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Chapter One Hundred Forty-one
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Moving Conversations
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Bill drove Allie to school and was planning on driving Nathan to Depot to have the use of Nathan's vehicle. As soon as Allie waved goodbye and walked into St. Anne's, Nathan questioned his friend. "Bill? We've hardly had a private conversation these past weeks, but would you do me the honor of standing up with me at our wedding? I plan to ask Zach to be my best man, because… well because he is my brother. You and Gabe will be my groomsmen and Wes and Jon will be ushers. Are you willing?"
"Willing? Are you joking? I was assuming I would be standing with you, Son! Of course! This is the chance of a lifetime. There is only one problem. Do I need a uniform to stand with you in the Depot Chapel?"
"I already asked Peter to sort that out. He said it should never have been taken from you, so he'll investigate. You don't need to worry. Plus, now it seems as though you'll be in Regina long before our wedding date." Nathan coughed slightly, then continued, "Uh, how has it been with Adeli? I mean your discussions about her future?"
Gulping hard, Bill shared his heart and their discussions. "She needs a proposal before she is willing to stay in Regina. I'm not sure I am prepared, but I plan to take her to the King's Restaurant tonight to further our conversation…"
Nathan chuckled as they pulled into the parking lot at Depot. "Bill? Do you have a ring?"
Chuckling low and whispering, Bill admitted, "I've had one for a long time. It was my grandmother's and is an elegant diamond surrounded by tiny diamond and blue gem chips on either side."
"Sounds lovely. Do you have it here in Regina with you? Could you give it to her to wear around her neck until you are ready to make a proposal official?" Nathan suggested.
"I might as well give it to her officially, I'm just not ready. I may ask her to accept the move to Ottawa as temporary, leaving some things behind until we can make it official? That makes more sense and that way neither of us are being unfair to the other. Pray for me, Nathan? I have no peace with all this unsettled." Bill sighed, looking out the front window.
"A move is not irreversible so that might be a wise direction to let her go with a promise to continue to court and correspond, seeking God for your future together. I don't know when we can chat before you depart tomorrow, but I will be praying for you, my friend, and would appreciate any update you can share. I am planning to drive you to the train station remember." As Nathan patted Bill's arm, he reminded him, "God's will be done."
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The construction crew arrived Thursday morning and, after installing tarps to contain the dust and debris, as well as building temporary supports, began the demolition of the walls. By the evening, when Peter and Nathan arrived home, the place echoed with the transformation and the empty space was huge!
Heading to the Cottage the men met Elizabeth, Allie, Jack and Carol for a dinner that Elizabeth prepared, while Allie and Carol made a dessert.
"Hi, Honey!" Elizabeth kissed Nathan in welcome as she waited by the front door. "I saw the car pull in."
"Hi yourself, Lisbeth! Ohhhh" Nathan was attacked by Jack hugging his legs and Allie wrapping her arms around his waist from behind. "My goodness! Did you miss me that much?"
"We were spoiled over the holidays, Dad, and we're not used to you being at work again," Allie explained as Nathan reached behind him to move his daughter forward to get a kiss, then lifted Jack for the same.
"Hello, Carol! Did you see the house?"
After a kiss from her husband, Carol replied, "We went up to see it a half hour ago. What a difference! I'm wondering, Nathan, if you could go up after dinner and mark the measurements of the rooms, just to get an idea of the sizes now?"
"I guess we could do that. For now though, something smells really good and I'm hungry." Nathan bent to kiss his fiancée again, then excused himself to change from his uniform.
Returning to the front room, Nathan placed a few new envelopes on top of the opened ones in the basket beside the fireplace. "More to open later! I would imagine these are just greetings and not gifts like some of the others. So, how soon is dinner ready?"
"You may come to the table now. It is time!" Elizabeth said, grinning as she stood leaning on the kitchen doorway.
Rubbing his hands together Nathan scooped up Jack and sat him on a large book, pushing him towards the table after placing a bib around his neck."
Squirming, Jack declared, raising five fingers in emphasis, "I don't want that anymore. I am not a baby, remember, I am five!"
Looking to Elizabeth for her opinion, Nathan shrugged and let her take the lead.
"Jack? I understand your concern, but I didn't bring a change of clothing for you and if you spill some gravy on your shirt, or milk or something, you will have to stay in a wet shirt. At least your apron gives us a moment to rescue your clothes. Please wear it, Jack."
"Can you bring extra clothes tomorrow? Then I don't need it anymore." Jack queried, still not convinced.
"How about you wear one of my aprons instead, Jack? I have a dark brown one that could be yours." Allie hurried to the kitchen to retrieve the substitute and suggest, "Is this better? It's the same style as mine, just a different color."
Apron crisis averted, dinner was delicious and a good time to catch-up on Allie's day at school, including the compliments and thanks from the teachers and friends for whom Allie had painted pictures.
Jack's explanation that he had played trains with Granddaddy and Mr. Hudson in the morning, made everyone laugh.
"Maybe you should warn your father, Elizabeth, that actions are reported almost as well here as in the Hope Valley gossip network!" Nathan chuckled, but raised an eyebrow. "He might appreciate the warning and we all should be aware as well. I recall an embarrassing moment when a very young Allie shared with an elderly, and very proper, spinster babysitter what my pajamas looked like! I know they were short, but everyone else didn't need to know that! Besides they were comfortable and after that I had to donate them to the rag basket."
Amidst snickers and giggles, Nathan pushed out his bottom lip in a fake pout.
"I'm sorry, Dad. I thought it was funny. I didn't know that old Miss Ethel wouldn't think so." Allie attempted to look contrite but a giggle still escaped. "She was scandalized, but probably more by my divulging the information than by the information itself!"
"I am certain I would have laughed, Allie, although maybe I would have waited to laugh in private." Elizabeth commented before admitting, "I am glad those pajamas ended up as a rag!"
Patting Nathan's arm, Elizabeth shared, "It's okay, Nathan. Children have no filter, but adults understand. Why, if I told everyone the things I heard at school, no parent in Hope Valley would be able to show their faces without embarrassment!" Elizabeth shook her head before adding, "And, no, I will not be sharing those secrets!"
"I do have some news though." Elizabeth continued, "I received a letter from Rosemary today. It seems that love is in the air! Fiona and Kevin Townsend are now officially courting, as are Molly and the new teacher. Plus, Faith and Dr. Ben are engaged!"
"Wow! So much has changed! My goodness…" Nathan grinned, then confessed, "If they are even half as happy as I am, they are blessed."
"You are sweet, Nathan, but there is more! Clara and Jesse are expecting and Mike Hickam has been seen dating Katy Yost! All of this happened over the holidays!
Laughing Nathan commented, "And I am sure the news of our engagement is being announced with equal interest around the town. I'm guessing Rosemary shared the news the moment that she and Lee returned from Brookfield!"
"From what I hear of Hope Valley, everyone in that lovely town will be very happy to hear that news!" Carol interjected.
Peter chuckled. "I agree. I even heard the news from a colleague in Ottawa, Nathan. Seems you are known far and wide and news of your happiness is bringing joy to many!"
With warmth creeping up his neck, Nathan changed the subject. Sharing that he had received a call from the Depot Commander, he explained that Tim encouraged him to submit his application and letter as soon as possible. "He told me he didn't want me to miss any opportunity!"
"Oh, Honey. I will gladly sit quietly beside you if you will take the time to complete that form and compose your letter tonight. I also want you to get that opportunity!"
"I advise you to get right to it as well, Nathan. I don't know of anything, but Tim may know something that is not public information and wants you at the top of the list."
"I hadn't thought of that with all that's been going on, but you are right. Can we postpone measuring the house until tomorrow evening, Peter?" Nathan asked, allowing himself to get a little excited.
"Of course. Maybe we could entertain Jack this evening to give you some uninterrupted time?" Peter nodded at Carol. "We'd be glad to read some of those new books he left behind and you can pick him up when you are ready to take Elizabeth home. Well, to their temporary home!"
Peter laughed. "Figuring out whose 'home' is whose is getting very complicated, eh?"
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With Allie in her bedroom and the Collins's having taken Jack to their apartment, Elizabeth was seated sideways on the sofa, allowing her to see the cackling fire and watch Nathan at his desk. Although she held her pen in hand, the journal page was empty as she much preferred the view of her handsome fiancé as he worked.
Looking up and releasing tension by rolling his neck and shoulders, Nathan stood and brought the handwritten letter to Elizabeth, handing it to her as he took a seat beside her.
"Would you please read this before I type it and make it official?"
"Of course," Elizabeth closed her journal and read thoughtfully.
"Nathan? This is good, but you are not promoting yourself very much. Didn't Superintendent Tim ask you to include the tracking exercise you introduced your first week at Depot? Also, the community service program with the Cadets visiting the nursing home? Those are ideas you implimented in just your first few months at Depot and sets you apart from other applicants. What you have mentioned from Hope Valley can allow the reader to guess at your tracking abilities as you apprehended criminals and rescued the lost, but you haven't mentioned your leadership skills while training others at previous forts. Maybe you should re-read Rosemary's article to remember the things that qualify you for this promotion?"
Blushing, Nathan whispered low. "I don't want to brag, Elizabeth. Lots of Mounties do those things, not just me."
"And there you are wrong. Many Mounties may do them, but do they do them well, or with such success or wisdom? You have a lot to share and I think you need to put some of it in writing. You could allude to it without bragging." Elizabeth paused, thinking.
"For instance you could mention that you were concerned that the field knowledge of best practices in tracking and directing teams is not always widely known. Mention you had experience in your youth and over the years moving from post to post you became aware of the needs for better preparation and teamwork. Explain the exercise was an experiment and report some of the feedback you received."
"Also, you can describe your daughter's youth group singing at a nursing home where you discovered there were some retirees living there who were excited to meet a young Mountie and had so many stories to share. You could say that if we pride ourselves in the care of our men in uniform, as well as Mountie widows and orphans, what about the men who actually served so faithfully? The idea formed while you were visiting and you are looking forward to its implementation into the training program
as you know it will benefit the trainees and the retired Mounties."
On a roll, Elizabeth continued. "You could list many of the things you experienced while serving in Hope Valley and your interest in encouraging the Cadets to approach service with open eyes to the needs around them, whether requested or just needs they notice. By wording it that way, you are not promoting your great exploits, but rather sharing your interest in passing along that wisdom to others."
While Nathan colored and quietly listened, Elizabeth moved to have Nathan turn his back to her. She gently massaged his tight shoulders as she explained. "You can end by sharing that you hope to continue to develop unique methods to instill the Mountie motto in those in training as the world needs well-prepared Mounties to face the challenges of the future."
"Would you please write this for me?" Nathan bent his head and relaxed as Elizabeth worked the tightness from his neck.
Laughing, Elizabeth admitted, "I think I already did!"
Placing a kiss on the back of his neck, she leaned back and moved to stand. "Let's get this letter written, Honey! Come on!"
Standing, she put out her hand to walk Nathan back to his desk to help her humble fiancé to share his experiences without bragging and explain how he hoped to improve the training of Cadets in the future!
An hour later, Nathan pulled the second page of the letter from the typewriter and handed it to Elizabeth to proof read. Since she had been sitting right beside him as he wrote, she didn't need to check the contents now, just the grammar, spelling and punctuation.
"Perfect. With all your writing experience, Nathan, you hardly need me for proofreading! I'm just happy to get you to share your abilities and how this position is meant for you!"
Setting the letter back on his desk, Nathan stood and held out his hand this time. As Elizabeth rose he wrapped her in his arms and spoke into her hair. "Thank you, Lisbeth, for believing in me and assisting with this task. I admit I am satisfied now, but know I couldn't have done this without you."
"My dear man, though you are perfectly capable of doing so, you don't have to do things alone now. Isn't that wonderful?"
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On the drive to the train station the following morning, Bill coughed to clear his emotions and speak. "We made a decision, Nathan. Adeli will move to Ottawa but we'll correspond and I'll visit when I can. We both recognize we need time to get to know each other again and pouring out our hearts on paper might be beneficial. I will move into her apartment when I return as she will already have moved by then and we will see how it goes. I explained I have a ring and am fully prepared to ask her when the right time comes and she seemed satisfied with that promise. I also found a necklace at that jeweler's downtown and gave it to her as a token to hold onto. It's a locket."
"Lovely. I am so glad, Bill, and you have chosen wisely. Just don't take too much time as you want to enjoy your youthfulness while with her, remember!"
"Nathan Grant! I can't believe you just said that!" Bill acted scandalized.
Chuckling, Nathan retorted, "As if you haven't thought of that yourself!"
Bill sputtered, "You are one to talk…"
"Exactly! So, what's in the locket? Care to share?" Nathan turned into the train station parking lot.
"I don't have any tiny photos, so I wrote her three words, 'You are loved.' Then I told her to open her heart every morning and evening to remember."
"That is beautiful, Bill." Nathan eyed his friend and whispered, "The locket is a heart, right?"
Bill's reddening cheeks answered Nathan's question before his words, "It's an oval with a heart engraved on it."
As he waved goodbye, Nathan considered how romantic his dear friend truly was. 'I don't expect it to be long before Bill will solidify his relationship with the beautiful Miss Foster.'
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At Depot, Nathan headed to deliver his letter to Chief Superintendent Tim Stewart. He was surprised when the secretary welcomed him and directed him to go right in. "The Superintendent is expecting you, Sergeant."
"Hello, Nathan!" Tim stood to return Nathan's salute, then motioned to the chair. "Do you have a few moments to talk?"
"I guess so. This morning is dedicated to writing and I am guest lecturing this afternoon in the Horsemanship course. What can I do for you?"
"Coffee?" Tim poured two cups before returning to his desk and taking a sip as he collected his thoughts. "Thank you for preparing your letter of application, Nathan. I didn't want to push you over the holidays as I know your schedule was full, but I gratefully accept it now." Tim cleared his throat.
"I need to formally interview you for this position before I get Peter's permission. I confess I want these preliminaries prepared before Peter departs for Ottawa because I am confident we both believe you are the man for the job. So, let me ask you some verbal questions to make this official, okay?"
"Of course, Sir. I'll do my best to answer."
The Commander withdrew a paper from his drawer and began. "Just be authentic, Nathan. No effort. No artifice. Now, tell me first what prompted you to become a Mountie?"
As Nathan described a Mountie's kindness when arresting his father, he explained that man's demeanor influenced him in addition to a monthly contribution from an anonymous Mountie benefactor. "Both directed me towards service. For me, it was never the thrill of the chase or pursuit of those who broke the law. I briefly considered the ministry, but realized I needed work that would be outside in nature so I applied to what was then the NWMP."
"To what position did you aspire over the course of your career?"
"I haven't desired any particular job, Sir. I wanted to advance, but not covet or even aim towards a specific title. I am less interested in a title, or even the salary, than in the opportunities to serve others and make their lives a little easier or safer or more productive."
"Well-stated, Nathan. Now I know some of your story, but please explain how you came to Hope Valley and why you declined a previous offer for advancement?"
Nathan explained his desire to care for a fallen Mountie brother's family even though they were unknown to him, then shared that he had declined a previously offered promotion for the sake of his niece, now daughter. "Although suited to single men who enjoy new people and places, the instability of frequent moves is not easy on children and as a single parent, it took a while to find safe and supportive care for Allie while I was at work. The small town of Hope Valley allowed me to have a few places where Allie could stay while I was on an overnight mission or out-of-town for a court case. The move to Regina was ideal for many reasons and we have found our places, me here at Depot and at St. Anne's Academy for Allie, as well as enjoyed the incredible support of the Collins family."
"In regards to your career, please state your aspirations, interest and intentions over the coming years?"
"I am hoping to remain at Depot, Sir, so that my family will settle and make their home here. I would enjoy the promotion for which I am applying, but if that was declined, I would be happy remaining in the instructor position as a Staff Sergeant Major here at the Academy."
"What skills do you bring to your current position and to the advanced postion in question?"
"Varied experiences to maintain law and order as well as peace-keeping have prepared me to understand people and their needs. Daily rounds offered opportunities for me to get to know those under my care as well as meet their needs, either myself or by arranging for those who could step-in to help."
"An understanding of the criminal mind makes me able to offer informed recommendations when investigating a case. Observation skills I have honed have proven invaluable in tracking and my youth growing up on a horse ranch has provided me with a great deal of experience in training and working with horses."
"I have been assigned many opportunities to lead a team in varying Mountie responsibilities and prefer to lead by showing myself as one of the team and giving equal appreciation to those who have worked alongside me to solve a problem. That was one of my underlying reasons to request the tracking exercise in the beginning week of my tenure here last autumn. Working as a team is essential to the safety and security of citizens and of the Mounties themselves."
"Finally, my contemplative nature has been inspired by the beauty of Canada and has allowed me to develop a love of writing, which I am enjoying in my current position. I hope to continue that in any future positions offered to me."
Nathan paused as Tim continued to scribble notes. "Is that enough, Sir?"
"It is indeed." Tim leaned back in his chair and played with his pencil. "Thank you. I have a final question. What is your expectation should your position require you to travel on occasion?"
"I have no right to request special privileges, but my reason for accepting the instructor position at Depot is that travel is rare. Still, I understand that it may be required, but hope it is infrequent and of short duration knowing how difficult it is on my family. I will do what the job requires for as long as possible, but if the choice is before me to be absent long-term, I confess now that my choice would be what is best for my family. I am sorry, but I hope that doesn't reek of insubordination? I would rather leave the Mounties than jeopardize my family in any way."
"Nathan? You express yourself eloquently and I do not consider your family priorities to be insubordination in any way. It is clear that you have given all of this an immense amount of consideration and arrived at your conclusions with conviction. Since we are alone in this interview, I can say this. It would be a privilege and joy to work side-by-side with you in the coming years. You are highly qualified, by your experience and your character, to be a wise and strong leader here at Depot. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Academy will be in good hands!"
Tim reassured Nathan, "I look forward to reading your application letter and will recommend you to the Superintendent position when I discuss this with the Commissioner. Do you have any questions as we conclude this interview?"
"Only a selfish one, Sir. My wedding is planned for the fifth of March, but as it is in the middle of our courses, I am wondering if I may take a few days for a honeymoon nearby and then take a longer time in the summer? Whatever your decision, I will abide by it, but I thought I would ask formally."
Chuckling Tim responded, "Nathan? You are a treasure! Far be it from me to prevent you from enjoying marital bliss after you have patiently waited for so many years! My answer is yes. Just give me the dates and I will work around them."
Sighing with relief, Nathan spoke, "I cannot thank you enough for that and for whatever opportunities you offer me in the future." Nathan paused, "Oh, there is one more thing. If you are looking to fill my current position, I can recommend a wonderful brother with whom I have worked on numerous occasions. We met here at Depot while training and remained close, ending up serving in towns not far from each other for the past few years. Please let me know if you would like my recommendation?"
His pen poised above his paper, Tim responded, "Yes, please. Your endorsement would mean a lot. His name?"
"Constable Gabriel Kinslow of Brookfield, BC. You will meet him when he participates in my wedding."
"Ah ha. Thank you." Glancing at his wristwatch, the Chief Superintendent asked, "Now, can you spare a few more minutes?"
"For you, Sir, of course," Nathan chuckled. "As long as you are not in any hurry to see those manuals completed!"
"At some point they may become a priority, but not today! I would like to get your input on the first assignment for your brother, Zachary."
"My input? I don't know how I could help you, but I'll try." Nathan sipped his remaining coffee, although by now it was cold. At least it was wet!
"Would you like to see him take a position here at Depot?" Tim observed Nathan carefully.
Nathan thought a moment before answering. "Selfishly, yes I would. However do I think it is a good place for Zach to begin? I do not. There is so much you gain by on-site experience, especially in a small town, that I consider that to be invaluable for a first placement. Depot is an insulated environment, very removed from the real world, and I could see him returning here after an assignment of six months or more elsewhere. Also, he is young and lacks some life experience having been raised in a city. A small town and its challenges would take him out of his comfort zone and I believe it would mature him beyond what we anticipate."
"Also, I would love to see Zach lean towards a specialty while in the field, even if he doesn't need to apply it at Depot. It boosts your confidence in your abilities and application of your training. He would learn to think like a Mountie. You know what I mean?" Pausing momentarily, Nathan then reiterated, "I would like him to return here in six months to a year, if that is what he wants as well."
"So you don't think that an assignment at Headquarters would be beneficial?"
"In my opinion, no, not right away, Tim. He needs to spread his wings, live outside of a big city. Of course with the RCMP withdrawing from small towns in the west, I guess he would be sent east somewhere? Still, the different people and different perspectives would serve him well. Does that sound harsh or uncaring? I really am trying to think of what would benefit him in his future as a Mountie and a man."
"It's not harsh at all. Actually, I think your perspective is wise and I honestly hadn't thought of it myself. I think I was trying to protect him and keep him local to be near his newly discovered family! Yet, you are right, that is treating him as a youth, not a man. I will have to discuss this with Supt. Jones and have him find a suitable posting further east." Tim made a final note on his paper then looked up at Nathan.
"This has been a most profitable morning, Nathan. I am grateful for all of your input and for our conversation, at once enlightening, informative and thought-provoking. I wish I had taken better notes or had Peter join us! Now I have to try to remember your responses." Tim chuckled. "Not that Peter doesn't already know you well!"
"Honestly, I am not anxious for Jones, my current assistant, to depart, but I look forward to working with you. Of course, we must go by the book and tally your points, but I am fairly certain your points will total at or over the top! Remember this is all confidential until the time comes for your promotion? I expect you want to share some with Elizabeth, but please keep it to bare outlines and leave out the details? That pertains to your brother as well. He will find out at graduation, just like all the other Cadets."
Tim stood and extended his hand. "I cannot thank you enough, Nathan. Again, Sylvia and I thoroughly enjoyed your Engagement Party on Saturday and wish you all the best. Happy New Year to you, Nathan!"
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