Chapter 39. Girls' Ride
On Sunday morning, Julia woke still thinking about her dance with Nathan the night before. They had been so close and so focused on each other, that she had forgotten anyone else was in the room. She had felt like she was floating on air, the way he whisked her around the dance floor so effortlessly. It was a memory she would treasure in her heart, for a long time to come.
Today, Julia was excited for church and a day of riding with Allie and Rebecca. She got up, got ready, and then read her Bible until time to go.
As she walked up to the front steps of the church, she saw that Lee's car was already parked over on the side. That meant Nathan must be inside already. When she walked in the door, he looked back at her and smiled.
Julia approached to say hello, and Allie looked up and said, "Miss Matthews, we saved you a seat!"
Much to Julia's delight, the seat they had saved was at Nathan's side. She smiled and contentedly sat down next to him. Allie gave her a side hug, and Nathan's mother smiled and waved, from where she sat just past Allie.
Julia turned and looked at Nathan and he said, "Hi, Jules."
"Good morning, Nathan. Did you sleep well?" Julia asked.
"Like a baby. But, we did a lot of dancing in my dreams." He teased with his crooked smile.
She smiled playfully back at him and replied, "In my dreams, too. You must be tired today, all that twirling me around." He chuckled and took her hand, slowly interlacing his fingers with each of hers.
Joseph came in and welcomed everyone, then the service started. It was a nice message, about perseverance. He spoke about letting go of things that hold us back, and running a good race. From Hebrews 12:1-2, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
After the service, everyone headed outside. Julia walked out with Nathan, and Allie and Rebecca followed them. When they stood together, Allie finally asked, "Are we still going riding, Miss Matthews?"
"Yes, I would love to, if you both are still up for it." Julia replied, looking at Allie and Rebecca.
Rebecca said, "Of course, shall we meet in the livery, in an hour?"
Julia smiled excitedly and said, "Sounds great to me."
Julia looked up at Nathan, "After our ride, shall I come for your walk?"
"Yes, and would you like to stay for dinner after?" Nathan asked her.
She replied, "I would love to, as long as it's not too much trouble."
"Jules, it's no trouble at all, and I'm quite certain my mother already counted you in." Nathan smiled down at her.
Rebecca chimed in, "I certainly did. You are most welcome, Julia."
"Ok. Then, I accept." Julia said happily to both of them, excited to have more time with Nathan, and all of them, really.
Lee brought the car over, ready to take Nathan back home. Rebecca and Allie got in with him, so Julia waved bye, and started her walk back to her apartment.
Julia entered the livery, excited about a ride with two very special ladies. They had both become so precious to her, and though she might be tempted to define both relationships, she just thought it best not to at this point. She and Nathan had decided to take it one day at a time, even if her feelings had become way beyond serious.
Allie and Rebecca were already in the livery, saddling Allie's horse. Newton was ready and tied up to the side, as was Lucy. When Julia entered, Allie came over to greet her, complimenting her riding culottes and boots.
"Good afternoon, Rebecca." Julia said, as Rebecca finished the cinch on Allie's saddle.
"Hi, Julia. You certainly look nice, for an afternoon ride." Rebecca complimented.
They too were dressed in riding culottes and boots.
"Well, if it weren't for Clara at the dress shop, I wouldn't have had any idea what to wear riding." Julia chuckled.
Julia petted Lucy and packed her things into her saddlebags. Then, Julia went over and greeted Newton, who seemed happy to see her. When everything was ready, they led the horses out, and mounted. Rebecca made sure Allie and Julia were both set. She checked the stirrups, cinches, and adjusted what was needed. Then, Rebecca mounted and they were off. They walked slowly at first, and Rebecca led.
It was truly a beautiful day. The sun was high overhead, and under the trees there was a lovely breeze. Julia could smell so many lovely scents, pine, honeysuckle, and another tree with lovely purple-ish fuzzy balls hanging on it. Even the horses seemed very happy to get out in nature.
When they came to the first meadow, Rebecca picked it up a little, easing Newton into a trot. Allie and Julia followed suit, and after a little while, they slowed back down. Julia didn't really like the trot. Nathan had been right, it was hard on the backside, though probably because she still hadn't perfected the leg movements that go with it.
When they reached the next meadow, Julia's meadow, as Nathan called it, she was sad to see that a lot of the wildflowers had faded. She hadn't been in so long, and had probably missed a whole round or two of colors. Summer was coming soon now, so it was time for certain changes in nature, even if it were sad to see them change. Across this meadow, Rebecca took them up to a canter, and Julia remembered what a lovely, free feeling it was to let the horse run. It reminded her why she loved riding so much.
On the other side, when they came past a stream, they let the horses drink a minute, though they didn't dismount. Then a while later they passed the stream where Julia and Nathan had their picnic, on her very first riding lesson. It was the stream where they had put their feet in, and held hands as they came out. Though, back then, Nathan had only taken her hand because she had slipped.
They rode on up for a while longer, enjoying the beauty around them. They took their time and Julia took it all in. Then, they came to a very beautiful meadow. One that she hadn't been to before, probably because they had never come up this far. Rebecca dismounted near a good size stream on the far side of the meadow, and held their reigns so that Julia and Allie could do the same. They gave the horses a break and let them drink.
Allie came over to Julia and explained, "This is my Dad's favorite spot in all of Hope Valley. He calls it his meadow. It's also our very best fishing spot, so you can't tell anyone." Allie gave Julia a little wink as she said that last part.
Julia laughed and said, "Your secret is safe with me, Allie." Julia looked around and understood why Nathan would love it here. It was even more beautiful than her meadow, and it had a lovely stream running alongside. She imagined Nathan napping on a picnic blanket in the shade of the big oak tree next to the stream.
Rebecca took some leftover banana cake out of her saddlebags, so Julia got out the apples she brought, and her canteen. Allie had packed a blanket so they spread it out, and sat under the oak tree and had a snack together.
"Allie, when is your next article due for the Valley Voice?" Julia asked.
"Well, Mrs. Coulter said I could start with writing an article once a month. So I need to submit my next one in 2 weeks, to be published in 3."
"Do you know what you would like to write about?" Rebecca asked her.
"Well, it's the last two weeks of school, now. So I would like to cover the graduation ceremony and end of the year celebration." Allie replied.
"Are there a lot of young people graduating this year?" Julia asked.
"Only one boy, his name is Timothy. His dad works at the mill." Allie replied.
"What will you do once school is out, Allie?" Julia asked.
"Well, last year I worked at the switchboard for the telephone company a few days a week. I'm hoping to do that again." Allie said.
"Allie, that must be a fun job. And, you would work just a few doors down from me. We could meet for lunch at the café!" Julia said.
"That would be fun, Miss Matthews. And, my Dad could meet us sometimes, too." Allie said.
Julia wanted to make sure Allie knew that she would be very happy to have lunch just the two of them, too. "Well, if he'd like to, but we can have plenty of girl lunches, too."
"I like that idea, Miss Matthews." Allie said.
"You know, Allie, if it doesn't work out for the job at the switchboard, you could always check with Rosemary, too. She might need some help with the Valley Voice." Julia surmised.
"That's a good idea, Miss Matthews. I'll keep that in mind, if the switchboard job isn't available." Allie replied.
Julia spied the stream which looked too good to pass up. She started to untie her boots and roll up her riding culottes. She took off her stockings and looked mischievously at Allie, who caught on and started to do the same.
"You know my Dad and I got in this very stream not that long ago. Just like this." Allie said, remembering.
Julia found that curious and asked, "When was that?"
"It was around the time Jake was here for a visit. Dad had taken you on your first riding lesson a few days before. And, it was later on that night that we ate with you and Jake in the café. That was the night he told us the frog story!" Allie answered, as they tip toed over to the water, together.
Allie and Julia got in and sat on a large stone in the middle of the stream. The water felt cold but amazing. It was refreshing and cooled them down.
"So, what did you guys do in the stream?" Julia asked.
"We just put our feet in and splashed each other. It was fun and refreshing, just like this." Allie looked at her and said, "Ah, the water is so nice." Allie paused and then added, "I found it peculiar that my Dad got in the water that day, he usually didn't do things like that."
Julia wondered if it was her influence from just a few days before, that had made him get into the stream. She smiled at the thought. And, she smiled even bigger at the memory of their riding lesson. He had been so patient and kind, giving her instructions. And, he was an amazing teacher. She was sure he would be an asset in his new position. All the young Mounties would be fortunate to learn from him.
Allie looked at Julia and said, "Maybe it was because of you, Miss Matthews. He really like-likes you…Like a lot."
Julia swallowed hard, amazed at how fast the emotions rose up within her, at Allie's sweet revelation. "I like-like him, too, Allie. A lot." She replied, using Allie's cute teenage lingo. "And when you feel that way about someone, and they like-like you back, it's wonderful."
Allie's eyes seemed to mist as she said, "I've never seen him this happy before, Miss Matthews."
Julia felt her eyes mist also, looking at Allie. "I've never been this happy before either, Allie. Your Dad is very special to me."
"Well, you are very special to him, too." Allie looked like she wanted to ask something but seemed suddenly timid.
"Allie, what is it?" Julia smiled sweetly at her. "Whatever it is, you can talk to me about it. I will always keep anything we talk about confidential, unless you tell me otherwise."
Allie remembered Julia had kept confidences before, and she'd never thanked her for that. So, she said, "Thank you for never telling anyone those things I told you when my Dad was unconscious with the fever." Julia nodded, and Allie continued with her question, "Do you think you and my Dad will get married?"
Julia looked down at the water, and took her time to answer this one. "Allie, I cannot predict the future. But, I hope so. Can you keep a secret for me?"
Allie nodded and said, "Of course, Miss Matthews."
"I have never met anyone that I could imagine myself marrying. Until your Dad. Now, I can't imagine my life without him." Julia explained. "So, it's hard to answer your question. But, Allie, you and I have become friends. And, I hope we will become even closer friends." Allie smiled at that, she liked Julia very much. "But, I am not friends with you just because of your Dad. Remember, we became friends when you came to visit Joseph in the infirmary. And, since that day, we've been friends. Even before your Dad and I like-liked each other." Julia paused and put her hand on Allie's shoulder. "So, you and I will always be friends, Allie. No matter what happens between your Dad and I. Ok? Promise me…we'll always be friends?" Julia asked.
Allie smiled at Julia and stuck out her pinky. "I promise, Miss Matthews." Julia hooked her pinky with Allie's and, on a rock in the middle of the stream, they became bosom buddies.
Julia felt so touched with emotion she hugged Allie, after the pinky promise. Rebecca saw everything and smiled. She couldn't help but adore Julia, and said a prayer of thanksgiving for this woman who had come into her son's life at the right moment. She was the answer to so many prayers, and when the Lord answered prayer, He answered them perfectly.
When Allie pulled out of the hug, she looked at Julia seeming to want to ask something else. So Julia just waited.
"Miss Matthews, I want to ask your advice on something. Father's Day is coming up in two weeks, and I want to do something really special for my Dad." Allie stated.
"Well, what did you have in mind, Allie?" Julia asked.
"Well, when I was painting with you, I realized how much I like it. And, my mom was a painter. So, I would really like to make him a painting." Allie said.
"Allie, that's a wonderful idea. And, you seemed to pick it up very quick. You have a natural aptitude. And, I would love to help you, if you'd like." Julia replied.
"That's what I was hoping for. I would really like your help." Allie said, "I want it to be really nice."
"Do you have an idea of what you would like to paint?" Julia asked.
"Well I have a picture at home, of me and my Dad. Do you think I could show you?" Allie asked.
"Yes. If you give me the photo tonight, I can order everything tomorrow at the mercantile. And, I have some things." Julia said.
"I would like to keep it a complete surprise." Allie said.
"Do you think you can come to my apartment over the weekend or after school? We can work on it and he will be none the wiser." Julia suggested.
"I will tell Grams and she can help cover for me." Allie said, smiling from ear to ear, completely excited. "Can we start tomorrow?"
"Well, I'm not sure. I need to see how fast I can get everything we need. Ned might have to order quite a lot of it. How about I keep you posted when I come for my house call on Monday?" Julia surmised.
Allie nodded and said, "That's perfect. Thank you, Miss Matthews."
They decided to head back out of the water to Rebecca, perhaps soon they would need to start down the mountain.
They came over and put on their socks and boots, and packed up everything to leave. Julia still had three apples, so she and Allie went and gave them to the horses, who were very happy to have a sweet treat.
When they started down the mountain, the late afternoon breeze had set in. It was a beautiful ride down. And when they passed the second meadow, they took the horses up to a gallop. Julia smiled contentedly to feel the power and the speed of the horse beneath her. She loved riding fast and the exhilaration that came with it.
When they passed her meadow, they galloped again, and Julia loved every second of it. She couldn't wait to tell Nathan she had tried the gallop, twice. She felt so comfortable on horseback now, she wondered if she could do it alone, if the need arose. Maybe she needed one final lesson with Nathan to be sure, when he was cleared to ride again.
When they got back to the livery, they untacked the horses and brushed them. When they got back to Nathan's, he was reading in the living room. Rebecca went straight to the kitchen to start dinner, and Allie sat at the table to finish her weekend homework.
Nathan and Julia went for his walk. When they got outside, he took her hand in his.
"How was your ride?" Nathan asked her as they walked.
Julia was smiling from ear to ear, so he could already tell it went well. "I got up to a gallop…twice!" She said proudly with two fingers up on her free hand.
"I didn't have any doubt that you could do it, Jules. You are ready for more now." Nathan told her.
"But, I'd still like one more lesson with you, before I go on my own." Julia said, looking up at him.
"And, I'd be happy to oblige, Jules. Any excuse to spend a day with you." He said.
"Do you have a question for me today?" Julia asked.
"I always have a question for you, Jules. I have a list in my head of things I would like to know about you." Nathan confessed.
Julia looked up at him timidly and smiled when he said that. "Ok, well ask away, then, Lawman."
"Jules, one question: Do you have a favorite place that you've visited?"
"Oh, yes. That's easy. Niagara Falls." Julia said.
"You've been?" Nathan asked, jealous. He'd always wanted to go there.
Julia answered, "Yes. My father and Auntie Elle took Jake and I when I was about nine years old. Jake was probably about 16, I guess. It was such a fun trip. And, the falls were amazing. Indescribable. I've never felt so small in my entire life. The noise, the power, the mist, it's so impressive. You can't describe it, you just have to see it."
"I've seen pictures in books, and always wanted to go." Nathan said. "It's pretty far from here."
"Yes, it is. But, if you ever get the chance, it's well worth it." Julia said.
They reached their turn around point, almost all the way to town.
As they headed back, Nathan told Julia, "Your turn, Jules."
"Nathan, your question was a good one. So I'll ask you the same one. What's the best place you've ever visited?" Julia asked.
Nathan thought for a minute and said, "Well, I visited some beautiful places along the coast near Cape Fullerton. But I have a very beautiful memory of a family trip, when I was young. I must have been about 7 or 8 and it was one of the last good years I remember, as a family." He looked down and paused for a few seconds. "We visited a little town in the Okanagan Valley, and stayed in a cabin overlooking a beautiful lake. I'll never forget the family time we had there, hiking, swimming, and playing games together. We sang together and cooked together. We made some really beautiful family memories."
"It sounds lovely, Nathan. It's not always about the place, but who you are with as well. Even at Niagara Falls, some of my best memories from that trip were like yours. The times at the cabin, where we stayed, were my favorite part of the trip. And, my Dad, he brought his paints and I just sat and watched him paint." Julia said.
"Your Dad painted Niagara Falls?" Nathan asked.
"Yes." Julia looked up at him.
"I would love to see that one." Nathan said.
"Actually, Jake has that one. After Dad passed, Jake didn't ask for many of his paintings, but he asked for that one. And, since that was our last real family trip before Jake left home, I thought he should have it." Julia said.
Julia thought for minute and said, "I'm so glad you had some good family times, too, Nathan. It sounds like your Mom was a rock, taking care of you and Colleen."
Nathan said, "She was a rock, shielding both of us. And then, my mom and Colleen managed to keep me shielded from a lot of what was going on with my Dad, for a good while. That trip was the last good time I remember, as a whole family. Shortly after, the trouble intensified and I started to pick up on things, and understood more and more that something wasn't right."
"It's important to hold onto those good memories, isn't it?" Julia said, smiling up at him.
"Yes, it is." Nathan said smiling down at her. They had arrived back at his house now. And, he walked far and very well.
"You did great on our little walk, Lawman. You seem to improve a little everyday." She said, encouraging him.
"That's because I have a great nurse." He smiled down at her.
She laughed, "I don't do much, Nathan, other than take you on walks. I think it's more likely due to your great physical condition and the fact that you are taking it easy."
Nathan and Julia sat on the steps together, holding hands and talking for a long time, until Allie called them in for dinner. As Julia walked past Allie and into the house, Allie slyly passed Julia the photo she wished to paint, as promised. Julia slid it slyly in her pocket, and Nathan didn't notice a thing.
Then the four of them ate dinner together, chatting and enjoying each other, looking more and more like a little family. When dinner was done and cleaned up, Nathan asked if Julia wanted to return to the front porch to watch the sunset. When they sat back down on the steps of the porch, Nathan put his arm around her, and Julia leaned back into him. They watched the beautiful show of colors in the sky, together.