Chapter Nineteen
After a good night's sleep, the children were both refreshed and ready to face the day. Having not slept as well, Nathan and Elizabeth struggled to keep up. Jack had awoken with another nightmare, this time involving Mr. Bouchard pushing them off the train as he pulled Elizabeth away with him, and despite Allie's efforts, could only be comforted by his parents. Like before, Jack dozed off quickly between them, but his consistent motion kept Nathan and Elizabeth from resting properly.
"What are the chances they'll allow us to have a quiet day?" Elizabeth asked a little desperately as they were dressing. Allie and Jack were getting the table ready for breakfast.
Nathan shook his head. "Allie might be convinced to bury herself in a book for at least a couple of hours, but I doubt Jack will go for it."
She sighed, knowing he was right.
He chuckled, leaning down to where she sat in front of the small dressing table and pressing a kiss to her cheek. "What if Jack and I go for a walk around the train after breakfast?" he suggested. "You and Allie can have some peace and quiet here."
She spun quickly to face him, her eyes hopeful. "You would do that for me?"
Nathan nodded. "Of course I would, but it's not just for you," he admitted. "I can't say I relish the idea of being stuck in here all day either. I don't think getting off the train at any of the stops is a good idea, but it would be nice to stretch my legs. And maybe if I wear him out a bit, Jack will sleep better tonight."
Elizabeth stood, wrapping her arms around his waist and nestling into his chest. "Thank you."
"It's my pleasure," he smiled, hugging her close. "I'm not completely selfless, though," he added with a smirk. "If Jack sleeps through the night in his bed, I get to hold his mother all night in ours."
After breakfast, Allie and Elizabeth settled down with their books. Since the students in Hope Valley were studying Shakespeare, they read and discussed Romeo and Juliet.
"I bet Robert and Timmy are giving Miss Yoest a hard time about this one," Allie said. "I can't imagine the boys want to read a love story."
Elizabeth frowned. "I hope they aren't being too difficult. Perhaps the promise of sword fights and intrigue will help them past the romantic parts."
Allie laughed. "Maybe they should pay more attention to the romantic parts." When her mother looked at her with a raised brow, she blushed and went back to reading.
Nathan had followed Mr. Willington out when he left with the breakfast dishes and their lunch orders, waiting in the hall while Jack finished getting cleaned up. A quick conversation with the Pinkerton men Mr. Thatcher had insisted on hiring to accompany them assured that Allie and Elizabeth would be undisturbed until their return.
"If I may be so bold, sir," Arthur said quietly. "What was the trouble with the gentleman from last evening? Mr. Bouchard?"
"He wants my wife."
At the porter's surprised look, Nathan explained. "Mr. Bouchard believes that since he courted her first, Elizabeth should be with him. He refuses to accept that she chose to be with me instead of joining him in all that society offers. I'm not sure he knows we're married, so he might be in for a bit of a shock when we get home."
The older man chuckled. "Oh, I assure you, sir, he knows. The news rather spoiled his dinner last night."
Before Nathan could do more than smile in reply, the door to their car opened and Jack rushed out. "Daddy Nathan and I are going on a a-venture!" he proclaimed happily, clinging tightly to Nathan's hand and pulling him forward with a promise to show all of his favorite spots from his walks with Allie and Mr. Willington.
Mr. Willington smiled, stepping aside as Jack tugged Nathan through the passenger car. "Have fun!"
They were making their way through the third car when Nathan's Mountie sense started tingling. Glancing around subtly, he took note of a woman knitting, two men playing cards, a few people dozing in their seats, and several children clearly anxious to be running around but sitting under the stern eyes of their parents. His gaze kept going back to a young man in the middle of the car. He wasn't doing anything besides watch the scenery fly by outside the window, but Nathan couldn't help but think he looked familiar. The man was still in the same seat when Nathan and Jack came back through on their way to their car for lunch, and still gave Nathan a feeling of unease.
He paused next to the car's porter, seemingly to ask about the dining car's hours, then lowered his voice. Quietly identifying himself, he asked, "Does the train keep current fugitive lists or WANTED posters?" The porter promised to have the lists brought to him with their lunch. When he and Jack got back to their car, both the lists and their sandwiches were waiting. Nathan quickly looked through them, assuring the children that he was just familiarizing himself with everything before getting back to work in a few days. It didn't take him long to identify the man on their train.
"They call him 'Lucky Leo'," he explained to Elizabeth as he was putting on his uniform. "He isn't considered dangerous, just fortunate. All of his criminal success has been sheer dumb luck. A bank manager left the vault sitting open for a few minutes while he took a phone call, allowing Leo the chance to help himself. The stage he robbed doesn't usually carry a payroll, but the one that was supposed to broke down and the driver was promised a hefty reward if he delivered the money to the next town on time. The security guard who usually traveled with that payroll had fallen and broken his arm when the stage wheel snapped, so he was in the infirmary instead of on guard. And when the Mounties had Leo cornered and nearly captured, he literally tripped and fell, rolling down a hill and hiding in the brush below."
Nathan paused, realizing that his wife wasn't paying attention to his words. Her eyes were bright, her cheeks flushed, and she seemed to be having trouble breathing.
"Sweetheart, are you alright?" he asked, reaching to feel her forehead.
Elizabeth leaned closer to him, running her hands down his suspenders and then back up his chest, letting them rest on the shoulders of his serge. "I…" she tried to speak but found herself still shaky. She swallowed and took a deep breath, releasing it slowly before meeting his eyes.
"Do you realize this is the first time you've put this on since we've been married?" she asked quietly. "I've seen you in this uniform countless time, but this is the first time I've watched you put it on. I…I don't know what's come over me."
Nathan put his arms around her, hugging her close. "I'll be careful," he promised, kissing her forehead. "I will always do everything I can to come back to you."
Elizabeth smiled. "I know you will. That in itself is a miracle, considering my history. I'm not afraid…it's more…" She trailed off, deciding it would be easier to show him how she was feeling than to explain it. She moved her hands up and around the back of his neck, pulling his head down and pressing her lips to his in a passionate kiss.
They were both breathing heavily when she pulled away, leaning her head against his chest and listening to his heart race under her cheek. When it slowed to a normal pace, she stepped back, reaching again for the top of his serge and beginning to fasten the buttons.
"I love you."
Nathan cradled her face in his hands, gazing into her eyes for a moment. Finding both peace and determination, he gave her a chaste kiss and reached for his hat. "I love you."
While most of the passengers took notice of the uniformed Mountie, hand on his gun and gaze trained intently ahead, Lucas saw only an opportunity. He had been hoping to catch Nathan without Elizabeth and the children, so they could talk man-to-man. He stood and followed the Mountie.
"I'd like a word please," he announced, waiting for the Constable to turn around.
"Not now," Nathan said very quietly, not even bothering to look at him.
"Why not now?" Lucas blustered. "We aren't getting off this train any time soon, so we may as well talk things out before we get back to Hope Valley."
"Not now," Nathan insisted again in a low hiss.
The other passengers were watching them, some with intrigue and others appalled. Only Mr. Willington knew of their tense acquaintanceship and no one could understand why the man in the suit was so determined interfere with the Mountie's task.
"Constable Grant! A word!" Lucas finally demanded loudly.
At his declaration, a man in the aisle seat ahead glanced back and then jumped to his feet, rushing past the other passengers towards the nearest door. Nathan quickly took off after the fugitive, leaving Lucas stunned into silence.
"That's why!" a woman scolded behind him. "What were you thinking, calling out like that? Are you trying to help that man escape?"
The other passengers all joined the scowls and mutters, several of them suggesting that Lucas be arrested, if not for intentionally helping the fugitive than for interfering with an official investigation. Lucas looked around helplessly. He had ventured back to the dining car and walked slowly through the passenger cars in hopes of catching Nathan alone. His first class compartment was further up the train, the path currently obstructed by the ongoing pursuit.
Nathan watched as Leo approached the door leading to the next car, worried he would either jump from the train in a dangerous attempt to escape or take the passengers of the other car hostage. The young man had never caused deliberate harm to anyone during any of his capers, but Nathan knew people did crazy things when they were desperate. Leo glanced back at Nathan, not seeing the suitcase partially blocking the aisle. He tripped, landing hard enough to have the wind knocked out of him and allowing the Mountie to catch up.
"Looks like your luck has finally run out," Nathan said as he closed the man's hands in cuffs. He couldn't help smirking as he hauled Leo to his feet and led him back down the aisle amidst the passengers' cheers.
Arthur went back to the private car to inform Elizabeth and the children that Nathan had successfully captured the fugitive, assuring them there had been no harm done to Nathan or anyone else. The man would be secured in a compartment, and Nathan would have to stay with him until they made an emergency stop in the next town, transferring him into the custody of the local police. He deliberately didn't mention Mr. Bouchard's involvement, knowing young Jack in particular would continue to worry.
Lucas was surprised to hear a knock on his compartment door. He had escaped as soon as the path was clear, knowing the good Constable would remain with the prisoner until the next stop. His heart jumped and his palms began to sweat as he opened the door. "Nathan!"
The Mountie gestured for Lucas to move back and then stepped into the small cabin. He waited for Lucas to speak, but the man remained surprisingly silent. "You wanted a word," Nathan stated gruffly. "Here I am. What was so important?"
Lucas narrowed his eyes, annoyed by the imposition but leery of antagonizing the lawman.
"Cat got your tongue?" Nathan asked, taking the seat next to the door and stretching his legs out in front of him.
Lucas sank into the chair by the window. "What happened to your prisoner? I thought you had to stay with him until the change of custody."
Nathan shrugged. "The Pinkerton guards Mr. Thatcher hired for our ride home offered to take a shift guarding him. They heard you had something urgent to discuss with me…."
Lucas flushed, looking out the window again before taking a deep breath and sitting up straight. "I want to talk about Elizabeth."
"I figured as much," Nathan replied. He waited, brows raised, until Lucas continued.
"I think we can agree that we both want what's best for her," Lucas stated.
"We do," Nathan agreed. "But I think we have different ideas of what that is."
Lucas stiffened. "We both know that I can provide better for her than you can. She could have the life she was brought up in, with fine clothes, trips, and anything she could possibly desire."
"Except what she wants most." Lucas glared, but Nathan continued, unfazed. "She may have been raised to be a matron of high society, but she was destined to be a teacher on the frontier. How can you not see that? Yes, she shines at formal events and possesses more grace than anyone I've ever met, but her happiness, her joy, comes from her family and her students."
"And you think you make her happy?" Lucas queried.
Nathan smiled confidently. "I do. I may not be able to offer her fine jewels and fancy things, but I will give her a safe and happy home, support her dreams, and love our children."
Lucas scoffed. "Clearly, we aren't going to see eye to eye on this. I just hate that Elizabeth is going to be brought down by your selfishness." When the Mountie smirked back at him, Lucas sneered. "This isn't over, Grant."
Nathan chuckled as he got to his feet and turned to open the compartment door.
"May the best man win," Lucas taunted as the Mountie walked away.
Nathan paused but didn't look back. He smiled to himself as he said, "I already did."
The train stopped briefly in the next available town, and the prisoner transfer went smoothly. Elizabeth and children watched from a window in the dining car as Nathan handed Leo over to the local Mountie and then stepped back on board, no fuss and no trouble. As the train pulled away, they hurried through the cars to meet him. The other passengers couldn't help but smile as they watched Allie and Jack jump into Nathan's arms. When he put them down and pulled Elizabeth in for a kiss, more than one young lady sighed, vowing to find a love like that for herself.
Nathan ducked his head and shrugged off the accolades from the other passengers. "I was just doing my job," he repeated over and over again.
"No thanks to that man," a woman huffed indignantly. "I hope you arrested him, too!"
"What man?" Elizabeth asked. She and Nathan were walking hand in hand through the train, following the children back to their car for a late supper.
Nathan dropped his voice so that Jack and Allie wouldn't hear him. "Lucas," he sighed. "He wanted to talk and chose the wrong moment to confront me."
"Confront you? About what?"
Nathan looked at her pointedly. "What do you think?"
"Me?" She shook her head. "Seriously?"
Nathan nodded towards the children, who had slowed as they approached the short hallway into their car. "Later."
Elizabeth watched as Nathan hung up his uniform and prepared for bed. She thought she would have to push him to talk, but he surprised her by starting the story unprompted. He explained about Lucas interfering with the arrest, his lucky break in catching Leo, and the talk in Lucas' cabin.
"He tried to convince me that you would be better off with him."
"I hope you told him in no uncertain terms that the only man I want and need, that the man I love, is you!" Elizabeth interrupted, sitting stiffly on the edge of their bed.
Nathan chuckled, settling beside her and pulling her close. "Not in those exact words, but the sentiment was definitely there."
She leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his middle and cuddling closer to him. "How could he possibly think I would give you up? Give this up?"
Nathan sighed, his lips resting on the top of her head as he spoke. "He thinks he can give you more than I can, that he could offer you a better life."
"An empty life," she retorted, closing her eyes and finding comfort in her husband's unique woodsy scent. "I don't need things like signed books, fine gems, and fancy dinners. I need my children to be safe and happy, a husband loves me and the life we're building, and to know that I am teaching my students all that I can and giving them every opportunity to grow and succeed in this world." She was silent for a moment, then spoke again quietly. "This is my consequence for leading him on…he's never going to let me go, is he?"
Nathan eased her down into bed, pulling the quilt around them both and tucking her snugly against him. "You aren't at fault here," he assured her, running his hand soothingly up and down her back. "Once we're home and he sees us living our life together, he will have no choice but to move on. Don't let him get to you. We know what we have is just right for us; that's all that matters." He felt her breathing slow as she succumbed to slumber, her deep exhales puffing against spot where the top of his shirt remained unbuttoned.
"I won't let him have you," Nathan vowed quietly, clutching her just a bit tighter as he too fell asleep.
They stayed in their car the next day. Jack was content to play with his new toys, Allie did more Shakespeare reading in preparation for her return to school after the New Year, and Nathan and Elizabeth spent a few hours sharing the new Virginia Wolfe novel. It hadn't surprised Elizabeth to learn that her husband was fan of female authors, given his support of her own career and his close relationship with both his mother and older sister, and he had been equally excited when Julie gifted her Night and Day for Christmas. The book had only been out for a couple of months, and likely would take several more before reaching their side of the country.
Allie looked over at her parents, smirking.
"What?" Nathan asked, putting his finger in the book to hold their place.
"Didn't Aunt Julie give mom two copies of that book?" she teased. "You could each read your own."
Nathan and Elizabeth looked at each other and shrugged. Julie had indeed given her two, one to keep and one to donate to the library. Instead of reading separately, they were nestled together on one of the sofas, heads close and each holding a side of the book, taking turns moving the pages.
"Trust me, this is much better," Elizabeth assured their daughter.
Allie rolled her eyes and scoffed in typical teenage fashion but smiled as she went back to her own book. She couldn't have been happier that they were finally a real family, and it was nice to see her dad so happy.
It was a peaceful day. As Jack tired of his puzzles and blocks, he brought his stuffed horse and climbed into Nathan's lap, playing quietly until he dozed off for a nap. When Mr. Willington brought lunch, Allie and Elizabeth took turns feeding Nathan bites of chicken, vegetables, and cookies so he didn't have to move and wake the little boy. And they all shared an afternoon dance session, once again waltzing around the car to music from the Victrola.
They decided to eat in the dining car for their last night on the train. Breakfast the next morning would be in their car while they finished packing, as they were due to arrive in Hope Valley just after noon. The children were excited to eat out, Allie wearing one of her new dresses and Jack a new outfit from the Thatchers, and they all enjoyed the change of scenery. As comfortable and luxurious as the private car was, it did get a little confining looking at the same walls and furniture for a couple of days.
Nathan scanned the dining room cautiously, relaxing when he didn't see the other Hope Valley resident amongst the guests. Since there was space, he and Elizabeth agreed to let the children sit at their own table, watching closely from across the aisle to ensure they were on their best behavior. Besides a small accident with Jack's glass of milk—fortunately almost empty when he inadvertently knocked it over—they enjoyed their meals and the company of the other passengers.
Jack was nearly asleep on Nathan's shoulder when they got back to their car, and Allie's eyes were getting heavy, so they agreed to forgo family reading time in favor of all getting to bed early. They knew tomorrow would be a full day, with seeing their friends again and staring to move Nathan and Allie's things to Elizabeth's row house.
"This time tomorrow, we'll be sleeping in our bed, in our house," Elizabeth sighed happily.
They had already agreed that one of the first things to move would be Nathan's bedroom furniture. Not only was it specially made to fit his tall frame, but it ensured no intrusion on Elizabeth's memories of Jack in that room.
"And I'll talk to Lee about how soon we can get started on the new house," Nathan promised.
Elizabeth turned to face him, her cheeks glowing with excitement. "It's really happening," she grinned. "You and Allie and Jack and I together, in our home."
She reached up to kiss him quickly, which turned into another deeper kiss and then another, finally giving way to passion. They fell asleep quickly after, blissful and eager for the new day.
When the train pulled into the Hope Valley station, it seemed the entire town was waiting on the platform. The school children held a banner, clearly painted by many young hands, proclaiming WELCOME HOME. Rosemary waited just long enough for Elizabeth to step off the train before enveloping her in a hug, reaching next for Allie, Jack, and Nathan. All four of them found themselves passed along the line of townspeople, their hands shook or gathered in for hugs. Bill and Lee teased them about all the boxes that had arrived from their pre-wedding and honeymoon shopping, the crates now being stored in Lee's office until the new house was completed. It took a while, but they eventually made it across the platform to Lee's car.
Pulling up in front of the row house, Lee helped gather their bags and followed the children inside. Nathan and Elizabeth stood in front of the stairs for a moment, thankful to be home. Before she could place her foot on the first step, Nathan swept Elizabeth into his arms, carrying her up the stairs and into the house.
"It's tradition," he explained, leaning down to kiss her before setting her on her feet.
They looked around, shocked to see many of Nathan and Allie's things already in place.
"Dad!" they heard Allie shout from upstairs. "It's all here! My bed and all my stuff! It's already here!"
Nathan and Elizabeth looked at Lee.
"Think of it as a welcome home gift from the town," he explained, a smug grin on his face. "We didn't want you to have to spend your first day home trying to figure out what needs to go where. We got both bedroom sets moved over here and Elizabeth's furniture moved down to the other house for the time being. Rosemary and the ladies got all your clothes moved and the linens washed, so for today, just settle in. Welcome home!"
Amidst all the fuss over the Grants, Lucas had slipped nearly unnoticed off the train and back to his rooms at the saloon. While he hadn't anticipated an elaborate welcome, he thought at least someone would acknowledge his long absence and return. Scowling his displeasure, he bolted his door and set about unpacking.
Nathan and Elizabeth spent the afternoon trying to organize the house, boxing up what they wouldn't need and making room for more of Nathan and Allie's things. Jack tried to help, but more often than not got distracted by his toys, so Allie took him upstairs to play and "help" arrange her room. After a few hours of work, and a surprising amount of progress, Nathan suggested they go to the café for dinner. None of them were in the mood to cook, and it offered the opportunity to see their friends and neighbors.
"Constable Grant, I presume?" a friendly voice called out as they passed the jail.
Turning, they saw a man in red serge hurrying down the stairs and across the street towards them.
"Constable Matthew Simms," the man said, reaching to shake Nathan's hand. "It's been an honor taking care of your town."
"Thank you," Nathan replied gratefully. "Judge Avery told me all that you did to help. I'm glad to know Hope Valley was in good hands."
Elizabeth invited Constable Simms to join them for dinner. He agreed but warned that his family was visiting. "Penny and kids came for Christmas, and when we heard that you were coming home, we decided we'd stick around a few more days. I figured I'd give you my report in person, and then we'd head home in the morning."
Dinner at the café wasn't a peaceful affair, but it was fun. Penny Simms was a petite woman with blonde hair, bright green eyes, and a smile that never faded. The children immediately befriended one another, the five of them claiming a table to themselves across the room from their parents. As the oldest, Allie was charged with keeping order and watching over Jack and young Ellie Simms, a two-year-old miniature version of her mother. A stern look from their father had eight-year-old Mattie and six-year-old Marcus Simms promising their best behavior. Jack, who was thrilled to be surrounded by friends and familiar faces, chattered non-stop until, barely pausing even to eat.
"This is a great little town," Constable Simms declared, "but it will be nice to start the New Year off in my own bed."
"I know exactly what you mean," Nathan replied, smiling fondly at Elizabeth and children. "It's good to be home."