Chapter 116. Family Introductions

Nathan, Jake, and Julia rode to the train station again on Saturday afternoon, in Lee's car. Lately, he had borrowed Lee's car so often, that Nathan had begun to contemplate buying one himself. Lee kept telling him cars were the future, but Nathan wasn't quite ready to admit that certain things were easier on four wheels. And motorcycles were now commonly used by Mounties, in certain cities, but he wasn't ready nor did he intend to give Newton up quite yet.

The train scheduled to arrive at 4:00 pm was a little late, but Nathan could see the porters on this end busy with their preparations for its arrival, so he didn't worry. It just gave a little more time for his nerves to calm.

When the train finally arrived at 4:15, Julia and Jake impatiently watched the passenger exit. And finally, a beautiful adult woman appeared, in a navy blue suit. Nathan recognized her immediately, even before Jake and Julia moved towards her, from the pictures in Julia's photo album. Auntie Elle was slightly shorter than Julia, but stood tall and had that same classic beauty that Lily, Julia's mother, had inherited.

Her hair was slightly blonder than Julia's, more like Jake's, but her eyes were the same deep blue. Elle had a youthfulness about her that made her look more like Julia's sister, than a woman nearly twenty years her senior. Nathan had done the calculations, and guessed she would now be around 44 or 45 years old, though she didn't look it.

When Jake hugged his beloved aunt, he picked her plum off the ground. Auntie Elle let out a surprised giggle, one that Nathan instantly recognized. It was the same laugh that sometimes escaped Julia's lips before she could get her hand up to her mouth.

When Jake finally set her down, Elle turned towards Julia, and wrapped her niece in a huge embrace. Both women were soon in tears, whispering to each other, and laughing happily. It was easy to see that the rapport ran deep, and the relationship precious to both aunt and niece.

When Elle pulled back, she kept her arm around Julia's waist as they stepped over to Nathan. Julia looked proud as she introduced him. "Auntie Elle, this my Nathan. The one…who I've written so much about."

Unsure how to greet the aunt who was so important to Julia, and who would soon be related to him, Nathan extended his hand. But Elle just looked at him, confused. She stepped forward and hugged him instead. And at that, Nathan was immediately put at ease. He smiled and told her. "It's nice to finally meet you."

Elle pulled back and studied him. "So. He's the one."

Julia chortled soft, and slightly embarrassed, answered her aunt. "Mmhmm."

Elle finished her perusal. "He's more handsome than you let on in your letters, Jules."

"Elle, I sent you a photograph." Julia said with a chuckle.

"But he was throwing a baseball, in that picture." Auntie Elle put her hand up in explanation, then placed it on Nathan's arm. "Didn't do those baby blues justice."

Nathan didn't quite know what to say. He looked to Jake for help, but Jake was just smiling, enjoying himself. So, Nathan cleared his throat, and took it all in stride. "Ladies. I can hear you, you know."

Elle laughed out loud, that same laugh that was so endearing. "I'm sorry, Nate. Don't mind us girls, we're just catching up!" She smiled over at Julia. "We can wait to talk about you later, if you'd rather."

Julia laughed too, and looked at him. "Don't worry, Lawman. It will all be good." She assured.

Nathan opened his mouth and glanced at Jake again, who just shrugged. "Welcome to the family…Nate." And Jake used the same moniker Auntie Elle had apparently just adopted. "I've been outnumbered for far too long."

Nathan just smiled crooked. "Thanks for the advance warning, Jake."

"What advanced warning?" Jake teased.

Nathan pointed at him, and said with a chuckle. "Exactly." Julia laughed right along with him. He looked at Auntie Elle, trying to find a way out of this awkward situation. "Should we men go get your luggage, Auntie Elle?"

She smiled huge. Elle liked him already. "Yes, you men could go do that." And she handed Nathan her claim tickets.

Nathan and Jake sauntered over to the luggage car and snickered when the porter brought back a huge trunk, and one rather large suitcase. Jake tossed the suitcase up on top of the trunk and they carried both back to Lee's car.

Jake teased her. "Are you moving in, Elle?"

She laughed. "It's not all for me, Jake. There's a wedding in a week, remember?" And she winked at Julia.

Nathan and Jake got to work, and properly secured the luggage on the back of Lee's car. When that was all set, all four of them climbed inside, and Nathan drove them back to Hope Valley.

After everything had been unloaded at Julia's apartment, Auntie Elle took time to freshen up and change her clothes. When she was all ready, and Julia had given her a first look at the infirmary, the two set out for Nathan's row house. Though Julia had spent practically all morning, and most of the afternoon with Rebecca, preparing tonight's dinner, there were still a few last minute things to do. Allie had been in the kitchen alongside of them, and had taken over as soon as Julia had gone with Nathan, but she just wanted to get back and help.

As they walked through town, arm in arm, Julia pointed out things along the way. The Mountie office, the mercantile, the cafe, the barbershop, and the Church in the distance. As they turned the corner toward the row houses, Lee and Rosemary arrived behind them in their car.

Rosemary's broadway voice rang out. "Good evening, ladies." Lee stopped the car next to them and they both climbed out.

"You must be Julia's Aunt Elle?" Rosemary said with a big welcoming smile.

Elle looked at her and glanced back at Lee, who was just walking around the car, and knew instantly. "And you must be the…Coulters?"

"How did you know?" Rosemary asked curious.

"Well from Julia's letters, of course. Surely not all of the men in town own a car, and have a wife with a…broadway air about her." Elle said astutely.

Rosemary looked at Julia, and smiled. "Is that how Julia described me? As having a broadway air?"

Elle laughed. "Something like that. She might have mentioned a…broadway smile." Elle looked down at Rosemary's midsection. "Of course, there is also your cute little…tummy…to tip me off."

Rosemary laughed out loud. "Of course. There is that!" She put her hand over her belly, and looked down at it. Rosemary realized she kind of liked being recognized that way.

Lee put out his hand in introduction. "Let's do this the right way. I'm Lee Coulter. And this is my wife Rosemary."

Elle shook. "Eleanor Watkins." She shook Rosemary's hand too.

"It's very nice to finally meet you." Rosemary told her. "We've heard a lot about you from both Julia and Jake."

Elle replied. "It's very nice to meet you, too. Now I have faces to go with the stories I have read about in Julia's letters."

Rosemary smiled. "Well, we look forward to getting to know you better while you're in town."

Lee agreed. "Just let us know if you need anything while you're here."

Elle told them both. "That's very kind of you. I look forward to get to know you, too."

Rosemary nodded. "Well, we should let you ladies be on your way." They both walked back towards the car. "Have a great evening."

Julia answered. "You both ave a great evening, too." Elle took Julia's arm and waved good bye, as Lee brought it to life, and passed on by.

When Julia knocked on the door at Nathan's, Allie opened. She looked so pretty in her new lavender dress, and smiled when she saw Julia and Elle.

"Hi, Allie. I have someone I'd like you to meet. This is my Aunt Eleanor." Julia looked over at Elle. "Auntie Elle, this is Nathan's daughter, Allie."

Allie faced Julia's aunt, who bore a striking resemblance, and put out her hand. "It's nice to finally meet you. Julia has told me a lot about you."

Elle smiled. "Likewise. Julia has written me so much about you. I feel like I know you already." She shook Allie's hand. "But please call me Elle, or Aunt Elle, whatever you like. Just please, not Eleanor."

Allie laughed. "You sound like me. My real name is Allison, but I don't like it. So, everyone calls me Allie." With that little point of connection, Allie liked Elle immediately. "I like Auntie Elle, if it's okay with you."

"Auntie Elle is perfect. I like it the best." Elle told her. "And I think Allie is a lovely name. It fits you."

Allie smiled proud, and opened the door wide, "Please come in."

Elle kept hold of Julia's arm, as they entered. Rebecca was working in the kitchen, but turned as soon as she saw the two ladies arrive.

Julia made the proper introductions and the three ladies got to work, with Allie, in the kitchen. They made a good team, and soon, everything was ready. Allie and Elle worked together to set a beautiful table. Julia worked with Rebecca at the stove, tasting and finishing the meal.

Once that was done, Elle walked over and perused the Grant family library. She was impressed. "This is some collection."

Julia and Allie walked over and stood next to her. "Does it remind you of anything?" Julia asked.

Elle's eyes moved over the many volumes as she answered. "Your mother's library."

Julia nodded as her eyes skimmed the familiar titles. "Indeed."

Elle turned slightly to Allie. "Have you read them all?"

Allie chortled. "No way. Maybe one shelf full. Or two, max." She paused. "Though my Dad has read most of them."

Elle's eyebrows raised and she turned toward Julia. "A well-read Mountie?"

"Exactly what I said, when I first met him." Julia giggled. "Only I think I called him: a literary Mountie."

Elle chuckled low, as Nathan entered by the back door. Perfect timing. The three ladies all turned and looked at him, and he seemed suddenly shy. "Good evening, Elle, Julia." He greeted.

"Nate. It's nice to see you again." Elle told him. "This is some collection you've got here."

He looked over the books and replied. "Yes, I guess. Some books belonged to my sister, or my father. Many were given to me." He told them.

"I think you will very much like the library in Peggy's Cove, when you get there one day." Auntie Elle told him.

"I'm looking forward to visiting, and seeing it…and, well everything." Nathan told her. "And spending time where Julia grew up."

Allie piped in. "Me, too. I can't wait to go."

"You will love it." Elle smiled at Allie. "Especially if you like the book Anne of Green Gables."

"It's my favorite book." Allie told her.

"I know. Julia told me." Elle replied. "And that's how I know you will like Peggy's Cove and Peggy's Point."

Elle looked just over Allie's shoulder and noticed the painting in the living room. She walked around them and stood in front of it. "Wow. This painting…is…wonderful." She put out her hand. "Who is the famous artist?"

Allie came over and stood next to her. "Me." But somehow, Allie could discern that Elle already knew that. Perhaps Julia had included it in one of her letters.

Elle titled her head and encouraged Allie. "It's very good, Allie."

"Thanks." Allie replied. "My mom was a painter." Though, maybe Elle already knew that, too.

"You must have inherited the gift." Elle told her.

"Would you like to see some of my mother's paintings?" Allie offered. "We have one of Julia's up, too."

"I would love that, Allie." And Elle took Allie's arm, ready to go.

Allie led her around the house and showed her one painting after another. Of course, Elle liked them all. She loved art, and had always admired Julia's father's talent. She even had a few of his paintings at home. But of all the paintings hanging in the Grant home, Elle loved Julia's painting of the overlook the best. Not because it was better than the others. It was because that work, completed very recently, meant that Julia had finally started painting again. And Elle could easily discern why - Nathan had inspired her. He made her happy, and being a part of his life, and Allie's too, had given her reason to paint again. Elle appreciated that very much, since she too had been inspired by her true love, Timothy. In fact, she was still being inspired by him, each and every day, even though he was no longer with her.

When Allie and Elle finally descended the stairs, there was a new face waiting at the bottom, to greet them. Allie did the honors. "Auntie Elle, this is my grandpa, Archie Grant."

Elle took Archie's hand and shook. "Another good solid nickname. I like it." She asserted with a kind smile. "I'm Elle." She told him.

Archie chuckled and squinted one eye. "Must be short for…Elizabeth?" He could see by her face that wasn't it. He would try another. "Ellen?" Still no. Okay. "Eleanor?"

Elle nodded. "Exactly."

"Nathan's mother always gave everyone nicknames." He drawled slow.

"My sister did the very same thing." Elle had an observation to make. "It's interesting, though." Elle paused. "Rebecca seems to be the only one without one."

Allie chortled. "Without what?"

Archie understood and smiled at Allie as he said it. "A nickname."

Allie's mouth fell open. "That's true." She said.

Elle looked at Archie side eye. And he came clean. "She used to have one, though she doesn't let me use it anymore."

Allie was curious now. "What? Grams had a nickname?" She looked over her shoulder at her grandmother, who was talking to her dad in the kitchen. "Grandpa, you have to tell me."

"No can do. She would not appreciate it." Archie told them. "And since I'm trying my best to stay out of hot water..." He put his hands out and shrugged.

Elle chuckled and told him. "That is important." Elle directed her advice to Allie. "You will just have to use your creativity and come up with another."

Allie's wheels started turning, but a knock sounded at the door, to distract her.

Allie opened the door wide. "Jake! And Fiona. Welcome."

Jake walked in with Fiona timidly holding his arm. Allie hugged them both, then Elle walked over.

She took the opportunity to hug her tall, handsome nephew, one she didn't get all that often. Then he introduced his date.

"Auntie Elle, this is Miss Fiona Miller." Elle observed the way her nephew looked at this pretty woman on his arm. "Fiona, this is my aunt, Dr. Eleanor Watkins."

"Though please call me Elle." She told Fiona, as she took her hand in greeting.

Jake bragged on his aunt. "Elle was one of the first female doctors in her area. And she runs a practice all by herself, serving four counties."

"Well, Jake, I'm not all by myself anymore. I have a nurse now, her name is Margaret." Elle told him simply.

"Yes I do seem to remember you mentioning that, in one of your letters." Jake told her. He bragged on his date. "Fiona owns the barbershop in town, and works for the oil company."

Elle smiled at Jake. "And I remember you mentioning that in one of your letters." Fiona looked up at him, surprised. He had written to his aunt about her?

Jake looked down at his feet, embarrassed, and then back at his aunt. Elle told Fiona. "You must be a busy woman."

Fiona smiled shyly. "Some days, yes." She looked up at Jake again, but he seemed to be avoiding her gaze, now.

Dinner was finally ready, so Allie stood next to Rebecca, and invited everyone into the dining room. The table was decorated beautifully, and the aroma that wafted from the kitchen smelled wonderful.

When they were all seated, Nathan spoke up. "First, I would like to thank everyone for coming. It's such a joy for Julia and I to have all of our family around the table, together." He paused and looked around. "I want to take this opportunity to welcome Auntie Elle, who just got in a few hours ago." He looked at her. "Welcome to Hope Valley, and welcome to the family." Nathan looked at his father, to take over.

Archie bowed his head, and everyone followed suit. He prayed and blessed the food. Then Rebecca, Julia, and Allie stood and brought everything to the table. Dishes were passed around and everyone filled their plate.

Julia was finally able to lean over and ask Nathan. "It seems your parents are on better terms. How did it go on the ride with your mother yesterday?"

"It went very well. She was impressed with the house, and is very excited for us." He glanced up at his father. "And we ran into my Dad up there."

Julia glanced over at Rebecca, who still sat far from Archie, at the table. "And how did that go?"

Nathan spoke low. "It wasn't as painful as I anticipated."

Julia chuckled low. "Well I'm glad to hear that, for your sake."

Nathan looked at her. "Charlie is coming for the wedding. He arrives on Wednesday. We'll see how that goes."

Julia put her hand on his arm, to reassure him. "I'm sure they will make an effort then, too, Nathan. They both love you, you know."

He nodded and Julia took the potatoes from Jake who was sitting next to her.

Rebecca asked Auntie Elle. "Have you been up to the house yet?"

"No, not yet. Julia and I are planning to ride up there tomorrow afternoon." Elle paused. "I hear it's really beautiful though."

Rebecca nodded. "Yes, it is. They chose the perfect spot for the house. It's going to be very nice."

Elle looked over at Nathan. "How far along are they in the building?"

"They're putting on the exterior walls now. The floors are in. It's coming along nicely." Nathan told her proudly, then motioned to Archie. "Dad's overseeing everything."

Elle looked at Archie for the rest. He drawled in his usual way. "Roof'll go on next. Then we'll start on the interior walls." He paused. "Got a crew starting on the barn now."

Elle nodded. "I can't wait to go up and see all of your hard work." She looked at Nathan. "And all of your design, Nate."

Rebecca looked up, surprised to hear that moniker. Nathan blushed a little. And Julia bragged on him. "His drawings are really something, Elle. They're impressive."

Elle looked at him. "So, a well-read literary architect secretly hiding inside a…Mountie's body?" She chortled. "Or are you just a man of many talents?"

Nathan blushed even deeper. Allie answered. "He's talented, Auntie Elle. Like Julia."

Elle looked back and forth between the two of them. "A good match."

Archie agreed. "Yes indeed."

Nathan and Julia looked at each other, suddenly shy. But, this was likely what they would have to endure for the next week. This dinner started their "wedding week". And she guessed it would likely be like this for the next seven days, until they could escape away on their honeymoon. Nathan took her hand and squeezed it.

Elle finally let them off the hook. "Well Nate, I would like to see your house drawings sometime."

He looked at her and nodded shyly. "I would be honored to show you."

Then Elle turned and looked at another couple sitting at the table. A couple so obviously smitten with each other.

Auntie Elle had her way of getting to the heart of the matter. "So tell me, Miss Miller, how long have you and my nephew been courting?"

Fiona opened her mouth to answer, but wasn't quite sure how to answer, so she closed it again.

Elle completely understood. "Oh, I forgot we are talking about Jake here. My nephew, who always leaps with his heart first, and figures out the formalities later."

Jake interrupted, wanted to put his date at ease. "Fiona and I have been courting for a few days now." But the truth was, he'd never officially asked her. And he didn't have a good response, so he'd just counted the days, since their first date.

Auntie Elle could read the surprise on Fiona's face. "He didn't ask you yet, did he darling?" The others were just watching on, slightly astonished by Elle's forthrightness. She had a way about her though, when she asked these probing questions. She wasn't confrontational or off-putting, or the slightest bit awkward, but completely sincere and sweet. You just couldn't help but answer her.

Fiona realized what Auntie Elle said was true. No, Jake hadn't asked to court her yet. But instead of answering, Fiona glanced over at him. He finally met her gaze, and she melted. Who could say no to him? He was so wonderful and handsome. And she wanted to make those green eyes sparkle, just the way she adored.

Fiona squared her shoulders and looked at Auntie Elle. "Like Jake said, we've been courting for three, four days now."

Jake was a tiny bit shocked, but pleasantly surprised, and he just smiled at Fiona. And those green eyes? Sparkle…they did.

Elle smiled at them both. She was glad that was settled. "We'll, I'm happy to hear it. I'm sorry, I didn't realize it was so new. I didn't mean to put you on the spot."

Fiona didn't miss a beat. "It's quite alright. I don't mind a bit."

Allie piped up. "Auntie Elle, we would all love to hear stories about Julia or Jake when they were younger. If you have any good ones."

"Well, of course I do." Elle smiled at Allie. Jake suddenly looked nervous, as did Julia. "Let me think." She took a minute, looked back and forth between her niece and nephew, and then continued. "When Julia was born, Jake wanted a brother. I think it's because he'd already lost one sister." She paused and realized perhaps not everyone knew that. She decided to back up a little. "When Jake was about four, my sister Lily had a baby, who we called Debbie. She was so beautiful…but was never in good health. She…passed away." Elle smiled sympathetically at Jake. Fiona looked at him too. She'd never heard any of this before. Under the table, she reached over and took his hand, interlocked her fingers with his.

"When Lily finally got pregnant again, Little Jacob was afraid the same thing would happen, if it was another girl. So, he prayed so hard for a brother." She explained. "For some reason, he thought little girls were more prone to sickness. Perhaps it was a little boy's reasoning, since he had lived, and Debbie had died. Who knows." Fiona looked up at Jake again, who seemed surprisingly peaceful about the whole thing. "But, when Julia was born, and he realized his mother had given birth to another girl, he was so worried about her. He used to spend so many hours watching over her, just sitting next to her crib. We'd even find him in her room in the middle of the night, he'd snuck in there, just to watch over her." Elle looked at him with tears in her eyes. "He was so sweet."

Julia reached over and placed her hand on her brother's arm. When she did, she noticed that Fiona was already holding his hand on the other side. Elle continued. "Then, when his mother fell ill, he did the same." Fiona's mouth fell slightly open, and she squeezed his hand even tighter.

Julia looked at him and wiped a tear that had fallen without her realizing it. The room was suddenly silent. She had to do something, so she cleared her throat. "Happy stories, Elle. Happy stories."

Elle wiped both her eyes and looked at Allie. "Oh, I'm sorry. Did you want…funny stories?" She asked with a light chuckle. Allie nodded, with misty eyes. Julia glanced over at Fiona and was sure she also saw her nonchalantly wipe a tear.

Elle quickly tried to recover. She felt sorry that her story had taken that sad turn. "Okay. Well, you know they were picked up by the Coast Guard once?" Elle offered.

"Yes. Jake told us that one already." Allie giggled. She put up one finger. "And we heard about the frog in the lunch pail."

Nathan corrected Allie. "Well, not everyone has heard those stories."

Rebecca piped in. "Allie told them both to me, so yes, I sorta have."

Archie chuckled and drawled long. "My grand daughter has already shared them with me, too."

Julia looked at Allie and chuckled low. "Really? Allie's become a real storyteller, has she?" She paused and looked at Nathan. "Perhaps Rebecca or Archie have a good story of their own, to tell us about Nathan? Or Colleen? The stories don't have to be about me, you know." Julia said, hoping to change the subject.

Elle chuckled loud. "Of course, they don't." She paused. "I have a funny story of how my sister Lily…that's Jake and Julia's mother…learned to swim. And it just so happens to be how I accidentally learned to sail."

Allie nodded. This one sounded good, and if she was anything like Jake at telling stories, it was bound to be good. Elle continued. "Thomas, that was Jake and Julia's father, built his own sailboat. Now, I was visiting, and so, they took me out sailing. It was such a nice day, the water was calmer than usual, and crystal blue. Lily was learning how to sail, Thomas had been teaching her. And somehow, when we were in some kind of a turn, one of those beams came across and knocked Lily clean off the boat, and into the water. Now, Thomas knew she didn't know how to swim, so he didn't wait a second, he jumped right in after her." She paused. "Leaving me all alone on the boat."

Allie giggled already imagining it. Elle continued. "Now Lily was a fighter, so she came up just fine, figured out how to keep her head above water, by trial and error. She wasn't someone who panicked easy, she was strong and determined. So, once she was sort of forced, she figured out swimming on her own." Julia looked at Elle and smiled, happy to hear this story once again. And happy to be reminded of just how affectionately Elle always spoke of her mother.

Elle surmised. "Maybe when there are only two choices: to either sink or swim, we learn what we are made of?" She paused. "I don't know, but Lily was special. She was made of some tough stuff, so she figured it out. Even Thomas was impressed. He realized she was doing just fine, but there was just one problem now." Elle looked at Jake. "With them both in the water, I was alone on the boat and had no idea how to sail."

Allie was terribly intrigued. "So what did you do?"

"Well, Tommy kept Lily swimming towards the boat, all while giving me instructions." She paused and then imitated him. "Elle, let go the mainstay. Elle, pull this rope. Elle, tighten this. Loosen this. Elle, steer the boat straight, now right, now right again."

"And you swung around and picked them up?" Allie asked, completely caught up in the story.

"Something like that." Elle chuckled low. "Between my sailing, and their swimming, I managed NOT to leave them in the middle of the bay."

Jake piped in. "How old were you, Elle?" His mother had been ten years her senior, so Elle couldn't have been very old, when this story took place.

"I was only about fourteen or fifteen. Jake, you were about two or three years old, but your mother had left you with your grandmother." Elle told them.

Allie's mouth fell open. "You handled a huge sailboat at…fourteen or fifteen years old?" Allie asked, shocked. She herself would turn fourteen on her next birthday.

Elle threw her hands up, to animate it. "Like I said, Allie. Sink or swim." Elle paused and shrugged. "You'd be surprised what you are capable of, when you have no other choice."

Allie laughed. "I guess so." She smiled. "Now that is a very good story."

Nathan agreed, as he glanced over at Julia, understanding a little more about where that fight inside of her, came from. "Yes, indeed it is."

Fiona looked at Jake and smiled, too. She liked that story.

Everyone passed the dishes around again and refilled their plates a second time, as Archie told a very endearing story about Colleen.

After that, easy conversation flowed, as this family-in-the-making continued to get to know each other.

Allie brought out the dessert she had made with Julia, a beautiful chocolate cake. Nathan and Julia's favorite. And everyone enjoyed it with coffee or tea.

And at the end of the night, everyone lingered, not really in a hurry to leave. It had been a very nice family dinner, introducing two sides of the family to each other. A convivial evening of fun, laughter, and sharing.

And it marked the beginning of a very special week - leading up to a very special wedding.