Chapter 82- Celebrations
"Did Bill say why Chief Superintendent Collins was coming to Hope Valley?" Charlotte asked as she and Nathan finished packing their things into one of her traveling bags. It amazed her how much of their life together had collected in Nathan's hospital room over his two weeks stay. "I'm guessing, it's not for the Founder's Day celebrations."
Nathan noted the hint of nervousness in Charlotte's voice. No doubt her mind, and to be honest his too, floated to memories of Beck, the kidnapping, and the shooting. He worked to swallow the lump that had grown in his throat. "Bill just said that he had heard a rumor that Collins was on his way to Hope Valley and should be arriving first thing tomorrow."
"Where did he hear that?"
"His buddies at Mountie headquarters."
"And he had no idea what it was about?"
"Not a clue. But Bill and I know that Collins never just stops by for a social visit. The last time he was in town was two years ago for that inquiry Superintendent Hargreaves brought against me. To see if I was at fault when Constable Novak was killed in the prisoner transfer."
"But you were cleared of that."
"My career with the Mounties has been at stake more than once over the past five years. First, back in Fort Clay when Hargraves had assigned me to track some cattle rustlers…"
"Because we all know you are the best tracker in the territory." Charlotte interjected, earning a small grin from Nathan before he continued.
"That may be so, but Hargreaves had wanted me to only locate them and report back. When I saw the rustlers heading for the border I moved in on my own, making the arrests myself. When he found out that I disobeyed orders Hargraves had me officially reprimanded. After I got suspended was when I asked to transfer from Fort Clay to Fort Simpson."
"And that's where you were when you found out Jack Thornton had been asked to fill your position at Fort Clay training other Mounties and where he…"
Nathan's head dropped slightly, still unable to completely shake the survivor's guilt that sometimes came rushing back. Charlotte noted the change and placed a comforting hand upon his shoulder.
"I'm sorry for bringing that up."
"Don't be. It's a part of my past. A part of what made me the man I am today. Jack Thornton is the reason I came to Hope Valley and ultimately the reason I met you."
Nathan leaned into Charlotte's side and pressed an innocent kiss to her temple.
"The initial investigation into the prisoner transfer from three years ago cleared me of any wrongdoing, but Hargreaves had other ideas and that was why he brought about the inquiry. Whether he thought I got off too easy in my suspension at Fort Clay or not, it was clear when he arrived in Hope Valley, he wanted my badge. At that point, I even told Bill he could have it. I'll be honest. I was in a low place then and it was only Allie and Bill's friendship and belief in me that was able to pull me out."
"Nathan," Charlotte turned to face him, bringing his hands into hers. "You are a good man. The type of man who always wonders what you could have done better. It's an honorable quality, but one that also has the capability of eating you up from the inside out. Especially if you felt as though you didn't have anyone to confide in. That's not the case anymore. You have me. Lean on me, Nathan. Whatever Collins wants, we will face it together. I'll always be in your corner. Not only because we lived through the events of the past few weeks together, which is most likely the reason for this visit, but rather because of what you told me the last time we were in our backyard, and I was chopping wood."
Nathan chuckled slightly at the memory of finding Charlotte with an ax in her hands.
"That evening, you asked me to use your love as a lifeline. To reach out. To take hold. And to never let go. Nathan, please let me be your lifeline too. I honestly believe that when we are together, we will be able to face any challenge life brings along. Remember we are no longer alone. We have each other."
She curled into his lean body, leaner than it had been just a few short weeks ago, wrapping her arms around his back. Pressing herself into him, her cheek against his chest, holding him close, syncing her heartbeat to his. Slowly, Charlotte felt the tension release from Nathan's muscles. He softened, bringing his arms to encircle her back in return, warmth radiating from his hold. Nathan's cheek came to rest on top of her wavy locks, breathing in each other's familiar scent.
"I love you, Charlotte," Nathan murmured softly into her hair, his biceps bunching slightly to bring her even closer to him.
"I love you, Nathan," she cooed in return.
They were content to just stand in the embrace, time seemed to pause until sounds of merriment outside in the streets caused them to withdraw slightly.
"Sounds like everyone is ready to have a good time at the festivities today," Nathan commented.
"Yes, the founders would be proud," Charlotte replied, but instantly a blush came to her cheeks as she caught how silly that statement sounded. Nathan laughed, the rich tone washing over her, causing giggles to come from inside herself. "Honestly, Nathan. Sometimes I say the strangest things when I'm with you. Things that make absolutely no sense."
"They make perfect sense. To me."
Nathan smiled gently, his eyes caressing hers, causing an eddy of emotions to swim about Charlotte's body. She broke his gaze, turning her focus to fuss along the buttons of his shirt. "Now, remember. Carson wants you to still get plenty of rest. No overdoing it this afternoon and evening for Founder's Day. Especially with Collins arriving tomorrow."
Nathan's muscles tensed. "What if I get suspended again? I never told headquarters about the undercover investigation Gabe, and I did with Beck. I'm sure they are not happy we went behind their back. I've been in this hot water before, but I don't want my actions to reflect poorly on Gabe's prestigious record with the Mounties," Nathan confessed his worries. "Especially when Kinslow left yesterday for Brookfield. He won't be able to give his side of the story to Collins."
"Do you remember our conversation the other day? About how you are so much more than the red serge. Yes, you are incredibly good at your job, Nathan. The best Mountie I've ever known. You care so deeply for everyone in this community. No matter what Collins says, it will not change the man you are. Whatever his decision is for our actions, we will face it together and move forward from there." Charlotte's hand was drawn forward, threading into Nathan's hair, pushing his unruly locks back into place. He closed his eyes and leaned into her touch, relishing in its comfort.
"What do you say we get out of here?" She asked, turning to the bed to pick up the travel bag they had packed. "I think it's time we go home."
Nathan nodded, wrapping his good arm around Charlotte's back he leaned into her side and whispered. "When I'm with you, I'm already home, Ms. Thompson."
"I feel the same way, Mr. Grant," Charlotte answered, wrapping an arm around his back in return she pressed close, as she rested her head on his shoulder. Supporting one another, they walked out of their protective cocoon and into the world, ready to face whatever it had in store for them.
The warmth of the mid-afternoon sun on Nathan's skin as he and Charlotte walked out onto the steps of the hospital was a welcomed feeling after being cooped up inside for weeks as he recovered. He tilted his head toward the sky and relished in the sun's rays beaming down on his face. The sensation had actually distracted him from the scene that had been developing in the streets until the sound of cheers and applause wrapped around them.
Nathan opened his eyes to reveal the town quickly congregating around the base of the hospital steps, whooping, and hollering in celebration.
"What in the world," Nathan croaked, his fingers digging into Charlotte's waist to steady his body against hers. "What is this all for?"
"It appears to be for you," Charlotte beamed a smile up at him.
"Whatever for?"
"Because of the man you are to them, Nathan," Charlotte responded, running her hand lovingly along his back in reassurance. "We didn't know if you would walk out of that hospital, and for them to witness it... Well, it's a joyful occasion for us all."
Nathan was flabbergasted. He had felt something similar this spring at his surprise birthday party, but this was different. This was more.
He was quickly encircled with people wanting to shake his hand, pat his back, or give him a hug in gratitude. Charlotte stayed close during the scene that unfolded, somehow realizing he needed her unwavering support through it all.
Nathan's eyes grew misty, and he was unable to speak and express his thanks in return. Through most of the interactions he stood on the steps dumbfounded at the display of appreciation and love that was so generously bestowed upon him. Charlotte was right, no matter what Collins told him tomorrow, nothing would change the way he felt about the community of Hope Valley. He would always be there to serve and protect them, whether it be in an official or unofficial capacity.
As the line of supporters slowly dissipated away, back to other activities, Nathan turned to Charlotte. "Did you know that was going to happen?"
"Not at all," she shook her head. "But I'm happy it did. You deserve it, Nathan. All of it."
She relevéd onto her toes like a ballerina to place her own adoration onto Nathan's cheek.
"I know you feel the draw to go test your strength at that carnival game over there, but how about we save that for next year's Founder's Day celebration? Maybe then you would be able to beat me at it," Charlotte teased. "I think we both need some time to rest before Rosemary and the children's play tonight."
Charlotte reached down and threaded their fingers together, guiding them down the stairs and onto the path leading towards the row houses, humming a simple tune that was stuck in her head.
This was better. Charlotte thought to herself, tracing the lines on Nathan's palm that rested in her hands. As much as she had enjoyed the sneak peek of the Founder's Day play at the hospital a couple weeks ago, being here with Nathan by her side, and his parents, made the experience that much better.
They both beamed exuberant pride at their daughter on stage, narrating with wonderful articulation the various scenes the children's story told. It surprised Nathan, that his birthday and the town baseball game had been considered part of Hope Valley's history, but he appreciated the sweet gesture and enjoyed laughing at the student's representation of Bill's reaction to losing the game.
Nathan squeezed Charlotte's hand tightly at the end of the play when the children formed into three rows and began singing their song 'When Irish Eyes Are Smiling'. The town happily joined in on the final chorus, before everyone rose and gave a rousing round of applause for the children, and Rosemary's, hard work.
As the clapping and cheers began to subside, Rosemary's eyes squinted towards the back of the room for a moment before she stepped forward to center stage and raised her hands. "Excuse me everyone, but I believe the celebration this evening for Founder's Day is not completely over."
Whispers and murmurs began to circulate around the room.
Rosemary continued, "It appears as though Chief Superintendent Collins was able to join us in time for the festivities. Why don't you come up here sir and say a few words?"
Charlotte instinctively reached for Nathan's hand and squeezed it in support as they turned towards the back of the room and saw the Mountie and Bill making their way through the crowd.
Collins and Bill stopped beside Nathan and Charlotte. Nathan suddenly realizing he was dressed in civilian clothes and technically off-duty, wasn't sure how he was supposed to address the officer.
"Sir," Nathan nodded. "It's good to see you again."
"You too, Grant," Collins nodded in return before turning his attention to Charlotte. "You ma'am, must be Ms. Thompson."
"Yes, sir," Charlotte tried to sound strong.
"I've heard plenty about you. And your relationship with one another." Collins' eyes shifted back and forth between the pair. Bill stood stoically beside him, making his expressions unreadable.
"Sir," Nathan began. "Maybe it's best we find someplace more private for this conversation. Or wait until tomorrow as the children have just finished up such a wonderful performance, we'd hate to have anything spoil it."
"Spoil it?" Collins' voice raised. "Why on earth would we spoil it?"
Charlotte let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. "Maybe we can talk about this at my house tomorrow morning over coffee?" She offered to the group.
"No. No," Collins interjected. "That won't be necessary. This involves the town; they deserve to know.
"To know, sir?" Nathan's voice was unsteady.
Charlotte noticed Collins' eyes twinkle slightly and she prayed that what she saw was true. Collins reached towards Nathan and guided him along towards the stage at the front of the room. Charlotte was still slightly uneasy, until Bill gave her a reassuring wink and a sense of relief washed over her as she turned her attention to where Nathan and Collins now stood facing the town.
"Constable Grant has been a long and faithful member of the North West Mounted Police for many years. Earning unequaled regards not only among those he has trained and his fellow comrades, but also the citizens of this territory he has sworn to serve and protect. That became even more prevalent knowledge over the past weeks, when Constable Grant and Constable Kinslow infiltrated the well-known Schneider gang, disrupting their widespread corruption and illegal activities, laying their own lives on the line to bring about justice and protect those they hold dear."
Nathan's eyes finally lifted from where he had been staring at his shoes to find Charlotte's fervent grey gaze. He noticed Allie move to stand in front of her, Charlotte instinctively wrapping her arms tightly about the girl's shoulders as they looked on with extreme pride.
"Constable Grant exhibits honesty and bravery; skills and valor that are becoming of any high-ranking officer, but a humbleness unmatched by any man I have met. He lives his life with a strong sense of purpose and a code of ethics and faith I am honored to serve with. I have come to understand how much this community of Hope Valley means to Constable Grant and that is why I felt the need to come here today and share this good news with the town."
Collins turned sideways to face Nathan. "Constable Grant, it is my great honor and privilege to announce, you will be one of this year's Order of Merit medal recipients on behalf of the North West Mounted Police. Your exemplary service to this community, the territory, and your country have not gone unnoticed."
The crowd erupted in a loud applause and shouts of congratulations.
"Sir, I was just doing my job," Nathan tried to interject.
"No, Grant. It was more than that. You have time and again shown admirable qualities, most of which are not something you can learn, it's something you're born with."
"I don't know what to say," Nathan felt his shyness take over as a flush came to his cheeks. Being the center of everyone's praise and attention was not something he was used to. Thankfully, a slim hand had found his own unsteady grip and held it with unwavering certainty. Nathan glanced over to see that Charlotte had come to stand beside him. Not to be in the spotlight herself, but to simply support and uplift him.
"Well, you have a few months to figure that out," Collins answered, smiling at the handsome couple in front of him. "You and Constable Kinslow will officially receive your medals at the Annual Mountie Ball in the new year. I just wanted to share the good news with your family and friends first."
"Thank you, sir. This is a very prestigious honor."
"You deserve it, Grant. Your daughter was right, you are one of the finest Mounties I have had the honor of getting to know. Thank you for your service. I look forward to seeing you both at the ball in a few months. I hear by then it will be as Mr. and Mrs. Grant."
Nathan turned towards Charlotte, who was already rewarding him with one of his favorite smiles, the one that ignited her entire face with love. A rosy glow coated her freckled cheeks, which in turn brought out the small icy blue flecks in her grey eyes.
"We will see you then, sir." Nathan shook Collins' hand, before Bill led the Chief Superintendent away to greet others in the crowd leaving Nathan and Charlotte to themselves towards the corner of the room.
"Finally," Charlotte exasperated, turning Nathan gently towards her.
"Finally?" Nathan questioned.
"I thought those higher-ups may never see what has been so obvious to me from the very start. That you, sir, are an amazing man. Worthy of being bestowed the country's highest medals, awards, and honors there are."
"The highest honor I can have on this earth is nothing that can be pinned to my chest, Charlotte."
Charlotte's eyebrow raised quizzically. "Is that so?"
"That's so," Nathan nodded. "The highest honors of my life will be raising a family and being your husband. No award can be greater."
Charlotte swallowed the lump in her throat as Nathan slowly twirled the ring on her finger. "Christmas can't come soon enough. I'm ready to call you, my wife."
"It will be here before we know it," Charlotte guided Nathan to her bringing him into a tender kiss befitting of the more public place. "Happy Founder's Day, Nathan. It's been quite the celebration."
*With that we wrap up my "bonus" chapters and move on to the Christmas special just in time for… Christmas!
Also, since I have received a few PM's asking if I plan on writing a "Season 11" of this story past the Christmas special/wedding, I added a little hint in this chapter. We have a Mountie Ball to attend in the new year! Along with a new storyline/arc for the soon to be Grant Family, that I feel is strong enough to carry me through writing another one of my "seasons" of 'So This Is Love'.
Thank you for continuing this journey with me. I appreciate it more than you may ever know.