Chapter 30. Family Reunion
On Wednesday morning, Nathan woke renewed and rested. After all the time spent yesterday with Julia, and the reunion with Newton, his spirits were soaring high. He woke up early, and almost jumped up out of bed, he was so excited about a new day. He hadn't felt like that in a very long time. Not since before his injury, the morning after Julia had said yes to his dinner invitation. And before that, it had always been related to something she had said or done that made him happy in the morning. He started to ask how one person could bring so much hope into his life, but then he remembered it had been the same when he had gotten Allie. Those had been the darkest days of his life, but she had brightened each one with her cute little smile and big brown eyes. She had been the light in the darkness, the one bright spot he had clung to.
Nathan thought about Julia and how she had arrived just at the right time, after another difficult season of his life. Just in time to bring hope and light against the backdrop of dark days. Allie and Julia were his two gifts, from heaven, at just the right moment. He prayed and thanked God, and decided to open his Bible and read a while.
When he finally got up, he washed up quickly and headed downstairs to make breakfast for Allie. When she came down, Allie was surprised to see him already in the kitchen...and whistling.
"Dad, you must be feeling better." She said as she stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek.
"I am indeed, Allie girl." Nathan said as he smiled and kissed her back on the cheek. They sat down and ate breakfast together, and then Nathan cheerily saw her off to school.
Julia was glad that Faith was back in the infirmary on Wednesday. The day went by faster when they were two. After her two days off, Faith's morale seemed to be back up, for now.
Julia's two house calls that day were easy, and Nathan seemed much better, physically and mentally. As Julia was leaving the evening house call, Lee and Mike were just arriving to set up for a guys' night at Nathan's. They carried in a box of games, including a poker set with chips to use instead of money. She also saw Lee carry in a bottle of whiskey. Julia was sure that would make for a fun evening, especially for Nathan, who was tired of being cooped up.
On Thursday morning, as Julia was setting out from the infirmary for Nathan's, someone called out her name, "Julia!"
She turned and saw Florence approaching her. "Good morning, Florence. How are you?" Julia asked.
"Good morning, Julia. I'm doing well, thank you. A telegram just arrived for Nathan. Are you headed there, by chance?" Florence asked.
"I sure am, Florence. Your timing is perfect." Julia said, smiling. "I'd be happy to take it to him."
"I had a feeling you were still making house calls in the morning. I'm glad I caught you, it seems important." Florence said as she handed her the telegram.
"Thanks, Florence." Julia replied and put the telegram in her nurses apron. She smiled and headed to Nathan's.
When she arrived, Julia knocked on the door and was relieved when Nathan answered right away.
"Good morning, Nathan." Julia said, as he opened the door wide to her. He was dressed already and seemed much better. His crystal blue eyes were clear and bright, and he looked rested.
"Hi, Jules." Nathan said as she walked in.
"You seem to be feeling better this morning." She said.
"Yes, indeed. A lot better today." He said, smiling at her.
Julia looked down at the wildflower bouquet she carried and nervously said, "These are for your mother, a sort of welcome gift."
"That's very thoughtful, Jules." Nathan said with a smile.
She let herself into the kitchen, found a vase, filled it with water, and placed the flowers on the table. "You must be so excited. Is everything set up and ready for her?" Julia asked.
Nathan replied, "I think so. Bill came yesterday with the rollaway bed, and he and Allie got everything ready in Allie's room."
"Is there anything else that you need, in preparation for her arrival?" Julia asked.
"Not that I can think of." Nathan answered.
Julia pulled a folded paper from her pocket and held it out to him. "Florence caught me on the way here. You had a telegram this morning."
Nathan took it and opened it. He read it, and then seemed to re-read it, and looked a little shy.
"Is everything okay, Nathan?" Julia asked nervously.
"Commander Collins from Mountie Headquarters in Union City is sending a Chief Inspector here next week to interview me. First, because apparently I am up for a commendation in the apprehension of the Williams' gang. And second because he wants to put me up for a new inspector position." Nathan said, completely shocked.
"Nathan, that is great, right? On both accounts?" Julia asked, excited for him.
"Yes, I guess. I'm just a little bit shocked." He said, staring.
Julia suddenly remembered something he had said about the previous inspector position, the one that he didn't take. He had mentioned the position had been in Union City. At this thought, her face went white and her mouth went dry. She shyly asked, "Will you have to move for the inspector position?"
Nathan hadn't thought of that. He re-read the telegram one more time, but it didn't mention where the inspector position was located. He looked up and noticed that all the color had gone out from her face. It suddenly hit him that she was worried that he might leave.
He got serious and said in earnest, "I won't move, Julia." He took her hand, trying to dispel her fear. "It doesn't say where the position is, but I won't leave Hope Valley, and Commander Collins knows that." Nathan paused and took her other hand, "A year ago I would have gladly considered it, but now…" he said, as he faced her and held both of her hands. "I have one more good reason to stay right here." He finished almost in a whisper.
She nodded in understanding and tried to make her voice sound normal as she asked, "When is the Chief Inspector coming?"
"On Thursday next week." He answered, still holding her hands.
Julia finally managed a small smile, and said, "Nathan, I imagine you deserve every accolade you receive. And, after hearing the story, you certainly deserve this one. I'm happy for you." She really was proud of him.
"Thanks, Jules." Nathan said, smiling timidly at her, wishing he could do more to reassure her.
Julia longed to change the subject, after being confronted with her insecurity at the very mention of him moving.
She thought of last night and decided that was a safe topic. She asked, "How was the guys' night?"
Nathan answered, "It was a lot of fun. We played a friendly game of poker and had some good laughs." Nathan then added, "Bill won everything, of course, even though we played with chips. He has such a good poker face." He paused, and Julia could totally picture Bill taking all the chips, with a really good poker face, and nothing but a pair of two's. That image brought a soft laugh from Julia. And then Nathan continued, "And Lee brought Backgammon, we played on a really nice board he picked up on his travels."
Julia tilted her head and teased, "No darts?"
"Not this time." He laughed remembering the evening of the social club and how she had impressed him.
"It sounds like a lot of fun. I'm glad for you, Nathan." She paused, "I know the rest order has not been easy."
Then, Julia asked timidly, "shall I get your examination out of the way?"
"Yes." He said, as they moved over to the couch and sat next to each other. He opened his shirt and she inspected his stitches, which looked fine. She examined his ribs and stated, "Everything checks out fine, Nathan." She smiled at him. He closed his shirt back with a little grimace, and sat back looking at her. She still seemed thrown off by the telegram, but he was resolute in his decision. He would not move.
"You pass my examination, Lawman, you can ask your question now, if you'd like." Julia lightly teased.
Nathan, content, smiled and said, "Oh, I've had some time to think about questions now. So, Jules, one question: what's your favorite color?"
Julia thought for a minute and answered carefully. "That's not an easy question, Nathan. I like lots of different colors. But, if I had to pick one, blue is probably my favorite."
Nathan had been sure of it already, and said, "I thought so, you wear a lot of blue. And it looks great on you." He complimented.
Julia smiled playfully, put up one finger, and said, "Although, I have to say, red is making a run for the money. Ever since I first saw you in uniform, it has come to be a close second." She admitted playfully. "Remember that week when you were avoiding me, just before my first riding lesson?" He tried to look shocked at her accusation, but just she laughed. "I saw red all over town."
Nathan remembered how he had been embarrassed about her overhearing his conversation with Joseph, and had not been able to face her. "I thought you were avoiding me." He joked with her.
"No, that time it was definitely you." Julia laughed, and he did too. Then she continued, "But, the morning you left for your tracking mission, and you came into the infirmary in your uniform to say goodbye, you looked so handsome in your serge. That day, red was definitely my favorite color." She admitted, blushing. "Now, I miss seeing your red serge around town, something about that color has become very endearing."
"Well, I'll be back in my red serge, soon enough." Nathan reassured her, with a smile. "And I'm glad to know you like it." He paused, looking at her sweetly, and then said, "Your turn, Jules."
"Ok. Nathan, same question: what's your favorite color?" She asked.
"I would also have to say blue. I like all shades of blue, and I especially appreciate the blues found in nature. For example, the blue of the sky, the blue of the ocean, and the clear blue of mountain streams. And lately, I have to say, I'm pretty partial to the blue color of your eyes, Jules." He said with a charming crooked smile. She blushed and smiled back at him, timidly.
"You also wear a lot of blue, when you are not in uniform. So, I thought it might be your favorite, as well. You look very nice in blue." She complimented him too.
After a minute, Julia said sadly, "Nathan, unfortunately, today, I can't stay as long as I did on Tuesday. My boss is expecting me back in the infirmary." Julia said with a little wink.
He looked at her, clearly wishing she could stay longer. And, he had something important to ask her. "I understand, Jules. However, I have one thing to ask before you go." He looked a little nervous. "Lee and I are going to the stagecoach platform a little before 2 p.m. to meet my mother. Allie will still be at school. Would you consider coming, to meet her with me?"
Julia had thought she would let them have their reunion and meet his mother tonight at his evening house call. But, she also felt touched that he would want her there. She couldn't say no. "If you would like me there, I will gladly come." Julia answered, shyly. "Though, I have to admit I am a little bit nervous." She said as she let out a deep breath.
"Why would you be nervous, Jules?" He chuckled low.
"Well, she's your mother. If for any reason she doesn't like me…" Julia couldn't finish her sentence. She just knew she wanted his mother's approval.
"My mother already knows a lot about you. I write her letters once a week. So, don't be nervous, she likes you already." Nathan reassured her.
"Really?" She asked, smiling now.
"Really. Did you really think I could keep such a huge detail of my life from my own mother? Because, Jules, you are an important part of my life now." He reassured her again.
She was touched by his words and took his hand. As she looked at their joined hands, she seemed lost in thought. Finally, she looked back up at him and said, "You are too much, Nathan Grant."
He smiled at her tenderly and said, "So you will come?"
She took a deep breath and said, "I wouldn't be anywhere else."
"Jules, can I walk you out?" Nathan asked. She nodded yes. Without letting go of his hand, she stood with him and he walked her to the door. He looked down at her and she felt the familiar butterflies.
"I'll see you at 2?" She asked.
"See you there, Jules." He answered. She slowly picked up her medical bag as he opened the door for her. She smiled up at him one more time as he slowly let go of her hand. She walked down the steps and gave him a little wave before she began the walk back to the infirmary.
Faith was in with a patient when Julia got back to the infirmary. When the visit was done, Faith came over and sat down with Julia. She shared about her two days off, and it seemed to do her a lot of good. Faith was rested and she'd had a lot of time to reflect and think, and seemed ready to move forward.
At about 11 a.m., William came in to let Julia inspect his stitches. Faith got to see them too, and gave her stamp of approval. No sign of infection and the healing was looking good so far. They wrapped his wound up tight again and asked him to come back on Saturday for another check up.
Ten minutes before 2 p.m., Julia nervously walked towards the stagecoach platform. As she arrived, Lee and Nathan were just pulling up in Lee's car, and they parked over to the side. Nathan got out, holding Julia's flowers. She joined him on the platform, and Lee came over as well. About 5 minutes later, they heard the coach approaching.
Nathan reached down and took Julia's hand, and gave it a little squeeze. Lee took notice, and smiled happily at Nathan.
When the coach stopped, the door opened and a very beautiful, elegant, tall, thin-framed woman stepped out. Julia would have known her anywhere. Nathan stepped forward instantly and wrapped her in a huge, affectionate embrace. "Mom!" He cried happily, with misty eyes. With a shaky voice, she replied, "my son", as her eyes spilled over. They hugged for a long time, swaying back and forth. His mother had the same deep blue eyes and the same dimple in her chin. She also had the same dark curly hair, though it was up in a loose bun. The resemblance was striking, though she was fine and feminine in contrast to Nathan's strong and masculine.
When they pulled back from the embrace, Nathan led his mother over to Julia and Lee.
"Mom, this is Julia Matthews. Jules, this is my mother, Rebecca Grant." Nathan stated.
Julia froze for a split-second not sure whether to extend her hand, or give a hug of greeting. But, Nathan's mother didn't miss a beat. She smiled and wrapped Julia in a big hug. "It's so nice to finally meet you, Julia. Thank you for taking such great care of my precious son." Ms. Grant said. As she stepped back she looked Julia in the eye and said, "I look forward to getting to know you."
"I'm very happy to meet you, Ms. Grant. And, I look forward to getting to know you, too." Julia responded with a sweet smile.
Nathan moved to Lee, "Mother, this is a dear friend, Lee Coulter. Lee, this is my mother, Rebecca Grant."
"It's very nice to meet you, Ms. Grant." He said as she also wrapped him in a small hug. As they parted, Rosemary arrived to make Ms. Grant's acquaintance.
"I'm sorry I'm late." Rosemary sang out.
Lee stepped forward and said, "Ms. Grant, this is my beautiful wife, Rosemary Coulter. Rosemary, this is Nathan's mother, Rebecca Grant."
"It's wonderful to finally meet you, Ms. Grant." Rosemary said as they wrapped each other in a huge hug. "Nathan is a very dear friend of ours, and Allie too."
"It's very nice to meet you as well, Rosemary." Ms. Grant replied.
Bill also walked up, to join the crowd. Nathan smiled and introduced him as well. "Mom, this is Bill Avery, our judge in Hope Valley. Bill, this is my mother, Rebecca Grant."
"Very nice to meet you, Ms. Grant", Bill said as he shook her hand.
"Likewise, Mr. Avery." Ms. Grant replied.
Bill followed Lee over to load Ms. Grant's luggage into the car. Nathan finally remembered the flowers he was holding and gave them to his mother. He whispered something in her ear and Ms. Grant smiled at Julia.
Finally, Nathan led his mother to Lee's car and the group followed. They all said their good-byes and Julia told them she would see them later. Once Nathan and his mother were seated in the car, Julia, Bill, and Rosemary waved bye as the car pulled out in the direction of Nathan's house.
At 5 p.m., Julia knocked on Nathan's door for his evening house call. Allie answered, bubbling over with excitement. She was so happy to have her Grams there and it showed.
"Come in, Miss Matthews. Did you meet my Grams yet?" Allie asked.
Julia answered, "Yes, Allie, I had the pleasure of meeting her when she arrived on the stagecoach."
"What? It seems like everyone was there but me. I was stuck at school." Allie grumbled.
"Well, if it makes you feel any better, it was a very quick meeting." Julia offered, with a little wink.
When she came fully inside, Julia said in greeting, "Good evening, Ms. Grant, and Good evening, Nathan." They had both been reading in the living room, but stood when she came in.
"Julia, please call me Rebecca."
"Ok, Rebecca, I hope I will remember." Julia smiled shyly. She spoke to Ms. Grant, but looked over at Nathan as she said, "I hope I'm not interrupting. I just need to check over your son, it's time for his evening house call."
"I appreciate you taking care of him, Julia. You two take all the time you need." Rebecca stated. "I need to get started on dinner anyway." She said as she marked her place in her book, rose and headed into the kitchen.
Allie joined her and said, "Can I help you, Grams?"
Rebecca smiled and said, "I would love that, Allie girl."
Julia moved over to Nathan and asked, "Where would you be most comfortable, Nathan? We could go in your room if you'd like? Or in the backyard?" Julia asked him.
"Let's go out back." Nathan replied. She picked back up her medical bag and followed him outside.
Nathan sat in one of the chairs but Julia only set down her bag. She stood next to him as he unbuttoned his shirt and opened it at the shoulder. She inspected the stitches very closely and said, "They look ready to come out, maybe one more day to be sure."
Nathan chimed in, "Faith said the same thing this morning."
"It's good, Nathan. It means healing is moving along now." She looked down at him, "I can take them out tomorrow."
"One step closer to our dinner date." He said as he touched her hand.
Julia tilted her head, smiled a little bit flirtatiously and said, "if that keeps you moving in the right direction, then I'm glad." She moved over closer to his side and crouched down. She palpitated and everything seemed fine. She took his blood pressure, which seemed good too.
"Everything checks out fine, Nathan. You pass, again." Julia smiled, and she came and sat opposite him. "Do you have a question for me this evening?"
Nathan said, "yes, I do. Allie's been talking about her birthday, and that had me thinking. Julia, one question: when is your birthday?"
"It's June 23rd. I'll be 26." Julia answered. "And, Nathan, that's a very good question. I would like to ask you the same. When is your birthday?"
Nathan answered simply, "August 1st." He paused, "That was a quick round of one question."
Julia looked at him cutely, and asked, "do I get to ask what age you will be turning, Nathan?"
"I'll be 32 this year." He replied, smiling. "When Jake was here I deduced that I must be a year younger than him."
"That seems right." Julia said smiling. "Though his birthday is in March." She paused and looked at the back door. "Should we head back in, Nathan?"
"Yes, we probably should." He said reluctantly as he stood to go back in. Julia followed him and he opened the door for her. When she entered, Rebecca was at the stove and something smelled wonderful already.
Allie looked up from her chopping to address Julia. "Miss Matthews, The Canfield's invited us all for dinner on Saturday evening. It's my birthday, so I would really love it if you would come with us?" Allie looked at her, hopeful.
Julia smiled tenderly, "I would be honored, Allie. What time should I be here?"
"They asked us to arrive at 6 p.m. So a little bit before that, I guess?" Allie responded.
Julia said, "You can count on me, Allie. I'm excited to celebrate with you."
Rebecca walked over from the kitchen to ask, "Julia, would you like to have dinner with us tomorrow night?" Nathan looked surprised, but very pleased. He looked at her, awaiting her response.
"Thank you for the invitation, Rebecca, I would love to. I am responsible for Nathan's evening house calls, so I would normally be here around 5:30 p.m., anyway. Is that okay for you, or shall I come later?" Julia asked, smiling.
"That's perfect, Julia." Rebecca replied.
"And, what can I bring?" Julia asked.
"Just your good humor." Rebecca replied, smiling.
"Ok, well then, I'll see you all tomorrow." Julia said excited.
"I'll walk you out, Jules." Nathan said, and she said her good byes to both Allie and Rebecca.
When they were outside on the front porch, Nathan smiled sweetly at her.
"That's a good sign, Jules. Mom wants to get to know you, that means she likes you already." Nathan reassured her. He took her hand and pulled her slowly into his embrace, as was becoming his cute little habit. She loved how she fit perfectly, and she closed her eyes to just feel his heartbeat so close. She let her arms go around his back and feel the strength and muscles of his back. They stayed like that for a long time.
When they pulled back from each other, Nathan kept ahold of her hand. Julia looked at him as though she was trying to figure out how to say something. She finally said, "Thank you for reassuring me, Nathan. You really are wonderful, you know that?"
He blushed at her compliment, but replied, "You are pretty wonderful yourself, Jules."
"See you tomorrow?" Julia asked reluctantly.
"Yes. And I'll be thinking about you, until then." Nathan said with his crooked smile.
She laughed softly at his charming confession and slowly backed up towards the stairs. "Good evening, Nathan."
"Be careful walking home, Jules." He answered, and slowly let go of her hand.
Julia turned, walked down the front steps, and smiled back up at him one more time as she walked home.