Chapter 120- The Best Recruit

*Hi friends… Just thought I'd give you an update on what I'm planning for posting with chapters in the next couple of weeks. We are getting ever closer to this "season's" reveal of the main story arc and theme.

If you've been around here from the beginning… you know I write this FanFic not as a "book", but rather a "tv series". Which means I try (unlike some other writers that shall not be named) to make each season have their own stand-alone story arc and character development. "Season 9" was Charlotte revealing her past and finding people she could trust. "Season 10" was overcoming the obstacle that was Beck McEntire and finally getting all those sweet ILY's and kisses… and more.

So far in "Season 11" we have been in what is called the "start or establishing a routine" (when you study narrative story arcs and their construction- Google it… it's fascinating stuff- there is a whole process that just helps a story have flow, sense, and structure- hmmmm… imagine what could have happened if some writers decided to stick with the tried and true formula?—Sorry the snark is strong today).

By Chapter 122 of 'So This Is Love'- things will start to be revealed with the next step in developing a story arc- the "inciting incident/everything changes". In S9- I would say this was the night Charlotte had her reaction to Nathan and the truth about her past was admitted (Chapter 10). In S10- I view this as when Charlotte finds out about Nathan investigating and planning to arrest Beck (Chapter 56). AKA… the "inciting incident/everything changes" is what sets up the rest of my vision for the season.

So, what have we been moving towards this time around? What is the obstacle these characters have to overcome? I'd be interested to see if anyone has ideas from the "nuggets" I've dropped occasionally since the start of this season 11…

Now, given my work and life schedule over the next few weeks, it is likely I will be only able post a chapter a week for a little while. My hope is to get chapter 121 out by next Thursday and 122 by the following Thursday (which gives you plenty of time to stew and analyze the "inciting incident/everything changes" moment before hopefully joining me on the Sunday Night Serge Zoom on April 10th!)

In the meantime, I hope you love this chapter dedicated to this sweet father-daughter duo of Nathan and Allie (with a few sprinklings of Charlotte and Remi for good measure).

Nathan hated to admit it, but he was exhausted from his and Allie's hike up the mountain. It had been a long time since he had done this sort of strenuous exercise. Since leaving Charlotte and the horses behind at the meadow, they had climbed steadily and over some hard terrain, but it was watching his daughter on this trip that kept his spirits up and him pushing forward.

Nathan had taken her into the woods many times, but this was different. It was like she was experiencing everything for the very first time. They spent their hike looking and learning- about the grass, the shrubbery, the rock formations, the wildlife. Everything around them had a purpose. Not only for the ecosystem of the Rockies, but also for survival. Maybe Tremblay's influence hasn't been so bad, Nathan thought to himself. Allie chatted easily on the climb, a walking encyclopedia, or rather a walking Mountie manual. Her enthusiasm was palpable.

While she knew a lot, Nathan took plenty of opportunities to tell and show her things he knew weren't in the book from Tremblay. Things like map reading and how to use her compass. What things in nature may aid in navigating or staying safe. He taught her the best ways to travel through the wilderness while setting and maintaining a planned course after orienting yourself and how to use ridges and game trails to her advantage while hiking along.

Nathan paused occasionally to show Allie signs of animals. He taught her how to identify their footprints, many of which she already knew from the manual, but then he also showed her how to identify with their scat. He taught her how to spot other indicators of animals in the area by knowing signs of where they fed and slept or finding rubs, scratches, hair, and feathers. All the while, making sure to quiz her on what to do if she came across various larger game and predators.

He gave Allie some tracking lessons and practiced her new-found skills by following the trail of a porcupine. Allie caught on quickly and when suddenly the tracks disappeared from the path, she remembered what Nathan had taught her and noticed the scratches on the bark where the animal had climbed into a nearby tree to forage for food. Nathan was beaming with pride and so was she.

After stopping for their lunch which they had packed, Nathan told Allie she was in charge of choosing when and where they set up camp for the night. She carefully scouted out a few options from the map and settled on one she thought would be appropriate. A few hours before sunset they came to the area, and she chose a fitting spot to set up their shelter and the fire.

Nathan taught her how to construct a lean-to, creating the framework between two trees, before covering it with pine boughs and then using more of the branches to create a cushioned bed for them inside the shelter. Allie collected the wood for their campfire and got it started with ease, again bringing a triumphant smile to Nathan's face. They used her fishing line and hooks on the end of two long straight sticks and set off for the nearby river.

Three fish were caught and promptly prepared to cook. Allie manned the frying pan over the open fire, though the meal was a bit charred from her lack of experience, they both thought it was still delicious. They washed their dinner down with water from a little spring. Slowly the sun set, and the coyotes began to call. Nathan noticed Allie flinch at their first cries, but soon settled into their eerie cacophony. As they watched the campfire flames dance, they talked easily with one another. Their conversations all day had been about the world around them, but sitting now, their discussions turned more personal. They covered a wide range of topics, from school to work. To life on the ranch and Remi's training. From their hopes and dreams, to Charlotte and how much they loved her. While they missed her terribly, they both appreciated this quality time as father and daughter. Nathan and Allie were tired, and before too long, had decided to turn in for the night, laying out their blankets under the lean-to, and sinking into their makeshift bed. Grateful to rest their aching muscles and for the day with one another.

Remi whimpered at Charlotte's feet. She stood up from her bed in the living room, her toenails lightly tapping across the wood floor as she moved to the hallway, searching for the rest of her family. The pup seemed confused as to why both Nathan and Allie were missing tonight. Unsatisfied, she came back to her blankets and flopped down with a hint of despair.

"Awe, girl. I know. I miss them too." Charlotte tried to console, but the pup didn't seem to quite understand. When she returned with the horses that morning, Charlotte had busied herself trying to keep her mind off being on the ranch by herself. She wasn't frightened by it. It was more so, in the few months they had lived there, Allie and Nathan's presence had seeped into the space. In the barn, Charlotte had been reminded of their horse rides together or working in Nathan's workshop. The garden, the porch, the dining table, kitchen, and living room, all held countless memories of them being together as a family. And now it was just her.

And Remi, of course.

Charlotte tried to concentrate on the novel in her hands, but after reading the same sentence about five times she gave up and set down the book.

"Remi," the dog perked up her ears. "What do you say we call it an early night and go to bed?"

The puppy tilted her head with a very questioning look.

"Oh, don't look all innocent," Charlotte grinned. "Both Nathan and I know very well that you get snuck up to Allie's room most every night. Since your partner and my partner are gone for the next couple of days, what do you say we keep each other company?"

She stood and the dog followed. They went up to Charlotte and Nathan's room and as she changed into her nightgown, Remi found a comfortable spot on the soft rug along Charlotte's side of the bed. After she had climbed under the covers and said her prayers for the night, Charlotte turned to her side and reached a hand to rest on Remi. Her fingers curled into the puppy's heavy fur as she began to drift off to sleep. The dog's presence brought her a sense of solace she had been missing during Nathan's last trip overnight to Union City.

"Remi. I think Allie chose a very appropriate name for you, girl. God comforts me."

The next morning, Nathan crawled from his blanket, rubbing his hands together as he moved to stoke up the fire. It may be late spring, but it was still chilly in the morning this high in the mountains. It didn't take him long to get the fire going and fill a small kettle with water for coffee. Normally on these sorts of trips, he packed light and that didn't include bringing along luxuries like coffee, but the morning before, with a twinkle in her eye, Charlotte had requested he take the kettle along. That way, as dawn was breaking, he could have a cup of coffee knowing she would be having one too. And even though they were miles apart, they would still be sharing this moment together.

God, he missed her, but sipping this coffee and watching the sun rise in the east didn't make her seem so far away. He sensed her here with him. In the beauty of the landscape. God's natural creation had always played such a central theme to their story. Its beauty. Its hardships. But most of all its representation of new life. Nathan subconsciously squeezed his hand, imagining Charlotte's delicate fingers entwined in his.

He closed his eyes and filled his lungs with the fresh mountain air. Today would test him. Every protective instinct he had as both a Mountie and a father told him not to do this. But Allie, like all the cadets he had trained, would never truly know their potential or the seriousness of certain survival situations with him always around.

"Morning," Allie said from behind him.

"Morning," Nathan smiled in return. "Want some coffee?"

Allie scrunched up her nose and shook her head. "No thanks. It looks like dirty sock water."

He chuckled. "I thought the same thing at your age. You'll come around to it in a few years."

"What's the plan for today?"

"I thought we could have some of that oatmeal and jerky you packed before hiking towards the tree line on Cadomin Mountain, which is just over there. After lunch we will start towards home."

"Are we coming back here tonight? Or should we take down camp?"

"Take down camp. I have to test you on your river crossing survival knowledge, so we will do that this morning while the water levels are at their lowest before the sun starts melting some of the snow in the mountains."

Allie nodded in understanding and set about following Nathan's instructions. Before long, both were packed and at the spot where he had chosen for them to cross the McLeod River. Nathan pointed out all the features that made him pick this position. The river was narrower here and not too deep. The current was faster than he had hoped for, but with his instructions he knew they would be able to cross safely. Using a strong walking stick to help feel out the riverbed and keep their footing, he and Allie traversed the river with relative ease. When they came to the other side, they made sure to take some time to dry their boots and clothes and change into a fresh pair of socks before moving on.

They continued their climb and found a beautiful overlook just above the tree line. Since it was about noon, they brought out some biscuits and a tin of beans they had packed. While it wasn't a particularly appetizing meal, it was filling and the view in front of them made it feel special. They finished their lunch off with an apple and some oatmeal cookies Charlotte had secretly packed in each of their bags along with individual notes of love and encouragement for their trip. After resting a while, Nathan instructed Allie to go top off her canteen with water at the small spring they had found just a few yards back down the path. Allie wasn't gone long, but when she returned, Nathan was nowhere to be found. Instead, stuck beneath a stone, where he had been, was a note.

Allie

You wanted the full experience with my Mountie survival training drill, here it is.

I'm guessing in Tremblay's retelling of the exercise he left out one very important detail…

Halfway through the drill, I leave you. Recruits never truly understand their full capabilities if I'm with them as a crutch.

The difference is… they had each other. They could work as a team in order to survive.

You don't have that luxury.

It's up to you to figure out how to get back down this mountain safely.

If I didn't fully believe in your abilities, I wouldn't be doing this right now.

You have proven to me you are more than capable.

Stay aware of your surroundings. Be prepared for anything. Process the information you have and make smart decisions that will keep you safe.

But most of all, trust your instincts.

They won't steer you wrong.

Love, Dad

Allie reread the note multiple times. Was he really gone? Or just hiding in the brush somewhere? She thought about looking for his tracks and following them, but then she read the note again. He trusted her to do this. To test herself. If she just went looking for him, what did that prove? No, she was going to take this opportunity to show Nathan's faith in her was not lost.

First things first. Know where you are and where you are going. She looked around. She knew why he had chosen this spot to stop for lunch. From here she had a clear view for miles all around without any trees obstructing her sight. She considered just returning down the path they had come up yesterday and this morning, but then quickly changed her mind. Going back that way, she would have to cross the river again. By now it would be much fuller than it was when they traversed it just a few hours ago and crossing it by herself, she knew, would go against what Nathan had said in the note of making 'smart decisions'.

Allie brought out the map from her bag and opened it. Using Nathan's old compass to orient herself, she began charting her course. She took her time to make sure she chose the right path. From this viewpoint she could see a ridgeline that trailed along the southeast side of the mountain that seemed to lead back to the valley and according to the map, there didn't appear to be any major rivers she would have to cross. Instead, there was possibly a small alpine lake that she could camp at for the night. She would need to keep a strong pace to make it there within a few hours to set up shelter, start a fire, and find food before the sun set over the mountains.

With her plan of action in place, Allie chose a visible point in the distance that she knew would keep her on a straight path and set off, soon finding a game trail to follow. As she walked, she continually stopped for direction checks, confirming she was still on the path she charted, all while keeping a watchful eye and ear to her surroundings. After about an hour, she came across a bull elk thirty yards in front of her on the trail. With his rack of majestic antlers held high, he tested the air to see if he should be concerned over Allie's presence. He did not sound an alarm, just shook his powerful head and marched back into a grove of small poplars and out of sight.

Because of traveling mostly downhill, Allie was able to make the small lake she had charted for, a couple of hours before darkness set in. She chose a spot between two aspen trees and used the small hatchet to cut sticks and branches for constructing her lean-to. Allie noticed clouds building over the mountains and she was concerned there may be rain tonight. A piece of canvas would provide more protection from the elements, but without one, she added more pine boughs to help ward off the water if it should storm.

Next, she needed fire. She collected her kindling and wood, igniting some dry grass and cotton fuzz from her coat pocket with a match; she soon had a strong fire going. Taking her fishing line and hook to the lake, Allie was able to catch a small trout for her dinner. She cleaned it and prepared the fish over the open fire, gaining in confidence as it didn't seem as burnt as the night before. Finishing off her meal with some carrots and the last of the cookies Charlotte had hidden in her bag. Allie saw some lightning off in the distance, thankfully it looked as though the worst of the storm would stay south of her. She knew there would still be some rain and decided to take shelter in her lean-to and hoped that her extra pine boughs would keep her dry and off the wet ground. Soon a light drizzle started, and Allie's weary body fell quickly asleep to the peaceful sound of rain.

Charlotte saw the lighting to the west, and she sent up yet another prayer for Nathan and Allie's safety. She hated not knowing where they were. Not knowing if they were able to find shelter out of the elements. Were they hungry? Cold? Wet? Lost?

A snap of lightning and its corresponding boom of thunder caused Remi to whimper and rise from her position on the rug beside Charlotte's side of the bed. She paced back and forth, whining away.

"Awe, it's just a little spring shower, girl," Charlotte tried to comfort, scratching the soft fur behind Remi's ear. "We'll be alright. And so will Nathan and Allie."

The dog sat and looked pleadingly in her eyes and Charlotte felt herself softening at the puppy's soulful expression.

"Fine," Charlotte said, patting the blankets beside her at the foot of the bed. "But just this once." Taking the invitation, Remi jumped up onto the mattress and made two small circles before plopping down and burying into the soft quilts.

"This is our little secret though. You can't tell Allie I caved to your begging." Charlotte petted the dog's soft coat. "And we especially can't let Nathan know. I don't think he'd appreciate me sharing our bed with someone who isn't him."

The next morning was cloudy and damp. Thankfully, Allie had stayed dry and warm in her lean-to throughout the night. As she had predicted, the worst of the storm stayed to the south. There still was enough rain to cause her campsite and the trails to become muddy and harder to traverse. The wood she had collected the night before for her fire was too damp to start, so instead, Allie put on an extra layer of clothing and ate the last of her packed biscuits for breakfast while charting her course for the day.

She climbed a small hill close to the lake in the hopes of trying to find the best course down to the meadow, but with the low cloud cover, she could only see a short distance in any direction and knew she would have to rely more heavily on her map and compass than the day before. When she had her bearings, Allie found another game trail that she hoped would continue following the ridgeline she had been on.

In the mud of the trail, Allie saw many different animal tracks. In only a few hours she had identified more than she had over the prior two days. Deer, coyotes, elk, rabbits, and even some bear prints. Judging from the imprint of its front paw, Allie determined the animal was a black bear as the toes were more rounded than a grizzly's track would have been. Because she didn't see any cub prints nearby and it looked as though the bear just happened to cross the path on its way from a stream to her left towards a more open meadow she had seen through the trees to her right, Allie wasn't too concerned, but she knew she still needed to stay aware of her surroundings.

Things were going smoothly, until suddenly they weren't. It was about midday and the ridgeline Allie had been following on her descent came to an abrupt halt. She had hoped it would lead her almost directly to the meadow judging by the map, but in front of her was a rocky cliff that was now slippery from last night's rainfall. While the bluff wasn't particularly high up, it was extremely steep. If Nathan was still with her, they could possibly have helped each other down with the use of ropes, but without a second person, Allie didn't feel safe trying her hand at traversing the mountain face. Working to suppress her feeling of failure, she had no choice but to turn back.

Retracing her steps, Allie hadn't gone far, when she spotted a second game trail off to the side of the one she was on. She analyzed it and while it had a bit more underbrush, the path appeared to get her down off the ridge and to the area that would lead her back into the meadow. It was still steep, but not nearly as rocky as the cliff face.

Decision made; Allie felt her way slowly down the trail. On more than one occasion, she started sliding forward much faster than she intended to and she had to sit down and attempt to ease over the steepest parts in the most undecorous fashion. Allie grasped for roots, branches, rocks- anything she could get her hands on to slow her descent.

It took her much longer than expected, but finally Allie had reached the bottom of the ridge. Her trousers were a sorry mess of mountain earth and forest clutter, and her hands were scratched from the rocks and underbrush she had used to help her climb down. Allie noticed she was bleeding slightly where she had cut her palm when she slipped and caught herself on a jagged rock. Before continuing, Allie knew she needed to take care of the injury. It wasn't deep, so she cleaned it carefully and made sure all the dirt and debris were washed away before wrapping a bandage around it.

After about another hour of walking, the trail Allie was on started looking familiar and she realized she had found the path that her and Nathan had been on Thursday morning. She had made it! She couldn't wait to see her mom and dad's face when she showed up in the meadow having braved the last day in the mountains by herself.

Allie stopped to rest at a gushing mountain stream that she knew led to the lake in the meadow. She knelt down and bent forward to refill her canteen and to get a drink of the cold, clear water. It was so cold that it made her fingers tingle and her teeth hurt as she drank it. No other water on earth tasted quite like that of a mountain stream. She took a break and leaned back against the trunk of a tree. Eating some of the last of the provisions she had packed along.

Suddenly, the bushes beside her stirred violently as if something was being chased through the forest. She jumped up, unsure of which way she should run or even if she should run. Nathan's words from his notes raced through her head-

Stay aware of your surroundings. Be prepared for anything. Process the information you have and make smart decisions that will keep you safe.

But most of all, trust your instincts.

They won't steer you wrong.

As Allie was still trying to think through her situation and react appropriately, the sound became louder and suddenly its source; known.

"Dad!" Allie threw her arms around Nathan as he jumped out of the brush.

"Hi, Allie. Good to see you too!" He chuckled lightly, holding her tight. "I thought you were going to think I was a bear or a moose coming through the bushes."

"You didn't have me fooled for a minute." She tried to act unfazed. "I could hear you from a mile away."

Nathan raised his eyebrow and smirked. "A mile, huh?"

"I knew it had to be you, because no other animal would make that much racket coming through the forest."

"You're probably right." Again, Nathan gave her a warm laugh. "Allie, I wanted to tell you how proud I am of you for doing this. You did everything I would have done in your position over the past day."

"Wait," Allie pulled back out of his arms. "You've been following me this whole time?"

Nathan simply nodded his head.

"How?" Allie asked. "I never saw you or heard you. I never even smelled another campfire last night. I thought you just went home the way we came, and I would meet you and Mom at the meadow this afternoon."

"I'm the best tracker in the territory, Allie. And part of my job usually requires me to stay unseen from the perpetrator until it's time to make my move."

"Are you calling me a perpetrator?" Allie raised her brows and jokingly placed a hand on her chest, as if Nathan's words had wounded her.

"Sorry, that was Mountie training talking. What do you say, we head the rest of the way to the meadow together?"

"I think I'd like that."

Nathan wrapped his strong arm around her shoulders and turned them back towards the trail.

"Hey, Dad." Allie stopped and looked over at Nathan. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For taking this trip with me. For trusting me enough to do it on my own. But most of all for being here for me. Just like you always have been."

"Remember what I promised at your adoption ceremony?" Nathan reached forward and brushed back a piece of Allie's hair that had fallen out of place. "I promised that I'd never leave you."

"Good." She beamed in return, and they continued on the path to the meadow, arms wrapped around each other's backs. They had been each other's stability and strength for so long, there simply was no other way to be.

"There's my favorite Mounties!" Charlotte called out, waving enthusiastically as she saw Nathan and Allie emerge from the trail to the west of the meadow.

"Mom!" Allie yelled. Shedding the bag off her back she sprinted into Charlotte's open arms.

"God, I've missed you, Allie." Charlotte squeezed her daughter tightly and kissed her head and cheeks before pulling back as her nose crinkled slightly. "And it smells like you've missed a bath."

They both laughed and embraced once more, until a bark at their feet broke them apart.

"Remi!" Allie bent down to the dog, ruffling her fur with affection. "I didn't know you were coming too!"

The puppy yipped and placed a wet kiss on Allie's nose, before the two bounded across the meadow chasing one another. Charlotte quickly turned her attention back towards the trailhead from which Allie had come just moments earlier.

Pressing a hand against her quivering stomach, Charlotte soaked in the sight of Nathan coming towards her. The way he walked, she could tell he was tired and possibly sore, but she could have recognized that unmistakable stride anywhere. There was power in the way he moved. His waist was lean and hard, and his blue shirt pulled taut across his chest and shoulders as he carried not only his bag, but also Allie's knapsack that had been discarded when she spotted Charlotte.

His weary expression dissolved in front of her, replaced quickly by his crooked grin. He seemed to be drinking in the sight of her, as much as she was him. When he came within a stride, Nathan unceremoniously dropped their bags in a heap and wrapped his left arm low around Charlotte's back pulling her to him while his right hand cradled her cheek. He kissed her deeply. A low, throaty moan escaping them both with the action. When the kiss broke, they simply held one another tightly and for the first time in days the little gnawing pain was gone from their hearts.

Allie came back to join them and to retrieve her bag. Together they began walking towards where Charlotte had tied up the horses.

"So…" Charlotte said. "I'm dying to know. Other than that bandage on your hand, that I'm going to make sure Faith checks out tomorrow, how did it go?"

Allie excitedly began telling of their trip- the hike, the fish, and the setting up of camp. When she got to the point where she mentioned that Nathan left her, Charlotte interrupted.

"You left her?!" Charlotte stopped walking and turned to her husband. "On the side of a mountain. By herself."

Allie decided it best to continue towards the horses. Leaving the adults to discuss the previously 'unknown' parts of Nathan's planned survival drill.

"I was always nearby. Even though she didn't know that," Nathan tried to explain.

"Still, Nathan, she…"

"But she wasn't." Nathan kissed his wife's cheek. "I'll tell you what she was though…" He paused trying to find the right words. "Allie was probably the best recruit I've ever taken out on this drill. It was quite impressive to watch, Charlie. I wish you could have seen the way she handled herself. We should be very proud of her."

Charlotte saw the gratification on her husband's face and softened. She knew Nathan would not have let any harm come to Allie. If he believed she had been ready, Charlotte trusted him to make that decision.

She put her hand into his as they continued on across the meadow. "Well, it's clear to see Allie had a good time, but how about you?"

"I'm thankful we did it, but I will admit, I'm a bit out of shape," Nathan chuckled. "And I think I'm getting too old to be doing this sort of thing."

"You are not too old," Charlotte's eyes raked over her husband. "And you are certainly not out of shape, Sarge."

"I forgot how many muscles or body parts a human has until you spend three days hiking a mountain and sleeping on the hard ground. I ache all over and I'm not too manly to admit it."

"When we get home, you and Allie can take baths, while I finish dinner. Because sweetheart, I hate to say it, but you both smell like mountain goats."

Nathan tilted his head back and laughed at his wife's candor.

"Then…" Charlotte continued. "After you've soaked those tired muscles, and warmed up with the stew and apple pie I made today, how about we call it an early night so you can get some rest?"

"I like the sounds of this plan, Mrs. Nathan."

"And if you want…" Charlotte leaned close, her voice husky and low. "Once we get to bed, how about I give you a message to help work out these sore muscles in your back."

"How 'bout that." He swooped in, his kisses feasting along the curve of Charlotte's lovely neck. The low, melodious chuckle that escaped her lips sent the most wonderful shiver through his body.

Charlotte shifted slightly, bringing his peppering of affection to a halt. She cradled the sides of Nathan's face and looked deeply into his hungry eyes. "I've missed you, Sarge. Immensely."

"Even though I smell like a mountain goat?"

"Even though you smell like a mountain goat."