Chapter 84. The Trip Home

Alone in the room on Monday morning, Julia packed her bag, feeling a little sullen that they were leaving today. Already. In a little more than an hour. As she put the last item in her bag, her thoughts drifted to Nathan somewhere on the Mountie base, probably on that big grassy drill field, doing his physical training. And he had probably been at it a since 5 a.m. this morning, training hard alongside some of the new recruits.

Tap. Tap. Tap. She gasped and stood frozen for a split second, staring at the door. Had she just imagined those three light taps? Only one person knocked like that.

She hurried to the door and flung it open. And there he stood. "Nathan." It came out in a whisper, barely audible.

At his appearance, another gasp left her lungs, although softer this time. He stood before her out of breath and panting, as if he had run all the way here. And he was sweaty.

Something deep inside her started to smolder at the sight of him. She tried to turn it off, but her efforts were futile, as he strolled into the room, bringing the smell of fresh morning air and masculine strength with him.

And the way he smiled at her, as he strode right past her, made her stomach do a flip. Nathan looked so manly and handsome, that she could no longer breathe. She kept a safe respectable distance, since they were all alone, as she followed him into the room.

"Good morning." He breathed. "Where's Allie?"

"Down at the wash room." Julia answered, though her voice sounded funny. She couldn't help it, as his strong chest heaved, just mere feet from her. Next, her eyes betrayed her, as they wandered over him, and oh, they wandered all over him -every inch. He was wearing a PT uniform, all soft and clingy, with white canvas high top sport shoes. His henley was completely open at the top and sweat glistened on every bit of bare skin that was visible, from her vantage point. In fact, the sweat made the henley cling to his muscled chest even more, and left a dark ring around the top of his collar that went all the way around the back.

Even across the distance, Nathan recognized the fire in her eyes, and he was overcome with the very same desire to kiss her. In a split second, he calculated the time it took to get to the washroom and back versus the distance that separated the two of them.

Julia felt flushed under the weight of Nathan's intense gaze. In the span of a half-second, she glanced over at the open door, and back at him. And he knew then, that he had to act fast. This was his one chance. He came quickly, though he took great care not to get her sweaty.

He brought his hands up to her face, and he kissed her. Passionately. The fire was already lit when his lips met hers, so he let it burn as they kissed. And, she kissed him back, matching the fire, which had been lit the moment he'd strolled into the room.

He kissed her long, like he hadn't kissed her in an entire week, and as if he wouldn't kiss her again for another one.

As they kissed, Nathan's sweet scent hit Julia hard, and knocked the wind the rest of the way out of her. His usual smell of soap, musk, and fresh mountain air, had been greatly amplified by the added heat of manly sweat and masculine energy. Altogether, it made a sweet harmonious aroma, one that made her feel lightheaded and weak in the knees.

In an involuntary motion, a sort of reflex effort to seek stability, her arms came strong around his back, and she pulled herself closer into him. What resulted was the slightest touch of their bodies, one that Nathan felt all the way to his toes. He'd held her close many times, but somehow, this moment felt more intense. Every single point of contact between the soft fabric of her skirt and ruffled shirtwaist, and his Henley and sweatpants, hummed.

Nathan knew their time was running out, so he took a few last, long draws from the sweetness of her mouth. Then he stepped back very slowly, reluctantly, oh so very reluctantly. His gaze was intense and fixed on Julia as he took one more safe step back. He let his hands fall from her soft rosy cheeks, and land down by his sides.

And, he did so just in the nick of time. Like the hands of a clock that ticked twelve, Allie entered the room, carrying a water pitcher. She took one look at them, both staring at each other, all flushed with emotion, and she smiled to herself. They weren't fooling anyone.

"Dad!" She called out, bringing him back down to planet earth.

Though his body refused to move, Nathan slowly turned his head and glanced at her, "Good morning, Allie girl."

"You're all sweaty." Allie told him, as she came and hugged him from the side, attempting to avoid the sweat. Nathan's arms went around her, and he was so thankful for the diversion.

"Physical training today, Allie. Lots of it. I'm on a little break and thought I'd come say goodbye." He explained, looking over the top of Allie's embrace, square at Julia, as he said it. She was still frozen to the spot where he'd left her, and her gaze was still fixed, on him. He sweetly smiled his crooked smile at her, and she slowly willed her body to move again. She folded her arms across her chest and managed a shy smile back at him.

Finally, she cleared her throat and brought one hand up by her neck. His gaze was still fixed and he watched her every move, as she splayed her hand at her neck in an effort to collect herself. She tried to take a deep breath and bring her heart rate back to normal, but realized it was going to be impossible, as long as he was here.

She had to do something, anything. Maybe the movement of her whole body would spur her brain cells into working again. So, she willed her legs, walked over to her bag, and closed it up. The walking seemed to help, so she took a turn about the room and made sure she hadn't forgotten anything. His eyes never left her.

Jake appeared at the door, which was still standing open, and made a little knock on the doorframe.

Julia looked up and smiled, thankful for another diversion. "Come in, Jake. Join the party." She glanced back at Nathan who had finally managed to tear his eyes away, and was now talking with Allie. She was asking him a million questions about what he was doing in his physical training. Though her pulse was still pounding in her ears, Julia heard him mention something about running, flutter kicks, and push ups. Allie just shook her head, as he explained.

When Jake walked in, Nathan came and shook his hand. "Good morning, Jake."

"Good morning, Nathan." Jake answered, and chuckled at his attire, all spotted with sweat. "How's it going?"

"It's going well, actually. I like physical training. I need to get back soon, though." Nathan said sadly, as he noticed the time on the wall clock. He had to be back on the field at 8:00 sharp.

"We need to get moving, too, ladies." Jake told them flatly. "The train leaves at 8:30, with or without us."

Allie nodded, and took a quick last look around the room. She moved to Nathan and gave him one last big hug, "Bye, Dad." Though, she quickly regretted it and added an adolescent, "Ewwwww," as she stepped back from his sweaty chest.

As he set Allie back on her feet, he apologized.

Nathan moved to Julia next, to say good-bye, and was surprised when she went fully into his arms. She gripped him tight and firm around his back and his arms came around her and held her strong. She laid her lips close to the pulse in his neck, and again, right there, he felt the humming. He closed his eyes and tried to breathe, and managed a soft apology into her ear, "Sorry about my sweaty state."

She answered him back in a whisper, her lips making the slightest contact with his bare glistening skin, as she did. "I don't care, my love." He kept his eyes closed, because of both the unmistakable contact, and her endearment, the one he loved so much. He held her tight. Julia stayed right there and breathed in deeply, committing his sweet scent to memory.

When she finally pulled out of his embrace, and let him go, he hadn't much time to make it back to drills.

Nathan moved to Jake, ever praying that his voice would work. It did, "Thanks for everything, Jake. I'm really honored that you were here, and that you brought my girls." Nathan told him, and they shook hands in farewell.

Nathan slowly moved to the door, and took one more look at each of them before disappearing down the stairs and out the front door.

Julia picked up her bag, as did Allie, and they followed Jake out the door, and to the train station.

The train ride home was long, but Julia had a lot to think about. Nathan's ceremony, his commendations, and all the wonderful things that were said about him. And, those things were professional; having to do with his work ethic, his performance as a Mountie, and his commitment to honor and duty. Commander Collins had mentioned nothing about his noble character, his selfless and protective nature, or his kind and gentle heart. Or the deep and intense way he loved, and gave all of himself, with such beauty and honesty. There were so many wonderful attributes about Nathan Grant, that hadn't been mentioned. But, she was the lucky one who knew them all. Or, at least most of them, or a lot of them. Anything she didn't know already, she would spend the rest of her life learning about.

Nathan's scent stayed with her all the way home. It had been transferred onto her in that last embrace, and it kept her company. It was an added bonus, just like seeing him this morning. She still couldn't believe he had snuck over and surprised them. And, that kiss. Wow, that kiss. He was one attractive man, and did incredible things to her. Things she didn't even realize were possible for a man to do to a woman, from a distance of 6 feet. But, when he strode in that room all sweaty and flushed, she had been completely and utterly undone. From the inside out.

She had no idea how she would handle their wedding night. The thought of being alone with him in his bedroom did things to her insides. One image came back to her then, and it was the image of Nathan standing shirtless in his bedroom. She tried with all her might to avert her attention by looking out the window.

Though, it didn't work very well. Her mind wandered next to one of her dreams, from a while ago. In the dream, she was standing in his bedroom, and noticed a second nightstand over on the other side of Nathan's bed. On the nightstand had were things she recognized, her things. And, hanging in the closet were her clothes. And, when she turned around, Nathan was standing behind her, bare-chested and handsome, looking at her with the same longing that she had seen today. And, she had gone right into his arms, uninhibited.

Julia drew a long, deep breath and let it out slowly. She fought hard to collect herself, after that image. It was in fact, an image that she probably shouldn't let herself ponder again, not until their wedding night. Not if she was going to keep her heart and mind pure, and be patient.

She looked over at Allie for a distraction. Though, Allie had her nose in her book. Julia looked at Jake sitting across from her, and he was asleep.

So, Julia was left alone with her thoughts. Finally, she gave up. There was only one way to escape her wandering mind. She laid her head back on the seat and closed her eyes.

When the stage coach pulled up to the platform in Hope Valley, Julia felt refreshed. It had been a quick trip, but wonderful. Not only had it been special to see Nathan honored, but also significant to be there for such an important moment in his career. Though his career had never been his first priority, nor would he ever place it before family, it was still important. And something that was a part of him. And anything that was important to Nathan, and a part of him, was important to Julia.

So, she was blessed to have been there, and to witness his accomplishments, for this part of who he is.

When Allie, Julia, and Jake descended the stagecoach, Archie was there waiting. Allie ran and gave him a hug, and excitedly talked a mile a minute. She was already telling him all about the ceremony, and Nathan's promotion, and his awards.

Archie looked overtop Allie's head, as Julia and Jake approached. When Allie finally took a breath, he asked, "How was it?"

Hard to put into words."It was wonderful, Archie. Your son is something…special." Julia told him with a broad but timid smile. After that kiss this morning, all her emotions were still swirling. Mix that with their intense chemistry, and the many revelations she'd had on the way home, and she just wasn't quite sure how to express herself. Chalk it up to deep emotion and deep feeling, and many, many thoughts that weren't quite done simmering.

Archie chuckled. "I'm pretty sure he'd say the same about you." And probably, just like that.

Julia smiled knowingly, and turned her gaze to Allie. "It was a fun few days with you, Allie. Come by and see me tomorrow, okay?" She told her.

"Or you come see me at the mercantile." Allie winked. Jake stepped over to retrieve their bags from the coach driver.

Archie piped in, "Julia, why don't you come for dinner, on Tuesday night?"

Julia suddenly got an idea. She aimed her question at Allie, with raised eyebrows. "How about I come for dinner, and bring all the ingredients to make Chicken Pot Pie. And we can cook together, tomorrow night?" She motioned toward her future father-in-law, "You and I can make dinner for Archie?"

A huge, happy smile spread across Allie's face. "You've got yourself a deal, Julia. That sounds like fun."

"Sounds great to me, too." Archie drawled slowly. "I'd much rather eat ya girls' cookin' 'dan mine."

"Ok, then it's settled. I'll be over at 5:30 tomorrow night, with my basket full." Julia said with a wink to Allie.

Jake rejoined them, carrying the luggage, and handed Allie's bag to Archie. They hugged their good-byes, then Julia and Jake turned and walked towards the infirmary. On the way, Julia could still hear Allie telling Archie all about their trip. She recounted the pretty menu, the delicious desserts, and the fancy restaurant, as they turned the corner toward the row houses.

When Julia entered the infirmary, Faith was still there, sitting at the desk. She looked up and smiled when she saw Julia.

Faith sat back, and asked her. "How was your trip?" Julia came and sat.

"Faith, I don't even know where to start." She said with a happy smile. "It was amazing. Every last bit of it."

Faith smiled, so happy to hear that.

"And, oh, how special to be there for Nathan. He had no idea we were coming, it was a complete surprise." Julia reported with a motion of her hand.

Then Julia got serious, looked at her friend, almost solemn, "Faith, he is so highly honored and decorated in the Mounties, and you would never even know it. He's always served here so humbly and faithfully, without anyone in this town realizing."

Faith was not surprised to hear that, she had observed Nathan and his character for more than four years now. But, she was sad that no one in town realized how decorated their Mountie really was. "Wow, I had no idea."

"I don't know if I will ever fully grasp the depths of his character." Julia told her, humbled that she was the one that got to love him.

Faith looked down at the ring on Julia's finger. "Well, you get the rest of your life, to figure it out."

Julia gave her an even grin, and looked down at the same ring. "That I do." She said softly.

Julia looked back up at her friend and took a deep breath. "Faith, thank you for letting me have the day off, so that I could go. I really appreciate it." She told her earnestly.

"It was my pleasure. And, I know it meant a lot to Nathan, too. He deserved to have someone there to witness his accolades." Faith surmised.

"Well, thank you. From both of us." Julia said simply. "Anything new here?" She asked, looking at the open patient files on the desk in front of Faith.

"No, nothing much here in the infirmary. But, did you hear the buzz in town?" Faith asked her.

"Buzz? What buzz?" Julia asked.

"Lucas is back." She reported with a sad grin. "Alone."

Julia's mouth fell open. "Lucas is back? Without Elizabeth?"

"Exactly. He arrived on the evening coach last night, and hasn't been seen since. He's been holed up in his office, and won't speak to anyone." Faith told her. That was not a good sign.

"Oh my." Julia said, and she sat back in her chair, taking in this information.

"Shocking, right?" Faith asked her.

"Yes indeed." Julia said, looking down towards the Saloon. "And nobody knows if he's okay?"

Faith shook her head no.

Only Rosemary would know how Elizabeth was fairing. "I don't know whether to say poor Lucas or poor Elizabeth." Julia stated flatly.

"Well, by the look on his face, as he walked by these windows, I'd say it's more like poor Lucas." Faith said sadly. Julia supposed Faith was probably right, Elizabeth had been quite callous with Nathan's heart. If that was any indication.

"Oh, no. That's terrible." Julia could easily imagine Lucas, determined, trying to stand his own with Elizabeth's rich, snobby family, even if he was a lot like them. He was cut from similar cloth, but there was still the issue of his shady past, and the fact that he owned a saloon. Julia remembered what Rosemary had told her in confidence, that it hadn't been going very well in Hamilton. She'd said that the challenges Lucas and Elizabeth faced as a couple were opportunities to shore up their relationship. Julia guessed the shoring hadn't worked very well.

Julia looked down at the ring on her finger, and hoped that wouldn't change anything for her and Nathan. It was a completely uninvited thought, and ridiculous. But, she couldn't help but wonder, even if for only a split second.

Faith must have read her mind, because she put her hand on Julia's shoulder and said softly. "Don't even think that way, Julia. It won't change anything for you."

Julia nodded softly, sure Faith was right.

Faith offered evidence. She tilted her head and smiled sweetly, "Have you seen the way he looks at you, Julia?" Julia looked up at her friend. "I can only hope that one day a man will look at me like that."

"It will happen for you. Have Faith." Julia encouraged her with a sweet smile, sure that true love would come along for her friend. "And thank you, Faith, for your encouraging words." She looked down at the ring again. "I don't even know why I let my mind go there."

"Well, it's probably normal, after this shocking news, and given the history. But, let me reassure you. The thought won't even enter his mind." Faith told her sweetly.

Julia nodded. "Any other shocking news?" She asked, with a joking tone.

"Nope. That's all the drama in Hope Valley over the last 36 hours." Faith teased.

"I guess if I want more information, or to find out any other scoop, I can always go to the mercantile." Julia said with a teasing smile.

Faith laughed out loud. "That's true!"

"Well, Faith, I'm rather tired, it's been a long day of travel. If you don't need me for anything, I might go take a hot bath and try to rustle up something to eat." Julia said as she stood up.

"No problem, Julia. Get some rest. And, I'll see you in the morning?" Faith asked.

"I'll be here, ready to work." Julia told her. "Have a good evening, Faith." She said, as she crossed over to her apartment.

After a long, hot bath, Julia painted. She let every bit of emotion and feeling guide her as the brush stroked the canvas. The brilliant colors on the palette, even the new ones that were all her own, were an expression of her deep abiding love. For a man. A wonderful man, to whom she belonged, heart and soul.

Then, when she was all painted out, she sat and penned a letter.

My Dearest Love,

I arrived home, with Allie and Jake, safe and sound in Hope Valley. I spent the entire trip home thinking of you. Your achievement, your accolades, and your commendations. Truly, you deserve it all. And even more than that, I reflected on who you are. Selfless and kind, protective and noble, sensitive and caring, thoughtful and true. Though, that list is only scratching the surface. And, I didn't even start the list of your physical attributes. My love, you are the single most handsome man I have ever met. And, I still cannot believe that I am the one who gets to marry you.

On the way home, I started my own little countdown. By my calculations, at the writing of this letter, I will become Mrs. Nathan Grant in just 47 days. And, oh what a day that will be.

I can't close this letter without including a little news from Hope Valley. Lucas is back, and he's back alone. Apparently he arrived on the Sunday evening coach. Faith said he's been holed up in his office ever since, and won't talk to anyone. I hope both he and Elizabeth will be okay, no matter what's happening between them. And, most of all, I sure hope that Little Jack is alright.

Thank you, my love, for the last two days in Union City, which were just wonderful. Thank you for the man that you are. And thank you most of all, for loving me. I can't wait to start our life together. 47 days.

I love you.

J