Chapter 103- The Strength Within

*Alright… honesty time. I had every intention of jumping into the Mountie Ball this chapter, but a little voice inside me said… Nope you have some unfinished business from the last few chapters that needs addressed before you can move on.

So… that being said, we do have another chapter with Elizabeth here, but I think it's one that could be healing for everyone involved. She will drift to the background again after this one. I promise!

I hope you don't mind the slight detour and me dragging out this story arc for one more chapter. At the rate I'm writing these days (slow) and the additions of these unplanned chapters, I may never get this story across the finish line I originally envisioned… I certainly never expected to be writing it still eight months (and 100+ chapters) later.

"What's all this?" Nathan asked, removing his campaign hat as he walked into Charlotte's classroom at the end of the school day. Children raced past him on their way to the door. Streamers and balloons decorated the space. Rosemary's gramophone played softly in the corner along a table littered with confetti and cake. Rosemary, Minnie, Mrs. Weise, and Florence all congregated at the front of the room, giggling like little schoolgirls until they saw Nathan and then they straightened, attempting to hold serious faces.

"Ladies?" Nathan raised a quizzical brow. "Where's Mrs. Grant?"

The women snickered before slightly parting to reveal Charlotte. Somehow his wife had become wrapped in white tissue paper in a way that made her look as if she was ready to get married all over again.

"What is going on?" Nathan chuckled, coming forward until he stood in front of Charlotte. "What happened to you? Did I miss a party?"

"Don't you like my dress?" Charlotte gleefully asked, twirling as if she was wearing a regal ballgown instead of packaging material.

"You look beautiful, Mrs. Grant. As always." Nathan leaned down and placed a kiss on Charlotte's cheek. "But I'm still not sure what is going on." His eyes scanned the room and landed on the women surrounding Charlotte's desk.

"What does it look like?" Rosemary questioned. "It's Charlotte's bridal shower."

"Don't those usually happen before the wedding?" Nathan smiled in return.

"We thought since she didn't get a traditional one before the wedding, we would give her this party before you all left for the Mountie Ball." Minnie answered as she and the other woman began cleaning up the celebration.

"This way the children could be a part of it and make the festivities a bit more special," Mrs. Weise added.

"They loved it!" Florence exclaimed.

"They loved the cake," Charlotte laughed. "And that the party got them out of doing any actual classwork this afternoon."

"Hmph," Rosemary scoffed.

"Oh right!" Charlotte corrected. "We did have art class."

"I thought I was supposed to teach art this year?" Nathan whispered to Charlotte, his eyes twinkling with humor.

Charlotte gave him a slight jab to the ribs with her elbow before moving to her desk and picking up a pile of papers. She handed the stack to Nathan. "Rosemary had the children all draw pictures of us from our wedding or what they think we will look like at the Mountie Ball this weekend in Calgary."

Nathan flipped through the pages and a smile grew across his face at the recreations of him and Charlotte together through the eyes of her students. Some were of them in the church on their wedding day or eating cake at the reception. Others were of Charlotte in gorgeous gowns while he was in his serge, celebrating in a fancy city ballroom.

"Wait…" Nathan paused at one particular drawing, holding it up to Charlotte. "Are my hands really this big?"

His wife tossed back her head and laughed at the picture he displayed. Nathan did have a point, everything in the picture seemed rather in proportion except for the Mountie's extremely large palms and fingers.

"See why I said we need to bring you in for art classes?" she purred, squeezing him around his waist.

"Joseph will be by first thing in the morning to drive you both to the train station," Minnie stated carrying a box of party supplies in her arms. "He and the children are excited to be taking care of the ranch while you all are out of town this weekend."

"Thank you so much for your family's help while we are in Calgary," Charlotte touched Minnie's arm. "I know that the horses will appreciate still getting fed and taken care of while we are gone."

"Cooper and Angela can't stop talking about it since last weekend when we were out there. They both seem to love horses."

"This summer they should come out and I'll be happy to give them some riding lessons if that is alright with you and Joseph," Charlotte offered. "It's the least we can do for all you've helped us with."

"That's a great idea!" Nathan spoke up. "I'll make one of them into a Mountie, yet."

"Not so fast with those assumptions, Constable," Minnie squinted her eyes in a mocking manner. "But I will talk to Joseph about the riding lessons. I think the kids would really enjoy them."

Charlotte turned her attention to the other mothers behind Minnie as they had finished cleaning up and were getting ready to leave. "I'd be happy to offer any of the other kids lessons as well, if you think it would be something they would enjoy doing this summer."

"We'll keep it in mind," Mrs. Weise said. "I know Opal would love any excuse to spend more time with Allie. They are excited for the sleepover tonight at our house before Allie leaves for Calgary in the morning."

Charlotte smiled and gave each of the women a hug and a sincere thank you for throwing the surprise bridal shower for her this afternoon.

"I'll see you both at the train station in the morning," Rosemary stated, leaning in to kiss Charlotte's cheek. "It's been so long since I've been to the city. I've missed the hustle and bustle. The clothes and culture. The food and fancies."

Nathan and Charlotte smirked at each other as Rosemary continued with her usual flares. Not only was Constable Grant and the newly minted Mrs. Grant going to Calgary for the Mountie Ball and Nathan's award, but Allie, Maise, Bill, and the Coulters. Archie had originally claimed that it would be best for him to stay behind to take care of things at the ranch, but Charlotte pleaded for him to join.

"Archie, how many dads have the opportunity to see their son receive the Order of Merit from the Mounties? You've regretted not being there in the past. Be there now. Please." Charlotte had begged Archie. She knew why he was hesitant. An event full of law enforcement officers did not make the most welcoming environment for a reformed criminal. "Nathan wants you to be there and so do I. You won't be alone. Your family will be there with you. Every step of the way."

Thankfully Archie had finally agreed. He and Maise were riding to the train station with Rosemary, Lee, and Fred in the morning. Joseph would stop at the Weise's for Allie after picking up Nathan and Charlotte at the ranch. The Hope Valley group was planning on meeting up with Gabe, Lillian, and their chaperone Grace at the hotel in Calgary. While Eleanor, Chuck, Tess, and Ronnie were placed in charge of the children at the New Hope orphanage in Brookfield for the weekend.

After Rosemary had finished going over all of what she was looking forward to doing in the few days they were to be in the city, she again hugged both Charlotte and Nathan and left the couple alone in the classroom.

"Did you know they were planning this?" Nathan asked, lifting a piece of tissue paper that was draped over Charlotte's hair like a veil.

"Not a clue," Charlotte chuckled as she and Nathan began devesting her of the crafting project covering her blouse and skirt. "It was sweet of them to do this though. Especially with including the children and making them feel a part of everything."

"Yeah well, you do a lot for those kids. It's nice when the parents do something nice for you," Nathan carefully removed the pins from Charlotte's hair that were holding in her makeshift veil.

"Well, hey," Nathan cradled Charlotte's face and tilted her head back gently to look into her smoky grey eyes. "I'm a parent. Maybe I should do something nice for you sometime."

"Hmmm... I have a few ideas I think we would both appreciate," Charlotte gave him a disarming smile as she slowly circled her arms around his neck and pulled him to her in a long, slow, delicious kiss, before they both pulled back, breathless and smiling. "I know one thing for certain. There is only one of my student's parents I want being that nice to me."

"Are you ready to head home?" Nathan asked, twirling a strand of Charlotte's chocolate brown hair around his finger. "I did my rounds a little early, so we have time to finish packing."

Charlotte's eyes darkened slightly, and she looked over to her desk at a parcel setting in the middle. She shook her head. "No. I have one more thing I need to do before we can leave."

Nathan's gaze followed to where Charlotte's had landed. "Do you want me to come with you?"

She shook her head again as her eyes cast to the floor.

"Are you sure? Gabe's told me I'm always his first choice when he needs help in a fight." Nathan winked, trying to lift Charlotte's spirits.

"Thanks, Mountie Nathan for the support, but this is something I think Mrs. Nathan needs to do, on her own. I need to fight for this… for us…" She placed her palms on his chest feeling the strong beat of his heart under her fingertips. "I need to fight for you."

Nathan sighed deeply but agreed. This was a wall Charlotte needed to realize she could climb on her own. He leaned forward to kiss her forehead. "I'll go saddle the horses. Send up a signal if you need backup."

Charlotte squeezed his hand. Unsure if that was for his reassurance or her own.

"Mrs. Nathan!" Jack cried out when he saw Charlotte enter through the doors to the church. She caught Jack as he jumped into her arms, lifting him to sit on her hip. He ran his hand into her hair. "What happened to your pretty wedding veil we made for your party?"

"Mountie Nathan helped me remove it just now. I don't think it would have survived the ride back up to the ranch."

"Are you and Mountie Nathan really going to the city tomorrow? To watch a baseball game? In January?"

Charlotte gave a kind smile. "Not a base-ball game, Jack. We are going to the Annual Mountie Ball for him to receive the Order of Merit award. It's not a game at all but rather a formal dance."

"If it's a dance, then why do they call it a ball?"

"It comes from the Latin word ballare," Elizabeth explained. "Which means to dance."

"Baseball sounds like more fun to me," the little boy answered. "At dances, girls are weird."

"One day, you're going to find yourself a smart, young lady and you won't think that going to a ball is all that bad," Charlotte squeezed the boy a little tighter and kissed his sweet cheek. "Jack, I saw Fred and some of the other boys playing outside, building a snowman. Do you want to go see if they need help? I need to talk to your mom about some things with lesson plans while I'm gone the next couple of days."

Jack nodded and Charlotte set him down and gave him a light pat on the bottom as he headed for the door. She watched the boy put on his hat and gloves, before disappearing outside.

"Jack invited me to accompany him to the Mountie Ball one year." Elizabeth stated from where she stood by her desk.

"What was it like?" Charlotte questioned. "I don't really know what to expect. Nathan has never attended in the past, so he isn't much help. Bill's given his two cents, of course, but mostly all he talked about were the speeches and commendations. I'd love a woman's perspective. Like what should I wear, or how am I supposed to know which fork to use first at the meal. And then how do I greet people? I'm guessing I don't curtsey, but then again, do I shake everyone's hand? Including officers? I don't want to mess up something and embarrass Nathan, but all he tells me is that…" Charlotte trailed off, unsure if she should continue, but seeing the question in Elizabeth's eyes she did. "I'll be the 'Bell of the Ball' and there is no way I can make a bad impression. On anyone."

Charlotte looked away. Suddenly self-conscious of her husband's unwavering belief in her.

"I'm afraid I won't be of any help," Elizabeth strode to the chalkboard and began cleaning it. "Jack and I never made it to the ball that year, and we never got another chance to."

"I'm sorry to hear that. It seems like a big event."

"It is," Elizabeth wistfully responded. "Quite the honor in the Mounties. I'm shocked Nathan has never gone before."

"Oh, he says he was invited many times in the past, he just never felt the draw to go, I guess. Plus, he had Allie, and as a single parent he realized that being with her was more important. Being called away on assignment was one thing but leaving her behind to go to a social event like this, it wasn't something Nathan was comfortable with. Allie has always been such a big part of his world."

Charlotte saw Elizabeth work to swallow a lump in her throat as she continued her task of cleaning the chalkboard. She never meant to bring up a topic that would remind Elizabeth of her past husband, Jack. From what everyone told Charlotte though, the two had a beautiful relationship and she wondered why Elizabeth didn't talk more about her memories with him.

Charlotte decided to change subjects and bring up the reason she was really here as she placed a pile of notes and papers on Elizabeth's desk. "Thank you again for handling all of the classes tomorrow and Friday. These are the lessons I had planned."

"I'll be fine, Ms. Thompson. I used to handle all of the students before you arrived." Elizabeth's back was still turned towards Charlotte as she finished her task at the blackboard.

"Mrs. Grant," Charlotte gritted her teeth. "It's Mrs. Grant now, Mrs. Bouchard. But I'd rather we were at a place where we could both feel comfortable enough using each other's Christian names again."

"Forgive me, Charlotte." Elizabeth set down the eraser she had been using and brushed her palms together, ridding them of the chalk dust that had collected on her hands. "I still sometimes forget that you and Nathan are married. Seeing as I was unable to attend the wedding and I've known both of you far longer as individuals than as a couple."

Charlotte took a deep and steadying breath. Trying to keep herself calm in the situation. This was something she and Nathan had discussed over the past couple of weeks since that horrible dinner at their house with Elizabeth. Nathan had been able to speak his truth to Elizabeth twice now; once the day of her wedding and a second time the other night. He was confident in what he shared with Charlotte. Nothing Elizabeth could say or do would change how he felt about her.

On the other hand, Charlotte's past did not let her have that same level of confidence. But then again, she had never really faced up to Elizabeth and stood her ground where her and Nathan's relationship was concerned.

"But we are married. Just as you and Lucas are. I have never come into your home and started spreading doubts about your relationship, so I was taken aback the other night when that was what you did to Nathan and I."

Elizabeth turned towards her. The guilt in her eyes quickly shifted to anger, but she stayed silent, marinating on Charlotte's words.

Charlotte felt overwhelmed. She wasn't one for confrontation. She knew she wanted to offer Elizabeth forgiveness and grace for her actions against them, but she also knew without this conversation, Elizabeth would never quite be ready for her own healing. Charlotte moved slowly towards a window in the back, staring outside into the late afternoon sunshine. The same way Allie had the first time Charlotte saw her. Right here in the schoolhouse. She smiled at the memory. Her daughter gave her courage that day to face her fears and she somehow found a way to give her courage now.

"I feel partially to blame. I should have spoken up long ago, in a forthright, direct, and honest manner. Nathan and I love each other. Completely. It's because we understand one another. We are vulnerable together. There are no secrets between us. When we are together, we are the truest versions of ourselves. Exactly who God created us to be. Nathan loves me for exactly who I am. And I love him for exactly who he is. We have shown each other our true hearts. The imperfect. The messy. When we are apart those bits show themselves fiercely. But together. We are able to paint a beautiful picture of what, I think, love is meant to be. Is it easy and simple, heavens no. It takes a lot of work. From the both of us. Love needs to be nurtured and cared for. But true love is always worth fighting for and it never gives up. I will never give up on Nathan, just as he will never give up on me. Even on our darkest of days, we know that hope, faith, and love will see us through to the other side."

Charlotte could see her words had an effect on Elizabeth. Especially when she had stated that 'true love is always worth fighting for'. She saw the hurt in the other woman, and Charlotte wanted nothing more than to fix Elizabeth's unhappiness, but she realized there was only one way to do that. In a truthful manner. "This back-and-forth uncertainty is not helpful to anyone. You need to find what you want out of life. Nathan and I want to offer you friendship. True friendship, but you need to realize now, there will be no romantic feelings tied to it between yourself and my husband. No more talks about what could have been but is not. I'm not trying to tell you this to be mean or cruel, but I do need to be honest. Not only for myself, but for you too, Elizabeth. You owe it to yourself, and your son, to be happy. You are an intelligent and thoughtful woman. You feel deeply, so I need to ask this... Do you feel like you have you truly been able to heal from the loss of Jack? From the little I know, his passing seemed sudden and possibly without the closure you needed. And then instead of time for grieving, you had to turn your focus towards the birth of your son and being a single parent. I'm sure that could not have been easy. Traumatic experiences have a way of changing the trajectory of one's life. I know that probably better than most. Not in the same way as you, of course. No one in this world can walk the exact same path. I can't compare my life and feelings to yours, but I do want you to know that I am here if you ever want to talk about it. Or anyone else in town, for that matter. I know when Jack passed, there was not a pastor in Hope Valley at that time. Maybe it would do some good, talking things through with Joseph now that he is here?"

Charlotte studied Elizabeth while she spoke and saw the other woman retreating into herself. It was a feeling Charlotte knew all too well. She also knew, in those moments, sometimes the best way to start healing was to be given some time and space to think and pray.

"I'm sorry if in saying these things I've overstepped my boundaries. I'm not someone to give advice unless it is asked for, but after the other night, I think it is important we had this discussion. Elizabeth, please know I forgive you for your words and actions and I look forward to one day, in the future, where we can all be friends and look back on this conversation as a blessing. The turning point for all of us moving forward. Putting us on a path of where we are supposed to be and with who we are meant to be with."

Charlotte turned then to the door of the church, praying with each step she took towards the exit. Before she reached for the knob, a familiar voice stopped her.

Comfort your friend.

When she turned back, she saw Elizabeth sitting in her chair, shrunken over her desk. Waves of tears streaming down her face.

Elizabeth hadn't heard Charlotte return to her side and was startled when her arm was touched in support by the other woman. Charlotte didn't say another word, but just gave her a solemn look of understanding, as she brushed her hand back and forth along Elizabeth's shoulder in reassurance.

Nathan's words from the other night hit Elizabeth square in the chest. "You should know… one morning while Charlotte and I were having coffee before you left town on your book tour, she said something to me. And I think you need to hear it. Because it will tell you more about the type of woman Charlotte is, than I ever could. She had told me she felt the need to extend you grace, Elizabeth. She didn't know the battles you had personally gone through in life. She hadn't walked the same path as you. She didn't know what it felt like to be a single parent. She didn't know what it felt like to lose a love like you had with Jack. She knew that all of those experiences, they change someone. Just like you will never be able to understand what Charlotte has gone through and how that's shaped the woman she is."

Here was Charlotte. The woman who Elizabeth couldn't help but admit she had envied so many times over the past year and a half. The woman she had repeatedly lashed out against. Said and done things that she knew would cause doubts and distance to grow between her and Nathan. And now here Charlotte was, casting forgiveness and grace on her so fully, Elizabeth felt as though she was drowning in emotions of unworthiness.

"Talk to Joseph, Elizabeth. You won't regret it, I promise." Charlotte squeezed Elizabeth's shoulder. "Plus, I think that Minnie and the children would be happy to watch Jack while you put some time into healing your own heart."

"Thank you." Were the only words Elizabeth could choke out of her tight throat.

Charlotte gave her a supportive smile and then again made her way down the aisle to the doors, before spinning on the heel of her boot and coming back to the front of the classroom, placing a wrapped parcel from the pocket of her coat onto Elizabeth's desk. "Here. This was the real reason I came over this afternoon. It's a thank you gift to you and Jack for taking care of things while we are away. I hope it brings you both a few new adventures." Charlotte winked, before turning to walk back down the aisle. She had made it part of the way to the door when Elizabeth's voice stopped her.

"Mrs. Grant."

"Mmmhmmm."

"As for the silverware at the formal dinner. Start on the outside and work your way in. When in doubt. Follow Rosemary's lead. She'll know what to do."

"Thank you," Charlotte beamed a smile and nodded to Elizabeth in understanding before disappearing out the back of the church.

Elizabeth took the wrapped parcel into her hands, pulling the twine, she removed the brown paper surrounding the gift. She smiled as her shaking hands ran over the front of the book. It was the copy of 'The Man of the Forest' Charlotte had begun reading the other night after dinner. Elizabeth opened the cover. Scrolled on the inside in Charlotte's beautiful handwriting were words that brought a new wave of tears to her eyes.

To: Elizabeth and Jack

Reading books together

allows you to experience

the world.

Without even needing

to leave home,

or those who matter most.

Love Always,

The Grants

Charlotte quietly closed the door to the church behind her, releasing a long, shuddering breath she had been holding for quite some time. A weight, one that had been there longer than she realized, was suddenly lifted from her shoulders. They had all been truthful with one another. Finally. No more minced words. The healing could begin for Elizabeth, while Nathan and Charlotte's love could move forward, stronger.

Speaking of Nathan. There he was, just across the schoolyard, Newton and Realta's reins in hand. His gaze focused on where he nervously twirled his campaign hat between his long fingers. Suddenly, as if sensing Charlotte's presence he looked up and their eyes connected. He studied her expression intently, trying to interpret how the conversation with Elizabeth had gone. When he realized it had been successful, a slow, sincere smile spread across his face, igniting his blue eyes with happiness.

Charlotte couldn't take being apart from him any longer, so she jumped down from the steps of the church and ran to Nathan. He released the horses' reins, taking his own strides towards her. He threw his campaign hat haphazardly to the side a moment before Charlotte leapt into his open arms. Nathan swung her around and lifted her above him joyously, leaning back slightly to pull her into an even tighter hug. Charlotte wrapped her arms about his neck and held him close to her. Her wavy hair tickling his cheek as it blew around them in the soft breeze.

Nathan held her a few moments longer, before gently returning her feet to the ground. Steadying their swaying bodies together. Charlotte shifted her arms from Nathan's neck to his waist, pulling him close to her as she placed her head on his chest. In return, Nathan wrapped his arms around her upper back, resting his cheek against the top of Charlotte's head. Breathing in her familiar and intoxicating scent. A wave of relief washing over them both, as they held onto one another.

"Thank you, Nathan," Charlotte murmured.

"For what?" His lips brushed against her hair.

"For giving me the strength to do that. For sticking up for what we believe in. For helping me be brave enough to point out what is and not for what could have been."

"You already had that strength within you Charlotte. It had nothing to do with me."

"It had everything to do with you," Charlotte pulled her head back slightly to look into Nathan's eyes. "I may have had the strength within me, but you gave me the courage to use it."

Nathan's thumb brushed against her cheek a moment before he brought his lips to hers. "I love you, Charlie. So incredibly much."

"I love you, Nate." She kissed him again. "Let's go home." She turned slightly out of his embrace and took his hand into hers, entwining their fingers together as they walked into their future. Stronger and more certain of who they were as individuals, but more importantly who they were together.