And the greatest of these is Love
Chapter 26
Page 77
During dinner the Grants discussed together that Dee would be home as much as possible until Emily felt stronger. Allie too offered to stay home as backup for her mother. Dr. Faith had taken some blood samples to see how she was doing with vitamins and minerals. Faith had mentioned that older ladies had iron-poor blood and that they might develop weak bones from lack of calcium. Already knowing that her heart was weak she would provide Emily with nitroglycerin tablets for times like she just experienced.
"I don't want all this fuss now. I know I'm in good hands with Dr. Faith and I appreciate everyone wanting to take care of me, but I'm going to be just fine, ya," Emily nodded her head resolutely.
"Ma, you heard what Dr. Faith said, that you need bed rest for the rest of the week. Either Dee or Allie are going to be here at all times, for you and dad. Plus, you will not be taking care of Christopher by yourself," Nathan said.
"That's not fair to me or Christopher," Emily sighed.
Archie spoke up when he heard Christopher's name, "I'll take care of Christopher, he's my little buddy!"
"And who's going to take care of you?" Emily asked Archie shaking her head.
"Me? I am. Me, myself, and I that's who."
Nathan rolled his eyes, "Dee, honey, please pass the potatoes."
After dinner, Emily instinctively got up to clear the table, when she was ushered away from the dining area. "I'm not going back to bed right now, because then I won't sleep during the night, so don't get any ideas."
Nathan hugged his Ma. "Ma, I think Dr. Faith wanted you to rest more, so taking a nap in the morning and in the afternoon will help. Of course you don't have to stay in bed all day, but try to relax and let the rest of us work around the house."
With that comment, Dee threw Nathan a towel to dry the dishes.
"It's going to drive me crazy," Emily said.
"Please Ma, for me?" Nathan looked sheepishly at his Ma with a mock pout.
Dee suggested to Allie that next week she would like to drive Emily to Minnie's to meet with the ladies, so she asked Allie to stay home with Christopher and Grandpa on Tuesday morning. "Ask Mrs. Yost if that's all right with her please."
Nathan was reading the Valley Voice while Christopher was playing with his grandpa. "Dee, did you read the paper today?"
"No, I haven't had time. Why?"
"The front page has a headline, "Brand new fire pumper and ambulance will be leading Hope Valley's first parade! Rosemary's article goes into detail, Mr. Lee Coulter of the Coulter Lumber Company will be driving the new ambulance with Drs. Faith and Carson Shepherd riding in the backseat. The Coulters' provided this greatly needed ambulance out of their usual generosity."
"Of course, she had to say that," Allie winced.
"Allie, it is very generous of them, don't you think?" Dee asked.
"Yea, well she sounds like she's gloating."
Nathan laughed, "That's just how she talks. Then she goes on to say, Mr. Henry Gowen of Gowen Oil Company will be driving the brand new fire pumper that he provided generously for the town."
"Hmm, maybe you are right, Allie," Dee winked, "Isn't that expected in about 2-3 weeks? How are we going to get the whole parade and Family Festival planned by then?"
"Mayor Fiona is in charge of that," Nathan answered, "so don't worry your pretty little head about it. Besides, you have the rest of the town and don't forget the Chickadees, if it wasn't for them, the town activities wouldn't turn out to be so much fun!"
"That's so true," Dee agreed, "I hate to put more on your plate, but don't forget we're moving my folks this weekend to their new home."
"Oh, I didn't forget, I'm just in need of a good long ride with Newton and that'll make things much easier," he answered as he suggested they all turn in.
The next morning Nathan went to the RCMP and told Andy and Gunther he was going to do the rounds that morning. He needed to get out and ride Newton. A good gallop with morning air, always did him good, especially when he had a lot on his mind. Right now he was worried about his Ma and about finding those Fredrick men. He hoped he'd hear something today from Headquarters.
It was exhilarating as he flew past the fox den, the wild turkeys, the deer drinking out of the stream, while birds flew and squirrels ran fast across his path. This was his time to pray. He wasn't one to sit still, so when he was riding on Newton in the countryside, there was something about nature that helped him feel connected to God. "Lord, you know what's in my heart. I thank you for Ma and dad and I appreciate that you have blessed us with time together now that we're reconciled because of your grace, but Ma needs your healing touch. May I ask that you allow us to be together for a while longer? Take care of our new little bun Lord. Protect Dee and our baby from any problems during the pregnancy. Oh, and keep Allie innocent a little while longer. She's growing up so fast and I'm not ready. Lastly, Lord please let me know that those awful men that are in Montana are on their way back to Canada to face charges and be locked up where they can't hurt anyone else ever again. Thank you. Amen."
He stopped by the Hendersons and explained the situation with his parents. They were busy trying to declutter their farm to sell and move into a smaller home. Mrs. Henderson was having a very hard time letting things go. They had raised their children there and the home held many memories, but they just couldn't keep it up. They knew it needed a new family now that would bring it back to life.
"Don't you worry, when we move, we'll be more than happy to keep your folks company. Heck, the Mrs. doesn't like to fish, so I can always enjoy a fishing partner," Mr. Henderson laughed.
"Me too. I would love to play cards or just have coffee with your Ma and chat, so count us in Sargent!" Mrs. Henderson smiled.
Nathan tipped his hat and nodded, "Thank you both kindly. We'll keep in touch."
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As Nathan sat in his chair behind his desk at the RCMP office he let out a deep sigh. This had been a long week with not only worrying about the arrest of the Frederick gang but now his mother. Then, thinking about having a new baby with the woman of his dreams, he felt blessed. He loved being a father, especially now that Allie had a mother and a little brother. This made his world and he felt deep gratitude not only for his own little but growing family and his parents, but that his town was such a tight-knit community even with the huge growth of new folks in the past few years.
He was honored to be promoted to Sargent earlier and knew that not only was he responsible for Hope Valley, but also overseeing surrounding towns. His Mountie friends from nearby communities were like a family too. 'One for all and all for one' was always the way their quarterly meetings ended. That camaraderie was important, especially with cases like the Jake and Ruth Taylor that involved Clearwater and Union City too and everyone pitched in searching for the Frederick men. There had been so many times when the local towns needed the Mounties to work together to keep their communities safe.
Now, he was relieved that he finally got the telephone call earlier that he had been waiting for. The Fredericks were extradited to Canada and now they were being charged with multiple crimes. The Attorney of Justice had the case now, so for the time being Nathan could breathe again.
He got an idea that they all should have a fun, relaxing time all together with the wives. There was a good chance that Constable Gabe of Brookfield might be marrying Miss Lillian Walsh soon since he finally asked for her hand in marriage, but there wasn't any word – yet. Nathan made a mental note to run his thought by Bill of hosting a fun baseball game among the current and retired Mounties.
Andy was joking with Gunther about who was faster on their horse during rounds when they walked in snapping Nathan out of his daydream. "Everything is good. Mrs. Henderson told us that she will stop by next week to visit with your mom, Sarge," Gunther said.
"We were hoping to do some target shooting today. What do you think?" Gunther asked.
"That is fine with me, we can go after lunch." Nathan answered, "I am going to talk to Headquarters about the charges against the Fredericks by Jake. Ruth will be working with the Constable in Union City. It's going to be quite a few charges from around this province I'm afraid."
"At least now we know they've reached the end of their reign of terror!" Gunther spoke up.
"Exactly," Andy agreed.
"All right men, we'll get together for target practice in two hours. Thanks for your help doing the rounds even if you were racing the horses," Nathan smirked.
"Not for too long, tonight's the motion picture that we Hopefuls are hosting at Billees later and we offered to help set up," Gunther smiled.
Nathan stopped and thought, That's tonight? Of course, that's what Allie was talking about to Dee this morning. Dang, another date with Robert.
At the Taylor home Ruth, Violet, and Jake were all finally able to relax knowing that those awful Frederick gang were finally captured, arrested, and in prison. Ruth was more relieved than anyone knowing they had assaulted other women too. She couldn't imagine living without the constant fear for the rest of her life. This meant she was free to claim her identity and actually be herself after ten long years in hiding. This was going to be a chance to see a whole new world and she was excited.
Minnie had been such a great listener and comforter whom she felt comfortable sharing her feelings of anger and fright. If only she could stay in Hope Valley with her family and new friends. She had to telephone Mr. Riemann to ask him when she needed to return. He had been such an understanding employer who treated her well. She couldn't ask him to let her stay.
"Mr. Riemann, this is Ruth. I trust you know that the Fredrick men were found and extradited back to Canada?" Ruth asked.
"Yes Ruth, that is fantastic news. Of course, it's the headline of our newspaper but I didn't identify you as the victim, so rest assured, your secret is still safe with me and my family. How are you doing my dear?"
"Oh, so much better. It was grand to see my brother Jake after ten years! He's grown into such a handsome man and is married to a sweet young lady, Violet. It's so wonderful to know I have family and we talked and talked all week. Thank you for allowing me time off to meet my brother and his wife," Ruth was practically glowing through the telephone.
"I just wish you would have seen him years ago. How is Jake healing Ruth?" Mr. Riemann inquired.
"He's improved, just this past week, enough to return to work. I think our being together made a difference. Plus he's been talking with Pastor Canfield and I've been counseled by Mrs. Canfield. They are really helping us to let out our feelings."
"That's the news I was hoping to hear. I'm happy for you dear."
"I know it's the end of the week and you're expecting me to return. Did you send me a train ticket because I haven't received anything in the mail." Ruth asked.
There was a little chuckle at the other end of the telephone. "You won't receive one either. Ruth, I want you to stay with your brother and his wife. You've been apart for too long and it's time you get to know your family. You need to spread your wings now dear and discover what and who you want to be."
"But, who's going to be your housekeeper? I can't just leave you without help!" Ruth protested, "You've been so kind to me."
Mr. Riemann took a deep breath and replied, "Never you mind about us back here. There is probably another young lady, like yourself, who is in need of a job, so let me deal with that. By the way, I am sending you a check in the mail, so be on the lookout for it."
"Whatever for?" Ruth asked.
"Let's just say, Mrs. Riemann and myself feel like, well we've come to love you as if you're a granddaughter to us. So, we've decided to help you out by giving you a little money to buy yourself some new clothes, toiletries, jewelry, whatever you like. It's a brand-new life waiting for you Ruth. Now, go seize it!"
When Ruth hung up she was in a puddle of tears. Jake and Violet rushed over to her side. Jake held her waiting for her to settle down.
Violet was concerned something went wrong, "Ruth, honey, is something wrong?" she asked.
Wiping her face and wrapping her arms around her brother and sister-in-law, she answered, "No, not at all, in fact everything is good with the world right now, and I love you both so much!"
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Nathan opened the door to find Robert standing tall and grinning like a love-sick schoolboy with his hair slicked in place and a touch of men's cologne. Nathan was actually very pleased that Robert was dating his daughter. He knew Robert since he was a young boy who pulled Allie's ponytail or teased her at school but was always a good kid. Now, he had witnessed a young man studying to be a Mountie like himself who had already proved that he was definitely an up-and-coming excellent student by the way he handled himself in the train robbery. Yet, he was here at his house waiting to take his daughter out on a date to the motion picture at Billees tonight and he was scrutinizing him like some stranger.
Dee walked up and gave Nathan an incredulous look, then turned to Robert and gave him a warm smile stepping in front of Nathan, and extending her arm bidding him inside. "Welcome Robert, it's good to see you!"
Nathan stepped aside and let Dee invite Robert to join her in the living room. "Have a seat, Robert, while I go upstairs and get Allie. Nathan honey, please help watch Christopher, I'll be right down."
Before Nathan could say anything, Emily greeted Robert from her rocking chair, "Hello Robert, how are you?"
"I'm fine, thanks, but you're the one I should ask, how you are doing Mrs. Grant?"
"Much better. I don't think I've slept as much as I have lately, that's for sure," she chuckled.
Archie spoke up, "You sure did grow up, Robert. I haven't seen you for years."
"Dad, he's been here for dinner just last week," Nathan said. "So, what moving picture are you going to see tonight?"
"The Kid, with a popular actor Charlie Chaplin. Have you heard of him?" Robert asked.
Nathan shook his head, "Can't say I have. Maybe I should go with you both and see it."
Just then Allie came down in her pretty Sunday yellow dress catching the eye of both her father and Robert. "Dad, you must be joking!" she laughed.
"Well, I..."
"Of course he is," Dee answered, "you know your father, he's always one to add a little humor to the moment."
Nathan tilted his head to the side, "Mrs. Grant maybe you might want to go with me," he smiled boyishly.
"You can't dad, Christopher needs you and mom, Allie laughed, "Hello Robert. I can't wait to see this film. I read that Charlie Chaplin is really funny!"
"Hello Allie, yeah, I heard the same. It should be good. Are you ready?"
Nathan stood up, "Now, you two make sure you're home right after the film."
"Dad, we were planning on staying with our friends after for the social hour," Allie sighed.
"I'll be sure to have her home by 11:00, sir," Robert nodded.
"I'll be up waiting for you," Nathan nodded back.
As Allie rolled her eyes, Dee called out, "Have fun you two!" while giving Nathan another look.
Christopher let out a loud giggle, and waved bye-bye to his sister and her friend.
"Bye, bun!" Allie gave him a quick kiss on his cheek.
Over at Billees Allie, Robert, Karen, and Harper sat together. Rosaleen, Ben, Gunther, Andy, Debra, Kevin, Katie, Mark, Lisa, Trevor and Lana, Matthew, Luke, John, Sam and Maggie were already there and had set up the place. Following soon after, Christy and Rick came in with Clara and Jesse. Those two couples were together a lot with their children born around the same time and now they were both pregnant again and due once more around the same time. It was fun to have a real date from time to time and were so glad that the Hopefuls had a monthly entertainment, whether it was a film or a dance, or a game party, they enjoyed it.
A few of the other residents came too. The news of a Charlie Chaplin film had stirred up interest so it wasn't surprising to see Bill and Molly, Elsa and William, Fiona and James, and Flo and Ned. Bill was happy to see so many people there and was surprised to see Rosemary and Lee with Paul. They asked Opal to watch baby Grace as Rosemary was not about to miss a Charlie Chaplin film. She felt it was her duty to include movie reviews in the Valley Voice as she was certain everyone would definitely consider her word to be authoritative being a previous actress. Lee enjoyed just relaxing with Bill and he too was happy for the turnout.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Lee joined Bill and decided to cook up some of Bill's famous chili, popped corn, and took out pans of brownies that Maggie had baked earlier. Even though there was a prohibition going on there wasn't much adherence or support of it, so basically it was left to local governments depending on the provinces. Bill and Lee never sold alcohol at family events, so tonight they provided soft drinks, tea, and coffee.
After the film, anyone who wanted to eat could purchase a bowl of chili, a brownie, and a beverage. The popcorn was always tempting as it filled the air with its aroma. Robert asked Allie if she wanted something to eat while watching the clock. Allie and Karen both wanted a brownie and a soft drink so when Robert and Harper went to purchase their snacks, Harper asked Robert if he had kissed Allie yet.
"Yes, of course," Robert answered proudly, "why haven't you kissed Karen yet?"
"Not yet, I haven't found the right time. Karen's dad drives us so there hasn't been an opportunity. What's it like Robert?"
"It definitely brings the man out of you, if you get my drift," Robert chuckled, "next time I'll drive and we can double date, then maybe you'll get your chance
