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Chapter One hundred fifty-five
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Family Business
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As Lee placed the receiver on the hook, Rosemary hurried over to ask, "What did he say? Did he agree?"
"Not yet, but I think he will. He wants to discuss it and pray about it with his wife over the next few days and call me when we are back in Hope Valley. So, we need to pray his answer is 'Yes!'"
"So many things are falling into place." Rosemary wrapped her arms around her husband's neck and leaned in, "You cancelled the Real Estate Agent's appointments, right?"
Taking his wife's hands in his own, Lee replied, "I did. He was surprised I had found housing so quickly, but when I explained, he agreed this was an opportunity too tempting to pass up and he promised he will gladly show us houses when we are ready." Lee reached up and drew Rosemary onto his lap, "It's really happening, Sweetheart! We are moving to Regina!"
After some kisses, Lee suggested, "I think we should take everyone to dinner tomorrow evening. Do you think Nathan will be up to it? Maybe we can suggest he take a restful nap so he has the strength? We could bring food to the Cottage, but I was thinking of including William, Grace, Hudson, and Carol too so the Cottage is too small. It would be best to go out with a crowd of…what…eleven?"
"That's a lovely idea, Darling. We have so many people to thank!"
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At Depot on Friday, Nathan lifted the receiver, "Good morning, Staff Sergeant Major Grant here. How may I assist you?"
"Nathan, my Son! It's Peter! How are you?"
"Peter! I am improving daily! How are you? We miss you around here and Carol misses you terribly."
"I know and I miss her too, although I'm extremely busy getting the office settled and trying to arrange the house and fit in the items we brought! I have a feeling everything will be rearranged when Carol arrives, so I suppose I shouldn't worry about it, except I don't want to greet her with a mess! She told me you and the Thatchers have had her for dinner a few times, so I appreciate that, Nathan." Peter switched subjects, "How is your shoulder?
"Improving. Thanks for asking. Wes has given me some additional exercises to work on over the weekend and I'll return to work full days on Monday. Oh, and the better news is Wes cleared me to drive, at least short distances when I don't have to parallel park! I cannot tell you how frustrating it has been to be restricted to my own home and be so dependent on everyone around me!"
Laughing, Peter agreed, "I can believe that, Nathan. How is Elizabeth and how are the wedding plans progressing?"
"She is well and I love her more than ever! Elizabeth and her parents are doing most of the wedding planning, but I believe everything is falling into place. I've been consulted on some things about which I don't have much of an opinion to offer! I am anxious for the big day though and it cannot come fast enough…"
"I can imagine! Say, do you have honeymoon plans? March is a difficult month for a honeymoon," Peter commented.
"All set. Tim suggested a grand hotel and William has offered his Pullman, so we will have a luxurious honeymoon. Much more elegant than I would have dreamed!"
"Oh? That's wonderful. Tim didn't tell me when we spoke this week, but you deserve the special attention, Nathan. Just be careful of that shoulder for a while,.." Peter paused before continuing, "Did Tim tell you anything about your future promotion?"
"Nothing recently," Nathan hesitated. "Why do you ask?"
"We went through the formality of discussing your interview and application and I can inform you that your accumulated points exceed that of any others that might apply, so you are the first in line for the Superintendent position when the time comes. The papers will be signed when I return for Zach's graduation and the wedding."
"Also, he told me about your discussion regarding Zachary's future assignment. I am impressed with your suggestions, Nathan, when I know you would personally like to keep him close by. I approve of your recommendations though and we have a place in mind for him for his first year at least. We'll revisit his future goals and assignments near the end of this posting."
Peter continued, chuckling, "That's enough Mountie talk! How is our dear Allie?"
"As engaging as ever, Peter!" Nathan laughed. "She is in her glory as friends from Hope Valley have been visiting this week so we've shared many conversations and dinners together. They depart tomorrow and I think Elizabeth, Allie, and I will take a deep breath, although Jack will miss his little playmate for a while. Of course, Bill arrives next week, so our deep breath may be short-lived!"
"That's right. February first is just around the corner! Where has the time gone?" Peter suddenly caught his breath, "Oh, Nathan, I forgot to mention the transfer papers for the house have been prepared by my attorney and we can sign and make it official when I arrive. You may move in as soon as the construction is complete, as well as any painting, cleaning, etc. that you must do in readiness. Please feel free to keep the Cooks busy and I'll continue to pay them until the papers are signed, alright?"
"Thank you, Peter. I am anxious to check on progress now that I have some freedom and mobility! I appreciate your offer and I will discuss plans with Jake."
"I should let you get back to work, Nathan, but good to hear your voice and I'll continue to pray for your complete recovery. Take care and God bless you," Peter said as he ended the call.
"Thanks and you too, Peter."
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Shortly thereafter the office telephone rang again.
"Good morning, Staff Sergeant Major Grant here. How may I help you?"
"You sound so official, but that is a mouthful, Nathan!" Chuckling, the caller explained, "Lee here. We just spoke to Elizabeth and are inviting you and the entire family to dinner this evening. Do you think you would be up to it? Maybe if you could take a nap later? William told me about a restaurant where he took you and Allie and I will call and make reservations in advance if you agree?"
"That is thoughtful and I am certain I will be fine. Good news is I have been cleared to drive, so we'll have to figure out transportation this afternoon. Do you have additional meetings today?"
"Not really. I am to telephone the contractor and meet him to collect the estimate, however nothing else aside from continuing to make my plans and lists and more lists! Elizabeth made that wonderful offer for us to take over her apartment for a while, so I postponed the house-hunting for now. We will have plenty to do the weekend of your wedding, so that is one less concern. I plan to take Rosie to see the building later, but would you like to see it as well? We could make it a family excursion after lunch, but still get back in time for you to rest. What do you say?"
"I would love to see the place and better imagine your vision for the space, so I say yes, please!"
"Don't let me keep you now though, Nathan. Shall I pick you up at noon or half-past in the parking lot?"
"Half-past twelve sounds good, Lee, thanks."
"Good! See you then."
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Nathan used the remainder of his morning in the Depot stables, assisting the instructor who was training the newest Cadets on handling their horses according to the Mountie's specified methods. Checking in with Newton, apple treats were welcomed by this horse, who had missed his master, along with a deep conversation with this Mountie who had been missing his horse! Although Nathan was still unable to ride, Newton was being well attended by Zachary and was content just to see his favorite friend again. The Sergeant responsible for the stables had been exercising Newton regularly in Nathan's absence.
Checking on Sergeant, Nathan was glad to see that the horse seemed calm and easily accepted strokes and words of encouragement along with his favorite carrot treats. Although Elizabeth had not been to see her horse as often while the Coulters were visiting, Jake Cook had spent time with Sergeant and had been allowed to saddle and ride him almost every day.
Gradually Nathan felt as though life was returning to normal!
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Upon arriving home to the Cottage for lunch, Nathan changed from his uniform and re-entered the front room. "Lizbeth, may I see you for a couple minutes in private? We can talk in my bedroom, please?"
Taking Elizabeth by the hand, he led her into his room and closed the door behind them. Turning to face her, he gently held her face between his hands and whispered, "Are we okay, my Love?"
She placed her hands on his strong upper arms, feeling his muscles, and nodded, responding almost breathlessly, "Yes. Why?"
"After our discussion last night, I just want to be sure… I don't know… we were so vulnerable with each other and I… I just want you to know how much I love you… Our love touches the depths of me and is so beautiful. I never knew love could be like this, Honey. It is beyond what I could dream!" His voice growing husky and low, Nathan confessed, "We have shared things I have never spoken of with anyone else, but I am so thankful for you. You know? We belong, you to me and I to you," He paused, searching her eyes then quickly glancing at her lips and back again, he memorized her sapphire blue eyes that were becoming teary as she held his gaze.
"May I kiss you, Lizbeth?"
Nodding, she whispered, "You never have to ask, Nathan. I belong to you, forever and…"
With the most gentle, but passionate kiss, Nathan interrupted her words. Although not lengthy, this kiss held a meaning no other had contained, for this was a meeting of their open hearts symbolized in the meeting of their lips and it was a celebration of their loving, life-long commitment.
"I love you, Nathan Grant, with all that I am and have. I am yours…"
"And I am grateful, Elizabeth Thornton, for I am yours and I adore you!"
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"This is enormous, Lee!" Rosemary exclaimed, surprised by the size of the new furniture building as Lee gave a tour and explained his plans.
"This is the wall we plan to raise up to the ceiling, plus a row of double windows will be flanked by sets of glass French doors at either end. They will allow the lumber and the completed furniture pieces to be easily moved in and out. The office in the back corner will have a larger window which means that the manager or a salesman or I can immediately respond when a customer enters."
"You have thought of everything, Lee, I am impressed!" Nathan exclaimed admiringly. "How do you intend to display the pieces?"
"The raised platform in front of the window will be perfect for displays that are intended to be seen from the outside, and we can arrange and decorate according to the season. This place is so large that we can replicate the setting facing this direction so everyone can see the entire arrangement, but you can also enter the window display. My hope is to arrange groupings of furniture, you know similar to the lobby of Chateau Qu'Appelle? I want customers to picture the furniture as it can be arranged in their homes." Lee turned to Rosemary as he continued, "This is where I need your input, Sweetheart. I envision half walls extending from the side wall and forming alcoves. I would like each alcove to be decorated like a specific room and have a wall treatment that separates it from the others, but doesn't detract from the furniture. You understand? Maybe coordinated colors, yet each alcove slightly different?"
"I can see it in my mind, Lee. Colors that may be darker towards the front windows, but become progressively lighter towards the rear of the display room? We could even frame what appears to be a window and suggest window treatments, you know curtains and drapes. We could display and sell artwork on the walls and have different styles of mirrors… the possibilities are endless!" Rosemary Coulter was excited!
Lee wrapped his arm around Rosemary's waist, sharing, "I don't think we explained to you, Elizabeth and Nathan, but we hope that we can highlight Rosie's sewing skills making pillows, window treatments, and planning upholstery if not doing the actual work itself. With her color sense she can advise customers and suggest what matches what, plus she can design the arrangements and holiday decorations!"
"I didn't realize this enterprise could incorporate your talents too, Rosemary! That is wonderful and I know you are gifted," enthused Elizabeth. "I am excited for you both and excited to see what this space will become!"
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"What did we have the last time we were here, Allie? Was it the shrimp?" Lowering his menu, William Thatcher looked over his glasses as Grace had asked what he recommended.
"It was, Grandad. The Shrimp Scampi was delicious! I think I want to try something else today though," Allie responded, "maybe the salmon?"
"Choose whatever you would like, Sweetheart," Uncle Lee offered. "I admit the shrimp sounds wonderful to me though!"
"Can I, I mean, may I get turkey, Mommy?" Jack had listened to the available items that Allie read to the boys and honed in on his favorite which his mother thought was because it was a holiday meal in his young mind!
Jack continued, "I want the dressing and the cranberries. Do you think it comes with cranberries?"
"I believe so, Jack. We'll ask to be sure, okay?" Elizabeth responded before asking Nathan his choice. "What interests you tonight, Honey?"
Nathan grinned and closed his menu, "I have a hankering for filet mignon with riced potatoes, the creamy mushroom gravy, and green beans almondine. How about you, Honey?"
"The Shrimp Scampi as it comes highly recommended," Elizabeth answered, smiling, "and I trust the persons giving their opinions!"
"That might not always be wise, Honey," chuckled Nathan, "I could choose something you might find distasteful, like liver!"
"Actually I enjoy liver! You don't?"
"I very much enjoy liver when cooked with bacon or onions or both! We can make liver anytime you want!"
"Good to know!" Elizabeth nudged her fiancé's arm.
As they menus were closed, Allie questioned everyone, "So, what do you think? Isn't this a nice restaurant? I love the blues and greens, and the candles in the small hurricane globes. This place has aahhh…" Allie paused, then asked, "What is that word that begins with 'A'?"
"Atmosphere, Allie?" Carol suggested.
Shaking her head, Allie offered, "Thank you, but no…"
"Ambiance, Honey?" Nathan knew his daughter and remembered many past discussions about colors, candlelight, moods, and ambiance!
"Right. Thanks, Dad. This restaurant has ambiance."
"I don't recall teaching that vocabulary word, Allie?" Elizabeth adjusted the napkin around Jack's neck. "Did you learn it here at the Academy?"
"Oh no, Dad taught me that word," Allie added, proudly, "Dad teaches me a lot of vocabulary words when we read together, or talk about things!"
After Lee, acting as the host, had ordered the salmon for Allie and Carol, the Scampi for Elizabeth and her mother, filet for all the men, and turkey with all the trimmings, including cranberries, for the young boys, he exclaimed, "This week has flown past! It was a life-altering week and extremely exciting, but I cannot believe we leave for Hope Valley tomorrow!"
"You certainly accomplished a great deal, Lee." Nathan inquired, "Any ideas of how you will build your team?"
Chuckling, Lee looked a bit sheepish, then responded, "I have some ideas, but nothing in writing yet, so nothing to announce." Quickly changing the subject, Lee asked, "How are you feeling back at work, Nathan? I confess I have been rather distracted today! Sorry…"
"Understandable, Lee. We are all excited for your future possibilities." Nathan responded, "It is good to be back at Depot although I am still restricted, so unable to ride Newton. As far as the shoulder, it aches sometimes, but I believe the movement is helping."
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During their delicious dinner and dessert, the family and friends discussed the Coulter's travel plans and return trip as they hoped to move to Regina the weekend of the wedding, arriving with other Hope Valley friends.
"I imagine you have begun compiling your lists?" Elizabeth laughed quietly and looked at Nathan even as she spoke to Rosemary, "I couldn't have moved without them!"
"Lists? I have numerous lists and so does Lee! I'm just concerned about how to close down the Valley Voice if we don't get anyone to operate it for us. I really don't want to be publishing a final edition while packing." Rosemary placed her hands to her bosom, adding, "At least we don't have to say farewells in Hope Valley. We can do that here and it will be less heart-wrenching."
"You will be leaving an enormous void in the town, Rosemary," expressed Nathan somberly. "I don't know who will plan a farewell party for you two, rather you three, but you deserve one."
"I don't know… It won't be me though. That I do know!"
"No, it won't!" Lee reiterated. Attempting to keep from getting nervous about the future challenges, Lee inquired, "So how are your wedding plans? Is your reception planned? Is the service content chosen?"
"Amazingly, we are almost ready, Lee. Mother has planned many social functions in Hamilton, so has worked with the Hotel Manager here using my suggestions. We have flowers and clothing ordered, invitations posted, Joseph and our Regina pastor will share the service, and Nathan has planned our honeymoon. Our challenge is praying that the main house will be completed and Nathan and Allie can move in before the wedding!"
Adding to her request, Nathan reiterated, "Really, you can join us in praying that the house will be ready before Zach's graduation because my parents will be coming for that, then staying the week until our wedding. We hope to house the three of them in the main house."
"I know it wouldn't be your first choice, but remember we can always arrange for rooms for them at the Hotel," William offered. "I know Grace and I would enjoy having any one of them nearby!"
Seeing the disappointment in Allie's eyes, Nathan quietly assured her, "Let's wait and see, Allie. We have a few weeks before we must finalize those plans."
Placing his arm around Allie's shoulders, Lee added, "You have so much to look forward to in the coming weeks, eh, Allie-girl? Seeing your grandparents, Uncle Zach's graduation, the wedding... Oh, and Uncle Bill is arriving!"
Still teary, Allie nodded her head, "I know, it's just all the hellos means goodbyes will follow… Uncle Zach, and Gramma Carol, and Grampa Peter, and all my friends who'll come to the wedding…"
Nathan glanced at Elizabeth who sought to comfort their daughter, "Honey, life is filled with changes, hellos, and goodbyes. Yet life is filled with love too. We get to find and hold on to the love and look for ways to express that love to those for whom we care. I was thinking this morning that maybe we could find something special you could prepare for your friends, so you send them home with a little piece of yourself along with their memories. Let's talk about that tomorrow, okay? I have some ideas that we can consider. We'll get through these weeks together, Honey, and then we have a wonderful family to enjoy."
"Allie?" Uncle Lee tried to divert her attention, "Aunt Rosie and I were talking after we looked at the new store location and we think we may have an idea for you to help us. Would you be willing to paint some pictures we could hang in the store?" Seeing Allie's face light up, Lee continued, "We might even be able to sell them on commission!"
Intrigued and enthused, Allie responded, "Really? What is commission?"
"We agree on a price and the store gets a portion and you, the artist, gets a percentage when the item sells," Lee explained, grinning.
"I could sell them like my mother? Wow! What kinds of pictures?"
"Maybe some landscapes and still-life paintings, paintings that highlight different color schemes? We have many ideas floating around and, although it will take some weeks before we will be able to display the art and open to the public, you can give it some thought, okay. You'll be busy before the wedding, but we can talk when we return and you can give it some thought in the meantime."
"Could I create some black and white drawings in pencil, or pen and ink?"
"Of course, Sweetheart. Create what your heart desires and we'll see if we can use it." Grinning at Nathan, Lee added, "When you are back in shape, Nathan, we can discuss your contribution as well, eh? Furniture? Carvings? Toys? There are lots of possibilities and I've seen your work, my friend. There is a market out there I'm certain!"
Chuckling, Nathan, questioned, "Do you think I will have time for that as a newly married man and father of two? I am running low on scrap wood though, so when you pack your belongings, if you could add some wood pieces from the mill I would appreciate it, Lee."
Before the conversation could continue, the servers brought food to the table and all discussion centered around the delectable meal, recipes, favorites and family celebrations to come. As they ended their meal with desserts and coffee, Lee asked for everyone's attention.
"I want to thank you for your friendship, kindness, and support in this new venture," Lee took a few moments to glance at each face turned his way.
"Well, actually your friendship always, even back in Hope Valley as well. We have valued the times we have spent together and now that Patrick is in our family we look forward to sharing our lives here in Regina, together with Bill, of course. We have fond memories of Hope Valley, although at different stages in our lives and, after this week, we are making new memories in Regina. Here that includes you, Carol. I look forward to the times you and your husband will be in town when we are settled in. I know you have been an integral part in giving Nathan and Allie a family when they arrived in this city and for that I am grateful."
"As difficult as it was to see them depart back in September, God has given us a second chance and that is our blessing. So, now I, well Rosie and I, covet your prayers as we transfer our business endeavors, pack our belongings and leave Hope Valley behind. It is a good thing that we are looking forward to your wedding, Nathan and Elizabeth, because how can we be sad witnessing this glad event we have hoped to see for many years?"
"I know the weekend will be full, so let me take this moment in our smaller family group to thank you, William and Grace, for your generosity in accommodations and kind offer to assist us in shipping our belongings. We appreciate it so much."
"Hudson, I cannot thank you enough for the meals, the childcare, the transportation, the support, and the friendship you have given us, both in Hope Valley and here."
"Carol, thank you for the delicious contributions to our meals during this past week. Yet even more, thank you for your provision for Nathan, Allie, and the Thorntons-to-be-Grants! You know to what I refer. I am grateful you have loved and prayed for Nathan for so long. God bless you and Peter."
"Now, Nathan and Elizabeth, I know you may not fully understand what I am about to say, but think of how when we give to, or do something for, another person we are the one who is blessed? With that in mind, I thank you for the privilege of friendship; for allowing us to love and care for Young Jack here; for the joy of overnights and meals with Allie; for keeping us safe during trying times; for listening, praying, sharing, and making us a part of your individual families and now your new together family. You have blessed us and we are grateful to you and for you."
"Anything to add, Rosie?" Lee saw the tears in his wife's eyes and waited.
"Only to say 'Amen' to all you have said, Sweetheart. There is great joy behind us, but so much more to come!" Wiping a tear, Rosemary added, "We love you… all of you!"
"I second that. We really do!" Trying to hold back his own emotions, Lee spoke a benediction, "God bless you all."
Moved, but needing to add a word himself, Nathan cleared his throat and held up his hand. "Lee, Rosemary, and now Patrick, we love you as well. Our gratitude to you, and as you have just said for you, is the same. Only I believe the scale is tipped differently because of the many years of loyal support you have given Elizabeth and Jack; and then Allie and me; not to mention the entire Hope Valley community. You have blessed us all and we thank you."
Nathan stood and circled the table to hug Lee, kiss Rosemary on each cheek, and offer to shake Patrick's hand.
"You need to salute my Daddy, Patrick, then he'll salute you back," Jack whispered, yet loudly!
"Right, there young man," Nathan saluted Patrick and the little boy beamed with pride at the recognition.
Hugs and kisses, tears and farewells were exchanged, making the menfolk grateful for the privacy of the secluded room they had enjoyed for their dinner.
After arranging for Hudson to bring the Coulters, Elizabeth, and Jack to the train Depot where they would meet Nathan and Allie in the morning, the group shared final hugs and kisses before returning home for the night.
Taking a brief moment together as the others settled into the Thatcher vehicle along with the one they had borrowed from David Wright, Nathan drew Elizabeth to himself and gave her a tender kiss, a whispered 'I love you,' and a goodnight hug.
"Till tomorrow…"
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Back at the wheel of his own automobile after a few weeks of recovery, Nathan had loosened the sling so he could hold the steering wheel and pulled onto the street. As he shifted gears, he heard Allie sniffle.
"It is hard to say even a temporary goodbye, isn't it?" He spoke in a somber, low tone.
Allie nodded, trying to keep the tears from overflowing, but she lost her fight and let out a sob, even as she nodded her head.
"That's okay, Allie-girl." Approaching a corner, Nathan pulled to a stop and glanced at his daughter. "Let out the emotions. We've had so much to manage over these past weeks and even the good things can cause us to be overwhelmed at times."
Nathan added an afterthought, though it was actually always one of the thoughts uppermost in his heart and mind, "You are dearly loved, Allie. By me and everyone present tonight, not to mention Grampa Peter, and Uncle Zach, and Uncle Bill, and so many not present. Though the answer to our prayers seemed to be 'No' for the longest time, it turns out the answer was really 'Wait for a while!' Now we can be so grateful for the answer of God's gifts bestowed upon us."
The car was silent except for Allie's occasional sniffles.
Pondering, Nathan spoke reverently, "I remember part of a prayer from the Anglican Church we used to attend, 'For Thy daily provisions, for our homes and families; our minds to think, and hearts to love, and hands to serve; we thank Thee, Lord.' We can add that we give thanks for God's wonderful answers to prayers, right Honey?"
Whispering Allie only spoke one word, "Amen."
Nevertheless, Nathan was struggling not to be overwhelmed himself, thinking, 'Lord? There is almost too much. Too many past sorrows, too many current joys, so much to anticipate in the future. I confess, I am holding in my emotions while waiting for something to transpire that changes everything again…'
Allies' soft comment interrupted her father's thoughts, "I guess that's what it means to trust God..."
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