Chapter 118. Helping Hands

On Friday morning, after a sweet breakfast together, Julia and Elle walked down to the wedding site. Nathan and Archie were already there, with Joseph, and were setting up the arbor. They had positioned it perfectly, just in front of the little dock.

Joseph's wagon was pulled off to the side, and Jimmy and Allie were both there as well. Though, still unable to do physical labor, Jimmy sat on a bench, back a good ways, and gently gave them instructions. "A little to the right…that left front plank needs to move a little to the left, the top right a little up." And so on, and they corrected each time. Julia was surprised to find Jimmy there, with Allie sitting beside him. But, he was still spending a fair amount of time with Joseph, and Julia liked that he was getting more and more integrated into the community. He needed a home, just like everybody else.

Elle went right over and said hello to Allie, and then Jimmy, and sat down next to him. She, like Julia, wasn't put off by his past, and thought him rather sweet now that the rough edges had been smoothed out a little. When the three men were done with the arbor, and satisfied, Elle gave her stamp of approval, much to Nathan's satisfaction. Allie piped into too, and told them just how nice it looked.

Julia sat down next to Allie. "Did they get all the flowers we need?"

Allie smiled. "Yes. Dad and Grams rode up early this morning and got the rest of them. They're all in the back of Joseph's wagon."

Together, Allie and Julia walked over to take a look. There were three crates full. And plenty of branches and leaves, colored with the first hints of autumn, stacked besides.

Nathan approached them. Julia turned and smiled at her future husband. "Good morning, Lawman."

He gazed at her, hands behind his back, and did that little twirl he sometimes did. "Hi."

She would never get enough of his "Hi." It just did something to her insides…every single time.

"Did we get enough foliage?" He asked her.

Julia rasped. "It's perfect." She paused but never took her eyes off of him. "All of it." And somehow, he knew she wasn't only talking about flowers.

Elle arrived behind them. "Shall we get to work?"

Julia smiled at her and Allie. "Yes. Let's." And she picked up a few of the branches.

Allie did the same and followed. On the way, she asked. "How should we do this?"

Elle was right behind them. Julia thought for a moment and suggested. "I think branches first, sort of woven through the slats. And then, we can add the flowers in."

The trio agreed and got to work hauling the branches and leaves over first. Surprisingly, Jimmy joined them, and helped, too.

And the four got to work, weaving pretty branches through the slats of the arbor. Making sure the leaves were well attached but visible. When enough branches were on, the four stepped back and gave it a once over.

Julia tilted her head. "Needs a little more on the right? Wouldn't you agree, Jimmy?"

He looked up, surprised, but took her lead and inspected the arbor, titling his head just as she had done. "I'm inclined to agree, Miss Matthews."

She smiled at him, and they went to work readjusting and adding one more on the right. She looked back at Allie and Elle who were still standing back at a distance. "Better?" She asked.

And Elle nodded. "Much better." Allie agreed.

Julia fetched the first crate, and told them. "The flowers, now." And they wove them through the same way, and attached them, using special wire.

It took a long time to get all the flowers attached, and in place. While they worked, Nathan, Archie, and Joseph were still working too. They were setting up benches, like the one Jimmy had been sitting on, in rows on either side of the arbor. Some of the benches were from the schoolhouse. But the rest, Nathan had built with Archie, and they would serve as a donation for the town, to use for similar occasions.

Once the team of decorators - Elle, Julia, Allie, and Jimmy - had all the flowers on, they secured everything with the wire. The branches, the leaves, and the flowers. When that was done, they stepped back and inspected their work. Julia still saw one spot on the right that needed a little care. She and Jimmy worked together to rectify it. When she was satisfied, Julia called back to Elle and Allie and asked, "How's it look?"

Elle and Allie took a good look from a distance, inspected from their angle. It did look better. Allie called out. "Looks great, Mom."

Julia was partially hidden by the arbor now, but her mouth fell open, and her eyes met Jimmy's in surprise. Mom?

Jimmy immediately smiled at her. Julia's eyes filled with tears, as she tried to decide if her ears had deceived her. "Did she just...?" She whispered, asking Jimmy.

He nodded. Julia peeked out from behind the arbor, and Allie just stood their swaying back and forth, in that same way her dad did, as if everything was perfectly normal. Julia brought her gaze back to Jimmy, still in shock. He told her softly, "You're going to make a great Mom."

Julia nodded and looked at her feet. She took a deep breath and walked out from behind the arbor, and took her place next to Allie. Julia put her arm around her.

Allie seemed to understand and looked up at her, now suddenly shy. "I wanted to try it out. I hope it's okay."

Julia held her gaze and smiled. "It's perfect, Allie girl." And a very big confident smile took over Allie's face. They just stood there together, for a long moment, staring at that arbor.

A few minutes later, Nathan approached and asked. "Should we put something on the end of the benches?"

Julia and Allie turned and looked where Nathan was pointing, down the line of benches, and contemplated. She tilted her head. The benches were beautiful, but were missing a little something. "We could attach a few flowers, or make some small bouquets?"

Elle had overheard and liked that idea. "It would be very nice. Do we have enough flowers left?"

Julia brought the two remaining crates over, and she and Allie laid out the leftover flowers on the first bench. Jimmy joined them, and they all four worked together to make small bouquets. Then Nathan, Joseph, and Archie attached them to the end of each bench.

When they were done, and still had flowers to spare, they decorated the railing of the little dock, too.

And in the end, it was absolutely beautiful. Elle spoke up. "You guys have all outdone yourselves. It's the wedding venue…that dreams are made of."

Nathan stepped close and put his arm around Julia. He asked her quietly. "Is it everything you imagined?"

Julia looked around her. She took it all in. It was indeed a very beautiful place to get married. More than she could've ever hoped for. She gazed up at Nathan and answered. "It's more…so much more." She smiled. "Though…I would marry you just about anywhere, Lawman." And it was true.

Nathan returned her smile. He felt the same way. "I'm glad it's to your liking."

Then he glanced around at the little group that had helped them make it all beautiful. "Anyone hungry?"

Elle looked at him from the side. "I could eat. What do you have in mind?"

"Anyone up for lunch at the cafe?" Nathan offered.

Joseph smiled but answered. "That's kind of you, Nathan. But Minnie's expecting me at home for lunch, with her and the kids. And Jimmy is set to join us…" He paused and looked at Jimmy. "That is, unless you'd rather...Please, Jimmy, feel free..."

Jimmy smiled at Nathan. "Thank you, Inspector Grant, but I would hate to disappoint Minnie and the children."

"Well I can certainly understand that, Jimmy. But please, call me Nathan."

Jimmy nodded. "I'll try…Nathan. Thank you anyway."

"Another time, then." Nathan told Jimmy and Joseph.

Of course, Allie accepted. "Dad, I'm starving. Count me in."

Archie added. "Me, too."

Elle piped up. "Me, three."

And so, Julia couldn't help but add. "Me, four."

"Okay then, a table for five it is." Nathan said happily. He looked appreciatively at Joseph and Jimmy. "Thank you both so much, for your help."

Joseph smiled. "My pleasure, Nathan."

Julia added. "Thanks, Jimmy. For your help with the flowers."

Jimmy shrugged. He had been just as surprised as her, to find himself helping out with…flowers. But somehow, it just happened, was par for the course, he supposed, to help out his friends. He told her. "I was happy to help." He paused. "See you all tomorrow, then."

Julia glanced at Nathan. Wow. Tomorrow. The wedding was tomorrow. It just hit her. "Yes. See you both...tomorrow."

And Jimmy and Joseph walked to the wagon, climbed up in it, and drove away.

After a nice lunch at the cafe, Nathan went to get Lee's car, as planned, and drove it around to the back of the infirmary. He pulled as close as he could get to Julia's back door.

Together with Archie and Allie, Nathan and Julia loaded her things into Lee's car. Julia explained the importance of Elle's huge trunk, which Nathan and Archie tied on with care. Once the car was full, they made the first trip. A second trip quickly followed. Then one more very small load, and they had moved most of Julia's belongings to Nathan's house.

After that, her apartment felt empty. Left inside were only the items Julia was leaving behind for Elle to use, her large suitcase for the honeymoon, and her smaller one for the wedding night. They had even moved over the artwork, and the bookshelf that Nathan had given her.

With everything else gone, the place seemed bare. Like that day she'd first arrived in Hope Valley.

And now, Nathan's house seemed crowded. He'd placed her bookshelf in the living room, with her boxes of books beside it. He'd put her kitchen items in the kitchen. And most of her personal things he'd brought upstairs, to what would be, their bedroom. Only a few boxes were left, sitting by the door.

Julia had tried to avoid going up upstairs, but Allie started carrying her hanging clothes, which had been laid over the back of one of the couches, right up there. On her second trip, she grabbed Julia by the arm and brought her up too. Together, they hung her clothes in Nathan's closet. Then Julia turned, only to notice that Nathan had already placed her jewelry box, the one that he had made for her, on his dresser. Right next to a small box of her cosmetics and perfume. And on the nightstand, the one that would be hers, he had also placed a box of her things.

Nathan entered, and set a suitcase down in the corner. He looked at Julia and said softly. "I hope it's okay. Where I put…everything."

Julia put him at ease. "You did just fine, Nathan."

Allie went out the door for another load, and left them standing there. Both awkwardly trying to figure out what to say or do.

Julia made the mistake of glancing at the bed, which was neatly made, tight as a button. But, he noticed. He kept a safe distance but wondered softly, "Are you nervous?"

Julia met his gaze and couldn't be anything but honest. She swallowed and nodded yes.

He was also honest. "Me, too."

She finally cracked a tiny smile. "Really?"

He scoffed, and looked at his feet. "Yes. Very."

She couldn't imagine why. He always seemed so confident. "You?"

He confessed. "I'm nervous I will…disappoint you."

Julia had the exact same nervousness. "Me, too." She whispered.

Nathan looked her in the eye and shook his head just slightly. "That…won't even be possible."

She smiled a little bigger now. "For you, either."

Nathan chuckled low. "Then what are we worried about?"

"I don't know." She glanced out the window. "If our…attraction…when we kiss…is any indication..."

If they were taking a vote, he would second that. "You are exactly right." He stepped close, leaned down, and kissed her ever so lightly on the cheek. "We will figure it out. Together."

Julia gazed at him as he stepped back. Her insides were complete mush, and her breathing was all uneven. "I imagine so."

Allie came back in with another box. "Where should I put this one?" She asked.

Nathan pointed just next to the suitcase. "There if you like." He told Allie. "Julia can decide later…how she wants to arrange it all." He smiled at her.

"Okay then." Allie said and set it down. "I think that's everything, then." Julia took a better look around, and noticed the box with their wedding quilt sitting just next to the bed.

"Thanks for your help, Allie." Julia told her, and the three walked back downstairs.

Nathan asked. "Jules, can I walk you home?"

Julia nodded but then remembered something. "What about Lee's car?"

"I just need to park it in front of his house, on our way back to town." Nathan told her, with his hand extended. Julia placed her hand in his, and he intertwined their fingers together, like he always did. Melded together. And they walked out of the house and to the car, still parked out front. Nathan drive it down row house lane and parked at the Coulter's.

They walked the rest of the long lane together, talking through their nervousness and shyness, about the wedding ceremony. Though for both, the nerves had only to do with standing in front of everyone, or saying the wrong thing, or forgetting vows. And now that they had both shared their nervousness about the wedding night, everything was out in the open.

Not one of their fears was even remotely related to their relationship. On that subject there was only certainty, and conviction, from both sides. They were absolutely meant to be together.

When they neared town, Nathan started to turn where they usually did, as if to walk Julia to her back door. But Julia just stopped, she'd forgotten something. "Nathan, I forgot…I have something to pick up from the mercantile."

"Oh. Shall I walk you there instead?" He asked, correcting their trajectory.

"If you'd like." She said with a happy smile.

So Nathan led them in that direction, then stopped when they reached the bottom of the mercantile stairs. "You reminded me. I also…have something to pick up, from my office." He motioned over his shoulder. Then he looked at her, excited about tonight. "So...I'll see you later?"

"Of course you will." Julia told him. And since they were standing on the street, in public, and movement went on all around them, even if they didn't really notice, Julia opted for modesty. She gave him a long, tender look in farewell. Then, she slowly climbed the stairs to the mercantile. Nathan watched her all the way, still in awe of how just one look from this woman, could turn his insides upside down.

Julia's suitcase had indeed arrived, as well as a few more things that Julia had not even realized her aunt had ordered. Another chemise in a deep purple lace, and a bottle of perfume - a brand new scent with wild roses. As well, two bars of soap in another new scent: lily of the valley. Oh, that Elle. Julia would get onto her later. But for now, she quickly collected her things, attempted to cover them and hide them, while Florence just stood there smiling. Julia blushed a deep red, and finally, just threw the new items into her suitcase, and got out of there.

As she walked quickly down the boardwalk towards her apartment, Julia heard that cute, yet unmistakable cattle call behind her. She turned just in time, as Nathan caught up to her.

He looked down at her suitcase and smiled crooked. "Skipping town?"

Julia laughed out loud - that loud cackle that just sometimes slipped out, the same one that Elle laughed sometimes. Julia tried to get her hand up in time, but as usual, it just didn't quite make it. She laughed a second good time, and then lowered her hand.

Julia's face changed, turned serious. If he could tease, so could she. "Yes." She answered, and did a pretty good job with that straight face, until Nathan nodded knowingly. There was no fooling him. "I sure am." She tilted her head and smiled at him. "On Sunday morning…and I am...so looking forward to it." Now more than ever, after her run-in with Florence at the mercantile.

"It will be a good day." He assured her. When all the wedding hype would be over and they would be married. And it would just be the two of them, with two weeks to just…be together. To discover each other and learn each other, and to just…love each other. No crowds, no speeches, no dialogues to make, no pressure, and no one else they even knew, as far as the eye could see.

She just gazed at him. That intense gaze. "Yes, it will be." And for a brief moment, he escaped in her eyes. He let himself get lost there, in the tomorrow that was to come. And she met him, escaped there with him...to that tomorrow.

As they were standing there, a loud commotion went past. Not that either of them moved. But eventually, Nathan couldn't deny it any longer, and he glanced up over Julia's shoulder. And low and behold, there riding into town, was the crew from Brookfield. Lillian and Grace drove the wagon, with the children in the back, and Chuck and Gabe rode on horses beside them. Nathan's mouth opened just slightly, so Julia turned to see what had captured his attention.

"Look who's here!" The words escaped her lips as she glanced up at Nathan, who was equally as excited. Nathan took Julia's hand again, and together, they took off in the direction of the wagon.

As they passed by the infirmary door, Julia set her suitcase down just next to it, and left it there. And they continued down onto the street towards their friends.

When Nathan got close enough, he greeted them. "Welcome to Hope Valley, Brookfield friends!"

Grace and Lillian looked up, as did the children. Gabe and Chuck both turned their horses. Sophia sat up straighter and pointed from the back. "Look, it's the bride and groom!"

Julia chuckled and greeted all of them. "Hello, everyone. Welcome to all of you, our Brookfield wedding delegation!"

And everyone returned Julia's big smile. Grace spoke up. "We're so happy to be here."

Grace stepped down from the wagon, then Lillian, and Julia hugged them both. Then she and Grace helped the kids out of the back. Sophia, Mary Louise, Christian, and Vincent were all there, and Julia and Nathan greeted each one of them. Chuck and Gabe dismounted and made their greetings too.

But someone was missing. Nathan looked curiously at Lillian. "Where's Fred?"

Lillian took a deep breath, but managed a weak smile. "Fred has been adopted. We took him to his new family in Clearwater, last week."

Julia was happy for Fred, though she could read the sadness on their faces. "Well, that's great…for Fred."

Grace agreed. "Yes it is. Though it's taking some getting used to."

Christian spoke up. "We miss that little guy."

Lillian added. "Yes, we sure do."

Nathan took one look at Mary Louise's face, and thought he'd better change the subject. So, he asked them. "Where are you staying?"

Lillian replied. "Rosemary made arrangements with two families in town: the Weiss' and the Montgomery's."

Julia nodded. "I can show you where they live. Or, I can take you all to Rosemary's?"

Nathan looked at Gabe, though. "And you fellas?"

"Chuck and I are staying at the saloon. I mean, rather…the hotel." It still took some getting used to, for Gabe, who wasn't in Hope Valley very often.

Nathan offered. "If you ladies want to go straight to Rosemary's with the children, I can help Chuck and Gabe with the horses and wagon."

Lillian smiled gratefully. "That would be wonderful."

Julia told them. "I'll take you." She looked at the bags in the back. "What can I carry?"

Lillian stepped over and started passing bags out to the children. There was one extra, so Lillian passed that one to Julia. Then the children, Julia, Lillian, and Grace set out towards the row houses. Though once on their way, Julia quickly looked back over her shoulder, and waved a cute little bye to Nathan.

Nathan nodded his slight little nod at her, then turned to Gabe and Chuck. "Shall we?"

"Yes. Let's get these tired horses taken care of." Gabe told him, as he mounted. Chuck swung up in the saddle, too. And Nathan climbed up to drive the wagon.

Once the wagon was parked, and the horses stabled, Gabe, Chuck, and Nathan walked to the hotel. As they were nearing the front door, two more riders appeared on the main road. Gabe and Nathan stopped a minute and focused. They were wearing plain clothes and hats, but as they got closer, Nathan recognized them. The unmistakable hue of red hair sticking out from under the cowboy hat, sealed it.

Chuck glanced at Nathan and Gabe, who obviously recognized the riders, so he waited with them.

When the two newcomers were finally close enough, Nathan greeted them. "Penny. Ben. You made it."

Ben Davis pulled his horse up just in front of them, and tipped his hat up a little. "Yep. Finally." He motioned to his colleague. "This guy yapped the whole way. Talked my ear off."

Pendergrass smiled, proud of himself. "I was cooped up on an assignment all week. A stakeout - with Jones. He's such a stiff, doesn't talk at all." He shrugged. "I had to get it all out."

Ben looked up at the sky and shook his head. "Lucky me." And he dismounted. He stepped over and greeted Nathan first, with a handshake, then Gabe. Pendergrass did the same.

Gabe introduced the one stranger they didn't know. "Ben, Penny, this is Chuck Stewart. A friend of mine from Brookfield."

Ben put out his hand. "Nice to meet you, Chuck. I'm Ben Davis, Constable posted in Benson Hills, though I'm moving here soon, to Hope Valley."

Chuck returned the greeting. "Nice to meet you."

Penny put his hand out, too. "I'm Brad Pendergrass. Though mostly, they call me Penny."

"Nice to meet your acquaintance, Penny." Chuck shook with a cowboy nod.

"You the same." Penny set back on his heels.

"You boys staying at the hotel?" Nathan asked the newcomers.

"Yep." Ben nodded. "We're headed there soon as we stable these horses."

Nathan replied. "We were just on our way there, ourselves." He motioned toward the hotel. "How bout we meet up after you take care of your horses? And have something cold to drink?" He looked at Penny. "I'm buying."

Penny and Ben both smiled. "Sounds great." Ben looked at Gabe and Nathan and answered. "It'll be nice to catch up."

"Exactly." Nathan told them. Both Penny and Ben mounted their horses and clicked.

And Nathan, Gabe, and Chuck continued on to the hotel, to get the latter two settled.

Though, as Penny and Ben rode through town, they made a stop. In true Mountie fashion, they dismounted in front of the NWMP office. The door was open, so Ben poked his head in, and found Jake sitting at his desk.

"Catch anyone interesting lately?" Ben teased.

Jake immediately looked up. "Ben!" He stood and greeted his friend. "You just get in?"

"Yep. Just now." Jake followed Ben outside to the porch, and greeted Pendergrass, too.

"Penny. Good to see you." Jake told him, with a shake.

"Good to be here." Penny looked up and down the street of this little town; it did have a certain charm about it.

"You guys staying at the hotel?" Jake inquired.

"Yep. We just need to stable our horses, and then we're gonna meet Nathan and Gabe there, for a drink. Wanna join us?" Ben asked.

"That'd be great." Jake looked back towards his desk. "I was just finishing up."

Ben nodded, but then he couldn't help himself. His eyes were pulled across the street, to the infirmary. Strangely, there was a suitcase just sitting there, by the front door. Of course, he didn't really care about that suitcase, even if he did just happen to notice, and it was a little curious. Ben was more interested in who might be inside that infirmary door.

Jake took note of where Ben's attention had obviously been drawn. It was hard to miss. "Tell ya what." Jake drawled slow. "Penny, why don't I help you with the horses?" Penny nodded. "And Ben, maybe you wanna go see what that suitcase is all about? See if someone in the infirmary is…missing it?"

Ben looked at Jake, but immediately got his meaning. His gaze went back to the door of the infirmary. He shifted his weight. "Why me?"

Jake smiled knowingly. "Look, you'd be helping me out, Ben. I mean, someone should look into it. Think of it as your duty, as a Mountie."

Ben brought his eyes back to Jake and chuckled. "My duty, huh? Aren't you the Constable here?"

Jake nodded. "Yea. But like I said, you'd be helping me out."

Ben nodded back, understanding completely. Jake, of all people, knew what it was like to need to see someone. "Okay. Maybe I'll do that." He paused, "If you're sure you don't mind to take care of the horses?"

"I don't mind at all." Jake shrugged.

It was decided then. Ben walked to his horse and untied his overnight bag. He pulled everything he needed from his saddlebags, and added to his overnight bag. Then he slung the straps over his shoulder. He glanced one more time at Jake.

"Get outta here." Jake told him, and got to work untying the horses' reins from the hitching post.

Ben turned, crossed the street, and started up the infirmary steps.

When he got to the door, Ben suddenly felt nervous. He looked down at his appearance. He had been riding a horse all day, and this wasn't exactly how he wanted to see her for the first time, after all these weeks. He straightened his shirt, took off his hat, and ran his hands through his hair. He tried to catch a glimpse of himself in the window, but to no avail. Finally, he gave up and just took a deep steadying breath. Then he picked up the suitcase by the front door, and walked into the infirmary.

Though, when he came in the door, the room was empty. Faith was no where to be found. Ben stepped a little farther inside, and scanned the room. Still no Faith. He felt a pinch of disappointment. Just to be sure he called out. "Hello?"

And there she came, from around the curtain. "Yes?" Faith said, though it trailed off into nothing when she saw who was standing before her. She slowed to a stop. Her face lit up, which made her even more beautiful, if that was even possible. "Ben." She said softly.

"Hello, Faith." He drawled slow.

She took a few steps, tried to collect herself, and act natural. She knew she was doing a horrible job of it, but she tried anyway. "Did…did you just get in?" Why did her voice sound like that?

"Yea." He looked down at his disheveled state. "Just now. Which is why…I…I'm sorry…I…"

"You look fine, Ben." It came out too fast. Before she could stop it.

"You do, too." He grimaced. That sounded…silly. She wasn't the one who had been riding a horse. He looked down at his feet, and realized he was still holding the strange suitcase. He tried to fix his nervous slip up. "What I mean is. You look…beautiful. As always."

Faith stepped closer. "Thank you." She said shyly.

He glanced down. "This suitcase was just sitting outside your door. Do you know who it belongs to?"

Faith gave it a once over. "I think so. Julia has been waiting on a suitcase to arrive. For her honeymoon."

"It does look brand new." He told her, and held it out. "That must be it."

Faith took it from him, and as she did, her hand lightly brushed his. That brought her eyes up and he held her gaze. Faith swallowed a lump. "I'll just go set it inside her apartment." She turned and did so. Ben watched her all the way.

When she came back, she smiled. "Thanks for…bringing that in."

Ben shifted his weight, and his bag from one shoulder to the other. "It was only an excuse."

"What was an excuse?" Faith furrowed her brow, confused.

"The suitcase." He smiled honest. "It was only an excuse…to come in here." He paused. "And see you."

Faith tried to look away but she couldn't. She was caught in his gaze. Those light brown eyes held her. "I'm glad you did."

"What time…can I pick you up tonight?" Ben asked her.

"The party starts at 6:30, so maybe five minutes before?" She offered, simply. "The party is just across the street, at the cafe." She motioned with her hand.

Ben nodded. "6:15 then." He told her. "I'll be knocking on your door."

Faith smiled and said softly. "I'll be ready."

He found it very hard to take his eyes off of her. It had been too long since he'd seen her beautiful face. "Until then." He turned and slowly walked toward the door. When he got there, he glanced back at her and shifted his weight again. "Bye, Faith."

She put up her hand and gave him a little wave. "Bye, Ben."

He opened the door, and walked through it. Though, as soon as his feet hit the boardwalk, and he turned toward the hotel to meet the others, he was already impatient to see her again.

Not long after, Nathan found himself sitting at a table at Gustave's, surrounded by male friends and brothers-in-arms. Gabe and Jake had honored his request, and promised not to throw a bachelor party. Nathan disliked those, especially considering how they had typically gone in Hope Valley. But this impromptu gathering of men was rather nice. Gabe, Jake, Ben, Penny, and Chuck all sat with Nathan, talking and catching up in true male fashion - with no more words than necessary, and a nice cold beer. And since Charlie was staying at the hotel, and had spotted them, Nathan insisted he join them too.

In the end, it was a nice group and a nice time of male bonding. Just right for Nathan's taste - understated and simple, but memorable.

But, as the saying goes, time flies when you're having fun. And it was no less true for this group. As much as they were enjoying themselves, soon they were out of time - for tonight, there was a party.