Chapter 49. Letter to Archie

On Wednesday morning, Nathan sat back in his chair for the umpteenth time, trying to decide whether or not to mail the letter. Last night, after sharing with Julia about Archie, Nathan had come home and written a long letter to his father.

He hadn't been able to sleep until he wrote it. Archie had written to him numerous times over the last years, though Nathan had seldom responded. It had been Archie who had sought to restore the relationship, even if in small measure. Nathan hadn't been able to consider it until he had voiced it all out loud, and to Julia. Now, he couldn't remember why he hadn't been able to consider it before. Something about her inspired him to give Archie another chance.

Nathan thought back to the time Archie had been in Hope Valley, which was almost three years ago, now. He had been sincere and he had been remorseful. He had admitted all of his mistakes and taken all the blame on himself. And, Archie had been innocent when he had been accused of stealing a diamond necklace, and Nathan had been the one to prove it. Nathan had taken a chance on him, and Archie had not disappointed, as so many times before. And, now, after so many years of towing the line, it seemed to Nathan that his father was a changed man. Hopefully, for good.

So, Nathan had written a letter. In it, Nathan didn't make any promises. He just stated that he wanted to try to work towards restoring the relationship. Nathan suggested they write letters for a little while and try to work through some of their major issues, before another visit. But, it was a step in the right direction. And, Nathan knew it was because of Julia. Her love and her acceptance inspired him.

And in the letter, Nathan ended up including quite a few pages of news. Mostly about Allie, a minor summary of his injury, and a small paragraph about the new nurse in town. The letter became quite lengthy in the end, but Nathan had a lot to make up for, since he had let so much time go by without responding to his own father.

So finally, he picked up the letter and headed to the mercantile, to mail it before he changed his mind. When he entered, Florence was on the phone, connecting a call at the exchange. Ned was behind the desk, his normal chipper self, visibly happy to see Nathan when he entered.

"Good morning, Nathan. How are you this fine day?" Ned asked. Some might think Ned a little too zealous about life, but Nathan found him always genuine. He was just a very kind, very positive man.

"I'm very well today, Ned. Thank you. And, how are you?" Nathan asked with a warm smile.

"I'm just fine, Nathan. Thank you for asking." Ned paused and noticed the letter in Nathan's hand. "Need to post a letter?" Ned asked.

"Yes, Ned. Can you send this one out for me, please?" Nathan asked.

"Right away, Nathan. Shall I put it on your account?" Ned asked.

"That's fine, Ned." Nathan said as Ned stamped the postage on to the envelope.

"Oh, Nathan, there was a telegram for you this morning." He said as he handed the paper to Nathan.

"That's great news, Ned. I've been waiting for this one." Nathan said, looking at the information on the telegram. "Ned, are you the only one whose seen this one?" Nathan asked him.

"Yes, I am." Ned replied.

"Do you think you could keep this one under your hat for now, Ned? Please? The new Mountie and I really want him to arrive… unannounced." Nathan asked, serious.

Ned caught on quick. "Like a surprise?" He asked, with his awkward smile.

"Exactly. A surprise of sorts." Nathan stated.

"That's a very good surprise." Ned said, nodding his head, excited to be in the know.

"I think so." Nathan said, smiling. "Thank you, Ned, for helping us out, by keeping the secret."

Ned heard Florence hang up the phone, and knew she would be listening now. So he replied in a whisper, "Sure thing, Nathan."

Nathan nodded, and backed up from the counter. "Have a nice day, Ned. Good day, Florence." He shot over her direction.

"Good day, Constable." Florence sang out from the exchange.

As Nathan walked back to the Mountie office, Lee's guys were pulling up with a load of supplies for the repairs to the new Mountie classroom. He walked up and met them, as the foreman on the project, a nice young man named Jeffrey, was just about to knock at his office door.

Nathan entered and grabbed the keys for the second floor, and led them around the back. He stood with them a long time, explaining and answering their questions. They seemed like a very good team. Nathan stayed a while longer as the young men unloaded all their supplies and got started.

When Nathan got back to his office, there was a note and a Blueberry muffin on his desk. He really loved getting notes on his desk. He smiled as he sat, and opened the note and read.

My love,

Would you please have lunch with me today, in my apartment? I have something I would really like to show you.

You know where to find me for your RSVP.

Yours always,

J

My love. There it was. The endearment that had absolutely stopped him in his tracks last night. As soon as it was out of her mouth, his heart had seized in his chest, in a good way. And he knew right then, that was the name.

He stood, tucking the note carefully into his pocket, the one right by his heart, and he walked across the street. When he entered the infirmary, he heard Julia behind the curtain with a patient. He didn't recognize the voice, but it was a young man and they were discussing a scar on his arm. Julia came around the curtain then, startled for just a split-second, not expecting to find him there. A huge smile washed over her face as she took him in, red serge and all. She put up a finger as to say one moment, and she went to the medicine cabinet. She scanned the boxes until she found a cream, and disappeared back behind the curtain. About two minutes later, the blond young man who had spoken to her at the Founder's Day dance, followed her out from behind the curtain. He and his friends had obviously and openly admired Julia the evening of the dance. Nathan remembered how they had all been smiling with such silly grins, when she stopped and acknowledged them. He was quite certain her kind attention had made their evening. Now, the blond young man was looking at her with the same silly grin.

But, when William noticed Nathan standing there, tall and impressive in his red serge, and waiting to speak with Julia, he got the idea. He seemed to like the idea, as he smiled at Nathan and then back at Julia. William had seen how they danced together, it had been hard to miss their obvious shared affection. She suddenly looked very shy as she recognized the subtle message, ever so gently passing between the two men.

Julia finally spoke up, and said, "Twice a day, William. And, then stop by and let me know how it's working, ok?"

William nodded, "I will do, Nurse Matthews. Thank you so much for your help." Then, William looked at Nathan and nodded his farewell. "Good day, Constable."

"Have a good day, William." Nathan answered back. He wondered how many young men like William were coming by the infirmary, just because of Julia?

When William was gone, Nathan decided to tease her, and find out, "Nurse Matthews, I wonder how many young men like William here, come in just to see you?"

"Don't be silly, Nathan." She said, smiling at his teasing, brushing it off. But, Nathan was fairly certain there could be some truth to it.

He stepped closer to her and said, cute and flirtatiously, "Miss Matthews, I don't think you realize how easily you capture the attention of a man."

Julia shook her head at him, embarrassed by his little teasing. "That's not true. William was most definitely hurt when he first came in."

Nathan stepped even closer and nodded, now very amused. "and now?"

"His scar is itchy." And as she said it, she realized how absurd it sounded. She wondered if there was any truth to Nathan's words as she asked, stumbling terribly, "Do you…really…think that's why he came in?"

Nathan smiled at her and put his arms gently around her waist as he looked admiringly at her. He was still very amused. He looked at her and said with eyebrows raised, "Well, it's certainly why I'm here."

Julia gave a soft giggle as she rested her hands on his red serge, "Oh, really. And, once again, without an appointment." She teased him.

"Can you ever forgive me?" He asked playfully, giving her a soft kiss on the lips.

Against his lips she responded, "Maybe…"

When the kiss ended, he looked at her, still amused, and added, "But, do you think young William might have gotten the idea, that there's something serious between you and me?"

Julia gave him a soft, short kiss back. "Well, Constable, I think he understood, the way you stood up tall and bowed out your chest when we came around the curtain…." She said, with a little giggle.

Nathan looked very amused now. "You saw that, did you?" He kissed her again.

When he pulled back from her, she smiled. She said, "But, I don't mind. I don't care who knows. I'm completely and totally yours."

He smiled back at her, realizing how perfect it was to start the day, just like this. He kissed her one more time, soft and sweet. And said, "And I am completely and totally yours, Nurse Matthews."

Julia was happy, it felt so good to hear that. Especially when she found him so very handsome in his serge, looking at her with eyes deeper than the sea.

He suddenly remembered why he had come in the first place. "Jules, you've so distracted me, I forgot why I came over here." He told her, with his crooked smile. "I came to accept your lunch invitation."

"Ok." She said with a happy smile. "Great. Twelve, noon?" She asked.

"I'll be there." He said, content. He gave her one more quick kiss on the cheek, and stepped back, keeping one of her hands in his. He kept his eyes on her as he kissed her hand, too. Then he turned, walked to the door, but looked back at her one more time before leaving.

At noon, Nathan knocked on her back door. It was hot now, and all her windows were open so he easily heard her call out, "Come in."

He entered and hung his red serge by the door. Julia had set a pretty table, with a light blue tablecloth and white cloth napkins. The bouquet of daisies he had brought her were now hanging upside down and drying in one corner. The red roses were still alive and well, and were now in the vase right next to her bed. He noticed her Bible laying there too, just next to the vase of roses.

Julia was working in the kitchen, and turned around as he walked in. Her face lit up when she saw him, and he absolutely loved that. He knew she had the exact same effect on him, and that made him very happy. This was what love was like.

Nathan came to her and kissed her on the cheek. "Hi, again." He whispered, looking down at her.

"Hello, my love." Julia said smiling up at him. That endearment did something to him every single time. So very simple a word…love. A noun describing something he had thought he would never find. And now, because it came from her, it had become his greatest treasure. And not because of the noun itself, but because of the simple pronoun before it. My. Not just anyone's love, but it was she who called him my love, and that was what made all the difference. He couldn't help himself, and he leaned down and kissed her. She wasn't expecting it, and he felt her breath catch when his lips met hers. His stomach turned over and his hand came up to gently touch her cheek.

When he pulled back, she didn't seem to want to break the connection, which made it only harder to step back. Julia kept his gaze and asked, with a soft smile, "What was that for?"

"That was just because." He smiled softly back at her.

Julia whispered, "I like just because." She looked at him and wondered if they would ever sit down to eat. "Nathan, are you hungry?" She asked.

"I am, but you wrote in your note that you had something you wanted to show me." He said, his eyes questioning.

Julia smiled big, as excitement seemed to wash over her. She stepped back a little and said, "After you and I talked last night, I was inspired. I came home and hung some more of my Dad's paintings."

Nathan looked around and saw there were three new paintings on her wall. He had been so focused on her, unable to take his eyes of of her, that he hadn't even noticed.

Julia led him over to the first painting, and he took his time admiring it. "Jules, is that you?" Nathan asked, recognizing her in the baby in the painting.

"Yes. And that's my mother." She answered, though he could see that already. Julia favored her mother. And, the way she looked down at the baby in her arms, so adoringly, Nathan couldn't help but smile. The love of a mother was so clearly conveyed in each brushstroke.

"Wow, such a beautiful painting, Julia. Your mother was a real beauty. Now I know where you get it from." Nathan stated, smiling at her. It was so wonderful to learn more about Julia, and to be let in on something so intimate.

"There's more." Julia stated, as she took his hand and gently led him over to the next one. This was the sailboat painting, with her and Jake as kids, sitting on the deck of her dad's huge sailboat. "Though, I'm a little older in this one." She said, watching him take in every detail about the painting.

It was also very beautiful. The way the water lapped at the side of the boat, the detail in their faces, the birds captured in flight above them. "How old are you there?" Nathan asked her.

"About four I think." Julia said, standing beside him and still holding his hand. She must have been really adorable as a child. In the painting, she had white blond hair, tied up in cute pig tails, falling down on both sides of her in huge waves. Her striking blue eyes looked so big and huge, in her tiny face, and they were the very same blue as the water below.

"Jules, you were adorable." Nathan said, admiring everything about this painting as well. The boat was impressive, and her and Jake seemed so tiny perched up on the seat on deck.

"My father build that boat." Julia said softly.

"You're kidding." Nathan said, very impressed now. He could see the name on the boat then. "Lily Grace." He said audibly. What a beautiful name for a boat.

"That was my mother's name." She revealed, smiling shyly at him with tears in her eyes. And then she added, just above a whisper, "She was the love of his life."

He whispered, "That's a very beautiful name."

Julia tried to lighten the mood by a sort of little joke. "For a mother or a boat?" She felt herself on the brink of sinking into a sea of sadness and she wanted to stay afloat. She really didn't want to cry.

"Either." He softly answered. He could see the tears in her eyes and the struggle. He held her hand tightly, letting her know he was right there. "And, it's also a very beautiful, very impressive boat."

"I loved that boat." She whispered.

"Where is it now?" Nathan asked her gently. He guessed by the past tense that neither Jake nor Julia had kept the boat, as they had the house.

"It's still in Peggy's Cove. Dad sold it to a neighbor after Jake and I were both out of the house. I think he just couldn't bear to take it out alone anymore. Our neighbor knew my mother very well, and couldn't bear to change the name, so she's still the Lily Grace, and still moored in the harbor there." Julia explained.

"Impressive, Julia. The boat, the painting, your cute little pigtails." He smiled at her, trying to help her stay afloat. "Your hair was so blond." He surmised.

She giggled soft and he was happy to hear that little laugh. "Yes, it was very blond when I was little. It started to turn a little darker when I was about seven, but was always pretty bleached in the summer. All the time in the sun, I guess." She smiled, seeming to be on better footing now, less emotional.

He looked around and saw the last painting, near the lighthouse. He walked over, still holding her hand and keeping her close.

The last painting was obviously her mother, on horseback, in a field of wildflowers. He suddenly understood so much about Julia, just by looking at that painting. It explained so much. Her desire to ride a horse, and the love of wildflowers.

In this painting, her mother was smiling so happily, and he could see so much more of the resemblance. Julia had her mother's hair, sandy and wavy, and the same deep blue eyes. Nathan recognized the same heart-shaped lips and the same dimples in her cheeks. Julia's face was shaped a little different, and her mother was a little more fair. But, there was a striking resemblance. And, Julia's mother had a timeless, stately beauty about her, much like he saw in pictures of his own mother, when she had been young.

"Wow, Jules, your mother was very beautiful." Nathan told her.

"Thank you, I think so, too." Julia rasped, emotional.

Nathan thought she looked about the same age Julia is now. "Do you have any idea how old she is in this painting?"

"She was very young. I think this was painted before Jake was born. So, she must have been about twenty or twenty-one here." Julia responded.

Julia's mother looked so comfortable and natural on horseback. And, the field of wildflowers all around her was so vivid and bright. The field seemed to go on behind her forever, and in the background were a few gentle hills. The sky was huge and deep blue and the clouds bright white in contrast.

Nathan looked at her and asked, "Jules, is this painting why you wanted to learn…"

"Yes." She cut him off, with her quick yes and soft smile, before he could say horseback riding.

"And it's why you like…"

"Yes." Julia answered softly before he could even say the word wildflowers.

She turned back to face the painting and explained softly, "When I was growing up, this painting was on the wall in my bedroom." And then she added in a whisper, "I used to dream about her."

Julia was the most intriguing woman Nathan had ever known. She wanted to learn horse riding just because of a painting that hung in her bedroom. Yes, it had been a painting of her mother. But, for Julia, it represented so much more that that. The horseback riding was a sort of connection she longed to have with her mother. She had dreamt of learning to ride all her life, to see if that connection would somehow make her feel closer to the mother she hadn't had the opportunity to know.

Nathan could also understand Julia's love for wildflowers, if she had spent every day, whether waking or sleeping, with this painting hanging in her room.

"Julia, it's a very beautiful painting. I think it's my very favorite." He said, softly. He loved it simply because it gave him a sort of window, to see inside her. One look at this painting, and he could see and understand why those things had been so very important to her. He could understand something that Julia had held so dear, that she had dreamt about. Through that window, he could know her deeper, and understand her. And for that reason, he loved it.

Julia whispered, "I love it, too." And Nathan saw her hand go up to wipe her eyes. He turned toward her and pulled her into his arms. She went quickly, almost throwing herself into his embrace. Feeling so exposed, she longed for her place next to his heart, where she knew she belonged. Where safety abounded and she could let her heart fall into rhythm with his. He was the one, and she absolutely knew it.

Even after her soft sobs subsided, he continued to hold her close. When she finally pulled back, he took a clean handkerchief from his pocket and gently wiped her eyes. She finally took the hankie from him and did the rest. But, he kept her close and never took his eyes off of her. It was impossible to, he was so unashamedly in love with her.

Julia realized they still had not eaten the lunch she had brought from the café, and it was probably terribly cold by now. "Nathan, we didn't even eat lunch yet." She said, just mentioning it. She really didn't want to let go of him.

"I don't care, Jules. What I care about is you. And, I feel so privileged that you would share all of this with me." He said, looking down at her. She felt overwhelmed with love for him, and her eyes filled with tears again.

"I love you, Nathan Grant." She said quietly and simply. He leaned down and stopped just before their lips met.

He whispered back, so close, almost against her lips, "I love you, too." And, he kissed her. Gentle and sweet, but as the emotions welled up between them, the kiss became more and more passionate. One hand was still around her waist, but his other hand went up into her hair. Julia's arms came strong around him and moved up his back. She seemed to almost cling to him, which made his heart race. Love flowed deep between them as the fire intensified.

When Nathan finally pulled back, he gazed at her. Her cheeks were flushed and her lips deep rose, she looked so very beautiful.

Rather breathlessly, Julia asked, "My love, perhaps we should try to eat now?"

Nathan didn't really want to let her go, but thought maybe it was better to put some distance between them, and calm down. "That sounds good, Jules." He said, dropping her hands.

She nodded, and brought two plates over to the table. When they sat, Nathan prayed to bless the food. "I hope you don't mind, I picked up plates from the café. I didn't really have time to cook. It was a busy morning at the infirmary." Julia stated.

Nathan decided to tease her a little, "More young men like William?"

That brought a cute little giggle from Julia, and she shook her head no. "You are insufferable, Nathan Grant."

"Well, I can't blame those young men, Jules." He made another little joke, "They have good taste."

Julia laughed again, and said. "And, you don't have women who flirt with you from time to time, when you wear that serge?" She said throwing her thumb over her shoulder to indicate his serge hanging at her front door.

He started to pick at his food, pretending to be busy as not to answer.

"So, there are women who flirt with you?" She said, mouth hanging open a little and curious now, as to who it could be. "I'm taking your silence as a yes."

"Well, it doesn't happen very often, and women don't come all the way into town from the oil rig or the saw mill to see me." He said.

"Oh, I'm sure they come from far enough away. Do they head into the Mountie office batting their eyelashes like a damsel in distress?" Julia teased him.

"No, that has never happened to me." He said, enjoying his meatloaf and mashed potatoes. "Though, I have had a few stop me in the mercantile."

"I knew it!" Julia said with a soft giggle. "I don't think you realize how handsome you are in red. I can't blame those women one bit! They have impeccable taste."

He gazed at her with a tender smile, feeling so affirmed. How did she do that? Make him feel attractive and valued, with such ease.

When the teasing was done, they talked a while as they ate. Nathan shared with her about the work on the Mountie office and his progress on the training manual. Julia shared with him about some of the changes to their filing system at the infirmary, that should make it more efficient. The changes had been Julia's idea, and when they tried the changes, they really worked out well.

When they were done eating, Julia collected the plates and took them to the sink. She put on the coffee pot and picked up the two plates of dessert she had also ordered. Chocolate cake.When she set the plates down, he smiled up at her. She also brought over two spoons, 2 coffee cups and saucers, and the milk.

"It's chocolate cake day at the café?" He asked.

She smiled, "Yes, that's what prompted this whole lunch date. When I went into the café for coffee this morning, the chocolate cake smelled so wonderful as it was baking. I had only one thought." She paused. "There's only one person in the whole wide world I would share my piece of chocolate cake with. And, that's you." Julia said, smiling at him. Then, she looked down at the cake on her plate. "But…then I decided we should just each have our own piece. And, well, then I thought I should just pick up the whole lunch." She smiled at him, with a little shrug.

"Well, it was a good idea." Nathan said, "And, there is no one else I'd rather eat chocolate cake with either."

When the coffee gurgled, Julia stood and served the two coffee cups. They drank as they enjoyed the cake together. When they were done, Julia carried the plates over to the wash basin and set them in.

Julia looked over at her bookcase and remembered something Nathan had mentioned last night. Something she wanted to ask him about. Julia walked over to the bookcase and ran her hand over the wood. "Nathan, can I please ask you about something?"

Nathan nodded and stood and came over close. He said, "About the bookcase?"

"Yes. Sort of." Julia asked with her hand still on the wood of the bookcase. "When you shared with me about Archie, you said he was a carpenter. I wondered if that's where you got your love of woodworking?"

"Yes, it's at least where it started. My dad had a workshop at home, and used to let me help him, when I was young. It was something we did together. He let me hang out there with him all the time, and taught me a good bit." Nathan shared. "Dad was very talented, and probably could have gone far with it. If it hadn't been for his gambling problem." Nathan looked down at his hands, remembering all the hours spent together in the workshop, when he was young.

"Then, when the trouble started, and Archie was no longer around, Charlie spent time with me in the workshop." Nathan knew he needed to explain his relationship with the sweet older man. "Charlie's been our foreman at the ranch for as long as I can remember, and Colleen and I became good friends with him from a very early age. He's a very kind man, and loved us like his own. Charlie's also a master woodworker and well, he took me under his wing. I think when things went downhill with my father, he saw a lost little boy, and wanted to help." Nathan explained, remembering those young years of friendship with a very kind man.

"Charlie and I spent a lot of time together in that workshop, I think it was a sort of escape for me. And, he taught me a lot. He was very patient and very good with wood. With his help, I became quite good and loved it. We made some really beautiful things together. We crafted the front doors of the big house, and the banisters in the main hall. Whenever we'd finish one project, Charlie would find something else for us to do. I think his keeping me busy was his way of keeping me out of trouble, which I'm very thankful for." Nathan explained.

Julia had no idea about this important person in Nathan's life. She smiled learning all about Nathan and Charlie.

"If it wasn't for Charlie and the Mounties, I'm not sure where I would be right now." Nathan surmised.

Julia didn't agree with that statement, at least not completely. "Nathan, I'm sure Charlie influenced you greatly, and the Mounties taught you many things, like discipline. But, I find it very hard to believe that you would have ever turned out any less than wonderful."

"What do you mean?" Nathan asked.

"There are life experiences and people that help influence us and shape us, along life's journey. But, at the root of it, you are who you are. And, I find it hard to believe that you would have ever turned out any other way than a man of character and principle. Maybe you would not have been a Mountie if your dad hadn't been in trouble all the time. But no matter what profession you had chosen, you still would have been someone who influenced others and society for the better. It's who you are." She said, smiling at him proudly.

"But, my Father was different before. He was a normal, stand up guy." Nathan paused. "And, yes, that fear of turning out like him is one of the reasons I became a Mountie. I wanted to be the very opposite of him. And, it's also why I have never let myself gamble, not even once. Not even for fun." Nathan stated.

Julia understood now. He had been apprehensive when Lee had set up the poker night for the guys, when he was injured. And she had heard that Nathan insisted on playing with the chips only, and didn't seem to be very much into the game. Bill had told her as much. Bill had also mentioned that he had backed Nathan up when others wanted to make real wagers, understanding and respecting Nathan's convictions. She had been so thankful when Bill had told her that he had insisted, right alongside of Nathan, that no money be allowed on the table. She had already suspected that Nathan had a strict rule about gambling and highly respected him for it.

Julia nodded and said, "And, you should stick to your convictions, Nathan. I respect you for them. But, I won't believe for a second that you could ever turn out like your father. You are too good a man." She said, thoroughly convinced and unwavering in her own convictions.

At that statement, Nathan put his hand out to her. She took it and he brought her into his embrace again. She stayed a long time there, in her place, snuggled in where she felt at home.

He whispered into her hair, "Thank you for believing in me, Jules." He thought she sounded a lot like Colleen, who used to say the very same things to him.

Julia pulled her head back and looked up at him, with a cute playful little smile. His arms were still strong around her and she loved it. "Anytime you need a cheerleader, Lawman. I'm right here to sing your praises."

He leaned down and kissed her slow and sweet, feeling so wonderfully sure of their relationship. She always knew just what to say, and always supported him just the way he needed.

When Nathan pulled back, Julia kept her gaze on him and said, "Nathan, one day, I would really like to meet this Charlie."

Nathan liked that. He hadn't been home to the ranch in about three years, and he missed it. And, as he talked about him, Nathan realized that he missed Charlie too. "I would love to take you to Airdrie, Jules. And, I will. Don't you worry."

"Well, I accept. Whenever you finally take me." Julia said with a cute little giggle.

"You like to say yes to me before I even ask, I'm realizing." Nathan joked.

"Apparently I do. Get used to it. As I've told you before, I'm in love with you." She said with a shy smile.

He kissed her again, gentle and long, still keeping his arms firm around her, enjoying the closeness and the togetherness.

Finally, sadly, reluctantly, they realized the time. They were both way over their normal lunch breaks. And, as much as they didn't want to let go of each other, they slowly did and both headed back to work. When Julia walked him out through the infirmary, Faith watched them from her desk with a knowing smile.

As soon as school was out, Allie came to the infirmary. Though, according to plan, Julia had left her back door open and Allie entered that way. Allie then came through the adjoining door to let Julia know that she had arrived. Julia had already set everything up, so they got right to work on Allie's painting. Allie was progressing in her art skills by leaps and bounds and Julia didn't need to help her as often. Though, Allie still asked for her advice and expertise, often enough.

"Allie, it's coming along so well. There is not much left to do." Julia stated.

"When do you think it will be finished?" Allie asked.

"I think you might only need about an hour's worth of work tomorrow, to add the shading and lowlights. And, any last minute touches. But, I'm certain you can finish it tomorrow." Julia stated. It was really a beautiful painting. Even the photo from which Allie had made the painting was lovely.

"That's great. Because Saturday morning, Grams wanted to take me on a ride, just the two of us. I told her I could only go if I were finished with my painting. But I will tell her yes, if you think I will be done tomorrow." Allie stated.

"I really think so. You should go on that ride with your Grams, it sounds like fun." Julia said, smiling at Allie.

"I want to take her to my overlook." Allie remembered she might need to explain, Julia had never been there before. "There's this place on the north side of the mountain, it's an overlook and it's so beautiful. Dad calls it my overlook, because it's my favorite place."

"I bet it's really lovely, Allie." Julia stated.

"It is. On the ride there, you have to cross a little stream. The water is high in the winter and spring, and when the snow is melting, and the horses are not particularly fond to go that way. But, in the summer and fall, the water is low and we can cross. It's like a hidden treasure you can only visit certain times of the year. And, that makes it special." Allie told her.

Julia would love to see it. "It sounds like a great adventure, Allie. I would love it if you would take me there sometime."

Allie smiled, happy that she was interested in something so precious to her. "I will definitely take you, Miss Matthews."

When they were all done, Julia left the painting up to dry. She walked Allie out the back door so Nathan wouldn't see them. As they were saying good bye, Allie suddenly looked up at Julia.

"Miss Matthews, on Saturday afternoon, there is a graduation and end-of-the-year ceremony at school. I would really like it if you would come. Would you please come?" Allie asked.

"I would love to, Allie. What time?" Julia asked.

"It starts at 4 p.m." Allie said.

"I'll be there, Allie." Julia said, and Allie hugged her huge. Julia realized how very much she had come to adore, and even love Allie.