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Chapter Ninety
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Finding Their Way
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Everything Elizabeth and Nathan did was hinting at domesticity and Elizabeth loved it. Together they prepared the stew, then baked the sugar cookies so they would be cool by the time Allie returned home. Elizabeth made the icing and they had purchased a few candies to crush and add as decorations.
As they worked side-by-side and one batch of cookies was in the oven, Nathan paused and wiped his hands. Turning to Elizabeth he took her hands in his. "Ah… Lisbeth, there is something I believe we must clarify and discuss with Allie. My hope, prayer and intention is for our families to become one family. Is that your hope as well?" He searched her face.
With glistening eyes, Elizabeth nodded and whispered low. "It is, Nathan."
"Because my promise to Allie was to never leave her and always be there for her, I feel we should include her in our intentions. Would you be willing to talk with her after rehearsal tonight? I am thinking we should share our intentions and ask her how she feels about this now. We have weathered some very difficult challenges, but I believe they are behind us and we can move forward. I just want Allie to know. Are you willing to hear her out if she has questions?" Nathan chuckled. "Well, it's Allie, so she will have questions! We will just have to tell her we haven't figured everything out yet, but she will be informed as soon as we can tell her more! I thought we could have her bedtime prayers together in the front room, then say goodnight to her. I mean, I still want time alone with you!"
"I think this is a wonderful idea, Nathan. If Jack was old enough we would do the same for him, but at Allie's age, she should be included. In light of our past, she needs the reassurances that we will both be there for her, together and separately. Let's do this, Nathan."
"Good. Thank you. We are both a package deal. We come with our children already a part of our lives so our love must expand to include them as well." Nathan coughed and debated how to raise this next most important issue when he suddenly realized Elizabeth had spoken. "Ah, I'm sorry, I missed that. What did you say?"
Elizabeth had spoken so softly that it wasn't surprising that Nathan hadn't heard her. She cleared her throat and squeezed his hands, speaking louder. "Nathan? I said I will move to Regina. I want to be with you. I really don't care where we are or where you may be stationed, but I will go where you go."
Nathan's mouth dropped open and his eyes went wide. "How did you know? I was just trying to find the words to ask you if you are willing to leave Hope Valley, because I cannot see me returning, unless in retirement!" Nathan chuckled, incredulous. "And you just answered my question before I could ask! How did you know?"
"I just thought it was the right time to tell you." Elizabeth continued to speak quietly. "I have devoted frequent thoughts and many prayers to this, Nathan, and I am the one to relocate. As soon as possible. To be together as a family, we have to be together in one place and this is where we will begin this season of our lives. Together."
"Thank you, Lisbeth." Nathan responded with deep joy in his heart. He had been concerned but unwilling to even think about it until last night as he prayed before falling asleep. "I recognize the cost of this decision for you. I don't take this lightly, but as proof of your love and commitment to me, to us."
Nathan lifted her hands and kissed them again, holding her gaze.
This time was different though because Elizabeth wouldn't let go. She turned his hands and lifted them to her lips, gently kissing them as she watched his eyes shine.
Huskily, Nathan whispered. "Thank you, Lisbeth. We are finding our way, aren't we?"
Elizabeth nodded and whispered in response. "We are, dear Nathan."
Nathan had told Jake that he would pick up Allie from St. Anne's so was pleasantly surprised, if a little nervous, when Ardis Ross exited the school along with Allie.
Quickly getting out of the automobile, Nathan hurried towards them both. "Hi Allie! Would you excuse me a moment so I can speak to Miss Ross?"
"Sure, Dad. I'll wait by the car."
"Ardis? Excuse me, but I realized something today and was going to mention it at rehearsal. This is better though. I don't want you to be hurt, but as much as I enjoyed our outing on Saturday evening, I won't be contacting you for another get-together. It's hard to figure out the best way to say this but, uh…between you and me, I am seeing someone very special who has just re-entered my life. This past Sunday, actually!"
"She has had my heart for many years and I now know that I have had hers. You'll be seeing her at rehearsal tonight, as well as at Allie's concert, caroling and church, so I don't want you to be surprised or to wonder. I am sorry for you though, not that I think you were expecting anything from me, but if you were, uh… I don't quite know… I just don't want you be… hurt, you know…" Stumbling to know what to say, Nathan's words trailed off as he blushed with embarrassment.
Ardis, although surprised, was finding Nathan's explanation endearing! She placed her hand on his arm and whispered reassuringly. "It's okay, Nathan. I understand. Had your heart been available I would have loved another date, but I understand and find your concern for my feelings is just lovely. I am okay and the few daydreams that I've had this week do not mean I am hurt. Enjoy your special lady. It's Mrs. Thornton, right? I met her yesterday and look forward to seeing her again." Ardis smiled. "Relax, Nathan. You didn't do anything wrong! We had a lovely evening and I enjoyed your and Allie's company."
Much relieved, Nathan noticeably relaxed. "Thank you for understanding, Ardis. I hope you meet someone special very soon. Actually, when I see you I will pray for that!" Nathan lifted his hand in a wave as he backed away. "See you tonight, Ardis."
Safely in the vehicle, Allie queried. "What was that about, Dad?"
Sighing with relief, Nathan explained, "Elizabeth suggested that I explain to Ardis that I wouldn't be calling on her again because I was with someone else. I didn't want to hurt her… but she understands now."
"That's good, Dad." Staring out the window, Allie added. "Probably most boys don't even explain anything!"
"Oh? Do you speak from experience?" Nathan pulled onto the street.
"Maybe? You may have noticed that Robert hasn't sent me any letters until this week. I wrote to him and asked if everything was all right and he wrote back that he was corresponding with Anna at home and thought that might continue and develop into more. I mean, if I hadn't asked, would he have even told me?"
"Ahhh. I don't know, but are you okay, Honey? Life has been so surprising and full recently that I haven't asked about your heart." Nathan realized that he needed to keep checking on Allie! "Care to share anything?"
"Oh, Dad. It's so confusing. I don't think I care if Robert dates Anna. They fit together and we made no promises, just like you told us. It was just nice to be liked though, you know?" Allie turned to stare out the side window.
"Sort of. Is there anyone else that has piqued your interest or that seems interested in you, Honey?" Nathan quickly glanced at his daughter before he was at the intersection.
"Well…maybe…? I think Jared really likes me and I like him too." Allie admitted this almost whispering.
"I wondered. Enjoy being liked by lots of young men, Allie, and keep praying for God to guide you. If God opens the opportunity to get to know Jared Blake better, then please let me know so I can pray for you both?"
"Dad? I think God is already doing that…."
"I see… Well, then I will be praying. We'll talk about this more, okay, Honey?"
As Allie nodded, they arrived at the Collins's property. Nathan sighed with relief knowing there would be other times to share on this subject. For now, Elizabeth awaited.
"Hi, Mrs. Thornton!" Allie hugged Elizabeth. "Did you have a good day with Dad?"
"We had a wonderful day, Allie." Elizabeth returned the hug. "We have a little project for you too!"
"Oh? What's that?"
"Excuse me but, before we get involved, Allie, how is the homework situation?" Nathan interrupted. "Are you caught up or do you need some time? Remember we have choir rehearsal tonight."
"I'm fine, Dad. I only have one half chapter left, so I can do that at the church or in the morning. Are you coming with us, Mrs. Thornton?"
"I am and looking forward to it. Would you like some fruit or to taste-test some cookies for your snack?"
Cookies decorated and dinner served, Nathan thought he had escaped any teasing with icing, but when Elizabeth told him to stay seated and offered to get their dessert, she returned with her hand hidden behind her back. When he least expected it, Elizabeth swiped Nathan's nose with icing amidst Allie's copious laughter.
"Elizabeth Thornton! You just wait. When you least expect it I will get you. You realize that don't you? It might not be icing, but it will be something. You can count on it!" Nathan grinned as he wiped his nose with his napkin.
"You think so, Staff Sergeant Major? We'll see…" Elizabeth giggled. "No matter what. It was worth it for the memory!"
"That was a fun night, Mrs. Thornton. My first sleepover." Allie grinned at her father. "Could I have another one here, Dad?"
"The Cottage is a little small, but lets' talk after the holidays, okay?"
While in the kitchen and briefly alone, Nathan informed Elizabeth that he had been able to speak to Ardis and everything was explained and understood.
"I imagine she was quite impressed, Nathan. It was sweet of you to do that," Elizabeth added, "And it was the right thing to do. You are a dear man, you know."
"You just keep telling me, okay? And thanks for the suggestion by the way. It's nice to have someone on my team." Nathan, having discovered where she had hidden the bowl of leftover icing while he dried the dishes, swiped a finger-full along her cheek. "There! That evens the score! And you look adorable with those sweet blushing cheeks!"
"Nathan…!" Ready to protest, Elizabeth stilled as Nathan took out his handkerchief and carefully removed the smear. He held her gaze with utmost tenderness and she could hardly breathe.
"There you go. All set and still adorable." Nathan tweaked her nose as he often did Allie's just as they heard a voice from the doorway.
"Ahem. Are you two finished flirting and ready to go?"
With the spell broken, everyone dissolved into happy laughter as they donned their coats and headed out the door.
As long as it was with Elizabeth, Nathan had no problems with flirting, if that was what it was!
Entering the sanctuary at Knox, Elizabeth was thrilled to be on Nathan's arm while Allie hurried ahead expecting to see someone from her youth group.
There he was! Jared Blake was seated in the front row and immediately stood to welcome the Grants.
"Hello, Allie. Sergeant Grant. Ma'am. Dad told me I would probably see you here tonight, Allie." Jared only had eyes for Allie. "How are you?"
"Hello, Jared." Allie's cheeks were pink and it wasn't as a result of the cold air outside. "It's good to see you too. Are you going to sing that duet tonight?"
"Evidently we are. I think Miss Ross got the idea when she asked you and your father to sing your duet." Jared shrugged. "I guess we are both getting opportunities this season! Are you ready for Friday night?"
"I think so. I've sung solos before, just not in a big auditorium….or in Latin."
"I'm sure you'll be fine. Just smile and you will win everyone's hearts." Elizabeth and Nathan looked at each other hearing that comment.
Jared continued. "Will you be caroling on Saturday night? I know I'll see you at the Home for the Aged."
"I'll be at both, so we'll see each other a lot this weekend." Allie smiled, then catching sight of Elizabeth standing nearby, exclaimed. "Oh Jared? I'd like you to meet someone. Mrs. Thornton please let me introduce my friend, Jared Blake? Jared, meet my former teacher, Mrs. Thornton."
Offering his hand, Jared welcomed Elizabeth. "I don't believe I have seen you here before, Mrs. Thornton. Nice to meet you."
"This is my first visit here with Allie and her Dad, so it is nice to meet you as well." Elizabeth added. "I will be attending this weekend's events so hope to speak to you again, Jared."
"Of course." Jared gave a tender smile to Allie as Miss Ross approached. "We will all see each other again."
"Good evening, friends." Rachel asked with a sing-song tone. "Is everyone ready to sing?"
Nathan spoke up first. "I believe we are. Rachel? Please let me introduce a very special lady in my life. Rachel meet Elizabeth Thornton, Allie's former teacher from Hope Valley. Elizabeth? Miss Rachel Bell, our choir director and Allie's music teacher at St. Anne's. She is the one responsible for our musical events this weekend."
Elizabeth extended her hand. "Lovely to make your acquaintance, Miss Bell. I am looking forward to the concert and the caroling." Elizabeth looked up at Nathan, her hand still through his arm. "I am so happy to be here for these special occasions."
"Nice to meet you too, Miss Thornton. Are you staying long?" Rachel queried, adding, "Nathan and Allie will be singing on Christmas Eve."
"Just until Tuesday this time. I have to get home to my son as his birthday is Christmas Eve. But I'll be back!" Elizabeth smoothly let her intentions be known and, in that unspoken understanding that women have, Rachel Bell got the message. Nathan Grant would be seeing Elizabeth Thornton again.
"Oh? How nice. Excuse me." The warmth of her voice gone, Rachel turned towards the choir loft. "If everyone will please collect their folios and take your places? We have a lot to cover this evening."
Nathan squeezed Elizabeth's hand with his arm before releasing her to follow Allie. He caught Ardis's and Jane's approving smiles as he made his way to his spot in the choir loft. Patting Nathan's shoulder, Josiah Blake whispered, "She is beautiful, Nathan!"
Settled in the back pew, Elizabeth removed her gloves, scarf and opened her coat. Allie did the same then whispered in Elizabeth's ear. "What do you think of Jared?"
Smiling, Elizabeth cupped her hand between Allie's ear and herself, "He's a handsome young gentleman. As I said to him, I look forward to getting to know him better. Now, let's listen, okay?" She patted Allie's shoulder and caught her twinkling eyes.
Allie grinned, nodded her head and snuggled close to Elizabeth.
Jared's and his father's duet was planned for this second Advent Sunday, so they ran through the piece a couple times, much to Allie's delight. She let out a sigh and sat straighter when he finished, hoping he might come towards the back of the sanctuary. Instead, Jared slipped out the side door heading to the basement. Still, Allie was dreamy-eyed and Elizabeth noticed.
Deciding to forgo the refreshments, Nathan guided Allie and Elizabeth out the side door after meeting Jane Samuels. Jane had extended the invitation for Elizabeth and her mother to join them for Sunday dinner even if they couldn't remain the entire afternoon. Nathan promised to let her know after talking to Mrs. Thatcher. Meanwhile Elizabeth thanked Jane profusely having learned that this was a weekly tradition and Jon Samuels had become another of Nathan's close friends in Regina!
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