Chapter 98. Take Me Out to the Ballgame
At church on Sunday, Allie sat with Julia. Nathan, who rarely missed church, was still asleep when Allie left, and she didn't have the heart to wake him. So Allie just let him sleep.
After the service, when the parishioners were still congregating outside, Allie ran around and gave out the rest of the wedding invitations. Rosemary Coulter was convinced she'd never seen Allie so excited about anything in all the years she'd known her. It made her heart happy, that Allie would finally get the mother she'd desired for so long. And at the perfect timing, just before those formidable teenage years. Julia would be a wonderful guide and role model as Allie grew into a woman. Julia was smart and beautiful, and never boring. And Julia had a way about her, a vivacity and love for life that was unique and refreshing. Rosemary thought Allie had some of that very same vivacity, and Julia would help her hone it. It truly was a perfect match.
When the last invitation had been delivered, Allie and Julia walked back to the row house for lunch. On the way, Julia happened to look over towards town, and saw Ben Davis and Faith out walking together. They were headed toward the livery. Allie noticed too, and looked up at Julia and smiled.
When they got home, Nathan wasn't downstairs, as they'd expected him to be. That was strange and so Allie went upstairs, to check on him. But, to her relief, his room was empty. He was already up and off somewhere, probably preparing for his departure on the tracking simulation tomorrow.
As soon as Allie and Julia had all the sandwich fixings laid out, Nathan came in whistling. It was a tune that Julia didn't recognize and she wondered if it was a Nathan original, perhaps something he played on his guitar. The moment she'd entered, Julia had taken notice of the guitar case standing in the corner, and even wondered if he'd played this morning.
"Dad!" Allie looked up as he sauntered happily into the kitchen. "Where've you been?" She asked.
"I rode up to check on our house, girls." Nathan was overflowing with excitement as he told them. "The foundation is in and it looks really good. Solid and strong. They've started framing already. Two big exterior wall panels are up, and a lot of the joists are laid. It's really coming along." He looked over at Julia. "And the view this morning from the swing. It was so…surreal."
Nathan came over and planted a kiss on Julia's cheek. She tried to imagine how different the building site must look from the last time she'd seen it. Julia was curious now. But more than any of that, she genuinely loved how excited Nathan was about it. He was beaming and it was positively wonderful. "Really? Framing…already?"
Nathan smiled at her. "We'll be living there before you know it." His excitement was contagious. At his words, just like that, they were all three very excited about it. He looked at the table and added a few last minute things to their lunch.
"Dad, in the big house, can I have one of those beds with the fancy fabric that hangs down?" Allie asked him.
Nathan laughed out loud. Allie the tomboy, fisher-girl with a canopy bed? "Maybe. What would you hang on it? A fishing net?"
Allie laughed at the image. "No, Dad! I'm growing up, you know."
She needn't remind him. Every time he blinked, she grew up a little bit more. And now she was becoming a young lady. The little girl with the cute pigtail braids, and the gappy-toothed smile, was all but gone now.
"Okay, sure, Allie." Nathan told her. "If that's the kind of bed you want." He was sure he and Archie could build such a bed.
The three sat down and ate lunch together. When they were done, Julia looked over at the guitar case in the corner of the room.
"Nathan, have you been playing?" Julia asked him.
"Yes." Nathan looked shy for half a second, and then asked them both. "Would you like to hear?"
Allie told him. "Of course, Dad." And they moved over to the living room. Nathan opened the case on the coffee table, and took out his guitar. It was still in tune from this morning, and he quickly eased his fingers back onto the strings. He fingerpicked a few beautiful progressions, before settling on one.
He picked the tune of "The Old Rugged Cross", and it was just beautiful. The sound echoed through the room and Julia and Allie were mesmerized. When he finally finished, they weren't ready for it to end.
Then Nathan looked at them, still in that stellar mood. "Would you girls like to hear something else?" They both nodded without saying a word, and he picked a new tune. One that neither one of them recognized. It was well composed and flowed so lovely, as his fingers slid expertly back and forth across the frets. When he was done, Julia wanted more. She loved the melody of it.
Allie told him. "I really like that last one."
A look of timidity suddenly washed over his face, and Julia recognized it right away. It was the same look she got before showing him one of her paintings. "It's something I've been working on."
"You wrote that, Nathan?" Julia asked him, gently. He nodded slow, thought he didn't make eye contact. She had loved the tune before, but now, with that knowledge, she loved it even more.
"I love it." Julia told him softly. Nathan finally brought his eyes up to meet hers, and couldn't contain a shy little smile.
"Me, too." Allie told him, and he glanced over at his daughter, too. Nathan finished with a few more measures of the same melody, which they all enjoyed. Then he slowly put the guitar back into its case.
"Girls, I need to leave soon for the baseball field." Nathan told them, after glancing at the clock. He wanted to get there early to help Bill and Jake set everything up.
Allie offered. "Dad, why don't we all go? I can help you set up."
"And, I can help too, until it's time to go pick up Fiona." Julia told him.
"Okay, great." He said. "I'll just go get changed, then."
A few minutes later, Nathan came down in sporty attire appropriate for baseball, and his sport shoes. The same sport shoes he'd worn in Union City, when he'd snuck up to her and Allie's room at the hotel to say goodbye, all sweaty and…kissable. Julia just smiled to herself at the memory.
Together, the trio headed out to the field, for a baseball game.
At around 2:15 pm, Gabe rode up and found a huge group out on the field, setting up for the game. Nathan trotted over and greeted him, delighted, "You're here early!"
Gabe shrugged and looked around. "You did mention baseball."
Nathan was so glad his friend had come early, and just in time to play. "Gabe, I'm so glad you're here."
After a nod, Gabe continued on to the livery, to stable Apollo. When Gabe came back a few minutes later, Nathan introduced him around to all the guys. And in the span of about three seconds, Gabe was meshed in with all his brothers-in-arms, in true Mountie fashion.
At around 2:30, Julia walked to the saw mill office, and got into Lee's car, which was parked exactly where he said he'd leave it. Julia started it up just fine and pulled it as close as possible to Faith and Fiona's apartment. She went up the back steps and knocked on the door. Faith answered almost immediately and they helped Fiona down and into the front seat.
At first mention, Fiona hadn't been too keen to go to a baseball game. But Faith had convinced her that it would be good for her to get out. Not to mention that the community members would really love to see her. So many people had been worried about her and helped in the search party, and more lately, had asked after her. Florence and Molly had both brought meals by, but some of the other ladies had inquired about stopping for a visit. Perhaps it would be good to see everyone, and let them know she was doing well. And, at the very least, get a little sunshine.
If she was honest with herself, Fiona was particularly apprehensive to see Jake. She was still attempting to process everything that had happened between them. Especially those tender moments, the ones she was now unable to deny. Every single time she thought about him, her heart was in flutters. It was ridiculous. She was a strong, independent woman who had professed, time and time again, that she didn't need a man in her life. But, one had swooped in completely uninvited, caught her by surprise, and flipped it all upside down. The worst part was, before all this…she had been completely fine without him. She had even thought him interested in Faith, and had been happy for her friend. And now, every time she was around him, she found herself noticing the light blue speckles in the green of his eyes, or the way his Henley got all rippled when it was pulled tight across his chest, or some other cute little nuance that was inherently him. She chided herself for noticing these things, but she just couldn't help it. Jake now invaded her thoughts when she least expected it, and when she absolutely didn't want him to.
And today, Fiona knew she would see him. She had managed to avoid him completely, since the moment he'd set her down on the infirmary's examination table. She'd just stayed holed up in her apartment, and that had done the trick. But, it would be impossible not to see him today. And that made her apprehensive.
When they parked the car near the ball field, Julia first pulled a chair from the back of the car, and set it up on the sidelines. Faith opened the door and helped Fiona out. But, as soon as she stood, Fiona felt two strong arms hoist her into the air. Before she could protest, she found herself sandwiched up against that rippled chest, and eye to eye with those sparkly greens with the light blue flecks. And well…breathing became her only priority.
Jake had seen the car pull up and came to help. But when Fiona's ankle touched the ground, and Jake saw her grimace, he didn't wait for the crutches, that were sticking out of the back seat. He just scooped Fiona up, and carried her over to the chair Julia had set up. There was one thing he hadn't expected, though. And that was Fiona's reaction, once he had her in his arms. She'd been startled for half a second, but once it registered who was carrying her, she sank against him as if she was always meant to be there. And when their eyes met, Jake's breath caught in his throat. Part of him wanted to be sorry that he'd ventured to be so bold, realizing now how it must look to others. But the other part of him was honest, and relished the feeling of holding her so close. And if he was honest all the way, it didn't seem like she minded, either.
When Jake set her down on her one good foot, in front of the chair, she half slid down the front of his body in a way that made every hair on his body stand on end. And the way she looked at him, threw all of his concentration completely out of whack. He hadn't even realized she'd hooked her arm behind his neck, as he carried her. And when he set her down, that hand trailed down through the little sandy curls at the back of his neck, down across his shoulder, and to his chest. Her hand rested there a second too long, before she realized and removed it. Jake was stunned by the chemistry between them and thought it hard to find a single word to say.
Finally, Fiona cleared her throat and managed to speak just above a whisper. "Thank you, Jacob." He only managed to nod, as she sat down. Jake jogged over to the tree line, and seemed to be looking for something, though she couldn't imagine what. Fiona finally tore her eyes away from him and looked out over the field. A baseball diamond was set up, complete with a pitcher's mound. And most of the players were already present and warming up.
Julia stood back aways and took notice of both Fiona and her brother. She had witnessed the whole scene, and since she knew them both so well, recognized exactly what was going on. It hadn't been all that long ago that she had found herself battling the very same feelings, and wrestling to understand them. It was only when she finally opened her eyes and took a good honest look at Nathan, that she realized he was the one. Maybe Fiona would hurry up and do the same thing, or at least give Jake a chance, because it was hard to watch the struggle.
All of a sudden, Jake came walking back from the woods with a large log thrown over his shoulder. Fiona only noticed once he was about halfway to her, and she gasped. What on earth was he doing? And why was he carrying that log? It was huge and made every muscle in his chest and shoulders bulge. And he had the attention of just about every woman within a hundred yards of that field - in fact, every female eye followed him - as he walked over and set that log down in front of Fiona. Then, he ever so gently picked up her injured ankle and carefully set it down on top of that log. Julia was fairly certain that Florence Yost was going to pass clean out, right where she stood, and Molly too. Both of their chins were on the ground, at Jake's completely accidental display of strength, followed, in stark contrast, by his most tender of attentions. Fiona's mouth was hanging open too, and this time, she didn't manage to get a single sound out. She just looked at him, mouth agape, as he smiled at her, and trotted back out onto the field.
Faith stepped up next to Julia, and whispered. "Is there something I'm missing?"
Julia looked affectionately at Faith, who didn't quite seem to get it. She wished Jake would have a conversation with Faith already. Julia just smiled even and looked out over the field. The guys were warming up, and Nathan was throwing with Ben Davis out in left field. He looked so handsome out there, and suddenly, Julia couldn't take her eyes off of Nathan.
Then Ben looked over their way, and gave a cute little wave in their direction. Julia was confused for the span of a second, until she saw Faith raise her hand and wave back at him. Julia smiled as she remembered what she'd seen on the way home from church. Ben and Faith together, just the two of them, walking towards the livery.
Julia wanted to test the waters, see where things stood, so she asked Faith quietly. "Did you have fun with Ben this afternoon?"
Faith looked over at Julia and nodded shyly. "I really did. He's a nice guy. We took a ride."
Julia looked back out at Ben, who couldn't seem to stop looking over at Faith, now that he knew she was there. It was cute. "He sure keeps looking over here a lot." Julia told her.
Faith blushed crimson red, and nodded slowly. She didn't know how to reply to that one.
Ben moved to the sideline with Penny, and started throwing pitches. Penny aptly caught everything Ben threw as the speed slowly increased each time. Gabe and Smith also warmed up as pitchers, and took turns throwing heat to Thomas, on the other sideline.
"I'm going to move the car, Faith. I'll be right back." Julia told her. She also went to Fiona, laid her hand on her friend's shoulder, and asked her. "Fiona, do you need anything?"
Fiona placed her hand over Julia's, in friendship. "Not a thing, Julia, thank you."
Julia moved the car back over towards town, taking care to park it far enough away, for any stray balls. As she walked back, many townspeople were arriving to watch the game. A large number of them passed by and spoke to Fiona, and Julia was thankful for that. Fiona deserved to know that she was well-loved and appreciated in this community.
Faith laid out a blanket next to Fiona, and she and Julia sat down. Mike arrived and sat with them, too. And, Lee and Rosemary arrived just after.
Jesse and Clara sat under a tree not far away, next to George and Henry. The Canfields, Cat Montgomery, and the Weiss' sat on the other side.
Out on the field, Bill and Alex called Nathan and Jake over, and they discussed the rules. Then they flipped a coin. Alex was dressed in jupe-culottes, and she and Bill were both wearing umpire gear.
Nathan and his eight guys took the field, and the other nine, Jake's team, went to the sidelines. Gabe went to the sidelines too, he was the back-up pitcher, and would enter the game on either team, as soon as there was a need. A few guys swung the bat to warm up, while Ben Davis stepped up on the pitcher's mound and warmed up a few more rounds. He threw it hard and fast to Pendergrass, who played catcher.
When all the guys were ready, Bill took his place as umpire behind the plate. Alex took her place as umpire behind second base.
Cartwright was up to bat first, and he took a strike before popping one up to Hubbard in centerfield, who easily caught it. One out. Thomas hit a single to Jacobs in left field who sent it to Nichols on second base. Next, Stark also got a single, which sent Thomas to third. Jake was up next, and he looked pretty commanding swinging that bat, he obviously knew what he was doing. When Ben finally pitched it to him, he got ahold of it good and sent it far. So far in fact, that the school kids went after it, trying to help Jacobs in left field find the ball. They finally did, but not before all three guys had touched home plate. So, Jake's team quickly scored 3. Moon was up next and hit a line drive to Nathan at shortstop, who he caught it easily. Two outs. Then Ziegler popped up a fly just over the foul line past third base, and Thompson easily caught it. Three outs. And that, retired the side.
When Nathan's team came in off the field, Allie and Opal handed out water. And Jake's team took the field. Smith warmed up, pitching to Thomas, who played catcher.
When Bill gave the signal, Stanford came up to the plate to bat first. He batted lefty, hit a line drive on the ground out to Ziegler, and made to second base. Ben Davis batted second. He hit it to Stark at short stop, who threw like fire to Jake, who played first, and beat the runner. One out. But, thanks to Ben's close pay at first, Stanford made it to third. Pelet hit a double out to Cartwright in center field, which scored Stanford. That made the score 3-1. Thompson popped up to Stark at shortstop, and he caught it and held Pelet at second. Two outs.
Next, Nathan hit a beautiful long fly ball, and when it was still in the air, it looked like it could be a home run. Allie and Julia were immediately on their feet, cheering. Sadly though, the ball fell just short of the home run line. But Nathan was fast around those bases and pulled out a triple, which managed to score Pelet. That brought the score to 3-2. Next up was Hubbard, who struck out, and retired the side.
And, so it went. The game was neck and neck most of the time. These guys were serious about the game of baseball. And, they were serious about teamwork and camaraderie. The spectators had a great time, watching the Mounties show their feats of strength one minute, and razz each other next. It was great fun. And, it was by far the most exciting entertainment to come to Hope Valley since the moving picture show for the Coulter's wedding anniversary.
Julia and Allie were Nathan's cheerleaders. And…he loved it. They cheered every time he was up to bat or got a play in the field. And they cheered for Jake, too. Nathan hit another standing triple in the 4th inning, and a beautiful home run in the 6th. And, Jake hit a double in the 3rd and an outstanding triple in the 6th. Gabe entered the game pitching for Jake's team in the bottom of the 5th, replacing Smith.
At the bottom of the eighth, when Nathan's team came up to bat, the score was 12-10. Jake's team was up by two. Gabe was throwing heat, and Pelet led off and struck out. One out. Thompson was up next and managed a single. Then Nathan hit a line drive to Cartwright in center field, who tried to throw it in, but Nathan was fast. All the spectators took to their feet, to see the play at second. Nathan slid in, and it was close. But Alex, the second base umpire was right there, saw the tag, and loudly called Nathan, "Safe!" She even used the sweeping arm movements to add effect, just like in the big leagues.
But at the very same time, Bill, from behind the plate called him, "Out!"
Alex straightened, looked at Bill with a furrowed brow, and said again, louder this time, "Safe!"
Bill came walking towards second, and yelled "Out!".
Alex wasn't backing down. She walked right towards Bill, sure as anything, and stood toe to toe with him. "SAFE!"
Bill stood toe to toe with her. "OUT!" And, both teams were suddenly crowded around out by second base, arguing and kicking dirt. And the whole of Hope Valley was speechless and mesmerized by the scene, looking back and forth, back and forth, from Alex to Bill.
Finally, Alex put her hand up, and everyone quieted. She didn't utter a sound until there was complete silence. "Bill. It's my call. I'm second base ump, and the play was on second base." She very calmly, but absolutely, told him. "HE'S SAFE!"
Bill wasn't letting it go. "Anyone could see that play, from far away as the moon! He's OUT!"
Alex kept her cool. "You couldn't possibly have seen it from behind the plate, Old man! Not without your glasses!…He's SAFE!"
Bill kept going. "I see just fine, Alexandria. He's OUT!"
Alex wasn't giving up. "You wouldn't have seen that play clearly if it had been two feet front of you! You need to run and get your glasses, old man!" She looked at Nathan and motioned with her arms again, "SAFE!"
Now by this point, the entire town wasn't sure whether to laugh or not. It was a hilarious scene! But, these two were so serious, everyone was quite certain they shouldn't laugh yet. So, they waited.
Alex glared one more time at Bill, and then told all the guys, "Play Ball!" She nodded, and led Nathan, by the elbow, back to second base and planted him there. She gave him the pointer finger, which he interpreted to mean he shouldn't move.
Bill retreated slowly back to his place behind the plate. When he got there he yelled, "Two Outs," giving everyone the update of where things stood, before Gabe pitched again.
But, Alex quickly and concisely corrected him with a yell from her place behind second base. "ONE OUT!" And well, nobody was sure which was right. But, everyone laughed at the humor of it, and they laughed good.
Ned Yost, who was keeping score, wasn't sure how many outs to write down, but he went with Alex because technically, she was right. Bill wasn't supposed to call anyone on the bases out, at least not from all the way behind home plate. The bases were Alex's job.
So now, Nathan was on second and Thompson was on third. Hubbard came to bat, and managed a good looking single, which scored Thompson. Though when he crossed home plate, Bill called out, "OUT!" And, everybody laughed again. Then the scene was made even more comical when Thompson turned around and trotted back to home plate, startling Bill. As umpire, he stood stark upright to see what this player could possibly want. Jeffrey Thompson walked right up to Bill and playfully kicked dirt on his feet. The crowd erupted into laughter again.
Bill pursed his lips at Thompson's funny antic, and told the entire giggling crowd, "You're all OUT!" Then Bill stifled a chuckle, replaced his face mask, and took his position, looking over the catcher's shoulder.
Ned Yost, of course, marked down Thompson's run, so the score was now 12-11.
When Penny came to bat, he got ahold of it, and hit a nice homer. He batted in Nathan and Hubbard, who had been on first and third, so those three runs put Nathan's team up by two. 12-14. Jacobs hit a fly ball that was caught in the air. Two outs. Nichols got on first with a single. But Stanford, who batted right behind him, hit it straight to Moon on second, and Moon only had to touch the base to get the third out. That retired the side, and that was only the bottom of the eighth. They still had a whole inning to play, and the excitement was electric. The crowd was really on the edge of their seat, and cheered enthusiastically.
They moved into the top of the ninth inning, which meant it was Jake's team's last at bat. So, they needed to make up quite a few runs. First, Gabe hit a single and got on first. Cartwright hit a line drive out to Hubbard in center field, but it hit the ground before he caught it. And even though Hubbard threw it in to Nichols on second, both runners took their bases standing. So, there were two men on base when Thomas came to bat. He hit a double to Jacobs in left field, which scored both Gabe and Cartwright, bringing the score to 14 - 14. Stark popped it up behind the plate, and Penny easily caught it. One out.
Jake was up to bat next, and Thomas was still on second. He gave a few warm up swings, before he stepped up to the plate. Then he tapped the bat on the ground and pulled it slowly back, to rest on his shoulder. Ben pitched a good one and Jake took a strike right away. And just when Ben threw the next pitch, Fiona called out, "Go, Jake."
Now, Jake would know her voice anywhere, and well, it completely threw him off. His swing was a mess, and he popped a foul ball far over Thompson's head at third. Two strikes. Jake stepped back out of the batter's box and took a deep breath. And, he took a few more swings. Jake couldn't resist and looked back at Fiona. She felt guilty for throwing him off, even though she had meant well. So, she gave him a shy smile - one that sort of said sorry. He returned her awkward smile, and took another deep breath.
Jake stepped back up to the plate and let the next one go by. It was wide, very wide. Ball one. The pitch that came next was a perfect fast ball, placed just right, so he gave it all he had. And he made contact, sweet beautiful contact, and the ball went sailing even farther than the first home run he'd hit, in the first inning. Home run. And a home run with one guy on base, scored two runs. That brought the score up to 16 - 14. And as Jake trotted around those bases, and came around to touch home, he looked over at Fiona, who was beaming.
Their good fortune didn't end there. Moon hit an in-the-park home run, mostly because Stanford overthrew the ball from right-field to Thompson, at third. That additional run brought the score up to 17 - 14.
The next two guys, Ziegler and Tankersley, both got out. One with a pop fly, and the other with a line drive straight to Nichols at second, who caught in the air. And that, retired the side.
Ben Davis was up to bat first for Nathan's team. He hit a home run straightaway, it was a beauty and the crowd was on their feet. That brought the score up to 17 - 15. Next, Pelet and Thompson both got out with pop flies. Everyone seemed to be swinging for "the fence" even though there wasn't any fence, in the Hope Valley make-shift baseball field. That brought the count to two outs. Nathan was up next and managed a single. Then Hubbard hit Nathan to third with another single.
The score was close, yet again. Nathan's team was down by two. And he was on third, Hubbard was on first, and Penny, a real powerhouse was up to bat. Everyone was on their feet and cheering, as Penny made his practice swings on the sideline. From his perch a few steps off of first base, Jake encouraged his team to be ready. Julia, Allie, and Faith cheered for Nathan and Ben's team; Fiona and Mike cheered for Jake's. And the rest of Hope Valley made their choice and cheered for one team or the other.
When the noise died down, Penny stepped up to the plate. He let the first one go by. Ball one. The second one, too. Strike one. And, on the third pitch, Penny got ahold of it. And, the sound that bat made when it made contact with the ball, echoed far and wide. And, the ball sailed far - very far. The crowd went wild!
As the three guys rounded the bases, everyone was on their feet cheering. It was a beautiful home run! Pendergrass had secured the victory. And when Penny's foot finally touched home plate, Bill jokingly yelled, "OUT!" And, the crowd went wild again - with laughter this time.
Nathan's entire team was all right there to meet Penny, as he crossed home plate. And they brought him into their loud, excited congratulatory huddle - with huge high-fives and lots of patting on the back, shoulders, and even on his red head.
The entire field was electric - it had been an exciting, wonderful game. Many of the spectators stayed long on their feet, clapping and cheering. And, among the very last to quiet down, were Julia and Allie.
The teams had all played so well, and it had been highly entertaining for the spectators. The final score was 17 - 18. Nathan's team had won by one run.
After the huddle, all the guys lined up and shook hands on the field. A lot of spectators came and shook hands and congratulated them, too. The entire community mingled with each other and the players, with a fun sort of energy, bright and jovial. Even the losing team was merry, because it had been an excellent game, and a lot of fun.
Julia and Allie weaved their way through the thick of the crowd, and made their way to Nathan. His face lit up when he saw them, and Allie encouraged, "Great game, Dad!"
Nathan hugged her, and told her. "Thanks, Allie girl. Was it as fun to watch as it was to play?"
Allie nodded in her excited way. "Well it was really fun to watch, so I think so!" She beamed at him. "And Dad, nice homer!"
Nathan smiled proudly down at her and kept her in the crook of his arm, for a while longer. Finally, when Allie saw Emily and Opal, she ran off to talk with them.
Then Nathan looked at Julia. She just smiled at him, thinking him the absolute most handsome man she had ever seen. And before today, she had thought it impossible for him to get any more attractive. But the way he swung the bat with such strength, and the way his muscles moved when he did, took him up another notch. Not to mention how fast he'd run around those bases, and how messy his hair had become while he did. And now, he was looking at her with such pride and contentment, like he'd just won Steeplechase. Put all that together, and it made for one handsome image. And that was only his outside…
Julia figured she should probably say something now. "You looked good out there, Lawman." And, that was the icing on his cake. That this beautiful, intelligent, wonderful woman thought he looked good, was all that he needed to know, and was more than his restraint could handle. He didn't even care about the crowd anymore, nor did he even realize people were still swarming around them. It was all mute…to him.
And Nathan moved to her, and wrapped his arms around her. Julia snuggled into her spot, and breathed in the wonderful amplified scent of him. And, they held each other right there in the middle of the crowd. People moved around them, but neither was even aware. Nathan's trainees, the ones who did happen to notice, all smiled, happy for their mentor, who had found his perfect match. And she was one of the prettiest girls in Alberta, to boot. Julia was a rare, natural beauty, and she just fit with Nathan.
He pulled back just a little and smiled down at her. "Thanks for cheering for me."
Julia just smiled right back at him. "I told you I would always be here, to cheer for you." Nathan just nodded and pulled her back in for one more hug. Then, he slowly let her go and took her hand.
Alex reminded everyone that Gustave's was open this evening, and as things wound down on the field, most of the group headed that way. There were a few families, like the Yost's, the Montgomery's, and the Canfield's, who headed home. But for the most part, the bulk of the group was reluctant for the fun to end, and slowly straggled towards Gustave's.
Julia went to get Lee's car, and when Jake saw her pulling up, he worked his way through the crowd to Fiona. Mike was ready to help her to the car, but Jake just came along again, and scooped her up. Julia was quite sure he was just playfully showing off now. There was that happy, jovial energy in the air, and he was the kind of person that soaked it up.
Fiona was now in a much better mood, content and cheery. And this time when Jake picked her up, she protested..though flirtatiously. Not to mention, Jake was all sweaty now. So once she hooked her arm around his neck, she giggled and shook her head at him. "You're a show off, Jacob Matthews."
Jake looked at her with a stellar smile, the one that showed his pearly white teeth and his dimple on the right side. Fiona's stomach did a flip - she couldn't escape, and he was holding her so close. He answered her cutely, "Only for you, Fi." His scent of sandalwood and leather had been amplified by the manly sweat, and that, coupled with his adorableness, made her head spin.
"I could have gotten to the car just fine without your little display…of masculinity." She teased, with her own playful smile.
"But what fun would that have been?" Jake asked her, still with that stellar smile. To top it off, that phrase sounded dangerously close to something she would say.
He was still precariously close as he carried her, all of his attention on her, and none of it on where he was going. "Are you even watching where you're going?" It was as if he was doing it on purpose, and Fiona was impressed he made it without a mishap.
Jake gently set her down in the car, but just before he let go, he gazed at her and spoke just above a whisper. "Miss Miller…I would never let you fall." And, she was pretty sure he wasn't talking about his carrying her. His eyes sparkled a little too…purposefully, as he laid that out there. She took her arm back, even though she didn't really want to. And she found herself rendered speechless once again.
Julia glanced at Faith, who was talking to Ben Davis, and Nathan, who was with Allie. And figured she'd meet the rest of them at Gustave's. Jake saw her dilemma and spoke up, "Sis, I can drive Fiona, if you'd like?" He offered.
But, Fiona needed a breather after being close to Jake. And she answered a little too emphatically. "NO!" It didn't come out at all proportional to how she'd meant it. She immediately tried to backtrack. "I'm fine, Jacob. Thank you."
Jake stepped back and raised his hands in surrender. "Have it your way, Fi." A shadow passed over his expression for half a second, but it was unmistakable. Fiona felt horrible the instant she saw that expression, but it was too late. And before she could fix it, he turned and disappeared into the crowd.
Julia raised her eyebrows and shook her head, as she turned the choke and started the car. She turned toward town and drove straight to Gustave's. Lots of Mounties and spectators were already there, filing in. Julia came around the car and opened the door for Fiona, and was fishing out her crutch, when Pendergrass came up. He just hooked Fiona's arm over his shoulder and whisked her inside, one foot on the ground, before she knew what to think. What was it with the chivalrous Mounties? Once in a while, couldn't a girl just hobble around on her own, for a change?
Penny led Fiona to a table right in the middle, with Julia right behind. He helped her get seated. "Thank you, Pendergrass." Julia told him.
Fiona looked shyly up at him, and repeated. "Thank you, Mr. Pendergrass."
Pendergrass just looked at Fiona and shrugged. "I hope Jake won't be too mad at me. Just tell him I didn't pick you up. I respect that only he's allowed to to that."
Fiona's mouth dropped open, and she fought hard to put words together. Finally she sputtered out. "Jake and I are not…"
But Penny was already halfway gone and replied over his shoulder. "Whatever you say, Miss Miller."
Fiona looked at her friend, shocked, as Julia sat down next to her. Julia just shrugged. "The Mounties are trained to be perceptive, Fiona. And well, I'm sure Penny there just saw Jake help you to and from the car."
Fiona knew that was not the whole of it. She squinted her eyes at Julia and said, "I believe you that Mounties are perceptive, but I don't think I believe you for the rest."
Julia looked at her square. Maybe it was time to just ask the question. "Well Fiona, what then is going on between you and my brother?" It was plain to see that Julia wasn't asking in an accusatory way, but in an absolutely delighted happy-for-them sort of way.
Fiona swallowed hard and looked down at her hands. She had absolutely no idea how to answer that. God knows, she wanted to. She wanted to know herself, what was going on. But, it was unbelievably hard to admit and put into words, something that you weren't even sure of yourself. Perhaps she and Jake should just have a conversation about it. But, how to ever initiate such a dialogue?
Fiona shyly met Julia's gaze. "I don't know."
Julia put her hand over Fiona's and squeezed reassuringly. "Well, when the time is right, you will…know."
Everyone was filing in now, and the room was buzzing with excitement. George was at the bar and pouring beer after beer, now. Julia stood and moved a chair so that Fiona could put her foot up, though still keep it out of the way.
"Thanks, Julia." Fiona said quietly.
Julia giggled and told her, honest. "Well if I don't do it, Jake will." Fiona chuckled, absolutely sure that was true. She looked over at the door, just as he was coming in.
Jake filed in with Gabe, Nathan, Mike, and Ben, and went straight to the bar. Jake glanced over her way, and Fiona looked elsewhere. Why did she feel the need to avoid his gaze?
Allie came in with the Weiss' but joined Fiona and Julia at the table. When the men came to the table, they were carrying drinks with them. The men all had a beer, but Nathan carried a white wine for Julia, and a syrup-soda for Allie. Mike set down a white wine in front of Fiona, and Ben set down a white wine at an empty seat. When Faith made her way over to them a few moments later, Ben handed it to her.
They finally commandeered a second table, and pulled it up to the first one. And as they were setting chairs around it, Nathan walked with Gabe back to the bar. With a nod, Nathan took a key from George, and he and Gabe went upstairs. They came back down a few minutes later, and sat in the two seats Allie had saved for them.
The dining room was busy, so Alex had no choice but to wait on tables right alongside Sarah and Lily. And, it was Alex who came by to take this big group's order.
When she approached, Nathan finally introduced her. "Gabe, I know you already saw her on the field, but this is the new manager of the hotel and restaurant, Alex Taylor."
Gabe looked up and nodded. Earlier on the ball field, he and Alex had recognized each other right away. And now, in front of the others, neither did a very good job of hiding the fact that they already knew each other. So, Gabe was honest. "Yea. Miss Taylor and I already know each other."
Alex tried to send him a message in time - a slight shake of the head, but Gabe spoke up too fast. Nathan looked surprised that they would know each other, but since she was a former security officer, their paths could have crossed in a myriad of capacities.
Alex had no choice now, but to acknowledge it. "Good to see you again, Kinslow." Alex drawled slow, with an easy smile. All the group was looking back and forth between them, curiosities peaked to the max.
Mike was stunned. "You guys know each other?" He pointed back and forth between them.
Alex looked at Mike and just grinned easy. "Let's just say our paths have crossed before." Mike's mouth fell open, and he looked at Gabe.
Gabe read Mike like a book and put him at ease. "In a professional capacity." Mike exhaled, and Alex smiled. She handed them a stack of menus, turned on her heels, and didn't say another word.
Every eye was focused on Gabe. He looked around the circle, and chuckled at them. "I can't tell you anything, guys." He shook his head. "Seriously. It was covert."
Jake, Nathan, and Ben knew if that was the case, Gabe was not allowed to say. So, trying to alleviate Gabe's discomfort, Jake joked. "Basically, he could tell us, but then he'd have to kill us." Allie laughed out loud, and well, everyone joined in after that. It was impossible not to follow Allie's adorable laugh.
"It was a long time ago." Gabe told them, through the laughter.
They didn't probe or ask any more questions, related to Alex and Gabe's acquaintance. When Alex finally came back around, she told them the specials. Everyone placed their order, and their conversation turned back to the baseball game. Jake, Ben, Nathan, and Gabe discussed certain plays, or certain hits. The rest of the group asked them questions, and they retold most of the big moments, and impressive feats, just like true baseball fans.
The retelling and subsequent discussion of Alex and Bill's little umpire argument was especially funny. They revisited the story of how Alex first stood up to Bill, then took Nathan by the elbow, and made him stand on second base.
Gabe spoke up. "I have to admit, it was pretty funny when Bill tried to ump at second base, from behind home plate."
Allie piped in cheerily, "Yea, can he even see that far?"
And, Allie got cold busted. Bill's voice boomed from right over her shoulder. "Yes, I can see that far, Allie Grant! I'm not that old!"
Allie turned around and laughed heartily at him. She stood and gave him a hug. "Hi, Uncle Bill. Sorry! I didn't mean for you to hear me talking about you." That got a pursed-lip grin out of Bill. But she nodded as she reassured him. "You were funny, though."
Bill looked over at Alex, who was serving a table to his right. He volumed his voice just right so she would surely hear him. "It was a bad call. I stand by my word. Nathan, you were out." She glanced over and shook her head no, ever so slightly, though she didn't miss a beat with the table she was serving.
Nathan just chuckled. "I was safe by a mile, old man," repeating Alex's endearment.
Jake spoke up again, always the peacemaker. "It was a good game, though."
Ben agreed. "Yes, it was. And a lot of fun."
Faith piped up. "And, a lot of fun to watch." Julia and Faith nodded in agreement.
Nathan looked at Bill. "Would you like to join us, Bill?"
Jake pulled up a chair just next to him. "Come on, old man. You can sit here."
Bill grumbled and sat down between Jake and Ben. Alex walked by and though she clearly noticed Bill at the table, she smirked and kept right on going.
Jake chuckled and told him. "You might not be welcome in here, Bill."
Nathan reminded him. "I thought only gamblers were refused service in here?"
Ben chuckled. "Add Bill's name to that list now, too." And, all the group laughed.
When Sarah walked by, Jake managed to stop her. She didn't know anything about the trouble between Bill and Alex, yet. So Jake asked her sweetly, "Hey Sarah, would you mind adding one more plate to our order please?"
She nodded, anything for green eyes. "Sure thing? What can I get ya?"
Jake didn't wait for a menu. "One more of whatever the special is, okay?"
"Sure thing, Mr. Matthews." Sarah told him with a shy almost flirtatious smile, and kept going towards the kitchen.
Bill looked at Jake, and asked him. "Wait a minute! What's the special?"
Jake answered him with a lopsided grin, and that one dimple. "It's whatever you're having!" And they all chuckled. Bill just pursed his lips.
Allie leaned over to Uncle Bill and told him. "It's roasted chicken with ratatouille."
"You're lucky I like roasted chicken. And ratatouille." Bill told Jake with his own lopsided grin.
But Jake corrected him. "No Bill. You're lucky you like roasted chicken and ratatouille." He chuckled. "Otherwise, you'd be going hungry." Allie giggled, but thought Jake was right. To smooth things over, Jake went to the bar and fetched Bill a beer.
"Thank you, Jake." Bill told him, and he lifted the glass in thanks, and took a drink.
Sarah and Lily arrived with lots of dinner plates, and started to pass them around the table. Jake passed his plate to Bill, and told Sarah he'd take the next one, the one he ordered late. Fiona put her foot down under the table, so she could eat normally. When she sat back in her seat, she couldn't help but look across at Jake…always chivalrous. He met her gaze and grinned even at her.
Everyone started to eat and enjoy their meal. Bill leaned over and asked Gabe, "Are you ready to play the criminal tomorrow?"
Gabe chuckled. "Yea, I guess." He looked around the room at all the talented Mounties gathered here. "We'll see if these guys can find the best tracker in the territory."
Nathan nearly choked, cleared his throat, and corrected Gabe. "Second best tracker in the territory." And, everyone laughed.
Bill chuckled low. "That's a rivalry that goes back as long as I can remember."
"Me, too." Nathan told him. "But, it's been settled once and for all now, or so I thought." He said with an eye roll. And, when Nathan rolled his eyes, Julia giggled hard. She recognized that very move - and now understood exactly where Allie got her "signature eye roll" from. Faith and Fiona noticed the resemblance too.
Gabe was up to the challenge. "We'll see tomorrow, Inspector. We'll see tomorrow."
Nathan looked at him with a confident grin. "That we will, Kinslow."
Sarah brought out the last plate and set it down, in front of Jake. "Here you go, Mr. Matthews." Sarah said a little too sweetly as she smiled at him. She also let her gaze linger a little too long, before swishing and walking away. Julia's gaze went immediately to Fiona, who had definitely seen. Fiona swallowed hard and bore down on a chicken leg with the sharp edge of her knife.
"Wish I could go with you guys." Mike said with his own goofy, lopsided grin.
Ben told him, "Ah, it's not that much fun. The ground gets a bit hard at 4 a.m."
Jake piped in too, "And the food ain't all that great."
Ben corrected him. "Though that does depend on who's cooking it."
Jake chuckled. "That's true." He assured Mike. "And, it can get a little cold sometimes." Something struck a chord in Fiona, when Jake said that. His eyes met her's though she wished they hadn't. She quickly looked down at her plate. Though in her mind, completely uninvited, came the image of Jake, somewhere in the woods, in the middle of the night, freezing cold. And for some reason that image bothered her.
The group continued to eat and enjoy amiable, friendly conversation. A lot of the guys came by, before heading upstairs to their room, to tell Nathan what a great time they had. Nathan's table was busy and had lots of visitors.
Several of the guys also razzed Bill for his bad call. And each time, Bill only pursed his lips and shook his head. He glanced a few times over at Jake and Ben, who both seemed to be getting a kick out of it.
More and more patrons exited. And from their table, Bill was the first to bid farewell. He passed by the bar to pay his tab, and headed home. Gabe said good night and headed up to his room. Then Ben did the same, though not before looking shyly at Faith.
Faith and Fiona said their farewells and stood. And both Jake and Mike rose to help Fiona, but she put out her hand, and stopped them. Instead, she put an arm around Faith, and with the help of one crutch, managed her way to the bar. Nathan, paid the Grant tab too, and Mike and Jake followed just behind.
When they were ready to go, Nathan opened the door for everyone. However, when she and Faith passed through, Fiona stumbled a little and accidentally put her foot down, in order to catch herself. And when she did, she unintentionally let out a little yelp. Jake was at her side in the span of two seconds, Mike right behind him. And he was just about to pick her up too, but Fiona didn't appreciate it. She put her hand out again, to stop them both.
"No! Enough!" Fiona's words came out much louder and harsher than she'd meant them. "Stop! I can walk just fine on my own!" Fiona had had enough of needing help. "Let me be!"
Mike and Jake were both taken aback, shocked and…scolded. Jake looked hurt.
Fiona whispered something to Faith, and they walked on, leaving Jake and Mike both staring after them.
Faith was stumped when she got to the car door and had her hands full of Fiona, but Julia raced ahead and opened it just in time. They helped Fiona inside, and Faith climbed in the back. Julia came around and got into the driver's seat.
The car roared to life, and over Fiona's head, Julia looked back at them. Jake and Mike were still standing in the exact same spot, still stunned. And, Nathan and Allie just stared after the car. Julia gave them all a sad little wave, and slowly pulled away.
She drove the car down and around the building, and parked as close as she could to Fiona's apartment. Julia and Faith helped Fiona upstairs and she thanked them profusely for such a great day. Fiona told them that she'd really needed to get out, and it had done her good.
Julia came back down the stairs and drove the car to Lee's office. She parked it exactly as she'd told Lee she would. When she didn't see anyone on the street, she sadly walked home. Though when she approached her back steps, she was very delighted to find that Allie and Nathan were there waiting.
"Oh, I'm so glad you two didn't go home yet." Julia told them both.
Allie told her, with a shrug. "We didn't say goodnight." Simple as that. Julia was glad that something so minor mattered to them, as it did to her. It was sweet.
"Thank you, Allie, for waiting for me." Julia looked at Nathan, who just grinned down at her.
Allie hugged her, "Of course, Julia." She smiled up at her. "Good night."
Julia held Allie under her arm for a minute longer and asked her. "Are we still on for the sleepover tomorrow night?"
"Yes!" Allie was beaming, "My friends are so excited!"
Julia told her. "I already got everything for the cookie dough. And everything to make the icing."
"It's going to be so much fun!" Allie told her. "Opal's bringing some colored sugar, and Anna's got some candy, for decorating." Allie looked at Nathan. "You are really going to miss out."
"A girls' slumber party." Nathan chuckled. "Will be a real shame to miss."
Julia looked at him and giggled. "Allie, he's got a sleep over of his own."
"Yea, in the woods." Allie giggled. "More like a sleep out!"
"Ha, ha, you two." He told them, with a happy smile. Though, he was glad about the sleepover for Allie.
Allie moved out of the way and let her Dad give Julia a hug next. He held her sweetly but shortly, since Allie was present. And he whispered in her ear as he pulled back, "Coffee tomorrow?"
Julia stepped back on her heels and nodded up at him. Coffee tomorrow. "Good night, Nathan."
"Sleep well, Julia." He told her, and slowly backed up. He and Allie turned to go, and he glanced back one more time, and gave her his cute smile, before they were gone.
Author's Note:
Sorry it took me so long to get this one up. It was long!
I spent many a summer day of my childhood in the cheap seats of the Atlanta-Fulton County stadium, and then later, at Turner Field. (Go Braves!) What a joy to write about baseball! Such a fun, community sport for Hope Valley, and our dear Mounties.
Hope you enjoyed reading about baseball, too. And, a special thanks to one of my faithful readers who suggested it (NW, you know who you are!)