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Chapter Thirteen

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Totally Devoted

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As Nathan flipped a fillet in the frying pan, Faith was seasoning the potato salad when the knock sounded.

"I'll get it!" Allie left the silverware on the table and hurried to open the door. "Uncle Bill! Hi! Come in!" She gave Bill a hug and called to her father. "Dad? Uncle Bill is here." She motioned Bill towards the kitchen.

"Hello, Bill! Is this business or a social call?" Nathan flipped another piece of fish.

"Just checking in on you folks. I didn't see you to talk to at church. Everything okay?"

Knowing exactly what information Bill was fishing for, Nathan grinned. "Everything's okay with me. You, Bill?"

"Fine. I ahhh… I was ahhh… wondering…" Finally inspiration hit and Bill blurted out, "The restaurant. You know, did you like the restaurant?"

Snickering, Nathan, glanced at Bill. "It was a lovely place, Bill. Do you want to stay for dinner and we'll describe it to you?"

"Ah sure, thanks. I guess you had a good time if you are here now, Faith?"

"We had a wonderful time, Bill. It was a very special place." Faith glanced at Nathan. "We had wonderful food and I want to try and replicate the Pesto Sauce it was so delicious."

Knowing that food was a safe topic since he wasn't finding a way to get the answers about the date that he craved, Bill questioned what they'd eaten with Pesto Sauce.

Waxing eloquent about the Pesto, Coquille St. Jacque and the Pavlova dessert, Faith and Allie were beginning to giggle watching Bill try to act interested in the menu selections.

Finally, seated around the dining table, Nathan decided to put Bill out of his misery. "Bill? We are courting!"

By then Bill Avery showed his astonishment, quickly followed with abundant joy! "Well, that is great news. Some might say rather speedy but great news! You both have been drawn to each other for a while, and Hope Valley will be blessed to have two public servants now serving together!"

"It is pretty great to us too! I'm not sure about my ability to concentrate at the moment, but I can tell you I had sweet dreams last night!" Nathan reached to pat Faith's arm. "The entire world seems sweeter today!"

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Entering the kitchen with a stack of dishes, Bill set them on the counter and clapped Nathan's back. "I'm really happy for you, Son. She is a good one and she'll treat you right." He whispered under his breath so only Nathan would hear. "You look really happy too!"

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Before accompanying Faith to her front door, Nathan and she walked arm-in-arm to the Coulters' door.

Happily ushering them inside, Lee called to Rosemary that Nathan and Faith were here. Rosemary came hurrying excitedly down the stairs, arms aflutter! "Nathan! Faith! How was your date? Did you like the restaurant? Did they treat you well? How was the meal?"

Laughing Lee, motioned for Nathan and Faith to take a seat, while suggesting that his wife give them a chance to answer her questions!

Nathan motioned to Faith to begin. "Our date was wonderful and so was the restaurant. Thank you so much for directing Nathan to the Victoria. Our meal was delicious and, what else did you ask?"

Nathan continued their response. "The Maître De seated us in a corner booth and we had plenty of privacy to talk. And, yes, Rosemary, he addressed us as Constable and Doctor so we knew you had called!"

"I just wanted to be sure he knew it was important." Rosemary explained. "What music did they feature this week?"

"A cellist and pianist. It was beautiful, Rosemary, and we danced. You should see Nathan dance!" Faith placed her hand on her chest and looked dreamily at Nathan. "He is so graceful and leads so beautifully. I've never danced with anyone better!"

"You really dance, Nathan? Why haven't I ever seen that in Hope Valley?"

"Maybe because you arranged for a ladies choice when no one was near Nathan to choose him, Sweetheart?" Lee reminded his wife.

"Let's not think about that night, one I'd rather forget. But last night? Now that I will always remember! Um… Faith and I are courting!" Nathan blushed.

"Oh!" Rosemary was up and out of her seat in a flash. She reached down to take Faith's hand and tugged her to stand so she could envelop her in a hug. "Oh!" Nathan was next and by then Rosemary was laughing and crying at once. "You two! This is just so marvelous!"

"Congratulations, my friend. Couldn't be happening to two people better matched and deserving too! I am thrilled and we will have sweet Allie overnight anytime you want another long date! That'll be joy for us all!"

Chuckling, Nathan agreed. "Thank you for caring for her last night and I'll remember your offer going forward, Lee. Undoubtedly it was the best night of my life and I thank God for His blessing!" Nathan took Faith's hand in his and lifted it to whisper a kiss across her knuckles.

A very happy Rosemary and Lee looking lovingly at each other. "Now this is not my news to broadcast, but if anyone asks in my presence, may I share?" Rosemary inquired.

Laughing, Nathan, responded. "I would expect no less, my friend. I'd be glad to shout it from the rooftops, but the town would think their Mountie had imbibed or something! Feel free to share, as now the ones we wanted to tell ourselves know. We called Faith's father and my parents earlier, plus Bill knows." Nathan had a second thought. "Please be careful about Elizabeth? I don't know how she will take this news, but she doesn't seem very happy right now, so she might not be happy for me, I mean for us."

"I'll have to think about it, Nathan, but I don't think I want to be the one to tell her. Maybe just let her find it out around town." Rosemary concluded.

"That's fine." Agreed Nathan. "Well, we should be going. Morning rounds come early and Faith has the additional responsibility of a house call to the Sterk's farm. Thank you again for your restaurant recommendation and your support! Have a good night's rest, okay?"

"You too, both of you! I am so excited for you." Rosemary took her husband's arm as they walked their visitors to the door. "Sweet dreams!"

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For the next week, word spread around Hope Valley and periodically one of the townspeople or famers would learn of their Doctor and Mountie making it official. Many of those who heard the news were convinced that it wouldn't be long before the couple would get engaged and marry, recognizing their love in their attentive focus, longing glances, whispered confidences and infectious laughter. Mountie Nathan had a new spring in his step and could often be heard whistling as he walked around town, while the good doctor was frequently blushing, laughing and spending time with Allie Grant. The townspeople could clearly see that this beautiful, kind and thoughtful couple were perfect for each other.

One resident was not as happy as the rest though. Elizabeth Thornton was finding it hard to believe that Nathan and Faith truly were a couple. Whenever in town, she made a point to sit or stand so she had a clear view of the Doctor's office and the jail. At home, she frequently sat on her front steps in hopes of spying a glimpse. When she saw Nathan and Faith together they were focused on each other and looking as though they were happy and having fun, but, to Elizabeth they displayed no signs of courtship or love.

Having little or no opportunities to speak to the Doctor or Mountie, Elizabeth cornered Faith late one afternoon. "Hello, Faith? How are you?" Elizabeth walked as fast as she could to cross the street. "I haven't seen you to talk to lately."

Faith was thinking that Elizabeth had seen her plenty of times, but it was true they hadn't spoken. She paused to let Elizabeth catch up to her. "I am fine and you?"

"I'm okay but I think I have heard a false rumor circulating. I just want to warn you that the gossip is that you are courting Nathan Grant. I know it isn't true, but I just wanted you to be forewarned."

Faith stopped in her tracks. "Excuse me?"

"Well, you know how people talk, Faith. Don't worry about it. They'll be talking about someone else soon enough." Elizabeth's duplicity was becoming obvious.

"Why wouldn't you believe that Nathan and I are courting, Elizabeth? Is it so difficult to believe that anyone would be interested in me? Or is it hard to grasp that someone would recognize the merits of our Mountie?" Faith kept her voice calm, but inside she was anything but. "I assure you that what you have heard is true. Nathan and I are courting and happily so!" She began to walk again, leaving Elizabeth to follow after her.

Reaching out to grasp Faith's arm, Elizabeth was flustered but practiced the training she'd had in Hamilton's society to school her features according to the part she was playing. "You aren't serious, Faith. You don't hold hands in town or kiss or anything like that, so you couldn't possibly be in love."

Again, Faith stopped, but just long enough to speak quietly. "Well, we believe in keeping our relationship to ourselves and any physical affection private. Outward appearances are not required to develop deep, abiding love, you know." She leaned a little closer. "It's better that way!" Turning to walk again, Faith looked back over her shoulder with a demure smile.

"Well! It must be nice to be Nathan's second love then." Elizabeth called out and turned on her heel only to bump into the solid form of a tall man in red serge.

"There is nothing second about Faith and I. This is the most ardent, never-before, genuine first love either of us have ever experienced." Nathan's words were quietly spoken but with a firmness that sounded like he was disciplining a child. "Good day."

Nathan side-stepped Elizabeth Thornton and in long strides caught up to Faith, his expression and tone of voice transformed by one look into her sweet face. "Hi, Sweet Faie." He whispered and she melted inside.

Faith looked up into crystal clear pools of sky blue. "Hi, yourself, dear Nathe."

Successfully put in her place by Nathan's words, Elizabeth found she was frozen in place. Not wanting to watch as he and Faith made their way down the street together, she could not tear her eyes away. The image of them totally devoted to each other now etched in her mind.

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At home, although she couldn't remember making her way to her door, Elizabeth prepared a quick supper of leftovers and was just sitting down with Jack when someone knocked. Not wanting to see or converse with anyone tonight, she nevertheless went to the door to get the interruption completed quickly.

"Hello, Elizabeth! I'm back and I brought a delicious dinner that Gustave packed for us. Would you like to go for a picnic or shall we eat here?" Lucas leaned in to kiss his fiancé only to find her back away. 'Not this again!' He fumed silently. 'I thought she'd be over her funk by the time I returned…' He stepped inside with purpose and moved right past her towards the kitchen.

"Ah, Lucas. First, I already have our dinner prepared. Secondly, you can't just barge into my home!" After her afternoon, this was not the time to cajole Elizabeth Thornton into compliance. Her shackles were raised and her voice as well. "Furthermore, when did you arrive home? I didn't know where you had gone or when you would be returning. I haven't heard from you while you were away. The very first thing you owe me is an explanation. And no, Lucas Bouchard, I don't want to kiss you until those issues are addressed." She didn't know what made her so brave, but this was not the night to cross her and her willingness to acquiesce to Lucas's demands was non-existent. Her resolve strengthening, she thought, 'I need time. Alone.'

"Elizabeth, we are not discussing this again." Lucas growled, his voice low. "I told you when I left it was business and not your concern. I don't owe you any explanation of what my business entails, just like I don't quiz you on your teaching. End of discussion."

Changing his facial expression, Lucas also lightened his tone. "Have a seat and I'll serve a plate which will make you feel much better. Gustave's food will do that remember?" He laughed and busily unwrapped two plates of a tempting French concoction. Leaving the two plates on the table, he returned to extract two wine glasses and the bottle from his basket and seated himself across from where Elizabeth was now seated. "Here. Let me pour a glass for you."

"Where is Jack's plate?" Elizabeth sank onto her chair, her eyes squinting with annoyance.

"What? Oh. You said you already had dinner ready for him. He's fine, right Master Jack?"

Oblivious to the little boy's silent tears, Lucas turned back to his meal, placed his napkin on his lap with a flourish and lifted his fork.

"You didn't even think to bring my son a meal? What if I didn't have anything prepared for him to eat? What then?"

Chewing with satisfaction, Lucas took his time to answer. "You could have shared your plate with him." He cut another portion of the tender roast, pierced a mushroom and ate them together. "This is good. One thing I miss when I travel is Gustave's meals!"

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Later that night, Elizabeth couldn't sleep. Jack had been inconsolable and she couldn't understand his tears, she was so distracted by her own ponderings. When he finally cried himself to sleep she had stopped rubbing his back, tiptoed into her room, shed her outer garments and tossed them on a chair. Falling into bed in her chemise, she was too tired to bother to find her nightgown.

Yet, in the darkness, she tossed from one side to the other unable to turn off her thoughts. 'What had Faith said? They didn't need outward expressions to prove their love? What did she mean? They didn't hold hands or kiss? That's a part of courting and engagement and…' Convicted by her own thoughts, Elizabeth realized she had withheld kisses from her fiancée and if she didn't want to be left alone she might better be more willing. If she thought of kissing though, it was Nathan's beautiful lips that came to mind. When he wasn't looking, she had memorized them, their shape and form and how they moved into his endearing, crooked smile.

Elizabeth turned over again. 'What did Nathan say? He used the word 'ardent!' Where did he ever learn a word like that? And to describe their love as genuine?' She sighed.

Whenever she thought about Nathan, the words that haunted her were, 'He's honest and forthright and without guile.' In contrast tonight, the word circling in her mind when she thought of Lucas was, 'Charlatan.'

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Outside Faith's row house halfway down the lane, Nathan and Faith sat on the front steps with his arm around her shoulder and her head leaning against his.

They stared into the starry expanse while they processed their day away from any chance of Allie overhearing. Having recounted to Nathan Elizabeth's words from earlier that afternoon, Faith quietly offered her observations. "To me their relationship seems more like lust, or at least like their outward displays are all they have. Form but no substance. Do you know what I mean? I wouldn't say this to anyone else, Nathan. I probably wouldn't even voice this to you except that Elizabeth brought it up today. I wonder if she really understands love? Has she forgotten what she and Jack had together? I know he truly loved her, although his loyalty to the Mounties took first place it seemed. Now, does she really love Lucas? Does he really love her?"

"I don't know. I don't really want to think about either of them. Not because I am afraid to or holding any feelings towards her or animosity towards him, just that I am removed from relationship with them both. For a brief moment last year, when Elizabeth asked me to find him up on the mountain and be sure he was okay, I thought maybe we could find common ground, but it wasn't meant to be. I hold to a strong moral code. As a Mountie I have to. As a man it's the way I was raised. Offering understanding and forgiveness, yes, but endeavoring to keep to what is true and right. Lucas is not like that. After we talked, I concluded that he determined what he thought was right according to each situation. He doesn't hold to a foundational set of ethics and that is an anathema to me!"

"That is something I admire about you, Nathan. You are a man of integrity, honor, character... Not perfect, but truly upright and good. I hope I am living my life that way too and I think that is why we are drawn to each other. To pursue virtue and right-mindedness together. Yet, no one looking at us in our day-to-day lives would think such lofty thoughts. They would just see us fulfilling our calling to serve and heal and help and make our little part of the world a better place."

"Mom always raised us to define love as something you do. Not a feeling which is changeable according to our mood or the weather or the circumstances around us, but a commitment to do what is best for that other person. To put them first and find ways to meet their needs and show our feelings tangibly. To be kind and long-suffering. To offer grace. You know?"

Faith adjusted her head to look up at Nathan. "Oh, you wonderful man. I love you. I know we are talking about 'doing' things but the freedom to speak these words aloud is so new that they are so full of depth and promise. I am in awe that I get to share this love with you."

Nathan tilted his face towards hers and lifted his hand to caress her cheek. Momentarily searching her eyes, in spite of the darkness, he bent his lips to meet hers. Soft. Gentle. Sweet. A kiss as a caress.

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A short time later, Nathan lay in bed and closed his eyes as a word whispered in his mind. 'Devoted.' Maybe he should share that word with Faith tomorrow?

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