August 1921
Three months passed, and still there was no pregnancy. Elizabeth tried not to let it bother her. She prayed every night that they could have a baby, but she ended each prayer with a sincere Thy will be done.
One day in the middle of August, Elizabeth was sitting at her desk making notes when Minnie poked her head into the room. "Sorry to interrupt," she said apologetically. "But there's a woman here asking for you by name."
Standing, Elizabeth came around the desk to the door. She followed Minnie into the common room. She had to fight to keep her jaw from dropping when she saw the woman standing there, holding the hand of a girl about three years old. The woman was pale and emaciated. A thin scarf covered her head, though Elizabeth could see that she had no hair beneath it. Her eyes were sunken, her face haggard.
She looked ill.
Rushing forward, Elizabeth took her arm. "Let's get you into a chair," she said, guiding the woman to a couch. The little girl trailed behind them
The woman smiled, but it was a tired smile. "Thank you," she said. Her voice was thin and weak. Elizabeth sat beside her, wondering at her condition.
"I'm Elizabeth Grant," she said. "What's your name?"
"Thelma Jones," the woman said. She placed a hand on the child's head. "And this is my daughter, Mia."
The little girl had red curls and wide green eyes. Freckles dotted her nose and cheeks, giving her a sweet pixie look. Elizabeth smiled warmly at the child. "Hello, Mia."
Mia smiled shyly. "Hello."
Minnie came forward, kneeling beside them. "Mia, I have some fresh cookies and cold milk in the kitchen. Would you like to join me for a snack?"
Mia's eyes widened in delight. She looked at her mother, who nodded and gave Minnie a grateful look. Minnie nodded with a smile, then took Mia into the other room.
Thelma relaxed slightly, sagging against the couch. "You must be wondering why I'm here."
Elizabeth nodded, seeing no point in denying the truth.
Thelma continued. "I came across a newspaper article recently about the death of a man named Julius Spurlock."
Elizabeth couldn't help her reaction. Though she had mostly healed from her trauma, hearing his name unexpectedly made her jerk.
The other woman was watching her carefully. "That was my reaction when I read the article," she said softly. Thelma took a deep breath. "I know it came out a while ago. I'm not even sure what put that particular paper in my path at that exact moment. It had a list of women he'd assaulted in the paper. Your name was there, along with the information that you now counsel women who've experienced similar trauma." She looked down. "It also said you were left with a child after your assault."
Elizabeth nodded. By now she was used to sharing her story. That newspaper had reached out with permission to use her name and story, and she had consented in the hopes that others would find hope from her healing. "That's right. Aurora. She's two years old now." A smile formed on her face. "She's my miracle after intense pain."
Thelma smiled faintly. "I know the feeling. Mia was that for me."
No matter how many times she heard their stories, Elizabeth was amazed at how many women went through the same experience she had. "Was Mia conceived after a rape?" she asked gently.
Thelma nodded. "My husband was a Mountie. He broke up one of Spurlock's get-rich-quick schemes. When that man began his killing spree, my husband was the first on the list." Tears sparkled in her eyes. "He made me watch, Elizabeth. It was a slow death. Before my Jordan drew his last breath, Spurlock turned his attention to me." She shuddered. "It was the worst night of my life. A few months later, I realized I was carrying his child."
Elizabeth slipped an arm around Thelma. "You're sure Mia isn't your husband's child?" she asked gently.
Thelma shook her head. "I'd been in a riding accident a few months before. I was in no shape for intimacy then." A few tears slipped down her cheeks. "That made the assault even more painful since I wasn't fully healed."
"Oh, Thelma," Elizabeth said, her heart hurting for the woman beside her. She pulled her closer, letting Thelma rest a head on her shoulder. "Did you come here seeking counseling?"
"No," Thelma replied. "I've made my peace with what happened." She sat up straight, squaring her shoulders. "But I do have a request."
Tilting her head, Elizabeth wondered what that might be. "Go on."
Thelma's throat worked. "I'm dying," she said. "I have an advanced form of cancer. The doctors say I only have a few weeks left to live." She sniffed. "I'm not scared for myself. I know I'll soon be reunited with Jordan. But Mia…she has no one besides me. I have no family, and neither does Jordan. Mia's guardians died in an accident about six months ago. When I die, she will end up alone in an orphanage." She bit her lip. "Unless…unless I can find her a home. A home where she will be loved and understood. A home where she already has a sister – a sister she's never met."
With a start, Elizabeth realized what Thelma was asking. Her mouth dropped. She hadn't even considered the fact that Mia was Aurora's half-sister. The knowledge filled her even as Thelma's request registered in her brain.
"Are you asking me to adopt Mia?" she asked, gaping.
Thelma nodded. Her eyes were full of supplication. "By all accounts, you have a wonderful family," she said, her tone pleading. "I want my daughter to experience the love of a mother and a father, of brothers and sisters. I don't want her to end up in an orphanage where she may never find a loving home." She reached out, gripping Elizabeth's hands. "Please, Elizabeth. Please say you'll adopt my little girl when I'm gone."
Shock coursed through her. The suddenness of the request coupled with the bluntness with which it was asked told Elizabeth how desperate this mother was. "I…I don't know what to say," she stuttered. "This is a big decision."
"And with little time to think it over," Thelma said grimly. "I know this is a big ask. All I want for you to do is promise me you'll think about it."
Elizabeth opened her mouth to answer, then heard a burst of laughter from the direction of the kitchen. She paused, recognizing Nathan's laugh. A few moments later, he came into the room, holding Mia on his hip with a grin on his face.
"This little pumpkin wanted to bring her mama a cookie," he said. "But she ate it before we could get it to you."
Mia was grinning as well, clearly in awe of Nathan. "Look, Mama!" she said, patting Nathan's serge. "Red like my hair."
Nathan chuckled. "You have very pretty hair, Mia."
The little girl beamed. Thelma gripped Elizabeth's hand. "I've never seen her so at ease with a stranger," she murmured, her words only reaching Elizabeth's ears. The tight hold on her hand was almost painful, but she understood the reason behind it. Thelma wouldn't be at peace unless she knew Mia was cared for.
Nathan was oblivious to the momentous request being asked of their family. Though he wasn't the best at small talk, he attempted it now. "Is your husband in town with you and Mia, ma'am?" he asked politely, directing his question to Thelma.
Thelma gave him the same tired smile she'd given Elizabeth earlier. "No," she said softly. "He was killed over three years ago by the same man who assaulted your wife."
Nathan's mouth parted. He looked between Elizabeth and Thelma, sorrow crossing his features. "I'm sorry to hear that," he said softly. "And I didn't mean to interrupt a therapy session. We'll just head back to the kitchen, won't we Mia?"
He stopped, suddenly staring at the little girl. Elizabeth watched as the observation skills and instincts that had served him so well as a Mountie now helped him put together the pieces of the puzzle. Slowly, he looked back at Thelma, then at Elizabeth, then finally back to Mia. "Is she…?" he asked, disbelief in his tone as he trailed off, his question unspoken.
Elizabeth nodded. "She is," she confirmed. "It turns out Aurora has a sister."
Thelma stood, holding a hand out to Nathan. "Thelma Jones," she said.
"Nathan Grant," he returned automatically, still looking slightly stunned that he was holding his daughter's sister in his arms.
Thelma looked between them before focusing on Elizabeth. "Talk things over with your husband," she said softly. "I'll be staying at the hotel. You can reach me there when you make a decision."
Elizabeth shook herself. "No," she said firmly. "You will stay here with us." She smiled. "After all, as far as we're concerned, you're family."
She was still in a state of shock, but she knew there was no way she could let a sick woman stay at the saloon hotel. They had plenty of room in their home for both her and Mia.
Nathan lifted Mia high in the air, swinging her around like he'd just done for Aurora. The result was the same: high-pitched giggles and squeals of happiness. When he completed a circle, he set her on the ground, only to have both girls tackle his legs. He pretended to fall, going to the ground, allowing them to climb on him and wrestle with him. Millie barked as she pranced around them, enjoying the play just as much as the girls.
Elizabeth was busy getting Thelma settled in their guest room for the night. They'd all had dinner together, and then their guest had asked if they would mind if she turned in early. Nathan and Elizabeth had readily agreed, with Elizabeth even offering to put Mia to bed later. The other woman gratefully accepted.
Nathan found his curiosity piqued. Though his wife hadn't yet said why Thelma came to town, she promised they would talk about it soon. Nathan had a feeling something significant was going on. Thelma looked sick. He wondered if they needed to take her to see Faith or Carson.
He was still slightly in shock over the fact that Mia was Aurora's sister. Though Mia's red hair and green eyes were vastly different from Aurora's brown hair and blue eyes, he could see physical similarities in their faces.
They had the same smile. Right now, both girls were grinning down at him from his spot on the floor, and for a moment it was like he was looking at twins. Nathan had long thought Aurora looked exactly like Elizabeth, but in that moment he realized that there was some of her biological father in her as well. That was clear from the fact that the girls who shared that father looked so much alike.
But though they might have some of his physical characteristics, both girls were sweet as could be, showing none of the sadistic nature that Spurlock had displayed. Nathan knew life circumstances could shape a person just as much as their biology, and he fervently hoped that since Aurora was growing up in a happy, healthy home, she would grow up to be like her mother – sweet, kind, and loving.
Mia tugged at his arm, giggling as Millie licked her cheek, pulling him out of his thoughts. "Mountie Nathan, tickle us!"
He obliged, creating bursts of laughter from the little girls. Their laughter was contagious, and Nathan soon found himself laughing with them. Jack came over and joined in the fun. Even Allie made her way into the room, and though she kept herself back at first with the aloofness of a teenager, soon she was convinced to join in the wrestling match as well.
After some time, Nathan heard Elizabeth's voice above them. "Looks like everyone is having a good time."
He looked up, seeing her standing over him with a smile on her face. Aurora scrambled up, reaching for her mother. "Daddy pway wif us!" she said happily.
Elizabeth chuckled, kissing their daughter's cheek. "I see that."
Nathan sat up, Mia in one arm and Jack in the other. "Alright, kids," he said. "I think it's just about bedtime." At the collective groan, he held up a hand. "Once you're all in your pajamas and ready for bed, we can all read a story together. Okay?"
That brought about a chorus of cheers. Jack looked up at Elizabeth. "Are you both going to do the voices?" he asked hopefully.
Every so often, Elizabeth and Nathan would read a story together, with Elizabeth doing the female voices and Nathan doing the male voices. They exchanged a look with silent agreement passing between them. Elizabeth smiled down at their son and nodded. "Of course, Jack," she said. "Now go get dressed for bed."
The children hurried to fulfill her request. Elizabeth helped Aurora and Mia into their nightclothes, while Nathan helped Jack. In no time, all four children were ready and settled on the big bed in Nathan and Elizabeth's room, crowding around their parents. Nathan held Mia in his lap while Aurora was in Elizabeth's. Allie was pressed to Elizabeth's side, with Jack in between the two adults with the dog nestled in his lap. It was cozy and familial. These were some of Nathan's favorite moments with his children. It was Allie's turn to pick the story, and once she had given the book to Nathan, they all were quiet as he began reading.
Afterwards, once the children were tucked into bed for the night, Nathan took Elizabeth's hand and led her to the living room. They sat together on the settee. Nathan turned to face his wife. "Alright," he said gently. "What's going on with Thelma?"
Elizabeth sighed heavily. "She's sick, Nathan. Very sick."
His thought from earlier resurfaced. "Should we take her to see either of the Shepherds?"
She shook her head sadly. "I'm afraid not. Thelma has advanced cancer. She only has weeks left to live."
That sobering statement hung in the air between them. Nathan's heart hurt for the woman he'd only met that afternoon. He wondered how she felt, knowing her life was coming to an end. His mind jumped immediately to her daughter. "What about Mia?" he asked, fear striking him. Thelma had said her husband was gone. What would happen to that precious child when her mother died?
Elizabeth bit her lip. "That's why Thelma came here," she admitted. Drawing in a breath, she looked Nathan in the eyes. "She wants us to adopt Mia after she dies."
Silence descended between them as Nathan tried to absorb that information. It took a minute before he found his voice. "There's no family who can take her?"
Elizabeth shook her head. "Her family is gone. Her guardians were killed in an accident." Her voice softened. "Aurora is the only family Mia has left. Thelma said if we don't take her, Mia will end up in an orphanage."
Nathan's mind rebelled at the thought. While he knew there were good orphanages out there, even the best of them couldn't give a child a true sense of home. What if Mia went to one and then never got adopted? Or worse – what if she ended up in an abusive home?
He shuddered at the thought. Though he had only known Mia for a few hours, he felt a connection with the little girl. It shocked him how fast she had made her way into his heart. Maybe it was the knowledge that she was Aurora's sister. It made her feel like a member of the family already. And if Mia was in need of a family…who better than them to provide one?
His instincts were screaming at him to say yes. His protectiveness flared to life. Nathan bit his tongue hard to keep from saying he wanted to adopt her. Elizabeth might not be as intent on that adoption.
His wife was still struggling with their apparent infertility. Adding another child to their family when she wanted to be pregnant might not be in her best interest. In addition, Mia was the child of Spurlock. Nathan knew that could potentially trigger Elizabeth. Though Mia was the product of a different assault – one that wasn't her fault – it could be a reminder to Elizabeth of what had happened to her.
He also recognized the fact that making such a life-altering decision should not happen instantaneously. His immediate feelings could potentially change after having some time to think it over. Their entire family would be affected by their decision, no matter what that decision ended up being.
"What do you think we should do?" he asked, carefully keeping his tone neutral.
Elizabeth shook her head. "I don't know," she admitted. "I'm torn, Nathan. I don't want that sweet girl to end up in an orphanage." She paused, then sighed. "But I also don't know if I'm ready to take on someone else's child. I know we've talked about adoption, but I figured if we ended up going that route, it would be after the six month time period we gave ourselves before going to see that specialist Carson mentioned in Calgary. If the specialist said we couldn't have children, then I would have started seriously considering adoption." She was quiet for a few moments. "I just don't know what to think about this. My heart goes out to Thelma and Mia. I want to help them. I just don't know if we're the ones to do that." Letting out another sigh, she looked up at him. "What do you think?"
Nathan knew she wanted his honesty, so he gave it. "I like the idea of adopting Mia," he said. "But I also know I'm a very protective person, and seeing a child in trouble has always brought that protectiveness to life. I don't know if this is what we're supposed to do or if it's a knee-jerk reaction to knowing she needs help." He reached out to take Elizabeth's hands in his. "Why don't we think and pray about this?" he suggested.
"We don't have much time," Elizabeth reminded him softly. "Thelma's time on earth is short."
"I know," Nathan said, his heart breaking all over again for the woman who wouldn't get to watch her daughter grow up. "But maybe we can give her a measure of peace if she knows we're considering her request."
Eyes thoughtful, Elizabeth nodded slowly. "It could. But what if it makes her even more anxious?"
Nathan held her hands to his chest. "Let's mention it to her tomorrow and see how she reacts," he said quietly. "We'll ask her if we can have a week to think things over. I think that's more than reasonable. To be honest, it's a short amount of time to do something that would change our lives. I think Thelma will understand that."
"I hope so," Elizabeth breathed. She scooted forward, resting her head against Nathan's shoulder. "This came so unexpectedly. How in the world are we going to make a decision?"
"With lots of prayer," Nathan murmured, kissing her forehead. "We'll figure it out, Elizabeth. We have to do what's best for our family."
She nodded. Nathan could feel the tension in her body. This wasn't going to be easy. He knew that. But he trusted that the answer would come.
Thelma took their request for a week to think over the adoption well. Relief filled her features when they said they would think about it. She clasped Elizabeth's hand, tears welling in her eyes. "That means the world to me," she whispered. "It gives me some peace."
Elizabeth was glad for the time. She and Nathan prayed together every morning and night, pleading for the grace and wisdom to know what to do about Mia. They talked with Joseph and Minnie, gaining their thoughts and counsel. All the while, Mia fit seamlessly into their lives. She played well with Jack and Aurora. She loved being around Allie. Though she sometimes clung to her mother, as if instinctively knowing their time together was short, she was a vivacious and happy child.
On the seventh night of their stay, Elizabeth walked into the living room after helping Thelma to bed. The sick woman was getting weaker. Elizabeth was alarmed by her regression, fearing that her time was near. It was with a heavy heart that she left the room, going to find her family. The sight that met her eyes made her stop in her tracks.
Nathan was gently singing as the children sat around him on the floor. Mia was snuggled in his lap while Aurora was with Allie. Jack was nestled at his father's side, his little hand holding Mia's. Millie was laying on Nathan's other side, her head on his leg and her paw resting protectively on Mia's stomach.
Elizabeth caught her breath. In a flash, she knew what the answer was. It had been right in front of them all along. The way Mia took to them could only be providential. Thelma had said time and again that her little girl was shy around strangers. Elizabeth had seen that shyness in town when Mia encountered anyone she didn't know. But around the Grants, she showed no such inhibitions. She acted like a member of the family.
Nathan glanced up at that moment. He saw the look on her face and raised his brows. Elizabeth let her smile break free, tears welling in her eyes. She looked at Mia, then at her husband, giving him a single nod. A matching smile filled his face. She saw him hug Mia a little bit closer, joy reflecting in his eyes.
Later that night, he held her in his arms, staring into her eyes. "Are you sure?" he whispered. "Absolutely sure?"
She nodded, framing his face with her hands. "I'm sure." She let out a small laugh. "I've fallen in love with that little girl more every day. She already feels like ours, doesn't she?"
Nathan smiled. "She does indeed." His smile faded as his features became serious. "I do think we need to talk to the children before we talk to Thelma," he said. "They deserve to know."
"I agree," Elizabeth said. "Let's do that first thing in the morning. I want to be able to give Thelma the peace of mind knowing we'll care for her daughter when she's gone." Her face shadowed. "I think she's fading, Nathan."
Her husband swallowed, a look of grief in his eyes. "I think you're right."
Elizabeth leaned against his chest, fighting tears. Thelma had only been a part of their lives for a short time, but already Elizabeth knew it was going to hurt when they lost her.
The next morning, she and Nathan sat down with Jack and Allie to explain the situation to them. Elizabeth wasn't sure how much five-year-old Jack understood, but at fifteen, Allie had a strong grasp on what was about to happen. Her mouth dropped and she stared at her parents for a few moments.
"Wow," was all she could manage.
Jack looked between his parents. "What's adoption?" he asked, tilting his head.
"It means Mia would become your sister," Elizabeth said. "Do you remember when your daddy adopted you after we got married?"
Jack nodded solemnly. "You mean when I called him Nathan?"
Surprised at her son's memory, Elizabeth nodded back. "Exactly. Your first daddy wasn't here anymore, so Nathan became your daddy through adoption. That's what would happen with Mia. We would adopt her, which means I would be her mommy and Nathan would be her daddy. You would be her brother, and Allie and Aurora would be her sister." Elizabeth left out the part about Mia and Aurora already being sisters. Someday their children would know the truth, but for now, it was enough that they knew Mia was being adopted.
Allie finally found her words. "I think that's very noble," she said. Tears sparkled in her eyes. "Adoption has been everything for me. I hope it can be the same for Mia."
Nathan stood, engulfing Allie in a hug. "Adopting you was one of my life's greatest joys," he whispered. Allie hugged him back, leaning her head against his chest.
Thelma came into the room at that moment. Though tired and weak, she greeted the family with a smile. Elizabeth went to her and led her to the couch. With Nathan and the children gathered around, she sat beside the woman and took her hand. "We've come to a decision, Thelma."
With a sharp inhale, Thelma shook slightly. "And?"
Elizabeth smiled, which was all the answer Thelma needed. She covered her mouth with her hands, a small sob escaping. "Really?"
"Really," Elizabeth affirmed. "We would be happy to adopt Mia."
Thelma dissolved in tears, falling into Elizabeth's arms. Elizabeth held her, knowing her tears were happy ones.
"Thank you," Thelma whispered. She kept repeating it over and over, holding Elizabeth tight.
Peace washed over her. She looked up at Nathan, who was smiling at her tenderly. Their eyes communicated the same thought: they had made the right decision.
Thelma lived another three weeks. On a sunny morning in the early weeks of September, she joined her husband in heaven. Those weeks were happy ones for her, despite the fact that life was slowly leaving her body. The fear and worry had left her completely. She knew her daughter would be well cared for, and it seemed to add a few days to her life. Bill came by the day after their decision to draw up the adoption papers. After Thelma signed them and watched Nathan and Elizabeth do the same, she let out a soft sigh. A calmness filled her that hadn't been there before.
"Now I can die peacefully," she said, a little smile on her face. She made a point of spending as much time with Mia as possible over the next three weeks. She grew weaker and weaker, but the smile never quite left her face. The night before she died, she held her daughter close for hours, listening as Nathan read to the children and watching as they played games together. Mia had shown a reluctance to go to bed that night. Thelma was too weak to tuck her in, but she had hugged her baby girl close and kissed her cheek.
"I love you, Mia," she whispered. "We'll see each other again someday. Remember that."
By morning, she was gone. Elizabeth found her when she went to call Thelma for breakfast. Thelma's face was relaxed, the pain no longer pinching her features. Her slight smile was still in place. There was no sign of fear or struggle, and Elizabeth instinctively knew that Thelma had passed peacefully in her sleep. It struck her how young the woman was. In her sickness, she had looked older than her years, but now in death, with the pain gone, she looked younger than Clara.
Tears filled her eyes and slipped down her cheeks. "Rest in peace, my friend," she whispered, bowing her head reverently. "Rest in peace."