Chapter 89. The Mountie Appreciation Party
A little before 6:30, Julia heard the three light taps on her door. She smiled to herself, tried to ignore the butterflies, and headed to the door. When she opened and slipped onto her porch, she smiled even bigger at what was out there waiting for her. Nathan was wearing a dashing three piece suit, one she had never seen before. It was dark blue, and made of a material that was particularly suave. He had paired it with a crisp white shirt, and of course, had opted to forego the tie, and left the top few buttons open. Even with that simple comfortable detail, that was inherently him, he still looked sharp.
Nathan smiled back at her, and handed her a beautiful bouquet of red roses.
Julia was taken aback by him and the flowers. "Wow, thank you. Nathan, they are so lovely." And, she meant it. Though, she eyed him for a minute, a little curious about something. "Trying to get a look inside my apartment, Lawman?" Julia asked as she tilted her head and watched his reaction.
The flowers were, of course, entirely sincere. That idea hadn't even crossed his mind. But now that he thought about it, if they helped get him invited in, and he got a look at any artwork that might be in progress, while she searched for a vase, well that wouldn't be so bad.
Though, the way she was looking at him made him squirm just a little. And, when he made that innocent, crooked smile, she knew just what he was thinking. "And why would I want to get a look inside your apartment, Jules?" He was amused that she knew him so well.
"You tell me." Julia challenged, still eyeing him, as she firmly guarded the door behind her. He took her in, as she stood there calm as stone. She was stunning in the wine colored dress that he loved so much. The silver and cream accents against the deep wine color complimented her coloring so beautifully, and made her eyes stand out in a way that made his stomach do flips.
He stepped closer and looked at her, joking aside. "My Julia, I brought you flowers because you are amazing. And, they are a small token of thank you for my office nameplate." He told her, with a feather light kiss on the cheek. He smelled amazing, so she completely lost her train of thought, and forgot why she was teasing him in the first place.
When he stepped back, she nodded at him. "Okay, Lawman. Then you wait here, I'll be right back." And in a flash, she disappeared through a tiny crack in the door.
As she did, he moved quick, trying to follow her in, or at least get a look. But he wasn't fast enough and ended up with the door in his face. A hearty giggle lofted to him from the other side of the door. "Really?" He said into the wood, which earned him yet another chuckle from the other side.
Nathan placed one hand on the door, shook his head and humphed. Though that quickly turned into a chuckle of his own. Julia was one intriguing woman. He loved the way they interacted, and the teasing between them was always…was always what? He was at a loss to find the right word to describe it.
He turned and looked out over the mountains as he waited, trying to find that right word, and thanking his lucky stars for Julia Matthews. She was his perfect match in so many ways, and her sense of humor was just one of them. He loved their witty banter and their playful interaction. It always got him right in the gut, where fun and diverting met desire and fascination. It brought so much joy to his everyday, and he appreciated that immensely.
Nathan heard a click and by the time he turned around, Julia was back outside locking her door behind her. She turned and asked, "Shall we?"
Nathan offered her his arm, and they walked together towards the saloon. On the way, Jake and Mike came out from behind the mercantile, and joined them.
"Good evening, fellas." Nathan greeted them.
"Good to see you both." Mike returned in greeting.
"Good evening." Jake piped in. Julia looked him up and down and was impressed by her brother, yet again. Jake looked classy in a three-piece suit. Though tonight he wore dark blue with a light blue striped shirt. He looked as handsome as ever. Mike was dressed up too. What was it about the guys tonight?
Julia wondered about something else, "Do you think we'll get to see the new manager of the saloon tonight?"
Mike looked around at each of them. "Ah, did you guys meet him already?"
Jake couldn't resist. He glanced at Julia with his half-joking, half-naughty kind of smirk, that let her know exactly what he was thinking. He directed his answer coyly at Mike. "Yes, we had the pleasure of meeting the saloon manager yesterday."
"What's he like?" Mike asked, curious.
Nathan caught on to their playful little gag and smiled mischievously at Julia, too. "The saloon manager seems tough."
Jake chimed in. "Real tough." And added a nod for emphasis. Julia had already been struggling to contain her smile, and at that one, she barely managed to contain a snort of laughter that desperately wanted to escape.
"Well, I can't wait to meet him." Mike told them, as Jake opened the door for all of them.
Julia walked in first, and there was Alex just inside, looking very pretty. Thanks to Rosemary and her introductions, Alex was meeting everyone in town, even if she was a little shy about it. Alex was quiet and reserved, and didn't seem to like crowds any more than Julia or Nathan. But, Alex endured the crowd because it was her job. And, because it was par for the course when you were new in town.
Julia happened to glance back at the guys, and when she did, she witnessed something very interesting. When Mike laid eyes on Alex, he stopped short, and instantly seemed…enamored. All of a sudden, he was at a complete and utter loss for words.
Rosemary and Alex were soon upon them, for introductions. "Have you all met?" Rosemary asked, with hand motions, looking back and forth between the four of them and Alex.
Alex spoke up with her cute little accent, "Yes, Rosemary. I've met Jake, Nathan, and Julia." Her eyes fell on Mike, who was still awkwardly fixated on her. "Though, maybe not this guy." She said, with one eyebrow raised at Mike.
Mike tried. "I…" He cleared his throat and tried yet again, "I'm…"
Rosemary to the rescue. She laughed heartily and said, "Alex, this is Mike Hickam." Alex extended her hand out towards Mike. "Mike, this is Alex Taylor. The new manager of the saloon."
Mike looked stumped for a few very long seconds. "Manager…?"
"Yes, Mike. Manager of the saloon." Julia said with an amused sideways smile. Jake and Nathan were both just barely hanging on by a string - biting their tongues to keep from laughing.
They all watched the realization hit Mike and sink in. He finally recovered, with a cute, smitten, lopsided smile, as he shook her hand. "It's very nice to meet you, Miss Taylor." Julia couldn't help but wonder if Mike phrased it like that on purpose, to find out if she was indeed an unwed Miss.
"Mike, is it okay if I call you Mike?" Alex was direct and he liked that. He nodded yes. "Please, feel free to call me Alex." She told him with her own cute little smile.
Julia looked at Nathan, who was obviously thinking the exact same thing. Mike was smitten with their new saloon manager. Jake met Julia's gaze too, with raised eyebrows, he had obviously picked up on it, too.
Julia decided to ask something she had been curious about. Perhaps it would give Mike time to get his wits back. "Ive been curious, is Alex short for something?"
"Yes it is. For Alexandria, a city my father once visited and fell in love with." She smiled at an obviously fond memory, probably a story her father had told her many times, about her eponym. "But everyone has always just called me Alex."
"Alex." Mike tried it out. The way he said it got everyone's attention.
It was Nathan that helped the guy out. How many times had he himself only been able to get out a simple "hi"? He could relate a little too much. "Mike, are you thirsty?" That line was perfectly timed because more townsfolk had entered and Rosemary was ready to pull Alex away, and continue the introductions.
Mike nodded and he and Nathan, along with Jake, excused themselves and headed towards George at the bar. Bill joined them there.
A minute or two later, Allie and Archie entered the saloon, and greeted Alex and Rosemary. Then, they came over to Julia and greeted her. Allie gave her a big hug, while Archie gave her a kiss on the cheek. When Nathan noticed them, he left the fellas at the bar and came to greet his family.
"Dad, there are so many people here, just for you." Allie told him proudly. He took a look around and realized there was quite a crowd gathered already.
But, Nathan didn't have the chance to get nervous. Julia came to his side and gently hooked her hand over his elbow, just like he liked. "Shall we mingle, Inspector?" Julia asked him gently. He knew he probably should, since all these folks were here for him. Nathan took a deep breath and placed his hand over top of hers, and off they went.
They mingled through the crowd greeting everyone, and of course, thanking them for coming. They spoke with Opal's family, Cat and Emily Montgomery, and Kevin the blacksmith. Jed was there, too.
There were a lot of parents from school, and it was nice for Julia to formally meet some of them, whom she had only seen in passing or at church.
As they moved around the room, next they greeted William and some of the guys from the oil rig. Some of the men had families, and Julia had helped many of them at the infirmary or at the clinic she and Faith had held out there.
There were also men from the saw mill mixed in the crowd. Some remembered when Nathan had solved the case and recovered the stolen payroll. Julia had also met some of them during the clinics they'd held out at the mill from time to time.
Next they spoke to Henry for a little while, things were going well out at the oil rig now.
Then they came to the Canfield family. Julia was so happy to speak to them, and catch up a little. They confirmed a first Premarital meeting for Monday night. Both Nathan and Julia were excited about that. They spoke to Jesse and Clara next and caught up with them for a few minutes.
Julia and Nathan made their way to Ned, Florence, and Molly. As they were chatting, something caught Nathan's eye, and when Julia recognized that look of surprise, she followed his gaze. In the corner, stood a table with a big cake, and just to the right of it hung one of Nathan's red serges, on display. And, on the serge were all of his rank and commendation pins. Ned noticed it too, and asked him, "Nathan, I'd really love to know what all those mean. Would you tell me?"
The look of surprise and timidity on Nathan's face was unmistakable, at seeing his commendations on display. "Would you explain each one to us, Nathan?" Julia asked gently.
He nodded shyly, and they followed him over. Ned carefully brought the serge closer, and the group listened as Nathan explained each color of his rank. More people saw what was happening and were interested, and joined them to listen, too. Next, Nathan explained each commendation pin, and what he'd done to earn it. The group got bigger and bigger as more and more joined to hear about their decorated Mountie-turned-Inspector.
As he explained, Julia watched Nathan very closely. Her heart was full and proud, and she hung on every word, as he humbly told of his feats as a Mountie. Some of them were big, and some were small. But, there was one common thread that was woven throughout: Nathan Grant was a man of integrity. He was someone that could be called upon and counted on. His moral code was impeccable, and Julia was thankful for such a man in her life.
When Nathan was done with his explanations, Ned carefully hung the serge back in the designated place. Nathan seemed apprehensive to have it on display, but Julia just patted his arm and smiled proudly. That one smile was all he needed, to keep going around the room.
Everyone seemed to be having a great time, and the ambiance was jovial. Some played darts, some sat and visited, others enjoyed drinks together. Fiona snapped the occasional picture.
Speaking of Fiona. Earlier tonight, when Fiona had entered the saloon, Julia had noticed a curious change in her. She was wearing a very beautiful dark blue dress, instead of her usual skirt and shirt combination. And her hair was a little straighter, with a few loose waves instead of her usual tight curls, which made it appeared much longer. She had pinned one side up, but left the rest down. And, she looked stunning. Julia couldn't help but notice how many times her brother had looked Fiona's way. Nathan had noticed too.
Bill, Jake, and Mike sat and chatted near the bar. Fiona, Faith, Clara, and Jesse sat more in the middle. Julia and Nathan sat with Archie. Allie hung out mostly with her friends, and seemed to be having a great time, too.
As the evening progressed, people came by their table and chatted. Nathan didn't seem nervous or put off by the all the people, but happy.
Finally, when the time seemed right, Rosemary and Lee stood up and went to the front of the room. Lee clanged a glass to get everyone's attention. Other's joined in the clanging until the room was silent, and everyone's attention was captured and directed to the front.
Rosemary cleared her throat and spoke up loud. "I would like to invite Hope Valley's very own Inspector up here to the front. Nathan?" She called out. Nathan slowly and reluctantly stood, and took Julia's hand, which seemed to signal that he wanted her with him. So, she followed him to the front, and they stood next to Rosemary. Fiona came too, camera in hand, and snapped a photo.
"Nathan, this town appreciates you very much. I know we haven't done a very good job of letting you know that. But, we do." Rosemary paused and looked around the room, and everyone applauded in agreement. Nathan looked shy, and he unconsciously put his arm around Julia. She snuggled in close under his arm and placed her hand on his back.
Lee spoke up next, "Nathan, as a community, we want to recognize your accomplishment. Your promotion to Inspector is important, and a huge milestone, and we are so proud of you." More applause. "And, we are happy that the next part of your journey as a Mountie will keep you in Hope Valley. We are excited to see you train other Mounties, right here."
Rosemary took over then. She motioned for Ned to come around the corner with Nathan's serge. "Now, you all probably didn't know this, and well, neither did I. But, our Nathan Grant is highly decorated in the Mounties. These are his pins of commendation." Rosemary bragged, motioning to his serge on a hanger. Nathan looked down at Julia and blushed. Julia just held his gaze and smiled proudly at him, and held on tight to him around the waist, for support.
Rosemary joked, "Now, I won't make him stand up and tell us what each one is for." Nathan made a face of exaggerated relief, which got a rumble of laughter out of the whole room. She smiled and waited for everyone to quiet down again. "But, Nathan, the truth is that many of us in this community have been touched by something you have done. Some of us, you have rescued, or helped, or served, or aided, when you investigated and caught the bad guy. Some of us you saved from a perilous situation. Some of us you protected, and we'll never even know what from, because you did it so well. And, we are all very thankful." Rosemary told him, with an honest, thankful smile.
Now her smile turned playful. "Now, I wanted each person in the community to stand up here and tell a story of how you helped them or touched their lives." Nathan didn't look too happy about that idea. "But, someone…" Rosemary looked at Julia, which Nathan caught right away and understood that someone was Julia. "Someone thought you might appreciate all those stories a lot more, if we wrote them down. You know, recorded them."
Lee moved closer to Rosemary holding a very beautiful leather-bound book in his hand. "So, that's what we did." Rosemary continued. "Each community member wrote you a letter of appreciation, as well as recounted a story or a time when you impacted their lives. All of it is recorded, right here in this book." Nathan's mouth fell open. Lee handed him the book, and Nathan opened and began to flip through it, shocked and deeply affected. "It's jam packed with stories of the many times that you've helped or rescued or done something selfless. It's full of your brave feats, that were appreciated by someone in this community." Nathan flipped some more and saw that there were even two letters tucked in the back, both with a Hamilton return address.
Nathan swallowed hard and looked down at Julia, who he now realized was wiping her eyes. He brought his gaze back to Lee and Rosemary, profoundly touched.
Lee continued, "Thank you, Nathan, for being our Constable all these years. Thank you for serving us and for doing it so well. And, thank you for being a role model and an example to the children and young people of this community, by both your service and your character."
Bill, Mike, Lee, George, Jesse, Jake, and some of the other men began passing out champagne flutes.
Once everyone had a glass, Lee spoke up again. "To Nathan Grant, Congratulations on your much deserved promotion." Everyone raised their glasses. Lee wasn't finished. "And, thank you for your selfless service over the years."
Everyone answered, "Here, here."
Lee said again, "To Nathan." And everyone repeated, "To Nathan." And then everyone took a sip.
When they lowered their glasses, Nathan and Julia hugged Rosemary and Lee, and thanked sincerely them for such a beautiful speech. They both started to return to their seats, when Rosemary stopped them.
"Wait right there, you two." Rosemary told Nathan and Julia. Florence, Clara, Faith, and Fiona joined her up front. Nathan looked down at Julia who shook her head in surprise, she had no idea what this could be about. So, she tucked herself back tightly under his arm, and held on tight around his waist. He kept his arm firm around her.
Florence spoke up now. "Please keep those glasses handy, we have more toasting to do." She paused and looked at the happy couple. "As you already know, Nathan and Julia were recently engaged. And, I think we can all agree that they are both wonderful people, and even more wonderful together." Florence looked at them, and smiled. She drawled out in her wistful way, "You two are one beautiful couple." Everyone in the room applauded, showing their agreement with that statement. Julia glanced up at Nathan who just smiled at her proudly. Florence's words warmed her heart.
Fiona picked it up now. "Nathan and Julia are both public servants who serve this community very well. And, often, sacrificially. So many of you know what I mean." She looked at them both, with a look Julia had rarely seen before. Fiona seemed soft and open and unguarded. Her emotions right on the surface. "So many of us have been touched by both of you. You have treated or helped many of us, our family members, or our children." She paused and looked around the room. "So we, as a community also wanted to take this opportunity to do something to celebrate your engagement."
Clara and Faith came out from behind the counter and carried over a huge box, all wrapped up with a big bow. They set it on a table in front of Julia and Nathan. Clara told them quietly, "Go ahead, open it."
Julia let go of Nathan and the two of them went to work on the bow. Then, they slowly opened the flaps of the big box. Julia gasped and began to pull up part of what was tucked away inside, to get a better look. It was a quilt. A handmade quilt. And, all the squares were different and just beautiful.
Rosemary stepped forward to explain. "For those who don't already know, this is a quilt that was made for Nathan and Julia. Different community members, friends, and family, each designed a square, each one unique and special. Some of the squares represent something you did as a Mountie, Nathan. Or, something you did as a nurse, Julia. Some are about friendship, or family. Each person individually designed their square, that represents who you are, or who you are to them, or something significant that you did for them. Then we collected the squares, and put them all together."
Julia couldn't believe it, and her face showed it. They pulled a little bit more of the quilt out of the box, and she and Nathan discovered it together. Julia pointed to one square with a Mountie on a horse. Another had a cabin and a windstorm. In another, a nurse was wrapping a young child's arm. On another were two hearts intertwined, reminding her of Rebecca, and her charm bracelet. One depicted two people on horseback. Another had a Mountie, a basket, and an arrowhead. Nathan pointed to a square that Julia recognized must be Allie's: a young girl standing in between a man and a woman, holding both of their hands.
Julia found herself wiping tear after tear as they discovered more and more squares on the quilt. On one square was a table in the cafe with three women: a brunette, a light blond, and what must be Julia in between. Julia guessed that one must be from Fiona. Another square was of the infirmary and a nurse stood out front. Another depicted two women standing together, as in partnership, wearing medical jackets. Julia assumed that one must be Faith's.
Julia looked up at Nathan and saw that he, too, was touched. She wiped more tears and tried to compose herself.
Nathan glanced around the room and realized that all eyes were still on them. He whispered low only to her, "Jules, one of us should probably say something."
Julia gently shook her head, and Nathan realized she was completely speechless. She was much too emotional. She even opened her mouth and tried, but nothing came out. He knew that struggle.
He nodded slowly and whispered, "I'll do it." Julia looked so incredibly grateful as she tucked herself in under his arm again, and held tight. She wouldn't let go.
Nathan looked at Rosemary who nodded at him. Then, he faced the crowd. Deep breath. "You know when I carved that plaque that hangs in the library, I never thought I'd have to take Emerson's advice for myself. Always do what you are afraid to do. Yet, here I am making a speech in front of a crowd of people." Nathan paused as everyone laughed at his clever joke. Many in the room realized right then, that Nathan was a funny guy when given the space and opportunity. Though, Julia had known that already. Allie and Bill had known it, too.
Nathan continued, "You know, one of the difficulties of being rather quiet by nature, is that you can be easily misunderstood. People could mistakenly think that the quantity of words you speak, is an indication of the amount of affection held in the heart. But, nothing could be farther from the truth." He let his gaze pan the room.
"Julia and I are somewhat similar in this respect. But, we hold great esteem and great affection for so many of you in this room. The way we assert ourselves into this community might be a little different. But it is never an indication of the amount of love we hold for all of you. Hear me now: we both dearly love this community." He paused. "And, we thank you all for this," Nathan's voice cracked as he held up the leather-bound journal containing pages and pages of appreciation, for him. His chin quivered unmistakably. "It means a lot." He managed to say, as his voice trailed off with emotion. Deep breath. "And, thank you for the incredible quilt. We will treasure it always." Again, the emotion was clearly evident in his voice.
One more deep breath, and he was finally able to continue. "Above it all, thank you for your friendship and acceptance. That means the most." His voice cracked and he had to stop, a tear or two escaped down his cheeks. Nathan looked down at Julia, still tucked in close and wiping her own eyes. She looked up at him so proudly. And so, he was able to finish.
"Thank you. Deeply." He managed in closing and looked around the room at everyone. Julia too let her eyes go slowly around the room to all of the members of this wonderful community, conveying all of her deep, heartfelt gratitude.
As they both panned the room, they realized that everyone else was also wiping their eyes. In fact, there was not one dry eye left in the room. Not one.
When Nathan was done, Lee invited Jake up to the front.
"It's going to be really hard to follow that." Jake softly joked. "But, Lee Coulter asked me to make a speech to toast my sister's engagement. So, I'm going to do my best."
Jake looked down at his shoes, getting his thoughts together. Then, he brought his eyes back up to Nathan and Julia. "Our parents had an amazing love story. And, although Julia didn't get to see them together very long, I did. And, they were something to behold. They shared a love that Julia and I only dreamt of finding one day." He smiled as he looked around the room. "And, because we both knew such a love was possible, it gave us something to strive for, to dream for, to hold out for, to wait for." He looked back at his sister. "Now, Julia's wait is over. Because the love she shares with Nathan is every bit as beautiful and wonderful and special as our parent's love. Maybe even more."
Jake held up his glass, "I'm happy for you, sis, and for you, Nathan. May your love grow and blossom, may it bloom over and over again, ever bigger, ever brighter, just like those wildflowers that you love so much. And may your walk together be long and full, and may the path bring you ever closer together."
Jake raised his glass, "To Nathan and Julia. The future Mr. and Mrs. Grant." He smiled at them. "Congratulations!" Fiona, who had been standing nearby, snapped a photo.
Everyone in the room chimed in unison, "Congratulations!" Then they clanged their glasses, and drank.
Next, from the corner, Gustave and Alex rolled out a large cake. When it arrived in front of Nathan and Julia, their mouths both fell open. The cake had been beautifully decorated with icing in the form of a red serge. The details were done so well, it looked authentic. Fiona stepped forward with the camera and took a photo of Nathan and Julia with the cake.
Rosemary handed Nathan a knife, and asked him to make the first cut. Then she, Florence, and Molly handled the rest. They passed out cake to everyone in the room. Nathan and Julia returned to their seats with Allie and Archie, to enjoy their cake. Allie gave them both a big proud hug, before they sat.
Archie leaned over, and with emotion evident in his voice, encouraged Nathan. "That was wonderful son." Archie was sad to think of returning home to Union City, he liked being here in Hope Valley very much. And all the time spent close to Nathan and Allie had been such a gift.
When all the cake was finished, little by little, people started to come by and say good night. The crowd dispersed slowly, until there was only the core friends left. Nathan and Julia hugged Rosemary and Lee and thanked them profusely. The same for Ned and Florence, and Jesse and Clara. Julia hugged Fiona and Faith and thanked them, while Nathan thanked Bill and Mike.
Jake joined Julia while she was looking over the quilt again, and talking to Faith and Fiona. "That was some speech, brother." Julia told him, coming around the box to give him a big side hug.
Faith chimed in. "Yea, Jake. It was really nice."
"I meant every word." Jake said, matter of fact, as he held on tight to his sister. Fiona didn't say anything but just watched the sweet rapport between siblings.
Nathan joined them and thanked Fiona, Faith, and Jake. Jake offered his assistance in carrying things back to Nathan's house. Allie and Archie had already taken the serge and the wooden box, as well as the leather-bound journal. But, Nathan took Jake up on the offer, to help with the quilt and the leftover cake.
But first, Nathan thought he'd better ask. "Jules, should we take the quilt to your house or mine?"
"Well, I'd love to look at it a bit more, but maybe your house is better, for now, since you have help to carry it." Julia told him. "As long as you let me come over sometime and look at it?" She asked with a hint of playfulness.
Nathan smiled at her, that sounded wonderful. "How about tomorrow evening, before our meeting with Joseph and Minnie? We can look at it together."
"Perfect." Julia told him with a smile. So, that was settled.
Gustave came out of the kitchen with Alex and handed Julia the leftover cake, all wrapped up. "Felicitations, cherie." He told her with a single bise to one cheek.
"Merci, Gustave." Julia told him.
"Congratulations." Alex drawled long.
Julia responded. "Thank you, Alex."
Nathan carefully packed up the quilt and carried the box as the group moved toward the door. Faith, Fiona, Nathan, Jake, and Julia all walked out together.
When they reached the infirmary, the group stopped a minute. Julia said her good byes and handed the leftover cake to Jake. Faith and Fiona offered their farewells and headed home. And, since Nathan was holding the quilt box, Julia reached up on her tip toes, and gave him a good long kiss on the cheek.
She whispered in his ear, "Good night, my love."
"See you tomorrow morning, for coffee?" Nathan asked her, low.
Oh, what a wonderful idea. She missed their morning coffee dates. "I'll be there, Lawman." She told him, excited already.
After placing a quick kiss on her brother's cheek too, Julia headed up the stairs and into the infirmary.
Jake and Nathan walked slowly back to Nathan's row house, catching up and talking all the way. And once they reached Nathan's house, they sat outside on the front porch, and continued talking late into the night.