A/N Thank you for being patient as I get my stories up and flowing again. Hopefully within the next two weeks all my others will be updated and flowing again as my health has begun to get better. My goal is to be posting regularly a chapter a week. Lots of exciting coming in this story.
At lunch, Nathan recalled what Bill had said about the latest novel and asked Elizabeth about it.
"So, Bill said that the new A J Grant novel is coming out tonight?"
"Actually, she said as she reached into her bag. "You can have your copy right now." Elizabeth handed him the brand-new copy of the next book. "I have copies for you, Bill, and Rosemary."
"Any chance I could get the author to sign it?" Nathan teased. "Or you?" he added softly.
Elizabeth chuckled nervously. "The author wishes to remain anonymous. Though I can sign it, I'm not sure why you would want me to."
"Because you gave it to me. It's special because it's from you, and it's the first time I think you have gifted me with something."
As she thought about it, she realized sadly that he was right. In the time they had known each other, this was the first time she actually gave him a gift.
"Remind me when we get home," Elizabeth said—considering his house home warmed his heart, and the daydream from breakfast returned. A waiter dropping some cutlery brought him out quickly, however. He could see that she had noticed his attention had wandered and looked at him quizzically. "Are you all right, Nathan?"
"Hmm?" Nathan said, scrambling to collect himself so he wouldn't give himself away. "I was thinking about the rest of the schedule. I've enjoyed our lunch, but unfortunately," he said, glancing at his watch, "We do have a schedule to keep," Then Nathan signaled to the waiter for their bill.
The ride to the last meeting at the venue for tomorrow's dinner went smoothly, and they talked about the kids and the sleepover.
She handed him an envelope just before they walked into her next meeting. "Here is some reading for you while you wait." He took the envelope and put it in his pocket. He put it in his pocket, helped her remove her jacket, and then settled at a table in the corner the event coordinator directed him to.
Pulling out the envelope once again, he laughed when he saw that she had copied one of his letters and had graded it. Her comments were humorous, but it was the note at the bottom that caught his attention.
A good effort, Inspector Grant, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Perhaps we could discuss corrections at an opportune time?
Since the letter had spoken about wishing they could see more of each other, his heart began to pound. Could she mean what he thought? He was starting to believe that things had changed and that they were indeed getting a second chance. But what should his next move be?
He put it out of his mind and began reading the new book's first chapter. Before long, Elizabeth was finished with her meeting. On the way home, she and Nathan teased each other about the letter, but he wasn't brave enough to mention the note at the bottom. As they drew close to home, he remembered to ask her if she knew anything about the author and their obvious connection to the Mounties.
"I'm sorry, Nathan, but I cannot answer that question," Elizabeth said nervously. Then she changed the subject, asking him what he thought of the last book. He couldn't help wondering about her nervousness when he asked about the author but ignored it and answered her questions. It wasn't until they pulled into the driveway and saw her sigh of relief that he wondered about it once again. The kids came running out, and they were prevented from any further talking. He was further sidetracked by Jack holding his arms up to him. It was a sight that captured his heart and made him long for it to be a common occurrence.
They only had a few hours before Elizabeth, Bill, and the Coulters had to leave. While he had been gone, Bill told Nathan that some files had been dropped off and were on his desk. Knowing that they would be leaving in a few days, Nathan had told Elizabeth not to worry about a babysitter and that he wanted to spend time with the children.
Everyone was gathered in the foyer, waiting to wish Elizabeth luck and, of course, to admire Rosemary. Thanks to Elizabeth, there wasn't a long wait, and once again, Nathan was mesmerized by how beautiful his Lizbeth was. She was wearing a dark taupe silk dress with a lace bodice and a single cascading ruffle that went the length of the skirt. There was a silk flower attached to the top of the ruffle. He had a hard time looking away from the cut of the dress and how it accentuated her curves though not in a bad way. Elizabeth's hair was styled in a chignon with curls that framed her face. She also wore simple diamond drop earrings and a simple diamond bracelet to match. One of the things Nathan loved about Elizabeth was that she preferred simple over extravagant, and she also preferred pastels over flashier colors like Rosemary. Although when it came to Rosemary, flamboyant and extravagant, always looked beautiful and perfect on her.
Jack wandered over to Elizabeth and said, "Mama, look pwetty."
Elizabeth bent down and said, "Thank you, sweet boy."
"You wecome," Jack said, hugging her. "Aunt Wosie, look pwetty too!"
Of course, Rosemary had to give her sweet boy another hug. Bill looked over at Lee and Nathan and said, "We better be on our toes; otherwise, Jack will make us look bad."
That galvanized the men as Nathan grabbed Elizabeth's coat before Bill could and helped her on with it. She smiled at Nathan while Bill gave him a death glare, and Nathan just looked at Bill as if to say, "what?"
Lee chuckled at the two other men getting a glimpse of what the dinner the night before must have been like. He couldn't help but notice that Elizabeth did seem to have a particular preference and look in her eye for Nathan. It reminded him of how she was with Jack. Though Nathan was different from his best friend, there was something about him that Lee genuinely liked, and he could see him and Nathan becoming close should Elizabeth and he marry.
Nathan, we should be back before bed, but I laid Jack's pajamas out on his bed along with the books he loves. If he gets fussy, then …." Elizabeth said but was stopped by Nathan's chuckles.
"Lizbeth, I put him to bed last night, remember? You already showed me what to do, and I do have previous experience, and I am a Mountie," He gave her a side hug and then said, "Go enjoy your evening, and please don't worry too much about Jack. I will take good care of him and return him in the same condition."
Elizabeth chuckled at that. "You're right, Nathan. I am sorry, and I do trust that you will be fine watching him."
"We fine, Mama," Jack said. "We have stuff to do."
Everyone laughed at that, and Nathan picked him up and said, "That we do, buddy."
Bill ushered Elizabeth out and into the car. Lee sat up front with Bill while the ladies were in the back talking. Elizabeth was nervous but excited at the same time. She was thankful she had met with everyone already and knew what to expect. Unfortunately, some surprises were awaiting her when she arrived. Her regular publicist wasn't there due to an illness. The event coordinator was also noticeably absent, having been double booked, so things were a bit chaotic.
The first thing that happened was that she was called Mrs. Grant a couple of times by the person filling in for the event coordinator. Then she was introduced as A J Grant, which caused a stir. She saw Rosemary gasp in shock, which caught Bill's attention. She saw him cast one of his pondering looks her way as she explained to those in attendance that she was Elizabeth Thornton. Rosemary gave her an apologetic look as Elizabeth began to explain about the foundation and the author's donation of the profits towards the Mounties.
Then she began to read from the book. As she did, she could see that Bill's glance became calculating, and then she could see awareness enter his eyes as he figured out her secret. Then, she noticed Gabe and Lillian had arrived and were standing beside Lee and Rosemary. Gabe also had a knowing look on his face, and she was glad that Nathan hadn't attended, although it put her in an awkward situation. By the time the reading was over, and she was excused, Bill had made his way towards her.
Thankfully no one asked her to sign any, and she was free to go. "Is there a private room where we could talk?" Elizabeth asked the event coordinator.
They nodded and showed her and Bill to a little office. Lee and Rosemary saw her, and Bill leave and followed them, knowing what the conversation was about.
Lee and Rosemary stayed outside to ensure privacy should someone come by. Elizabeth didn't need any more people finding out.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Bill said. "Did you not think you could trust me?"
"Bill, you know why I didn't," Elizabeth said. "It has nothing to do with trust. You and Nathan are so close, and I felt like the fewer people who knew, the better. Rosemary knows because she helps keep the information flowing and was willing to step up as A J Grant should the need arise." Elizabeth said, tears forming in her eyes at the hurt in his.
"I just can't believe I didn't figure it out before now," Bill said.
"Honestly, neither can I, Bill. I mean, why do you think I asked you all those forensic questions anyway?"
Bill chuckled. "Honestly, I thought you were looking for ways to dispose of Lucas."
Elizabeth's eyes widened, and they could hear Rosemary and Lee laughing outside the door. "Bill! How could you think something like that?"
"Maybe wishful thinking?" he said, laughing. Then he gathered her in his arms and said, "I guess I'm frustrated because others knew something I didn't. You know how I am about not being in the loop of whatever is happening in town, particularly with you."
She pulled back and said, "Well, at least you got top billing, as I'm sure you figured out that A stands for Avery."
"I did, and that's the only reason I'm letting you off so easy. You know, Mrs. Grant has a nice ring to it. Any plans to tell the third Mountie about the honor bestowed upon him?"
"Not at the moment. I've been going back and forth about it." Elizabeth said. "Oh, and stop treating me like the jail desk, Bill," Elizabeth chuckled. "I'm not an object for you and Nathan to fight over."
"No promises, Elizabeth," Bill said. "I miss being able to mess with him as I did in Hope Valley."
Elizabeth gave him another hug and said, "Me too,"
As they walked out, they ran into Gabe and Lillian. Elizabeth pulled him to the side, thinking it was also time to talk to him. He immediately confirmed that he had known her books were based upon Mountie Theodore, who was Jack.
"How did you know?" Elizabeth asked.
"Because he shared them with me, and I contributed to some of the adventures that Theodore got up to. I should tell you that a few are based on a certain Mountie who shares the author's last name. I'm surprised he didn't recognize it in the first book." Gabe said, chuckling.
"Really?" Elizabeth said. "Which one."
So, Gabe filled her in and then confessed, "Talking about Mountie Theodore got many of us through the battles up North. I don't know if you realize that they raised our spirits so much, especially for Jack. Don't worry either because I will keep your secret unless Nathan asks me directly, okay?" She agreed and gave him a quick hug.
By the time they got back to the house, they could hear the girls in Allie's room apparently going for round two of a sleepover. Nathan came out and said Jack fell asleep in his bed and was tucked in tight. She thanked him and said goodnight as she walked up the stairs, exhausted after everything.
Rosemary was right behind her. The men went into the study and briefly discussed the event. Seeing the latest Book on Nathan's desk, Bill muttered. "I still can't believe I didn't figure it out before now."
"Figure out what, Bill?" Nathan asked.
"I met A J Grant, and I didn't even know it," Bill said. "I think I'm going to head to bed myself. It has been quite a day." Nathan and Lee locked up and followed their friend. All the while Nathan wondered how Bill happened to meet A J Grant .