Chapter 35. Two Meetings
On Wednesday afternoon, Julia went to the Founder's Day meeting in Rosemary's office. Lee wisely decided to spend the afternoon at the saw mill since his office would be invaded by the planning committee.
When the group was assembled, Julia realized Rosemary was really in her element as an organizer. Each person had been delegated a job, and when Rosemary called out their name, they gave a quick update. Each one shared what still needed to be done, what they needed more help with, what was already done, etc.
Julia volunteered to help set up booths on Friday afternoon. Rosemary had organized different teams for the set up. One would work in the morning, and Julia's team would meet at 1:00 p.m., and work in the afternoon until everything was ready.
School would be let out at noon on Friday, so all the school children could be involved. The kids would be set into teams with adults, and work on different projects, such as booth set-up or painting.
Rosemary asked, "Are there any areas that are still not covered?"
Nothing was mentioned.
"Are there any booths that still need volunteers?" Rosemary asked.
Molly looked at her list and spoke up, "We need more volunteers for the dunking booth, and we still have a few time slots open for the ring toss booth."
Rosemary nodded, "Any ideas?"
Florence piped in, "I could post the sign up sheets in the mercantile, if that would help?"
Rosemary nodded, "Let's do that and see if we get any takers. There's a few days yet, so maybe we can fill those time slots."
"Anything else?" Rosemary asked.
"Ok, we'll, let's meet back on Friday morning, for those who are on the morning set up crew. Those in the afternoon crew meet in the center of town at 1 p.m." Rosemary concluded, and everyone went on their way.
As Julia walked back towards the infirmary, she looked up to see a man in red serge riding towards her. Her breath caught in her throat for just a moment, until she realized by height and form, it was not Nathan. She remembered that a Chief Inspector was scheduled to arrive this afternoon, for Nathan's interview tomorrow. Though, as she got closer she wasn't sure this Mountie looked old enough to be a Chief Inspector. He seemed about the same age as Nathan. He stopped and dismounted in front of the Mountie office and Bill walked out. A second Mountie, quite a bit older than the first one, followed Bill out.
Bill and the older Mountie both shook hands with the younger one. Bill noticed her walking past and gave her a little wave. The younger Mountie saw her and smiled. She waved back at Bill and turned and headed into the infirmary.
She didn't stay long inside, but grabbed her medical bag and headed out for Nathan's house call.
When Julia got to Nathan's and tapped on the door, he opened right away. He looked even better today, she was happy to see such an improvement.
"Hi, Jules", he said, opening the door to her. She came in and set down her medical bag.
"Hi, Nathan." She answered, "How are you feeling today?" She asked.
"I'm feeling good, actually. I'm still sore, but I feel even better than yesterday." He said.
Julia asked, "Shall we walk?"
"I'm ready, I already put my shoes on." He bragged cutely, smiling at her.
She smiled back and said, "Ok, Lawman, let's go." She opened the door for him. When he was out on the porch, she snuggled in under his shoulder like she usually did, holding tight to his right hand.
She looked up at him from under his arm and said, "Ready?"
He nodded and they went down the stairs and walked slowly towards town. He had determined to go to the last house on the row, though he seemed to tire a ways before.
"Nathan, do you want to turn back now?" She asked, wanting to be sure he didn't push himself too much.
Nathan replied, "There are just two more houses, Julia, I can make it."
She nodded and he continued. They turned around at the last house, and he smiled at her, feeling a small accomplishment for the day. They arrived back just fine, though he did seem to slow at the end. They sat on the steps together and he leaned back on the stair behind him.
"Do you have a question for me today, Nathan?" She asked, shyly.
He smiled at her and said, "Of course I do. You know I have 24 hours to think about it, each time?"
She laughed and said, "You think about it that much?"
Nathan looked at her with that crooked smile, and said, just above a whisper, "Yes, ma'am, I do."
Though Julia gave a little giggle, she was touched by his sweet confession. She continued to smile at him, appreciating how fun he could be. She really loved flirting with him. "Well, let's have it then, Lawman." She said.
Nathan kept her gaze and asked, "Jules, one question: On Sunday you mentioned how you choose nicknames for those you care about. I want to know if you have settled on one for me?"
"Ok. Good question, Nathan. Though, this might be hard to explain." She paused, and then decided to try, "Nathan, I've wrestled with this one. I kinda like Lawman," she saw him smile when she said it, so she wanted to know his thoughts. She asked, "do you like Lawman?"
"I do. Of all the nicknames you've called me so far, Constable, Outlaw, I like it the best." Nathan replied.
"So you noticed I've been trying them out." Julia said with a little chuckle.
He tilted his head at her, and replied. "I thought perhaps that's what you've been doing."
"But I still am not settled. I know that your sister, Colleen called you Nate, but I think that name is reserved for her. And perhaps, your mother." She paused, and saw that he seemed to agree with her. She looked down at the grass in front of them. There was more, but she was trying to figure out how to say the next part, and with modesty. "It's not that I don't like Nate, it just seems a little boyish. So, perfectly cute for a big sister or your mother." Julia took a deep breath trying to keep her cool, but her heartbeat was suddenly loud in her ears. Her voice came out a little raspy as she said, "But to me, you are attractive in a manly way, handsome and…mature." She was trying to find a way to say sexy without saying the word sexy. She was doing a horrible job explaining this. She was sure her face was crimson red, but she managed to clear her throat and said, "And, well Nate just doesn't fit...naturally."
Nathan nodded, and kept his mouth shut. He was not sure he could say anything at all at that point, that would make any sense whatsoever. Her confession that she found him, basically…attractive, and seeing how flustered she was saying it, made his blood feel hot in his veins.
She looked down again at the grass. "You're not disappointed that I don't call you Nate?"
He managed to clear his throat and make his voice work. "Not at all, Jules. I want you to call me what comes natural."
Julia breathed out a long exhale, finally feeling her heart rate return to normal. "But, so far, I do like Lawman the best, too." She had another thought, and decided she should just say it. "However, I think my name for you may be more of an endearment than a nickname. Like sweetie, or honey, though none of those particular ones fit right. I think I just haven't found it yet." She concluded.
He smiled at the thought of her calling him a sweet endearment. And, he was even more curious to see what it might be, when she finally figured it out. "There's no rush, Jules."
She nodded slowly and said, "it will come at the right time. And until then, Lawman is not bad."
He smiled and took her hand. "I'm quite convinced that no matter what you call me, I will like it."
Julia looked at him and said in a whisper, "but I want it to be perfect."
"It will be." He assured her, just above a whisper.
"So, if I try out some more, you won't mind?" Julia asked low.
"Not at all." Nathan smiled, wondering what she would try next. "Do you have a question for me?"
As she started to ask her question, Nathan suddenly was distracted by something over her shoulder. She looked back towards town to see what he was looking at. A man in red serge was walking towards them, with Allie and Rebecca.
Nathan immediately stood up, still holding her hand, and said to her, "Jules, I can't wait for you to meet someone, a good friend of mine."
As they got close, Allie called out, "Look who we found in town!"
Nathan let go of her hand and immediately stepped forward and gave a big bear hug to the shorter man in red.
"Gabe, friend! It's been too long." Nathan said.
Rebecca called out, "Take it easy on him Gabe, he's injured, don't forget."
Gabe stepped back and said, "Sorry, Nathan. Was I too rough?"
Nathan laughed and said, "Don't worry, Gabe, I'm injured…not broken."
"Well, I have to obey your Mom, Nathan." Gabe laughed looking at her. They obviously knew each other already.
Allie came over and stood next to Julia, and hooked their arms together. Gabe turned and looked at her and smiled. He was the Mountie she had seen ride into town.
Nathan brought him over to introduce her, "Gabe, this is Julia Matthews, our nurse in Hope Valley. And, Jules this is my good friend Gabriel Kinslow. We went through the academy together, and he's posted in Brookfield."
She extended her hand, and he shook it gently. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Kinslow."
"Very nice to meet you Miss Matthews. Or should I call you Jules?" He joked and looked at Nathan to see his reaction.
Julia giggled at the face Nathan made, but she realized they had a camaraderie that allowed such liberties.
Julia replied, "By the look on Nathan's face, I think you better stick with Julia."
Gabriel laughed over at Nathan and said, "And, Julia, please call me Gabriel or Gabe." He paused and then said to Nathan, "It seems you might have some news to share with me, old friend?" Gabe supposed.
Allie piped in and said cheerily, "Yea, Julia is his girl." That brought a blush to Julia's face but Nathan just smiled happily at her, correcting nothing at all. That brought a laugh from Rebecca, Gabe and Allie.
The truth was, he liked the idea of Julia being his girl. And, he thought she did too.
Rebecca looked into her basket and said, "I'm gonna get dinner started. You both wanna stay?" She said looking at Julia and Gabe.
Gabe nodded right away and said, "Rebecca, you know I'd never miss a chance to eat whatever you're cooking."
Julia, however felt it would be nice to let Nathan catch up with his old friend. "Sadly, I think I will decline. I need to go back and close up the infirmary. And, I think these two old friends have a lot of catching up to do. I will leave them to it."
Nathan looked disappointed, but Rebecca piped in and said, "Tomorrow night, then, Julia? Will you have dinner with us?"
Julia nodded and said, "You can count me in."
"Gabe you are welcome tomorrow night, too." Rebecca said.
"Well then, count me in too. I'd much prefer your cooking over the fancy French chef's cuisine at the Saloon." Gabe stated.
"Well, I'm going to get cooking, then." Rebecca said as she headed in with her basket.
Allie said, "and I'll help." And she followed Grams inside.
Julia followed them in and grabbed her medical bag.
She came back out and awkwardly smiled at the two gentlemen, "Gabe it was very nice meeting you. I think I will bid you both farewell, and let you fellas catch up."
"It was nice meeting you too, Julia. I look forward to getting to know more about you tomorrow night." Gabe replied.
Julia looked up at Nathan. Gabe walked over to the steps and sat down, but he couldn't help but watch them.
Gabriel noticed the way Nathan looked at her, and the way she looked at him. There was definitely something important Nathan needed to share. The way they looked at each other said it all. And, Gabe couldn't be more happy for his friend. Things sure seemed to be looking up. Way up. And, Nathan sure deserved it, after the rough patch he'd had the last few years. And, well, Julia was beautiful. Even more so than a certain school teacher, in Gabe's opinion. Perhaps it depended on your preference of blondes or brunettes. But, since Gabe tended to be fond of red heads and blonds, he found Julia even prettier than Nathan's previous love interest.
"Good bye, Nathan." She said.
"Good bye, Jules," Nathan said, "see you tomorrow?"
"Of course." And she gave a little wave to Gabe, and started out towards town. She looked back over her shoulder once and saw them sitting together chatting on the front steps, deep in conversation.
On Thursday morning, Nathan rose early, a little nervous about his interview. He wasn't sure whether to call it an interview or an inquiry actually, which was perhaps part of the reason he was nervous. He knew Lewis, and Gabe, and Bill, but he didn't know the details of what Lewis had been sent to cover. He wasn't looking forward to turning down another inspector position, but he was resolute in his decision to stay in Hope Valley.
He got up and made coffee, and waited for his mom and Allie to come down. It had been so good to see Gabriel last night, and catch up with his friend. Gabe had seen right away that there was something between he and Julia, even before Allie's declaration. So, they spent the evening talking about the women in their lives, Mountie business, his injury, recent events and captures, and plenty of other shared topics of interest.
When Nathan's mom finally came down she made him a quick breakfast so he would be ready when Lee came by with the car. He went back up to dress in his uniform, and it felt like forever since he had put it on. He brought his serge and suspenders back down with him, needing a little help from his mother.
He walked over to the table where she was sitting with her coffee and asked, "Mom, can you help me with these, please?" He said, holding the suspenders out to her.
Rebecca smiled happily and said, "Sure, son." She buttoned the fastens in the back then brought the straps around to the front, and got them fastened as well.
She stood before him and inspected their placement. "How's that, not too tight on your scar?"
"It's just fine, Mom." She stood there for a minute looking at him. Her boy, brave and handsome and dignified. He was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word.
The urge to encourage him overwhelmed her. Rebecca reached up and put the palm of her hand on his cheek. "I couldn't be more proud of you, son. You deserve every good thing that comes your way. The commendation, the promotion. And, I know you are the kind of man that will live up to every blessing you are given." She paused and he saw the tears in her eyes and the quiver in her bottom lip. "It's such a joy to be your mother. I love you, sweetie."
Her sweet words brought tears to his eyes too. He looked down at her and softly said, "We didn't always have an easy path, but you were as steady as a rock, Mom. Without your love and constant encouragement, I don't know where I would be today. Thank you for who you are. You are an amazing mother, and I love you, too. Very much." Nathan told her.
Rebecca hugged him long, and when she let him go, she got to work on his boots. They were both sniffling as she finished with his boots, and got all his accessories and belt attached. When Lee knocked on the door, he was ready for his ride into town.
Lee pulled up in front of Bill's office, and as Nathan got out of the car, Julia approached. She must've heard the car go by, from inside the infirmary.
He stopped in his tracks as she walked right up to him. "Hi." She said. She seemed a little bit breathless as she told him, "I forgot how refined you look in your uniform."
"It feels like so long since I've worn it." He said.
Julia said softly, "I wanted to wish you luck." She stepped forward and stood high on her tip toes. She gently placed one hand on his cheek, and a feather light kiss on the other. When she came close, he couldn't breath. She lingered there a minute, her lips so close to his skin, and his stomach was doing flip flops.
Before stepping back, she quietly whispered, "Today, red is definitely my favorite color." At her confession, every hair on his body stood on end. As she backed up, she kept her eyes on him. He mustered a crooked smile, and he saw the sides of her mouth slowly turn up, into a smile of her own.
He swallowed hard though not yet trusting his voice. Finally, he cleared his throat and said, "Thanks, Jules."
She gave him one more flash of a smile, and turned and walked back to the infirmary. He watched her all the way. When Nathan finally turned around, he realized Lee had seen it all and had a goofy grin on his face.
Lee said, "Well, if that doesn't serve for luck, I don't know what does."
Nathan smiled to himself, looked down at his feet, and said, "I already feel lucky enough."
"Me, too, Nathan. Me, too. Every single day with Rosie, I feel lucky." Lee said, "And that's how you know it's true love."
Nathan smiled at Lee and said, "Thanks, Lee. For the ride, and for your friendship."
"The pleasure is all mine", Lee stated.
Nathan nodded and walked up the stairs and into Bill's office. The other three men were already there, sitting casually and sipping coffee. They looked up when Nathan entered and offered him a coffee, too. As he sat with them, he realized this interview would not be formal and definitely not as difficult as the last inquiry.
When they finally got started, Chief Inspector Lewis asked Nathan to tell the story of the tracking mission, in as much detail as possible. Leave nothing out. Every once in a while, either Gabe or Lewis would stop him and ask questions, for clarification. Bill noted everything down, for the record. They took a coffee break halfway through and finished everything related to the Williams' gang's apprehension and Nathan's commendation, just before noon.
The four men went to the café for lunch, and caught up with each other. They discussed Mountie happenings, and Bill was excited to hear where some of his old comrades were now.
Around 12:30, Julia came in with Faith and Fiona for lunch. She glanced over toward the table of men when she saw the red serges. When Nathan caught her eye, he smiled sweetly at her. She gave him a cute smile of her own and a little wave. The three ladies sat on the other side of the café, and were deep in conversation most of the meal. Nathan had to make a conscious effort to stop looking over at her. She looked so pretty today, in her lavender skirt and cream colored shirt. The lace around her collar, and the tendrils falling down from her loose chignon, perfectly framed her face.
When the men were done, they all stood. Nathan excused himself and approached the ladies' table.
"Hello, ladies. Did you enjoy your lunch?" Nathan asked, smiling down at them.
"Yes, indeed." Fiona answered. "And, you?"
He said, "The shepherd's pie was really good today, wasn't it?"
Julia smiled at him and said, "Yes it was. How are your meetings going, Nathan?"
He felt a lot more relaxed than this morning. He smiled down at her and answered, "Really good, actually. Much better than I anticipated."
"That's great, Nathan." Faith stated. "We hope everything will work out good for you."
"Thanks, ladies. Have a great afternoon." And as he said it, he looked one more time at Julia. He put his hat on his head, and gave it a little tip, as he walked out.
Julia had a ball in the pit of her stomach, and it had been there all day. She had woken up with it, actually. She was nervous about Nathan's interview, and worried the offer of promotion would be too good to pass up. As much as she knew Nathan wanted to stay in Hope Valley, she also knew he had wanted and deserved a promotion for a very long time. She wouldn't be the one to keep him from something he had already turned down once. He deserved it. So before she had gotten out of bed this morning, she had made the decision that she would not ask him to stay. She would not be the one to stand in his way, if he seemed even one bit excited about it. She couldn't be selfish, she cared about him too much.
That morning, when she had arrived at the infirmary, she tried to focus but to no avail. Then she had heard the car go by, and saw the flash of red. Like a magnet to her very soul, was the red. And, this time she recognized the height and form, and she knew it was him. She went right out the door of the infirmary without even thinking. She didn't get her wits about her until she was standing right in front of him. He looked so beautiful. And…stately. When she stood on her tip-toes and placed the kiss on his cheek, she didn't breath for a full minute. He smelled so nice and when she went back down on her heels, his crooked smile made her heart melt. She nearly told him how she felt right then and there. In the street. But by some miracle, she had quietly made it back into the safety of the infirmary.
So, she began to arrange and rearrange the shelves. She reorganized the medical books. She made sure the medication cabinet was restocked, again. She filed any patient records that were not already back in their place. She made notes in any patient files that she had not already finished. She had to stay busy.
When Faith finally came in, Julia was so happy to see her, she nearly hugged her. Julia knew Faith noticed that something was off. The entire morning had gone by without a single word out of Julia. When noon approached and Faith asked her to lunch, she had gladly accepted. Any distraction was welcome and she certainly didn't want to eat alone in her quiet apartment. When they entered the café, only to be met once again by red, Julia nearly turn and ran. But, Nathan looked so happy to see her and gave her that cute smile. And, just like that, her feet wouldn't obey anymore. For the duration of the lunch, she had to physically forbid herself from looking over at him. She wanted him to have his moment.
When Nathan came over to their table, Julia had hardly said anything. She felt so nervous, like she was 12 years old again and at a loss in social settings. After the ladies finished lunch, they left the café together. But, Julia didn't return to the infirmary, she took a long walk. She needed some time to herself, and to get her emotions in order. Faith told her to take her time, so she did. When Julia came back into the infirmary, she was much better. She had used the time to reflect and pray, and that gave her strength for the rest of the day, and any bad news that would come her way.