Chapter 87. The Homecoming

When Jake walked to work on Saturday morning, Julia was already there, waiting in his wicker chair. As soon as he saw her, he was unable to hold her gaze. He just shook his head and looked at the ground the rest of the way. He let out a huge breath as he stepped his office door and unlocked it. She followed him in.

"Jacob." Julia never called him that. "Please tell me what's going on. I'm worried about you."

"Jules, I really don't want to talk about it." He told her as he moved to make coffee. She stepped around him and gently took over. He would never make good coffee in this state. She had it going on the little cook stove in no time at all.

Julia turned to him. "Well, did you at least talk to Mike?"

"Yes. We worked it out between us." Jake told her. He crossed his arms across his chest. Was he really not going to tell her anymore than that?

"Well, what the heck did he have to say for himself?" Julia asked.

"He's been frustrated for a while because things aren't moving forward between he and Fiona." Jake said with with an even tone. "But that's not all. From what I gathered, he's also upset about Lucas' leaving. Mike thought, after all the time he and Lucas had spent together, that they were closer friends than they are. Lucas doesn't seem to care one bit about leaving everyone here behind, including Mike, and I think that really bothers him." Jake let that revelation hang for a moment. That made sense, considering what Mike had implied last night, about relating to Gustave. "Mike said he just needed to cut loose. And, I guess he cut a little too loose last night." Jake explained. "He apologized profusely. He knows he was in the wrong."

"And, did he apologize to Fiona, at least?" Julia asked him.

"Jules, I don't want to know what happens between Mike and Fiona. You should have figured that out by now." Jake looked at her with a furrowed brow. "I didn't want him to tell me the little bit he did."

"I'm sorry, Jake." She reached up and touched his upper arm. Her brother was a tough Mountie, but a big teddy bear underneath. She wished Fiona would see that.

"So the air is clear between you two?" Jules asked.

"Mike and I are good." Jake told her straight.

The coffee gurgled so she picked it up, and served two cups.

"And are you okay, dear brother?" She asked him, handing one cup to him.

"I'm fine, Jules. After working it out with Mike last night, I woke up with a new resolve. I'm gonna get over it and move on." He told her, determined.

"Okay, Jake. If that's what you want. I'm with you one hundred percent, whatever you need, okay?" She told him, rubbing his arm with her free hand.

"Thanks." And they moved to the front porch to drink their coffee together.

They sat in companionable silence again, just like yesterday morning, as they drank their coffee. It seemed to be the way Jake wanted it.

However, as they were finishing their cups, Faith and Fiona walked down the boardwalk towards the infirmary, on the other side of the street. They both looked over and waved. Julia and Jake returned their wave, though somehow it felt…awkward. At the infirmary door, Faith entered, and Fiona continued on down the boardwalk towards the mercantile. Just before she climbed the steps, she glanced back at Julia and Jake, though only for a moment. Julia wondered if she was debating something. But as usual, Fiona quickly recovered. She climbed the stairs and disappeared inside the mercantile.

Mike came to the infirmary shortly before noon. He apologized humbly and sincerely, and both Faith and Julia forgave him. He told them, just as he had Jake, that he knew he was completely in the wrong. And, he hoped his horrible behavior hadn't permanently damaged his friendship with either Julia or Faith.

Then, Mike asked them if they thought Fiona would forgive him.

Last night, as soon as Jake was out the saloon door, Fiona had let Mike have it, in front of everyone. Later on, Mike had gotten an earful a second time, when he'd tried to approach Fiona, as Julia and Faith walked her home.

But in spite of all that, Faith encouraged Mike. She reminded him that he and Fiona had been friends for a long time, and that they shared a deep friendship and a mutual respect for the other. If he did it the right way, Fiona would surely forgive him.

A few minutes before 5:00, Julia arrived at the stage coach platform. She'd had butterflies dancing in her stomach since before noon. At about 4:00, she'd gone back to her apartment to freshen up, and get ready to see her Nathan. And then, she'd taken her time walking down, hoping to calm her nerves, and all the intense feelings of anticipation.

About two minutes after she walked up, Allie came bounding excitedly around the corner, with Archie in tow. Jake arrived a minute later. And, they all four stood at the back of the platform, waiting for Nathan's coach.

5:00 p.m. came and went, and they started to look at each other in worry. The coach was late, which was unusual. By 5:15, Jake was checking his pocket watch every two or three minutes, debating whether or not to set out on Ranger in the direction of the train depot, to investigate. But about ten minutes later, just as he was about to leave, they heard the familiar racket of the stage coach.

They silently watched it pull in. First off was a petite but pretty young woman, about Julia's age. And then, just behind her, came her Nathan. His eyes were immediately fixed on Julia, from across the distance, as soon as he neared the door of the stagecoach.

Allie took off as soon as his foot hit the first step, and she launched herself into his arms. Nathan caught her strong, even though he was still half bent over from clearing the door of the coach. He quickly straightened and held her tight.

"Welcome home, Dad!" Allie told him, as she squeezed harder. He lifted her high up in the air, and she bent her knees back cutely. The young woman who had ridden in the coach with Nathan, got a kick out of this adorable reunion.

"I missed you, Allie girl." He told her, as he set her back on her feet.

Nathan took her hand, as he strode over to the other three. Though, as his gaze turned back to Julia, he was filled with an impatience, and an anticipation, and his step quickened. She was standing so perfectly still, her eyes fixed on him. He slowly let go of Allie's hand, and wrapped Julia in his arms. She went quickly into his embrace, into her place, where she fit so perfectly, as if she had been made to fit there. Julia snuggled in close and drew the scent of him deep into her lungs.

As soon as he held her in his arms, Nathan had the overwhelming sensation that he was home. And, it had nothing to do with Hope Valley, but everything to do with her. Nathan breathed in her scent of lilies, and took in the feel of her soft skin and hair. She was finally in his arms, and now he was reminded of just how perfectly she fit there.

He bent close to her ear and slowly drawled his usual, "Hi." Her heart melted at that one little word, those two little letters, that carried so much emotion.

Julia moved her lips up closer to his ear and whispered it back, "Hi."

Nathan answered softly into her hair, "I'm home." She took another deep breath, and laid her cheek next to his open collar. He was home.

Eventually, Nathan slowly stepped back, and moved to greet his father. Archie pulled him into a big dad hug, and expressed how proud he was of his son.

When they finally parted, Archie told him, "You had us worried son, when the coach didn't arrive."

"Sorry about that. We had to change a wheel outside the train station." Nathan explained.

Next, with his one cleaner hand, he shook Jake's, and took a moment to greet his future brother-in-law. It was then that Julia noticed that Nathan was a bit dirty.

As the driver brought down the last of the luggage, Nathan stepped back over near the coach to retrieve his bag.

"Thanks for your help, Inspector Grant." The driver told him, as he shook his hand in appreciation.

"Anything to get home faster." Nathan grinned back.

"All the same, I couldn't have changed that wheel without ya. I appreciate the help." The others noticed then too, that Nathan's hands were quite dirty, as well as the front of his serge.

Nathan came back over, with the young woman who had ridden the coach with him.

"Julia, Jake, Dad, and Allie, I'd like to introduce you to the new manager of the saloon, Miss Alex Taylor." Nathan told them.

Jake and Julia suddenly looked at each other, in shock. Then they looked back at this petite, little, young woman.

This was the tough, stern, new manager of the saloon that was going to clean the place up?

She stood little more than 5 feet tall, and was a slender, tiny package to boot. She probably didn't weigh a hundred pounds. She had light strawberry blond hair, and striking dark blue eyes. She was very pretty, but didn't look one bit stern. Julia couldn't imagine her up against some of the rough and tumble guys from the saloon.

Nathan wasn't phased a bit, he just kept going with his introductions. "Miss Taylor, I'd like to introduce you to our nurse in Hope Valley, my beautiful fiancé, Miss Julia Matthews." Julia shook hands, Miss Taylor was strong and her handshake firm.

Julia told her, "It's very nice to meet you, Alex. Gustave mentioned you were coming. We are very happy to have you here in Hope Valley."

"This is her brother and our Constable, Jake Matthews." Jake took her small hand, though he was surprised when she looked him in the eye and shook firm.

"This is my daughter Allie Grant, and my father Archie." Nathan continued, and Alex continued shaking hands.

"It's very nice to meet you." Allie chimed in. She thought Miss Taylor seemed interesting.

Alex told them. "It's wonderful to meet all of you. Thank you for your warm welcome." Her voice was sharp and strong, and she had a cute little accent when she spoke.

"Alex, I'd be happy to walk you down to the saloon." Julia told her.

Jake glanced over at her pile of luggage, and offered. "And, I'd be happy to help with your luggage."

"Me, too." Allie said. In Alex's pile was a big trunk and two smaller suitcases.

"Well then, okay. Gustave wasn't expecting me until tomorrow." Alex explained.

Nathan gave his own bag to his father and grabbed one side of the trunk, while Jake got the other. As he picked up his side, Jake noticed the tags, which said her point of departure had been Edmonton. Jake was now racking his brain, wondering why she suddenly looked vaguely familiar?

Allie picked up one suitcase and Julia the other, and they all walked Alex down to the saloon.

When they entered, they set Alex's things down by the door, and Julia led her to the kitchen. When they came in, Gustave's face lit up, and he started talking so fast and excitedly in French, that Julia couldn't keep up. He and Alex greeted each other with les bises, those cute kisses on both cheeks, that are so typically French.

"Merci Julia, pour l'avoir emmener!" Gustave told her.

"Pas de problème, Gustave." Julia replied.

Julia could follow their conversation just enough to discern that Alex was able to get the train a day early, so she could have an extra day to settle in. She asked where she should put her things, and he moved all his pots off the stove and covered them, so he could leave the kitchen and show her around.

Gustave led the way back to the entrance of the saloon, and thanked everyone for helping her. He grabbed some of the bags and said he would send someone to get the trunk momentarily.

So Allie, Julia, Jake, and Nathan left them, and walked back down to the stage platform where Archie was still waiting. Jake excused himself and headed back to the office. And Nathan took Julia's hand and held it sweetly, as they walked toward his row house. And, Archie and Allie walked beside them.

When they got back home to Nathan's row house, Archie and Allie went to the kitchen to finish dinner. Julia followed them, to help. And, Nathan went upstairs to wash up and change, after the mishap with the stagecoach wheel, and the long day of travel.

When he came back down, Nathan was dressed in casual clothes and his hair was still wet. Julia had just finished the final touches on the salad.

"Feel better?" Archie asked, when he saw his son's comfortable clothes and wet hair.

Nathan grabbed a round carrot from the top of Julia's salad. "Much." He said, as he popped the carrot in his mouth and started crunching, looking mischievously at Julia as he did.

Julia fake swatted Nathan's hand, in jest, which earned her a chuckle. He had an unruly lock of wet hair that had fallen over his forehead, and Julia just couldn't resist. She reached up and gently put it back in place. His hair was very soft to the touch, and he smelled so good. Nathan had filled the kitchen with the smell of soap and fresh mountain air, the moment he'd entered.

Allie told him, "Dad, you smell good." You got that right, Julia thought to herself, lowering her eyes shyly. She felt the sudden need to distract herself.

Nathan smiled, "Thanks, Allie girl."

"It's almost ready son, if you want to go put your feet up." Archie drawled, "Just leave it to Allie and me."

Nathan nodded and headed to the living room. He leaned comfortably back in a chair and put his feet up. Though, he sat so he could keep his eye on Julia. In fact, he made it cutely obvious that he was watching her, on purpose, as she set the table. His gaze followed her every move. He sat there thinking how very much he loved the way she moved. She was alluring without even meaning to be. Or maybe it was just how very much he was in love with her that made her so irresistible. Either way, it was impossible to take his eyes off of her. And, she noticed.

Finally, when she put the final glass on the table, she playfully walked straight over, placed one hand on each arm rest, and leaned close, right down over him.

"Are you trying to make me nervous, Lawman?" Julia jested playfully. His insides turned to mush.

"Who me?" Nathan answered with his innocent, crooked smile. "You, Miss Matthews, are just a sight for sore eyes. I'm finding it hard to take my eyes off of you." And all the butterflies, that had calmed since she'd been focused in the kitchen, were sent into a frenzy once again in her belly.

Julia leaned closer still and lingered long, as she delivered a slow and tender kiss on his cheek. All the breath went completely out of his lungs. Without a thought, Nathan's hand came up instinctively and latched onto a lock of hair that was hanging down. He couldn't help but rub its softness between his fingers. When she pulled back and sauntered back over to the table, he felt bereft, and longed to have her close again.

Finally, Archie and Allie began carrying plates of food out, and Allie called him to the table. Nathan found it hard to make his body move, but eventually, he made it there.

The foursome sat and ate dinner together, and enjoyed each other's company.

Over the lovely meal, Nathan talked. He told them all about his classroom time, the exercises they completed as a team, the physical training, and the days of planning with Commander Collins. Getting letters had been the highlight of his day, Allie had written, too.

Nathan had apparently used the phone nearly every evening. Not only had he called Julia regularly, but he had called home regularly, and had also checked in a few times with both Bill and Jake.

Julia sat back and observed Nathan as he shared. He talked so openly and so freely, which some might think, was uncharacteristic. But they, she and Allie and Archie, were his inner circle, his safe place, where he could open up. And, that evening, that's exactly what he did. He opened and shared, a lot. Of course it helped that Allie asked him about a million questions. Julia could see why they were so close. Allie had probably always pushed him, almost forced him to open up. She had been that safe place where he could be himself, even when he hadn't had anyone else.

After dinner, they all moved to the salon, where Julia sat next to Nathan. He put his arm around her, and she snuggled into his side, right where she belonged. Archie continued to ask questions about the training program that was coming up soon, including dates and details.

Finally, when Nathan began to look tired, Julia decided she should head home. He offered to walk her, and though she objected, he insisted.

Allie and Archie bid her good night. Then Nathan gently took Julia's hand and threaded her fingers together with his. He led her outside and onto the path back to town.

As they walked, Nathan made small talk, "Anything else new in Hope Valley?"

"Only the drama at the saloon last night." Julia told him, with a solemn smile.

Nathan was curious. "What drama?"

So, Julia told him all about Mike and his out-of-character behavior, and Fiona, and Jake. And she told him of her suspicions, that had still yet to be confirmed.

"Sounds like Jake needs a friend." Nathan told her.

"I think he does. He won't talk to me about it, probably because I'm close friends with both Fiona and Faith." She told him. "And, he sure can't talk to Mike."

Nathan nodded, resolved to be intentional about spending some time with his future brother-in-law. He liked Jake very much and they were a lot alike, and just about the same age.

"What do you think of the new manager of the saloon?" Julia said with a chuckle. She still couldn't get over the fact that Gustave thought this tiny young woman was going to go toe to toe with some of the rough guys at the saloon.

"Well, I can tell you that I wouldn't cross her." Nathan smiled down at Julia. "She moves like she can handle herself, and had a gun in an ankle holster under her skirt. And, I'm pretty sure she knows how to use it."

Julia's mouth fell open in surprise. "Really? She looks so small and sweet." Nathan was trained to discern things about people, to read them. So, if he had picked up on those things, they were probably true.

"Do you think she is former law enforcement?" Julia asked.

"Definitely. But I would guess some branch of Protective Services, most likely, some form of personal security." Nathan surmised.

"So she will be able to clean up the saloon?" Julia asked with a happy smile.

"What do you mean by that?" Nathan asked.

Julia explained, "Last night when I was in the saloon with Jake and the others, Gustave told me that he was bringing in a new manager to clean up the place. He wants to prohibit gambling and all other illegal activities, and keep out the troublemakers. He wants to turn it into a proper hotel and restaurant." Nathan was very happy to hear about Gustave's intentions with the saloon.

"Well, if anyone can do it, it's her." Nathan said with a chuckle and a nod, he was completely convinced. Interesting. Julia was suddenly compelled to get to know Alex Taylor.

Julia and Nathan had taken a very long time to arrive at her door, they must have been walking in slow motion. Perhaps that was normal for a couple that couldn't get enough of each other.

When they stepped up onto her little porch, Nathan turned toward Julia. He slowly tugged on her hand, pulling her into his arms, in that adorable way he did. She snuggled in against his strong chest, and found her perfect fit, there in his embrace. She stayed there a long time, with her cheek just next to his open buttons. And he rested his cheek so gently on the top of her hair. He breathed in the scent of her, the same perfume that had fragranced his letters while he was gone. But now, the real thing was so much more alluring, with the heat of her body and the natural scent of her skin all mixed in.

Nathan's head was spinning and he had a lot to say. After this beautiful embrace, he hoped he would still be able to get it all out. He felt talked out for today, but wanted to express the things he'd had on his heart since her letter yesterday.

He kept ahold of her and pulled back just a little. Nathan placed one hand gently on her cheek and traced her freckles with his thumb. He gazed into her eyes and told her, "Jules, my darling. Your letter. All the things you expressed. I am very deeply touched." He paused. He needed to take care of one small matter. "I want to apologize that I didn't properly invite you to the ceremony, Julia. I'm sorry that I only mentioned it in passing. I think I am a little too used to being alone, and I just didn't think…"

"It's okay, Nathan. I figured as much and wasn't upset that you didn't make a point to invite me." Julia told him with a tender, forgiving smile. "I just want you to think of it from now on. To realize that we…that I...am here for you, and I want to be there for anything you need."

Nathan nodded, and smiled adoringly at her. Julia whispered, "You're not alone anymore."

He slowly nodded his head again.

Nathan had more to say. "And, neither are you, Julia. I'm always going to be here for you, too. And I will always protect you and put your best interest first." He paused to take a breath, "And, I will always be be your side. I will always lift you up, and always have your back." He gazed deeply into her eyes. "I love you, Julia Matthews."

"And I love you, Nathan." She told him, as she held his intense gaze.

He bent to her, and she to him. When their lips met, the kiss was the perfect expression of all their devotion to one another. It was sweet and slow and long, then became passionate and intense, and then waned to tender. All of the many emotions and feelings they felt, expressed in such a simple act of love...a kiss.

Nathan slowly pulled back to gaze into her eyes again, so deep and blue, like the sea. He found it difficult to let go of her tonight. So, he kissed her again. Tender and sweet and touching. Julia was breathless when he pulled back, and she held on tight.

He couldn't take his eyes off of her, and he still couldn't let her go. So, it was Julia who kissed him, this time. The kiss was slow and gentle and romantic. And, it was he who was left breathless now. His eyes were closed and he held her tight, as he let his forehead rest against hers.

Finally, after the trio of kisses, Nathan knew he should go. He opened his eyes, gazed down at her and told her, "Forty-two days."

Julia smiled wistfully. He was keeping her countdown, too. 42 days until she would become Mrs. Nathan Grant.

"I can't wait." She breathed.

Me, either, he thought.

And, though he kept her hands in his, he slowly stepped back. Then another step back, and he reluctantly let her hands fall.

One more step back and Julia told him, "Sweet dreams, my love."

"You can count on it." He replied softly, and Nathan turned and headed home. She watched him all the way.