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Chapter One hundred twenty

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Indebted

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When Elizabeth, Allie, Julie and Jack entered the main house having returned from school, Allie called out her greeting. "Hello? Anybody home?"

From the kitchen Bill responded. "Hello, yourself. I am in the kitchen!"

"Oh! Uncle Bill! What are you making?" Allie entered and wrapped her arms around his waist.

Little arms soon followed, wrapped around Bill's knees and a giggling Jack looked up at his Uncle Bill. "I'm here too, Uncle Bill. It's me. Jack!"

Wiping his hands on his apron, Bill engulfed Allie in a quick hug then bent to pick up Jack. "Hello to both of you! Are you ready for some milk and cookies? I baked this afternoon." Bill winked as the children nodded and admitted that would be perfect.

"Hello, Elizabeth. How did the unpacking go?" Bill inquired. "Are your folks settled enough to get them through the holidays?" He opened his arm for a side hug before he collected the milk from the icebox.

"Actually, if Hudson finishes Father's clothing with him now, they are all unpacked. Well, assuming Hudson has taken care of his own belongings! I forgot to ask." Elizabeth peeked into the pan of sauce and waved her hand over it to inhale the fragrance. "Bill! This smells wonderful!"

"Good. It's an easy recipe, but I have a lot of chefs and connoisseurs to please!" Bill replied.

"You know everyone loves your cooking, Bill. May I help with anything?" Elizabeth offered. When Bill shook his head, Elizabeth turned to Allie.

"Okay then. Allie, Honey? Could you watch Jack for awhile so I can do something in my room?"

"Of course, take your time. Aunt Julie, Jack and I can play in the living room after our snack. Right, Jack?"

Always following Allie's lead, Jack nodded. With a mouth full of cookie though he could only mumble, "Ummmm Hmmmm."

. .

Carol knocked on Elizabeth's door, interrupting Elizabeth's journal writing. She waited until Elizabeth called out, "Come in!"

"Hello, my dear. Would you like to see the studio apartment?" Carol offered. "I know you didn't see it before."

"Yes, please. This house is truly amazing, you know, and I look forward to the new bedroom designs too!" Elizabeth placed her journal beside the bed and followed Carol through the living room and the dining room into the unexplored wing of the house.

"This is where Peter and I stayed when we first came to Regina. Now it is all spruced up." Carol motioned for Elizabeth to enter first. "We will stay here during the upcoming renovations."

"This is charming! Such a lovely guest suite, or even a room for a student or…" Elizabeth inspected the room, examining the bathroom, tiny kitchen and bed area. "Do you plan to leave the furniture when you go to Ottawa?"

"Probably, except for that diminutive table." Carol motioned to a small table set between two arm chairs. "That was mine in childhood so that has sentimental value for me!"

"Carol?" Elizabeth wore a sweet but serious expression. "Nathan shared what you have done, gifting the house to him. You and Peter are so generous and loving. When the time comes, I promise to delight in this place and continue to make it a place of welcome, hospitality, love and faith, following in your footsteps. You are both beautiful people." Elizabeth noticed Carol's eyes filling and reached her arm around Carol's shoulders. "Thank you for your hospitality to Jack and me, and to my mother, and Bill… the list goes on!"

"It is truly my pleasure, Honey." Carol wiped the corners of her eyes. "All of you fill a place in my heart that was reserved for children and grandchildren, so I should be thanking you for allowing Peter and I the privilege of becoming like family."

"Not becoming 'like' family, Carol, becoming family. Did you hear Nathan's prayer at the dinner table last night? He thanked God for 'the family God has formed.' That includes everyone around the table, and even those absent, like Zachary. We are yours and you are ours." Elizabeth squeezed Carol's shoulders again.

"Thank you, Sweetheart. That means so much to me."

Now, Elizabeth hesitated. "I hope you can answer a question that has taken up residence in my mind. Why did you make Nathan an heir ten years ago? Did something significant happen with him or in the Mounties at that time?"

Carol placed her hand on Elizabeth's arm. "Let's sit for a bit, shall we?" Seated together on the loveseat, Carol turned to allow them to see each other's faces. Looking at Elizabeth and holding her gaze, Carol answered quietly. "I don't know how much Nathan has shared about his life in the Mounties, but he was chosen early on as leadership material. His assignments were deliberate as he followed the officer training track, courses and postings. Nathan was being groomed for a responsible position. However, everything changed when his sister, Colleen, died and Nathan became Allie's guardian. He withdrew from officer training and eventually requested a small town posting for his niece's sake. His sacrifice didn't go unnoticed within the Mounties and his choice was greatly admired, increasing his already excellent reputation."

"When Peter and I learned about Nathan's choice, we decided to leave an inheritance for him." Carol coughed. "It is a rare, if not unheard of, thing for a single young man to take responsibility for another's child, sacrificing his career aspirations. We knew Nathan's family history and felt he deserved to be provided for with an inheritance, since his family wouldn't be leaving him one. We had the means, no immediate relatives, and felt led to name him our heir."

"Wow. What a precious gift to give him. It is actually a reward for his care for others at great cost to himself." Elizabeth swallowed hard as tears formed. "He did that for me, Carol. Nathan turned down the Inspector position offered to him a few years ago, for Allie and for me."

"May I say something to you, dear? If Nathan ever makes a decision you don't like or understand, or that you disagree with, I want you to think about it from his perspective. If you look carefully you will probably find he has made that decision for the good of another. Whether it is to go or not go somewhere, to provide something or protect someone, if Nathan is behind it there is never anything selfish about his choice." Looking out the window, Carol continued.

"Nathan may appear to be obstinate or unwilling to listen, but he sees something or senses something that you cannot. I think of it in terms of his height. Nathan has a distinct advantage over me because he can see more of what is ahead or around me and will keep me from any harm he observes. Do you understand what I am saying, Sweetheart?" Carol placed her hand on Elizabeth's arm. "Support Nathan, Honey. If you find yourself on opposite sides of an issue, look around and ask yourself for whom is he doing this? He is not perfect, and may even be overly protective or something like that, but look at his heart. Look at his intentions."

"There is something else, Elizabeth. I don't know how much Nathan has shared about his family, but the disappointments of his youth, the circumstances of him taking on adult responsibilities as a child make him unique. His ability to forgive and to hold his tongue have been worked into his character through situations you and I can only imagine. He had none of the privileges you and I have had. No one took care of him, well except for Ruth, his mother. He and his mother had to find a way to eke out a living when his father went to prison. No uncle or grandfather stepped in to help. They had to rely on God and on each other. Nathan's compassion stems from not wanting anyone else to suffer as he did."

"His offering of his artistic gifts springs forth from a desire to give something when he could not afford to make a purchase. So Nathan wrote a poem, learned to carve, built a picture frame, offered a song and gave something of himself. Nathan thinks it is nothing because it doesn't compare to what other's store bought gifts offer. Elizabeth? Nathan gives of himself and that is the most valuable, honorable, generous gift anyone can give." Carol blinked as her eyes glistened and she admonished softly.

"Respect him, Sweetheart, and encourage him. Apart from his mother, and finding his place within the Mounties, Nathan has lived a long time without daily support. From what I glean from Allie and things to which Nathan has hinted, he didn't have or didn't know he had that appreciation in Hope Valley. In my opinion, as lovely as the place may be, they failed Nathan. The accolades came after he departed yet he enjoyed no daily thanks for all he did for the town. That is my opinion, based on what I can piece together. The appreciation at Depot shocks Nathan because he has never known it."

Elizabeth was weeping as Carol shared these insights. She wasn't just remembering her treatment of this fine man but she was realizing some truths she had never seen. Truly Allie's fierce support of her Dad and his attentive care and parenting of Allie strengthened their bond, meeting a need each had that was never met anywhere else. She vowed to support and care for Nathan, to partner with him, but also to minister to him. "Carol, I feel inadequate to come alongside such a giant of a man. I have my weaknesses and I don't know how I… if I…"

"Elizabeth? God does not expect us to meet all the needs of our spouse. That is a burden only God, himself can bear. What God wants is for us to go to him and follow his lead on what we can do to love and put that other person before ourselves. I believe your move to Regina is showing Nathan your love and support in a way he has never encountered. You are willingly setting aside something dear to you, your dreams, your life, to join yourself with Nathan and walk side-by-side. If you put him before yourself, you know he is doing the same and together your marriage with be strong and a testimony to what God has done."

Carol laughed quietly. "Do not tell Nathan that I am speaking to you as if you are betrothed. He hasn't asked, but I believe you both are meant for each other however long that takes. Although I hope it is not long!" She patted Elizabeth's arm. "Nathan's countenance has been transformed with your arrival, my dear."

Moving to stand, Carol concluded their talk. "We better get back to the family as Nathan may already be home and you don't want to miss a moment with your man, right?" Carol handed Elizabeth a dry hankie from her apron pocket. "You look fine sweetheart, but if you want to freshen up, feel free to use the bathroom here. I will meet you in the kitchen or front room."

Taking the hankie, Elizabeth hugged Carol, whispering, "Thank you for all you have shared, Carol. Thank you."

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Entering the living room, Elizabeth saw Nathan had changed from his uniform into her favorite blue shirt and dark brown trousers and was now seated on the floor playing with Jack in front of the Christmas tree. Allie was lounging in a nearby armchair, legs draped over the arm of the chair and mind engrossed in a book.

"Hi Honey!" Elizabeth went to Nathan and bent over him to kiss the top of his head.

"Hello my love." Nathan reached his hand up and around her head so he could give her a brief kiss. Looking into her eyes, he saw her emotions, so he quietly asked. "Is everything alright?"

"More than alright, Nathan. I was just chatting with Carol and examining the little apartment. Isn't it charming?" She patted Nathan's cheek indicating now was not the time to talk.

He nodded and responded to her question. "It is a surprise benefit to this house, that's for certain." While Jack continued with his toys, Nathan turned and bent his knees wrapping his arms around them. "How was your day, Lisbeth?"

Sinking gracefully into the armchair closest to Nathan, Elizabeth replied. "It has been full, but satisfying. I think Mother and Father are mostly settled which is amazing!" Glancing around she realized Julie was not in sight. "Where is Julie?"

"I let her have the privacy of the cottage so she could talk to Brad. She'll be in shortly I am sure." Nathan winked.

"That was kind, Honey." Elizabeth gave Nathan a look of new understanding. "I asked earlier, but does Bill need help with dinner?"

"He said no, so I think we can take over the clean up as he appears to have accomplished a great deal this afternoon! Smells wonderful too." Nathan looked at Elizabeth with hope-filled eyes. "Could you get his recipe for tonight's dinner? It might be one worth repeating."

Laughing, Elizabeth nodded. "I had the same thought!"

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Bill received copious compliments as dinner drew to a close.

"Where did you learn to cook so well, Bill?" William inquired. "Your skills are noteworthy!"

Chuckling, Bill admitted. "My mother was a chef and I paid attention. Yet that was long ago, so between then and now, I would say trial and error. There remains one dish I still haven't perfected though."

"Uh oh," Nathan teased, chuckling. "Let me guess. Chili?"

Feigning indignation, Bill responded. "I'll have you know I have almost recreated my mother's famous recipe."

Elizabeth giggled. "You know I love you, Bill, but your chili is notorious and not in a good way."

"Not you too, Elizabeth!" Bill smirked, adding, "Deserter!"

"You may recall I have never ordered it, Bill. One taste of Lee's bowl was enough for me. Way too spicy for my taste. Actually so was Gustave's, so maybe I just have an aversion to chili spice itself."

Nathan laughed, grinning at Elizabeth. "Well, you just gracefully excused yourself from ever needing to try chili again! I'll have to remember that is not favored faire."

"Hmph!" Bill concluded. "Did you say you want my recipe for this sauce tonight? We'll have to see about that!"

"Oh no, Uncle Bill, you will still give it to me, right?" Allie pleaded.

"For you, yes, my girl. You may make it for the family, but I may request you not share it. I mean, my chili is…"

Allie giggled. "I don't want the chili recipe, Uncle Bill! The maple rosemary sauce is what I want!"

"Oh, I know. I know!" Bill winked as Allie's cheeks acquired a hint of pink.

By now, William and Hudson had begun to chuckle listening to this banter.

"Allie has claimed a soft spot in your heart, Bill! Better watch out!" William offered, smiling indulgently at Allie. "Miss Allie has claimed mine as well!" Winking at Allie, he made her blush deepen.

"I am learning that my father is not the hardened businessman people have thought him to be!" Julie interjected, grinning. "Father, better be careful if news spreads that you are an old softie!"

"Leave out the 'old' part and I will gladly admit it, but just within the family!" William countered.

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After Nathan, William, Hudson, and Peter finished cleaning up the kitchen and they joined the others in the living room, Nathan asked about everyone's plans for the following day.

Allie explained that she only had a half day and still had to pack her tote with the gifts she had made for her school friends. "I think we are mostly having Christmas parties after our final morning assembly. The chorus is leading some Christmas carols for that"

"Do you know if Jake will be able to get you from school mid-day, Allie?" Queried Nathan as he observed his happy daughter. He had a feeling this Christmastime would top any previous ones for Allie Grant.

"Excuse me for interrupting, but I wondered if Elizabeth and Jack and I could meet Allie and I could take them to Victoria's Café for lunch? Would that be okay?" Bill looked at Elizabeth. "I will join Jake and Carol to get our groceries first thing in the morning, but should be finished with that in plenty of time to get you and Allie. What do you say?"

"That's a lovely idea, Bill." Agreed Elizabeth, thinking that gave her the morning to work on a project and then help Carol. "Thank you! Maybe we could find time to show Jack the window displays? It may be crowded, but you could put him on your shoulders, right?"

"Absolutely," Assured Bill. "We'll just inform Jake that I will step in for school pick-up tomorrow."

William and Hudson planned to spend the morning unloading some cartons in the office, while Grace and Julie hoped to window shop and stroll around the downtown stores for a couple hours. They offered to assist Carol in preparing tomorrow evening's meal in the afternoon and discussed the menu of baked rosemary chicken over rice, steamed carrots and vanilla custard with cookies.

"Mrs. Thornton? Can we bake cookies in the afternoon?" Inquired Allie. "I'd like to make a couple different kinds and we can use our kitchen so we won't get in Gramma Carol's way up here."

"I would love that, Sweetheart." Smiling, Elizabeth welcomed the time to bake and bond with Allie. "It is always good to have lots of cookies, especially at this time of year. Is there a particular recipe you have in mind? We can add the ingredients to the morning grocery list."

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Since Jack was nodding off soon after Nathan, Elizabeth, the children and Bill retreated for a private visit in the cottage, Nathan settled Jack on top of his bed again as Allie retired to her room to read. Returning to the front room, Nathan sat next to Elizabeth and lifted his mug of tea. "Cheers to your visit, Bill. It has certainly turned out to be a busier time than I envisioned just a few weeks ago! Still, I am glad you are here."

"Thanks. For this old chap, it is wonderful to be surrounded by all the family and the excitement. I've gotten to know William and Grace, as well as Hudson, plus it is good to see Peter and Carol again, so I feel right at home with everyone."

"You are always at home when you are with Allie and me, Bill. You know that. I just hope you understand that we are not having the quiet Christmas we planned! By the way, that dinner was delicious!"

"Thanks. Maybe I'll make it again next week!" Bill sipped his coffee while surveying the tree and decorations on the mantelpiece. "This is a lovely tree, Nathan, and the greens make the place quite festive."

"We chose the tree when Elizabeth was here, and Allie has added greens, pinecones, and ribbons to add to the ambiance. She is quite the artist nowadays and I love it." Nathan took Elizabeth's hand in his, lifting it to breathe out a feather-soft kiss across her knuckles. "Of course Elizabeth graced our front door with her artistry, making certain we thought of her frequently." Nathan chuckled. "As if that would be an issue!"

"You have no idea what a happy blessing it is to finally see you two together. I have longed for this for years and at times despaired of it ever happening, even though I was convinced you two were meant for each other." Bill coughed as his voice betrayed his emotions. "Thank God, you are here now!"

"Amen," Whispered Elizabeth as she snuggled closer to Nathan's side. "It was a long road separately, but the road ahead from this point on has converged and we will be walking side-by-side. I am so thankful."

Bill watched Nathan's and Elizabeth's looks of love. "So how do you both feel about the main house becoming yours? Are you still getting used to the idea, or do you have plans yet?"

"I don't know if I will be used to it until we are settled-in and living there!" Nathan chuckled. "It was a shock for me, however the more I think about it, the house is an amazing provision for a growing family." Nathan blushed. "Uh, I don't mean… well, you know what I mean… for us to blend our families together… uh, that's what I mean."

Elizabeth giggled. "It is getting more and more difficult to avoid speaking as if we are already on the way to the altar!" She patted Nathan's arm. "It's okay, Honey. Bill understands."

Reflecting thoughtfully, Elizabeth continued. "Honey? I had a chat with Carol today and got an answer to something about which I was curious. Do you know why Peter and Carol named you in their Will ten or so years ago?"

"No. I never asked." Admitted Nathan. "I think I've just been trying to comprehend that they did that. I haven't asked for a reason. Did Carol tell you why?"

"She did. Honey? They knew about you taking-in Allie and sacrificing your career aspirations to care for her. Evidently they knew Colleen had passed and knew about your family's struggles with your father so, because they admired you and that decision, they felt you deserved an inheritance. They prepared their Will and Testament at that time. Isn't that amazing?"

Glancing behind to the hallway, Nathan was assured Allie's door was shut so he leaned forward and let go of Elizabeth's hand. "There is something you don't know." He looked over at Bill, then back to Elizabeth as a worried look crossed her face. "Nothing to be concerned about, just an amazing revelation about the Collins's." Nathan inhaled deeply. "Peter was the Constable who first arrested my father."

Silence descended in the room and even the fire ceased it's crackling momentarily as Elizabeth and Bill absorbed this news.

"I distinctly recall Peter hugging Colleen and me and reassuring me that he would look after my father. We stood on the porch with my mother, all of us in tears as Dad rode out of our lives that first time." Although Nathan had forgiven over many years, the memory was still there. "Peter informed my opinion of a Mountie and I've never forgotten."

"Wow! What a connection, Nathan." Bill responded finally able to speak. "That is precious."

Elizabeth placed her hand on Nathan's broad back, desiring to be there for him.

"There is more." Nathan continued. "From that time, until I went to the Academy, a monthly bank cheque arrived that helped us with living expenses. It was sent in an envelope stamped from the RCMP or, as it was back then, the NWMP."

Gasps escaped from Elizabeth and Bill as they began to make the connections.

Nathan paused briefly. "Peter and Carol sent that money to help my mother and us, because they had no children and their hearts were moved by God. They also have been praying for us every day since then."

"So Peter kept up with your career and arranged for the offer to Depot?" Bill asked quietly, better understanding both Peter and this unassuming Mountie sitting before him.

"To some extent. He confessed that as he advanced in rank he found ways to keep abreast of the events in my life. I asked him later about how he could do that from a distance and learned he knew Gabriel Kinslow's and Rosemary's fathers. In correspondence he pieced together enough to follow my life." Nathan chuckled. "Peter is a master investigator!" With a grin he added. "Just glad I was always on the right side of the law!"

Elizabeth recalled something she had read and spoke softly. "Was your book dedication to Peter then? It all makes sense now…"

Nodding in the affirmative, Nathan responded. "He was my inspiration and example as a silent benefactor. He is why I became a Mountie. I didn't know about this until Peter confessed recently. Since both of you are close to me I will share one final confession if I may have your promises to keep my confidence regarding all of this? Please?"

Bill and Elizabeth immediately assured him of their promises.

"I wasn't the only benefactor. Peter followed my father's incarcerations and releases. Through what can only be Providential circumstances, Peter learned from a Mountie colleague that the man sent money to his daughter who cared for his blind sister in Edmonton. In conversation, Peter learned this single woman had birthed a child named Zachary Archer Grant. Peter immediately did the math. From then on Peter and Carol sent monthly contributions to assist Zach's family as well."

Nathan searched the faces of Elizabeth and Bill. "Peter fulfilled his promise to us all those years ago and took care of my father, and his children. He doesn't want Zach to know this until after Zach graduates, so please don't mention anything to anyone but me?"

Through her tears, Elizabeth could only gasp, "Nathan." She leaned forward, placing her head against Nathan's back and her arms encircling his waist.

Bill just stared at the Christmas tree, his watery vision blurring the lights. Thinking of his own appreciation and connection to Nathan, Bill understood so much more about Nathan Grant, the man and the Mountie. He also understood why the Collins's loved the Grants so much. They had essentially adopted Nathan, and then Allie, and now the gift of the house and the provision of this cottage, the promotion, the career recommendations, the appreciation and encouragement all made sense. Because Peter was the admirable and worthy man he was, he and Carol had prayed and supported Nathan as he became the same.

"Do Archie and your mother know?" Bill whispered concerned.

"They do. I told them as they departed from the weekend visit with Zachary. Since then I understand both Dad and Mom have written extensive letters of gratitude to both Peter and Carol. As you would expect, the Collins's have down-played their role, explaining that they had an abundance and God lead them to share it. They offered their offering to God and He directed it to us, the Grants."

Bill had another question. "How does Archie feel about this?"

"I believe Dad has worked through every emotion you can imagine from embarrassment and shame to anger at himself, to sorrow and grief, to seeking God's and everyone's forgiveness all over again." Nathan paused, thoughtfully looking into the fire. You know, to stand before the Lord, empty of all human effort and success, aware that you have failed, but knowing God has loved you beyond measure and provided for you throughout your life? Like the Prodigal son and his brother? It is a perspective we all should visit periodically, with great thanksgiving."

Nathan shifted his position and, arm around Elizabeth, he drew her to his side with a final thought. "When indebted like this, all we can do is give thanks."

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