Chapter 10 – Surprises
Nathan had taken Allie camping as well. They had left after Sunday services. It was really the first time Allie was getting to ride Hickory, even though she had gotten to walk him around the outside of the livery the previous evening after the party. Nathan took Allie up to a spot near the Mountain stream, a bit higher up than she had been before with him.
They found a nice place to set up camp by the river. Once they had their tents up and wood gathered, they decided to relax and attempt to catch supper. Nathan had brought some beans and canned veggies just in case. However they were more than able to catch enough fish to have a wonderful supper. Nathan cooked the fish over the open flame. After supper and once the dishes were done, the two sat back to watch the fire and talk. Nathan eventually produced some homemade marshmallows from Abigail along with some chocolate and crackers. So they made smores as a treat. Once everything was put away and safe from bears, Allie crawled into her tent for bed.
Nathan stayed up a bit longer. He continued to sit by the fire and marvel at his girl and think of all the things that his sister had missed out on. As much as he wished his sister was still with them, he also knew if that had happened, his life would be very different as he wouldn't have Allie. Nathan wondered if he would have been an Inspector or Superintendent if hadn't taken Allie in ten years prior. Nathan had only been on the job for less than two years when he took Allie in.
However, as Nathan sat there and watched the dwindling flames, he couldn't imagine his life without life at that point. She was a constant joy despite the numerous challenges they had faced. Nathan's thoughts then turned to the twenty-five year old beauty who was slowly breaking down the walls around Nathan's heart. He wondered if it was worth the risk and the next moment he knew it would be. He knew he needed to speak to Allie about Maggie but that could wait. Nathan didn't want anything to ruin Allie's birthday.
The next morning, Nathan was up first and got some coffee going as well as water for the oatmeal. The plan was to allow Allie to explore while on Hickory as they made their way down the mountain with a stop to catch some more fish for supper again, this time at home.
That was exactly what happened. It took two and half hours to make their way down the mountain, when a direct route would have only taken less than half that time. The point was Allie was getting to do what she wanted for her birthday. They had found a patch of late wild blueberries. So they stopped and picked enough for Allie to make a pie when they got home.
The duo had a wonderful meal of fresh fried fish and some veggies that Cat had left on the back step for them. For dessert they had that Allie had made. Overall, it had been a great birthday and Allie couldn't have been happier since she had gotten the one thing she had wished for more than anything else – a horse of her own.
… … … …
Nathan rode back into town just before noon on the twenty-first. He saw Rosemary sitting on the bench outside his office, looking a bit pale. He immediately went to see if she was alright.
"Am fine." Rosemary insisted.
"You don't look fine." Nathan said. "What happened?"
"I was walking back from Bill's office and got a bit lightheaded." Rosemary said. "I sat down to let it pass. I will be fine. My stomach was a bit upset earlier and I am sure it is because I haven't eaten much."
"Do you want me to get Lee?" Nathan asked.
"Lee had to go to Buxton for the day." Rosemary said. "He won't be back until closer to supper time."
"How about I walk you home." Nathan said. "Then I will come back, get something from Abigail and bring it back to you."
Rosemary sighed.
"Fine if it would make you feel better." Rosemary said.
Rosemary didn't see what the big fuss was. Lee had been this way when she was feeling poorly the other month. She assured him it was nothing and it passed after a few days just like she had said.
"It would." Nathan said.
Rosemary put her hand out and Nathan helped her up but immediately saw Rosemary sway on her feet and look like she was going to be sick. Nathan quickly scooped Rosemary up and took her over to the infirmary. He had continued to walk to his destination despite Rosemary trying to protest. Carson heard Rosemary and opened the door to see what was going on. He held the door for Nathan had he brought Rosemary inside.
"Put her on the bed." Carson said.
Nathan set her down on the bed. While Faith was there trying to get Rosemary settled and calmed down a bit, Carson turned to Nathan to figure out what was going on. Nathan relayed everything Rosemary had told him.
"Do you mind waiting outside for a bit?" Carson asked.
"I will be right back then." Nathan said. "I need to secure Newton."
Carson nodded and Nathan left. After another moment, Carson turned to his patient. He knew Rosemary could be difficult, but he hoped she would at least try to make this a bit easier. After speaking to Rosemary and finally doing a full exam, Carson knew exactly what was going on. He stepped out from the curtain area to let Rosemary get dressed again, before he spoke to her. Her mind was spinning as Carson had kept a natural face the entire time. Once Rosemary was dressed and sitting on the edge of the bed, Carson pulled a chair over and sat right in front of Rosemary. Faith stood behind her a bit ready to jump in if Rosemary reacted poorly.
"Just a bit of a stomach bug like I told Nathan, right?" Rosemary asked.
"Not exactly." Carson said. "There are other symptoms that can't be explained by a stomach bug. The interrupted sleep pattern and feeling overly fatigued for example. Or the weight gain you have experienced recently."
"I told you it has been a busy summer." Rosemary said. "I haven't been eating right and I know I have eaten more than my share of Abigail's cooking since she has been back."
"I think it is more than that." Carson said.
"Then just tell me." Rosemary huffed, getting frustrated.
"Rosemary." Carson said. "You are pregnant. I am fairly certain you are at least four, maybe five months along."
Rosemary sat there stone faced. She just stared at Carson like she didn't hear him or understand what he said. After a couple of minutes, Rosemary shook her head.
"I am sorry." Rosemary said, softly. "I swore you said I was pregnant."
"I did." Carson said.
"But, but …." Rosemary stammered. "You said before."
"I said there was no reason why you hadn't conceived, but that it was still possible no matter how unlikely." Carson said. "Just because you had problems before, I don't see why you can't carry these babies to term."
"Babies!" Rosemary breathed.
"Yes." Carson said. "I am also fairly certain there are two in there. We will know better in a few weeks when we can hear the heartbeats, but it feels like two right now."
Rosemary put her hands across her midsection and just sat there.
"How about I get Nathan to walk you home." Carson said. "I will have something sent over from the cafe. You need to start eating better. Small meals more often. Then how about you and Lee come see me together next week. I will see how you are all doing and can answer any questions then."
Rosemary just nodded. Carson went to get Nathan while Faith helped Rosemary to stand.
"She just needs some rest." Carson said to Nathan. "That and to actually eat something."
"I will get her home and make sure she eats." Nathan said. "I will also let Lee know when he gets back to town."
"Very well." Carson said. "Have Lee call me if he has any questions."
" I will." Nathan said.
Nathan walked Rosemary home. She didn't say much, but Nathan had pretty much figured it out. He would wait as Rosemary probably wanted to share the news with Lee first. Nathan swore he had never seen Rosemary so quiet, if hadn't known better, he would have been worried. Once Nathan got Rosemary settled on the couch with some water he went back and picked up the order from the cafe that Carson had called in. Once he had personally seen Rosemary take a few bites, he left her to rest.
Nathan couldn't wipe the smile off his face. Rosemary's news had taken a hard day and made it much easier. Nathan went back to the office as he sat there, he looked at the phone and after he ate his own sandwich, picked up the receiver and asked to be connected to Toronto. Once the call went through, Nathan felt his throat go dry.
("This is Maggie." She said, when she had picked up the receiver her sister handed her.)
"Maggie it is Nathan." He said.
("I wasn't expecting to hear from you so soon." She said.)
"How soon can you be on a train headed here?" Nathan asked.
("Let's see." Maggie said. "I think it would be doable for me to catch the late train going west on Tuesday night. It will take about six days so I should be there sometime Monday September second.")
"Perfect." Nathan said. "If I arrange for you to stay with a married friend for a few days would you be willing to be married that Saturday the seventh? I would say we get married the day you arrive, and I could arrange that, but knowing this town they would throw a party that Saturday for us anyway to celebrate."
("Then I am fine waiting." Maggie said. "A regular church wedding had been more than I could have hoped for.")
"A regular church wedding is what you will get." Nathan said. "If possible, see if you can bring a dress. I will make sure Allie has a new dress to wear and me a new suit."
("I thought you would want to get married in your uniform." Maggie said.)
"Is that what you want?" Nathan asked.
("Yes." Maggie said. "I understand you are more than your job, but it is such a big part of you and I am not afraid of it.")
"Then I will call and get permission to wear my dress uniform." Nathan said. "Though that may mean explaining all the medals and ribbons, since Allie is the only one to have seen me in full dress uniform. I will call the Superintendent later tonight or tomorrow. Even though I have been on the force long enough that I don't need permission to marry, I think a heads up is only right. I mean he already knows that this is where I want to say at least for the next few years as Allie finishes school, so we don't have to worry about that."
("Then all the more reason to wear it." Maggie said. "From what you have told me and my known research you should be proud of those accomplishments and they should be celebrated even if you don't feel that.")
"I won't argue with you." Nathan said.
("Then make sure Allie has a dress to compliment your uniform." Maggie said. "Do you think that your friend would stand up with me?")
"I think she would be more than happy to do so." Nathan asked. "Is there anything else you need me to arrange before you get here? I will order flowers next week. They will come in on the train either the night before or morning of the wedding. They will be coming from a bigger town that is only a few hours by train."
("Order white and red roses." Maggie said. "Along with sandalwood flowers if possible and some magnolia and sweet pea.")
"Got it." Nathan said. "I will talk to Abigail who owns the cafe and have her put something together for lunch. I will also speak with the two pastors in town. I would like them both involved if possible."
("There are two churches?" Maggie asked.)
"No, one church." Nathan said. "It is a long story. But we had a pastor and then someone who used to be the pastor here moved back and they have taken to sharing the duty."
("Then by all means both." Maggie said. "We can work out the rest of the details when I get there. When I know better what time I will be there, I will let you know.")
"No need." Nathan said. "As the local Mountie, I know the train schedule. I will let you go. I need to go get Allie from school and sit down and have a talk with her. We will talk again before you board the train."
("Looking forward to it." Maggie said.)
Nathan hung up the phone and looked at his watch. He had just enough time to get Hickory saddle and meet Allie. He knew that Allie would be excited and could wait to explain things to her. Then Nathan a list of things that he needed to do.
As he stood there with both horses waiting for Allie, it finally hit him that he was going to get married in just over two weeks. The smile on his face grew. Several of the mothers wondered what Nathan was so happy and excited about, but figured they would hear soon. Even Elizabeth coming over and trying to ask questions couldn't dampen Nathan's mood. He politely excused himself and went to speak to a couple of the other mothers. He had no idea why she was there, but he wasn't going to let it ruin his surprise.
About five minutes later. Allie came barreling out of the school with all the other children. She saw her dad and then the horses. She ran and jumped in his arms. Nathan swung her around.
"Why are you so happy, dad?" Allie asked.
"How about we take a ride and talk about it." Nathan said.
Allie eyed her dad, but concluded that whatever it was, it was good news. She had seen a small sparkle in his eyes. Something that she had seen for a long time. Nathan secured her tote bag to the back of her saddle and then he helped her up. Once settled, he swiftly mounted Newton and they were headed for a ride toward Uncle Bill's land. Once they were away from town, Nathan carefully explained everything to Allie. She let out a huge squeal, she was so excited.
After Allie calmed down some they rose some more as Nathan answered Allie's questions. Finally satisfied she knew everything, Nathan stressed that it needed to stay between them until he had had a chance to speak to Uncle Bill as well as Uncle Lee and Auntie Rosemary. Allie agreed. She wasn't sure how she was going to do it, but she promised her dad. As they headed back, they talked about other things that had happened during the day.
Once back, they cared for their horses and went to the cafe to celebrate. Several people saw them and how happy they both were. As much as people wanted to know what they were so excited about, they would wait since it was just so good to see Nathan smiling again.
… … … …
Author's note:
I know most of you might not be satisfied with where I ended things, I felt it was a good place. It leaves things open for me to write another part of the story at a later time. Especially since this is already so much more than I had originally planned on writing when the idea to write something for Father's Day.
I hope to write more, but at this point this story needs to end. Hopefully I will find time and inspiration to write more for this saga. As of now, I want to focus on my other two stories that I have been neglecting while working on this one.