Chapter 106- Acquaintances

*I had fun writing some real Alberta history into this chapter with the mention of the "Big Four" and especially George Lane. These men were essential in developing the area around Calgary back in the early 1900's. I enjoyed bringing that element into 'So This Is Love' and building a little on Charlotte's own backstory.

The other point in this chapter is… we get introduced to "someone" new, who really sets up my vision for the rest of the "season".

I should add on top of this being a story about family and love, I seem to enjoy bringing a little bit of mystery into the mix as well…

Guess I'm just trying to keep you all on the edge of your seats wondering what is going to happen next :)

"So…" Tremblay leaned over to Nathan as they walked from the lobby to the hotel's restaurant. "Married life seems to agree with you?"

"Is it that obvious?" Nathan couldn't hide the beaming smile that consumed his face.

"It was obvious you were head over heels for her when I saw you in Potter's Creek, but now… seeing you two together… you're terribly in love with her, aren't you?"

"Terribly. I'm consumed by it. Sometimes she only has to look at me-" Nathan stopped realizing he was speaking his most private thoughts aloud.

Tremblay looked at him. "If it makes you feel any better, I can tell she's terribly in love with you too. She sees you. The real you. And if I wasn't extremely happy for you sir, I'd be mighty jealous, because Charlotte seems to be everything you described, and more."

Nathan placed a supportive hand on Warren's shoulder. "Who knows, your own Charlotte may be here this weekend or even at your new posting. I've found when it's the right person and right time, nothing can stop you from being together."

"You certainly gave me plenty of time to look, while we waited for you and Charlotte in the lobby," Tremblay joked, earning a strong flush to Nathan's cheeks. "Not that I can blame you for your tardiness. If I had a wife like Charlotte, I'd like to think we would be as crazy for one another as you two are."

When their group reached the hotel dining room, Nathan was taken aback by how bustling it was. There were businessmen, a few families, and many familiar faces to Nathan. Recruits he had trained, comrades from various postings, and of course officers he had served under.

"Maybe we should have made a reservation," Charlotte commented, coming from behind to stand beside Nathan. "I should have realized with the Mountie Ball it would be busy in here. Hopefully we can find a table for all of us."

"We'll find something. I think Lee and Rosemary already talked to the dining room host and they are trying to combine a few tables for us," Nathan answered, taking Charlotte's hand into his. He had noticed the way people turned and stared when she entered the room. Even in her understated dark green blouse and skirt, with her hair pulled back in a simple braid, Charlotte captivated a room, and as usual, she did it without even knowing her impact.

"Do you know most of the people here? At least the Mounties?" Charlotte asked.

"Many, yes."

"Did you see 'Big Four' over there?"

"The 'Big Four'?" Nathan raised his eyebrow in question.

Charlotte smiled and tilted her head in the direction of a group of very prominent looking businessmen seated at a large table in the corner. "'The 'Big Four' of Calgary. Really the whole territory. They were credited with starting the Calgary Stampede back in '12. A.J. McLean manages the CY Ranch. Alfred Cross owns the A7 down south. Mr. George Lane of the Bar U Ranch and of course Pat Burns. He owns almost every meat packing plant in the region, and they say you can ride from Cochrane to Montana and never leave his property. Actually, I think I heard where Burns recently purchased the OH."

"The ranch you grew up on?" Nathan whispered.

Charlotte nodded her head. "I'm glad he bought it from that investment company out of New York. He'll do well by the OH. He understands the area and the cattle business."

"Looks like one of them may have recognized you. They're coming over this way."

"Doubtful. I was so young the last time I would have seen any of them." Charlotte's gaze followed to where Nathan's had landed. He was right though, George Lane was striding across the room, seemingly directly towards her.

"Excuse me ma'am," Mr. Lane nodded in greeting. "I don't usually do this, but you looked so familiar, that I had to come over and ask. Are you Sean and Sarah Thompson's daughter, Charlotte?"

Charlotte knew her jaw had dropped open for a moment before she regained her composure. "I am, Mr. Lane."

"We thought so," Lane looked behind him in the direction of the table he had been sitting at. The other three men Lane had been sitting with gave an acknowledging nod in their direction.

"Mr. Lane. This is my husband, Constable Nathan Grant," Charlotte introduced, as Nathan shook Lane's hand in greeting. "And that young lady over there is our daughter, Allie."

"Daughter? I knew it had been a number of years since I've seen you, but I didn't realize you had a teenage daughter."

"Technically, she's my niece," Nathan explained. "When my sister passed away, I became Allie's guardian. I officially adopted her a few years ago, before Charlotte and I even met."

"A single father to a young daughter and a Mountie to boot. Quite commendable, Constable Grant."

"Nathan is an amazing man and has raised a wonderful young woman in Allie," Charlotte smiled at Nathan with pride. Appreciating that someone else instantly saw Nathan for the man he was. Complimenting him and giving praise where it was due.

"I believe your parents also raised a wonderful young woman, Mrs. Grant. I was sorry to hear of their passing all those years ago. They were both quality people and neighbors. Your father especially had an eye for good stock, both cattle and horses, and always treated everyone he met with respect and fairness. The OH never did seem to recover after his and Sarah's deaths. Burns over there though is trying to get it turned around. Where did you go after leaving Longview?"

"I was still studying to become a teacher when mom and dad passed. I spent some time down south in a town called Potter's Creek at a school there, before I moved to Hope Valley, a little over a year and a half ago," Charlotte took hold of Nathan's hand. "I guess you could say the rest is history."

"From what I can see, it's just beginning," Lane smiled. "It appears you must be in town for the Annual Mountie Ball."

"We are, sir," Charlotte answered. "Nathan, as well as our friend here, Constable Gabe Kinslow, are being honored as this year's recipients of the Order of Merit awards."

"Congratulations, Grant. That seems like quite the honor."

"Thank you, sir," Nathan answered, self-conscious of the praise.

"It must be the reason why the restaurant is especially full tonight. We were just finishing up, why doesn't your group come over and take our tables? If not, it may be sometime before the restaurant can find space for you all."

"That is very generous, Mr. Lane. If you wouldn't mind, we'd be happy to take you up on your offer. Otherwise, we may have a revolt on our hands," Charlotte's eyes scanned to where Allie, Fred, Warren, and Rosemary all stood.

Lane laughed. "Yes, children and even growing men always get a little out of sorts when they are off a feeding schedule. But I remember when my wife was in that stage of pregnancy, I swore it was a good thing I had over 16,000 head of cattle on my ranch, because she seemed ready to eat at all hours of the day. It was the same for all eight of our children."

"Eight kids!" Nathan gasped, before realizing that he had spoken aloud.

"Yes, eight," Lane smiled in return. "Four girls and four boys. I tried for many years to cut a deal with 'ol Sean Thompson to marry off his only daughter to one of my sons. 'Can you imagine the partnership we would create?' I told him. Sean would only give me that deep, booming laugh of his, pat me on the back, and say 'George, no offense, but your boys would be no match for my Charlotte'. The thing is, I think Sean was right." George turned to Nathan. "I'm sorry you never got a chance to know her parents, son. They were wonderful people and even though you and I just met, I believe they would have approved of their daughter's choice."

"That's very kind of you to say, sir." Nathan could feel the tears sting at the corners of his eyes.

"Well, let's get you all seated. I believe myself and Burns are invited to the ball on Saturday. We can always catch up more than. It's time to get you all some dinner."

Charlotte was aware of the stares that followed them across the room, and she felt a small nervous twisting in her stomach. Was it because George Lane, a man of prominence in the territory, had sought her out and now directed her to the table of other recognizable businessmen? Was it because she was on the arm of Constable Grant, who she was quickly noticing, held a place of high regard in his own right with the Mounties in the room? Or was it something else?

Once they reached the tables arranged in the corner, George Lane and Charlotte led the introductions between the two groups. Pleasantries were exchanged and then the 'Big Four' kindly excused themselves so that the Hope Valley and Brookfield group could take their seats as soon as the hotel staff reset the space.

Conversation and laughs flowed freely over their meal. Many of the other diners in the room stopped at their table to talk with Nathan, Gabe, Bill, and Warren. Charlotte had been introduced to so many different people, she was afraid if there was a test on acquaintances later, she would fail miserably. So many different names, positions, postings, and connections, she found her head swimming with all the new faces and details. It was a bit overwhelming.

As if reading her mind, Nathan took her hand. "It's more than we're used to, isn't it Charlie?" He asked quietly.

Warmth spread through her at his touch and a calmness edged into her anxious heart. "I just feel out-of-place." She confided. "It seems like people have been staring all evening. Makes me think I have spinach stuck in my teeth."

Nathan grinned. "People- or men?"

Charlotte flushed and Nathan regretted pointing out there had been an obvious difference in whose attention she seemed to be drawing. He had thought earlier that she hadn't noticed, but he should have known better. Given her past with Beck, she seemed acutely aware of most unknown men's movements and looks around her. Being in this crowded space, with so many strangers staring, he saw her uneasiness deepen.

"Try not to hold the stares against them. You're the rarest gem in the whole city even if you did have spinach stuck in your teeth."

Charlotte gave a faint laugh and Nathan squeezed her hand in a reassuring manner. "Actually, their stares are probably more so because it seems I had been declared the 'never-settle-down type of Mountie', yet here I am with the most beautiful woman in the room as my wife."

"Who told you that?"

"That you're beautiful? Everyone already knows." Nathan winked. Charlotte squinted her eyes and poked him mockingly in the ribs.

"Landry said it when we were in Potter's Creek. He didn't expect me to get married, because he always figured I'd be the never-settle-down type of Mountie."

"Why on earth would he think that?"

"He… ah…" It was Nathan's turn to blush. "Well, it was actually Tremblay who said that at Fort Clay they had witnessed some women trying to catch my eye. The young ladies would ask recruits like Warren and Landry to make introductions, but at that point in my life I was too focused on my career and Allie to pay any mind to their advances."

"Thank goodness for that," Charlotte smiled, leaning over to place a kiss on his cheek. "I always thought it was just Elizabeth's bad judgment that saved you for me."

Nathan chuckled lightly and then his gaze scanned the rest of their table. Taking in their family and friends gathered round. Even though he wished they were in the comfort of their dining room at home, he appreciated the opportunity for this trip with them and the memories they were making.

Maybe there was a little truth to what he just told Charlotte. Maybe some of the stares were for him as well. How many others in this room had the amount of friendship and love he had with him here this weekend? If someone would have said, just a couple years ago, Nathan would be here tonight, with a table full of support, he wouldn't have believed it and in recognition he sent up a quick prayer in thanksgiving for his abundant blessings.

He had noticed them since the moment they stepped into the hotel restaurant.

They were the reason why all their plans had been derailed. For the time being.

The simple yet alluring woman in green had been the demise of McEntire.

He had known Beck was reckless. He had known he was hotheaded, but still when he found out what had ultimately become of McEntire he was surprised. McEntire had always been smart, resourceful, conniving, but he had let his emotions get the better of him. He had ultimately chosen a woman- this woman- over all the power, prominence, and position he could have ever hoped for.

What a drunken fool.

Now, he was tasked with digging them out of this mess they had found themselves in. He knew when Grant, Kinslow, and Avery arrived in Potter's Creek last month they would not find what they were looking for, because it had never existed. At least he hadn't found any evidence in the sheriff's office or Beck's home when he secretly arrived in town soon after news of McEntire's death broke and before Tremblay and Landry took their new posting.

Still, he wondered how much Grant and his friends knew about Beck's connections? What their discoveries, if any, could mean to the business. And ultimately himself.

He watched their movements discreetly, trying to read the group's dynamics. He was taken aback when George Lane had stridden across the room and made conversation with the woman. They seemed to know each other from the past and that surprised him. From everything Beck had said, she had no family. No friends. Certainly, no connections as prominent as George Lane and the rest of the 'Big Four' to whom they had spoken freely with and seemed on friendly terms. They were even invited to take over their table in the corner of the dining room when the businessmen had finished for the evening.

It certainly threw a new dynamic into the fold.

People with no connections were easily manipulated.

People who knew McLean and Cross, could be worked around.

But it was her association with Burns, who, he knew, had political aspirations, and owned plenty of land and businesses in the territory, as well as her friendship with George Lane that had him concerned. Just over a year ago, Lane had hosted the Prince of Wales on his ranch, the Bar U. The prince enjoyed his time on the property so much, Lane helped him purchase a neighboring ranch, where Edward could come play cowboy whenever the opportunity presented itself.

Being married to a well-respected constable was one thing. A connection to the future king of England and the commonwealth, was something completely different.

Through the evening, he upheld conversations with the Mounties at his own table, but his mind and attention were elsewhere. Across the room, where their eclectic group joked together and clearly were enjoying each other's company.

When it was time for them to leave, he and the others walked over to make introductions to the group and exchange their own pleasantries, like many in the hotel dining room had been doing all evening.

Out of the group at the corner table, he knew Avery the best and had met Kinslow and Tremblay on occasion, but Grant was rather a mystery to him other than what he had heard from others. While the two groups talked, he tried to read Grant's demeanor to better understand the other Mountie and what his weaknesses could be.

Nathan Grant was a quiet man, but there wasn't anything soft about him. There was something in his look and aura that made people treat him with respect. It wasn't just his height or the strength of his body, which were both impressive enough. It was the clear steadiness of his gaze. He knew what he was about even if the rest of the world didn't. He seemed a man of conviction and purpose. Courageous and strong-minded. Gentle and tenderhearted, but there was nothing weak about him. Quite the opposite in fact. In those few moments, he could tell what guided and directed Grant's life. Because they all sat around him. There in the flesh.

And he knew then. The best way for retribution wasn't the uncalculated and zealous pursuit to get back all they had lost, but rather it was to remove Grant's strength from within.

Not in that way, of course.

Unlike Beck, that wasn't his style. One of force and eradication. His was more deliberate. A crack here. A wedge there. But slowly, he would drive them apart and see that Grant and his counterparts would not be able to overthrow their plans any longer.

Soon enough, it would be back to business as usual.

"I'm glad you had that talk with Warren earlier about Allie being too young for him." Charlotte leaned over and whispered in Nathan's ear.

"What do you mean?" He questioned, drawing back slightly.

"I mean…" Charlotte's eyes twinkled. "Our daughter seems a little smitten, by a certain tall, dark, and handsome Mountie she is sitting beside tonight."

All the blood seemed to drain out of Nathan at once and his stomach instantly turned to knots. His eyes darted down the table to where Tremblay sat next to Allie across from his parents. Warren was making polite conversation with everyone around him, but Allie only seemed to have eyes for him and hung on his every word.

"But…" Nathan sputtered. Words seemed not possible at that moment. He knew that Allie was growing up quickly, and that before Robert left for the Mounties, they had seemed to strike up a fancy for one another. At the time, it all seemed rather harmless. Fleeting, really. But the look on Allie's face right now, told Nathan he wouldn't be able to take that approach much longer. "But…"

"Awe… sweetheart," Charlotte brushed back a piece of hair that had fallen over his forehead. "You knew it was bound to happen sooner, rather than later."

"But… but…"

Charlotte chuckled at Nathan's stuttering. "Nathan, she's growing up. You know that more than anyone. And this isn't the first. There was Robert, but this…" Charlotte's eyes looked down the table to Allie. "This seems a little more."

"But…"

Charlotte smiled gently. "I think every teenage girl, at some point in her life, has a bit of a fancy for a handsome, young man, a few years her senior."

"Did… did you?"

Finally, Charlotte thought. He can say a word other than 'but'.

"I did. His name was Noah Ellis." Nathan's eyes returned to hers. "Oh, don't worry. It was all quite harmless. Noah cowboyed on the ranch one summer. I was right around Allie's age, and he was probably close to Warren's. I was smitten by his sandy blond hair and green eyes. He had the most beautiful grey dapple mare he rode. Mom picked up on my feelings as soon as the haying season started on the ranch, because it has always been one of my least favorite jobs, but that summer, I spent every day I could in the hay meadows helping the crews work. Dad wasn't as quick to pick up on it. I didn't even think Noah noticed me, but then that fall, at the ranch's barn dance he asked me to waltz with him."

"Let me guess, he swept you off your feet and you fell madly in love."

"Hardly," Charlotte laughed at the memory. "I lost track of how many times he stepped on my toes through that one dance. And he ended up having the foulest smelling breath I have ever experienced. Needless to say, my infatuation passed quickly after that."

"So, you're telling me there is hope that this too shall pass?" He laughed then- a soft, good-natured chuckle. "I just need to make sure Tremblay is a horrible dancer and has poor oral hygiene."

"Something like that," Charlotte smiled in return. "Although the older and wiser woman in me, predicts that neither of those things will be true with Warren."

Nathan groaned in response and ran a nervous hand through his hair.

"She'll be fine," Charlotte rubbed a reassuring hand along Nathan's back. "You raised an amazing daughter. She has a good head on her shoulders. So does Tremblay. That being said, I'll make sure I have a talk with Allie tomorrow about it all."

"I just don't want her to get hurt."

"You can't protect her from everything, Nathan. I know as a parent you want to save your child from ever experiencing hurt but hurt is a part of living. You and I know that better than most. The only thing we can do is make sure she is prepared, as best as possible, for life's harshness and realities and for her to always know we love and support her. That we will always be there when she needs us most. And sometimes, unfortunately, that's at the end when we have to help pick up the pieces."

Nathan's eyes again drifted to where Allie and Warren sat. His insides were a mix of emotions. He loved being a part of her growing up, seeing her mature and change, but that didn't stop his heart from hurting that his little girl wasn't so little anymore.

Charlotte twirled a strand of Nathan's hair around her finger. "I have an idea. Why don't you and Allie go out on the town tomorrow night. Just the two of you. Spend some quality time together. As crazy as the last few months of our lives have been, you haven't had the opportunity to just be with her. I think it will do both of your hearts some good."

Nathan sighed deeply and nodded his head. "That doesn't sound like a bad idea. Then I can make sure she knows; she's not allowed to court until she's thirty-six."

"Thirty-six, huh? Pretty steep price there, Dad." Charlotte mocked.

"Okay, thirty. But I'm not going any lower. No matter what you, or Allie, say."

"Mmmhmm, sure. One look into those pleading brown eyes of hers and she's going to turn you into mush, Constable."

"Not this time."

"Just keep an open mind, okay? She needs to know our expectations, but still feel comfortable with telling us how she's feeling."

Nathan nodded his head in agreement. Thank God he had Charlotte now to help him traverse these turbulent waters. "It used to be so easy. I remember not so long ago when all she was concerned about was fishing and reading and now…"

"And now we have each other. I'm not any more experienced than you at parenting a teenage daughter, remember? But we will work through it together. Just like everything else."