Chapter one hundred and four

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An Important Call

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"Hello?" Waiting beside the telephone, Nathan answered before the ring ended he was so excited to talk with Elizabeth.

"Hi, Honey! Jack was overly excited and it took two books and an original story to get his eyelids to flutter closed! I am here now though, wrapped in a blanket with a cup of tea!"

Nathan laughed. "Ditto! I even slid the comfortable chair over near the desk. I may have to leave it here for a few weeks." Nathan grinned and continued. "So? Tell me. How was the journey and the welcome home?"

"The train trip was fine. Mother and I had some good talks, I had a lot to think about and wrote lists upon lists! My journal has dedicated pages now! Packing, moving, notifying friends and saying goodbyes. I don't think I told you but on Monday morning, Mother and I went shopping and I was able to purchase multiple earrings as goodbye gifts to my friends here. I even had them giftwrapped. Still, they are on my list to deliver. On the train I composed short notes of appreciation to accompany the gifts. Anyway, to keep my mind from being overloaded I am trying to write my lists. I think maybe you are like that too? A list-maker?"

Chuckling, Nathan agreed. "Oh, it's the only way I can function. Just ask Allie! If I write it down, there is a good chance it will happen. If I don't? Well… all I can say is if it wasn't important enough to write down then it wasn't important! Speaking of writing, did you read my notes, Lisbeth?"

"Oh, Nathan. I did! It was hard to not open more than one a day, but I have memorized the three I have opened since I read them so frequently. You are so sweet, Nathan, and so romantic and loving and encouraging and… I just adore you, Nathan. Thank you for each one! Even the ones I haven't read yet. Have you read any of mine?"

"You know? I have waited. These past few days have been so full, that I just spent free time going over all that happened while you were here. I also know you are going to be incredibly busy and may not have time to write over these weeks apart. So I will spread out your notes so I can enjoy the anticipation." Nathan chuckled. "Allie thinks I am ridiculous to wait though."

"I think it is sweet that you are remembering our wonderful times together, Honey. But what are you referring to when you said earlier that you had so much to tell me? What has happened?"

"It's a good thing you are seated, Lisbeth. Here goes. I spoke to Peter in his office and inquired about the promised promotion. I asked about what and where and for how long, all so I could determine the best way forward to find a house for us. It turns out that Peter originally had planned and hoped for me to replace him as Commissioner someday. Can you believe that?"

Elizabeth inhaled sharply, then breathed out her exclamation. "Nathan! What an honor! My… My goodness…It is so wonderful that he thinks so highly of you, Honey! So what are the steps you'll take?"

"I said he originally planned that, but his plans changed. Evidently he and Tim have been talking and both feel I am more valuable to the RCMP at Depot!" Nathan paused. "I ah, I spoke to your father in the afternoon. I just can't discuss this with colleagues or with people who don't understand the RCMP or its hierarchy or…. I needed to talk to someone who understands promotions and decisions and talents. Your father was so helpful, even just listening. Peter explained that what they are planning for me is to eventually replace Tim as the Chief Superintendent at Depot. In other words the one responsible. I was so shocked by Peter's idea of the Commissioner position that I hardly grasped the idea of being the Commander of the RCMP Academy! Me, Elizabeth! Can you imagine me doing that?"

"Of course I can, Nathan. You are a gifted leader and your personality is perfectly suited to lead and to be followed. Your quiet thoughtfulness means you carefully calculate and have a well-constructed plan. You are humble and always looking for ways to improve. You are a good teacher as evidenced by Allie's knowledge and abilities. You readily ask for forgiveness so relationships are very important to you. Anyone in a position to follow you would be glad to do so as you treat people with kindness and respect. I think Father told me that you had everyone in the Regina precinct working together as a team when you arrested Lucas."

"In addition, you lead by example and I am sure you would not require of others what you haven't already done or were unwilling to do yourself. I think I have seen that in Hope Valley. You were always the first to respond and run towards a problem. Remember the explosion at the oil rig? You were the first on Newton and took off like a shot. I believe you probably directed what to do. At least that's what Henry told me once. You asked him the best way to put out the fire, then you organized and instructed everyone on how to implement what he said."

"My goodness, Elizabeth! I'm not sure that is entirely accurate. I was the first to arrive and helped though. That part is true. Thank you for all the compliments, but all those aside, you think I would be good at leading the Academy? Almost like being the school principal or headmaster?" Nathan laughed. "It seems like a huge responsibility to me right now."

"And there is your clue, Honey. You have only been there for three months so there is probably a lot you don't know 'right now.' Yet, I am sure Tim wouldn't leave you to run the place without proper mentoring from him. Is there any promotion between the Staff Sergeant Major and the Chief Superintendent?"

Chuckling Nathan responded. "Are you ready for this? I would be promoted to Superintendent at Depot, meaning I would function as Tim's assistant! Peter encouraged me to have a long talk with Tim to learn what the job involves. It would keep me at Depot for the remainder of my career and keep us in Regina. How do you feel about that, Lisbeth?"

"To be with you and raise our family in Regina would be wonderful, Nathan. There is so much to do, the church is wonderful and the Academy for Allie is excellent. I don't know about schooling for Jack, but with all the senior Mounties in Regina I am sure they would have insisted on a good education for their youngest children as well as St. Anne's and the Boy's Academy for the older students. Whatever we encounter, Nathan, we will raise our family together and God will use you, me and us wherever he plants us. Following Him is what is important, right?"

"I wish I could hug you right now, Lisbeth." Nathan's voice was husky and full of emotion. "What have I done to deserve all this encouragement and support? And someone who follows after God? I've never had this before and it is amazing…"

"Oh, my dearest Love. In one way, I am so sorry you haven't been loved like this before. Yet, I am so grateful that God has allowed me the privilege, to allow me to be the one to come alongside, to love and support you. We will work together to raise our family. If that will be in Regina, that is where it will be. As long as we are together, Honey, I will be happy." Elizabeth paused briefly, pondering God's gift of a second chance.

"I couldn't have said that some years ago. I thought Hope Valley was my calling, and for a time it was. But, now I am being called to encourage and support you, to see all of who you are, your beautiful person and personality revealed to me. I just want to hold you, Nathan." Her voice cracked as she whispered. "I didn't think it would be this difficult to be separated…"

Nathan could hear tears in Elizabeth's voice and he marveled, silently praying. 'To be loved like this? Thank you, Lord.' Aloud, Nathan whispered back, "I know," then waited quietly for Elizabeth to recover her voice.

"Getting back to the immediate, Nathan, are the next steps talking to Tim and starting to look for a home for us to purchase?"

"Lisbeth, there is more. Peter called me to meet with Carol and him last evening. Honey? We have a house. The main house. They have gifted it to me!"

"What. Did. You. Say…?" Elizabeth caught her breath. "The house is for us?"

"Yes!" Nathan held back tears. "Honey... We owe so much to Peter and Carol! I haven't even told you everything yet, but regarding the house, they named me as their primary heir and the house was meant for me since they last had their will and testament prepared a decade ago. Because they won't need the house with Headquarters moving to Ottawa, they are giving it to me now instead of leaving it to me later! I am still struggling to believe all this."

"I can't believe it either. It is a large house and has a lot of potential for a family. I am really excited! Wow…"

"There are a couple things they have requested though. They would like to stay here whenever they come to Regina, although they made it clear they would give us privacy for a while. The other thing is…oh! I didn't tell you there is a studio apartment in the other wing! It has a small kitchenette and a full bath and is large enough for living and dining space, and a bedroom corner. That is where the Cooks have stayed when Peter was out of town! So, with that apartment and the Cottage we can invite my parents to come, plus host the Collins's and still have room to expand our family. Isn't this amazing?"

"Oh, it is. Imagine the holidays we can celebrate there, Honey? Oh..." Elizabeth could hardly believe it, yet she was already daydreaming! "Actually, when will you or will we be able to move in? Did they give you a date?"

"The end of February, Lisbeth. By then the renovations will be complete. I think you should chose paint colors and we can have all that done before moving in. I have never in my life hired someone to do what I could do, but that house is so large and we don't want to delay getting settled so I think I will hire a painter! All my savings to purchase a house can be used to make this one ours!" Nathan laughed. "Well, not all my savings! But we do have the funds."

"Really? We haven't discussed finances yet. It is an odd position to be in, isn't it? I have my trust fund, but have only accessed that since I stopped teaching this term, and with my parents here, I haven't even needed to use that much. I think my father pays my charges at the Mercantile behind the scenes. It would be pointless to try and talk him out of that kindness! So, if we need it, Nathan, we can access that for furnishings or whatever we need." Elizabeth laughed. "Was there something else the Collins's requested? You said a couple of things."

"Oh, right. Peter would prefer that we not discuss the property transfer outside of our immediate family and close friends. He suggested we find a way to tactfully say we worked out a deal, or we received an inheritance that facilitated a deal or something like that. Knowing how he prefers his generosity to be hidden, I think he just wants to remain an anonymous benefactor as much as possible."

"My goodness, Nathan." Elizabeth continued to absorb the news. "I suddenly feel as though our future is laid out before us and it is beautiful! Who would think that a country schoolteacher and a small town Mountie would have all these blessings! Plus, the greatest blessing is our love and our children… Oh Nathan! Just a few months ago I had little to live for and the future looked bleak. Look what God has done…" Elizabeth's voice quieted to a whisper, she was in such awe.

"Didn't I quote that verse last week?" Nathan paraphrased a Scripture. 'The Lord has been very good to us and we are full of joy?' (*58) Shall we pray now? It is late and this has been a very long telephone call!"

"Yes, Honey. Please lead us in prayer." Elizabeth whispered.

"Heavenly Father, Elizabeth and I are amazed at what you have done for us, past and future. We offer our thanksgiving to you and sing your praise. Great are your works. You have done marvelous things. Our hearts are overflowing with love and gratitude and wonder. Together we commit all these new possibilities into your hands. We are trusting you to guide us and to show us how to use these astonishing gifts for You."

"And tonight, thank you for Elizabeth's safe journey to Hope Valley. Bless all of her conversations over the coming days. Orchestrate all the details for the big move and keep everyone safe and well. Bless and keep the love of my life and our families too. In Your Holy Name we pray, Amen."

"Amen." Elizabeth whispered. "I love you, dear Nathan."

"And I love you, Sweet Lisbeth. Good night! We'll talk again soon."

"Okay, my dearest one. Good night."

While Laura took Jack into town, Elizabeth knocked on Rosemary's door, turned to survey the field and the new school in the distance and waited. When she heard footsteps approach, she faced the door with a large smile. "Hi Rosemary! I…"

"Elizabeth! You are home." Rosemary welcomed her friend to enter even though her huge hug prevented Elizabeth from doing so! "Oh… It's cold out. Come in!" Shutting the door, she inquired. "Can you share a cup of tea and tell me all about your trip?"

"I can! But I also know you have invited us to dinner tonight, so I won't take a lot of your time. It's just that…"

Having hung Elizabeth's coat near the door, Rosemary finally really looked at her friend and gasped. "You are courting aren't you?!" Rosemary grabbed Elizabeth's hand to be sure there wasn't a ring yet, then gave her another hug, all before Elizabeth could complete her sentence or answer the question! "Come in… we must talk! First though there is someone you should meet!"

By now, Patrick was holding the back of his Momma's skirt and peeking at the newly-arrived stranger.

Feeling his presence, Rosemary bent to lift her son to her hip and made the introductions. "Mrs. Thornton, this is Patrick Leland Coulter. Patrick, Sweetheart, this is Momma's dearest friend, Mrs. Thornton. She is Jack's mommy!" She tried to tame a cowlick on Patrick's head. "Would you please say hello?"

"Hello, Mrs…." Patrick turned his head into Rosemary's neck. "I forget…"

"That's okay, Sweet boy." Elizabeth touched his back. "Don't worry. You have been meeting new people all week I'm guessing. You may call me Mrs. T. for now and it is wonderful to meet you. May I shake your hand?"

Patrick turned when he knew what to say and extended his hand. "Hi, Mrs. T. Are you really Jack's momma?"

Shaking his little hand, Elizabeth nodded. "Yes, I am Jack's mommy! Have you played with Jack yet?"

Nodding enthusiastically, Patrick explained. "We play trains, horses and dogs. It was fun!"

Rosemary and Elizabeth sat at the dining table drinking tea once Rosemary placed a cookie and a small cup of milk on the coffee table for her son.

"You are glowing, my friend. If I didn't know our honorable Sergeant, I would say you could be expecting. But…"

"Rosemary!" Elizabeth choked on her tea and coughed. Indignant, Elizabeth explained. "I'll have you know our first kiss was on Monday night and we were hardly alone together Tuesday morning, before I departed!"

"Well, that information was easier to procure than I thought it would be! You kissed, eh?" Rosemary giggled and was soon joined by a blushing Elizabeth.

"Okay, now that we know the ending, please start from the beginning and tell me everything! I am all ears!"

"Well, Rosemary, I will disappoint you, as I will not share everything. Suffice it to say I will give you an overview. Nathan was caught off guard when I showed up, and was hesitant to see me or read more letters, but eventually he listened as I confessed and asked forgiveness. Allie did too. Mother and I stayed on the property with the Commissioner and his wife, so it was convenient. We shared dinners, as well as some lunches and even breakfasts with Allie. There were many confessions and a lot of forgiveness flowed between all three of us."

"Gradually we began to hold each other's arms, then hands and sat before the fire where we established some traditions like sipping tea and discussing our days. Oh, Rosemary, Nathan is so well-respected! I toured Depot with him, had lunch with him and his commanding officer, attended choir practice, and Allie's school chorus concert, which was almost of professional quality, and was held in the Concert Hall downtown! Very elegant!"

"We baked and cooked together, visited a Home for the Aged with Allie and her Youth Group, went caroling and had dinner with a Sergeant and his family. Allie's best friend is his daughter and the two families share Sunday dinner and afternoons together each week. Mother and I spent time with the Commissioner and his wife, sharing a meal with them and Nathan and Allie. We found and decorated the Grant Christmas tree and then, on Monday night, Nathan took me to a beautiful, and expensive, restaurant where we dined and danced. It was so wonderful, Rosemary. I love him so much!" Elizabeth was dreamy-eyed. "We are so happy…"

"I can see that, Elizabeth, and that makes me happy. Nathan finally is getting his dreams to come true!" Rosemary paused. "So, if you are courting, have you begun to discuss your future? When will Nathan return to Hope Valley or…" Rosemary let her voice fade as she couldn't voice any other option.

"We have talked a lot. Ummm…" Elizabeth looked down at her hands, gripping them tightly and knowing that this might be the hardest conversation in which she would reveal the news. "Ah… Rosemary, we won't be living in Hope Valley." Briefly, she glanced at her friend, then back at her hands. "As a matter of fact, I am moving to Regina. Actually, Mother and Father and Jack and I… we are all moving to Regina before the New Year. We will begin to pack and prepare to ship our belongings over the coming days." Elizabeth quieted and raised her glance to meet Rosemary's silence and blank stare.

"Rosie, I hope you can be happy for me… please understand. I will follow Nathan wherever he goes, wherever his job takes him, although it looks like that will be in Regina for a long time. But if he had to move? We would move together. I couldn't be happier and although I will miss Hope Valley, that which awaits me in Regina is so much greater and I really can't wait now. I… ah, say something, Rosemary."

Rosemary Coulter was rarely found speechless, but even sipping tea and clearing her throat wasn't restoring her voice today.

"Momma. Are you okay?" With imploring eyes, Patrick stood beside his mother, hands on her arm. "Why are you sad?" As Patrick saw the tears forming, he lifted his little arms. "Up!"

Reaching down, Rosemary gathered her son into her arms and held him close. Finding her voice, she whispered, "After all these years, I thought Jack and my son would be playmates..."

"I guess for that, the timing isn't perfect." Admitted Elizabeth, then she brightened. "Except, God is taking Jack away from you and Lee, but He has provided your own son now. You can come visit and eventually we will visit Hope Valley I am sure." Elizabeth reached to tousle Patrick's hair, then rested her hand on Rosemary's arm. "That's not all though is it? With me moving things are changing and that is difficult to get used to…"

Rosemary hugged Patrick before setting him on the floor. "Momma needs to hug Mrs. T. now." Barely making it into Elizabeth's arms, Rosemary allowed the flood of tears to flow. Into Elizabeth's shoulder Rosemary sobbed, confessing. "I am happy for you, Elizabeth, after all you've been through. And I am happy for dear Nathan who has waited for so long. Oh, and Allie? She will finally get a mother, and a brother too! How can anyone not rejoice for her?" Rosemary backed away enough to find her hankie in her pocket. "I guess I am selfish. I'm not happy for me…"

"We will always be friends, Rosemary. Nowadays, we can talk on the telephone then there are letters, and as I said, visits." Elizabeth tried to reassure and comfort her. "Our friendship may look different, but the essentials will remain, even from a distance."

"It won't be the same…without you next door…"

"No, it won't be the same. You are right…" Elizabeth glanced at the clock. "I'm sorry, Rosemary, but I need to meet with Joseph and Dr. Ben in a short time. What can I bring to supper tonight?"

"Oh, nothing really. Unless you want to bring some dinner rolls? That's fine."

"Rolls. Okay, I will get them at Abigail's. If you think of anything else, please call? I may be making the rounds to tell people after my appointment, but you can always get Hudson to pick up something you might be missing." Elizabeth opened her arms again. "Here, let me hug you again. I'll share more details at dinner tonight."

Rosemary's telephone rang at that moment so, breaking their hug, Elizabeth slipped on her coat and with a wave to Patrick, she quietly opened the door.

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(*58) Paraphrase of Psalms 126: 3

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