Chapter 13: Strong Women
Time had seemed to stand still after Nathan's visit. Charlotte unable to move. Unable to function. Going over every detail, every movement, and every word Nathan Grant had done and said just moments earlier in her classroom.
Nathan had asked Charlotte to marry him!
He wanted to protect her. Provide for her. And care for her.
Charlotte wondered why this admission came as such a shock. Because that was exactly what Nathan Grant had done for her since Charlotte first arrived in Hope Valley.
I will help raise the child and love them as if they were my own.
Charlotte had no doubts that Nathan would if they were to marry. Love her child as his own. She had seen first-hand the devoted parent he was to Allie. This baby would be no different. For the first time, her thoughts turned to the possibility of the family they could create. The four of them. Charlotte, Nathan, Allie, and the baby. Her chest swelled at the thought.
But as much as the idea of marrying Nathan and creating a family with him and Allie excited her, part of Charlotte questioned the choice.
First off, while Charlotte was certain that Nathan was nothing like Beck, she could not help but doubt her judgement. Charlotte had fallen so completely head over heels in love with Beck, how could she trust what she was starting to feel with Nathan was not just looking for someone to fill the void in her heart.
Secondly, what were Nathan's motives to marry her? Was it just to take care of her and prevent her from creating a scandal in town by being an unwed mother? Was it to cover the hurt and pain he was still feeling from losing Elizabeth? Her wedding this weekend, spurring him to find a wife as well? Was it so he could better protect Charlotte if Beck ever arrived in town?
And what would happen if Beck arrived in town?
The thought sent a shiver down Charlotte's spine as she remembered Beck's words from the night of the attack.
Wherever you go. Whoever you are with. I will find you.
Just then Rosemary burst through the door of the school startling Charlotte from her thoughts. "Charlotte! Are you planning on coming to the bachelorette party tonight for Elizabeth? You never answered my RSVP!"
It was at that moment that Rosemary noticed the woman in front of her. Charlotte's face; pale and sunken. Moisture welling into the corners of her eyes.
"Oh! Charlotte. What's wrong?" Rosemary said, taking Charlotte into her arms in a strong embrace.
"Everything, Rosemary." Charlotte sobbed out, shielding her face into Rosemary's hair. She had thought there could be no more tears to cry. That she had dried up all the reserves this past week, but in a moment they all came bursting forth again.
"Ssshhh…. Ssshhh…. It will be alright." Rosemary comforted taking a step back and brushing some wayward tears from Charlotte's cheeks.
"Nothing is right Rosemary. I'm so confused about what to do."
"Does this have to do with the baby?" Rosemary asked.
A shocked expression crossed Charlotte's face, "Who told you about the baby?"
"Oh Charlotte. Just because I am not a mother doesn't mean I don't know the signs of a pregnant woman. You have been absolutely glowing since coming back from your adventures at the upper meadow with Allie and Nathan. And then I saw Faith visit your house the other day. Remember I'm an investigative reporter." Rosemary capped with a wink.
Charlotte could not help but chuckle at Rosemary's attempt to lighten the mood.
"If you want, why don't you start at the beginning, and I promise everything is off the record. I'm here as a friend." Rosemary said as she guided them to a couple of benches.
So, Charlotte told Rosemary about the past few months. The events that brought her to Hope Valley and left her with a child. The letter from her friends. And Charlotte's complete breakdown with Nathan the other night when she thought it was Beck coming for her. For some reason though, Charlotte had stopped there and did not expand on Nathan's visit to her only a short while early. It still seemed too fresh. Charlotte needed time to process it all and understand what she was really feeling.
"Well, that is quite a lot" Rosemary agreed after Charlotte confided her story. "No wonder you are so upset."
"I love Hope Valley, Rosemary. The town, the people, but I just don't know if I'm meant to be here" Charlotte confessed.
"Why do you say that?" Rosemary questioned.
"Because this town is full of such strong women. You and your newspaper. Faith and her medical practice. Fiona and her businesses. Clara, Minnie, Florence, and Molly. You all are so accomplished and stand up for yourselves." The words falling out of Charlotte's mouth so quickly. "And Elizabeth. My goodness. She is not only a beloved teacher in town, but now a published novelist. It's so easy to see why Allie and Nathan love her."
"Loved her." Rosemary sharply corrected. "Loved. Past tense."
Rosemary waited to continue until Charlotte finally looked at her. She wanted to make sure she had Ms. Thompson's full attention for what she was about to say. "You are right. Allie and Nathan did love Elizabeth, but there was a lot of hurt a year ago when she chose Lucas instead. Elizabeth is happy. She is marrying a man who caters to the woman she is today, an author. Her and Lucas have remarkably similar upbringings, and it is something they have connected on. Now I am not here to say whether that was the right or wrong choice, because I do believe that everything happens for a reason. While I have hated seeing Nathan and Allie hurt over the decision, I have also seen them healing. Especially since you have arrived in town. And look at your past. While it may be filled with hurt and pain as well, it is what helped bring you to Hope Valley. Here to us. Here to Allie and Nathan."
Rosemary paused a moment, before continuing, "And for not feeling like a strong woman. Charlotte after everything you just told me, I believe you are the strongest woman I have ever met. You realized that you were in a bad relationship, you left everything, and you got yourself out. Against all the odds. Against all the hurt and pain you've experienced. You have chosen to create a new life for you and your baby. If that is not a strong woman. I don't know what is."
Charlotte's eyes started to fill with tears again at Rosemary's statement. Rosie was right. After everything Charlotte had been through in the past few months, to not see herself as capable and independent was still giving Beck too much control over her life.
"And," Rosemary continued. "I hope you know that all the other strong women of this town will be here for you. We will love you and your baby. Because you are both such an important part of our community Charlotte." A reassuring smile crossed Rosemary's face as she reached a gentle hand across the aisle. Taking hold of Charlotte's hands that had found their resting spot on her growing stomach.