Chapter 38. Founder's Day
Julia woke up Saturday morning excited about the day. She was going to get time with Nathan outside of his house calls. Even if other people were around, she didn't mind. She was just happy to spend time with him, in the context of everyday life.
Faith had decided since most things in town were closed because of the day's festivities, they would also close the infirmary. They would both be present at the festival, most of the day anyway, in case there were any emergencies.
So, Julia took the morning to read and rest, and catch up on some letter writing. She took a long bath and got ready for a day of fun.
A little before 11 a.m., Julia met Fiona and Faith in front of the barbershop. They went together to meet Nathan, Rebecca, and Allie in front of the face painting booth.
When they walked up, Nathan was standing with Allie, in front of the face painting booth, admiring their work. Allie was talking and explaining with animated hands, and Nathan was looking intently at the paintings. He looked impressed. When the three ladies got closer, Faith and Fiona also saw the artwork. They stood for a moment looking at it, not sure what to make of the beautiful paintings. But, Allie saw them, and came over to explain.
"Julia and our team did that." She told them, proudly.
Faith and Fiona both looked at Julia and Allie, and back at the paintings. Fiona asked, "You guys did that?"
Allie confessed, "Well it was mostly Julia. She's the talented one who drew the sketch. And then Emily, Opal, and I just filled it in with color."
Fiona and Faith both looked at Julia, impressed. Nathan was looking at her too, also very impressed.
"Jules, this is incredible. This is some secret you've been keeping." Nathan said, beaming with admiration at her.
Fiona chimed in, "Seriously, Jules. I had no idea."
Rebecca said, "Allie said your team did some other booths. Will you show us?"
Allie piped in, "I can show you, Grams."
So, they all followed Allie to see the other ones. Nathan left the wheelchair and fell in step beside Jules, taking her hand. She suddenly felt very nervous and somewhat exposed. He looked down at her and smiled, seeming to understand that she was nervous.
Allie led them to the ring toss booth, and they all admired it. Then Allie walked them around to the booth for the bean bag toss, and lastly, they went to the fishing booth.
Fiona said finally, "Jules, do you think I could commission you to do a painting for the barbershop?"
Julia answered timidly, "I'll have to think about it, Fiona." Fiona nodded and turned to look again at the fish, magnets, and fishing poles painted on the fishing booth. The bubbles on the marquee holding the beautiful letters that spelled out "Fabulous Fishing" looked so real.
After they stood there a little while, Allie approached Rebecca and asked, "Grams, do you want to go with me to see my friend Emily? She's working one of the booths with her mom. I would really like to find her and say hi."
"Sure, Allie, I'd love to take a stroll around the festival with my beautiful grand-daughter." Rebecca replied, and off they went.
Julia felt Nathan shift his weight and thought maybe they should get him back in his wheelchair. She looked up at him and said, "Nathan, shall I push you a while in your wheelchair?" He looked at her and nodded. So, she went to back to where they had left it, retrieved it, and wheeled it around to him.
As he sat down he said, loud enough for Faith to hear, "I should probably save my energy for tonight." And, he looked up at Julia as he added, "just in case my doctor allows me to dance a little."
That brought a happy grin from Julia, and she moved around behind him, ready to push.
Faith smiled and said, "I think you deserve a dance or two, Nathan. You are doing a good job of taking it easy."
They started to walk around the four of them. Julia pushing and talking with Nathan, and Faith and Fiona just behind them, talking and pointing.
Julia slowed so Fiona and Faith walked up next to them. And, asked them, "Where to? Any games you guys want to play?"
Nathan turned and asked, "Yes, what games shall we play, ladies?"
Fiona replied, "Let's try the strong man test!"
Faith protested, "Nathan cannot possibly do that in his condition."
Fiona smiled at them and said, "I wasn't talking about Nathan! I think we three ladies should try it." She said, as she led them over in front of it. There were already a few guys from the mill there hammering away. So they just waited until they cleared out, and Fiona picked up the mallet.
Fiona started rolling up her sleeves. When a few of the guys saw her do that, they stuck around to see. And, Mike and Jesse walked up as well, when they realized Fiona was going to swing the hammer.
Fiona stepped up and tried it out. It was harder than it looked and she laughed.
Fiona handed the hammer to Faith next who balked and said, "No way I can do that!" But Fiona insisted, "Come on, Faith. I know you can do it. Besides, why should the guys have all the fun?"
Nathan looked terribly amused and was smiling from ear to ear. "Who knew all a guy had to do was crack a few ribs, to get a front row seat to a strong-woman contest?" That made all three girls laugh, and Mike and Jesse too. More guys from the mill, as well as some from the oil rig, had walked up now, interested in the show.
Faith finally stepped up and tried her swing, though it was a bit less strong than Fiona. "See! I knew you could do it!" Fiona encouraged her, as soon as she was done. Faith giggled, happy that she had tried and not at all disappointed in her swing.
Fiona came over to Julia next and held out the hammer. "Jules, you're up!" She said. Julia likewise rolled up her sleeves, pretty far. She walked up and jokingly made a little show of it. Flexing her arms and showing her little muscles. She had them all laughing by the time she got up there to swing.
She prepared her stance, swung the hammer back and hit it square. The ball went up just a hair past Fiona, so Nathan declared Julia the winner.
Some of the guys behind them were clapping and asking for another round. But the three of them only laughed, and shook their heads.
"Come on girls, one more time." Lee shouted out behind them. When they heard his voice, they looked back to see Lee and Rosemary clapping with the rest of the group.
Faith looked at Fiona and shrugged, so they decided they could go one more. But first, Fiona looked around and asked, "Any other ladies want to join us?" There were no takers, so Fiona handed the hammer to Julia.
Fiona said, "Julia, winner goes first." So, Julia stepped up. She again made a show of it, flexing her muscles. The crowd laughed when she pretended to spit on the ground and wipe her mouth with the back of her sleeve. She turned around, planted her feet, brought the hammer back and swung hard. She did pretty well and one of the fellas marked her line with chalk.
Faith went next and also made a show pretending to stretch and then touch her toes to get ready. Finally, she planted her feet brought the hammer back, and swung hard. She also did pretty well, though not as high as Julia. Her line was marked with chalk.
Next, Fiona stepped up. She imitated a boxer and shuffled back and forth, jabbing the air to warm up. She made wide circles with her arms, as a boxer would do, and pretended to crack her knuckles. The crowd loved it. She finally picked up the hammer, planted her feet, brought the hammer back, and swung hard. Her line just barely passed Julia's. Still in character, Julia stepped forward, pretending to argue and protest. The poor guy working the booth didn't realize they were joking and put his hands in the air. Fiona and Julia let the ruse go on a little longer, bringing more chuckles from the crowd. Then they finally hugged each other, grabbed Faith, and the three took a bow together. The crowd applauded and Nathan just looked on smiling. This trio was pretty darn funny!
When they stepped down and walked back over to Nathan, Rosemary and Lee, Mike, and Jesse were all standing with him. Nathan said, "I didn't realize I would get my own comedy troupe, in you three ladies. We should hang out like this more often."
Rosemary laughed and said, "Ladies, you could be in any stage comedy. You were all three wonderful!"
Lee said, "Maybe I should reconsider building that theatre after all, Rosie!"
"Great idea, Lee Coulter." Rosemary said as she smiled at him, with her arm hooked through his.
Rebecca and Allie walked back over, with Emily. Allie saw the crowd and asked, "What did I miss?"
Jesse answered, "Only the best strong- woman show we've ever had in Hope Valley."
Allie looked puzzled, but Julia clarified for her. "Fiona, Faith, and I just showed the fellas how it's done." she said, pointing to the strong man booth, "Or more so, what they look like, when they do it."
Rebecca chimed in, "What a pity, I missed it!"
Jesse said, "They did a pretty good job. At least, at entertaining."
Lee piped in, "Anyone hungry? Rosie and I were just going to head over to the café and get some lunch."
Faith, Fiona, and Julia were in, as well as the Grants and Emily, and Mike and Jesse. They moved as a whole group towards the café, and Julia pushed Nathan's wheelchair. When they got there, they left it outside, and he walked in with Julia.
Mike, Jesse, and Lee pushed a few tables together, so the big group could all sit together. Bill came over and took their order, and Clara served them. She kept kissing Jesse on the cheek, which they all thought was really cute. They all spent the meal laughing and having a great time. The food was amazing, and the best news of all…it was peach pie day.
After dessert, the group moved back outside and dispersed to the different games.
Allie and Emily went off to join their friends. Faith and Fiona excused themselves to walk around and take pictures for the Valley Voice. And, Rebecca went over to talk to Molly who was working the fishing booth.
So, Julia and Nathan found themselves alone, for a little while. "Nathan, do you want to walk a little?"
Nathan reached back and took her hand, and looked up at her. "I'm saving my energy for tonight. Faith said I can dance one or two, remember?" He paused, and then gave her a playful smile, "Make sure you wear your dancing shoes."
She laughed at him and said, "I don't own dancing shoes, Lawman. I live on the frontier!"
But Nathan just smiled and responded, "Well, just be ready, Jules. Wear some shoes for twirling."
Julia chuckled at him and said, "Yes, sir." She looked around the booths and asked him, "What fits your fancy, Lawman?"
Nathan pointed and said, "Let's try the ring toss."
She wheeled him over. There were two sets of bottles and rings, so that two people could stand at the line and compete against each other.
"What do you say, Cowgirl? Shall we try?" Nathan asked playfully.
"Sure." She said. They each lined up, and Cat, who was working the booth, handed them their sets of rings. Nathan got just about every one, though Julia missed a few.
"You are pretty good at this, Lawman!" She observed.
"Maybe from all the lassoing on the ranch?" He guessed, shrugging his shoulders.
Cat collected both sets of rings and asked if they wanted to go again. They both nodded, so Julia threw first. The ring ricocheted quite far and they both laughed. Nathan's landed perfect. Julia's next one went off into the next booth and she giggled again. Nathan hit his perfect again. On the last throw, Julia's finally stuck but Nathan would still win, whether he got this one or not. So, he tossed his last one over on her set of milk bottles, and stuck one perfectly for her.
She burst out laughing and said, "Nathan! That's cheating!"
"It's cheating if I help you?" He said as he walked over and took her hand, chuckling with her.
She was still laughing, and looked up at him, when she said, "I'm terrible at this game!"
Nathan stepped close and looked down at her, still smiling at her, "Well, Jules, you can't be good at everything. And, it seems to me, that you are good at just about everything else. So, I wouldn't worry too much about it."
She protested, "I am not good at everything else! That's absurd."
Nathan said still fixed on her, admiringly, "Well, practically." He paused, "What should we do next, shall we try fishing?"
"Yes." She said, "let's!" So, he got back in the wheelchair and she pushed him round to the fishing booth. Molly was still working it, and Bill had come to join her.
When they stepped up, Bill handed them each a pole, with a magnet on the end of the line. They had to fish down behind a curtain, and try to catch an opposing magnet to win the attached prize. The first one who catches a prize, wins.
They both lowered their lines, and moved them around a bit. As they were playing, Fiona came over with the camera and took a few pictures of them fishing together. Julia felt the pull of a magnet so she pulled her line up. She won a pencil! Fiona got a good shot of that.
Nathan took a little while longer, and when his came up, he won an eraser. They both chuckled, and thought the gifts were wonderful for the children.
After they were done, they stood a minute and talked to Bill and Molly. "Have you been busy? Lots of people?" Nathan asked them.
"It seems like a real good turn out. And everyone seems happy and in a good mood." Bill replied.
"That's what's most important." Julia surmised.
Fiona was at the booth next to them, getting some photos of the children playing bean bag toss. But, when Nathan and Julia started to leave she came over and asked if she could get a photo of the two of them. Nathan answered yes very quickly, before Julia could even open her mouth to respond. So, Fiona posed them and backed up to take the shot. They both smiled for the camera.
Faith came rushing over and announced, "Mike's in the dunking booth and is totally hilarious! You guys should come. He's taunting everyone and no one has been able to dunk him yet!"
Nathan quickly got back into his wheelchair and they headed right over. There was a line of people trying to dunk Mike, and no one had managed to get him wet. Fiona took pictures, and Julia, Nathan, and Faith all got in line. Mike was yelling from the booth, and taunting people and he was funny!
When Jesse was up, Mike hollered, "Hey Jesse, you can't get hit the target any more than you can find your way around in the woods! That's right, you've gotten lost in the woods more times that I can remember, my friend. There's no way you can dunk me!" And, sure enough, Jesse missed, though probably because he was laughing.
Next up was Jed, who was already laughing before he even got up there. "Jed, you can't hit that target! Not any more than you can drive a car. Only horses are good enough for you, and no way you can dunk me!" Mike called out. Jed wound up pretty good, and the pitch looked sure, but it didn't hit square and wasn't strong enough.
Faith was next. She was timid and apprehensive to hear what Mike would holler, but decided to try anyway. When Mike saw her up next, he hollered, "Well if it isn't Dr. Carter, here to try to dunk one of her own patients? You can't dunk me, Dr. Carter! You'll miss for sure, all that fancy Chicago education and you can't hit the target with a baseball!" And, indeed, she missed. But, only because she was laughing hysterically.
Julia realized she was up next, and looked back at Nathan petrified at what Mike might say. Sure enough, when he saw Julia next in line, he started hollering, "Well, well, well, if it isn't our nurse, pushing our Constable! For those of you who missed the two of them riding into town on one horse together, just know that she's the prettiest girl in town but only likes men who wear red!" She was laughing, and didn't mind a bit. She looked back at Nathan who was chuckling. She shook her head, squared her eye, wound up and threw. She, of course, missed wide. But, it was really hard to throw when laughing so hard.
When Julia turned back, she realized that Nathan had stood up from the wheelchair. He looked at her and said, "It's my turn."
She asked between giggles, "Are you sure?" He nodded yes, so she retrieved the ball and handed it to him.
Mike saw who was next and started hollering, "Up next, is our town hero. He fell off his horse, so he's not supposed to be doing this at all! Let's see how he does! Don't let the tough exterior fool you, he's a softy underneath, just ask Julia!" Julia and Nathan were both laughing. Nathan painfully leaned down in a true pitcher's stance, his vision fixed on the target. Everyone who looked on realized he'd done this before. He took a step back and wound up, just like they did in a real baseball game, and pitched it perfect. His face was a little strained on the release, but the ball landed perfectly in the target and the bottom dropped out under Mike. He was under the water in a blink, and all the spectators exploded in applause. Mike came up for air, choking and laughing at the same time.
Julia excitedly ran up to Nathan who grabbed her up in his arms, and hugged her in front of everyone. He did a little victory dance with her. Then they both approached Mike, who was hanging over the edge of the pool of water. Nathan extended his hand, and Mike shook it. And, everyone was jovial and knew it was all in good fun. As Nathan and Julia walked back towards his wheelchair, Mike sent a little splash out towards them. When the water hit them both across the back, they both turned around smiling. Nathan shook his head at Mike, and Julia wagged her finger at him. The crowd loved it all. And, Fiona had captured it all on camera, including the victory embrace.
Fiona returned to her cameraman duties as Faith walked along with Julia pushing Nathan. They started to smell something lovely, and as they came closer, discovered it was apple cider being sold from a booth.
"This smells lovely, would anyone like some?" Julia asked.
"I would love some." Nathan responded. "But, has anyone seen Mom?" Julia realized they hadn't seen her in a while. Nathan probably didn't want her to feel lonely, since she didn't know that many people. So, Julia let Faith take over the pushing, to track down Rebecca, while Julia went to wait in line for the cider.
As soon as Nathan and Faith went around the corner, Julia noticed Elizabeth walking around with Lucas. Julia went on waiting in line, minding her own business. However, Elizabeth spotted Julia and walked right up to her.
"Julia, could I please talk to you for a moment?" Elizabeth asked.
Julia could not imagine what Elizabeth could possibly have to say to her, but she nodded, got out of line, and followed her over to the side. Lucas stood back a ways off.
Elizabeth fumbled for moment, but with a fake, almost indignant arrogance, she finally managed to say something. "Julia, I'm sorry to bother you, but I wanted to know how Nathan is doing?"
Julia was immediately taken aback, and wanted to scream. But, she managed to take a long, deep breath, and to calm herself. She figured Elizabeth had the audacity to ask, so she would have the audacity to answer exactly what she wanted to. And, she honestly surprised herself. Julia realized in that moment that she wasn't one bit jealous of Elizabeth, or angry. She was just sad.
Finally, Julia looked Elizabeth in the eye and spoke with perfect calm, though loud enough for Lucas to hear her, too. "Since I arrived in Hope Valley, I have heard nothing but wonderful things about you, Elizabeth. What a great teacher you are, what a great person you are." Elizabeth seemed to smile, happy to hear that. "But I'm still waiting to see it. I'm still waiting to understand." Julia paused, and then continued, "What I have seen is a woman that so tragically lost her husband, in an unfathomable and unimaginable way. But so beautifully picked herself up and continued on." Elizabeth smiled and thought this was going great, so far.
But, Julia continued, "But now, is a woman that so horribly relates to people. To the man who so selflessly and nobly moved here to protect you and look after you, you dealt such a heavy unrelenting hand of pain and rejection. To his little girl who thought you hung the moon and the stars, you gave no explanation for your attitude or your harsh rejection. Only silence."
Julia continued, "To the best friend who has steadfastly supported and encouraged you, you wouldn't even lend a listening ear, or hear her out. And to the man you are supposedly in love with, you speak so harshly even your students were embarrassed for him."
Elizabeth's mouth fell open but Julia didn't giver her a chance to respond, she just kept going. "Where is the Elizabeth I've heard so much about? Is she only a thing of the past? Because I'd like to meet her. I'd even be willing to be friends with her. But with you, the Elizabeth that I've observed, that's standing before me in the flesh, I could never be." Julia paused, but only for a second, and plowed on, "You, standing there without remorse, without accepting one ounce of responsibility for your actions. You are now asking about the very man who changed the entire course of his life to come and look after you, and then put it all on the line, to love you."
Julia continued, "I'm sorry, but I won't tell you anything. Because you don't deserve to know, not one detail. Elizabeth, you can't decide to care now, after all the years of indifference and irresponsibility with his sweet, precious, giving heart. No, I won't give you that. If you want to know how he is, you go to him, you apologize, and you make it right. Then and only then do you have the right to know."
"And, Allie, don't get me started on Allie." Julia's voice broke then, tears full in her eyes, threatening to fall. She was so close to sobbing now, "I don't know how she stands to sit in your classroom. She must really love you, even in spite of all the pain you dealt her. Sweet precious, Allie. She is amazing, and you don't even acknowledge it. You should be ashamed of yourself for not taking the time to explain to her, for not apologizing to her, for not making it right with her. After all this time."
Elizabeth's face had become stone, expressionless. So Julia asked, "Are you even still listening, Elizabeth? Are you in there, this Elizabeth that I would so love to meet? That all of Hope Valley misses dearly?"
Finally, Elizabeth found her voice and said, almost yelling, "Yes. Yes. I am listening to you. What do you presume to know about me?" Elizabeth huffed, but her eyes gave her away. She knew it was all true, every single word. Everyone could see, and she turned and ran away crying. Lucas frowned sadly at Julia, and ran after her.
It was then that Julia realized there was a small crowd that had gathered and heard everything. Nathan in his wheelchair with his mother standing behind him, pushing. He had heard. And, Rosemary, Lee, and Bill, had all heard.
Julia blushed crimson and turned towards them. She started to try to apologize. "I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me. She asked about Nathan, and it all just came tumbling out. I'm so sorry."
Nathan's mother just clapped her hands and walked up to Julia, gently and lovingly pushing a stray strand of hair from her face. Rebecca said loudly, making sure that all could hear, "Julia, thank you. You just took the words out of my mouth, verbatim. And if you hadn't said it, I certainly would have."
Rosemary chimed in next, "Julia you just told her everything we have all been wanting to say, for the past two to three years. Thank you, for being so brave, and so bold. She needed to hear it."
Lee spoke next, "I completely agree, Julia. Thanks for seeing, and for taking up for my sweet, selfless wife. My Rosie, who has had to bite her tongue, hard, for the last two years for fear of burning the bridge of friendship completely. It has not been easy. Only I know the pain she has endured watching her dear friend falter again and again, without being able to say anything. Thank you for pleading her case."
Bill reassured Julia, "Don't feel bad about anything you said, Julia. It needed to be said, and was all true, and Elizabeth knows it. I have wanted to shake her so many times, and probably should have. But, once you got here I didn't want to shake her anymore, because you are so clearly better for Nathan. I didn't want her to wake up and suddenly change her mind about him, to realize how great he is and come back around about him."
Nathan spoke up then, "Bill, even if she had, I would have never…" he looked up at Julia, sure of it.
When the other four saw how Nathan and Julia were looking at each other, they quickly turned and walked away, giving the two of them some time.
Julia crouched down next to Nathan, on his level, leaning in close. "So you are not angry with me?" Julia asked, with tears in her eyes. Then she whispered, hardly getting the words out, "I can't lose you, Nathan. I couldn't bear it."
"Jules, I cannot imagine ever being angry with you. I'm sure it will happen one day, but today my heart is only touched, and proud. You said the things even I couldn't say or wouldn't say, even though I wanted to, at least for Allie's sake. You are so much more than I deserve, and my heart is full of so many emotions, but anger is not one of them." Nathan reached out and gently touched her face, "And, I couldn't bear to lose you either."
She was in his arms then, hugging him and neither cared who saw. And if anyone walking by had any doubt about the two of them as a couple, it was obvious that they truly were. They were definitely a couple, and one that cared about each other very deeply.
When Julia heard the three taps on her door, her stomach turned over. She practically skipped to open the door. But then, when she got her hand on the knob, she took a big, deep breath before opening it. When she finally did, there stood Nathan, alone on her stoop. He looked absolutely as handsome as she had ever seen him, in a navy blue suit. The crisp white shirt he wore made his eyes look like an ocean. And, the tie, with its gray and blue stripes of various tones, only accented his coloring.
She couldn't take her eyes off him, nor even move for a few seconds. Not until he said his usual, "Hi, Jules."
She stepped down and out of the house, and closed the door behind her. And finally, she managed to say, "Hi, Nathan."
"Jules, you look incredible." He said as he looked down at her, so close in front of him now. She was wearing a beautiful deep blue dress, with accents in white, silver, and light blue. There were glittery embellishments around the waist, and around the neckline. She seemed to sparkle. Her eyes were an incredible deep blue next to the colors of the dress. Her sandy hair was half up in a lovely loose chignon on top, and on bottom, the generous curls cascaded down her back. Nathan was still looking at her, which made it harder to breath.
He turned, and extended his elbow to her. She slid her arm through his, and he walked her to, well…his wheelchair which had been abandoned a little ways from her stoop.
"My chauffeur abandoned me. She preferred to go with my mother. Do you think you can push me, Jules?" Nathan asked, as he sat down in the wheelchair.
"I would be honored to push you, Inspector Instructor Nathan Grant." She teased, as she stepped behind the wheelchair.
That was the first time he had heard anyone use his new title, and it caught him off-guard. He laughed and said, "That sounds so strange."
"Well, you better get used to it, Lawman. It's your new title," she encouraged him, as she started to push.
"Well, technically not quite. They'll have a swearing in, though I don't know when that will be." Nathan said.
"Ok. I'll just stick to Lawman for now, I guess." She said, as they made the turn and headed for the Saloon.
When they came close, they saw Clara and Jesse coming from the Café, so they walked in with them. When they entered, there was quite a crowd already. Julia found an open table, and pushed Nathan right up to it. Faith, Fiona, and Mike came right over to join them. Julia sat right next to Nathan, and leaned over to ask him if he'd like something to drink.
"Jules, I'm the one that's supposed to be a gentleman and get a drink for you." Nathan said.
"Nathan, under the circumstances, it's totally fine for me to get the drinks." She smiled at him. "Just tell me what you'd like."
"Ok, but only because I'm saving myself for dancing at least one dance with you." He smiled at her, and reached up to wipe a loose tendril away from her eye. He let his hand brush her cheek as he did it, and she felt the butterflies take flight.
"Lawman, you still didn't tell me what you'd like to drink?" Julia asked again.
Mike overheard and said to everyone at the table, "Hey everyone, the first round's on me. It's the least I can do after all my ribbing at the dunking booth today. Just tell me what you're having."
Nathan chuckled and said, "To be fair Mike, you did already get your just reward."
Mike smiled at him and responded, "Yes indeed, I did, Constable. And now, I stand corrected. I owe everyone at this table a drink except Nathan Grant, who put me in the water."
They all laughed at Mike's joke, and Julia piped in, "And I'll buy Nathan a drink, his reward for dunking you!"
And to that, Mike stood and said, "Touché." He paused and then said, "But, seriously, what can I get you?"
Faith and Fiona took white wine, Nathan a beer, and Julia hesitated, for just a second. "Ok, I'll have what the girls are having." She finally said.
Mike went to the bar, and came back with three wines and served the ladies. Then he returned with two beers. "Thanks, Mike", they all chorused.
They sat together and talked for a while. There was quite a crowd assembled. Julia spotted Rebecca talking to Molly and Florence, and Allie over with her friends.
Fiona asked, "Would either of you ladies like to go mingle with me for a few minutes?"
Faith shook her head no, but Julia actually wanted to talk to both Rosemary and Rebecca, after the incident this afternoon.
Julia leaned over to Nathan, "Would you mind terribly if I went with Fiona for a few minutes? I really would like to talk to your Mother and Rosemary."
Nathan smiled at her, sure she was still going to excuse herself for this afternoon. "Jules, I don't mind at all. I'll hang here with Faith and Mike. Go, and don't think twice about it."
Julia nodded and said all formal like, "I'd love to take a turn about with you, Fiona."
They carried their wines and made their way through the crowd. Nathan noticed a few times gentlemen approached them and asked them something, presumably to dance, but Julia declined every time. She finally made her way to Rosemary, who was chatting with Clara now.
Rosemary took her in and said, "Good evening, Julia. You look incredible."
Julia smiled at Clara, "Well I have Clara to thank for that. This is from the new collection she just brought in from Buxton."
"It is lovely, and the perfect color for you. Your eyes are just beautiful in that dress." Rosemary complimented.
"Thank you, Rosemary. You are also quite stunning tonight." And, it was true. She had on a wine-colored dress that had sequins around the top, along the top fold. It was beautiful. Clara spotted Jesse and excused herself, so now Julia could talk more freely.
Julia turned to her and said, "Rosemary, I wanted to apologize again for this afternoon. The incident with Elizabeth, I really didn't mean to speak out of turn." she said, "Are you sure you aren't upset with me? If you are, even in the least, I want to make it right."
"Julia, I was serious when I said she needed to hear it." Rosemary looked around, Elizabeth still had not shown up. "And, if I was upset with you, I would come to you right away and tell you. You have been a true friend since the day you got here. And, I won't let anything come between us."
Julia was so grateful to hear that. "Let's just promise to always tell each other, if there is ever anything."
Rosemary smiled at her and said, "Agreed. Now, don't worry another second about it. And, have a great time with your handsome Mountie. Lee and I think the world of both of you, and just love it that you love each other."
Julia opened her mouth to correct Rosemary, but didn't really know how to go about it. Rosemary read the look on Julia's face, and said, "Oh. So, you guys haven't figured that out yet." She paused, and smiled. "Well, you aren't fooling anybody."
Julia started to open her mouth again, but decided to let the sleeping dog lie. She probably wouldn't be able to convince anyone that she wasn't in love with Nathan Grant. Instead, she put up her glass to clink with Rosemary's and said, "To friendship."
And Rosemary answered her back, "To friendship," and they clinked their glasses together.
Julia moved through the crowd again, Fiona was talking with Molly now. She found Rebecca talking to Bill. That was perfect, she could kill two birds with one stone. When she walked up, they both looked at her. They seemed to know why she had come over.
"Good evening, Bill, Rebecca." Julia said, smiling timidly at both of them.
Rebecca looked at her and said, "Good evening, Jules. I'm guessing why you're here to talk to the both of us. I know you are a good girl, and you probably feel like you need to excuse yourself again for this afternoon. But, I will not hear it. I couldn't be more proud of you, if you were my own daughter. And, you have nothing to excuse yourself for, so don't even try."
Julia looked over at Bill, but he just pointed at Rebecca and said, "what she said." He smiled and added, "I agree with her."
She looked at them both, grateful, and said, "Thank you, both of you. I still feel terrible."
Bill said, "Don't! She didn't feel terrible until you called her out."
Julia hugged them both and walked back towards Nathan. As she went through the crowd, she passed William and his friends.
He smiled and greeted her, "Good evening, Miss Matthews."
"Good evening, William." Julia replied, smiling at all the nicely dressed young men, in greeting. "How's your arm healing?"
"It's itchy." He said, smiling at her.
"Don't worry, that's normal. It happens as the skin heals. When you come in on Tuesday for your stitch removal, I can give you a cream to help." She told him.
"Thank you, Miss Matthews." His friends were looking at her, still smiling.
"Have a good evening, fellas." She said to them. They all waved as she walked back towards Nathan.
As she did, another gentleman approached Julia, she recognized him from the mill. He asked her to dance, but she politely declined.
When she made her way out of the crowd, Nathan looked up and watched her approach. Faith and Mike were talking and laughing with him. When she sat back next to him, she looked over to join the conversation.
But, Nathan, amused, asked her, "How long have you been gone?"
She looked confused, but said, "I don't know? 15 or 20 minutes? Why?"
"And in that time how many men approached you and asked you to dance?" He asked, with his crooked smile.
She laughed and said, "I didn't count." And then, to tease him she added, "I only said yes to three of them. They wrote their names right here on my dance card." And, as she said it, she pretended to pull a card from a pretend pocket. That brought a chuckle from Faith who had overheard. To keep from laughing, Julia took a slow drink from her wine, and set it down in front of her.
He tilted his head and looked at her, realizing that she got him. "Maybe I already stole your dance card, Miss Matthews."
Julia smiled at his teasing, and said to him, "And, I would have gladly given it to you."
Nathan smiled at her sweet confession and took her hand under the table. As she looked back up, she saw that Elizabeth and Lucas had just entered.
Julia needed a distraction so she looked at the three of them and asked, "Would you guys like to play darts?"
Nathan looked at her and said, "As long as you're on my team."
Julia answered, "Deal. Mike, that means it's you and Faith versus team broken rib." Mike didn't look so excited, so Julia encouraged him, "You could do a lot worse, Mike, Faith is pretty good." He still didn't seem convinced. "Okay, what if I shoot with my eyes closed?" Julia looked over at Nathan, "That'll make us team blind broken rib." Mike chuckled at her, but agreed. He saw that Fiona was taking photos so she probably wouldn't be able to play with him anytime soon, anyway.
Mike got the darts and they all headed over to the dart board. Nathan was able to play without too much discomfort. He kept his wheelchair nearby so he could sit down between turns. There were some pretty good runs and a few people came over to watch. However, at some point, the game became more and more exciting, which brought more on-lookers. Fiona came over to take pictures, and there were lots of high-fives. It created quite a stir in the saloon, as the intensity grew. The score was neck and neck. In the final round, Julia hit 2 amazing shots and a final bullseye, which brought some hefty rounds of applause, and some loud cheers. Next, Faith hit two good shots and managed a bullseye on the outer ring. Nathan missed wide, got in one good shot, and one bullseye. Then on the last turn, Mike held his own with two great shots and a very nice bullseye.
Faith tallied the points and it was still Nathan and Julia who won, though not by much. High fives went all around, and they returned to their table. Mike pushed Nathan's wheelchair and when they were all seated, Julia offered to go get more drinks.
Mike said, "Sure, but you don't have to do that, Julia."
Julia smiled coyly and said, "Oh, I'm only going to the bar to order the drinks, it's Nathan who's buying." And she headed towards the bar.
Nathan chuckled at her, and hoped she was teasing. He watched her as she talked for more than a few minutes with the bartender. Nathan noticed he pointed out one of the young men to Julia, the one with a bandage on his arm, with whom she had spoken earlier.
She came back a few minutes later with wine for her and Faith, and beers for Nathan and Mike. When she set them down they both said thank you.
But Julia said, "Don't thank me. Thank Nathan."
They both looked at Nathan and said thank you, though he just smiled and shook his head.
At a certain point, the music became louder and more people started to dance. Fiona came back to them, after taking pictures for a while. Bill came over and sat with them, too. They all chatted and enjoyed their drinks.
When there was a lull on the dance floor, Nathan looked at Julia and extended his hand to her. "Jules, could I have this dance?"
When she looked at him, asking her so sweetly, she felt her insides go to mush. But she had been waiting all day for this. Nathan had told her that Faith had authorized one dance. So here he was, asking. She nodded and put her hand in his.
When Nathan led her onto the dance floor, she had to remind herself to breath. Julia felt one of his arms come strong around her back, and his other hand, which held hers, was strong and made a very nice frame. He looked so strong and handsome, and…confident. She suddenly realized he knew what he was doing. She had never even asked him if he knew how to dance, but now understood, that he did.
As the music started, he began to move. Nathan wasn't clunky or awkward like most of the men she had seen out on the dance floor. No, he was smooth. He glided across the floor, and took her effortlessly with him. Julia knew the steps, though a little rusty, but she could have been a complete novice and he still would have made her look good. She kept her eyes fixed on him, lost in the music, lost in the movement. They were perfectly in sync and perfectly in rhythm.
What they didn't realize was that all of Hope Valley was watching them. They looked so beautiful together, and the dancing so lovely, that people couldn't help but watch them. In fact, the dance floor had pretty much cleared the moment they had stepped on it.
But, Rebecca wasn't surprised at all. When she came over and sat with Bill and Faith, Bill leaned over and asked her, "Did you know he could dance like that?"
Rebecca laughed and said, "Of course I did. I'm the one that taught him. Wait a minute, you guys didn't know that Nathan could dance?"
Faith's face said it all, as she shook her head no.
"I thought you had a Founder's Day dance every year?" Rebecca asked, shocked.
"We do." Faith replied, "I guess he never asked anyone to dance."
Fiona remembered, and frowned. Nathan hadn't asked anyone to dance. And, the one time they had done a lady's choice, Elizabeth had chosen Lucas. And then Nathan had disappeared.
"What a pity that we never knew. We would have all asked him to whisk us around the dance floor like we were on a cloud." Fiona said, as she watched them wistfully, thinking them just lovely.
When the music changed, the song was much slower. Julia asked him, "Are you okay, Nathan?"
He looked at her and smiled. "I don't think I can hold the frame much longer, but this slower one is just perfect. Can we dance one more?"
Julia stepped closer, and said, "I would love to, Nathan." He kept a strong hold around her back but pulled her in even closer. He kept her hand gently folded in his. Then he laid their two hands, folded together, gently on his chest, so he could bring his arm down by his side. "Are you sure you're comfortable?" She asked looking up at him, so very close.
"I don't feel anything but butterflies, with you in my arms." Nathan said, honestly. He too, realized how close she was now. They swayed with the music and just gazed at one another.
Finally Julia had to know, "Nathan, where did you learn to dance like that?"
"My mother." He said simply, "She always said that a true gentleman knows how to dance. So, she taught me, and Colleen too, when we were teenagers." He paused, and then said to her, "You were also very good, Jules. You seemed to know most of the steps."
"My Dad taught me. We used to dance on Sunday evenings." She replied, "Up until I got to be a pest of a teenager, and decided it was awkward to dance with my Dad."
"Hindsight is always twenty-twenty." He said, gazing down at her.
"Exactly. I would take it all back if I could." Julia said, gazing up at him. "But, I'm glad it came back to me. I just needed another good dance partner."
Nathan smiled at the thought of having a dance partner. He said, "Maybe we should start back up the Sunday evening dancing tradition."
Julia loved that idea. "When you are a little bit better?"
Nathan had somehow completely forgotten about his injury. She was right, it might be best to wait a few more weeks, until he was completely healed. Then he could really glide her around. "I agree, it might be wise to wait a few more weeks. But, I would really love it, Jules. It sounds like a really nice tradition, and I think Allie would like it, too. Sunday night dancing."
Julia couldn't contain her smile at his thoughtful idea to re-start something she now felt so ashamed of stopping. And, Nathan wasn't just a good dance partner, he was the perfect dance partner.
She continued to gaze up at him, and didn't even notice when the music changed. It was another slow one, so they just continued on, dancing just like they were. He didn't want to push his luck, so he didn't do anything fancy like dip her or spin her, though he really wanted to. He would keep it for the next time. And, there would definitely be a next time, as soon as he were better.
His eyes stayed fixed on her, and he wondered if now was the time to tell her how he felt about her. He almost did, but balked because of all those still watching them. He slowly realized that they had become the center of attention, and didn't think it ideal to share his heart with her, because of those looking on.
Instead, he just ignored them all. It was so easy to do. When he looked in her eyes, suddenly they were the only two people in the room.
Julia couldn't take her eyes off him. He was so strong and handsome as he held her, yet so sensitive and romantic as he gazed at her. She just kept gazing up at him, convinced that her heart would burst any minute, with emotion. She had that familiar feeling of floating, and couldn't shake the need to bear her heart and tell him exactly how precious he was to her. She remembered that they were in a room full of people, and decided it was not the right place nor the right time.
When that song ended, Nathan asked her, "Shall we take a rest?" Julia nodded, though reluctantly. He led her back over to their table, still holding her hand.
As they reached their seats, Fiona couldn't help herself. She asked, "Nathan, where on earth did you learn to dance like that? And, how come no one in Hope Valley knew about it?"
Nathan just chuckled and said, "My mom taught me." They all turned to look at Rebecca then, who just smiled.
Rebecca just said, "Gentlemen should know how to dance." She paused and looked at all of them, "And, well, if you didn't take the time to get to know that about my son, that's too bad. Because, he is an excellent dancer."
Faith said, "Well, every woman in the room is kicking themselves right now. Because he's been here for three Founder's Days, and was never asked to dance."
Rebecca said, "Well, that's a pity, ladies. Because, I suspect your window of opportunity to dance with him might be over. He's met his match in Julia, and might not dance with anyone else for a long time."
As Rebecca said that, Julia and Nathan looked at each other and had to agree.
Rosemary and Lee came over to join them, so Mike and Lee added another table. And then, Molly came over to sit by Bill. Now, they were a really big group.
Rosemary leaned over to Nathan and said, "Nathan, how come we never knew you could dance?"
Nathan shrugged and just chuckled, "I guess I never really asked anyone. And, no one ever asked me when it was ladies' choice."
"And, for the life of me, I will never understand that." Rosemary said. "You are a very beautiful dancer, Nathan. If I had known, I might have even asked you to take me for a turn out there. I know my Lee wouldn't mind."
Lee chuckled and said, "And, I might have asked you for lessons, or at least pointers, Nathan."
Julia just kept ahold of his hand, so very proud to be on his arm. She felt very emotional, looking at this lovely group assembled around them.
Everyone seemed to be having a great time. Fiona told a story, and all the group laughed. Nathan chatted and discussed things openly. Even his own mother took note of how much he shared and talked. Then Rebecca piped in, and shared a story. Even Bill was laughing. Nathan told a story from when he was young, and more laughter. Lee chimed in and shared something too. It was a fun table.
At one point, when Nathan looked over at her, Julia whispered to him, "See, you are not quiet, Nathan." That made him stop and take a look around him. He realized he was sitting at this table, surrounded by friends. And, yes, he was talking with them and laughing with them. He would even venture to say he was more open than he had ever been with any of them, in a group setting. And, he liked it.
Julia suddenly asked if anyone needed a refill. Only Bill and Fiona said yes, so Julia went to get them another drink. When she came back, she set down their drinks. When they said thanks, she teased Nathan again.
"Don't thank me. Thank Nathan. He's still buying, I'm just the runner." Julia said, smiling playfully at him.
Fiona said, "Thank you, Nathan." and Bill nodded at him.
He looked over at her and tried to figure her out. But, he soon realized what she was doing. She was making him the center of the attention. It was hard to fade into the background, as he typically liked to do, if you were in the center. She was drawing him further out of his shell, so they all could know him more. They hadn't known about the dancing because the opportunity hadn't come up. But, she was making sure that wouldn't happen again. That everyone here, the important friends, saw him and knew him even just a measure better than before.
The big table continued to be a lot of fun, and the sharing went on a while longer. Allie came over looking tired, and sat with her Grams. Eventually, people started to disperse, as it was getting late.
Rebecca decided to walk home with Allie, and Lee offered to give Nathan a ride in his car. What was left of the big group walked outside, and people said their good byes and headed home. Nathan went over and quietly asked Lee, "Do I have time to walk Julia to the infirmary, with the wheelchair?"
Lee looked at Rosemary who was still chatting it up with Molly, "Take your time, Nathan, Rosie might still be awhile."
Nathan took Julia's hand and walked her, and the wheelchair to the infirmary. They went in the front door, and he parked the wheelchair over to the side. It was dark inside, but Julia quickly lit an oil lamp. He didn't waste a second, but walked over and wrapped her in his arms. It had been such a perfect evening, such a perfect day. He was thankful for every moment. Today, they had truly been a couple. They had acted like a couple and spent time together, as a couple. Not, because of a house call or his care. It had been real and genuine, and wonderful.
After a few minutes, he heard the car pull up in front of the infirmary, and she did too. He pulled back and looked at her. "Thanks for the perfect day, Jules. A day where we could just be us."
She smiled up at him, feeling the same way. It had been a lovely day, from start to finish. They had just been together, and enjoyed each other, like a really couple. "That's funny. I was going to thank you for the perfect day."
He suddenly remembered something. "Jules, did we pay our tab at the bar?"
Julia giggled and said, "Well, not yet, but I will on Monday. I worked it out with the bartender, who just happens to be the father of one of my patients." She smiled, "So, don't worry. The drinks were really on me. I was just teasing you."
"Yes, I figured out what you were doing. Making me the center of attention?" He asked her.
"Something like that." She said, timidly.
He reluctantly pulled back a little, until only their hands were still connected. "We'll talk more about this tomorrow." He said as he kissed one of her hands tenderly across the knuckles. "Good night, Jules."
"Sweet Dreams, Lawman." And, he very slowly let go and headed out the door. She watched him through the window until the car drove out of sight.
It really was the perfect day, indeed.