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Chapter Twenty-five

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Unexpected Recognition

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Extending the dining table and using the kitchen and desk chairs that Gabe arranged, the Grants were able to accommodate the Mountie contingent. Allie had made an easy apple cake, while Faith prepared a carrot and cabbage slaw they would serve on a bed of greens. Nathan carefully spiced the tomato sauce going a bit heavy on the spices since the sauce hadn't had time to simmer all day. After letting his girls and Gabe taste-test, each of them was satisfied and Gabe brought a large pot filled with water to the stove, noting the time.

Using Colleen's table linens, Allie and Faith set the table, taking the pewter pitcher of dried pods, grasses and bittersweet from the mantel to be the centerpiece. Allie sat folding the napkins for a good first impression, as Faith set cups and saucers on a tray along with cream and sugar and prepared a teapot. Gabe began a pot of percolated coffee, while Nathan sliced and buttered the bread with garlic butter before slipping the bread into a warm oven.

Each one worked around the other and by six o'clock Gabe watched the spaghetti while Nathan answered the door.

"Come in, come in," Nathan motioned for the group to enter as they had all piled into Bill's car and arrived together. "Please let me introduce the woman I am courting, Doctor Faith Carter and my daughter, Allie Grant. Ladies, you haven't officially met Commissioner Sam Collins and his assistant, Corporal Donald Harper."

"I am so pleased to officially meet you, Miss Allie. I didn't get a chance to compliment you on your fine defense of your father at the Inquiry some time ago, impassioned and a fine contribution to set the facts straight." Collins shook her hand. "Thank you, young lady."

Turning to Faith, the Commissioner extended his hand. "A pleasure to meet you, Doctor. The Consta… pardon me, the Corporal here is a lucky man to be courting such an accomplished and lovely woman."

"Lovely to meet you, Sir, but I am the lucky one! My Nathan is special."

Chuckling Collins responded, "Oh, we are well aware of that!"

After Corporal Harper exchanged greetings, he commented, "You have a cozy place here, Grant. The artwork is stunning. May I look more closely?"

"Of course. Allie, would you do the honors, please?" Nathan patted her shoulder and stepped back for Allie to take the lead and give a tour.

After showing the paintings of her mother's, Allie brought four of her own paintings from the kitchen wall and passed them around.

"These represent the seasons, snow on an evergreen branch, a spring tulip from above, a dew-kissed morning glory and for the autumn, a twig of bittersweet on fallen maple leaves. I tried to paint the unexpected, like lavendar shadows and the sun's sparkles, rather than the common things like a crocus or apples. They are hung together in a big square."

"Miss Allie! These are beautifully rendered! My wife would love to see these, so I must memorize them so I can explain what I've seen. You, and your mother, are very talented."

"Thank you, Sir." Allie looked at her father and noticing the slightest motion of his head she didn't explain anything else.

"I am impressed, Allie!" Cal exclaimed, "When I came to dinner before I didn't ask about the art. Lovely, my friend."

Blushing she leaned back against her Uncle Gabe who had wrapped his arms around her waist. "She is our gifted girl! Actually the entire family is gifted. Did you know that Nathan writes poetry and essays?" Gabe grinned at Nathan, glad to brag and expose his friend's abilities. "He published a book some years ago."

"Nathan! You haven't told me about this!" Faith exclaimed with wide eyes. "May I please see it?"

"Yes, Son! We all want to see this!" Bill added, a bit in awe.

Blushing, Nathan admitted, "I was waiting for the right time as I don't want to brag."

"Oh, Nathan," Faith threaded her arm through his and leaned against him, looking up with adoration. "It's not bragging to share parts of who you are with others."

"Do you have a copy here that we could thumb through, Nathan?" Superintendent O'Reilly inquired, surprised.

"I'll get it, Dad." Allie extracted herself from Gabe's hug and went to the bookcase. Retrieving a small volume, she handed it to the Superintendent with a comment, "My mother illustrated it, although she never saw it published."

"'Everyday Epiphanies.' Intriguing title, Nathan. Could you explain?" the Superintendent asked reverently as he slowly thumbed through the pages.

"Ah… Maybe the easiest description would be insights and revelations of God's work and person in nature? It may be as simple as realizing our smallness when observing the vastness of the stars above, or watching a bird feed her young and shelter them under her wings in a storm. Lessons we learn from our world could be a subtitle."

"Is this available to purchase, Grant?" The Commissioner came to stand over O'Reilly's shoulder, removing a notepad and pencil from his pocket. "Oh! You wrote under a pseudonym, eh?"

"It is still available as I know it hasn't sold out the second printing. The initials represent both me and my sister, Colleen, thus N.T. and C.M. Grant."

Nathan thought they better go to the table and that might redirect attention away from him so he inquired, "Gabe is the pasta ready?"

"I believe so." Gabe could see that Nathan was embarrassed, but had decided it was about time to let his friend's gifts be made public. He had no idea that Faith was in the dark though.

"Excuse me, please? You may come to the table and take a seat? Just leave the two seats at this end for Faith and me, please?"

As the men stood and made their way to the table, Nathan joined Gabe in the kitchen. As Gabe was draining the pasta water, he glanced at Nathan and, grinning, said, "Careful now, this is hot!"

"And aren't you lucky about that? I can't throttle you! What were you thinking?" Nathan sighed. "Never mind. We'll talk later and I do mean we will talk!"


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At dinner, the conversation topics circulated from one man to another, occasionally including questions for Faith and Allie, so Nathan was grateful that the focus was no longer on him. He much preferred sharing Faith's or Allie's abilities!

Somehow though, the conversation became focused on the guitar sitting in the corner of the parlor beside his desk and suddenly everyone was learning that Nathan sang and played guitar! This time the one who revealed that information was Allie so he couldn't get upset. Music was their special connection and now Faith had joined them, so it felt less invasive to admit that.

"This apple cake looks delicious, Allie!" Faith exclaimed as she served pieces of cake along with pieces of the Café's apple pie. Everyone wanted both, so they cut smaller pieces to accommodate nine people.

"This entire meal has been delicious and the company and new things we've learned enlightening!" Commissioner Collins grinned. "Don't be shy, Nathan. You have actually made me jealous as I have zero artistic inclinations, although my wife is musical. Anyone else around the table have hidden talents to share?"

Nathan spoke up immediately, eyes intent on Gabriel. "Gabriel knits!"

Gabe was ready to shoot darts at Nathan, but decided maybe it was payback. He sighed and explained. "I was raised in a household of sisters and they taught me to make scarves so we could do something together. It is actually quite therapeutic, so I would recommend it and would be glad to teach any one of you!" Gabe laughed.

"I knit too, Gabe, so don't be ashamed of that," Faith reassured Gabriel. "The best fashion designers and tailors are often men so I am sure there are many other men who knit!"

"I dabble in pen and ink and have done some passable animal portraits so that might come in handy for our new emphasis. If we compiled an instruction manual down the road, I might be able to sketch examples. I also love photography."

"Burns? That is a tremendous idea. Send some sketches when you can and we'll keep that in mind. This has been a most productive meal and evening!" Commissioner Collins shook his head. "Amazing! There is just one thing. May we meet the infamous Prince?"

"Of course. One moment." Nathan stood and headed to the back door where he could hear Prince occasionally whine.

"Hey, Prince. I didn't forget you." Nathan grabbed his collar and closed the door behind them, saying, "There are some people who would like to meet you, eh? Be on your best behavior, Buddy."

With his tail wagging furiously, Prince entered the dining room and immediately headed for Allie, then Cal, then Gabe, who he had seen this afternoon. Gabe took his collar and introduced the dog to each one around the table. "Want to show off, Buddy?"

As the dog nuzzled Gabe's leg, Gabe said firmly, "Sit." Prince sat. "Lay down." The dog laid down. "Roll over." Prince rolled and excitedly looked towards Gabe and Nathan who was standing behind.

Nathan spoke up. "Hug Allie."

Prince got up and rested his head on Allie's knee, looking at her with soulful eyes while moving his eyebrows up and down. Allie gave him a hug, burying her face in his neck. Prince's rewards were love and affirmation, so no food treats were required.

"Excellent, and he is a handsome Shepherd. I've not seen the hug command before." Commr. Collins commented.

"That's because it is probably unique to us! I needed to teach him to approach Allie calmly and not get excited or jump or push her over when she was young. If she is sitting he'll place his head on her lap, but if she is kneeling he'll place his head on her shoulder and wait for her to hug him. Standing, he initiates a hug, by sitting in front of her and nudging her hand. Prince likes his hugs!"

"Please show us, Miss Allie?"

"Sure." Allie hugged Prince and then moved to stand and walk a few feet away before kneeling. "Let's have a hug, my Prince."

The dog did as expected and when Allie stood and just said "Hug," Prince nuzzled against her hand.

"Now, Prince responds to your commands as well, Nathan? Anybody else?"

"You noticed he obeyed Gabriel, but you may not have noticed he was looking to me for approval as he obeyed. His obedience is directly tied to Allie or to me, but I am sure that, with time, we could get him to perform for others. He is our pet, though, so I am careful how he is trained. For instance I would not train him to attack or be aggressive as, in my opinion, that would ruin him as our pet. Searching is a game to him, capturing a criminal would not be."

Nathan explained further, "Of course, this is subject to experimentation, I am just not willing to experiment with Prince, so I would want a new puppy to begin to train him from youth. I'll gladly use Prince in search and rescue as I did for Jack Thornton though."

"Understood. We should probably begin to call it a night." Commr. Collins scraped his chair away from the table. "But first, we should assist with clean-up."

"I've been here before, so let me help with the dishes?" Cal offered. "I can walk back into town if you gentlemen need to return now."

"I would be remiss if I didn't contribute something. If you can hand out some tea towels, Nathan, we men can dry while Cal washes up and the ladies can have the night off!" Superintendent O'Reilly offered with a wink at the Commissioner.

"Let's do that!" And so it was that some of the senior brass of the RCMP joked and laughed and enjoyed cleaning up the Grant kitchen before heading back to town with many thanks.


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After a final morning of details and lists of questions for each one to work on and report to each other, Bill was dispatched to the Schoolhouse to retrieve Allie Grant and bring her into town.

Surprised by what Bill shared, Mrs. Thornton decided to dismiss the students for an early lunch hour, walking into town together, two-by-two. Bill's brief explanation had her curious about the announcement regarding the RCMP and what it would mean to Hope Valley as well as to the Grants.

At twelve noon the students excitedly joined the waiting crowd gathered on the street. Bill had brought Allie to stand with him next to Faith in the front row, looking proud.

Having straightened their uniforms, the Mounties exited the door of the RCMP office and stood at ease along the porch.

"Excuse me?" The Commissioner spoke loudly and Bill whistled a piercing note that hushed everyone.

Chuckling, the Commissioner continued, "Thank you, Bill. That's the way to do it!"

"Good afternoon. Let me make some introductions first. This is Superintendent Patrick O'Reilly from Union City. Corporal Don Harper from Headquarters and my assistant. I believe you know Constables Gabriel Kinslow from Brookfield and Constable Calvin Burns newly assigned to Hope Valley. Of course you all recognize Judge Avery and Corporal Grant. I am the RCMP Commissioner, Samuel Collins." Waiting for a round of applause to die down, Collins continued to address the crowd, "Thank you for assembling today for a brief explanation of what you can expect in the coming weeks and months here in Hope Valley. But first, the Superintendent has an announcement."

O'Reilly stepped forward and motioned for Nathan to stand beside him. "It is my honor to formally introduce to you, Corporal Nathan Grant." The Superintendent shook Nathan's hand then led in a round of applause. "The Corporal has received a well-deserved promotion, so you should now address him by his new title! Yet, there is more. Corporal Grant has received numerous commendations, although I notice that none are displayed in the office. Nevertheless, he has them and today we add another to his list. Corporal Grant please accept this Commendation with our gratitude, and that of your entire town, as recognition for your tracking skills in finding a young boy recently in addition to other apprehensions of criminals and a noteworthy and successful mission in Banff some time ago. We are grateful for your skills and look forward to using them in a new capacity." O'Reilly handed Nathan a framed certificate and shook his hand.

"We also want to formally thank Judge Bill Avery for his longstanding service to this town and for assisting with back-up. I am sure that his years of expertise were helpful to confirm the directions needed to solve various problems and bring the criminals to justice. We appreciate you, Judge."

"Let me also introduce Constable Calvin Burns to those of you who may not have met him. Burns is staying in Hope Valley as Grant's assistant."

While the townspeople were observing Nathan's promotion and applauding his commendation and Bill's appreciation, the men on the porch could clearly see a bearded man standing and observing from the balcony of the Saloon, exhibiting a look of disdain and annoyance. In that moment, some of the Mounties silently prayed for Nathan's protection as well as for the other Mounties and BCPP who would be watching over Hope Valley.

From the street, Bill noticed that Rosemary had turned to see what the Mounties were looking at, so she knew what was going on, but her head snapped back to attention with the next announcement!

"Thank you, Corporal Grant, Judge Avery, Constable Burns, Constable Kinslow," Commissioner Collins took over. "We also must announce an enormous change upcoming in the policing of your town and, in truth, the provinces of western Canada. The RCMP is withdrawing from policing individual towns and focusing on Federal policing and border patrols. In the coming weeks you will see a changeover as the British Columbian Provincial Police will arrive to take over Hope Valley's issues. They will handle all the day-to-day concerns and maintain their office here behind me in the office and jail."

Surprised and concerned exclamations were expressed as the citizens grew restless, shuffling their feet with this news.

"The RCMP will remain in Hope Valley, but with new responsibilities. Corporal Grant will be responsible to begin an experimental program to train dogs in search, rescue and recovery. You'll eventually see some beautiful German Shepherds around town, in training with their handlers. I advise you to be respectful and observe but do not approach to pet the animals without permission. These will be working animals, not pets. Constable Burns will be assisting in this program and eventually Constable Kinslow will be joining the team to breed the dogs. I am quite excited about the possibilities ahead of us, although I recognize it will take a significant amount of time to establish this program in the future. Nevertheless, this experimental project may eventually put Hope Valley on the map!"

Applause began and became loud until the Commissioner put out his hand to still the crowd. "In closing, I thank you for your previous support of the RCMP, knowing the work we do is in service to you all. I know you will miss seeing Corporal Grant doing his daily rounds, but he is remaining in Hope Valley so you are not losing him and his family entirely! Again, thank you for your time and God bless you all."

This time all the Mounties joined Bill to clap for the Commissioner before the crowd began to disperse.

Nathan's face shone as he smiled, looking down at Faith and his Allie.

Faith caught Nathan's eye and gave him their one-fingered kiss then hugged Allie before she turned back to her office, a woman very much in love and very proud.

Allie hurried up the steps to hug her father then returned to the street and took Angela's arm as they walked with their fellow students back to the school for lunch, chattering excitedly.

Mrs. Thornton had glanced up to see Lucas watching her from the balcony but, with a slight nod, schooled her features to hide her surprise about these new announcements. She was glad she could attend and hear the senior Mounties directly, but was not yet ready to discuss anything.


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Disappearing back into the office for brief farewells, Superintendent O'Reilly closed the door and requested that everyone pray for the safety of this town and their men, as he had observed the disapproval of the Saloon owner throughout the gathering. "I am not certain that there is a physical threat to be concerned about, but there is surely hostility and that is not easy for us to work around. Thank you, gentlemen, for your time these last few days and I believe I need to drive the Commissioner and Harper to the station."

As the men disbursed, Nathan sank into his seat to collect his thoughts.

"Good afternoon, Son. I'm proud of you," Bill commented with a hat tip. "See you later."

"Take care, Bill. I'm staying for another day or so, so I'll see you around," Gabriel explained, as he joined Nathan giving a hat tip to Bill.

Cal stated he would go upstairs and set things in order, then asked Gabe to join him as they had furniture to return. Leaning forward, Nathan grabbed his notepad to make a note to order upstairs furniture as he spoke, "I'm heading to the Doctor's office as she has a medical concern to discuss. See you in a bit."


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"Will you join me as I talk to Bill about heading to Union City tomorrow? Will you come with us or better yet, drive us? I would feel better not being that far from home and depending on Bill for transportation. I doubt Doctor Muir will want to hospitalize Bill, but it is within the realm of possibility."

"Okay. Shall we go see Bill now? I can talk with Cal and Gabe later about taking a day away tomorrow." Nathan sighed as he was now even more concerned for his friend. Taking Faith's arm in his own, he opened the door and they walked to the Judge's office.

Opening the office door they were surprised to see Bill leaning on his desk with his head in his hands.

"Bill, my friend. Are you alright?" Nathan spoke gently as he hurried to Bill's side while Faith hurried to his other side.

"I'm exhausted. I think I need to head to bed and sleep…"

"I think that is wise, Bill, but before you go, I need to ask you to come with me tomorrow to Union City. I want you to get a chest X-ray and see my colleague Doctor Muir. He is expecting us and Nathan has agreed to drive us there. Maybe, if we leave here at nine?" Faith placed her hand on Bill's shoulder as she spoke softly. "Will you please come with me?"

Raising his head he looked from Faith to Nathan and quietly responded, "I haven't the stamina to fight you on this. I'll go."

"Good. Thank you, my friend. We'll get you through this and we are praying too." Nathan placed his hand on Bill's back. "Let me pray right now, okay?"

As Bill nodded and closed his eyes, Nathan led in a prayer for wisdom, strength and most of all for healing. He prayed for a good night's sleep and for a safe trip to and from the city as well, committing Bill into God's loving care.

Huskily, Bill responded. "Thanks."

"Nathan, Honey? Would you help Bill upstairs and into bed? I'm going to the Café for a carafe of hot water, some ginger and honey, scones and a bowl of soup. I'll knock before I enter, but please stay with him until I return?"

"Of course. Come on, Bill, no need to act tough with the two of us! Let's get you upstairs and into bed. You are obviously drained with all our intense meetings." Nathan held Bill's arm as he stood and they headed up to his apartment. Seated on the edge of the bed, Nathan removed Bill's shoes and helped him undress enough to don a cardigan sweater and burrow under the covers.

"I hate being an invalid. I'm sorry, Nathan. I just don't feel like doing anything."

"That's okay, Bill. Stay awake long enough to get some of the hot soup and the honeyed beverage in you then we'll let you sleep." Nathan hung Bill's clothing in the closet and sat on a chair beside the bed. "Since Gabe is here and can stay with Allie, I may take up residence in your guest room to keep an eye on you overnight. Let me see what Faith recommends."

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