On Monday, Rosemary gathered a few women to help her scrub down the row house her family had just vacated in preparation for the Randall's move in. As Rosemary had been good about keeping her home clean, the task wasn't too difficult. On Tuesday, Nathan and Tyler left at the crack of dawn to do morning rounds, each taken different areas. Even so, Lee, Bill and Dylan were already working on getting the Randall's things packed up at the cabin. Lee had already driven Rachel and the kids in to stay at the Weiss. This allowed the children to be less affected by the activity of the move and would allow Rachel to be nearby to have a say in placement of furniture when it came to that process.
At lunch time, Elizabeth, Ally and Viola, having left Margaret at the Weisse for the time, walked lunch out from the café to the row house for the men. All five were ready for the break. As a few blankets were spread on the grassy area in front of the row homes, Rachel brought all three children out to join the picnic.
By that evening, the Randall's were mostly settled in their new home. The one task left was changing out the wallpaper in the room that would be Gilbert's. While the flowery, pink wall paper pattern had been fine for Ivy, Rachel wanted something more suitable for a boy. Tyler promised to take care of the wallpaper that weekend. Lee and Nathan both promised to give him a hand.
As August continued to pass by, Viola had been in touch with her father making plans for a return to Hamilton. Mr. Thatcher spoke to Dylan over the telephone, getting to know a little about the man who would escort his daughter and granddaughter across the country. Dylan was forthright with the man about his past, which William appreciated. Talks with both Nathan and Bill gave him confidence that the trouble with alcohol would not be a problem for Dylan during the trip. William also informed Dylan that if he was interested in staying in Hamilton, for whatever time period, an entry level job at Thatcher Shipping would be waiting for him upon arrival. Having met Lee Coulter, William said that the other business man's recommendation was the only reference he needed. Dylan promised to consider the offer during his trip East.
So on the last Monday of August, 1918, both Viola and Dylan said good-bye to family and acquaintances in Hope Valley. Ally had requested to say her good-bye to Dylan at home, and her birth father complied. He came out to join the Grants for an early breakfast. After breakfast, he and Ally had gone out on the porch with one final talk. Dylan promised to call with an address as soon as he figured out where he was staying. In the meantime, he told Ally that he had arranged with Mr. Thatcher to receive mail there and her grandfather would make sure anything received would be forwarded on.
"I will stay in touch this time, Ally. I promise," Dylan told her, holding his arms open and giving her the choice whether to step into the embrace or not.
Ally hesitated before stepping forward to hug him. "Please do, Uncle Dylan. I know exactly how Dad felt with Grandpa. I don't know if I could let you back into my life a second time."
Dylan couldn't respond. He couldn't find the words. As much as those words stabbed at his heart, he also knew that Ally should not have ever known the pain he had caused her. It had been his job to protect her from everything he possible could. Instead, he had been the one inflicting the pain as he walked away, leaving her in Nathan's care.
Nathan knew what it meant to be a father back then, even though he hadn't been one, while he had been a father who didn't know what that word meant. He did now though. Ave had shown him up North, allowing him to see that trait in his brother-in-law. He may have lost his chance to be a father to Ally but was Nathan right? Was God giving him another chance to be a proper husband and father with Viola and Margaret? Would Viola even want him in her life once she reached Hamilton or was what they had something that could only exist her in Hope Valley?
Only time could answer those questions. No matter what those answers were, his main goal was staying sober for the sake of the girl she held in his arms.
"I will," Dylan assured her. "I know you've already made a trip to Hamilton, but I will start a letter on the train, telling you about my trip East."
"I'd like that," Ally replied, still holding on to him.
It was only Nathan's soft reminder that they needed to leave for the train station that forced Ally to take a step back from her birth father. "I do love you, Uncle Dylan. I am happy to have you in my life as an uncle, even though Uncle Nathan is my Dad now. Please stay sober."
Dylan reached out a hand and cupped Ally's chin. "You look so much like your mother when she made that plea with me. I wish I had been strong enough to fulfill her request but I am in a better place now, Ally. I promise to keep trying."
Ally nodded and Dylan headed for the front door as the others were waiting outside in the wagon.
"Are you sure you will be all right home alone?" Nathan asked his daughter.
Ally nodded. "I am going to go write in the journal Mama gave me for my Birthday last year, though it is about full. I might need to start the new one as many thoughts as I have jumbled up inside."
Nathan reached out and pulled her into a hug. "You do that. We won't be long. Perhaps we go on a family picnic for lunch today. You and I can talk while fishing if you want or we can simply enjoy the outing."
"I'd like that."
"I will run the idea past your Mama," Nathan told her. He kissed the top of her head. "I love you, my Little Rose."
"I love you too, Dad," Ally told him, holding on to him for a few moments before letting go and heading upstairs.
Nathan watched his daughter until she was out of sight and then turned to join the others in the wagon. Climbing up on the wagon seat beside Elizabeth, Nathan gave the signal to move forward. Behind him, Dylan and Viola played a game of 'I Spy' with Jack and Margaret.
The ride to the train station just outside of Hope Valley was uneventful. With the wagon parked out front, Viola let Dylan help her from the back of the wagon. She then reached for her daughter, while Dylan helped Jack out and handed him to Elizabeth.
"Dylan and I will take care of the bags, Viola," Nathan told her. "You and Elizabeth should go check with the ticket master."
Viola nodded. Her father had assured her he would take care of the accommodations for all three of them to travel from Hope Valley to Hamilton. She hoped everything was in order but if it wasn't she knew that a phone call to her father would put everything right.
Walking beside her sister, both women carrying their children, Viola felt none of the trepidation she had on her journey from New York. In fact, the train station seemed quite small compared to the stations she had been in during her travels with Lionel.
"This place seemed much bigger and scarier when I first arrived," Viola commented to Elizabeth.
"The unknown always does," Elizabeth assured her. "I have a feeling you will always feel better having someone to travel with and make the arrangements. You never have been as independent as Julie and me, and there is nothing wrong with that, Viola. However, always remember that you are strong enough to do so. Coming here proved that."
Viola nodded but didn't comment, choosing instead to let her sister's words sink in.
The two women reached the ticket master's window. Viola made the inquiry and was given the tickets for two adjacent private compartments - one for her and Margaret and the other for Dylan. It didn't surprise her at all that her father didn't want Dylan sharing the compartment with her. It would not have been proper. Part of her had been worried that her father might simply have bought a general ticket for Dylan. Viola had known she would not allow Dylan to ride in those conditions while she and Margaret enjoyed a private compartment, though she hadn't planned on telling her father.
"I am starting to see what you mean about Father having changed," Viola commented, looking at the tickets.
Elizabeth simply nodded as the two sisters made their way to empty seats in the waiting area, settling the children in their laps.
"Do you think falling for Dylan is a mistake, Elizabeth?" Viola asked. "I am not sure he could ever fit in my world and I am not like you. Maybe I don't need all the luxuries I once thought I did. I found out that they can be empty without love. However, I do need the excitement of the city. I want nice clothes. I want to be well off enough to see a concert or a play every now and then. If that makes me shallow, than so be it. If I can have that and Dylan too, I think I could be as happy as you are here, Elizabeth."
Elizabeth reached out and took her sisters hand. Giving it a squeeze, she spoke. "I want that for you, Viola, and if you and Dylan are meant to be, you two will figure it out. Just follow your heart. Don't fight your feelings. I found out that doing so only leads to confusion and heartache. You can write to me or call me. I will always be ready to listen."
"Thank you," Viola told her.
A few minutes later Nathan and Dylan joined them with Viola's travel bag and the two bags that held all of Dylan's belongings. The group made small talk, passing the time. Then the boarding call was made for the train heading East. Nathan took Jack so Elizabeth could properly give her sister a final hug.
After releasing Elizabeth, Viola found herself being hugged by her brother-in-law. "You are welcome in our home anytime, Viola," Nathan told her.
"Thank you," Viola replied.
Moving from Nathan's embrace, Viola gave her nephew a final hug. Then with Dylan carrying the three bags, and Margaret safely in Viola arms, the three headed for the train. Viola showed the porter the tickets as she boarded. The man gave her directions even as he assisted her up onto the first step of the train. Once on the train, Viola put Margaret down, holding tightly to her daughter's hand.
Viola made her way to her compartment. "Your compartment is the next one," Viola told Dylan looking over her shoulder at him.
"Your father paid for a compartment for me and not just a seat in the passenger car?" Dylan asked, unable to keep the surprise out of his voice.
"He did," Viola confirmed. "I do hope you will keep Margaret and I company during some of the trip though."
Dylan smiled at her. "That I can do," he assured her.
Viola stepped into the compartment she would share with her daughter. As soon as she placed Margaret on the bench seat, the little girl moved for the window. Dylan placed Viola's bag on the seat and excused himself. After stowing the bag safely, Viola sat next to her daughter who had found her aunt, uncle, and cousin on the platform and was waving to them. Viola gave a wave herself.
A short time later there was a knock on the door.
"Yes?" Viola said, looking toward the door.
The door opened, revealing Dylan standing there. "May I join you?"
Viola smiled. "Of course you may," she said, gesturing to the empty area on the seat.
Stepping into the compartment, Dylan pushed the door shut and sat down. As happy as she was to be heading home to Hamilton, Viola was even happier that Dylan had agreed to take this journey with her. Neither of them knew what the future would hold but Viola was looking forward to finding out.
Classes at the Jack Thornton School began the following Monday. Word about Autumn dressing up for the first day had spread among the girls. As Elizabeth stood in front of the platform at the front of the schoolhouse at her new group of students for the school year, she saw quite a few pretty dresses. She was pleased that they felt the start of the school year was something special to dress up for. She had gathered a collection of beads and string with the intention of getting the girls interested into making necklaces or bracelets during recess. The teacher in her did not want to send any of the girls home with ruined dresses.
There were a few new faces along with Eric and Evelyn. Two young boys were just starting school and there were another brother and sister from a family who had moved into the area. The only face missing from the year before was Robert. The young man had graduated in the spring. He had spent some time this past summer shadowing Nathan and Tyler when not delivering mail for Ned. Though he had decided he wanted to join the Mounties, Robert's parents had convinced the young man to wait for the spring class. Mary said her heart couldn't stand the idea of Robert going through the rigorous training in the harsh elements of winter. Robert had conceded, and Nathan had promised to continue to work with the lad on his horse riding, compass, map and shooting skills. He had also given the young man a simple workout to help him be in better shape for the training. In the meanwhile, Robert would continue to work for Ned.
The days soon took on a routine for Elizabeth and her family as the days of September moved slowly by. When she once again missed the normal start of her time of the month, Elizabeth arranged with Laura to watch Jack later than usual so that she could stop by the infirmary after school.
Though Carson was always nearby, he was allowing Faith to conduct most of the appointments these days as she finished her studies. Elizabeth explained to Faith her suspicions about being pregnant. After a few questions, Faith conducted an exam. Just seeing the smile on her friend's face when she pushed the curtain aside after redressing, Elizabeth knew what the news would be. Her heart soared with joy at the news.
Leaving the infirmary, Elizabeth made her way to the Mounted Police office, hoping her husband was there and not out performing his duties elsewhere. Tyler had been called away to help with prisoner transfer the day before, so the simple glimpse of red serge at the desk through the window told Elizabeth that he was. Barely pausing in her steps to open the door, Elizabeth entered the office.
Nathan glanced up from the report he was writing, a smile coming to his face as he saw his wife. The smile soon turned to a quizzical look as Elizabeth locked the office door and then pulled the blind.
"Should I be concerned?" Nathan inquired, as his eyes followed his wife's movement through his office.
"No," Elizabeth replied easily as she walked from the window toward the desk. Nathan had moved his chair back but before he could stand up, Elizabeth took a seat on his lap with a little laugh. "I just didn't want anyone to see this," she told him, looping her arms around his neck. "Having a pretty woman sitting in your lap in your office is probably not the image the Mounties want you show the community you serve."
Nathan smiled. "Probably not," he agreed. Arms around Elizabeth, he laced his fingers together as he rested them on his wife's hip. "But the question remains, to what do I owe this pleasure?"
"I have some news I want to share," Elizabeth told him. "I went to see Carson and Faith today. They confirmed my suspicion. You, Nathan Grant, are going to be a father again."
Elizabeth watched as the playfulness in her husband's expression faded into surprise and wonder. Despite having mentioned the possibility, it was clear that the reality of that Nathan was only now letting the reality of that possibility really sink in.
"We're going to have a baby?"
The question was barely a whisper and Nathan's voice was filled with awe. Unshed tears sparkled in his eyes.
"We are. Carson figures the baby should make an appearance around mid April."
"I am not sure that I am ready," Nathan admitted.
Elizabeth laughed. "That doesn't really matter now. This baby is coming, so you better figure out how to be ready. Just remember. You and I are in this together, Nathan Grant."
When Nathan didn't say anything else, Elizabeth leaned in and pressed her lips against his. She let one hand slide up into his hair, to the back of his head as she deepened this kiss. The gesture finally seemed to bring Nathan out of his daze, and he responded with a passionate kiss of his own.