister, Ruth, was found alive and well.
"Vi, I never thought I'd see her again! This is a miracle!"
Nathan told Jake that Ruth was in Hamilton and was afraid to contact him because she feared for both of their lives. Now, that the Mounties were searching for those men, she no longer was so scared. "Ruth is relieved and finally feels she can be with you. Mr. Riemann offered her a paid week off to take the time to come here and be with you and Violet. I will make arrangements for the two of you to meet as soon as possible."
Jake couldn't believe his ears, hugging Violet tenderly, "I have always wondered and worried about her. This has been an answer to prayers."
Violet cradled her head on Jake's chest, "Jake, honey, I don't know what to say except that I am so happy that you finally shared with me this horrific burden and that we are going to meet your sister together."
Nathan left them to talk and promised he'd let them know when arrangements were made for Ruth to arrive, hopefully in a day or two. When he left he was happy for them but more determined than ever to find those Fredrick louses. Now with Ruth found, she could press charges of rape and put those men behind bars for life.
When he returned to the RCMP office, Bill was right over following Nathan inside.
Smiling from ear to ear he said, "I would've loved to see Jake's face when you told him."
Nathan let out a long breath. "Bill, it was great, especially to see Jake's demeanor turn positive. He and Violet are beginning all over again. But, now I am going to be on top of Headquarters to track these men down. They can't get away with this, I'll see to that!"
Bill was proud of his fellow Mountie. Nathan had backbone and his town was more than lucky to have him here protecting them and always ready to keep them safe. Bill knew when Jack passed, the town felt lost without him, but they needn't have felt any concern.
Nathan had stopped the Toliver gang from hurting Elizabeth which led to ties with Lucas when he told them to kidnap Tom. And, the time he stopped the men who were going to rob the bank during his wedding to Molly, and then the latest daring adventure of arresting the robbers on the train among others. All of these situations and more Nathan took on without hesitation.
Bill had to laugh when Nathan was given the medal of bravery in front of the whole town and by no other than Superintendent Hargreaves. Talk about eating crow! Ha!
Having been his best man marrying the luckiest bride, Dee Gleixner to now being "Uncle" Bill to Christopher his firstborn son, he felt Nathan was like a younger brother to him. He and Molly were very fortunate indeed.
The fishing contest that Mrs. Rita had suggested was going on and although Andy and Gunther were there helping especially with putting on the worms, she had help from Mrs. Dawn and Mrs. Roberta. The boys were all into this and were teasing each other about who would catch a fish first, or the biggest. Most of the girls decided to pass and went by Mrs. Teresa to finish painting their carboard crosses.
Fr. Ricardo's lesson today was about being fishers of men from all three Gospels, except Mark. "This means that it was a very important story for all to know," Fr. Ricardo explained.
On the Sea of Galilee, Jesus called the first Disciples as He performed a miraculous catch of fish after the fishermen had not caught any all day. The fishermen were astonished by the miracle which was the first step for them in understanding who Jesus is. Jesus called the common fishermen to leave everything and become his disciples as "Fishers of Men."
One little girl raised her hand, "Father, why did they only want to catch men? What about ladies and children?"
Fr. Ricardo explained, "That's a good question. In Jesus' time, men were the ones who provided food and housing for the family. That meant that men were put in a different place in society. So, when the Bible says the word men, Jesus meant it to include everyone, ladies and children. Does that answer your question?"
She thought a little bit longer, "I guess. I'm just glad that we don't have to catch only fish, I don't like worms. I'll leave that to my brother," she laughed.
"Can anyone tell me how we catch people?" Fr. Ricardo asked.
Several hands went up, "by being friends with them," "by helping each other," "helping the sick cheer up," "pray with them."
"That's great, so we show them we love them by doing kind things, right? Any other thoughts?" Fr. Ricardo looked around the room.
Benjamin raised his hand, "sometimes I have to forgive my sister," he said as he looked at Karen, "when I don't want to."
Fr. Ricardo and the teachers chuckled, "That's a kind thing, do you think she forgives you too?"
Benjamin shrugged, "I guess so."
Paul raised his hand, "I help my mom watch baby Grace so she can do a chore." With that Rosemary beamed with pride.
Fr. Ricardo had a fluster of hands to call on and was overjoyed with the great responses.
"So boys and girls, we are all called to be fishers of m... I mean people. You're coming here is a good start as we learn more and more. I'm glad you're enjoying yourselves. I'll see you all at the picnic dinner tomorrow night. God bless you."
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Nathan and Dee had a few minutes before he had to leave for the RCMP office, so they sat outside on the front porch and enjoyed the early morning warmth of the sun releasing the night fog from the ground. Birds were singing their majestic chorus especially the morning doves. Cardinals were gathering at the bird feeders Nathan had built as the Grant Cafe was always fully stocked with gourmet seeds.
It was Dee's favorite time of day in the summer before the heat took over and the hustle and bustle of the day commenced, sitting there with her husband where they stole a few precious minutes alone. She looked over at his silhouette and was deeply thrilled each time she thought about how lucky she was to, have not only this handsome man by her side, but the loving father of their two children, soon to be more she thought. She needed to check with Dr. Faith when Bible Camp was over just to make sure her suspicion was right.
So, this morning she didn't say anything, but she was definitely in love with this man sitting next to her holding her hand, instead praying her being late meant another gift from God was on the way.
"It is so wonderful that Ruth is coming tomorrow to meet with Jake and Violet. I would love to be a fly on the wall and see their greeting!"
Nathan looked at Dee and replied, "This is one of the many times that makes me feel that my work here in Hope Valley is rewarding!"
Dee softly laughed and then shared her thought, "Sweetheart, I am wondering how this last day of Bible Camp will be. I'm thinking of Opal and Rosemary. Both of them have been trying to keep up with the daily work of babysitting for Opal and teaching for Rosemary."
Nathan chuckled, "Opal will be elated when she realizes she earned some money. Allie says the girls are always looking at the new merchandise at the Mercantile, like the new mirror and hairbrush sets, or new barrettes and ribbons at Dottie's Apparel. I'm sure it won't take her long to find something new that catches her eye."
"Allie will be playing guitar tonight. I really appreciated her help especially when it takes time away from her other friends but mainly Robert," Dee shared. "by the way, Allie wants to invite Robert to sit with us at the picnic dinner tonight.
Nathan stood up, "Well, it's fine with me. I do like Robert and he's welcome any time to join our family. Speaking of family, is Ma making some of her German potato salad for the picnic?"
As Nathan helped Dee stand up, she couldn't resist kissing him one more time before he had to leave. "Yes, Ma is planning on it. You my sweetheart, remember now to allow Allie some private time with Robert tonight."
"What? Why? That's when trouble happens Dee," Nathan huffed.
Dee couldn't help but protest, "Nathan Grant, the two of them are trustworthy, and you don't want to let Allie feel like a little girl when she has proven to be a great young lady."
Nathan furrowed his brows, "It's not Allie girl, it's Robert that I'm worried about. I know what happens when a young man notices the girl he grew up with developing some curves."
Dee was shocked, "Nathan, I'm sure it's not all about curves, or is that all you men think about? Robert knows he's seeing the Mountie's daughter, he's looks up to you, so he'll be on his best behavior."
Nathan was walking back inside to get his campaign hat on and Dee was right behind him. As he turned he put both his hands-on Dee's shoulders, "Look honey, I know Robert is cautious because of me, but his hormones aren't. I'll see you later, have fun today." With that Nathan kissed her forehead and left for town.
Dee was stymied. How did such a delightful morning end up this way?
Going upstairs she found Allie already dressed and ready, in fact Allie had heard Christopher and he was already up and changed.
"Thank you, Allie, he must've just woken up. I was outside with your father longer than usual, but I didn't hear him," Dee said as she took Christopher from Allie. "oh by the way Allie, it's just wonderful that Robert is joining us tonight for the picnic dinner!"
Allie grinned. "It'll be fun!"
Downstairs, Emily was coming out of the bathroom with Archie. Having helped him to brush his hair he was smiling at his ladies. "Good morning sunshines!"
"Good morning, Grandpa and Oma," Allie greeted. "Oma, don't forget your German potato salad for the picnic tonight."
"I won't, my angel. Robert likes it I think," Emily winked at Allie.
As the rest of the family ate breakfast, Dee gathered Christopher's bag while Archie helped his grandson eat his food too. Christopher and Archie were best of friends. Emily remarked they were two peas in a pod.
"Aren't you going to eat?" Emily asked Dee.
"I ate a little something earlier," Dee said but she didn't want to say just yet why breakfast wasn't her favorite meal of the day now.
The Bible Camp was all abuzz on their last day with practicing of the play and songs. Later that night, when all the families gathered by the pond, they watched the play sitting on blankets. The costumes fit perfectly now. Everyone who was in the play as Jesus's disciples had their lines down pat. Paul played the part of Jesus and adding a beard to his face made him sneeze, so he went without to Rosemary's dismay.
As the children performed the play, both Father Ricardo and Pastor Joseph each talked back and forth about being fishers of men, women, and children as they narrated what was happening. Even Simon Peter (Benjamin Landoch) and Andrew (Vincent Moretti) paddled in a row boat where Jesus called them ashore. Even though the rest of the characters didn't have too many speaking parts, Elizabeth had them feel just as important when they listened to or walked with Jesus around the pond.
During the play all the children sang together, "Jesus loves the little children". Then before their dinner, all the children got up and with Mrs. Jane's help danced the Horah. Soon, all the Chickadees and helpers got up and joined them. Even the Hopefuls saw how much fun they were having and formed a circle of dancing too.
Inside Billees were the crafts that the children had made pinned on the fishnets that were still hanging on the walls. Mrs. Luciana had all the potluck dishes ready with lemonade and coffee. Some of the families ate inside and some sat outside on their blankets.
Allie and Robert took a walk around the pond and Nathan noticed they were holding hands and were close together. "Look, there's Allie," he tapped Dee's shoulder, "she's with Robert. They look a little too close for comfort I'd say."
"Only for your comfort dear. Stop being such a shadow, give your daughter some time to enjoy herself," Dee pleaded.
Nathan didn't hear a word Dee said and stood up keeping an eagle's eye on his daughter.
