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Chapter One hundred fifty-three
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People, Places, and Things
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Wes had decided to increase Nathan's movements, so took a portion of Wednesday morning to lock the office door and proceed to manipulate his patient's shoulder and direct some gentle exercises for Nathan to complete at home for the next couple of days. He promised that on Friday he would assign additional movements for Nathan to work on over the weekend.
Knowing that Stanley Thom, Lee's brother-in-law, would be arriving on Thursday, Nathan agreed to give their visitors a brief tour of Depot Wednesday noon when he completed his morning's work. After connecting with some fellow instructors, planning for lessons in the coming days, and working on shoulder movements with Wes, Nathan was ready to walk around a bit and then head home for a nap! At times his sleep was still interrupted when he tried to get comfortable, so he continued to exhibit tiredness.
Elizabeth had timed their visit well, so directed the Coulters and the young boys to Nathan's office and knocked lightly.
"Oh! Good morning or good afternoon," Nathan glanced at the wall clock, adding, "or good noon, Lizabeth! Hello everyone, please come in."
"Daddy! I'm back!" Jack hugged Nathan's legs as he questioned, "Can I look out the window again?"
"Yes, you may look out of the window. Patrick, you may as well. Go right beside my desk," Nathan motioned with his free hand, before turning to welcome the Coulters. "Hello, my friends. Welcome to my office at Depot!" Nathan exchanged air kisses with Rosemary and gave Lee a half-hug. He chuckled as he watched Rosemary take a seat in his chair, turn, and slowly look around.
"Rosemary, you are doing exactly what Elizabeth, Bill, my father and Jack have done when they first entered my office, commandeered my chair."
"Sounds like good company to me. I am getting a sense of what you see and how you work here in this office. It is an enormous upgrade from the RCMP office and jail in Hope Valley. Quite impressive actually!" Rosemary noted Colleen's paintings, inquired about Allie's contributions, and turned to see the books and treasures on Nathan's bookshelves, commenting, "I am happy to see you have made it your own."
Lee grinned at Nathan and Elizabeth who were now standing together, an arm around each other's waist. "I guess you have Rosemary's stamp of approval, eh?"
Chuckling, Nathan agreed, "I'm glad for that, as long as I don't have to fight you for my desk chair!"
"Fight for your chair?" Rosemary stood, questioning.
"No, no. Stay seated! I am referring to Bill's occupation of my desk and chair when I first arrived in Hope Valley. We competed for the chair for a few days until I got there first one day and refused to get up. I told him he should know that 'possession was nine-tenths of the law' and that seemed to work! From then on, he let me have my desk whenever I was in my office."
"Oh Nathan! Being thrown in jail and then refused your own chair?" Rosemary sat again, "Hope Valley certainly was not welcoming to you. Actually, I guess we should say that Bill wasn't very welcoming! Still, I'm so sorry."
"Bill really refused to let you sit in your own office?" Lee exclaimed.
Nathan explained, "I have a feeling that the Mayor's office was too quiet, lonely, and a little too set apart from traffic and people. I believe Bill enjoyed being in the middle of the action! It will be interesting to see how he fares inside an office and court room in Regina all day."
"Can me and Patrick have a candy, Daddy?" Jack made his way to Nathan and looked up imploringly, "Please?"
"It is almost lunch time, but if your Mommies agree, I'll see what I can do. Please ask them?" Nathan nodded as he made the suggestion.
"Can I, Mommy? Please?" Jack pleaded.
Quick to copy his friend, Patrick followed, "Mommy I want some candy too, okay?"
With permissions granted, Nathan leaned over to open his bottom desk drawer and lifted a tin. "Someone else needs to open this please?" He handed the tin to Rosemary's outstretched hand.
Excitedly Jack and Patrick chose a candy as Jack announced, "Daddy used to have a drawer in his Mountie desk that had candy just for me. Mountie Paul did too. You have to go see him and ask. He'll give you candy if you tell him I told him to."
The adults glanced to each other, quietly deciding not to make corrections at that moment!
Nathan reached for his overcoat and offered for them to follow him to his superintendent's office. "My Commanding Officer requested that I bring you to meet him as he appreciated the article you sent, Rosemary."
"Oh? I would love that," confessed a happy newspaper editor and friend.
Lee and Elizabeth assisted Nathan, replacing his sling after he was buttoned into his overcoat. Adding a scarf, his fur cap and gloves, Nathan and the families exited the office each one wrapped and bundled in their winter garments.
Finding Chief Superintendent Stewart was away from his office when they stopped in, Nathan left a message then led the group outside to observe the final instructions and positions of a Troop's drill.
Huddled together against the wind, Nathan explained how frequently the Cadets practiced and how important these exercises were to assure the Troops looked and acted as one unit. "In addition to building relationships, the Cadets learn respect, obedience, trust and perseverance through these drills. It's also practice for parades, funerals, and other formal occasions."
Eyeing Nathan with new-found admiration, Lee marveled, "I had no idea! I was unaware of how well-trained you are and how difficult that training must have been, Nathan. I am impressed and may I say, a little jealous? I imagine the brotherhood of Mounties, as Jack senior used to call it, was and is extremely satisfying and meaningful to each of you."
Nathan nodded in the affirmative and pointed towards the other buildings surrounding Parade Square, finally mentioning the Chapel. "Shall we walk over there and look inside? You'll get an idea of where we will be married."
Suddenly a young boy's voice rang out loudly, "Uncle Zach! Uncle Zach!" Having released Patrick's hand, Lee was the one to catch an excited Jack before he got too far and returned him to his mother.
"Jack!" Elizabeth chided, "Uncle Zach is busy and you cannot interrupt him."
Nathan observed his brother stepping out of formation as his Troop reached the stairs and rushed inside out of the cold. Standing before Drill Sergeant Maxon, Zachary saluted smartly and requested permission to speak with his family. As permission was granted, the Cadet, saluted once again and hurried over to greet everyone.
Jack tugged away again and ran to meet his uncle who stooped and raised Jack into his arms. "Hey there, young man! Isn't this a grand surprise! Are you showing people around Depot?"
Nodding enthusiastically Jack pointed, "That's my friend Patrick and Aunt Rosie and Uncle Lee! We came to see Daddy at work." Leaning back, Jack observed, "You have a red coat like Daddy used to wear at home."
"You are right, so I do. Nathan! I am glad to see you are back in uniform. Are you working today?" Zach asked as he hugged Elizabeth then Nathan.
"Zachary! This is an unexpected pleasure. I am finishing my first half-day and giving a brief tour before I head home. Let me introduce our dear friends from Hope Valley."
As introductions were made, Rosemary and Lee stared at Zachary Grant, startled by the resemblance. "It's a delight to meet you Zachary," Rosemary enthused, "but my goodness! Everyone is correct! You and Nathan are look-alike brothers!"
"Hello, Zachary! How great it is to meet you in person…" Lee's voice trailed off as he looked between the two Grant brothers. "Rosie is correct. It is remarkable how much you look like twins!"
As he set Jack back on the ground, Zachary joined Nathan's laughter and explained, "I guess we are used to it by now, so we forget how people will react." Shrugging and turning to Nathan, Zach asked, "How are you feeling, Brother?"
"Okay, but I need to be careful. This is my first day out, except for church, and I'm tired." Nathan paused, "Let me ask though, how was this morning's visit to the Home for the Aged?"
"It was wonderful, Nathan! I bring you greetings from Sergeant Monroe who was one of the gentlemen with whom you conversed when Allie's youth group visited." Zachary grinned, "At first he was confused, thinking I was you, but when I introduced myself he recalled you both! He wanted to be remembered to you and when I explained your injury the Sergeant said he will pray for you. He also hopes you will return again sometime?"
"I hope to, yet isn't that a coincidence? He must have a good memory! So did the residents seem to appreciate your visits and conversations?"
"Definitely. They all stated they look forward to our return in a couple of weeks. I am only sorry that graduation is approaching so I may have limited opportunities to return." Addressing the Coulters, Zach added, "I do hope you are enjoying your visit. Will you be coming back for the wedding?"
Lee spoke up, responding, "We plan on it since Rosemary is a Matron of Honor. As a matter of fact we may be relocating to Regina, so are exploring some possibilities this trip!"
"Really! That sounds exciting. Nathan? Elizabeth? It appears that people from Hope Valley miss you!" Zach added, grinning, "And I can understand that!"
Tugging on his uncle's Jodhpurs, Jack interrupted, "Patrick likes my train. We play with it every day and we are very careful. Patrick lives with us now at Grandmommy and Grandaddy's and Mr. Hud's 'partment. It's fun."
"I bet it is fun. Where are you headed now?" Zach looked at Nathan and Elizabeth.
Elizabeth eyed Nathan and noted his weariness, "We are making a quick visit to the Chapel, then we need to get Nathan home."
Elizabeth opened her arms to hug Zachary, thereby beginning the farewells, "It is wonderful to see you in uniform, Zach. Please don't let us keep you, but thank you for coming over to greet us."
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"Oh, this is cozy, intimate, and charming!" Rosemary examined the dark, wood-paneled ceiling and walls of the Chapel's sanctuary, contrasted with the white altar cloth. "I can picture each pew decorated with ribbons and a floral bouquet, large arrangements on either side of the altar…" Suddenly worried, Rosemary questioned, "they will let you decorate, right?"
"Yes, they will. The florist has provided for many weddings here at the Chapel, so he will place everything as we already discussed. It will be lovely and remind people that spring is coming!"
"Oh? I'll be occupied as your Matron of Honor, so I won't be able to help. Do you have someone to direct things and problem solve if needed? You really should…"
"Rosemary," Elizabeth laughed, raising her hand to stop her friend's rapidly escaping words, "everything is taken care of. Johanna Blake has offered to handle the details and see it all through on the day. She herself was married here over twenty years ago and has helped many other Mountie brides since then so I am in capable hands! You met Johanna at church, remember? Jared and Ellie Blakes' mother?"
"Ah, yes…."
Noting the size of the sanctuary, Lee had inquired, "Nathan, is this Chapel usually filled? I am picturing all those red serge and campaign hats!"
As the men wandered down the center aisle, they conversed and kept their eyes on the boys who were exploring, weaving in and around each pew, giggling joyfully.
Eventually calling from the back, Elizabeth indicated that they should be returning to the Cottage for lunch and the group exited, closing the doors behind them.
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Stretching as best he could after an hour's nap, Nathan escaped the quilt that Elizabeth had carefully tucked around him, emerging from his bedroom to a domestic scene in the front room. Lee was leaning back in the arm chair beside the fireplace, his mouth agape and his chest gently rising and falling. Two little boys were lying on their stomachs, heads cradled on their folded arms over open books. It appeared the warmth of the crackling fire had lulled Lee and the boys to sleep while Rosemary and Elizabeth were whispering quietly on the sofa, busily working on embroidery and needlepoint projects. Nathan slipped quietly into the room and bent over his fiancée's head to kiss her gently.
"Hi Honey! Did you sleep?" She turned to pat his cheek.
"Here, Nathan, take this seat. I'll move to the armchair," Rosemary immediately rose and adjusted the pillows as she had seen Elizabeth do previously.
"Thank you, Rosemary. That's great." He nudged Elizabeth as he settled beside her, "In answer to your question, I think I fell asleep before you closed the door behind you! I feel refreshed now. What have you ladies been discussing?" Wondering who would be the first to share, Nathan looked from Elizabeth to Rosemary who had moved to sit opposite her napping husband.
"Lee inquired about the visit to the Home to which Zach had referred and one thing led to another. Evidently Hudson had directed them to ask me or my parents about your accomplishments since arriving at Depot," Elizabeth responded proudly, "so I filled them in as best I could."
"Oh... I'm happy I missed that recounting," Nathan blushed and ducked his head. Redirecting his attention to Jack and Patrick, he whispered, "Did the boys fall to sleep mid-story?"
"They did. I'm guessing they will require the full stories to be read at bedtime tonight though. Good thing we can all share the responsibility." Elizabeth folded her project and tucked it into her quilted tote bag.
"What's that, Honey? May I see it?" Nathan nodded, pointing to the now hidden embroidery.
This time it was Elizabeth's turn to blush, "Ah… Eventually you will see it, but not now."
"Uh, oh! Keeping a secret from your groom, are you? Is that right and proper to do?"
"In this case, yes." Elizabeth tilted her chin in the air and shook her head, "It fits right in with keeping a Honeymoon destination a secret."
"Ah ha… I think that's traditional though…"
Rosemary interrupted, redirecting the conversation, "Nathan? Did you know I sent an article I wrote to some folks in Regina? Did anyone ever speak of it to you?"
Tilting his head back, Nathan laughed, yet he kept his voice low. "Did they ever! That article circulated amongst faculty at Depot, Headquarters, and at Allie's Academy. Since many of the choir members are also instructors at each Academy, the news article even circulated at church. Evidently at Allie's school, the page was posted right above where faculty members retrieve their mail. There are few, if any, in our circle that are not aware of the reported exploits!" He looked pointedly at Rosemary, trying to look stern and commenting, "You really shouldn't have done that, Rosemary. I was just doing my job."
"Indeed, if I had not done so, who would have? The Amazon River would freeze over before you revealed your wonderful deeds, Nathan Grant. You skipped town without a party, so people needed to know who they had lost and would miss. I stand behind my decision." Rosemary tossed her blonde curls over her shoulder.
Nathan chuckled as he watched a movement oft done by Colleen. "You remind me of my sister. Colleen would have done exactly as you did, spread the word around and display an attitude similar to yours just now!"
"I take that as a high compliment!" Rosemary smiled as her eyes sparkled, "You loved your sister very much as I recall."
Enjoying the banter between her fiancé and her dear friend, Elizabeth nonetheless interjected, "I forgot to mention that the result of that article prompted the RCMP leadership to find ways to include Nathan's good deeds and excellent service to Hope Valley into their curriculum. I believe that many of them are teaching theories and haven't had the hands-on experience that Nathan has had as a small-town Constable. So, your article is serving a purpose of better training for the Mountie recruits, Rosemary. You should be proud!"
Having awakened in time to hear Elizabeth's comment, Lee had remained still so he could listen carefully. He sat up at this point and glanced proudly at his wife. "Good for you, Rosie. Your father would be proud too!"
"Oh, Leeee…" Rosemary blushed but basked in the praise of her husband and friends.
"I was told the RCMP would find a way to carefully include the tasks performed as that which should be included in service, without embarrassing those who have never had the opportunities I had, so I confess that neither your name nor mine will be shared. The content will be though, so as Elizabeth said, the Mounties will be better trained because of you."
"Daddy! You're awake!" Jack scrambled to his feet and hurried to Nathan.
"And you're awake too!" Nathan chuckled as he assisted Jack climbing into his lap.
"I wasn't asleep…" Abruptly Jack looked at Patrick who was just beginning to open his eyes. "Oh! Was I?" He looked sheepishly from Nathan to his mother, aunt and uncle. "Oops!"
Unexpectedly, the front door burst open and an exuberant Allie entered the Cottage, full of joy and hugs and stories of her day at school. Gratefully, Allie accepted the glass of milk and pieces of fruit Elizabeth had prepared for her and the boys, then settled on the floor around the coffee table.
"So how is everyone here? How are you, Dad? How was your first day back? What did all of you do today?"
With Allie's questions the previously quiet room was filled with laughter and multiple happy conversations.
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"Thank you for driving Allie to school and me to Depot this morning, Lee. I appreciate it now that Peter has moved. On occasion we went into work together, but since I've been restricted right now, this is helpful," Nathan spoke, adjusting a pillow to support his arm as they pulled back onto the street after dropping off Allie on Thursday morning.
"I should be thanking you for the use of your vehicle, Nathan. I am grateful to have it available every day this week so driving you is the least I can do."
"Well, I'm glad to return your generosity after wo willingly loaning your car when we lived in Hope Valley." Nathan then queried, "How are you feeling about your brother-in-law's visit and the tour of the building downtown? Are you comfortable with whatever transpires?"
"Honestly, Nathan. I am excited. I haven't mentioned it to others in town, but I was feeling rather unfulfilled in Hope Valley over the past year. Jesse is doing a fine job managing the choosing and felling of the lumber and operating the saw mill, while Richard Wolf is handling the orders and accounts, so I completely trust their judgement. My presence in the office became totally unnecessary after a while so when I lost the Mayoral race, I began investing more time with the newspaper."
"Working at the Valley Voice was different and had its own challenges, but it wasn't a long-term solution to my restlessness and unsettled feelings. This new venture is perfect in my opinion. I am sure I could have moved us to other cities, but to come here where you, Elizabeth, and Bill will be is so inviting. I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas! I can hardly wait to get everything going!"
Grateful for Lee's enthusiasm, Nathan continued to question, "Will your brother-in-law be in Regina often, or will this enterprise be your responsibility?"
"For some time, I will concentrate on the manufacturing and producing prototypes from which we will take orders. Stan will come to set up the books and begin the retail portion but we eventually plan to hire a manager with retail experience so Stan might only need to visit every few months. I'm experienced with large scale lumber sales, meeting deadlines, supervising employees, and keeping customers happy, I just have no retail sales experience! Rosie may be able to help some as she operated the dress shop for some years… We haven't entirely explored all our options yet." Lee pulled into the parking lot at Depot, making his way close to Nathan's office building before parking and pulling on the brake, "Here you go…"
"Lee? Before I go in would you like us to pray? This is an enormous change for you and we should invite God to guide you and Stan in your conversations and decisions today. Shall I pray for you now?"
Lee's eyes filled at the kindness of his friend. When he responded his voice was husky, "Please? I would appreciate that, Nathan."
"Okay, let's pray," Nathan closed his eyes and spoke softly.
"Dear Heavenly Father,
You know us inside out. You know our comings and goings. Nothing is hidden from you and you long to see us fulfilled and using the talents you have given us.
This opportunity before Lee today sounds like an answer to his and Rosemary's prayers, so I ask you to guide each moment of the day. Prompt Lee to ask the questions for which he needs answers, let him find favor with his brother-in-law and with the building's agent.
May any business arrangements be fair and just, and timely. We ask for you to bring the skilled employees at just the right time and may You guide Lee in all the details of the business and the move. Your will be done today, Father.
In Your Name we pray, Amen."
"Amen," whispered Lee. Coughing to clear his voice, he added, "Thank you, God. And thank you, Nathan."
"You are welcome and I look forward to hearing your report later! Remember Jake or Hudson will come for me so you needn't be in any hurry." Before closing the door, Nathan leaned down with a final benediction, "Godspeed, my friend. Godspeed."
"Thank you, Nathan. See you later."
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