Chapter 97. The Mounties Always Get their Man
Once Jake was gone, Fiona was reeling, grasping to process all of her feelings. When Jake had set her down, and she was no longer in his arms, she felt cold and…she missed his warmth. And when he was suddenly gone, out of sight behind the curtain, it was even worse…Fiona felt lonely and bereft.
Once Jake got Fiona to safety, he moved methodical. He walked out of the infirmary and across the street to the Mountie office. He vaguely noticed the guys that were filing back into town. A small group of Mounties were already assembled in the street out front, and others were still straggling in. When Jake entered the office, Nathan was on the phone with Headquarters and Bill was already focused on a map.
Bill looked up when Jake walked in, "Good work, Jake. You did good." Bill told him.
Jake looked down at this hands and nodded. "Thanks, Bill."
Bill asked. "How long before you and Nathan can interview her?"
Jake knew time was of the essence. He was chomping at the bit to get these guys; the animals who had left Fiona in a cold, dark hole. But, he harnessed his emotions, and stayed in Mountie mode. He waited for Nathan, who was senior in rank. As soon as he was off the phone, and had the orders, they would interview Fiona, and plan their strategy. Anyway, all the guys weren't even back yet.
"Not sure, Bill." Jake told him, simply.
Nathan hung up and joined them at the map. "We've got our orders and sixteen guys ready to get going on this." Nathan told them. "Let's not waste any time."
Alex walked in, she'd heard what happened to Fiona. "You fellas need any help?" She drawled slow.
Bill smiled lopsided at her candor, but appreciated the offer. Nathan answered, since he was running point. "Perhaps, Alex. Thanks for the offer. I'll let you know as soon as we have a plan."
"You know where to find me. Just say the word." Alex said with a nod and she headed right back out. Nathan looked at Bill, who chuckled. He liked how to-the-point she was, short and sweet, and then well, she got out of the way.
Nathan walked outside and saw that a good portion of the guys were back now. He called Davis and Pendergrass over.
"Davis, Pendergrass, get all the guys ready to go. I want them packed, full provisions, and ready to leave on a moment's notice. Everyone meets back here in 20 minutes." Nathan rattled off, and they set out to round everyone up.
Nathan turned back, "Jake, let's go talk to Fiona."
Nathan and Jake walked back into the infirmary, and Nathan pulled a notepad from his serge pocket. He spoke right through the curtain. "Faith, Julia, sorry to disturb, but can we please come in and talk to Fiona?"
"Come on in, Nathan." Fiona answered for herself.
Nathan walked in with Jake right behind him. Julia was sitting in the chair next to Fiona, and vacated it so they could talk. "Fiona, we need to ask you a few questions. The information you give us will be helpful in catching the men who kidnapped you." Shock and worry hit her at the revelation that they would go after the bad guys, but it was, after all, their job. Fiona furrowed her brow and nodded, and looked over shyly at Jake. He stood stoic, with his arms crossed. Jake took notice of the concern so clearly written on her face. Though he had his own concern - he thought she looked very tired.
"Did the perpetrators say anything about where they were going? Or mention meeting up anywhere?" Nathan asked her.
Fiona thought for a minute. "They mentioned meeting in the city, though they didn't mention which one. Oh, and they talked about taking the train. The big guy, who they called Nixon, seemed to be the boss, he told them he got two sleeping cars. Mentioned laying low on the train."
"Which train?" Nathan asked. "Did they mention anything that would give us a clue?"
"I'm sorry. I don't think they mentioned that." Fiona told them.
Nathan asked her if she could remember anything else, anything at all no matter how seemingly insignificant. She didn't. Then Nathan took down the physical descriptions for all four perpetrators, which she recalled surprisingly well. And she even remembered their names, or at least the nicknames they had called each other.
As Nathan finished up with her, Jake stepped out and quietly talked with Julia.
"Did Faith finish her examinations?" Jake asked his sister.
"Not all of them. But so far, Fiona's got a pretty severe sprained ankle. And a very sore shoulder and hip. But nothing is broken." Julia told him. "She's got seven stitches just under her knee. But all should heal up fine."
Jake looked relieved and nodded, thankful. "You'll stay with her, Jules?"
"All day long, I promise. Then Faith will look after her overnight, in their apartment. Fiona will be more comfortable there." Julia told him. "And, I have Allie. We're going to have another sleepover." He understood and nodded. Julia looked worried though, about this mission. Julia knew Jake took it personally now, and would stop at nothing to see the criminals come to justice. "Jacob, please be careful." Julia placed her hand sweetly on her brother's cheek, "Promise me."
Jake nodded again, "I promise, Jules."
Both Jake and Julia walked back toward the curtain and stood at the opening. Nathan was just walking out and glanced toward them. He saw the concern on Julia's face as he exited the treatment area.
Jake looked in at Fiona, debating whether or not to go in. Finally, he ventured, and left Julia and Nathan alone to talk.
Jake looked down at Fiona, so small on the table. He swallowed hard. So much was unsaid and left hanging, between them. So, he said the only thing he could think of, that wouldn't immediately give him away. "We're going to get them, Fi."
Fiona just gazed at him with a clouded, worried expression. Did he think she cared about that? Getting the bad guys was the last thing on her mind. In fact, she couldn't care less about anyone apprehending them. Those four guys were ruthless, and she knew it firsthand. Her greatest concern was the people that she cared about, and she didn't want anyone in harm's way. "Please be careful, Jacob. Those guys are dangerous…" Her voice cracked. "Please don't take any unnecessary risks."
Jake slowly nodded and turned to go; he went around the curtain, and out the front door of the infirmary. As Jake crossed the street, all of the guys were already assembled and waiting, horses saddled and loaded, ready to go. Nathan was on the porch of the Mountie office, speaking with Bill.
Nathan called out, to his go-to guy, "Davis." Ben came running up. "Can you please go get Alex Taylor from Gustave's restaurant?"
"Sure thing, sir." Ben answered and he was off in that direction.
Nathan, Bill, and Jake met in the office and devised the plan. The perpetrators were headed to the train; they had missed the last one yesterday evening, and were obviously headed elsewhere to catch it, this morning. And if they were using the train, that meant they would pass through one of two cities: Buxton or Benson Hills. So, the plan was fairly simple: cut them off.
Alex agreed to work the phone with Bill, in the Mountie office.
Nathan walked out of the office with Bill and Jake just behind him. He got everyone's attention and gave them the good news: They had recovered the hostage, and she was being treated in the infirmary, and should make a full recovery. Cheers went up for that victory. He thanked everyone for their hard work in her recovery, but the mission was not over yet. There were four armed and dangerous perpetrators to apprehend.
Nathan gave an overview of the plan. He gave the physical description and names of the perpetrators and everyone took notes. Bill and Alex would remain in the Mountie office, which would serve as "Command Center", and everyone was to call in to them periodically.
Nathan gave out the assignments: "Pendergrass, Smith, Tankersley, and Thomas." The four approached Nathan, and he gave them their mission. "Penny, you are the lead on this. You four ride towards Buxton, and try to intercept the perpetrators along the way. Davis, Thompson, and Ziegler will take the train in plain clothes and meet you in Buxton." Those four moved to their horses, mounted and were off.
Nathan called out the next four names: Jacobs, Hubbard, Pelet, and Moon. These four were assigned to ride towards Benson Hills and try to intercept them, along the way. Three guys would take the train from Hope Valley in plain clothes and meet them in Benson Hills.
"Next up: Matthews, Cartwright, Barton, and Stark." Those four approached Nathan. "Matthews you are lead for your team. I want you guys to go back to the clearing and the hole where we found the victim and track the perpetrators from there. Leave no stone unturned, and we'll hopefully meet you in either Benson Hills or Buxton." Jake and the other three guys mounted, and headed out.
Nathan told the other five guys standing there. "All of you please go change into plain clothes. We are going on the train, undercover. Three of you: Davis, Thompson, and Ziegler will take the train to Buxton. Nichols and Stanford, you will come with me, and we will take the train to Benson Hills. Your orders are to check every passenger and sleeper car. These guys are on one of these trains, or boarding along the way, and we need to find them." Nathan looked at Ben. "Davis, you are point for your team." Davis nodded. Nathan looked at his pocket watch. "The next trains leave from the Hope Valley depot in 35 minutes, and we need to be on them. Let's meet back here in twenty minutes." And the men dispersed to change their clothes.
Nathan took off for his house and quickly changed. Then he headed to the livery, where Bill was just cinching the saddle on Newton. Hero and Ginger were ready to go, and the two men led the horses out and mounted, bringing Ginger with them. They tied the three horses outside the Mountie office, and Nathan attached his bag with everything he needed inside.
Next he climbed the stairs to the infirmary. Nathan needed to say good bye to Julia. He had rushed so much, so he could have at least five minutes with her before he left. When he entered, she was just coming out from behind the curtain.
As soon as she laid eyes on him, Julia looked worried. "Are you leaving soon?"
Nathan stood frozen and slowly nodded. Julia motioned slow with her head and he followed her through the door, into her apartment. As soon as the door was closed Nathan stepped close and took her hands. He was so handsome in his plain clothes, and she could hardly breathe at the thought of him going headfirst into danger.
"My love, promise me you'll be careful." She implored softly.
"I promise you." Nathan said low, and he pulled her into his arms. He held her tight and laid his cheek on her head. Today her hair smelled like roses and he breathed her scent in deep. He held her close and relished the feeling of her arms tight around him. He finally pulled back just enough to search out her lips. And he kissed her long, savoring her lips, her taste, everything about her. One hand came up to her cheek, and when he pulled back he traced her freckles with his thumb. "I love you, Julia."
Julia sought out his lips again, she needed more. She kissed him long and tender, for she wanted him to know exactly how she felt, without a shadow of a doubt. She poured all of her deep, abiding love into that kiss. And when she pulled back just a little, she whispered against his perfectly soft lips, "I love you, Lawman." Julia looked into his eyes and told him, "Please come back to me."
"I will." Nathan swallowed hard. "We have the date of a lifetime, you and me, in just about 28 days. And I plan to be there waiting for you, at the end of the aisle."
Julia put her hand on his jaw. "And I'll be the one in white, walking towards you, Mr. Grant."
Nathan pulled her close and nuzzled into her neck line. He didn't want to let her go. "I can't wait." He whispered. He breathed in the smell of her again, the scent of her soft skin mixed with her sweet perfume.
He noticed the unkindness of the clock and pulled back. 10:00 a.m. Julia read his expression. Time to go. "Take care, my love." She told him softly, as he stepped back again and opened the door.
"You, too." And Nathan took her hand. "Will you see me off?" Julia nodded, so he threaded their fingers together and led her through one door, and then another, and onto the porch out front. When he saw that everyone was ready, he kissed Julia on the cheek one more time and left her there.
Nathan mounted next to Bill and Alex, and the five guys who were going with him to the train. He looked back at her one last time and gave her a mock tip of the hat. Her heart clenched as she imagined him chasing the criminals who had kidnapped Fiona. She prayed for Nathan, and for Jake, and for all the guys- for safety, protection, and for success. And finally, Julia blew him a kiss, before he turned and led his team to the depot.
About thirty minutes later, Alex and Bill rode Ginger and Hero back through town, each leading three horses. They headed straight to the livery, dropped off all eight steeds, and immediately went to work setting up the command post in the Mountie office.
Nathan, Nichols and Stanford boarded the train and immediately began their casual surveillance of the different train cars. They were trained for this. Inconspicuous and each carrying a small travel bag to play the part. They made their way to the dining car and got a drink, casually taking note of every passenger.
Nathan excused himself and went to talk to the head porter, who informed him that there were indeed two sleeper cars booked on this train, under the name Nixon. However, no passengers had boarded for them yet.
They were on the right train, they only needed to find the perpetrators now.
If Nathan had had a few more guys with him, they would've hidden inside the sleeper cars, and laid wait for the perpetrators. But, given that they were only three Mounties to their four, they would have to be a little more creative. And, since Fiona had told them that the four men had separated and parted ways, they still had no idea if they would all four board together.
Nathan went back to Nichols and Stanford, and they devised a plan. They were ready when the first pair of perpetrators boarded a few stops later. And, those two clowns were easy to arrest and take into custody. Nichols shackled them both and attached them to each other. They turned one of the perps own sleeper cars into a holding cell. Nichols guarded the first two while Stanford and Nathan laid wait in the other sleeper car. Nathan informed the porter of the plan, so he would escort the men right into their trap.
When the train pulled to a stop an hour later, Nathan hid behind the door. As soon as it opened and the two perps were through, Nathan kicked the door closed and planted his pistol in the boss man's back. Nathan's voice rang out strong and commanding, "You've been had, Nixon. And, if you know what's good for you, you won't move a muscle."
He didn't.
Stanford pointed his pistol at the other man, and Nixon's weaselly minion crumbled like a coward. Stanford shackled them both, and attached them together. He and Nathan brought the two new prisoners through the door to the other sleeper car and they held all four in custody, together. Nathan and Nichols went through all of the perpetrators personal affects. And to their surprise, the boss man still had the bag of cash from the oil rig safe on him. And, that was a great recovery.
The boss man spoke up, attempting to protest that he didn't know anything about the money. But Nathan wasn't having any of it. He stood up and got right in his face. "Save your breath, Nixon. We know everything. And, justice will be served."
Nathan didn't back up, but just smiled confidently, letting Nixon take in that truth. And then Nathan went one more; he looked Nixon in the eye and reminded this criminal of something very important, something he seemed to have forgotten: "The Mounties always get their man."
When the train pulled into Benson Hills train station, Jacobs, Hubbard, Pelet, and Moon were waiting for them. And when they saw Nathan, Nichols, and Stanford leading the prisoners off the train, pride was evident on their faces. The Mounties had apprehended the perpetrators, all four of them.
They all proudly led the prisoners to the Benson Hills NWMP office, and locked them securely behind bars. A short time after, Matthews, Cartwright, Barton, and Stark rode up. They had been tracking the criminals, and had determined that they boarded the train for Benson Hills, and followed them.
Jake was relieved that the guilty parties were behind bars. And Nathan, who was perceptive, and a good friend, kept Jake away from them. And, Jake kept himself busy - mostly at Nathan's side, working to ensure that all the charges against the perpetrators were levied correctly, and to the full extent of the law. These for men had committed a myriad of crimes, and Jake was committed to seeing them pay for each and every one.
First chance he got, Nathan called Bill, and informed him of their success. Bill would spread the news to all the other teams who called in. Nathan also asked Bill to share the good news with Julia and Allie, as well as make sure someone informed Fiona.
Later that night, as Allie was reading and Julia was cooking dinner, the sharp ring of the phone sounded in the infirmary. Julia's head snapped around and she made eye contact with Allie, and they both knew exactly who it must be. Without a second of hesitation, they both dropped what they were doing and raced through the adjoining door, to the phone, giggling all the way.
Allie got there first, but waited to let Julia answer. "Hello? Hope Valley Infirmary."
Florence's voice sang out. "Julia, I have Nathan on the line for you." Julia's heart did a flip. She had been hoping for this, praying that he would find a way to call them.
"Please, Florence, put him through."
"Nathan?" Julia spoke first, impatient to hear his voice.
"Hi, Jules." He was comforted by the sound of her.
"How are you, my love?" Julia inquired.
"I'm good, Jules." He answered.
"And you are okay?" Julia wanted to make sure he wasn't hurt.
"I'm fine. Not a scratch." He told her. She exhaled.
"And, you caught them?" Julia asked. Of course, she already knew, because Bill had come by and informed her. But she still wanted to hear it from him.
"The plan worked like a charm. We have them all in custody and I'm staying overnight to finish up the formalities tomorrow." He told her. "I still need to get an official statement from Fiona, but they are going away for a long time. We even recovered the cash." Nathan was proud of their good work, proud to see justice served, and proud to be a Mountie.
"Nathan Grant, you are one heck of a Mountie." Julia said with a cute wink to Allie, who was standing just next to her and hanging on every word. And then, she decided to go one more. "And you are one amazing man."
It warmed Nathan's heart to hear that, especially coming from someone as important to him as Julia. Affirmation went a long way with a man like Nathan. "Thank you, Jules." He wanted to know something. "How is Fiona?"
Julia answered, "She's doing well, considering. I think she's mostly annoyed that she's slowed down by her ankle. She can't get around on it very well." Julia said with a little chuckle. "But she's recuperating well."
"I'm glad to hear that." Nathan told her.
"When will you be home?"
"Hopefully tomorrow, might be late though. We have a lot to do here." Nathan told her, honestly.
"Okay. Well, your girls will be waiting." Julia told him with a smile. "Speaking of girls, someone else here would love to talk to you, too." She told him.
"Allie?" He asked with emotion.
"Yea." Julia told him, with a happy grin. She loved he and Allie's sweet relationship. And she held out the phone.
Allie took it, unable to hide her contentment. "Dad?" She was eager to hear his familiar, comforting voice.
"Allie girl." It rolled so happily off his tongue. "How are you? Are you having fun with Julia?"
"I'm fine, Dad. And yes we're having fun. Tonight we're having another sleepover." She told him. "And you? You got the bad guys?"
"Yes, we got them." Nathan told her.
"I knew you would. Dad, you are the legend." Allie told him with a sweet smile. She had told him twice already, but thought he might like to hear that truth again.
Nathan chuckled through the line. "And you are my cheerleader."
"You got that right. And, I always will be." She told him, with a giggle. "Are you coming home now?"
"Tomorrow, though it might be late." Nathan told her. "But I'll be on that train as soon as I can."
"Okay, Dad." Allie told him. "Julia and I will be waiting for you."
"I miss you, Allie girl." Nathan said softly.
"I miss you, too, Dad." Alike told him quiet. "I'll pass you back to Julia now."
"Okay, Allie girl. See you tomorrow." And she handed the phone to Julia.
Julia told him low, "Come home quickly, Lawman."
"I will, my darling." He promised.
"And take care of you." She told him, wishing to hear his voice one more time.
"Until tomorrow." He pledged, and it was hard to hang up.
"Okay, my love, tomorrow." And Julia smiled contentedly at Allie, as she gently set the receiver back on the cradle.
On Saturday morning, Allie came to work with Julia. She helped them organize files and put away their most recent shipment of medications. And, for a while, she hung out in Julia's apartment, reading a book. Allie had picked up an afternoon shift at the telephone exchange, so she left just after lunch for the mercantile.
Julia kept watch all afternoon for the last Mounties to arrive back in Hope Valley. Lots of red coats had arrived late last night and this morning. Jake had come home this afternoon. Those who had been assigned to ride the trains, who were in plain clothes, were expected back this afternoon or evening. Julia noticed Bill leave with Alex, with three extra horses in tow, at around 2:30 p.m. They came back about half an hour later with Ben Davis, Thompson, and Ziegler, the three who had ridden the train to Buxton.
At 5:30 p.m., Bill still hadn't left out again. Even though Julia knew Nathan was safe and sound, she still found it hard to sit still. She just needed something to keep her occupied. And, since Allie was working late tonight, Julia headed over to her apartment and began to paint. She needed to put her hands to work, so she continued one of her other paintings for the big house.
A little over an hour later, Julia heard those three light distinct taps on her door. Her heart skipped a beat, and she laid down her paintbrush and hurried to the door. She stepped out on the porch, to greet her Nathan.
When Julia came all the way out onto her porch, Nathan felt his breath catch. Her hair was up in a messy bun, and she was wearing her painter's apron. Which meant she was painting…again. He let his bag drop gingerly to the ground, next to his feet.
Nathan said that thing he usually said when he was so taken by her. When he found it hard to say anything else. And he drawled it in that natural, slow way that he always did…"Hi."
Julia didn't even answer but went straight into his arms. She hugged him tight around the waist and laid her head on his chest. Right against his heart, and just under those open buttons. She breathed his scent deep into her lungs, an assurance that he was home and he was safe. Nathan held her tight and laid his cheek next to her forehead. He closed his eyes and relished the moment. He was home.
They stayed like that for a long time, enjoying the feel and the closeness of each other. Until the cadence of their hearts fell into rhythm with each other. Nathan finally pulled back just a little and looked down at her. She had a light little trace of yellow paint down her cheek, just next her right dimple. "Jules, you're painting again?" He wanted to know, wanted to see.
Julia nodded slowly, and told him, "Yes. Another one for our house."
Now he was really curious. "Can I see?"
Julia knew she couldn't deny him, couldn't tell him no. Especially considering how thankful she was that he had come home safe. And certainly not after all his hard work to avenge Fiona and make sure that the same thing wouldn't happen to anyone else. His commitment to justice was one of the things she loved about him. So, it was impossible to say no.
Julia simply told him, "Yes." And the biggest most beautiful smile spread across his face; the smile that she loved so much, the one that went up into his eyes. He started to move toward the door, but Julia slowly blocked it. "But before I let you in, Nathan. I have to remind you of something. As a painter, showing someone you love is so much scarier than showing a stranger." She paused. "And, you are the most important person in the world to me."
Nathan stepped close, so close that Julia had nowhere to go. No way to escape, not that she wanted to. But he did it on purpose, so that his words would have no other option than to hit home. And he held her face gently in his hands, so that she couldn't miss the depth and truth in his eyes. "I love you, Julia Matthews. You. Not your nursing or painting or any other thing you do. I love you. And nothing, not what's behind that door, nor anything you do, nor anything fifty years from now, will ever change that." His smile turned playful. "Get it through your head, okay?"
Without meaning to, Julia let a soft "mmmmm" escape from her lips. But she soaked up his words. Every last one of them. She stayed there a long moment, and finally, slowly, nodded her head. Feeling with everything in her, the exact same way about him.
She finally reached behind her and opened the door. Julia took Nathan's hand and led him inside. He reached back and grabbed up his bag and dropped it by the front door, on his way past. She led him over to the easel; at the base of it, paints and palettes, brushes and water cans were strewn all about.
And Julia let him see.
Nathan couldn't believe how wonderful and real the painting looked. Julia had perfectly captured the scene, and it was beautiful. This painting was of the little dock by the pond. Their dock. Where Nathan had dared to venture when he'd been hurt, just to tell her that he missed her. Where Nathan had brought her on their first date, to watch the sunset. And where they first confessed their love to one another. That dock was where they had shared their first kiss. And it was also where they wished to be married.
The revelation hit home. Julia was painting their dock. And it was breathtaking - the little pond, the bright green grass, the church in the background, and the rolling hills behind. She had painted a perfect likeness and a beautiful scene.
Nathan never took his eyes off the painting as he raised her hand, which he was still holding, to his lips and kissed it tenderly. "I love it." Nathan breathed softly.
Julia finally let out a deep breath. "I was hoping you would."
He turned his head slightly in her direction. "Oh, I do." Then Nathan returned his gaze to the painting and stood for a long time mesmerized by it.
"It's not finished yet. I still have a bit more to do." She told him, though he couldn't imagine what.
"I can't imagine what you still need to do. It looks wonderful already." Nathan told her.
"So you will find a place for it in our house?" She asked him.
"You can count on it." Nathan told her. He already knew where he wanted to hang it - in their bedroom, above their bed, the one he planned to make with his own two hands.
Nathan moved and drew her into his arms again, and held her in an embrace, sort of sideways, in front of the painting. "I don't know how you could have ever been shy to show me." He looked down at her, so close. "It's wonderful, Jules."
"I'm sorry for my insecurity." Julia held his intense gaze and told him, honest. "I think painters often overthink things."
"Painters are not alone in that. You are not alone. " Nathan told her. He himself was often guilty of rethinking and second-guessing, and overthinking. "And, you never have to apologize for being human."
Julia smiled up at him, loving the feel of his arms and his unconditional understanding. He was as handsome on the inside as he was on the outside, and then some. She could feel herself blossoming and blooming under the sunshine of his love. And, it was a wonderful, unexplainable feeling.
She said the only thing she could manage in that moment, the one thing that fit, and it came out just above a whisper. "I love you."
He smiled down at her, happy, and oblivious, as if love like this was the most natural, common thing in the world. And, he responded so matter of fact, so simply. "And, I love you."
Julia was ever aware that what they shared wasn't normal, or every day, or run of the mill. But it was something deep and unique and special. And, she treasured it, she basked in it. She held his gaze, stayed right there enjoying the rays of his love, until he slowly leaned forward and planted a sweet kiss on her forehead. It was not featherlight like usual, but this time it was long and intense, and intentional. As if he had seen right inside of her, and understood everything she was feeling. He slowly pulled back and took one more look at the painting. Julia just held his hand and stood next to him, as he took it in.
Nathan slowly glanced over and noticed the roll away bed next to Julia's and Allie's things around the room.
"Everything went fine with Allie?" He asked her, low.
"We had a lot of fun together. And, she helped me with the invitations." Julia pointed to a stack on her little dining table. And, it was a small stack.
Nathan picked up. "That's it?" He asked with a chuckle.
"Well, that's all that's left, still to be delivered." Julia told him. "We already sent off all the invitations that were to be mailed."
"Really?" Nathan asked. He couldn't believe they had gotten so much done.
"We got everyone on your list and my list. And everyone on the list your mother sent me, and everyone on the list Archie gave me before he left." Julia told him. "So, I hope we didn't miss anyone."
Nathan looked down at the closed envelopes. He was curious. "Jules, could I see the finished invitation?" He wanted to see how it turned out.
Julia hadn't thought about that. Nathan hadn't seen the finished product yet. "Oh." She drawled out softly. Then she sort of giggled and titled her head at him, cutely. "Would you like an invitation to your own wedding?"
He chuckled and said. "Yes!"
Julia laughed out loud and moved to a box on her dressing table, and brought it over to the table. She carefully lifted the lid, took out one invitation, and held it out to him.
Nathan took it and looked it over. It was a lovely invitation. He loved everything about it. Reading his name there alongside Julia's, made official by simple black ink, did something to his insides. It was just a normal formality but the written word was powerful. Something about seeing it in print touched his heart. He was getting married…and to the single most beautiful, wonderful woman he had ever met. It struck a chord inside of him, deep and profound. And brought to the surface a longing that had been there for so long he had just gotten used to it, a longing he had completely forgotten about. And that longing - for companionship, for a partner to walk through life with, someone who was a wife, a lover, and a best friend - was now satisfied. He looked at Julia, standing there so utterly happy to marry him, and so in love with him. It was almost too much.
Just then, Allie came slowly in the door, tired after her long shift at the telephone. But when she saw her Dad, she took off at a sprint and launched herself into his arms.
Nathan tossed the invitation to the side, caught her in his arms, and squeezed her good. His emotions were now close to spilling over. "Allie girl!" He chimed happily. The invitation landed softly on the table.
When he set Allie back on her feet, she asked, "Did you just get home?"
"Just now." Nathan told her, with a broad smile. "I was just looking for you two."
"And you found us!" Allie told him. She noticed the invitation on the table. "And you found the invitations. Aren't they lovely?" Allie asked him.
"Yes they are. Though, it's a pity my name is spelled wrong." He told them, and with a perfectly straight face.
Julia and Allie both looked at each other and panicked. With mouths gaping open, they each grabbed an invitation and re-read, carefully scrutinizing this time, each and every letter. Nathaniel Sullivan Grant. It was written just as Rebecca had modeled, and a mother should know right?
And then Julia looked back up at him and realized something. Allie also realized at the very same moment. "Very funny joke, Dad!"
He was teasing them. And he couldn't hold it any longer - but burst out laughing. Allie mock slugged him on the arm, and then slowly started to smile. How could she not smile at his cute antics?
Julia wagged her pointer finger. "That's not funny, Nathan Grant! Over fifty of these have already gone out!" She attempted to scold him, with her other hand to her chest, as she slowly began to breathe again. But she couldn't help it either, one look at Nathan, and his rolling laughter, and she was in stitches. Allie, joined in the laughter too.
"Gotcha!" He told them both, and they all had a good, hearty laugh.
Finally, when they all calmed down, Julia shook just her head at him. He was something else.
She asked them both, "Are you hungry?"
Nathan smiled shyly at Julia, and she had her answer. Allie spoke up, too. "Me, too. I'm starving."
Even though Nathan was in a wonderful mood, Julia had noticed something the moment he'd entered. He looked tired. She knew he probably wouldn't appreciate being around a crowd, after such a long mission. So Julia offered, "Why don't I go over to the cafe and pick up three plates and bring them back here? And we can have a quiet dinner together?"
Nathan's eyes sparkled. Julia knew him so well, and that sounded just perfect. "Jules, yes. That would be…great." Nathan said, looking down at Allie who was tucked under the crook of his arm.
Julia nodded and headed out the adjoining door and across to the cafe. She came back a little while later with three plates. While she was gone, Nathan and Allie set the table, so they were all ready to eat when she got back.
They sat together and ate a wonderful dinner. Nathan told them all about how the Mounties had once again apprehended the bad guys. And, he made the story interesting, for Allie. And, she was proud of her father. He was good and his job, and it showed.
After dinner, Julia brought out chocolate chunk cookies that she and Allie had made together the evening before. They sat and chatted a while longer, while they enjoyed them.
Julia could see the fatigue in the handsome lines of Nathan's face. "Allie, you should take your Dad home and make him get some rest." The last few days had been long and stressful.
"I gave all the guys a day of rest tomorrow." Nathan told them.
"So that means you can rest, too, Nathan?" Julia asked him, happy to hear that.
"Yes." He smiled at both of them. "Though Bill suggested a baseball game, and the guys all want to play."
Allie piped up, "Really? That sounds like fun!"
"I think so, too. We're meeting on the grassy field over on the other side of the church at 3 pm." He told them.
Julia smiled, she couldn't wait to watch. "And you will play, Nathan?"
"Of course." He told them both. "I would never miss the chance to play baseball." He tilted his head and smiled. "And, guess who arrives tomorrow night?"
"Uncle Gabe?" Allie asked him. He had mentioned something a long time ago, when he was planning the training course, but Allie had not forgotten.
Nathan nodded, "He's coming so we can track him." He was amused at their confused faces, and chuckled. "He's playing the criminal in our tracking simulation." Nathan explained.
Julia understood. "Well, that should be interesting."
Allie laughed. "Uncle Gabe playing a criminal. That's funny."
Nathan chuckled. "I'm going to split them into teams and make a sort of contest out of it."
"Actually, that part sounds like fun." Allie told him.
Allie realized he did indeed, look tired. She stood. "Let's get you home, old man." Allie told him with a playful smile. And, she grabbed her bag and quickly packed up her things from Julia's apartment.
When she was done, Nathan and Allie moved toward the door, and Julia hugged them both. She kissed Nathan on the cheek, and he and Allie picked up their bags. Julia walked them out and watched them walk home arm-in-arm, until they disappeared into the dark.