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Chapter Five

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Lunch, Dinner Plans and Dear Friends

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Bill called out to Nathan as his friend exited the Livery on Newton ready for morning rounds. It was later than usual, but as it was all Mountie business, Nathan was not concerned. He did want to get back before the mid-day sun made his serge uncomfortable on a bright August day like today, but he still rode over to Bill.

"You are late today. Everything all right?" Bill gruffly quizzed Nathan.

Sometimes Nathan felt as though Bill thought he was his superior officer and needed to check up on the younger Constable, but today, Nathan was a happy man and ignored the older man's tone. "Good morning. Everything is fine with me, Bill. How are you?"

"Yeah, fine." Still wanting his curiosity sated, Bill asked more directly. "Why are you so late?"

Chuckling, Nathan dismounted and walked closer. In low tones, Nathan shared. "Hans Sterk has badly injured his leg and the doctor and I have been out to assist him and the family. Faith is performing minor surgery every time she has to clean out the infection and I have been holding the man down! I've arranged for Jed to care for the animals so I didn't have to do that again this morning, but Hans won't be on his feet for some time so we are helping with chores and groceries. Their son has a sprained ankle so everything falls on Nellie and her little girls."

Nathan continued. "We brought a casserole from Rosemary and purchased groceries this morning so they'll have food again for a while. I expect we will be going out for a few days yet, until his fever is gone and the wound is no longer infected."

"I didn't know anything about this! How'd he injure his leg?"

"He and Pieter were setting traps because they lost all their chickens from an unwelcome visitor and Hans' leg was torn by a trap. Serious gash and not pretty. Faith is doing a great job with it though." Nathan spoke with admiration in his tone, but Bill had heard that before and thought nothing of it.

"Well, I am glad you found out about it and can help." Bill observed Nathan's expression, innocently adding. "Maybe it is nice for you and Faith to work together, eh? Less lonely."

"That's for sure. I better get going now though, Bill. See you around." Nathan mounted Newton with his practiced grace and the men saluted each other.

…

Faith and Molly settled in the Café and chose the lunch special of meatloaf, baked potatoes and peas. Eating a larger mid-day meal meant neither of these single women need to cook much at night.

"How is it going at the Sterk's?" Molly inquired. "Did they appreciate the food you brought?"

"Oh yes, but you know the abundance can be overwhelming. All the food, all the help amidst all the needs and worry. Mr. Sterk is holding his own, but Nathan and I will have to make a house call twice a day for a while yet." Faith explained. "The gash is deep and Nathan has to hold him down while I clean the wound and sterilize it. You know how that stings. Poor man."

"Isn't that enjoyable? I mean enjoyable to spend so much time with our handsome Constable?" Molly queried, watching her boss's expressions for a telltale blush.

"Oh that it is, it's just…" Faith looked up at Molly. "I am falling for Nathan."

"Well, that is wonderful! Wait…" Molly caught an odd expression flit across Faith's face. "Don't you think so?"

"I do, but is it wrong? I mean Nathan is my patient! Doctor's are not supposed to get romantically involved with their patients."

"Uh… Faith by that rule you couldn't get involved with any man in Hope Valley. They will all have been or at some time will be your patients. You are the town doctor, but you still deserve to find love and happiness." Molly chided. "Nathan does too!" Molly whispered, "And I think you two make a wonderful couple. And with Allie? You'll make a beautiful family." Molly giggled, "And your babies will be gorgeous!"

Aghast, Faith leaned forward and practically hissed. "Molly Sullivan. Be quiet! We aren't even... we have a d…date, but we aren't even courting!"

"Oh, I know that, but I am sure these house calls together means it's only a matter of time before you are courting." Molly grinned. "I have seen how the two of you blush around each other."

"You have? Oh no…." Faith was distressed. "Molly! I haven't blushed this much in my entire life. I have totally lost control of my complexion around that man recently. It's embarrassing."

"Faith? It is endearing. It is beautiful and it shows your appreciation for each other is genuine. There is no trying to force love, it is there. Enjoy it, my friend. It is a blessing and you both deserve it." Molly gave a knowing look, raised eyebrow, tilted head and all. "Everyone should be overjoyed for you both!"

…

After arranging to borrow Henry's automobile on Saturday evening, Nathan stopped into the Mercantile, once again thanking Ned for the crates and the discount. "Flo? Ned? May I speak to Allie for a few moments? My schedule took me from home before she was awake. You know how you need to sleep-in those final days of summer before school begins!"

"Oh, I remember!" Flo smiled. "Why don't you two get an ice cream cone together. I can handle the phone calls for a bit."

"Great idea! Thanks folks." Nathan hurried over to Allie to invite her to join him since Flo gave permission for a short break.

"Ice cream sounds great! Thank you Mrs. Yost, Mr. Yost. I won't be too long!" Allie waved as she departed with her father and took his arm. "This is a nice surprise!"

"I figured I need to catch-up with you before tonight. I'll be making the house calls at the Sterks for a while now, both morning and evening. Doctor Faith needs me to hold Mr. Sterk still while she operates and it is a painful process. Their son is too young to do it, plus with his ankle sprain, he isn't much help anyway right now. Jed will be taking care of the farm animals for a couple weeks and helping with other chores."

Entering the ice cream shop, Nathan and Allie waited for Mei to finish with a customer. "Are you going to try anything new or stick with your favorite chocolate, eh?" Nathan asked.

"I think it feels like a strawberry day. How about you, Dad?"

"Coffee flavor for me whenever they have it!"

"Hello, Nathan, Allie. What can I get for you today?" Mei asked politely. She was not as friendly as she had been when she needed Nathan's assistance or acted interested in him. Nathan couldn't figure it out. He had thanked her for her help getting Newton through his trauma, but not showed any special interest in her since. Maybe that was the problem? Nathan didn't care to figure it out, he just remained kind and cordial.

"Dad wants his usual coffee cone and I'd like to try a strawberry one today. It's a good flavor for a warm August day, don't you think? I usually get chocolate, but sometimes you just need to change it up! What's your favorite flavor, Miss Mei?" Allie Grant had inherited her grandfather's Scottish charm and could converse with just about anyone.

"Me? I don't eat ice cream. But if I did splurge I would just get vanilla I guess. Here you go." She handed Allie her strawberry cone along with a napkin. "Remember it will melt more quickly on a warm day like today."

Since Allie was immediately occupied licking her cone, the shop fell silent.

"Here, Nathan. I hope you enjoy your afternoon. Thanks for this." Mei pointed to the money on the counter and the Grants departed.

"Let's find a spot in the shade, Allie-girl."

Father and daughter sat on the boardwalk and enjoyed their frozen treat. "I may not be home in time to make dinner, Honey, so I thought I would order something to pick-up at the Café for tonight. Any preferences?"

"It's hot, so maybe something cold? Chicken salad might be good. If you get croissants that makes it extremely easy. No clean-up!" Allie giggled then caught a drip before it fell.

"Great suggestion. Now there is something else, well two things. First, Marit Sterk's eighth birthday is Friday and I asked her mother if you could come out to the farm with us that day. I told her you offered to read to the children and play a game. I bought Dominoes for them so you could teach that to them and I could help too, if needed. I also mentioned we would bring a cake. Now, do you want to bake one or order one from Mrs. Minnie?"

"I can bake a cake. It might not be fancy, but it will be sweet. Maybe I will make it pink! Can I give Marit something for her special day?"

"A little something, sure. I was thinking I would get her hair-ribbons. I don't know what Doctor Faith might bring. We'll have to ask her. Do you have something in mind or do you want to think about it?"

"I have two ideas already, but I could suggest one to Doctor Faith. A coloring book and paper dolls. Oh, you know what I could bring as well? Some colored paper to make paper chains to decorate with. I bet that would be fun. Do they have scissors and glue? Maybe I need to bring all those supplies just in case. That would be perfect." Allie Grant was on a role and Marit Sterk would be having a pretty, pink-themed birthday party!

"I love your enthusiasm and your ideas, Allie-girl. We can do all of them! Think about what kind of cake you want to make and we can make it together on Thursday night if you want. Now there is something else. This is a secret for now because it is a first, but Doctor Faith and I are going to dinner in Benson Hills on Saturday evening." Nathan let this news sink in as Allie's eyes grew wide with surprise. "I thought I would ask Mrs. Weiss if you could sleep over at their house. Would you mind? Or would you rather stay with the Coulters'? When I am so far out of town I don't want you home alone. If the car broke down or we got back later than we planned, I would prefer to have you with someone. What are your thoughts?"

"Dad! My first thought is Yay!" Allie was whispering but there was no hiding her excitement. "You are talking about a date, right?"

"Yes, I am. How do you feel about that?"

"How do I feel? I am ecstatic! I love Doctor Faith and I think she really likes you too, Dad. Maybe she even loves you! I think this is wonderful!" Allie had to pop the rest of the ice cream cone in her mouth to keep it from dripping so was quiet for a moment. "How do you feel?"

"Very, very happy. We are enjoying each other's company and I can't wait to take her out. I should probably get flowers shouldn't I? I wonder what kind she likes?"

"For the first date, Dad, she will love any flowers you give her! Don't worry about that! There is plenty of time to learn her favorites. Wear your tan suit with the light blue shirt and the striped tie too, Dad. That makes your eyes pop and it is a lighter weight and color for summer. How are you getting there?"

Nathan laughed as his daughter confidently offered her fashion advice, wondering if all women did this for their men. "Mr. Henry has agreed to lend me his car, so we will travel in style! You know I've been thinking, maybe I should get a car for us. What do you think?"

"I think all of this is overwhelming, but yes, a car would be smashing!"

"Smashing? That is not a word to use around or about an automobile, Allie Grant!"

"Oh Dad, you know what I mean. We need to work on your vocabulary. Bring you up to date!"

Laughing Nathan grinned. "Ah ha. Your old Dad is sounding old now, eh?"

"Not all the time, just when you don't get the new words, Dad. Maybe I should write a list with definitions!" Allie giggled, then changed the subject. "Let me think about it to be sure, but I am inclined to want to stay with Aunt Rosie and Uncle Lee. They'll know where you are going, right? It might be fun to have that as our secret and if I was with Opal I couldn't talk about it." Allie paused then added decisively, "Yes, definitely. I'd like to stay with the Coulters. Do you want to ask or should I?"

"I think I better ask them and yes, I will tell them about Faith and me. You and Aunt Rosie can confide all your wishes and hopes to each other!" Nathan tweaked Allie's chin. "We better get you back to work now though. I will see you tonight for chicken salad. I think I'll go order now so they don't run out! If Doctor Faith can join us is that okay?"

"That is always okay, Dad!" Allie stood on her tiptoes and kissed her father's cheek. "Thanks for the ice cream and all the good news!" Allie let out a little squeal and hurried back to work.

Nathan followed behind her to order flowers for Saturday afternoon.

Noting that Nathan's cheeks were pinked, Flo asked quietly, "Do you know what kind or what color?"

"I don't know. Maybe pink? Do you have anything pink?" Nathan's voice was low.

"Pink is lovely and I would suggest roses, Nathan. They are always a good place to start. Are these for a special occasion?"

"Uh, yeah... a first date." Nathan took a deep breath not realizing that Florence Yost would always be on his side to help with all things romantic!

"Then pink is perfect. They represent gratitude, joy and admiration. Does that fit for the special lady?"

"Oh it sure does! Gratitude, joy and...what?

"Admiration."

"Oh that's perfect!" Nathan sighed with relief. "Thank you so much. Can they be ready in the late afternoon?"

"They can. How about a dozen and I will tie them with a pink ribbon. Okay?"

"I could kiss you, Flo! Yes. That is more than okay. Please put it on my account?" Nathan decided to kiss her cheek since Ned was right here at the counter beside her. "Thank you!" Jubilant, Nathan, moved to Ned. "Do you want a kiss too?"

Ned laughed to see the giddy Constable who obviously had a special lady in mind. "No, I'll skip that today, but a handshake to congratulate you would be in order!"

"You've got it!" Nathan shook Ned's hand and turned to the door, filled with gratitude, joy and admiration for the beautiful woman he would be seeing in a couple of hours.

Emerging from the back of the Mercantile with a full basket of groceries on her arm, Elizabeth Thornton came to the counter to pay. She was red-faced and green-eyed so only gave curt answers to Ned's friendly greeting and service. She departed without saying goodbye and let the screen door slap shut behind her.

…

Nathan stopped at the Coulter's office, grateful that both Lee and Rosemary were present. After exchanging greetings, Nathan questioned. "May I take a few moments of your time for a personal matter?"

"Of course, Nathan. Have a seat and tell us what's on your mind," Lee sat again as Nathan settled into s chair and adjusted it so he could see both friends.

With a happy grin, Nathan asked, "Would you be willing to take Allie overnight this Saturday? I will be in Benson Hills and don't want to be so far away and leave her alone."

Curiosity immediately ignited, Rosemary stood and leaned against the front of her desk closer to Nathan. "Excuse my interest, but what takes you to Benson Hills on a Saturday evening?"

Chuckling Nathan glanced from Rosemary to Lee as he announced triumphantly. "I have a date!"

With a quick intake of breath, Rosemary squealed as she exhaled. "With whom?

"Rosie, don't be nosy!" Lee chided, though he was equally curious himself!

"With Faith Carter! We have become good friends…" Nathan was cut off with Rosemary standing before him, pulling him from his chair for a warm embrace.

"Nathan! Oh! I am thrilled with this news." Backing away, Rosemary searched Nathan's face, grateful to see joy and peace. "I know you both seemed very comfortable with each other last evening, but I didn't know. When did you begin to date?"

"Saturday will be our first official date! We've shared walks and talks and informal lunches and picnics on the steps of her office or mine, but things are different now…and I couldn't be happier!"

"Oh, how sweet. Building the foundation of friendship is the best way to start. I'm delighted for both of you."

"I rejoice with you as well, my friend. How will you get there?" Lee quickly offered. "You may borrow my vehicle if you wish."

"Thank you, Lee, but I've arranged to take Henry's car. I would like to ask a favor of you though." As Nathan hesitated, Lee spoke up.

"Name it, Nathan."

"Would you accompany me to Benson Hills to look at automobiles? I think it is time that I purchased one for Allie and myself."

"I would love to do that! What fun! When do you want to go?"

"Not this weekend, but maybe the following weekend? I have meandered around the lots in the past, but would welcome your advice before I decide. If you want to shop, Rosie, you could come along and I could even bring Allie. We could make it a fun day!"

"You could also invite Faith, Nathan. That would make it even more special. Unless you would feel pressured by all of us present?"

"I would love that if you and I…" Nathan looked at Lee, "If we could shop alone first, and then bring the ladies for final approval afterwards? Could we do that?"

"We can and we will!" Lee stood to shake Nathan's hand and clap him on the back. "It's a date!"

"You'll purchase the car on the spot right?" Rosemary interjected. "If you do, you and Faith and even Allie could have a celebratory dinner date together before you drive home in your new car! That's if you can afford all that!" Suddenly worried, Rosemary asked soberly, "Can you afford all this, Nathan?"

"Rosie!" Lee cried out, shocked.

"It's okay, Lee." Nathan motioned his hand to calm him. "It is a legitimate question among good friends. Only Bill and Gabe Kinslow know this right now, but I have savings available."

Observing their surprised expressions, Nathan explained. "My mother and I developed a successful horse ranch outside of Calgary and a few years ago she decided to sell it and relocate to the city to live with her widowed sister. We divided the funds with Colleen's, my sister's, portion added to mine to protect it for Allie's future. We needed to keep it from her birth father who was a drunkard."

Nathan continued, leaning forward with hat in hand. "It is a sizable sum with interest added now, so, in answer to your question, I can afford it. I hold it in the bank in Benson Hills to maintain my privacy, so the Hope Valley Bank knows nothing of it unless I should make a transfer. I must ask you to keep this from Allie? Please? I will tell her when she is older, but we are fine living on my salary here in Hope Valley."

Rosemary eyes glistened and her face was beaming. "We had no idea, Nathan, but I am so happy for you. We are honored to keep your secret. Thank you for trusting us." Rosie wiped tears that spilled down her cheeks. "I am so happy!" She laughed. "These are tears of gratitude and joy!"

"I'm with Rosie on this one, Nathan. We are privileged to hold your confidence and very happy that God has provided for you. I appreciate your humble service even more knowing you could choose to live a very different lifestyle if you wanted to. Good for you, Nathan. Good for you!"

"Thank you for keeping this close to your hearts. If all goes well, I will tell Faith, but try not to mention this to anyone else. If the time comes, I may use some of the funds to build a home, but not yet!" Nathan chuckled. "There is too much to think about right now."

"Name the place and time and we can discuss lumber and building plans, Nathan. Sounds exciting to me!" Lee rubbed his hands together just speaking of the project. "Rosie and I might find a place to settle as well, so maybe we could be neighbors? We'll talk over the winter!"

"God's will be done, but maybe we can do that!" Nathan straightened in his chair. "Now I have a more immediate build to discuss! The Sterk's lost all their chickens due to an intruder and I need to rebuild, or build, a better coop for them. Do you have any plans in your files? It would make it easier to follow a plan rather than design it! Then could you prepare and deliver the lumber? I'll order the chicken wire from Ned and I'm going to ask Robert Wolf to help me build it."

"Oh? Does Robert have experience?" Lee questioned, skeptical.

"The point is to give him the experience. If he wants to be a Mountie he will learn a bit about serving his community." Nathan chuckled. "Plus, he is young and agile so that will help! Build up those muscles too!" Nathan stood.

"Well, I have taken far more of your time than I intended. Thank you for caring for Allie on Saturday and the shopping trip next weekend and, really more than anything, thank you for your friendship. You both are a blessing to me!"

"No more than you are to us, Nathan, and we always enjoy our times with Allie!" Rosemary laughed, admitting, "I almost said 'our' Allie!"

Chuckling, Nathan promised, "As her adopted Aunt and Uncle you certainly have the right to make that claim! I get it!"

"You have made our day, Nathan. God bless all you are doing for the Sterk's and I will find and bring you a plan and gladly prepare the lumber. I'll donate that too, by the way, since you are putting in the elbow grease!"

…

Having completed his rounds, Nathan picked up the sandwiches he had ordered from the Café, went home to pop them in the icebox, then upstairs to change and return to the Livery to meet Faith. As she came around the corner, Faith's breath caught as she saw Nathan in his tan slacks, white linen shirt and braided suspenders. That man could wear anything and be absolutely stunning!

"Hello, Nathan!" Faith spoke softly as she tiptoed up behind him while he adjusted her saddle.

Spinning around, Nathan exclaimed, "Hi! You caught me daydreaming and I didn't even hear you!" Nathan chuckled. "Don't tell anyone because that is not good for a Mountie! We are usually aware of our surroundings…" He grinned. "I am very aware right now though…" His comment hung in the air, a current of attraction between them.

Faith blushed with his attention, but she was enjoying these flirty moments with Nathan. This was a side of him she had never dreamed of or dared to imagine.

"Ready to go?" Nathan lifted an eyebrow as he asked. "May I assist you? Jed is probably already at the farm and no one is around at the moment!"

"You may, Nathan!" Faith relished the strong hands that lifted her onto the horse, she just had to resist her urge to bend down and kiss this man. "Thank you…"

"My pleasure…" Nathan's voice was low and husky. And there was that flirty look, with a comment that never before meant what it meant between them right now.

"We are on our way!" This tall, dark-haired man, with the crystal blue eyes wore a floppy brimmed hat and the visual on that regal horse took Faith's breath away.

Faith wore a blue-ribboned straw hat with a wide brim to protect her golden curls and porcelain complexion from the hot sun. Nathan took in the form and features of this beautiful woman and silently rejoiced that she was here with him.

Together, they rode side-by-side, sharing about their afternoon and Allie's ideas for birthday gifts, a pink cake and a sweet party for Merit Sterk.

Nathan and Faith had a lot to look forward to and so much for which they gave thanks!

...