Chapter 44. The Almost Kiss

Early on Friday morning, Fiona drove up in front of the infirmary, in Lucas' car. Julia went out the front door to meet her, excited about their trip to Benson Hills. She had the list of supplies needed for the infirmary, as well as a list of things Bill asked her to get for the town and the café.

Fiona had a list from Lucas, since she was going for him. Well, technically she was on official business for Gowen Petroleum. But whether personal or business, Lucas' list was very long and Fiona had no idea how much time she would need to get it all done. But, they planned a fun girl lunch in the middle, and Julia figured she could look around Benson Hills a little bit.

As they made the long drive, Julia enjoyed the scenery. She hadn't really been anywhere in the area since she had arrived. Julia watched the tall trees go by, a few nice overlooks, and some beautiful meadows. The breeze was cool and the sun was shining down. It was a lovely day.

When they got to Benson Hills, they split up to get their errands done. Julia went first to the hospital pharmacy, then the supply depot, as well as the large General Store. In between the stores, when she had too much to carry, Julia made trips back to the car, to stock everything safely inside. A few more small stores, and she had purchased everything on both lists. She had some more time before she was to meet Fiona, so she went to look around one of the dress shops. She found some of the brand new fashions a little too risqué for Hope Valley. But, there was so much to choose from and some very lovely colors for summer. She bought a new waistcoat and a very nice blue skirt, both in a lightweight material for summer.

Julia realized the time and hurried to meet Fiona at the café she had indicated. They arrived at the same time, and got a table on the outside terrace. Fiona had already gotten a lot done on her list, and was very pleased about that. When the waiter came they quickly placed their order.

"Julia, I almost forgot, I brought something for you." Fiona stated. She reached down and took an envelope out of her bag and handed it to Julia.

"What's this?" Julia asked as she took the envelope. She opened it slowly, and what she found inside made her mouth drop open. Inside the envelope were pictures from the Founder's Day festival. And each one was more beautiful than the one before.

First in the stack was a photo of Julia, Allie, Opal and Emily, hands covered in paint, and all with huge smiles on their faces. Julia remembered that Fiona had called out to them while they were working hard together, and snapped the photo without letting them pose. They had, however, all smiled and stuck out their hands, some holding their paintbrushes. It was a very lovely photo. There was one detail in the photo however, that struck a chord in Julia's heart. Allie wasn't looking at the camera like the rest of them. She was looking up at Julia, with such a content, happy look on her face.

The next photo was of her and Nathan playing the fishing game together. They both sported huge smiles, and Nathan was looking at her so lovingly, as Julia showed off the pencil she had won. Next, was the photo of just the two of them, that Fiona had posed. The photo was very lovely, and looking at it, she realized how nice they looked together. She and Nathan made a very beautiful couple.

The next series of photos were from the dunking booth. First, there was her throwing the ball while Nathan was sitting behind her in his wheelchair cheering her on. The next photo was Nathan throwing the baseball, looking like an expert, while Julia stood to the side with her eyes fixed on him, and her hands squeezed together in anticipation. But, it was the third photo -the victory embrace- that really got her. Somehow, Fiona had caught the sides of their faces as she and Nathan were in each other's arms. And it was the look of pure contentment and happiness that was on both of their faces, that she couldn't get over. Nathan's eyes were closed and his smile was big and genuine. And Julia's head was bent back slightly as if she was looking up to heaven, and she had a huge contented smile from ear to ear.

The next photo was of Nathan spinning her around in the little dance. Julia's head was tilted back and her hair swinging out behind her, as she laughed with him. And, in the photo, Nathan was gazing at her. The look on his face was certainty, happiness, and pure love.

There were two more photos in the stack, both from the Founder's Day dance. Julia hadn't even realized they had been taken. The first was of Nathan gliding her around in the faster tempo dance, when they had a locked frame. Julia remembered everyone had been so shocked by how wonderfully Nathan danced. And, in the photo, they looked so surreal, as Julia's skirts flared out behind them, the movement perfectly captured.

The last photo had been taken during the slower tempo dance, when she and Nathan had been so close and their hands interlocked and laying on Nathan's chest. In the photo, Nathan was looking down at her while talking, probably saying something charming. But, Julia was gazing up at him with such a look of adoration, her breath caught just looking at the photo. She had never seen such a look on her own face- of happiness and love. The photo was beautiful.

Julia didn't know what to say. "Fiona, these are incredible. You have such a gift in photography, of really catching the moment. Each and every one of these is so beautiful. Are they all for me?" She asked.

"Yes. I had plenty of material for the Valley Voice. And, there will be one or two of you in today's issue. But, I wanted you to have these." She stated.

"Fiona, I don't know what to say. They are all so good." Julia said. "Thank you very much."

"If you can't tell, I'm really happy for you both. I know what it is to have a broken heart, and I always felt bad for the way things turned out for Nathan." Fiona stated.

A waiter brought their plates then, and Julia put the envelope of photos safely in her bag.

They caught each other up on a lot, over lunch. Things had been busy at both the barbershop and the oil rig. Not to mention Julia had been busy in her nursing duties, so they hadn't spent time together in a little while. It was fun to catch up and chat. Fiona was privy to all the good gossip in town, Julia realized that the barbershop was really the best place to get all the scoop!

When they were done with their lunch, they both ordered a coffee.

"Julia, did you get everything on your lists already?" Fiona asked.

"I sure did. It was a productive morning. What do you still need to do?" Julia asked her.

"I need to go to the book store, the men's wear store, and some fancy jewelry store. And, then we're home free." Fiona reported.

"Oh, I'd also love to go to the book store, Fiona. Can we go there together?" Julia asked.

"Yes, let's do that next. I have to pick up an order there for Lucas. Then perhaps you can stay longer while I go to the men's wear shop? That should only be a pick up as well, something Lucas ordered." Fiona said.

"Sounds great to me. I always love more time in any book store." Julia stated. "I wonder if they have an art store here in town?"

Fiona replied, "Why don't we ask the book store clerk?"

"Great idea." Julia replied. And, when the coffees were done, they stood, paid their bill and headed out onto the street.

When they neared the book store, Julia noticed a group of Mounties in red serge, on their left. She looked up and saw the sign on the building, the men were standing in front of the Benson Hills Mountie office. As Julia and Fiona passed by, several of the men noticed them and looked over. Julia recognized the dark headed one, Davis, who said something to the rest of the group before he started walking towards them. Whatever he said started quite a ruckus among the men. And then, Julia recognized the red-headed Mountie as he stepped forward and said something else to the group, before following Davis over.

"Hello, Nurse Matthews, do you remember me?" Davis asked her timidly, not wanting to alarm either lady.

Julia smiled and replied, "You're Constable Davis, right?"

"Yes." He said, looking very pleased she remembered. "And, I don't know if you remember, Constable Pendergrass." Davis said, motioning to the red-head.

"Yes, I remember." Julia said. "You brought Nathan, I mean Constable Grant, into my infirmary after his accident."

"Yes, that was us." Pendergrass said.

"Good afternoon to both of you. This is my friend, Miss Fiona Miller." Julia introduced them. "Fiona, this is Constable Davis and Constable Pendergrass, they work with Nathan from time to time. And, they brought him safely back to Hope Valley when he was injured."

"Nice to meet you both." Fiona said, smiling at them kindly.

"How's Grant doing?" Davis asked.

"Constable Grant is doing much better. He's almost back to normal now, though he's not quite cleared to ride yet. His ribs need a few more weeks to heal." Julia reported.

"I'm very happy to hear that he's doing well, Miss Matthews. Grant's a good friend and a great Mountie." Davis said.

Pendergrass, the one who seemed a bit mischievous asked, "Miss Matthews, I hope this question won't bother you too much. But, he never would give us a straight answer. And, well some of us got a bet going over there," he motioned to the rest of the group watching them, "Are you Grant's girl?"

At that question, Julia and Fiona both laughed out loud. Though, Julia quickly recovered, and was a good sport about it. Probably because she absolutely didn't mind being called Nathan's girl. So, not knowing how better to handle it, Julia told the truth. "Yes, I certainly am."

Pendergrass said, "I knew it! He wasn't fooling anybody trying to be all vague. I could tell by the way he looked at you." Pendergrass looked proud of himself and Julia was sure he had bet on Nathan. He waltzed over to tell the rest of the group.

Davis also looked happy about her answer, though he was much more discreet.

There were two in the group that didn't look so happy about the news, indicating that they had probably lost the bet, but Julia didn't care.

"Miss Matthews, please don't pay them no mind. I apologize for their behavior." He paused and then asked, "Will you please pass my greetings and well wishes onto Grant? And also to your brother, Jake, next time you talk to him?" Davis asked her. He seemed like a nice guy, Nathan had been right about him.

"I would be happy to do both, Constable Davis. And don't worry about us, we won't take any offense. I have a brother whose a Mountie remember? I know a little bit about your camaraderies amongst the Mountie ranks." Julia stated.

Davis replied, "Well, please excuse us just the same. And, have a great day, ladies." He said, as he backed up to rejoin the group. Pendergrass waved at them, and Fiona and Julia both returned the wave, as they headed on to the bookstore.

When they got inside, Fiona and Julia had a look around. After a little while, Fiona came over and told Julia that she was going to retrieve Lucas' book order and then head to the men's wear shop. Julia wanted to stay longer and ask about the art store.

Julia bought two books, one from Louisa May Alcott and a poetry volume from Emily Dickinson. Julia also bought a very pretty book mark for Allie with a lovely Bible verse on it. And a beautiful card for Nathan to say thank you for the dinner surprise he had put together on Monday.

As she headed back to the car, Julia saw Fiona walking towards her. "Julia, I have something very important to deliver to the jeweler just up there, for Lucas." Fiona held up a sealed envelope and pointed, "I just need about another twenty minutes, and we can head home."

Julia nodded and said, "Take your time, Fiona. The book store clerk said there is a pretty good art supply selection on the second floor of the General Store. So, if it's okay with you, I might go have a look."

"Great, Julia. And when you're done, I'll meet you back at the car." Fiona replied, and headed up the street to the jewelers.

Julia went back down the boardwalk towards the General Store, and climbed the big staircase to the second floor. She bought a good size canvas, some colors that were particularly hard to find, and a few new brushes.

About a half an hour later, they got on the road back to Hope Valley.

Ever since Fiona had mentioned the fancy jeweler, Julia had wondered about something. Something that might be very sensitive to two people she cared about very much. She wanted to ask but there was no casual way to bring it up. So, finally, after they had been driving about 10 minutes, Julia looked over at Fiona and just quietly asked, "Fancy jeweler, sealed envelope, will there be an engagement announced soon in Hope Valley?"

Fiona pursed her lips and said, "I think so."

Julia nodded and looked down the road. She hoped the news wouldn't upset Nathan or Allie, or bring back up any hurts for either of them. Julia felt they were both mostly over it, but really hoped Elizabeth would make her absolutions soon. Julia wanted to see both Nathan and Allie restored before news of an engagement came out. They had both come to mean so much to her.

"Do you know how long before the news will be out?" Julia asked.

"A few weeks. He's planning something after school gets out." Fiona said.

"Ok. Thanks for sharing, Fiona. I will keep this information strictly confidential. I'm only asking so I can look out for Nathan and Allie, and their feelings." Julia stated, and she meant it. She would try to shield them from anything that could be hurtful, as much as possible.

They rode the rest of the way in silence as Julia prayed for these things that troubled her. She prayed for Elizabeth to make things right with both of them, and very soon. And, she prayed that the blow of an engagement would be soft for both of Allie and Nathan. She kept on praying for a long time, as her list was long. Because in thinking back to the beautiful images captured in the photographs, now safely tucked away in the envelope in her bag, Julia realized how very much she had to be thankful for.

When Julia and Fiona pulled up in Hope Valley, it was dinner time. They stopped first in front of the infirmary and unloaded all the infirmary supplies. Julia placed her personal bags quickly in front of the adjoining door, because she didn't want to take the time to open it yet. And, while Faith went to save them a table at the café, Fiona and Julia quickly pulled the car in front of Gowen Petroleum to unload the rest. They left the car parked there for Lucas, and headed to join Faith for dinner.

The three friends chatted over dinner. Faith asked how their day went. And, Fiona, in true Fiona-style, regaled Faith with an embellished version of the story of the group of Mounties stopping them and asking if Julia was Nathan's girl. They all laughed out loud at various points during Fiona's telling of the story, and Faith could perfectly picture the group of guys in red serges placing bets on Nathan.

"I hope you gave them a hard time, Julia." Faith giggled.

"Well, I said yes, so that those who bet on Nathan would win." Julia smiled, remembering.

Fiona smiled at her coyly and said, "Julia, at the same time, you are his girl. You just told them the truth."

Julia smiled, realizing that he did have her heart, completely. So, yes, she was indeed his girl, whatever that really even meant. She was his, and there were no two buts about it. "I guess there is no denying it, right?"

Faith smiled at her and said, "Don't even try, Julia. We wouldn't believe you anyway."

"So, how was your day, Faith?" Julia asked.

"Uneventful. Nathan came for his check up, though he seemed fine, so I didn't even look at anything. And, I had one call out on one of the lumber tracks, though it was only a pulled muscle." Faith reported.

Then Faith remembered something else. "A letter came for you, Julia. I hope you don't mind, I opened the adjoining door and set it inside your apartment for you." Julia was excited to see who the letter was from. Most likely Auntie Elle, or Jake.

"It's perfectly fine, Faith. I don't mind at all if you go in when I'm not around. Also, if you ever need to lay down or borrow anything, please feel free to open and help yourself." Julia stated. Faith was relieved about that.

"And, I almost forgot. The Valley Voice came out today!" Faith exclaimed, as she took a copy out of her bag and handed it to Julia.

The entire issue was dedicated to the Founder's Day festival, and it was very beautifully done. There were articles detailing certain booths and different events from the day. The front page seemed to be dedicated to the set up, with different groups photographed setting up booths or arranging tables and chairs. Included was a photo of Julia, Allie, Opal, and Emily, in front of one of the booths they had painted. This particular photo, Fiona had posed so they were all looking at the camera and smiling, with paint cans and brushes in their hands. There was also a photo of the boys' booth, after the girl team had painted it. Lucas, Jesse, Robert, Joe, and Paul were pictured there.

Julia opened to the inside spread, and there were articles all about the festival. There was a nice photo of Mike sitting in the dunking booth, yelling at someone getting ready to throw. And then, a second one photo when he was in the water. In that picture, Nathan was standing beside the dunking booth, shaking Mike's hand, and Julia was standing next to him, obviously laughing. There was a photo of Emily and her mother working one of the booths and Allie standing with them. Included were a few other photos that were really good, from the festival.

The back page seemed dedicated to the dance, and there were a few very lovely photos. First, there was a picture of Bill and Molly. Julia laughed imagining how happy Bill must be about that. And then, there at the bottom was a photo of her and Nathan. They were gazing at each other and dancing to one of the slow songs. It perfectly captured how much they obviously adored each other, as they seemed lost in each other, as if there was not another person in the entire room. Julia blushed when she realized this was available for all of Hope Valley to see. It seemed so intimate, that Julia was suddenly embarrassed.

"That's a lovely one, right Julia?" Fiona asked, realizing which photo Julia was looking at.

"Yes. But, a little too lovely. It seems so private." Julia stated, shortly.

"Rosemary couldn't help herself, Julia. She said it was a masterpiece, the best photo in the pile." Fiona stated, hoping Julia would come around about it.

Julia stared at it a while longer, and then slowly closed the newspaper, taking care as she folded it. She started to hand it back to Faith, but Faith told her to keep it. So, Julia carefully placed it in her bag, next to the envelope of photos.

Then the ladies returned to chatting while they finished their dinners. Julia didn't talk too much after that, and realized how tired she was. It had been a full day. So, when they walked outside, she was happy to head home. When the ladies said good-bye, Julia headed into the infirmary and Faith came too, needing to retrieve something from her desk.

When they entered, Julia lit an oil lamp and opened her adjoining door. She carried her bags inside and set them down on the table. Then she froze, her feet cemented to the floor, as she turned and noticed something had changed. She gasped audibly and brought the oil lamp over to be sure.

Standing exactly where her boxes of books had been, was a beautiful handmade wooden bookshelf. Julia ran her hand over the top, knowing exactly whose handiwork it was. She had seen this exact bookcase in Nathan's workshop. Her breath caught in her throat and she felt tears well up.

All of her books had been carefully arranged on the shelves. The dried bouquet Allie had given her was gently laying on top, as decoration. And, next to the bouquet, was a letter.

Julia picked up the letter and held it to her heart. She realized this was probably why Faith had come back in with her and stayed next door. So Julia walked back over to Faith's desk and stared, with her mouth slightly open, in disbelief.

Faith smiled at the expression on Julia's face, it was the look of someone who had been deeply touched. "Say something, Julia."

"I can't believe." Julia's voice finally returned. "How did he? Did he lift it? Why would he…?"

Faith slowly said, "Julia, I think he wanted to do something nice for you. And, he had a lot of help getting it here. Lee brought it in the car and Bill and Allie and I helped Lee carry it in." She paused and then continued, "I think he'd wanted you to have it for a long time now, he just waited for the opportunity to surprise you."

"I'm speechless." Julia said, as a tear gently escaped, and then another. Happy tears. Tears of a heart deeply touched. "Thank you, Faith." She mumbled as she slowly wiped her eyes.

Julia walked slowly back over and ran her hands over the wood. She pictured Nathan's strong hands working and sanding, touching and polishing the very same wood. So many emotions were raw and at the surface, and suddenly, she longed to see him.

Julia realized she was still holding his letter to her heart. So, she took a seat on her chair, to read it. She slowly ran her fingers over her name on the front of the envelope, so beautifully written in his lovely handwriting. Finally, she turned over the envelope and opened it gently. She pulled out the note inside and unfolded it next to the light.

Julia,

Please accept this gift, from both Allie and I. We wanted to do something to say thank you for all you have done for us.

Much like my heart, this bookshelf's home is with you. I couldn't bring myself to place it anywhere else than in your apartment. And, Allie wanted you to have something from us in your home, so that everyday you would have a reminder of how much you mean to both of us.

I hope you will forgive me for setting it up without your permission. I wasn't sure you would accept it any other way. And, Allie thought that the most fun way to give it, was to give it as a surprise.

Yours truly,

Nathan

When she was done reading and re-reading the letter, she stood. Julia found a handkerchief and wiped her eyes, and cleaned up her face. She walked to her door, put on her overcoat and headed out the door.

—

Nathan was reading in his chair in the living room when he heard her three light taps. He looked over at the door wondering if he'd heard right, for a full two or three seconds, the time it took to register. But, as soon as the realization hit him, he was up and at the door in a flash.

He opened slowly and saw Julia standing on his front porch, in the dark, holding a lantern. He stepped outside with her, not able to contain his crooked smile.

Julia didn't budge as he came out, didn't back up, content with only a small distance between them. She looked shyly up at him, "I don't even know what to say, Nathan." She paused, having a hard time composing her thoughts. And finally, "I am touched," she said with a shaky voice. Then she added quietly, "Are you sure? I thought that bookshelf was for Allie?"

"Julia, after all you've done for me, for us, we wanted you to have it. It was Allie's idea actually, when I told her about your books on the floor. She knew how much you admired the shelves I made for our living room. And I couldn't think of a better home for it, than in your apartment. You have come to mean so much to both Allie and I, and we just wanted you to know." With his admission, a tiny tear slid down her cheek. Nathan took a small step forward and wiped it gently with his thumb. His hand lightly brushed her cheek and she intentionally leaned into his touch. When he saw that, he moved a few inches closer.

Julia didn't say a word, but slowly stepped forward the rest of the way, and placed her hands on either side of Nathan's face. She was pleasantly surprised by the mere softness of his skin even though the day's stubble was already evident. Before he could get his bearings, she lifted up on her tiptoes and brought her mouth close to his right ear. At the same time, she let her left palm drop down his neck and out of the way. Julia softly whispered, "thank you," before she placed a featherlight kiss on his cheek. She lingered right there a few long seconds, the sides of their faces touching, so very close.

As Julia finally and slowly pulled back, she placed another kiss on his cheek, closer to his lips. And, though she hadn't intended it, the outer edge of their lips brushed each other as she came back down on her heels. Julia slowly let her hands drop from his face and neck, and move gently down his chest, palms open and brushing lightly his chest, as she took another step back. She turned on her heels, picked up her lantern, and was gone into the night.

When Julia's soft breath hit his ear, and her kiss landed on his cheek, every hair on his body had stood on end. And, when she lingered, their faces touching, his heart beat was so loud in his ears, he was sure even she could hear it. And, when the corner of her lips lightly brushed his, his insides caught fire. He started to reach out and grab her, to pull her close again, but she was gone before he could even catch his breath.

He stepped to the edge of his porch and watched the lantern light make its trek back to town. He nearly jumped off his porch to chase her down, but decided not to push his luck now that his ribs were almost back to normal. But Nathan watched her all the way, and only went back inside after the light that she carried disappeared behind the buildings. He smiled to himself, knowing that tomorrow he had another surprise in store for her. And he would say everything that his heart had been holding, all that he had been waiting and even longing to say.