Chapter 31. Family Dinner
On Friday morning, Nathan was excited to spend the day with his mother. He woke up early, and came downstairs to make coffee. When his mother and Allie finally came down, he was sitting downstairs reading, already on his second cup. His mother went straight to the kitchen and made breakfast for the three of them. They ate together, and to Allie's great satisfaction, her Grams insisted on walking her to school.
While they were gone, Faith arrived for Nathan's morning house call. She did her examination, agreeing with Julia's assessment that the stitches could come out this evening.
"Nathan, I will consult with Julia today, but there are a few things I would like to suggest. First, starting tomorrow, we can reduce our house calls to once a day. With your mother's constant presence in the house, to watch over you, the morning house call is no longer needed." Faith informed him. "Secondly, from Monday on, I would like you to start taking short walks. Even if you don't go far, try to walk a little, each day. Eventually, I would like you to work your way up to walking into town. The goal is that we eliminate the house calls and examine you every few days in the infirmary." Faith concluded.
"Both sound fine to me. I look forward to getting out of the house. And, a walk sounds great." Nathan agreed. "I appreciate all that you are doing, for my care, Faith." He smiled at her, grateful.
When the house call was finished, Faith took her medical bag, and headed back to the infirmary.
Nathan and his mother spent most of the day catching up with each other. Details about the ranch, Charlie the foreman, and updates on the other ranch hands. They discussed decisions that needed to be made about certain horses, as well as stud possibilities. Rebecca had some new business ideas, and Nathan gave her honest input and feedback. They talked a long time about Airdrie and their neighbors and friends. He hadn't been home since the summer after the prisoner transport in which he had almost been shot, which was almost 2 years ago now. He missed the ranch.
Eventually, Rebecca asked Nathan about Elizabeth, she had seen her from a distance, dropping Allie off at school. Elizabeth had obviously been surprised to see someone she didn't know with Allie, but Rebecca didn't even try to introduce herself. She was still shocked to hear that Elizabeth had never even tried to apologize to either he or Allie, or talk any of it out. In almost a year. I was inconceivable to Rebecca, who always valued forthrightness and taking responsibility for our own actions, especially when we hurt others. Nathan appreciated his mother looking out for he and Allie, but frankly did not want to rock the boat. He wanted to let the sleeping dogs lie, now that things were looking so good with Julia. He and Allie had both been very wrong about Elizabeth, it was as simple as that.
Rebecca finally broached the subject of Julia. She admonished her son, because he had left out so many important details about her, in his letters. Good things, that added so much to who she is and how great she is for Nathan.
"There's so much you didn't mention in your letters, Nathan." Rebecca chided him.
"Mom, I'm sorry. For a long time, we were both trying to slow things down, and I think I just didn't want to put the cart before the horse." Nathan excused himself.
"Nathan, the way she looks at you, it's obvious she cares a lot about you. And, I've never seen you look at anyone that way either." She paused, and looked at him earnestly. "It just doesn't happen everyday."
"Thanks, Mom, for saying so. We are still trying to take it one day at a time. At least, to keep it casual while she is still caring for me as a nurse." Nathan admitted.
"What does Allie say?" Rebecca asked.
"Allie loves her. She couldn't be happier." Nathan reported. "Julia made a connection with Allie right away, whether she meant to or not. I think it happened by accident. Julia was working at the infirmary when Allie came in with Angela Canfield, when her father Joseph was in after a badly broken leg." He paused, "Julia was just being her kind, thoughtful self. Julia encouraged her and you know how much that means to Allie. Julia's the one who suggested Allie approach Rosemary to write for the Valley Voice. Allie did, and her first article comes out today. All because of Julia's encouragement."
"Nathan, I can't wait to get to know her more. But, I want you to know, I like her already." Rebecca stated. "I hope you don't mind that I invited her tonight, for dinner."
"I don't mind at all. Any way I can spend more time with Julia is fine by me." Nathan smiled, bearing his honest contentment with Julia.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Rebecca rose to go answer it, and was delighted to find Bill there. She knew he was another of Nathan's dear friends, who had been kind and true to him, even through the rough waters.
"Bill, come in." Rebecca stated. "I hope it's okay that I call you Bill. You can feel free to call me Rebecca." she paused, "I assume you are here to see Nathan, he's in the living room." She directed him to come in and take a seat next to Nathan.
Nathan stood and greeted his friend, "Bill, it's great to see you. What's up?" Rebecca excused herself and went upstairs to read a while.
Bill shared, "I got a telegram this morning from HQ. I'm assuming you already got one?"
Nathan nodded, "Is this about the Chief Inspector coming next week?"
"Exactly. I guess they reached out to me since you are laid up. They asked me to offer him some office space to work, and set him up a room to board somewhere. I made him a reservation at the saloon, and figured he could use your office?" Bill inquired.
"Sounds fine to me, Bill. I won't be in the office anytime soon." Nathan paused, and looked down for a second, "Did they give you any more information than that?"
"Nothing more. Did they tell you anything about the nature of his visit?" Bill asked.
"My telegram mentioned an inquiry in interview form. Apparently, I am up for a commendation. Also, Commander Collins has put my name in for a new inspector position." Nathan shared.
"Where's the inspector position?" Bill asked.
Nathan went over to kitchen, opened a drawer, and pulled out the telegram. "That's the thing, Bill. I don't know. He didn't mention anything in the telegram about where the inspector posting is. But, I won't leave Hope Valley, and Commander Collins knows that." He handed the telegram to Bill, and let him read over it.
Bill looked up at Nathan and said, "Interesting. Well, we'll have to wait and see."
Nathan had been wanting to bring up an old subject with Bill for quite a while. He hadn't had the courage until now, but something just made him determined to mention it, since Bill was here now. "Bill, I wanted to ask you about something." Nathan paused, almost hesitating. "Whatever happened with the sale of your land?"
Bill looked Nathan in the eye then. "Why? Are you interested again? Because I just couldn't bring myself to sell it yet. I've had a few inquiries and two offers, but nothing felt right."
"I have been thinking about it again. Actually, I haven't been able to get it out of my mind, since I looked at it almost a year ago. I shouldn't have given up on the idea, in retrospect." Nathan stated, flatly.
Bill spoke gently and said, "Nathan, it's understandable that you second guessed yourself, after such a harsh shaking last year. But, if you are still interested, it's yours, without a second thought. Since you first approached me about it, I couldn't get over the image of you and Allie living there. It feels right to me. And, of course, it's perfect for anyone else that might eventually be added to the family."
"Thanks, Bill. I will work up an offer, and get it to you as soon as possible. I haven't mentioned it to anyone else, though, if you wouldn't mind keeping this to yourself for the time being? Especially Allie." Nathan replied.
Bill smiled and said, "No worries here, Nathan. Your business is your business." Bill paused and then said, "I'm just glad you came back around about it. I was hoping you would."
They talked a while more about Newton, and the different issues Bill had encountered on the rounds he had taken on, filling in for Nathan. After a while, Rebecca came back down.
When Bill was ready to leave, she came over and asked, "Bill, would you like to join us for dinner tonight?"
Bill answered, "I would love to, thank you, Rebecca. What time suits you?"
Rebecca answered, "About 6:30?"
Bill responded, "I'll be here." Bill said his farewells to Nathan and Rebecca, and departed to return to his office in town.
At 5:30 p.m., Julia arrived at Nathan's for the evening house call, with her medical bag and a tin of cookies. After her knock, Allie opened the door, excited to see Julia. "Come in, Miss Matthews." she said, as she held the door open.
Julia said, "Good evening, Allie," as she entered. Julia came in and greeted Nathan and his mother, and set the tin of homemade cinnamon cookies on the table.
Julia approached Allie, and with a big proud smile, and said, "I have something for you, Allie." She reached into her medical bag and pulled out 3 copies of the Valley Voice. Allie's face lit up and she took them excitedly. "Rosemary was passing them out, just as I was leaving town."
"My article is out?!" Allie exclaimed. Nathan and Grams both came right over, to see. Allie gave each of them a copy, while she nervously turned to the inside. They also were turning pages, searching for Allie's article.
"Yes, Allie. And, you did a great job. It's a really good article." Julia praised her. They all three sat down and started reading, and Julia wandered into the kitchen to see what smelled so good. She lifted the lid of a big stock pot and took a big whiff of what looked like a vegetable and beef stew. Yummy.
Julia walked back over near the dining table, and watched the three of them excitedly reading.
Nathan and Grams would read a little, and then one of them would say something encouraging to Allie. Then they'd read a little more, another encouragement, until they had all finished the article. It was such a sweet scene of them praising her and discovering her talent for writing.
After he was done reading, Nathan went over and gave Allie a huge hug. He held her for a long time and quietly said sweet things to her. Eventually, when Allie pulled back from the hug, she smiled up at him and said, "Thanks, Dad."
He looked up at Julia then, from across the room, and she felt immediately undone by the obvious affection written on his face. He came to her very quietly, and asked if they should go out back for his examination. She followed him outside, with her medical bag.
Once outside, Nathan turned to face her and said, "Jules, I don't know what to say. What you did for Allie…" his voice cracked, and he couldn't seem to finish his sentence.
"Nathan, it was all Allie. All I can take credit for was giving her a little encouragement. The rest was all her." Julia responded.
He took her hand and said, "Jules, even so, that encouragement made all the difference." Julia looked shy at his insistence that she be given a little credit for her involvement in Allie's accomplishment. But, he wanted her to realize how much it meant to him. "Even if it seems a little thing to you, Jules, it means a lot to Allie, and to me." With that statement, he fixed his gaze on her, and slowly lifted her hand to his lips. She swallowed hard as he gently opened her hand in both of his, and placed a gentle kiss on the inside of her palm. Julia felt her insides melt like wax, and she breathed out slowly. He let her hand drop but kept it in both of his.
"I just did what anyone else would do, for such a sweet young girl." Julia surmised.
"I don't believe that, Jules. Not for a minute. Even if it seemed natural or no big deal to you, it was above and beyond, to us." Nathan smiled down at her. "Thank you, really."
"Now…I… don't know what to say, Nathan." she looked shyly up at him, her eyes shining with the same tender affection, lost for words.
"Say you will have dinner with me, as soon as I'm able." He reminded her again.
"I already said yes to you, Constable. Twice." She laughed low.
"Well, say it a third time, and I will owe you three dates." Nathan smiled his most charming smile at her.
"Ok, Nathan. Yes to three dates." Julia smiled back at him, finding him absolutely adorable.
At her acceptance, he made a cute little motion with his hand, and said, "yes!" under his breath, like he had just hit a home run in a baseball game.
"Nathan Grant, you are too charming." She smiled affectionately at him, feeling like the luckiest girl on the planet, and laughing contentedly at his cute little gesture. "Now, can I take your stitches out?"
"Yes, Nurse." He said, as he let go of her hand and started to unbutton his shirt. He opened his shirt to expose his shoulder, but realized he might not be able to sit comfortably like that.
From her medical bag, Julia took out her tweezers, scissors, and a magnifying glass. When she turned back around, she made a suggestion. Julia said gently, "Nathan, I think it might be better to take that sleeve off of your left arm completely. There are 28 stitches and it will take some time to get them all out. I'd rather you sit a bit more stable in case there is any discomfort as I take them out."
Julia set everything down and helped him take the shirt off the left side and sit comfortably. When he was all set, she picked everything back up, laid it out on the arm of the chair and asked, "Are you ready?" He nodded. "It shouldn't hurt, but might pinch a little here and there. I will be as gentle as possible, just let me know if I hurt you."
Julia stood really close and bent down over him. She gently lifted up the first stitch, clipped it with the scissors and pulled gently.
When it came out, Nathan's shoulders jumped and he let out a big "ouch!" Julia jumped back, worried, with her mouth open. He started to laugh, and she realized he was teasing her. "Nathan Grant! That is not funny, at all!" Finally, she couldn't help but laugh at his playful little joke. "You know I still have 27 more of these to take out, right? I can either be gentle or less gentle." She said with a sideways smile and her hands on her hips.
"Ok, ok, I'm sorry, Jules. I couldn't resist. You were so focused…But, I promise I'll behave, now." Nathan professed, still laughing.
Julia told him, "Newton is a much better patient than you, for the record."
"He got his stitches out today, too?" Nathan asked.
Julia nodded, "Yes, and he didn't play any tricks on me."
Julia tried to keep a straight face as she went back to her work. She lifted up the next stitch, and clipped it, and pulled it out. She continued and was soon focused again, and repeated the action until she had all of his stitches safely out. She opened her medical bag, applied an ointment, and covered the wound it with a small bandage.
"Ok, funny guy, I applied an ointment to help the skin heal, and covered it with a bandage. But you can remove the bandage tonight before bed." Julia stated, as she sat down facing him. "Faith told me that she talked to you this morning about the changes she recommended for your care."
Nathan stated, "Yes, she wants me to try short walks, starting on Monday."
Julia replied, "Exactly. I offered to keep up your house calls, which we can reduce to once a day. And, at the end of each house call, I can see to your walks, unless your mother wants to?"
Nathan smiled and asked, "So, you will still be coming around everyday?"
"Yes, if it's okay with you." Julia stated.
"It's great, Julia. I'm glad you agreed to keep seeing me." Nathan said gently.
She looked down at the ground, and said, "Well, I thought we could keep up our little game that way, but only if you want."
"I want. And, I will have something good to look forward everyday." Nathan smiled at her.
"Well, do you have a question for me today?" Julia asked.
Nathan smiled and asked, "I do indeed. Jules, I would like to know what is your favorite book?"
Julia smiled back, and without hesitation said, "Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice."
"That easy, huh?" Nathan asked.
"Well, there are a lot of great books to choose from. Little Women, Jane Eyre, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, but Pride and Prejudice is definitely my favorite." She answered. "And, you, Nathan, what is your favorite?"
"It's so hard to choose just one. I really like King Solomon's Mines, A Tale of Two Cities, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, there's also Tom Sawyer. But, I guess if I had to choose one that stands above the others, I would choose Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo."
"That's a great one." Julia replied.
"I haven't read The Wonderful Wizard of Oz yet. Was it good?" Nathan asked.
"Very good. I can lend it to you, if you'd like." Julia said with a smile.
"I would really like that." Nathan answered.
At that moment, Allie opened the door and said, "Hey you two, Bill's here." They smiled at each other, Julia packed up her stuff, and they headed back inside.
Nathan walked right over, and greeted his friend, "Bill, so glad you could make it. How was your day?"
Bill replied, "same ole, same ole."
Julia saw a very lovely pie sitting on the table. "Wow, that looks heavenly. Bill, did you bring the pie?"
"Sure did. It's peach for those of you that love peach pie." Bill said.
Allie, Nathan, and Julia all raised there hands at the same time, and Allie and Nathan said "I do!" in unison.
They all laughed and Rebecca said, "Well, I don't know many people who don't like peach pie."
"That's true." Bill said, "and right now it's the season, so the peaches are really sweet."
At that Nathan joked, "Can we start by eating dessert, then?"
Rebecca piped in with a little protest, "Hey, what about my beef stew?"
Nathan came over and gave her a kiss on the cheek and a side hug. "Don't worry, Mom. It smells so good in here, we can't wait to eat your stew, too. And, we'll even eat it first, if you insist." he finished with a little grin.
"Ok, son, nice recovery," Rebecca joked, shooing him into the kitchen. "You just get in there and set the table, then."
Julia and Allie followed him, to help. In the span of 2 minutes, they had everything set. Allie went back to find napkins, and passed them out, too. Julia found the water pitcher and put it on the table. Rebecca went to the ice box and took out a salad she had prepared, and added it to the table. Nathan brought over the bread and butter.
"I think we are all set, Mom." Nathan told her. "Anything else I'm forgetting?"
"I think that's everything," Rebecca said, and with a smile and a gesture, invited everyone to sit down at the table. "Please, have a seat."
They all sat and Nathan took Julia's hand on her left, and Allie took her right hand. The rest joined hands as well. Bill was across from her, on Nathan's left, and Rebecca was on other side of Allie. Nathan said a prayer to bless the food.
Rebecca stood and served everyone. Julia looked down at the beef stew, that smelled amazing. It was packed full of fresh vegetables and cooked to perfection.
"Wow, Rebecca, it looks and smells amazing." Julia stated. Nathan passed the bread and butter, and Julia took some and passed the plate along.
When they all started to eat, Julia was impressed. Nathan's mom was a great cook.
Julia chuckled quietly at the silence at the table, "Rebecca, it's a compliment to the chef when everyone gets really quiet because they are too busy eating." She surmised, "It means it's delicious." She smiled softly, "We were never so quiet at my house."
Rebecca looked up and smiled. "Who cooked at your house, Julia?" she asked.
"Well, my mother died when I was two years old. So, after that it was my father. He was not the best cook." Julia said, while scrunching her nose up and looking over at Allie.
Allie laughed and said, "Yea, sometimes Dad's are not the best cooks."
At her statement, Nathan almost choked, but recovered and gave a smart little laugh in protest. He looked at Allie and said, "Hey, I can hear you."
Julia continued, "I have an older brother, whose also a Mountie. When we were younger, and it came to cooking, it was either me or him. So, I tried to learn some things so we didn't have to eat either Jake's or Dad's cooking." She smiled at Rebecca.
Bill interjected, "like sink or swim, except, in the kitchen?"
"Exactly." Julia laughed.
Rebecca asked, "what kind of things do you like to cook, Julia?"
"I can make simple things like chicken soup, and I also love Allie's favorite, Chicken Pot Pie. I can make Beef Bourguignon, though I do like to follow a recipe. I learned some old French recipes out of a very old French cookbook of my Dad's. It had been in his family for a long time. I like to make sauces, like Béchamel or Beurre Blanc." Julia stated.
Nathan looked at her, completely shocked and impressed, totally unaware that she liked to cook. And, from the sound of it, she could hold her own. "Jules, you will have to cook for us sometime."
Allie chimed in, "Miss Matthews, what's your absolute favorite meal?"
Julia smiled and said, "You will laugh, Allie."
Allie replied, "I don't think so, Miss Matthews. Is it the best recipe from your French cookbook?"
"Well, my favorite thing to eat isn't from the French cookbook, believe it or not. It's an old family recipe, one that my dad actually did very well. He learned it from my mother's parents, his in-laws, who owned a café. And, this dish, when it's done well, it's so good, and makes me think of home. It's very messy and greasy, but so good. Can you guess, Allie?" Julia asked, as she ate more of the wonderful stew.
"I have no idea, Miss Matthews. Let's see, something greasy and messy. Probably something fried?" Allie guessed.
Julia laughed, "Yes, I hate to admit it, but my favorite comfort food is fried chicken. I wouldn't eat it everyday, but when it's done well, it's really good, right?"
Allie laughed too, "Yes, it is. Your Dad used to make it?"
Julia smiled at the memory, "Yea. It's about the only thing he made from scratch, but he made it really well. I've even tried other recipes, and none compares to his."
Bill said, "Any chance you'd let me try that recipe, Julia?"
Julia laughed, "Bill, are you trying to commandeer new recipes for the café? Because, your fried chicken is already very good."
Nathan smiled at Julia, surprised once again by her. He caught her eye and held her gaze for just a moment.
Allie asked her, "Miss Matthews, will you make it for us sometime?"
Julia smiled at Allie, "I would love to." Then, she lowered her voice to a loud whisper, though still loud enough for Bill to hear, and said, to Allie, "I can even teach you if you'd like, but don't tell Bill."
Allie chuckled hard then and whispered back, loud enough for Bill to hear, "You've got yourself a deal, Miss Matthews."
Bill grimaced and said, "I can hear you!" And, Allie and Julia both broke out into laughter.
Nathan and his mother looked at each other across the table, something unsaid between them. Then, they both smiled watching Julia and Allie, though neither noticed. But, Bill noticed and was happy. In fact, he was ecstatic.
Rebecca asked, "Julia, where are you from?"
"I'm from a small town on the east coast called Peggy's Cove. It's just south of Halifax, right on the Atlantic. So, I grew up on the water, a little different from Hope Valley." Julia shared.
"What does your father do?" Rebecca inquired.
Julia smiled and shared, "My father was a Naval Architect, though that sounds so technical, I usually say Boat Engineer. He designed boats. He worked with a team, though, at a nautical design firm. And, he had a drafting studio, which also doubled as an art studio, in our home."
"Julia, you said was, is your Father no longer with you?" Rebecca asked gently.
Julia explained, "He passed away about 4 years ago."
"And, where is your brother now?" Rebecca asked.
"My brother Jake is posted in Spruce Grove, which is west of Edmonton. He's 7 years older than me, and came to visit recently. He got along quite well with Allie, because he's a really good storyteller. Right, Allie?" Julia smiled at Allie.
"He is. Grams, he told the funniest stories when we had dinner with him. Stories about Miss Matthews. She used to get into trouble, but the funny kind of trouble." Allie shared with her Grams.
Bill chuckled, "Somehow, I cannot imagine." He said, sounding very sarcastic, as he looked at Julia, smiling. "Though Julia did share with me that her dad was also an amazing painter."
Julia smiled proudly, "Yes, he was. He was very artistic, drawing or painting. And, I spent most of my childhood either in the nearby lighthouse, with my bosom buddy, Sarah, who was the daughter of the lighthouse keeper." She paused and looked at Allie, "Or, I was in Dad's art studio, trying to be just like him."
Nathan chimed in, "When you once told me that you had a long season where you thought you wanted to be a painter, is that why?"
"Yes. I can't believe you remember that, it was so long ago." Julia commented.
"You told me that the first time we ever actually talked, at the cabin when we were watching over Joseph." Nathan stated. "It was your second day in Hope Valley, I believe."
Julia looked completely shocked that he would even remember that. He leaned over and whispered to her, "Of course, I remember." She smiled at him adoringly and went back to eating her stew.
Rebecca decided to share something, though her eyes seemed far off and remembering. "Colleen was a painter, and a very gifted one. I miss all her half-finished drawings, brilliant designs, and all the new techniques she was always trying out. I even miss her messy studio with paints strewn about, spilling out all over the place and staining the floor."
Julia's eyes filled with tears as she whispered, "I know exactly what you mean." Julia was looking to her right, but felt Nathan take her left hand. She was afraid to look at him, knowing that seeing his tender eyes would certainly bring her tears to spill over. So, instead, she looked at Bill who seemed to know similar pain.
Rebecca sniffed and stood up suddenly and said, "Would anyone like more stew?"
Nathan raised his left hand, and passed his bowl to Bill, who held it out for Rebecca to fill. Bill took more as well, as did Allie.
"Julia, would you like a little more?" Rebecca asked.
"Ok, but only half a spoon, please." Julia answered with a smile. She finally looked over at Nathan who still held her hand. He looked at her so sweetly she was afraid the tears would still come. So, she busied herself with her bowl, that Allie had just passed back to her. He finally let go of her hand for more bread and butter, and then passed the both on to her.
Rebecca finally asked Bill a question, "Bill, have you ever been married?"
Bill paused, and decided he was in safe company, and answered. "Yes, I had a wife, Nora, though we divorced 6 or 7 years ago."
Rebecca asked further, "Any kids, Bill?"
"Yes, we had a son, Martin. I always considered him mine, though he really wasn't. I was in love with her, but I think she only married me so Martin would have a father." Bill paused, and then with a furrowed brow, shared the rest, "When Martin died, she decided we didn't have anything else in common, and she left. Then, when Nora came back it was only to ask me for a divorce."
Rebecca said gently, "I'm so sorry, Bill. I had no idea. I wouldn't have asked, if I had realized."
Bill said, "It's okay, Rebecca. I know it sounds horrible, but I have grieved it all. And, I have a great family here, in Hope Valley. It's funny how God puts us in families, when we don't have any close by." he said, looking around the table.
Nathan looked at Julia and realized she was wiping her eyes, trying not to let Bill see. He caught her eye and smiled tenderly at her.
Allie chimed in and cheerily explained to her Grams, "And, that's why I call him Uncle Bill!"
Julia laughed then, relieved. She smiled at Allie and thought to herself, leave it to Allie to make it all better.
Julia stood and started picking up the empty bowls. Nathan joined her, and together they brought all the dirty dishes into the kitchen. Nathan stood close to her and looked down at her, touching her elbow.
"Are you ok?" He whispered so that only she could hear.
"Yes, I just have never heard Bill's story before." Julia looked up at Nathan, with compassion in her eyes. "I had no idea."
Nathan frowned, "That's a lot more than I've ever heard in one go before. I have spent years trying to put together bits and pieces. Even I've never heard that much."
Julia frowned too, "Can I just walk up and give him a big hug? Please?"
Nathan chuckled, but loved to see her compassion. "I don't know how he'd take to that."
"Ok, I won't. For now." Julia smiled up at him.
Rebecca came in and interrupted by clearing her throat. "Hey, you two, are you getting dessert plates, or holding up the countertop?"
Nathan chuckled and said, "Definitely getting the dessert plates, Mom."
"Yes, and I was just getting the dessert spoons." Julia chimed in. She realized though, she didn't have the slightest idea where the dessert spoons were, so she motioned to Nathan with her hands, as if to ask where? He pointed to the drawer just to her left. She nodded and took out 5 spoons, a knife and a pie server. She walked back over to the table and set them down.
Rebecca brought over Bill's peach pie, Julia's tin of cinnamon cookies, and a vanilla custard that she and Allie made.
"Well, we won't run out of desserts tonight, folks." Rebecca said, smiling.
Allie was rubbing her hands together, just like Nathan sometimes did when he was teasing Julia.
Julia leaned over to Nathan and said low, "Wonder where she gets that? Rubbing her hands together mischievously? I'm trying to remember exactly who that reminds me of?" Nathan looked over and saw Allie then and laughed, understanding Julia's joke.
He leaned over and whispered to Julia, "Very funny. I don't do it exactly like that." That statement brought a very loud involuntary chuckle from Julia, and Allie looked over to see what was so funny. That brought Nathan to laugh, and Bill was chuckling just watching the two of them teasing each other about something.
Rebecca felt like she was missing out and asked, "What's so funny over there?"
Nathan managed to compose himself and said, "Nothing, Mom. It was nothing."
"Ok, I need to know what you would like on your plate. You can have any one of the three desserts, or a combination. Or, you can request the "assiette gourmande" which literally means the "sweet-tooth's plate", on which you get all three of them." Rebecca stated.
Bill smiled big and said, "Assiette gourmande, please!"
Nathan and Allie both piped in and said, in unison, "me, too!"
Julia said, "me, three!" And, Rebecca went to work making five "assiettes gourmandes". As she completed a plate, she passed it around until they were all served.
When they were all finished with dessert, Rebecca rose and asked, "Tea or coffee, anyone?"
Bill and Nathan said coffee, though Julia asked for herbal tea. Allie said she'd have herbal tea too. Julia rose to help Rebecca in the kitchen with the hot drinks. While Rebecca loaded the coffee pot, Julia put a pot of hot water on to boil. She took out the tray and set out 5 cups and saucers. She remembered where they were from the last time her and Nathan had coffee together. Rebecca set sugar and milk on the tray.
"Julia, would you like peppermint, sage, or camomile?" Rebecca asked.
"Camomile, please." Julia responded.
"Me, too." Rebecca answered, and handed the jar of camomile leaves to Julia. She put some leaves in three of the cups, and served the water once it whistled. When the coffee gurgled, Rebecca served two cups and Julia carried the tray over to the table and served everyone.
"Is anyone interested in playing a game? " Julia offered, "Allie, have you ever played Blitz?" she asked as she sat down.
Bill piped up, "Oh, I like that game."
Julia smiled at him, "You know it?"
Bill answered, "Yes, it's a good one."
Nathan smiled and said, "It sounds fun, Julia. Can you teach us?"
"I sure can." Julia said, as she got up and went to her medical bag. She took out a deck of cards and a jar of buttons.
Julia opened the buttons and passed three to each person. "So, everyone gets three buttons. Those are your "lives", and you have to put one in the middle every time you lose a hand. When you run out of buttons, you get one last shot, you play on your "honor". But, if you lose that one, you are eliminated."
Julia cut the deck and smoothly shuffled, making a very nice bridge as she did. She turned the cards and did it a few more times, and when she looked up realized both Bill and Nathan were staring at her. She looked over at Allie, who was also watching her, impressed.
"Bill, I'd say this isn't her first time playing cards." Nathan said, surprised how well she handled the cards when she shuffled.
"Nathan, I'm worried we are about to get hustled." Bill laughed, and looked at her.
"Ok, very funny. I grew up with my Dad and a brother." Julia shrugged, "We played cards sometimes." she decided to tease them back, "Are you worried I might win all your buttons?"
"I am actually, I really am." Nathan said, smiling.
Bill, too, joined in with a half smile. "Nathan, She's going to give me the buttons and then win them right back from me, isn't she?"
"Are you two clowns done? Should I explain the game or shall I just play with Allie and Grams?" Julia asked, shaking her head at them.
Allie piped in, "Yea, maybe we should just play an all girl game." Rebecca was just watching them all, smiling at this cute sort-of unconventional family that was being made around the table.
"Ok, ok. We're listening, Julia." Bill stated flatly, but with a half smile.
Julia nodded and started dealing the cards. She dealt one to each person until everyone had three cards. She set the deck in the middle and explained all the rules. A few asked questions, Julia explained some more and then they started to play.
There was a lot of laughing, and everyone seemed to like the game. Allie was eliminated first, then Nathan, then Julia, and the last hand came down to Rebecca and Bill. In the end, it was Bill who won the first round. They decided to play a second round, and Rebecca won.
After the second round, Bill seemed tired. He addressed the group, and said, "It's getting late. I might start my walk back to town soon." Bill looked at Julia rather fatherly, "Julia, would you like to walk an old man home?"
Julia knew he was really offering to walk her home, so she wouldn't have to go alone this late at night. But, she humored him and said, "I would love to, Bill."
Nathan was happy that Julia wouldn't be alone on her walk back to town, and he nodded at Bill, a silent thank you for having thought of it.
Julia approached Rebecca and said, "Thank you for such a delicious meal, and a wonderful evening."
"You are most welcome, Julia. We'll see you tomorrow for Allie's birthday dinner." Rebecca replied as she hugged Julia.
Allie came up next and said, "Good night, Miss Matthews. I'll see you tomorrow."
"I'm looking forward to it already, Allie." Julia replied.
Nathan walked both her and Bill to the door. "Thanks, Bill, for seeing Julia home safe." Nathan paused, "And, thanks for coming tonight. It was really fun having you, Bill."
"The pleasure was all mine, Nathan. Thanks for letting me be part of your family for the evening." Bill replied.
Nathan looked at Julia and said, "Good night, Jules." and then with a little wink, "Take care of Bill on the way home." Julia let a little laugh escape and then looked at Bill, who was rolling his eyes.
"I'll do my best." Julia replied and then looked at Nathan. "I'll see you tomorrow for your house call. Shall I come in the afternoon?"
Nathan replied, "Allie and Grams will be gone on a birthday horse ride and picnic, but I'll be here."
"Ah, that sounds really fun." Julia said, looking over Nathan's shoulder at Allie who overheard and was beaming. "Grandma-Granddaughter time is really special."
Julia looked back up at Nathan and nodded, "Ok, afternoon it is. See you then." She waved to Allie and Rebecca and said, "Have fun tomorrow, ladies! And, good night."
"Good night, everyone." Bill said as he opened the door. Julia picked up her medical bag, and she smiled at Nathan as they walked out.