February 2, 1911

Miss Allie Grant

Hope Valley, Alberta

Dear Allie,

Elizabeth and I drew a picture for you. I don't think our horses are as good as yours, but we're getting better! We loved all the pictures you sent in your last letter, although Sarah looks sad. You're right, she will be glad to see Elizabeth again.

We have good news! We're coming home! We'll get on the train tomorrow and then three days later, you and Grandma will come to the train station and we'll get off the train and see you. Ask Grandma to show you on the calendar the way we did it for Christmas and she can mark the days off for you.

I need a really big hug and so does Elizabeth. We miss you very much, sweetie. Are you taller? I bet you are.

Please tell Grandma that we're bringing a friend home with us. Her name is Clara. She's very nice and we know you'll like her.

Hope you've been having fun in school. From your letters it sounds like Mrs. Thornton is very good at teaching you numbers. The ones you wrote for us looked just perfect.

We love you very much, Allie. We can't wait to see you. Just four big X's on the calendar and we'll be home.

xoxo

Uncle Nathan and Elizabeth

P.S. Now that Elizabeth and I are married, she will be living at the house with us. She wants to make brownies with you when we get back. And that means we all get to eat them!

Nathan sighed and folded the letter into the envelope after putting a handful of dried flower petals into it. Ever since the wedding, when Allie had been charged with throwing them as she walked down the aisle, she wanted flower petals. The Thatchers had flowers in every room every day, even in the winter. Nathan couldn't imagine what it cost to have them shipped in.

Once Collins learned that Allie wanted flower petals, he'd had one of the chambermaids drying them for her. Nathan had sent some along in each letter they'd written, and Allie was filling an oatmeal tin with them. She said she was saving them to throw when Nathan and Elizabeth got home.

After addressing the letter, Nathan leaned back, sipping on his coffee. Elizabeth, Julie and Clara were spending the morning shopping - Elizabeth needed another pair of riding boots and some new cotton skirts and blouses, and Clara was so excited to see the Hamilton shops. Knowing they would be gone until afternoon, Nathan had found his favorite spot in the Library.

William Thatcher's library was as masculine a place as you could imagine. There were countless books on the floor-to-ceiling shelves, and the room was filled with dark wood, aromatic leather, and deep red Persian carpet. Nathan could imagine this being a refuge for Elizabeth's father, sitting behind the huge mahogany desk that overlooked the gardens. He clearly loved his wife and his daughters, but the faint aroma of tobacco had Nathan imagining William sitting here enjoying the peace and quiet while Collins managed the tea parties with three little girls.

There was a telephone on the table next to Nathan, and he'd first discovered the Library when Bill had managed to make a call from Mountie Headquarters in Union City while he was there on official business. Telephones were something new to Nathan, and admittedly to most of the country. He found it strange and awkward and at the same time almost mystical that he could hear Bill's voice clearly through the metal receiver. The idea of it fascinated Nathan, that Bill could share information about the goings-on in Hope Valley in seconds, rather than Nathan having to wait for a letter or a wire.

The town was thriving, but Bill had mentioned a couple of times that it was odd not having Nathan and Elizabeth there. In his ever-crusty way, Bill had said that although he and Charlotte could fill in where work was needed, there was something else missing in Hope Valley. Bill also said that everyone was excited to finally celebrate the young couple's marriage.

And the truth was, Nathan was missing Hope Valley more than he could have imagined. Moving around with his postings had been exciting at first, but once Allie came into his life, and then of course meeting Elizabeth, Nathan knew that what he wanted most of all was to build the house in the meadow by the pond, surrounded by his family and the dear friends they'd all made.

A knock at the door made Nathan look up. "Come in," he called out, as Maisie, one of the kitchen girls, poked her head into the library.

"More coffee, sir?" she said, holding up a silver pot.

Nathan smiled and held out his cup. "I'd love some, Maisie. Thank you, but you didn't have to bother. I could have come to the kitchen to get it," he said, picking up Allie's letter and walking toward her.

"Oh, no bother, sir," she said, smiling. She poured out a cup and looked up at him. She looked like there was something she wanted to say.

"What is it, Maisie?" Nathan said, frowning a little.

Looking down at the pot, Maisie said, "Oh, just that I was talking to some of the others, and... we're going to miss you and Mrs. Grant, sir." She looked up at him, her cheeks pink. "It's been so nice having you for a visit."

Nathan smiled. "Well, you've all made it a very nice one. And in case we don't get to talk to everyone, will you let them know how much I've enjoyed meeting all of you?"

Maisie nodded enthusiastically, her brown curls and white cap bobbing up and down. "Oh, I will, sir. I'll tell them all."

Nathan handed her Allie's letter. "Would you mind getting this into the morning mail, Maisie?" he asked.

She took it, nodding. "I'll do it straightaway. She's a lucky little girl that you and Mrs. Grant love her so much, sir."

"We're all lucky," Nathan said, smiling. "And maybe next time we visit, I can get you all to stop calling me sir. That's the name I use for my superiors in the Force, and I'm certainly not superior to any one of you," he said, smiling kindly.

Maisie giggled. "Oh, that's not likely, sir." She heard herself and giggled again, backing out of the room. She nearly backed into William Thatcher at the door. "Oh, sir! I'm so sorry!" she said, her eyes wide.

William laughed softly, "Not your fault, Maisie, I should have announced myself sooner. He looked at the pot of coffee. "If you don't mind, I'd love a cup. Could you bring me one, please?"

Maisie backed out of the door, "Yes, sir. Right away." The door closed softly behind her.

"Thought I might find you here," William said, smiling. He put out his hand, indicating that Nathan sit in the leather wingback chair where he had just been writing the letter to Allie. William sat down in the identical chair on the other side of the small round table, right in front of the window overlooking the gardens.

"I hope you don't mind me being in here," Nathan said, sitting down. "I was just writing a letter to Allie, and this room has such a nice view."

"Not at all," William said. There was another knock at the door.

"Come," William said, in a tone that was kind but conveyed authority. Nathan was getting the distinct impression that there was a "talk" of some kind approaching and though he certainly had some ideas, he began to wonder exactly what the subject would be.

Maisie came back through the door with a silver tray on which was a china cup and saucer, a sugar bowl and a small pitcher of cream. She set it down and efficiently prepared Mr. Thatcher's coffee before saying, "Will there be anything else, sir?"

"No, Maisie. Thank you." She looked at Nathan to be sure his coffee didn't need refreshing and he smiled and put a hand over his cup. Maisie gave a little curtsey and went noiselessly out of the door.

William sipped at his coffee and studied Nathan over the rim of his cup. Nathan had a feeling this was one of his business tactics. He wasn't doing it with precisely an air of superiority, but there was certainly something there that was meant to let Nathan know William was in charge. What William hadn't counted on was the fact that Nathan used the same tactic when questioning prisoners or conducting investigations. What resulted was an entirely cordial, and nearly equal, standoff.

Finally, William smiled.

"I like you, Nathan," he said simply.

Nathan returned his smile. "I like you too, sir," he said, genuinely meaning it.

"First of all, I think it's time you called me William. You're a member of the family now."

"Thank you... William," Nathan said, doing his best to make it sound natural, although he felt he had only moderate success. He could feel his heart speeding a little, and he reminded himself that Elizabeth was already his wife. And anyway, he wasn't getting the feeling this was going to be a hostile conversation.

"How do you feel about being a Mountie, Nathan?"

Of all the questions he thought Mr. Thatcher would ask, this wasn't at the top of the list - and the question took Nathan aback. What was surprising was not that William asked him about his job; it was that he was asking him how he felt about it.

But Nathan answered quickly and honestly. "I love it." William stayed silent, his intelligent eyes focused on Nathan. Clearly he was expecting something more.

Nodding, Nathan said, "I love the law, the way it breeds fairness. Some people are naturally stronger than others and when they misuse that strength, we step in. To help even things out."

William frowned. "That's an interesting way to put it. A lot of people don't want the world evened out."

Smiling, Nathan said, "That's true. And as long as they don't break the law or abuse others, I have no argument with them."

They were clearly talking in code, but it was one they both understood. Nathan did love the underdog, but he also had great admiration for someone like William Thatcher who had made such a success of his life. His voice and his attitude showed it, and William nodded and leaned back in his chair, still focused squarely on his son-in-law, waiting for more.

"I love your daughter very much, William. I will care for her and protect her to my last breath," Nathan said, wondering if this was the assurance Elizabeth's father wanted.

William narrowed his eyes and exhaled. "I don't doubt that you'll want to, Nathan. But being a Mountie can be dangerous."

Aha. Concern that Elizabeth might become a young widow. Like Rosemary.

"You're right," Nathan said. "It can be. But Hope Valley is a very sleepy little town, and I feel as safe there as you do going to and from work here. I have no intention of leaving, and if the Mounties want me elsewhere, I'll resign and run for Sheriff." Nathan took a long sip of his coffee, keeping his eyes trained on William.

Slowly, a corner of his father-in-law's mouth began to rise. William put down his cup and arched an eyebrow. "So, if I were to offer you a job at one of my companies, it's likely that you would turn me down?"

"I'm afraid so." Nathan grinned, feeling excited to let Elizabeth know later that he'd finally been offered a job by William Thatcher. He felt as if he'd arrived. "Though I would be very appreciative and complimented by the offer."

"Hmph," William said, not unkindly, but with a small frown. "I'm not accustomed to being turned down."

Nathan gave William his crooked smile. "I don't mean any disrespect."

William laughed softly. "I know you don't. You're just a hard one to figure out, and I've been told I'm fairly good at figuring people out." Looking out the window, William exhaled. "Viola will become her mother. Julie, well, I haven't come to a conclusion about Julie yet. She has fire in her, and I like that, but she needs to get past the silliness." He looked back at Nathan and said, "Elizabeth is my treasure. She's smart and beautiful and strong. I won't say I feel any regret that she chose against society, though she would have done very well with charity work and helping those in need."

Nathan smiled. "She's still doing that. Just not here."

Laughing again, William said, "True." He nodded. "I could have used you, Nathan. You speak plainly and you have a fine head on your shoulders. But I think a part of me would have been disappointed if you'd accepted."

Nodding, Nathan said, "It's an honor to be asked. It's just not a good fit."

William sat forward and put his elbows on his knees, ready for a change of subject. "About your niece, Allie? Will you adopt her? What about her father?"

The sudden shift caused Nathan to feel a little whiplash, but he recovered quickly and said, "I want to adopt Allie. Her father abandoned her and no one in the family knows where he is. I've already had her name changed legally to Grant."

"And Elizabeth?" William asked.

Nathan smiled. "Allie's very excited to have Elizabeth as her mother. When we adopt, which will be very soon, we hope Allie will choose to see us as her parents."

William nodded. "Very good. Elizabeth clearly loves her very much already."

"And Allie loves her," Nathan said, smiling softly.

For a moment, the two men were silent, wondering if there was more that needed to be talked about. Nathan took a deep breath and decided there was.

"Sir..." he started tentatively.

"William," his father-in-law corrected.

"William. There's something you need to know, and I feel it's information that should come from me. Elizabeth knows all of it." Nathan narrowed his eyes slightly and dove in.

"My father is in prison. For theft due to a gambling problem. I haven't spoken to him in years, and only wrote to him once; last year to inform him of my sister's death." Nathan concentrated on keeping his focus on William's eyes and not looking away, though he desperately wanted to. "I have never gambled and have no desire to; I drink very occasionally and very little. I suppose my greatest vices are Elizabeth, Allie and my mother, because I would do anything for them." Nathan sat up a little straighter. "I do hope this doesn't alter your assessment of me."

William surprised Nathan by smiling. "I know about your father," he said. "That must have been very hard for you."

Nathan was so dumbstruck that he simply stared at William for a moment. "How long have you known?"

Laughing softly, William said, "Imagine your Allie, all grown up, comes home one day with a husband you've never met. And imagine you have access to a whole office full of people who know how to find things out."

Nathan realized he'd been holding his breath, and he exhaled on a soft laugh. "Of course." Then he started nodding, "Of course, I would do the same. You had me investigated." He looked back at his father-in-law. "Of course you did."

William simply smiled and drained the last of his coffee.

Grinning, Nathan said, "How did I check out?"

William leaned back and laced his fingers in front of him on his lap. Then he grinned back at Nathan.

"You're still here, aren't you?"

It was their last night in Hamilton and Nathan and Elizabeth had retired right after dinner, using their need to pack and the early morning train as excuses. Although, as they lay in the huge four-poster bed, neither had packed yet, and they were a long way from falling asleep.

"I think I'm going to miss living in a mansion," Nathan said, looking around the bedroom. "Whatever I want, whenever I want it. No wood to chop, nothing to cook. If we want our shoes shined we put them in the hall, and if we need our clothes washed they go in the hamper..." He was lying on his back with Elizabeth's head on his chest, and her chestnut curls were spread out over him like a fan.

Elizabeth laughed. "And it would drive you crazy..." she said, her voice soft. She was in that dreamlike state that was becoming familiar right after they'd made love, when she generally had trouble stringing thoughts together and she wasn't much bothered by the fact.

Nodding, Nathan said, "It would. I think two weeks is my limit for all this assistance. I'm actually looking forward to chopping some firewood."

Elizabeth let her fingers run lazy circles across his bare chest. "And I'm looking forward to watching you."

"You're going to have plenty to do." Laughing softly, Nathan pulled her closer. "It was nice of Bill and Hickam to help Mom get all your things over to my... our row house. A lot of moving going on – your room at Abigail's to our house, Charlotte into your old room, and Hickam has already moved Rosemary's things into her new flat, so there's a room available for Clara to move into Abigail's if things go that way."

Elizabeth sighed. "Oh, I hope they do go that way. I can't imagine Abigail not welcoming Clara with open arms. I'm hoping she'll also bring her on at the Café."

"We can't control it, so we'll just let the world take a turn," Nathan said, murmuring into the curls on the top of her head. "Everything will work out."

Sighing, Elizabeth said, "I know. And no matter what, Clara will be better off in Hope Valley than she would be here working for that terrible man."

"I alerted Headquarters that Mr. Fletcher may be taking advantage of young girls in need of work. They're going to keep an eye on him."

Elizabeth smiled. "It's very nice knowing the law in town," she said, snuggling in closer. "I'm so glad you turned Father down for that job."

Nathan laughed. "Honestly, Elizabeth, can you see me sitting behind a desk in a waistcoat, talking on the phone all day and smoking cigars at... the club?"

Elizabeth giggled. "Don't forget playing polo with Clyde..."

Nathan snorted softly. "Now that was fun, though I'm just recovering..." He adjusted his position on the bed, moving Elizabeth with him. "Then, when the ground thaws, probably in about a month, we can start building our house on the meadow."

Sighing, Elizabeth said, "Our own house. Can you imagine?"

"It's all in my head," he said softly.

Suddenly Nathan frowned as he looked up. "So, what exactly is this color?"

He was gazing up at the velvet canopy above him, and indeed, the walls, the lampshades and anything else capable of having color in the room.

"I believe they call it aubergine," Elizabeth said.

"Which," Nathan said, curling and uncurling a strand of her hair around his finger, "If I remember from my French, means eggplant." He looked down at her, smiling. "Please don't tell me you've named this room after a vegetable."

Elizabeth laughed and looked up at him. "We actually call it the Purple Room, and it's meant to be regal."

Looking around at the various shades of purple with generous accents of gold, Nathan nodded. "Well, it is that." He pulled Elizabeth closer and adjusted the quilt around her shoulders protectively. "In three days, we're going to be in my bedroom in the row house..."

"Which I've never seen," Elizabeth said, smiling, "...because it wouldn't have been proper..."

Nathan laughed softly. "Well, I can tell you, it's certainly not eggplant... I would say more along the lines of... turnip."

Feeling his chest rise and fall as he laughed, Elizabeth turned over and faced him. "I don't care if it's the color of a yellow squash... I will love living there with you." She kissed him gently on his chest, causing him to close his eyes and exhale deeply.

"I've spent a lot of time dreaming of you in that bedroom," he said softly.

Elizabeth looked up, her face exquisitely framed with her brown curls on his bare chest.

"And all of your dreams are going to come true," she whispered.