Chapter 104. Reflections by the Pond

Nathan saw his Mountie trainees off on Sunday morning. Some left early and some slightly later, but they all headed home and had ground to cover. When the last group left, Nathan returned to the Mountie office and made coffee.

When it was ready, he walked across the street, carrying two cups. He used his elbow to open the door, and quietly strode over to Julia's desk. A few moments later, she came out from behind the curtain. When she laid eyes on him, she stopped in her tracks.

A huge happy smile spread across her face. "Hi." He looked so sweet standing there with two coffee cups. She missed their morning coffee.

"Hi." He drawled long, tilting his head. She strolled over close, and he handed her a cup.

"Thank you." Julia told him over the rim, as she blew on the aromatic brew. She took a small sip.

"Mmmm." She drawled. He made good coffee.

She motioned to the chairs at her desk, and they sat down together.

"Did everyone get off alright?" Julia asked him, in between sips.

"They sure did." He reported. "I can't believe it's over already."

"Now you can take a deep breath." Julia chuckled. "Enjoy your success." Though she knew Nathan would never do that, nor would he stay idle.

Nathan had good news to share. "Dad comes back tomorrow."

"Really?" Julia had missed Archie. "Already?." Where had the time gone?

He nodded happily. "We've got a lot of work to do."

Julia smiled, curious. "Oh really, on what?"

"The house." Nathan wasn't ready to say more than that. "Other things." He paused. "Can you meet me at the pond at 4 p.m.?"

Ooo...a mystery. "Of course."

Nathan smiled. "I'll show you then." He took a long sip of his coffee. "How's your patient?"

"Still doing well, healing by leaps and bounds." Julia reported, then she whispered. "It must be all the prayers."

Nathan nodded, sure that was true. "That, and the nurse. She's really something - top notch." He bragged.

Julia giggled over her coffee cup and looked up at him. "I think it's more the prayers."

Nathan smiled at her, sure of one thing. "The care is also excellent." He told her. "I should know."

Julia blushed remembering the early days when she had taken care of Nathan. It seemed so long ago now, but had been foundational in their relationship. They had learned so much about each other during that time, with each house call, and when they had played one question. The challenge of opening their hearts and sharing their journeys with each other, had brought them closer together. "That was…a special time."

Nathan agreed. "It sure was." He drained the last of his coffee cup, and noticed the hour. Almost time for church.

Julia finished her coffee, and handed him her empty cup. "Thank you for coffee, Lawman."

Nathan looked forward to the day that they would drink coffee together every morning, in his row house, as a married couple. "I'll see you at 4, then?"

"I wouldn't miss it." Julia told him, and she stood and saw him out.

In the afternoon, George came to see Jimmy. Faith had been pleased with the idea of Jimmy staying at George's home upon his release. It would be a great set up, so that she and Julia could oversee his care during his recovery. George seemed genuinely happy that Faith had agreed, and so, he went in to visit Jimmy, and made the offer. Jimmy was reluctant at first, didn't want to accept charity from anyone. But George insisted, and Jimmy eventually recognized the benefit of staying in Hope Valley. Reason won out, and Jimmy agreed to the arrangement.

Faith came in about 3 p.m. She was a little downcast, which was to be expected after her good bye with Ben Davis in the morning. It had been wise of Julia to insist she take the better part of the day off. Faith'd had the time to think and process the last two weeks, and Ben's request to pursue her.

At 4 p.m., Julia walked toward the church, and the little dock. As she approached, she watched Nathan, standing there waiting for her, looking out at the water. He looked so handsome and so full of anticipation, and she felt her heart skip a beat or two.

Her mind took her back to a memory, many many months ago, when it had been her standing on that dock when he approached. She had turned and found Nathan standing behind her, though he shouldn't have been. It was not long after his injury and he had walked all the way from his house, though his ribs were in no condition. And though in pain, he hadn't been deterred, but he had been determined - to track her down.

Julia had been looking down at the water, almost exactly where he was standing now, when he'd uttered a soft, raspy, "Hi."

And, she had turned. Then he had confessed the rest.

I…miss you.

All the random dots of their previous interactions had intersected here, as he made that soft declaration. A declaration that had drawn the line and started them on the journey towards togetherness. His vulnerability had penetrated her defenses, and caused her to answer the very same truth.

I miss you, too, Nathan.

And that was the marker of the very moment that their relationship had progressed into more than friendship.

Now here he was, waiting for her…to talk through and determine the details of their wedding ceremony. Her heart overflowed with anticipation - they would get married right here.

And it was at that very moment that he turned and found her there, gazing at him.

He straightened. "Jules."

"My love." He smiled. He liked that endearment, it shone on his face. So she went one further. "My handsome true love."

Nathan came to her and wrapped her in his arms. He didn't know what made her say such an endearment, but it was exactly what he needed to hear. Words of affection from her, his own true love, were like gold to him. He held her tight and she enjoyed his nearness, his strength, his scent, and all the other wonderful things about him. She tucked herself in close to his heart and stayed there.

The thought hit her, as she rested within the circle of his embrace, that this dock was also the very first place he had ever held her. Just after he'd asked to pursue her, and just before she had helped him back home, he had wrapped her in his arms. Right here. The memory came rushing back.

To be very clear, Miss Matthews, my intentions with you are more than friendship. I'm asking your permission to pursue you romantically…just so you don't have any doubts.

She had eventually stumbled through an affirmative response, accepting his beautiful declaration. And he'd teased her that he'd even talked to Jake.

And then…he'd held her. And she'd fit perfectly, just as she'd suspected. And they had stayed a long time in each other's arms, just like this, heartbeat to heartbeat.

Even now, neither wanted to let go, but Nathan eventually pulled back. He recognized the task at hand, needed her opinion to move forward. So he stood next to her, and they took a good long look at the wedding site.

Nathan became almost giddy, full of excitement. Julia smiled at him, catching it too. "Dad and I will build an arbor, and it will go here." He showed her with his hands.

"Oh…and Allie and I can decorate it with fall leaves and flowers." He had been hoping for that.

"The chairs will be in rows here…" He signaled with his hands. "With a center aisle, for the bride." He smiled at her as he said that last part. There was an anticipation deep in her belly at the way he said bride.

"And when we are husband and wife, everyone will all walk together to Gustave's for the reception." He told her, signaling towards town. Simple as that.

Julia followed his gaze and his gesture, and she smiled. She could hardly wait.

Husband and wife. The words resounded.

Another glance at the dock, and another significant moment came back to her. One she could scarcely forget, and thought of nearly every time she came to this spot.

A moment frozen in time, when two people had reclined together, and watched the sunset. And when the brilliant colors of the sky had waned, Nathan had confessed his love, for the very first time.

Jules, I have already told you that I'm sweet on you, that I care about you, and that you have my heart. But it's become even deeper than that, for me….The truth is, I have fallen completely…deeply in love with you.

She would never forget, for as long as she lived. And she had responded, she had confessed the depths of her love for him.

My dear Nathan, I have also fallen absolutely in love with you. I have never known love like this before. And…I love you with all of my heart.

Words written on the flesh of their two, intertwined hearts. And they would profess their wedding vows in the very same spot. Julia couldn't help but acknowledge how very significant that would be. The circle would be made full - from the very first sentiments, to the promise of their marriage vows. Their most significant and beautiful milestones had taken place right here.

And there was one more milestone that suddenly came to mind - an image that now, she could not shake: their very first kiss. It had also been right here. When Nathan's lips met her's, a fire had been lit, and had been burning ever since. And the very memory of that kiss still did things to her.

That night, when Nathan had pulled back from that kiss, he had looked at her with such love, something she would never, ever forget. And he had made one more declaration.

Julia, my darling, you have stolen my heart completely.

Her heart had been his already, long since conquered and captured.

Nathan looked at her now, and seemed to understand. He seemed to know exactly what she was thinking. He squeezed her hand.

Julia looked up at him and whispered. "Do you remember…?"

"Yes." He cut her off with his cute, quick little yes. He was reminiscing, and remembering the very same moments.

He turned and pulled her close. And he tucked one hand into her hairline, gently next to her cheek. "You are my true love, Jules. And our love is truer than I ever thought possible."

And he leaned down and kissed her, in their spot. An expression of their love, deep and abiding. Never had she imagined a love so right and so wonderful. Yet here was the evidence - in every tender embrace, in every passionate kiss. Not only was Nathan everything she had ever wanted, but he was everything she didn't know she needed.

As he slowly pulled back from the kiss, he gazed down at her. She couldn't help but respond, and to share her very own confession.

"My dear Nathan, you captured my heart long ago. And, I am completely and totally yours." She looked deep into his eyes. "I love you with all of my heart."

Nathan leaned down and kissed her again, slow and tender. They had shared two kisses here, on their first date. It seemed only fitting to repeat that pattern now.

When Nathan finally pulled back, Julia chuckled low. "How many times will you kiss me on our wedding day?"

Nathan didn't miss a beat. "A thousand."

Julia giggled imagining it. "That's a lot."

He smiled down at her. "My love for you is…very great."

And she knew exactly how that felt. "A thousand, it is." She said with a cute smile.

They stayed a while longer, there in their spot, imagining and planning. And when they were done, Nathan slowly led her to the Canfield's, for a premarital meeting.

When their meeting was done, they walked hand in hand to Nathan's house. When they arrived, Allie was making dinner. She had so sweetly offered, since Nathan and Julia had a meeting scheduled with Joseph and Minnie.

Julia and Nathan joined in the preparations, and when dinner was all ready, they ate together. They talked and laughed and shared with each other. They had so much to catch up on, and so, they did.

When dinner was over, Nathan had a surprise for his girls. He had something planned for them. He carefully removed a blanket that had been covering the corner table - and revealed his phonograph. Much to Julia and Allie's delight, it was all set up and ready to go - for Sunday night dancing.

The trio worked together to move the furniture back, and Allie started cranking. The first song was fast and upbeat, so Nathan led Julia around the room in a waltz. Next, it was Allie's turn to be whisked around, her feet seeming to never touch the floor. The next song was slow, so Nathan grabbed Julia again. Nathan held her close, and her right hand against his chest, as he gazed into her eyes.

One song after another, he whirled them - light and airy, around the simple dance floor. It was so much fun, and Julia and Allie both begged for Sunday night dancing to become a Grant family tradition.

Outside on the lane, just in front of the row houses, four people were walking past. Elizabeth Thornton and Little Jack had arrived home from Hamilton late in the afternoon. Not many townspeople had seen them arrive, nor had run into them yet, save for those present in the cafe this evening. But Rosemary and Lee had known - they had been the ones to pick them up from the train station, and for dinner, had taken them to Abigail's.

And on their way home from the cafe, when the foursome strolled passed the Grant house, Elizabeth slowed to a stop. The music and laughter that lofted from inside halted her cold. She stood and listened for a moment, and following her lead, so did Little Jack. He was curious about that jolly noise. He looked up at his mother, questioning, and then, not understanding, smiled back at the closed door.

It was happiness that drifted from inside the Grant house to Elizabeth's ears, in each echo of joyful laughter. And she could only blink as she stared at the closed door. She recognized Nathan's low pitched rolling laughter, then Allie's high pitched giggle, and in between, Julia's feminine chuckle. They sounded like a family, and a happy one, and the sound weighed heavy on Elizabeth's heart. It was a happiness that she would never be a part of. And for some reason, a reason that she was still unwilling to face, that knowledge saddened her. Elizabeth raised her eyes, and met Rosemary's, who seemed to understand.

Elizabeth frowned down at her son, and put them into motion, once again, towards home. It was just the two of them now, and regret was a long and lonely road.