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Chapter Fifteen
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Changes in the Wind
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Back at home after his morning rounds, Nathan had changed into civilian clothes since today was Bill's turn to stand guard in the back of the church sanctuary. Nathan straightened his tie as he called up to Allie that he was ready when she was.
"I'm here Dad." Allie hurried down the stairs. "We're taking the car, right?"
"Only because I think we are running late this morning, Honey."
A knock on the front door announced Faith's arrival and the three of them piled into the car and headed to church. Parking along the road, they hurried inside just as Joseph was standing to greet the congregation. Seeing empty seats next to the Coulters, Allie, Faith, and Nathan slipped in beside them, with a whispered thank you.
"Good morning, friends. 'This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it!'" Joseph Canfield welcomed his congregation, quickly scanning their attentive faces. (*2)
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Bill stood to the side as the congregation exited the sanctuary, waiting in line to greet Pastor Canfield. As Nathan, Faith and Allie approached the back pew, Nathan nodded to his friend and spoke in a low voice. "I did it, Bill. I bought an automobile! It's out front!"
"Nathan! You mentioned the possibility, but I didn't think you were serious. My word! Coming up in the world, eh?" Bill slapped Nathan's back, then, eyes twinkling at Allie, Bill asked. "Do you approve, Allie-girl?"
"And how! It's a handsome vehicle and it felt like we flew home last night. You need to get a ride!"
"We're planning to go fishing, Bill, but if you want to take a short ride, we'd be glad to show off our new purchase." Nathan suggested, first looking at Faith, then Bill. "Are you game?"
"Yes. Let's go!" Faith laughed figuring that wherever Nathan and Allie were, she wanted to be.
Bill responded with a hearty laugh. "I'm right here with you!"
As they drove around the back roads, Bill admired the car and discussed the rumors he's heard of the Mounties assigning motorcycles nowadays, especially as border territories were extended and redistricted.
"Oh! Pull over, Nathan. Can we stop to look around here? I made an offer on this land a few years ago, but Lee won the bid. I know he's cut lumber from the hillside, but I don't know what he intends for these fields." Bill got out of the car and examined the view. "Nice vista, eh?"
Nathan took Faith's hand and raised his eyebrow even as Faith shrugged her shoulders.
"Wow! Is this the land Uncle Lee was talking about, Dad?"
"It may be! Let's walk that way and see if there is a waterfall. That would confirm this is the property." Nathan tugged Faith into the field while Allie tucked her hand in her Uncle Bill's elbow.
"Lee has told you about this?" Bill looked curiously from Allie to Nathan.
"On our way to Benson Hills yesterday, Lee described five parcels and we are going to discuss the possibility of building here. Am I oriented correctly? Is that the back of the Sterk's orchard?"
"It is, Nathan. So Lee is now selling it?"
"He might be interested in building a place himself and offered a parcel to me to build on. This is the first I've seen it and known to whom it belongs. Are you interested, Bill?"
"I might consider it. I'll have to talk to Lee myself!"
"Everyone… shhhh. Listen!" Faith admonished. "I hear water!"
"Over there." Allie pointed towards a section of the hillside where the sun caused cascading water to sparkle. "Look!"
As the group came near the river and saw the waterfall, they stopped and admired the scene.
Faith was the first to voice what all of them were thinking. "This is exquisite. The soothing sound, the sunlight on the water, the dark green forest above, the peace... It is so tranquil and calming, you know? This place is like a retreat..."
Nathan squeezed Faith's hand, whispering, "You like it then?"
She held onto his arm and, her eyes filling, looked into Nathan's shining eyes. "It is a dream, Nathe. A delightful dream."
"Allie? What are your thoughts?"
"Dad, it's beautiful here. I love it." Allie let go of Bill's arm and slowly twirled around, soaking in the scenery. "Imagine living here!"
"What about we go home, collect our fishing gear and come back. Lee gave us his permission to find out if there are good fishing spots! Bill, do you want to join us? I can drop you off to change and pick you up on the way out here again."
"Yes!" Bill voiced his agreement as Allie and Faith voiced theirs.
Thus it was that Nathan, Faith, Allie and Bill shared their first picnic on land that would soon become theirs! The fishing was excellent and they caught enough to share an abundant dinner, which was a true feast when the Coulters joined them and everyone combined their food into one meal together.
By the end of the evening, Lee had sold two of the properties, with Nathan choosing the middle parcel and Bill and Lee on either side. The men would meet on Monday afternoon to finalize the transactions at the Bank and begin to plan!
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"I am not sure I'll be able to sleep for day-dreaming! A new home, the beauty of the place, my gratitude for the friendships that have been developing, a bright future… But above all, my sweet Faie, God's gift of you. Oh, how I love you." Nathan whispered into Faith's blonde curls as they shared their goodnight embrace as the day ended. "I am so blessed."
"As am I, Honey. Our future is so beautiful…" Faith whispered as she leaned back to search Nathan's face. "I don't want to say goodnight, but I know tomorrow is the first day of school and the first day of making plans and we all need our sleep. I love you, Nathan, and I am yours."
"Lately I find myself startled with that realization. Thank you for loving me, Faie. Thank you for accepting my love too."
Their lips met softly and expressed the tenderness and sweetness of their growing love.
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Having prepared a special breakfast of sausages, apple cinnamon pancakes and hot syrup for the first day of school, Nathan prayed a blessing on their food, their day, and on Allie's new school year.
Together, Dad and Daughter excitedly discussed what they expected from the day ahead.
"I'll stop in at the bank this morning and begin arrangements to purchase the land. It all seems to be happening so fast, doesn't it? I want to discuss what we want in a house and inspect the land with Lee before I begin a plan, but it is exciting!"
"I know! We just heard about it on Saturday, saw it on Sunday and on Monday you are going to buy it! God is really moving fast on this one, isn't He?" Allie enthused. "Plus the car and Miss Faie! We've waited a long time and now? Wow!"
"I just hope you and I can concentrate on our work today!" Nathan chuckled. "What are your hopes for the new school year, Honey?"
"I hope it is better than last year. I really didn't like school by the end of the year. We didn't learn enough interesting things. But, I guess no matter what we study in school I am looking forward to learning with Miss Faie. She said we can begin once I'm settled with my school schedule. I can't wait."
"I'm thrilled that Faith is willing and interested in teaching you. This is a real privilege to be instructed privately by an expert, and one who seems to love you too, Allie."
"I know, Dad, and I never asked. She offered." Allie was smiling just thinking of what was ahead.
"So are you prepared to write the usual 'What I did over the summer' essay today?" Nathan chuckled. "I think I wrote one every year of school, only for me, they were mostly repeats every year!"
"I'm ready, Dad. I've kept a running list in my head of the things I can write about! I hope we get our papers back from the summer class too. That was one of the highlights of my summer, it was so much fun, and so challenging! Miss Yost said we'll get them today."
"You really enjoyed Miss Yost, didn't you?"
"I did. I wish she could teach all the time. I mean Mrs. Thornton was good and I am thankful for her input, but Miss Yost is exciting and always has something new or a new way to do a lesson. Anyway, I hope that as the school grows, we can have two teachers and Miss Yost can be one of them!"
"I guess we'll have to see about the enrollment. Are you finished, Honey? It's getting time to walk to school and Prince is sniffing and scratching at the door." Nathan stood as Allie nodded and finished her milk. "You go get ready and I'll rinse these dishes. We can wash them later."
"You are going to get groceries at the Mercantile today, right Dad? We're running low on some things."
Nathan opened the kitchen door as Prince entered, wagging his tail ferociously. "On my list, Honey. School. Rounds. Bank. See Lee. Start considering house plans. Plan supper. Talk to Faith. Back to the bank. Shop. Plus Mountie business! It will be a full day!"
Rubbing both sides of Prince's nose, Nathan explained, "No sausage for you, Buddy. I'll get you something special for tonight." Nathan pointed to the dog's bowls. "Breakfast for you is all set."
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"Good morning! Constable Grant, Hope Valley Mounted Police." Nathan glanced at Bill seated across the desk from him, then stared out the window to concentrate as he answered the telephone.
"Grant! Superintendent Patrick O'Reilly here. How are you and how is Hope Valley?"
"Oh? Hello, Sir. I am very well, thank you and, mercifully, Hope Valley is quiet these days. How are you?"
"Fine, thank you. I am calling to inform you that I am sending another Constable your way. Constable Calvin Burns will arrive by train mid-day on Wednesday, accompanied by his horse. I know this is out-of-the-blue, but Headquarters is doing some redistricting and after the Walden-Spurlock fiasco that you handled, very well I might add, we want you to have an assistant in Hope Valley. The RCMP cannot continue to depend on Judge Avery as backup when he has his judicial responsibilities to handle. We appreciate his support and, in an emergency we are grateful he is there, but alas, you should have had additional RCMP support long before this."
"Oh? This is the first I've heard of the possibility. It is rather slow at the moment, but is there some issue about which I am uninformed? Some danger or activity nearby?"
Chuckling, the Superintendent responded. "No. Thank God. This is because of past issues and in preparation for future possibilities, not due to any current dangers. I am not at liberty to explain much more at the moment as I am awaiting news myself, but there is nothing about which you should be concerned."
"Okay…"
Hearing the hesitancy in Nathan's voice, Superintendent O'Reilly added, "After the Inquiry in which the Commissioner participated, he and the other Senior officers have been discussing some ideas. They were impressed with you and your comments, but disappointed that you turned down the Inspector position you were offered a couple years ago. They want to better utilize you and capitalize on your skills, Constable, so you'll be hearing from them at some point."
"In the meantime, please bring Constable Burns up to speed? Maybe you can eventually split the rounds so one of you is in town and another in the outlying areas? Also, when you are not on-duty, there is a backup available. I believe I have said enough! Do you have any questions? I will try to answer what I can!"
"Whatever this plan is, can you tell me if it keeps me in Hope Valley?"
"It is my understanding that Hope Valley is at the center of their plans, so yes, you will remain there, even if your responsibilities change."
Nathan shrugged at Bill who was shifting in his chair, raising his eyebrows and extremely curious.
"Alright. Can you tell me about Constable Burns? How experienced is he? How long in the force? Where has he served? Any specialties? I don't recognize his name."
"You will have to ask him for details, but my understanding is that he has been with us for ten years or so, might be slightly younger than you are and, although he was in the Northern Territories, he has most recently been serving with the team in Edmonton. That is the extent of my knowledge."
"What arrangements should I make for accommodations? You know Hope Valley's Saloon is not a long-term solution for a Mountie!"
"Is there a boarding house in town or someone who might be willing to share an apartment?"
"I will have to ask around. The boarding house more often houses women or couples for short-term visits, due to the unsuitability of the Saloon, but I can inquire. Most likely Constable Burns will need to stay in the Saloon to begin with."
"Okay. Maybe discuss it with the Mayor? I'll leave that for you to sort out. Anything else?"
"How long do you expect the Constable to be assigned here?"
"Good question. Possibly indefinitely? I've had no clear indication at this point as there is much discussion about the locations and responsibilities of the RCMP in some areas. I guess we will all find out when decisions are finalized. In the meantime, assume he is there to stay."
"Okay. Excuse me but this is somewhat disconcerting to me. I seem to have more questions with every answer you have given me."
"I understand that, Grant. You have a keen mind and investigative skills that make you aware, questioning everything around you. Nevertheless, as I said, I believe the plans will be good for you, so please take one step at a time as things are revealed. I will let you go now, as you have plenty to consider! Please give my greetings to Bill Avery? Oh, and how is your daughter?"
"Allie? She is fine. The school session begins today, so I can better answer that question when I see her tonight!" Nathan chuckled. "Thank you for asking. Ah Sir? I have never been in this position before, but, maybe I should inform you that, uhh, I am now courting someone!"
"Oh? Well, congratulations! Who is the lucky lady? Is it Jack Thornton's widow?"
Nathan coughed. "Ah, no Sir. She is engaged to the Saloon owner. I am court.."
"Excuse me! Did you say the Saloon owner? A gambler? Jack Thornton, and his father, Thomas, would not approve of that. Actually they would be horrified! Scandalized! She has a young son, right? How old now?"
"Jack will be five this winter."
"This is distressing news. My wife and I will be praying for that little fella. A Saloon owner for his father? What is Mrs. Thornton thinking?"
"I cannot answer that question as I'm afraid I don't know."
"Of course. I'm sorry I interrupted you. Who is the lady that you are courting?"
"Her name is Faith Carter and she is the Medical Doctor in town." Nathan blushed which Bill could clearly see. "She is wonderful!"
"Ah ha. A public servant! Well, God bless you both, and your daughter too, Constable! I must go now, but I'll be in touch as soon as there is more to share!"
"Yes, Sir. Thank you for calling and I will expect Constable Burns on Wednesday."
"Good. Good day, Grant."
"Goodbye, Sir."
Nathan set the receiver in the holder and looked up at Bill, dazed.
"Nathan? What is going on?" Bill asked, curious, bewildered and concerned, all at once.
"The Superintendent says 'Hello.'"
"Well, he said a whole lot more than that! Spill it, Nathan!"
"Let's take a walk and get some fresh air and I'll try to fill you in." Nathan stood, processing what to say first, and donned his Stetson. For the first time in a long time, he exited his office and did not immediately look in the direction of the Doctor's office.
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(*2) Psalm 118: 24. King James Version, Public Domain.
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