Chapter 19: Where The Heart Is
After completing the necessary reports, Gabriel and Nathan said their goodbyes to Morley, Fraser, and Frewin before heading north as quickly as they could. It was mid-afternoon and Gabriel was bound and determined to reach Lillian by nightfall.
Seeing as how Nathan longed for Elizabeth just as much, he had no complaints about the pace they were setting—even though it meant he would still have to rest Newton tonight in Brookfield. He had hoped to leave at dawn and catch Elizabeth and Allie after Sunday services.
———
Rosemary refilled her teacup at the stove and turned to face her friend at the table. "So you really dreamed that Lee tripped Lucas with my handbag? Oh that's rich. Why didn't I think of that?"
"Well in my dream, you did." Elizabeth chuckled to herself before taking another sip of tea, "But never-mind that, he has crossed over into my dreams, Rosemary. He and Allie both. It was like I was there invisibly in their home and it felt so…right."
"How scandalous." Rosemary deadpanned with just a quick, amused twitch of her eyebrow.
Elizabeth shot her a look over her tea cup. "It wasn't like that. But it startled me. My dreams have had other people in town before, but the only other man I've dreamed of like this…was Jack."
"Is that why you took your rings off?"
Elizabeth's mouth opened in surprise, "You noticed?"
"Well it's hard not to when you keep rubbing your fingers together where your rings were." Rosemary's eyebrow arched further as she took a seat again.
"Oh." Elizabeth hadn't realized she had been doing that.
Rosemary reached across the table and squeezed her friend's ringless hand.
"It's ok, Elizabeth. No one expects you to just snuff out your feelings. We all know that you love Jack. You always will. He lives on in that little boy over there." She nodded with a head tilt towards the floor where Jack sat sprawled out with a half dozen picture books.
Elizabeth smiled warmly at her son. He was definitely his father's son. Mischievous and clever, and yet loyal and true. There had been more than once that Elizabeth recognized the sparkle in Jack's eyes to be a reflection of his father's.
"He's a good boy. Jack would be proud of him. How has it been at home? You and Jack seem to be happy." Rosemary's kind blue eyes implored hers even as she let go of Elizabeth's hand and sat back in her chair.
"Good. We've been reading together a lot."
"Is he still into dragons and knights?"
"Yes. Everything adventure these days. The teacher in me is thrilled at his excitement to read, but the mother in me would like to steer him towards any other content.
"He reminds me so much of his father at that age. Always up for adventure. Always exploring," Rosemary recalled with a wistful look.
"Always coloring on walls?" Elizabeth groaned in irritation.
"Well…I don't remember that, but you'd have to ask Charlotte about that one." Rosemary giggled at her friend's narrowed eyes—clearly reliving her son's recent mischief.
Elizabeth sighed, "He honestly probably gets that one from me. It's amazing that Frederick, our butler, and I have the close relationship that we have. He was always whisking me off to the kitchen while the governess washed our walls…again. Viola would scold me, and Julie was just a baby, but Frederick was a true friend. We went through several governesses while I was a young girl and I feel like I'm starting to realize why." The corner of her mouth raised up in a smirk.
"Well I can't imagine with a gene-pool like that, there would be any surprise that between you and Jack you would have a mischievous little man." Rosemary winked at her before her gaze fell upon Jack—whose head had slowly drifted down to his arm so he was laying on his side among the books. His back rose and fell gently as he dreamed from the comfort of his auntie's rug.
Elizabeth followed her gaze and smiled herself. Her heart warmed at the sight of her slumbering son.
"He is such a gift. The best gift Jack ever gave me."
Without turning from Little Jack, Rosemary agreed. "He certainly is that. Jack would be so proud of him too."
"I know he would. I wish I could have seen him become a father." Elizabeth's eyes glistened at the corners. She felt Rosemary's hand find hers and squeeze it supportively.
"I wish that too, Elizabeth. Once he got over the shock of the timing, I think he would have been so excited."
Elizabeth giggled at that, "He and I both. I like to imagine sometimes what he would have said or done."
"I've been thinking of him often lately," Rosemary admitted. "Sometimes I swear I even hear him teasing me in my mind."
Elizabeth laughed, "That's him alright. He keeps calling me a goat in my mind."
Rosemary nearly spit out her tea. "Oh I forgot about that!" She put her tea down on the table and put a hand up in the air while she controlled her laughter. "Only Jack could get away with that…..well…maybe Charlotte too."
"Definitely Charlotte." Elizabeth laughed bringing the tea again to her lips.
They sat for a few minutes each lost in their memories of Jack before Rosemary broke the silence.
"So when does Nathan get home?" Rosemary asked after taking another sip of tea.
"According to his last telegram, he'll spend the night in Brookfield and be here tomorrow after church." A hopeful smile reached Elizabeth's eyes and she subconsciously took a deep breath and relaxed her shoulders.
"I'm glad. So…what are you wearing to church?" Rosemary's eyes gleamed with anticipation to play dress-up this afternoon with her dearest friend.
———-
The path out of the mountains had widened enough at last for Gabriel and Nathan to ride side by side as they continued North to Brookfield. The landscape flattened out and the rolling hills of farms and ranches dotted the horizon.
The footing was easier for the horses to run, but with the miles still ahead of them it was wiser to take a more reasonable pace. Gabriel seemed eager to use the time and distance to his advantage to check on his friend. "Well…what are you thinking?"
Nathan eyed him suspiciously.
"Oh come on. You're always thinking. You never stop thinking…you might not like talking, but you're definitely thinking." Gabriel challenged.
It was true. If anyone knew Nathan, it was Gabriel. Ever since they met and providentially roomed together at Depot as cadets, they enjoyed a fast friendship—one of those friends that you feel like you've known longer than you actually have.
They had bonded quickly over the grueling training cadets go through, and Nathan felt like he had finally gained the brother that he had always prayed for. Sharing a similar sense of humor, they were quickly inseparable.
And now after years together and countless missions as partners…they practically read each other's minds. It was some of what made them such a great team. They had a certain synchrony together that neither could explain, but apparently it was noticed by the upper brass as well. They were frequently paired together on missions—creating a distinct advantage for the Force.
"Are we going to do this the hard way?" Gabriel teased with a slight smirk at the corner of his mouth.
"You're not tying me up again, Gabe." Nathan huffed with an eye roll.
Gabriel shrugged smugly. "Worked for McAllister."
"Don't even think about it." Nathan let out an exasperated sigh and eyed his friend again. The concerned look in Gabriel's eye was one that Nathan knew he wouldn't shake.
He relented and spoke up, "I know logically it's not my fault, but why does this keep happening, Gabe? Why am I nearly stopping the bad guy before someone gets killed, and yet I still can't stop it. It's like a nightmare I can't wake up from."
Gabriel pressed his lips together in thought. "I… don't know Nathan. I don't understand it. It could have been me just as easily as it was you. If that lady wasn't there, you would have had him….but…it's not like you put her there. You couldn't move. I don't know. I guess I have to think that it was Usher's and Bailey's time."
"Usher was so young though. Could it really have been his time? Was it Colleen's? Was it Jack's?" Nathan shook his head sadly, as he sat in the saddle, trying to make sense of his thoughts.
Gabriel opened his mouth to speak, but then closed it again. "….It didn't seem like it was their time. I don't know, Nathan. I don't know if we'll ever know. Maybe sometimes tragedies just happen."
Nathan sighed—recognizing the wisdom of his friend's statement. It made sense, but it didn't fix the ache down in his heart over repeated losses.
Nathan looked over at his sympathetic friend. "Gabe? Thank you for guarding the door in Nordegg when I was on the phone with Elizabeth. It meant a lot."
Gabriel smiled solemnly and nodded his head, "It was the least I could do. You needed that moment. I was just glad you were letting someone in."
Nathan looked down at the reins in his hand as they continued to ride along. "She has a way of doing that. Normally, I can keep a pretty tight lip, but with her it's like everything just comes spilling out."
Gabriel laughed—drawing Nathan's attention. "You? Quiet?"
Nathan's eyes narrowed, and he directed Newton over into Apollo's side—effectively shoving Gabriel off the path and into a small pine branch.
"Heyyy!"
"Oops." Nathan laughed before trotting ahead.
——-
After a couple of hours, the outskirts of Brookfield were finally in their sights. Without saying a word, Gabriel smiled wide and picked up the pace—heading off for the orphanage and the woman he left behind.
Nathan trotted forward alone and headed for the livery to brush down Newton, and get him properly fed and watered, before he checked in at the hotel. As he rode past the telegraph office, Ruth stepped out and greeted him with a smile, holding slips of paper in her hand.
"Welcome back, Constable. You have a few messages already."
"Thank you, Ruth." He had a broad smile, but a puzzled gaze, knowing only a few people would have known of his arrival in Brookfield this evening. Ruth handed him the telegrams before she ducked back inside as another message came across the wire.
He read, "NATHAN THINKING OF YOU WITH EVERY MILE SEE YOU TOMORROW LOVE ELIZABETH"
A lopsided grin crept across his face as his thumb tenderly rubbed against the printed words. After reading it twice, he folded it, and tucked it safely with the other treasured telegrams into his chest pocket.
The second telegram read,
"SEE YOU SOON DAD I LOVE YOU ALLIE"
He smiled tenderly at his daughter's thoughtfulness and folded her note and tucked it away in his pocket as well.
Ruth stuck her head back out the door, visibly relieved to still see Nathan. "This one is for both you and Gabriel. Will you see him again or should I keep the telegram here?"
"I'll see him later tonight, and I can run it to the office until he gets back if that would help." Ruth nodded her approval at the plan, and Nathan took the slip from her.
"KINSLOW AND GRANT REPORT TO HEADQUARTERS WEDNESDAY AT NOON SUPT OREILLY"
Nathan folded the telegram, thanked Ruth, sent off a quick note to Elizabeth about his arrival in Brookfield, and headed back to Newton. He had expected to be summoned to regional headquarters after such a big case. But after a long road trip, the last thing he wanted to do was leave Elizabeth, Allie, and Jack again—even temporarily.
Still, Union City would be a relatively safe trip, and with a little luck he would return home quickly after fielding the expected questions.
Nathan waved to the friendly faces of the people of Brookfield as they milled about enjoying their weekend. Reaching the livery, he cared for Newton before heading over at dusk to The Royal Brookfield Hotel for supper.
————
The sky was glowing with the last golden rays as Gabriel approached the large stately orphanage. The kids in the yard waved wildly before they abandoned their game of catch and sprinted for the front door and disappeared inside.
Gabriel smiled to himself at the lack of subtlety the kids showed in going to get Lillian. He dismounted from Apollo and tied him to the front railing. It was then that he noticed the fluttering of the curtains at the windows—indicating that he had a young and captive audience.
The door swung open to reveal the most beautiful redhead he had ever known. She ran out the door and quickly descended the steps. "You're back." Lillian breathed as she hugged Gabriel tightly, burying her face in his serge.
"I came as quickly as I could…. I'm afraid we have an audience." Gabriel chuckled and tilted his head toward the front window. Several little heads disappeared below the window frame. The soft scolding of Eleanor and the higher pitched groaning of the children could be heard through the glass. The curtain moved again and finally hung straight.
Lillian glanced at the window and shook her head with a smile. "Come on. I have the perfect spot to watch the sunset away from little eyes."
Gabriel offered his arm, and Lillian slipped her arm through his. With the other hand, she grabbed the quilt that was draped over the stair banister and a picnic basket from the front steps.
"A quick getaway, with a loaded basket... Miss Walsh, I do believe you planned this," He teased in a conspiratorial whisper.
She nudged him gently with her shoulder to counter his teasing. "Come on. Just through these trees is the perfect spot." Lillian smiled up at him, memorizing each of his rugged features. A five o'clock shadow shaded his sun-kissed cheeks after a half day of riding. Her green eyes searched his, and he glanced briefly at her pink lips before scanning the window quickly.
With no sign of life near the window, he cupped her cheek with his free hand and pressed his lips to hers—their smiles nearly getting in the way of their quick kiss.
Pulling back quicker than he wanted, he guided her to the spot that she had indicated through the trees. It was a small grove of oak trees that opened up to the wide open field that gave them an expansive view of the setting sun.
Lillian laid out the quilt under a tall oak tree, and Gabriel set the basket next to him. He leaned back against the widest oak—shielding them from view. Lillian nestled in at his side and sighed, feeling at home in Gabriel's arms.
Loving a Mountie meant you had to treasure the times you did have together, and Lillian wasn't going to waste a minute. They sat together just enjoying each other's company, pointing out different shapes in the clouds, and leaning into each other—soaking up the feel of being together again.
They portioned the food from the picnic basket out onto plates and enjoyed roasted chicken, baked potatoes, and green beans for supper under the painted sky. As the sun continued to set, the oranges and yellows turned to reds and pinks, and finally purple until only a dark red crept along the horizon, glowing just above the tree line.
Lillian traced the lines of Gabriel's palm, "How are you doing? I've been praying for you. I can't imagine what it's like to lose men."
Gabriel looked down at her and kissed her forehead gently. "It's hard. Having a bullet fly over your head is unnerving …to say the least. I don't think that I could have done anything differently though. I just have to thank the Lord for His protection and know that we put the man behind bars. Then I just have to move on with my life."
"That sounds easier said than done."
"It is. I've had to remind Nathan of that. He was dealt a much harder hand, and I know he's probably overthinking it even now. Hopefully Elizabeth can help him sort through his thoughts."
"Elizabeth Thornton?! So she has finally faced her fear…..Oh, I'm so glad. She was starting to worry me in her letters about that Lucas character. I don't know what she ever saw in him."
"You and me both. Jack would have rolled in his grave." Gabriel laughed—making Lillian's head bob up and down gently on his chest.
Lillian smiled wide, "Abigail wouldn't have stood for it. She would have stormed all the way to Hope Valley from here if she had to. I'm just glad that Elizabeth embraced her heart after all. Nathan is a good man."
"The best."
"Yeah? ….Like a best man?" Lillian turned her chin up to Gabriel seeking out his eyes with her question.
"Definitely. You just say the word, Lillian." His eyes were lit with hope and promise.
Lillian blushed, looked down, and squeezed his hand. "You've been patient and I really appreciate that. You are the only man for me Gabriel. I just need a little more time courting before I'm ready to move forward. I want to make sure that the orphanage is established, and with Grace and Chuck leaving…"
"Lillian, I understand. Completely. I would wait for you forever."
"Well I won't make you wait quite that long." The corner of her mouth upturned in a playful smirk.
Gabriel let out a breath with a chuckle. "Good. Because I would love to make you my wife someday."
"Someday, Constable." She cupped his cheek and gave him a long and lingering kiss loaded with a promise for the future.
Gabriel stayed leaned in with his eyes closed even after she pulled back. "I know I should get you back. It's starting to get dark."
"Probably." Lillian whispered as she traced a finger down the side of his face. She gave him one more quick kiss before she stood and cleared their plates and silverware into the basket. She lit the lantern that she had cleverly stowed by the oak tree earlier this afternoon.
Gabriel folded the blanket—tucking it under his arm, and he took the lantern before taking her hand in his other. He walked her back as slowly as they could, savoring every last moment together.
———-
Morning came quickly for Nathan and he was awake and dressed before the first rays of sunshine. It was more his Mountie training for early rising and anticipation of seeing Elizabeth and Allie today over a complaint of the beds at the hotel—which were completely comfortable.
Nathan hustled down the stairs, with his long legs carrying him closer to the promising scent of freshly brewed coffee. Ronnie stood behind the desk with a plastered smile, "Good morning Constable. I trust your accommodations were adequate?"
Ronnie was adjusting his tie and tugging at the bottom of his vest in a nervous fidget—covering a bit for his tendency to fish for compliments.
Nathan smiled at the man, "Yes, Ronnie. In fact I was very comfortable. Thanks for your hospitality. By any chance, is the kitchen open yet? I was hoping to eat before I headed out."
Ronnie sprung into action at the verbal cue of a potential customer, "Just give me about ten minutes, Nathan, and I'll see what my cook can rustle up. Please have a seat. Don't go anywhere…just give me a moment. I've got new help you see…." He trailed off as he disappeared around the corner towards the kitchen.
Nathan smiled to himself at the eccentric behavior of the hotel owner, who was always eager to make a profit. If he hadn't bailed on Ronnie the last time unexpectedly with the Nordegg mission, he would have just barged in on Gabriel this morning and made breakfast at his apartment behind the Mountie office.
Instead, he grabbed a table near the kitchen and took a seat. To his surprise rather than Ronnie returning, a smiling middle-aged brunette rounded the corner with a scone and a steaming cup of coffee.
"Constable…Grant I presume? Fancy seeing you here in Brookfield this morning." She said with a winking grin as she set his plate and coffee on the table. The scent of the freshly baked blueberry scone wafted to his nose.
"Good morning M'aam. Do…we know each other?" Nathan shifted a bit in his seat trying to recall where he recognized her from.
"Well we spoke on the phone many years ago, and I believe we have several mutual friends. I'm Abigail Stanton. Pleased to meet you finally." She said with a knowing smile as she extended out her hand.
Recognition washed across his face recalling her photo in Abigail's Cafe. He scrambled to his feet—putting his hand out to formally shake hers. "Mayor Abigail Stanton. That's right! Nice to meet you M'aam."
"Nice to finally meet you, Constable. I've heard a lot about you."
Nathan swallowed in surprise, "Don't believe everything you hear, Mayor."
Abigail smiled in amusement, "From what I see, I'm pretty sure it's all true…and please, it's Abigail."
Nathan blushed—curious as to what she might have heard and from whom. "Please, call me Nathan."
She gestured for him to sit. "Ok, Nathan. What can I get you this morning with your scone? I imagine you're eager to get home to your daughter and maybe someone else?"
Nathan's cheeks reddened. He tried to hide his face discreetly behind his coffee cup by taking a sip to buy himself some time from the former mayor's oncoming inquisition.
"Ah ha." She chuckled softly, "Elizabeth is a good woman, and I'm glad to see that she has finally chosen to face her fears. I have heard a lot about you, Nathan. It takes a special man to choose to step in to serve a hurting town and guard a fallen brother's widow and son. It's no surprise that your character has captured Elizabeth's heart."
Nathan smiled sheepishly at her praise. "Just doing my job. Elizabeth is an incredible woman, and little Jack means the world to me."
"I have heard that you have quite a way with him."
"He's such a fun little man. He's easy to love."
"And you are exactly the man that Jack would have wanted raising him." Abigail squeezed his shoulder tenderly and Nathan blushed and dropped his head under her praise.
"I hope so. Thank you, Abigail."
"Now…what can I get you for breakfast?"
"Three eggs over-easy and your scone here sounds great."
"Coming right up." She turned back towards the kitchen with a bright smile. Nathan broke open the still warm blueberry scone and topped it with butter from the table—his stomach grumbling with anticipation.
———-
After saying goodbye to Gabriel and making plans for their travel again in a few days, Nathan and Newton raced off together once they hit the open trail. Nathan was eager to make what time he had at home as long as possible. Stopping only twice at streams for water, the pair pressed on until the sight of Jack's little white schoolhouse turned church was on the horizon.
Townspeople were coming steadily out of the church doors now that service had ended. Many headed back towards town hand-in-hand while others hitched up their wagons to head back to their farmsteads. Several people milled about across the schoolyard, and children played while their parents visited.
Though he was still several hundred meters away, Nathan strained to find Elizabeth and Allie among the many dresses outside the church door. His eyes darted to a blur of skirts already heading his direction. His heart skipped at the sight of her, and he dug his heels into Newton's sides instinctively. He took off at a gallop, closing the distance between them.
The sound of his name on her lips was like something from a dream as it carried on the breeze. Nathan pulled back on Newton's reigns and tossed them to the side. He threw his leg over the saddle and dismounted just in time to scoop Elizabeth up into his arms—swinging her around, holding her close at last. Their short breaths intermingled before his gloved hands framed her face, and he kissed her thoroughly.
Elizabeth's hands sunk into his hair as she pressed neatly into him before he pulled back from their kiss, quicker than he wanted. Even Newton nudged him in the back—making them both laugh as he followed up with a short chaste kiss, remaining mindful of their likely audience—even from a distance—on the church lawn.
"You're home," Elizabeth breathed, looking up into his sparkling blue eyes. "I've missed you so much."
"Not as much as I've missed you." His hands slid from her shoulders down to her hands. He brought her knuckles to his lips and he kissed them as well. Curious at the look shining in her eyes, he held her hands out noticing for the first time that her fingers were bare.
She nodded to him with a smile, "It was time. I'm still wearing them around my neck, but…"
"As you should, Lizbeth." Nathan interrupted, hoping to assuage her fears. "Jack's rings don't threaten me. You can wear them whenever. I understand."
Her eyes filled with tears, and she hugged him again. When he felt her shake slightly, he pulled back to search her face. "Lizbeth, what is it?"
Tears streamed down her face, and her breathing was jagged and uneven. "You're home. I'm sorry….. I've been afraid of so much…. and you're here. You're back."
"I am." He kissed her cheek tenderly, "But Lizbeth….I have to report to Union City on Wednesday for questioning. It's all very standard procedure…"
Her eyes flared briefly in surprise before a sadness settled across her face. "I know. Ok…I wish you didn't have to go already, but...I understand." She nodded with a tear escaping through her lashes only to be caught by Nathan's gloved thumb grazing her cheek.
"I shouldn't be gone long. Likely only a day or two of questioning." He spoke softly to her with his eyes boring into hers to gauge her feelings of the news.
She leaned into his hand before she looked up at him with determination, "Then let's make the most of the time we have now."
He smiled down at her, proud of the strong woman that she was—equal parts steel and tender heart. He kissed her forehead.
The sound of "Dad!" and running footsteps warned him of the incoming missile that was his delightful spitfire of a daughter.
He took a step back to brace himself, but the toffee-colored brunette nearly toppled him over as she threw her arms around his neck. Elizabeth smiled at their reunion before being pulled into their hug as well by both student and her father. It was a mess of arms, laughter, and curls.
After another moment of being together, the trio broke apart—only to reconnect again in finding each other's hands. They walked hand-in-hand down the path heading towards the church to find and claim the littlest of their budding family with Newton following dutifully behind.
A/N:
Happy Easter/Resurrection Sunday! So sorry that this chapter has taken a bit to get to you. I have been so pressed for time to write lately. I literally wrote this chapter a few words at a time. Hope the reunions did it justice for your wait.
The GABRIEL and LYNNian reunion was my gift to Lynn @nebula2 after her loss this past week.
Another reference from Elizabeth's dream to A Cakewalk To Remember one-shot where Lee/Rosemary trips Lucas with her handbag.
Rosemary's comment about Jack's shock at the timing of Jack's birth was intended to be two-fold: 1) how quickly they conceived 2) while also being a fourth wall nod that WCTH had Elizabeth either pregnant for 3 months or 12 months...both of which are shocking. ;)
As for Gabriel's McAllister comment, you're not crazy…that's an upcoming one shot where Gabriel ties up Nathan. Should be a fun one-shot to further layer in their Mountie history together.
Surprise! Abigail now works at the Royal Brookfield.
Thanks for reading everyone! -Amy-