Chapter 14. The Wait

Julia awoke early Thursday morning, wondering if Nathan was already gone. She quickly got ready and put on her coat. She walked through the adjoining door into the infirmary, and looked out the front window. There was quite a group of red serge gathered there, and she noticed her brother was also among them, though in plain clothes. They were loading their saddlebags, bedrolls, and other items on horseback. Newton was saddled, and Nathan was checking his rifle and ammunition, which made Julia's eyes go wide.

She hadn't planned to make herself known, but Nathan saw her then, through the window. He holstered his rifle and walked right up to the door of the infirmary. It was still locked, so Julia turned the key, and stepped back far.

When Nathan came in, he looked at her so intensely, she had to take a deep breath. As was now his habit, he simply said, "Hi."

"Almost ready?" She asked with a forced lightness in her voice, trying to lessen the intensity between them. Nathan looked over at the group, working diligently to get loaded.

"Yes." He looked back at her, trying to decide what to say. He had so much on his mind, but knew it wasn't the time to say any of it. So, for the very first time with her, he felt tongue-tied. Not because he was nervous, but because he didn't want to say too much, and he also didn't want her to worry. Somehow, less felt like more, so he opted for that.

"They seem like a good group of guys." She looked at them, and then back at Nathan. "Make sure you all look out for one another," she said simply. Julia had no idea how to handle this situation. There was so much that was new and unclear between them.

"That's the plan, Jules." Nathan looked back at them and saw they were almost ready. "I better get back out there." he said. She nodded. "Bye, Jules, take care of you, too," he said simply as he started to go. Not knowing what to say or do, she took a step toward him, and that was all he needed.

With his gaze intensely fixed on her, Nathan walked towards her, cupped her face with his hands, and kissed her on the forehead. She closed her eyes for a brief moment, as she relished the tender kiss, that went all the way to her toes. When she opened her eyes, she met his gaze as he stepped back, and went out the door.

As Nathan exited, Jake saw Julia through the window and he stepped up onto the porch of the infirmary. All the riders mounted as Julia walked out to join Jake on the porch. Nathan took his place in the lead, and gave her a last smile and a tip of the hat, as they started to move out. Julia couldn't take her eyes off him, until they were completely out of sight. And all the while, she prayed a prayer of safety over all of them.

When they were gone, Julia turned to Jake. "Brother, you are up early."

"I met some of the guys at the Saloon, as they arrived last night. Turns out, I know two of them. One was in my training class, and another was on one of my security details in Calgary a few years back. We spent some time catching up, and I thought I'd get up to see them off." Jake explained. Then he shared something he really wanted her to know. "Julia, it turns out, Nathan is very highly regarded by his colleagues. He's actually kind of a legend in tracking. Those guys all fought to get on this mission, so they could learn from him."

Julia smiled with pride at the thought of Nathan being highly regarded. She was sure he had earned it, and was probably too humble to tell anyone about his accolades.

"Feel like some breakfast, Sis?" Jake asked.

"Yes, that sounds great." she said, welcoming the distraction. And, they walked over to the café. Clara was just opening up, and they were her first customers.

Brother and sister sat and talked for a long time, eating and enjoying a good long catch up. The date had gone well with Faith, though she was obviously not ready for anything romantic. They were more like friends, getting to know each other. He was fine with that, and was glad to be there for her, when she needed a cheer up. Then, Jake asked Julia about Nathan.

"There's not a lot to tell, Jake. He asked me to dinner, when he gets back." she said, with a smile.

"Well, that's a good start. I hope you said yes." Jake ventured.

Julia laughed, "I definitely said yes. Two times." She smiled as she remembered how he had made her say it twice.

Jake asked her, "Do he and Allie remind you of…?"

"Yes." She said. She knew what he was going to say. Me and dad.

"I've never met any of those guys you went out with in Calgary or Halifax. But, this one I approve of." Jake smiled at her.

"So you told me. And, I never really liked any of those guys. I only went out with them so I could go on a double date with one of my girl friends from work. One of them was a blind set up and I'd never even laid eyes on him until the date. He was horrible, the whole evening I just couldn't wait to go home." Julia explained.

"What about John?" he asked her. John was a whole other story. John was the older brother of her best friend, Sarah. When they were kids, John, Sarah, Jake, and Julia had been best friends. And, after Jake left home, John, Sarah, and Julia became an inseparable trio. Until John grew up and became dashingly handsome and interested in her romantically. Julia had thought them in love, though it was only puppy love. She had only been 15 or 16, and didn't know the first thing about real love. As soon as he turned 18, he went off for his studies, and left Julia behind. He promised he would come back for her, and marry her when she was old enough. But, he never did. In fact, Julia had not seen John since he left all those years ago. She had stayed in touch with Sarah, and they would still get together if ever in Peggy's Cove, at the same time. But, Julia had never even asked Sarah about John, in all this time.

"John was the product of my confusion and naivety. I don't think he ever loved me, he just loved how I looked. And, he was so dashing I didn't know how to think for myself, whenever he was around. I was so young, and I didn't know the first thing about love. I have grown up since then, Jake. And most of all, I have learned a bit about discerning character." Julia said.

"Well, I never liked him, so I'm glad you came to your senses. He was fun when we were kids, considerate and well-mannered. But, later when he grew up, he became so selfish and full of himself. Do you know I once tried to tell him off about you?" Jake shocked her with that news.

"You did?", Julia asked, shocked, "What did you say?"

"Well, you were only 15, and I reminded him of that fact. He told me that he could do whatever he wanted with you, because you had a mind of your own. I reminded him that you were still not allowed to date, so he in fact, couldn't do whatever he wanted with you. He told me where to stuff my out-dated ideas about dating and courting." Jake said, shaking his head, still in disbelief. "I was 22 then, and he was only 17. The nerve of that guy!"

"Dad must have been so mad." Julia said.

"Actually, I never told Dad. You seemed so happy, and even though I knew he was no good, I didn't want to hurt you. I knew he would be off to college soon, and figured a guy like that, would find other interests on his own. I guess he did." Jake said simply.

"I'm glad he did." Julia said. "God's blessings come in strange ways, sometimes."

"When I approached Nathan and asked his intentions with you, it was not at all the same discourse." Jake replied.

Julia interrupted, "You talked to Nathan about me? Jake."

Jake smiled a protective smile at her. "Of course I did, Jules. And, he expected it." he explained. "Nathan thinks so highly of you. Respect was one of the very first words out of his mouth, when he spoke of you."

She smiled thinking of her brother looking out for her. She couldn't believe he'd had such a conversation with Nathan. But, the fact that Nathan had impressed her brother meant a lot.

"There aren't any pretty girls in Spruce Grove, Jake?" Julia inquired.

"Well, there is one. But, she's the schoolteacher. Among the Mounties, there is a stigma about the Mountie and the Schoolteacher." Jake paused and said with a chuckle, "I just can't be another statistic." They both laughed at the thought.

"I hadn't heard of that before." Julia joked with him. "No tall tales about the Mountie and the Nurse?"

"Not that I've heard of," Jake answered back. Julia was glad to hear that.

"There aren't any nurses in Spruce Grove?" Julia asked.

He responded, "There is one, but she's about a hundred years old." That brought a good laugh out of both of them.

"Well, maybe when she retires, she'll have a beautiful young replacement…" Julia said, still laughing.

Jake suddenly looked sad and said, "Julia, I should probably go finish packing my stuff, and check out of the Saloon. My coach leaves at noon." She nodded, and they rose to leave.

Bill came in as they stood, and approached them to say goodbye to Jake.

"Good morning, Julia." Bill said, then looked over at Jake, "Jake, you heading out today?"

"Yes, sir. I take the stage coach at noon." Jake stated.

"Well, have a good trip home, and come back to see us." Bill said, shaking his hand in farewell.

They walked out of the café together, and Jake headed to saloon to pack up. Julia headed to the infirmary to get ready for the day.

At the first stop off, Nathan knew he would face a barrage of questions from the guys, about the beautiful blond who had seen him off this morning. He knew they were just dying to ask.

Finally, it was Jones who asked. "Grant, was that your girl this morning?" Nathan had guessed it would be Jones.

Nathan said to all of them, with an unconvincing smile, "She's not my girl, and even if she was, it's none of your business."

"Sure looked like she's your girl, the way you two were looking at each other." Pendergrass piped in.

"Grant, I thought you were sweet on the schoolteacher?" Davis asked.

"That was a long time ago, Davis." Nathan paused, huffing. "Turns out the school teacher was sweet on the saloon owner."

Davis nearly spit out the water he had been sipping from his canteen. Then he asked, dumbfounded, "You mean the saloon owner in Hope Valley? The guy with the sloppy beard and the french name? What was it…Ballard? No...Bernard?"

"Bouchard." Nathan replied.

"She picked that guy over you?" Davis surmised. "Well, she was obviously not the girl for you. She must not be a very discerning school teacher."

"If you ask me, the girl with the golden hair seems a lot smarter. And, wow...she is really beautiful." Jones put his two cents in.

"Yea, she's a looker," Pendergrass added. "All that sandy golden hair. I prefer blonds over brunettes any day of the week."

And, Nathan thought to himself, so do I.

But, Nathan pointed a finger at both of them. "Hey, watch it Jones. And you, Pendergrass. Watch how you talk about her."

Smith piped in, quiet till now, but suddenly unable to resist, "Yea, you guys. Be careful how you talk about Grant's girl." and they all erupted into laughter. Nathan should've been mad, but somehow, didn't mind a bit. And, he had to admit, he would love for Julia to be his girl.

"Eat up, guys. Five more minutes and we've got to get moving." Nathan said, and they started to pack up to get back on the trail.

At 11:45, Julia and Jake walked to the stagecoach platform together. Julia was sad, and Jake was having a hard time looking her in the eye. It was always sad to say good-bye, and now that he had seen her life here in Hope Valley, he was even sadder to go. She had a good thing going, and he was proud of her for stepping out and taking a risk.

"Julia, I really do like Hope Valley. You have found a great place and a great community to call home. And in such a short time, you have already found great friends. I hope you know how proud I am of you, for taking a risk." Jake said. Now, she was not able to look him in the eye.

Then, the stage coach pulled up and all the arriving passengers disembarked. The driver brought down all the luggage of the previous passengers, and did a check of the inside to make sure nothing was left behind.

"All aboard," the driver called out, and she realized it was time. Jake gave his luggage to the driver, then turned and gathered Julia into a warm hug. She didn't want to let go. He pulled back, looked her in the eye, and said, "Take care of yourself, Jules."

"Take care of you, too." Julia said back, her eyes spilling over now. He kissed her on the forehead and climbed up into the stage coach. He looked out from the window and waved at her as the coach pulled out. She returned his wave, until he was out of sight.

Julia walked back down to the infirmary, feeling suddenly very alone. She went inside and busied herself, her feeble effort to pass the time.

Thursday evening, her apartment seemed too lonely, so Julia decided to head over the café, for dinner. When she walked in, most of the tables were full, it was a busy night. But, Bill saw her come in and came immediately out from the back, to greet her.

"Julia, it's pretty full tonight, but I'd love for you to join me in the back. The best seat in the house is in the kitchen." Bill smiled at her. "My treat."

"Bill, you don't have to do that. But, I would love to have dinner with you, and see you hard at work." Julia smiled.

"Follow me." Bill said, and brought her behind the curtain to a table in the kitchen. There were pies and cakes strewn about, but he made a nice little place for the two of them.

"It's pot roast and vegetables tonight, that okay with you?" Bill asked.

"Sounds delicious, Bill." She watched him work, making plates, stirring and serving. He set a plate down in front of her and it smelled heavenly. He was really in his element, and his love for cooking shone through.

"Where did you learn how to cook like this, Bill?" Julia asked, as he sat down with his own plate, to join her.

"My mother and grandmother. They wanted to pass their recipes down to someone in the family, and I just happened to be the most interested one. Then, after my mother died, I went to live with my Aunt. She was a horrible cook, and once she realized I was good at it, she gave me the kitchen. We ate good from that day forward." Bill laughed at the memory. Julia could imagine a young Bill stirring, and tasting, adding spices, and making gravys.

"Wow, that's a sweet story, Bill. My father was not a great cook, actually none of us were. In my house, we used to fight over who had to cook. I got pretty good at it, but only out of necessity, because I didn't want to eat my Dad's or my brother's cooking anymore." Julia shared, laughing at the memory. "My dad was a great artist though, a painter. He taught me everything he knew. I used to love to paint, but since he died, I haven't been able to lift a paint brush. Maybe one day I'll be ready to paint again." She paused and smiled at him, "It's important to pass these things down, and to share them. Especially the things you love."

"I couldn't agree more. How long have you been here, now in Hope Valley, Julia?" Bill asked.

"It's been about a month, but feels like so much longer. How about you Bill?" she asked.

"I've been here 7 years. Hope Valley just seems to grow on you, and then you can't leave." he said.

"How did you end up working at the café?" Julia asked.

"Well, like any good story, it started with a girl." Bill joked, with his lopsided grin, and they both laughed. "She and I decided to be partners in this business, but then she had to go back east to take care of her mother."

"I'm assuming her name is Abigail?" Julia surmised, since it was called Abigail's café.

"You got it. She's pretty special, and we all miss her around here. She was also, at one time, the mayor of Hope Valley." Bill told her.

"Sounds like a strong woman." Julia said.

"Well, you must be pretty strong too, Julia, to pick up and move across the country all by yourself. And then, to move again to the frontier." Bill said, as an encouragement.

"Thank you for saying so, Bill. Though I don't feel very strong today." Julia said, being honest about her hard day. Had she really said goodbye to both Jake and Nathan in the same day? Better yet, had Nathan really become so important to her, that saying good-bye to him would affect her in this way?

"Wanna talk about it?" Bill asked. Julia was sure Bill would keep confidences, but she wasn't sure how much she was willing to share.

"Well, I had to say good bye to my brother today. And, I don't know when I will see him again. Also, a friend left on a short trip, and I wasn't expecting to feel sad about it. Sometimes it's just hard to understand your own feelings." She summed up. "Does that make any sense?"

Bill said, "Well, not really, but matters of the heart rarely do." Bill looked at her then and asked gently, "This friend wouldn't happen to wear a red serge, would he?"

She nodded yes and said, "I didn't mean to develop this friendship with him, and now it's hard not to worry."

"I've been observing you two from afar. Though I've tried to get bits and pieces out of Nathan, it's impossible to get anything out of him, especially in matters of the heart. But, from what I can see, the friendship is completely reciprocated. It's hard to miss the way he looks at you." Bill shared with her, and his observations warmed her heart.

"Bill, you were a Mountie, right? How do I deal with the worry?" Julia asked.

"Mountie work is not all that dangerous, in reality. And we are well trained to avoid trouble. Sure, there are accidents, but most Mounties live long lives with their families." Bill said, "We cannot give in to fear, no matter our profession."

Julia nodded slowly, thankful for Bill and his sage wisdom. "That's a great way to look at it, Bill. Thanks so much for your advice." Julia replied, with a more confident smile.

"Pie?" Bill asked.

"Yes, definitely pie." Julia responded.

Bill served them both and asked if she also wanted coffee, which she declined this late in the day.

They ate their pie in silence for a while and then Julia asked, "How long have you known Nathan?"

"Since he came to Hope Valley, about 4 years ago. He's become one of my closest friends, almost like a son to me. Sometimes when you don't have family close by, God puts you in a family. And, sometimes those families look very different that what we are used to. But, that's how it is here in Hope Valley. " Bill explained.

"Well, I think it's a very special community." Julia agreed.

When they finished their pie, she realized how tired she felt. "Bill, it's getting late and it's been a really long day. I think I might head home. It has been such a special evening, and I have really enjoyed talking to you. I appreciate your wisdom and insight."

"It was my honor to dine with you, Julia. Thanks for putting up with me." Bill said, with a huge grin.

Julia smiled sincerely at him and said, "Nonsense, the honor has been all mine. I look forward to next time, and getting to know you more."

She stood, and kissed him on the cheek. "And thanks for dinner, as always, it was delicious."

Julia walked out of the café, and back to her apartment. She took a hot bath and soaked a long time, thinking about the last month. Her life had changed so much in one short month. Bill was right about Hope Valley, she had grown to love this community in a very short time. She felt at home, and for that, she was grateful.

As she got into bed, Julia wondered about Nathan. Where he must be, somewhere out there, sleeping outside under the stars. She hoped he was doing well, and that he was warm enough. And, she said a prayer for his safety.