Chapter 107- Calgary

*Sorry for only getting out one chapter this week. Real life happens and sometimes it decides to take over everything.

Hope you enjoy a rather full day in Calgary with the Grants.

"I thought I'd probably find you here."

Charlotte jumped and nearly upset a display of books she was standing by. She had been deeply enthralled with reading a few pages of a new novel that she didn't notice Nathan come up behind her in the bookstore she and Allie had found.

"Oh, my goodness," Charlotte gasped, clutching a hand to her chest in shock. "I didn't hear you."

"I realized," Nathan chuckled, leaning forward to place a hello kiss on his wife's cheek. "Hope I didn't startle you too much."

"I thought you were going to be in meetings all morning."

"I was."

Charlotte pulled back the sleeve of her blouse to look at her watch. "I had no idea it was this late. I'm so sorry. We lost track of time."

"When you were late to meet for lunch at the hotel, I figured this was where you may have gone off to. I saw it yesterday on our walk from the train station."

Charlotte gave a sheepish grin. "I've never been in a store like this before and I guess… I got swept away into a different world."

"Books have the ability of doing that," Nathan said, perusing the shelves beside them for himself. "Anything good in here?"

"So much!" Charlotte's eyes brightened as she led Nathan around the back of the store pointing out new novels, old classics, and poetry booklets. She led him to a small hidden corner where on the bottom shelf she had found a whole selection of braille books that she planned on purchasing for Angela. "It's been so long since I've had new texts for her to learn from. I've written to Megan a few times wondering if she could find any back east, but she's had no luck. Who knew that they were all right here in Calgary?"

Nathan simply watched Charlotte flutter about, pointing out one area of interest and then another. Her voice rose and fell in excitement, describing all the possibilities to him. Especially along a back wall where she had found a whole display of educator training books including ones outlining new teaching techniques.

"What?" She questioned, finally catching Nathan's expression. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I'm just thinking to myself how most women get the same look you have on your face with new jewelry or fancy clothes, but not my Charlie. Her eyes sparkle with books, sunshine days in a mountain meadow, and dancing under the northern lights."

Charlotte blushed. "Don't you see what all those things have in common, Nate?"

Nathan furrowed his brow slightly at her question.

"What they all have in common…" Charlotte slowly circled her arms around his waist, pulling them gently together as she looked up into his intense blue gaze. "Is you. Sure, all those things make me happy on their own. The books, the meadow, dancing under the lights. But they are special to me because we are experiencing them together."

He brushed back an escaped wave of hair from Charlotte's face as he bent forward slightly and placed a kiss to her lips. He knew it wasn't proper etiquette to kiss so deeply in a public space, but honestly, he didn't care what society thought. He and Charlotte were married and thankful for each moment they shared.

"I'm sorry, I'm cutting into your lunch time, rambling on and on about books," Charlotte apologized, pulling back slightly from their kiss.

"I don't mind." He smiled across her lips.

"Did you see Allie when you came in?"

"Yeah, she's towards the front of the store in the children's section. She's looking for a book to give to Lee and Rosemary for the baby."

"What a great idea!" Charlotte exclaimed. "Let's go find her and then get a quick lunch together at the small café next door. A bowl of soup sounds perfect for as cold as it is outside today. What I wouldn't do for one of those chinooks right about now."

"You know what they say, if you don't like the weather, wait an hour. It will change."

Nathan was right, the weather seemed to change at a moment's notice, but instead of a chinook, over lunch they could see snow showers brewing in the mountains and beginning their trek across the plains towards the city.

He had spent his shortened lunch break with Charlotte and Allie at the café next to the bookstore catching up on the girls' morning and discussing his meetings at the hotel that day.

Last year, when the Mounties renamed to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, officials began making policy changes and it seemed they believed the Mountie Ball was the perfect opportunity to push this new agenda forward. Including making changes to two of the most iconic symbols of the organization. The Mountie's horse and their red serge.

While the red serge would still be considered the Mounties official dress regalia, field personnel were beginning to be outfitted with uniforms of dark blue and the more practical brown tunics for regular duty.

The other policy change, Nathan had a harder time adjusting too.

Swapping his horse out, for a car.

He knew it was the 'way of the future' and it would help him travel farther and faster than he was able to on Newton. Still, it was an adjustment he wasn't quite sure he was ready for.

He remembered a few years ago when he fancied the idea of learning to drive. It had been soon after Elizabeth and Lucas went on their date to Union City. Nathan believed to 'compete' he also needed to have the use of a car.

Correction; the status of a car.

Thankfully, the desire fizzled out almost as soon as it came on. Nathan realized a woman, even Elizabeth, shouldn't be so shallow as to make a decision of whom to love based on if he did or did not have a car. And if she did, he wanted no part of that relationship.

Looking back, Nathan was thankful he didn't take that leap at the time, because how many hours had he, Allie, and Charlotte spent as a family riding their horses together? They would always be such special memories for him.

And what about Newton? He was more than just a means of transportation.

A car didn't come back for him after their run in with Dylan Parks. A car didn't sense danger when Beck came. A car didn't ride all day and all night through the mountains in search of Charlotte.

But Newton did all of that and more.

Allie was excited about the prospect of having a car and freely voiced her approval when Nathan had broken the news over a slice of apple pie they shared at the café for dessert. Charlotte was quieter. Nathan could tell she was weighing the information carefully.

"You dislike the idea, don't you?" He quietly asked as she took another bite of the pie.

She paused before answering, mulling over his question, and choosing her words carefully. "I don't dislike it," she finally stated. "I just see the internal battle warring in you."

Nathan nodded in silent agreement. One thing he marveled at, was Charlotte's innate sense of understanding exactly what he was feeling, without him even saying a word.

"I see the practicality of the Mounties' decision. Especially with the roads in your territory being well maintained in all the travel to and from Hope Valley with Lee's mill and the oil company." Charlotte continued. "I also see what's on your mind. Newton is so much more than a way for you to get around in your job. He is a partner and friend out on the trail. I know what that horse has done for you Nathan. You're wondering how you can replace something that has such heart and desire, with something so… mechanical."

"Exactly!" Nathan proclaimed.

"But since I don't believe either of us are going to be able to change the policies of the RCMP, why don't we look at the positives here. With driving, you get to learn something new. We will have more space to pack things from town back to the ranch than what our saddlebags would ever allow. And faithful Newton, will get some much-deserved rest and extra pasture time at the ranch instead of being on the trail or at the livery every day."

"Can I learn how to drive too?" Allie interjected.

"No." Nathan and Charlotte answered in unison, to which Allie just rolled her eyes mockingly and took another bite of pie.

"Who are you going to learn from?" Charlotte asked.

"Bill has offered, although I'm not sure that's my best option. I thought maybe Lee or Joseph."

"Any of them, I'm sure, would be happy to help." Charlotte chuckled. "And you know what… it probably wouldn't be a bad idea if I learned as well. I don't believe automobiles are going away any time soon and we may find it beneficial for us both to know how to drive one."

"I'd love that," Nathan smiled sweetly, before looking at his watch. "I'm sorry to leave you both here, but I need to get back. The next meeting is starting shortly, and I can't be late." He pushed aside his chair to stand, kissing Allie's forehead in the process. "I'll see you later, Miss Grant."

Allie beamed a smile at Nathan. She was excited about being able to spend some quality time with him tonight and had talked about little else since they had made plans over breakfast this morning. "See you later, Dad."

"You too," he swept forward and placed a parting kiss to Charlotte's lips. "Have fun this afternoon." He winked before disappearing into the grey landscape and bustling streets of Calgary.

After lunch with Nathan, Charlotte and Allie had met up with Rosemary, Maise, Lillian, and Grace for some shopping through the stores in downtown Calgary near the hotel. They quickly found a large department store just down the street. Even though most of Allie's Christmas presents had been new clothes, it seemed like the young woman was going through yet another growth spurt. Maise and Charlotte helped her pick out a few practical woolen dresses, some simple cotton blouses and skirts, heavy stockings, trousers, and a new pair of boots. One of the most needed items though was some undergarments more befitting of a developing young woman. Thankfully they had found everything they were looking for and Charlotte hoped these pieces would last her daughter for some time.

The other women had plenty of success in the store as well. Rosemary bought supplies for the baby's nursery and new clothes for Fred who seemed to be growing exponentially. She also found some last minute 'necessities' for Carson and Faith's wedding that would be in only a couple weeks on Valentine's Day. Lillian and Grace scoured the clearance racks for much needed clothes and shoes for the children at the orphanage and came away with some wonderful finds. The store manager, once he found out that the purchases were for orphans in their care, gave an additional discount to the items the women had already picked out and added another two boxes of stock he stated "just weren't selling" like he had expected them too.

After spending much of the afternoon at the department store, Maise was tired and decided she should return to the hotel to rest. Charlotte agreed. She had noticed in the past, when Maise was fatigued her spells came on stronger and more frequently. Laden with their parcels for the children, Lillian and Grace returned to the hotel with Maise.

Rosemary was then on a mission. She had found a store earlier along Stephen Avenue that was floor to ceiling and wall to wall, fabrics from all over the world. Charlotte and Allie accompanied her, carrying all their purchases from the department store, so Rosemary was free to look around.

"How in the world are women expected to make these decisions?" Rosemary questioned, holding up two different fabrics for closer inspection. "I mean how am I supposed to pick which of these colors to use for the baby if we have no idea if it's going to be a boy or a girl."

Charlotte pushed her hip off one of the tables she had been leaning against to join Rosemary by the fabrics. She ran her fingers along the pink and blue material Rosemary had chosen. They were both beautiful and buttery soft. The pink was delicate, and yes, feminine. The blue, though, was Charlotte's clear favorite. It was lovely and the exact same shade as her beloved dress. Not to mention a certain Mountie's deep blue eyes. "They are both wonderful. It's such a soft material. I've never really felt anything like it before."

"The salesclerk said that it is called Jersey knit. It's been made famous in recent years by Coco Chanel."

"Should I know who that is?" Charlotte asked.

Rosemary giggled. "Remind me when we get back to Hope Valley to give you a few of my old issues of Vogue and Harper's Bazaar."

Charlotte smiled kindly, but she found herself drawn back to the material on the table. Running her fingers over the blue fabric again, relishing in the feel of it. It was so similar to the silky, soft skin of the baby that would one day be wrapped in it.

Suddenly her mind started creating visions. Visions of their baby, swaddled securely in that blue fabric. Soft coos of contentment came from the babe as their son's cheeks cradled into the sweet space between his father's neck and strong shoulder. Nathan's palm rested lightly on the baby's back in reassurance as he swayed slightly and hummed a low melody. Working to lull the child, and an exhausted Charlotte, to sleep. He turned away from the window then, the moon outlining his muscular frame from behind. The light making it hard for Charlotte to see his face clearly from her position on the bed at the other side of their room, but the one thing she could not miss was the blissful, yet tender smile that consumed his face.

"Charlotte…"

Rosemary's voice captured Charlotte's attention back to the present. She turned to see the other woman giving her a sympathetic smile as her gaze drifted for a moment to where Charlotte's palm rested lightly against her stomach. "Not this month?" She asked gently.

Charlotte shook her head slightly.

"These things take time." Rosemary placed a caring hand on Charlotte's forearm, before moving it to rest on her own baby bump. "I should know."

Charlotte took a deep breath and turned back to the table of fabric in front of them. "So, which are you choosing, Rosemary? Will it be the pink, or the blue?"

Rosemary's face scrunched slightly, weighing the options in front of her. "I guess I could always make two blankets. One pink and then one blue. That way if it's a boy or a girl, I would have something."

"Sounds like a wonderful idea." Charlotte agreed.

As soon as the women were done in the fabric store, they went their separate ways. 'Aunt' Rosemary declared that she wanted to purchase Allie a new outfit befitting a young woman's first formal evening out in the city, and she wouldn't take no for an answer from Allie or Charlotte.

So, while Allie and Aunt Rosie went into a dress makers store a few doors down, Charlotte began her walk back down Stephen Avenue towards the hotel. The snow that they had seen developing earlier in the mountains was now upon Calgary. A light dusting fell and covered the streets, creating a beautiful winter wonderland around her.

With the weather changing, fewer people scuttled about, and the avenue seemed eerily quiet. Charlotte walked along at a leisurely pace. Nathan would still be in his afternoon meetings for a little while longer, so she didn't feel the need to hurry along. Instead, she took her time, trying to enjoy the sights and sounds around her.

She paused at a store window, captivated by the beautiful display the staff had created to draw in customers. After spending a few moments outside, Charlotte was about to continue down the path back to the hotel, when movement from the other side of the glass caught her attention.

She blinked repeatedly to clear the snowflakes caught in her lashes. Trying to ensure her eyes saw correctly, but as she looked closer, there was no mistaking it. Two men from their group were in the shop. Looking intently in a display case with the assistance of the store clerk. Charlotte began to turn and head back down the street, she didn't want to disrupt them, but before she could, she was caught.

One of the men glanced up and saw her standing in the window. They paled slightly; their bewildered gaze scanned the full length of the window beside her. Once they realized it was only Charlotte that had spotted them, they raised their hand in acknowledgement, gesturing for her to join them. She hesitated, not wanting to interrupt, but also interested as to why they were both there. In the end, curiosity prevailed, and she opened the door to the store, a sweet ting of a bell announcing her entry.

"Charlotte, would you mind helping? I think we both need a woman's opinion on this."

"Well, don't you look handsome, Mr. Grant." Charlotte stated, leaning easily against the door frame to the bathroom as she watched her husband finish getting dressed for his evening out with their daughter. He had on his light grey tweed suit he wore to more formal occasions in Hope Valley. It fit him well and Charlotte found him ridiculously attractive.

Nathan glanced up in the mirror to see her, a lock of styled hair falling out of place in the action. "Thanks." He smiled at her in the reflection, before returning to his task of trying to knot his tie. "Some days I never seem to be able to get a tie to come out how I want it to. Good thing, I'm in the Mounties and not some businessman wearing a suit every day."

Charlotte giggled, coming forward she placed her hands on his shoulders and directed him to turn towards her. She took over, adjusting the tie's length around his neck, before looping and securing the knot. She tightened it slightly, not too much, and then straightened the ends.

"There." She stated proudly, smoothing Nathan's shirt. "That's better."

Nathan took hold of her hands, drawing her gaze up to his. "Thank you. That is better."

She felt breathless. The way he could just look at her with such adoration and love, made her heart race. Charlotte wondered if it would always feel this way between them. Or if they were still captivated by the 'honeymoon bliss'.

"Have you decided where you and Allie are going?" Charlotte asked as she stepped back slightly, putting space between herself and Nathan, before things went any further. Her and Nathan had been plenty late last night for dinner, and she did not want to be the reason he was late for his date with Allie tonight.

"Lee and Bill both suggested a restaurant just a few blocks away. Depending on the time we get done there, I saw where one of the new theaters in town is having a comedy play later. Allie is always telling me my jokes are bad, so I thought we could maybe go there as I need some new material." Nathan crinkled his nose, causing Charlotte to laugh.

"I think that sounds like a lovely evening for you both."

"What are you going to do while we are out? I hope you're not planning on sitting in this hotel room and doing nothing. You should enjoy your time in town while we are here."

"Your mom and I are going to eat in the dining room together. It's been a while since it was just the two of us and I think we need to catch up."

"How was she today?" Concern laced Nathan's voice.

"She was good," Charlotte tried to console. "After we spent a few hours in the department store, she was getting tired and suggested that she return to the hotel to get some rest. Lillian and Grace walked back with her and made sure she was settled in before going to their room."

Nathan nodded. He and Charlotte had both been apprehensive about bringing Maise for this long of a trip in an unfamiliar place, but his mother had insisted that nothing was going to make her miss seeing her son being honored by the Mounties.

"Dad asked that he and I have breakfast together tomorrow morning at the café down the street. I think he wants to talk about Mom. He's mentioned a few times, since we left the row houses, Mom has seemed to have more of her spells. I know we offered that she could move into the house with us. We have plenty of space, but she's insistent that we need time as a family together. She doesn't want to feel as if she is a burden."

"Maise could never be a burden."

"You and I know that, but she doesn't want to put that pressure on us. And Dad also had a point. We are both back to work now. And Allie's in school. We are closer to her in town, than we would be if she stayed up on the mountain by herself during the day."

"That is a good point."

Nathan sighed, deep in thought as he twirled a strand of Charlotte's waves about his finger. "Thank you for spending time with Mom. I know it's not always easy, especially as things seem to be fading a bit more for her, but I want you to know how much I appreciate having you by my side through it all."

Charlotte reached forward and cradled Nathan's face in her hands. Her thumbs gently tracing over the ridges of his cheekbones as her sensitive eyes bore right into his soul, understanding his tumbled emotions. "I love our family… And I love you. There is nothing more important in my life than showing you all how much you mean to me. No matter what may come… this family… Will always be my priority."

Tears threatened to spill from the corners of Nathan's eyes, and he pressed them shut. His face sunk deeper into Charlotte's hands and the warmth of her touch. Nathan's heart clenched at Charlotte's admission. He pulled her to him, hugging her close. Charlotte said nothing. She simply held him in return. One hand running lazily along his upper back, comforting him as she would a child. While the fingers of her other hand curled lightly into the hair at the nape of his neck. She seemed to understand exactly what he needed at that moment. It wasn't passionate kisses or silly jokes, but rather a friend. A best friend. A shoulder to cry on.

And so, he did.

He let the tears flow as a flood of bottled emotions came forth. But with Charlotte, he wasn't embarrassed by them. She let him feel things fully. The highs and the lows. The blessings and the struggles. With her, there was no more burying himself alive and simply putting on a brave face.

Life still brought its hardships and they still hurt. But not how they used to. Not how they had before he met her. Having Charlotte a part of his life seemed to temper the difficulties. She was there with him. Every step of the way.

"Thanks for agreeing to come out with me tonight," Nathan commented as he and Allie strolled leisurely on their way back to the hotel from the theater and their evening together. The snow had stopped and the winter wonderland around them still glowed, although it had lost some of its luster as people, horses, and cars left their marks in the pristine white.

"Thanks for asking. Even though I'm pretty sure it was probably Mom's idea," Allie grinned at him. "Not that I care whose idea it was, I'm just happy to spend time with you."

"I'm glad you still think that."

"Why wouldn't I?"

"I don't know," Nathan ran a hand through his hair. "It's just becoming painfully obvious how much you're growing up, and I know hanging out with your ol' Dad may not always be who you want to be spending your time with. Especially when in the city."

Allie looped her arm through Nathan's and leaned her head on his shoulder. Her action caused his heart to twist. "I'll always spend time with you."

"I'm going to hold you to that."

Allie turned slightly to look up at Nathan and smile.

"What?" He questioned, catching her gaze.

"You're happy, aren't you? I mean really happy."

"Yeah. I'm really happy, Allie." He answered without pause.

"Good," she smiled in return. "Because I'm really happy, too."

She turned her attention back down the sidewalk, but Nathan's gaze stayed on her. He swore she looked more and more like Colleen every day. When he saw her this evening in her new dress that Rosemary helped pick out, he was taken aback by the young woman standing in front of him. Somehow, as if overnight, his little girl had emerged from her cocoon, a beautiful butterfly. Ready to be set free and flutter through the wilds of the world spreading her hope, joy, and love to others.

"I can't wait for tomorrow night and the Mountie Ball," Allie admitted, breaking through Nathan's thoughts.

"Is that because your dad gets his award, or is it because of another certain Mountie?" He asked mischievously, causing Allie to blush. Both Charlotte and Nathan had taken time today to talk to Allie about Warren. While Allie admitted she found him handsome, funny, and extremely kind, what they seemed to have, was more of a special friendship. She cared for Warren, and it seemed he cared for her too, but not in that way. Still, Allie had asked if it would be alright with Nathan and Charlotte if she wrote to Warren at his posting up North. She, like Charlotte, seemed attuned to the fact that Warren didn't have a lot of people in his corner. He would be alone in Cadotte Lake. Allie believed that occasional correspondence from a friend may stave off some of the solitude Tremblay would feel at this new assignment. Her parents had agreed she could ask Warren if it would be alright, although they both warned her not to become too hopeful for return letters as his new territory would most likely not give Tremblay much leisure time to write.

"Don't worry," Allie responded. "I think Fred has most of my dance card already filled."

"I hope you make room for at least one dance with me," Nathan squeezed her hand where it rested, looped through his arm.

"I think that can be arranged," she winked in return. They were nearing the front door to the hotel and Allie's steps slowed, bringing them to a stop. She turned to Nathan, a very sincere look upon her face. "Dad," she began. "I know, I haven't probably told you this enough, but I'm incredibly thankful for you."

Nathan saw the glisten of tears welling in the corner of Allie's eyes and his breath caught. She was always so stoic, but the emotion in her voice cut straight to his heart.

"Being here, it's made me realize how much of a sacrifice you made to take me in all those years ago after Mom died. I understand, if you hadn't, your career with the Mounties would look completely different than it does now, and…"

"Allie, you were never a sacrifice to me. Never." Nathan held her hands in his, squeezing them slightly. "Please don't ever think that way. Agreeing to take you in- adopting you- it is the single best thing that I have ever done with my life.

"How can you say that adopting me was the best thing in your life? How about the day you married Mom?"

"If I didn't have you… I wouldn't have her. Don't you see that? It's because of you that we are all so happy. You never let me give up hope that a love we both deserved would come along. And even if Charlotte didn't come into our lives, I always knew I had you. Whenever life has seemed unpredictable or heavy to me, you were my certainty. My constant. With all you have brought into my life, it's me that should be thanking you."

"You're the only father I've ever known." A lone tear escaped down Allie's cheek, and Nathan quickly whisked it away with his thumb. "Sometimes I wonder what could have happened to me if you weren't in my life…"

"Thankfully, we never have to know," Nathan gave a supportive smile.

"You are so important to me. I'm growing up and things are changing, but I want you to know… You are the measure of the quality of a man I hope to marry one day. Not just any man would be willing to heal a heart he didn't break, like you did for Mom. Nor would just any man raise a child he didn't make, like you did for me."

Nathan knew it would never matter to him what was in his bank account or what sort of house they lived in. His greatest accomplishment would be his family. Allie. She would make this world a better place by being in it, and he was thankful that he could possibly claim he was a small part of making her the young lady she was today and woman she would be in the future. Years from now, the world may be different because he had been important in shaping the life of this child.

"Seeing you here this weekend," Allie continued. "Seeing the respect all these people have for you. The place of honor and esteem they hold you in… I couldn't be prouder to call you, my dad. You're a legend, Nathan Grant. Not because of the serge, but because of the person you are to them. And to me."

"The fact you think that, is more than enough for me." Nathan curled Allie to him, bringing them together into a tight hug. "I love you, Allie."