Chapter 134- Unraveling

*If you are a member of the SNS Facebook group you may have noticed my love of Kevin's video he posted to Instagram this week. His "Let's Get It On"- soul patch shave had me laughing so hard! The guy has the moves and a sense of humor… two top qualities in my book… Haha!

From that video, I drew inspiration for the little scene we have to open this chapter. Unlike most everything else I try to write, it has absolutely nothing to do with the greater plot lines of this story… which there is still plenty to cover in this posting as we set the stage for what is to come.

Hopefully this little drabble (and some flirty playfulness from Nate and Charlie) tempers a few of the tougher parts…

"Are you enjoying the view?" Nathan asked, seeing Charlotte in the mirror's reflection. She stood behind him, arms crossed, leaning idly against the door frame to their bathroom, watching him get ready for work.

"Immensely," she smiled in return. "It's one view I'll never get tired of."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

Nathan chuckled softly and kept on his task of shaving. When he rinsed the blade in the sink, her hand slid over his.

"Here…" Charlotte said, taking the razor from his grip. "Let me help."

He didn't have much left, just a small patch of shaving foam remained on his chin. She cupped Nathan's cheek with her left hand, gently directing his face so she could finish the task.

Nathan studied her and remembered back to when she had first shaved him in the hospital the day he was released last fall. She worked slowly and carefully. Her fingers resting lightly upon his skin. Her tender touch was purposeful and full of deeper meaning. It was sensual, having someone care for you in this way.

Nathan's hands found his wife's trim waist, trailing them lower to the curve of her hips. Her breath caught and she drew back the razor from his face.

"You are making it very hard for me to concentrate here, Sarge." Her smiling eyes revealed the true feelings she was desperately trying to hide behind the light scolding.

"Maybe that's the point." He nuzzled in closer causing the remnants of his shaving foam to dot her face as he moved his lips to hoover just out of reach of her own. Their breaths merging into one. "Maybe I have other things I suddenly want us to concentrate on."

Charlotte's shaky hand set down the blade and picked up a cloth, washing off the remaining foam from her and her husband's face as Nathan's hands continued their exploration of her body. His actions caused her to sway in his arms as if they were dancing. "And… what exactly do you think we should be concentrating on?"

Nathan's eyebrow raised as a slow smirk crept across his face. He leaned in close and whispered his plans for them in her ear.

"I thought you had to get to work?" Charlotte tried to disguise the desire that caused her voice to quiver. "Do you really have time for… that?"

"I have time for you." He answered, taking her hand, and leading her to their room. "Mountie duties will just have to wait. I have some husband duties that are far more important… and enjoyable."

"Let's try it out."

"Are you sure it's safe?"

"Don't you trust my carpentry skills?"

"Of course, I do." Charlotte laughed and placed a gentle kiss on Nathan's cheek. "I'm just not sure if I trust my assembly skills. Remember I'm the person who helped you hang this thing."

"I promise it won't fall down on us," Nathan said, directing his wife towards the porch swing. "But just to be sure, you sit on the side that you hung up."

"Nate!" Charlotte pushed his arm in mock outrage as she shot him a disapproving look. A second later they both burst out laughing. Nathan's arm snaked around her, and he pulled her to him. He smoothed some loose strands of her hair behind her ear, his laughter slowly fading. Charlotte sucked in a deep breath.

"I'm a lucky guy," he whispered huskily, and kissed her until her legs melted like butter, and he had to hold her up for a moment before placing her in the swing.

Nathan sat beside her and after a cautious moment of ensuring the swing would hold both their weights, they set about swaying to-and-fro. Nathan wrapped his arm around Charlotte and drew her closer to his side so she could rest her head on his shoulder.

Remi laid down by their feet. It was clear to see the dog was missing Allie just as much as Nathan and Charlotte were. They spent as much time as possible with Allie in town, but it wasn't the same as having her here at the ranch with them. Riding, cooking, reading, and most of all laughing.

Unlike the completed puzzle that remained on the dining room table, there was an obvious piece missing from their lives. And they all knew what it was. Or more importantly who it was. Allie.

To keep their minds off the hole they felt, Nathan and Charlotte stayed as busy as possible. When they couldn't be with Allie, they worked. Nathan kept on top of his rounds and paperwork while helping Bill prepare for their case in front of the judge in Union City. While Charlotte was busy with continuing her riding lessons for some of the kids in town.

Thankfully, with it being the middle of summer, they could spend plenty of time outside in the garden. The rose bushes Nathan had brought home to Charlotte a few months ago were now in full bloom. The scarlet buds filled the breeze with the most delicious of scents. The bushes stood guard on either side of the front porch steps and the corners of the house. In between the roses, the flowers Allie and Charlotte had started from seeds were blossoming in abundance. The beds had become a grand profusion of color. Charlotte filled pitchers and jars daily with phlox, yarrow, daisies, coreopsis, strawflowers, hollyhocks, cosmos, snapdragons, and verbena. Charlotte's favorite flowers in their garden were of course the forget-me-nots Nathan had surprised her with. He recently dug up a few plants from their secret spot in the meadow and intermixed them into the landscaping around their front porch. Charlotte loved watching their delicate sprays move and dance in the gentle summer breeze and fill her home with a constant reminder of her and Nathan's love.

"I think Maverick is living up to the name Allie gave him." Charlotte said, tilting her chin in the direction of the pasture where the buckskin colt ran and bucked about causing his mother distress trying to keep up with him and Bandit and Newton annoyance that their lazy afternoon graze was being disrupted by the newest member of the herd.

"Yeah," Nathan chuckled. "He's giving poor Realta a run for her money, isn't he?"

"I imagine that is the plight of any new parent. Just trying to keep up and deal with the pressures of having something so tiny and precious rely on you for everything." Charlotte glanced over at Nathan beside her. "Why am I talking like this is something new? You probably already experienced that all when Allie first came to live with you."

"In some ways I imagine it is the same. Although, by the time Allie came under my care I didn't have to worry about being up all hours of the night with feeding or changing diapers. At four, she was relatively easy to take care of. I think it has been harder the older she gets. I now have to worry about her going off to some far away place for school or the even greater evil… boys. I don't know which one would be more of a challenge, raising a newborn or a teenage girl. One thing I do know is… The teenager is what's causing me more grey hairs. Did you see this new one I have right here?"

"I don't see anything," Charlotte ruffled her hand into his hair. "And even if there was, it would just be proof that I get to grow old with you. That's a blessing not every couple gets to experience." She directed a kiss to his temple. "Besides, Sarge… Nothing could change how ridiculously handsome I find you."

They were quiet for a long time, both lost in their own thoughts with only the simple sounds around them. The wind through the trees, the bees buzzing along the flower beds, and the rhythmic clanking of the chains that held up their porch swing.

"Gabe called me this morning when I was at the office," Nathan said, finally breaking the silence.

"Oh?" Charlotte could tell by his tone that the news Kinslow had shared with her husband wasn't good.

Nathan squeezed her hand where it was resting on his leg. "They received notification that New Hope is losing their license."

"No!" Charlotte gasped. "How can that be?"

"I guess in the letter that was delivered by an official carrier from the children's bureau they finally outlined the formal complaints that have been filed against the orphanage."

"There is no way that anything they are filing about New Hope can be the truth… right?"

Nathan gave her a solemn look.

"Nathan… what aren't you telling me?"

"From what Gabe said… there is at least some truth in each of the charges, but it has all been taken out of context."

"What do you mean? What could possibly be taken out of context?"

"Well… it seems the bureau has decided to take formal action against a string of incidents over the years that have been attached to Lillian and Grace and it questions their ability to care for and set a proper example to the kids. Some of them are simple things like repairs that are needed on the house or financially being able to provide for the number of children under their roof."

"If this is just some fixes that need to be done on their home or donations for the children, I'm sure we could easily do a collection and help them like everyone helped us just a few weeks ago with the Coulter's house. I'll do anything…"

"I know you would," Nathan kissed the back of Charlotte's knuckles that he held in his hand. "I would too. But those are only the minor charges. Some of the others carry more weight."

"Like what?"

Nathan took a deep breath. "They have on record the time that Lillian stole official records from the regional Mountie headquarters in Clearwater. She had taken them to help find and locate Helen's family and of course they were returned, but somehow the RCMP found out about them being missing for a few days. The letter also brought up staffing concerns with Grace being in England still. They said the orphanage has too many children for just Lillian to care for."

"But there is Eleanor and others who help out."

"The bureau says Eleanor is the housekeeper and people like Tess or Maggie are just volunteers. Not licensed individuals to help care for the kids. Then there are the child endangerment charges…"

"The what?!" Charlotte's jaw fell open.

"Lillian and Grace must disclose any injury or disappearance that happen under their watch to the bureau. So, there are records of when Roy ran away at Christmas and even of when Fred was hurt on the cattle drive last summer."

"That was just a normal childhood accident. A fall that resulted in a scrape. It could happen to any kid. And with Roy… It wasn't like he was in any real danger. Lillian and Gabe quickly found him and brought him back home safe and sound. He hasn't tried to run away again that I know of."

"That may be true, but… then there is the charge of harboring a fugitive."

"Harboring a fugitive? Now that one I know is a lie!"

"Well… not exactly. Not according to Gabe's official Mountie reports that were filed."

"What in the world are you talking about?"

"A few years back I was tracking a train robber. I lost his trail for a few days around Brookfield and when I was hanging a wanted poster Lillian mentioned the man in the picture looked like Sam."

"Sam? Like handyman Sam?"

"Yes. Of course, it wasn't him, but because of the timing of Sam's arrival to Brookfield and me losing the train robbers trail, we couldn't be sure. When Sam came to town, he had a beard and an injury to his hand which matched the description of the criminal. At that point Sam had stayed a few days at the cottage of the orphanage, but then left to go prospecting. Once we figured out it wasn't him, we tracked down the actual suspect and had him arrested."

"But why on earth then is the children's bureau concerned about Lillian and Grace harboring a fugitive. Sam wasn't the actual criminal."

"That's the thing. Only part of our official reports over the matter are filed with headquarters. They just have the first piece of information, when we thought Sam was the criminal and he had been staying on their property. It appears the rest of the report has gone missing. I promised to help Kinslow resolve that issue, but it may take some time unfortunately."

Charlotte simply nodded her head and stared off into the distance trying to process all the information.

"That's not it…"

"There's more?" Charlotte said in a very exasperated voice. "How can there be more?"

"It appears the final straw was when the bureau received information about Gabe and Lillian's relationship."

"What do you mean? Can't a Mountie and a young woman running an orphanage marry?"

"They can, but…" Nathan sighed deeply. "Charlie, remember when I told you Brookfield had a bad blizzard late this spring?"

"Yes."

"Well… it came up out of nowhere really. Gabe had been out on his late afternoon rounds and got caught up in it. Thankfully he was able to at least find his way back to the orphanage. He bedded Apollo in the shed and then took refuge in the house with Lillian and the kids until the storm passed."

"God was certainly watching out for him. Blizzards are dangerous if you get lost in them and have no shelter."

Nathan nodded his head in agreement.

"But what does this have to do with the charges against the orphanage?"

"Because Gabe ended up staying the night there." Nathan ran a hand through his hair. "With just the kids and Lillian. No other adults. Grace was gone by then and Eleanor was out of town visiting family that weekend." Nathan looked over at Charlotte, making sure she understood the implications.

"He had to…" Charlotte furrowed her brow. "He was lucky to have at least made it to the orphanage. It's a long way from there back into town over an open field with no landmarks to guide yourself with. I know of people who died in blizzards simply because they got turned around and lost between their barn and their home. Besides… Gabe and Lillian would have never… I mean they were engaged by then, but…"

"You know that. I know that. And I dare say any other person who knows them understands their personal beliefs and values."

"So why is it being implied that they… you know."

"When the storm finally let up and Gabe could get back to town, he filed his reports for the day before. He would have detailed where he traveled and… where he stayed."

"The man couldn't do any paperwork while he was here filling in for you when you were injured and now he has to be so thorough?"

"Tell me about it." Nathan chuckled at his wife as she tried to lighten the severity of the situation. "I just don't understand how some of these things, especially the reports on the blizzard and Sam, which were official Mountie documents, ended up getting forwarded onto the children's bureau. Mundane daily paperwork is usually never reviewed at headquarters. It's just filed away for record keeping."

"What about that children's bureau inspector? Andrews was it? Can't he shine some light on the situation for them? He has to have some understanding of what is happening. He was the one who first brought up the charges, right?"

"Gabe tried calling him as soon as they received the letter, but the receptionist at the office said Andrews was no longer with the children's bureau and she had no forwarding contact information."

"Well that sounds like a coincidence… Or a clue."

"I aim to find out which."

A couple days later, Nathan was helping Charlotte in the garden. He could scarcely believe that what was only a muddy, barren field just a few months ago now overflowed with new, rich life. His wife had a gift for growing things, and it was truly a beautiful process to not only watch unfold, but to be a part of with her. There were rows of beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, onions, and parsnips. Leafy lettuce and herbs. Vines of cucumbers, gourds, melons, peas, and pumpkins. And healthy pepper and tomato plants intermixed between hills of potatoes.

But what Nathan felt the most pride in were the long, straight rows of corn. He marveled at the way the small, shriveled kernels they had planted became stalks as tall as he was. Nathan walked the rows, touching the towering plants and upon seeing the developing ears of corn he was reminded of the parable of the sower. He knew it was one of Charlotte's favorite Bible stories and looking at the growing life around them, he finally understood what she had told him a few months ago when they were doing a study over that passage in the book of Luke.

"I think the story shows that both good and bad things in our past, if mixed with God- our good soil- can grow a hundred times what is sown." She had said. "Bad experiences can help us build empathy and endurance. Our trials can help us increase our patience, gratitude, and ability to forgive. And what we sometimes view as waste from our past- our manure- can be an opportunity for growth. For good. But that only happens if God is also present. Because as Luke 8:15 says… The seed in the good ground- these are the ones who, having heard the word with an honest and good heart, hold on to it and by enduring, produce fruit."

Nathan crouched down and let a handful of the garden soil trickle through his fingers. Noticing his rather unstable position, Charlotte sneaked up behind him and gave him a playful shove. He went sprawling in the dirt as he took a quick look at Charlotte trying to hide her laughter behind her hands before she was off at a run.

Nathan scrambled up and hurried after her. But he wasn't quick enough as Charlotte had already disappeared into the rows of corn.

"Charlie! Where are you?" Nathan called.

Laughing she stood up on her tiptoes and waved. "Over here," she called back and then ran down the row to hide.

"All right," he said, laughing. "Where did you go?"

She whistled at him from her hiding place. Charlotte was clearly in a joyous mood today and ready to tease Nathan.

"What do I get if I find you?"

"What have you got in mind?"

"Oh, a little of this and a little of that." He reached through a row and almost caught hold of her skirt. Laughing, she escaped. He caught up with her at the end of the row, but she eluded him again and disappeared into the greenery. She ducked into a row and put her foot out as he passed, tripping him. Laughing, she raced back the other way.

Even though Charlotte was nimble, Nathan's long strides soon overtook her. Both strong arms went about her, finally halting her escape. She writhed and twisted against him, seeking to loose herself, but her laughter made her efforts most ineffectual. Nathan tried to hold her close, but his own laughter was hampering his efforts.

Charlotte twisted in Nathan's arms to face him. Looking up into laughing eyes bent over her and her breath caught in her throat as that familiar emotion swept through her, brought on by the strength of the arms that held her, the beating of the heart against her cheek, the clean smell of shaving soap that still clung to Nathan. Everything about this man who held her sent warm tingles all through her.

Suddenly sensing the same feelings, the expression on Nathan's face shifted from teasing to something else. Their breaths coming in little gasps.

"So, what was it I got if I found you?" Nathan's voice was husky and raw as he leaned in close.

"A little of this…" Charlotte answered, tilted her head slightly to grant her husband better access. "And a little of that." Her breath caught and her fingers curled into the soft material of his shirt, when he quickly took the invitation and trailed whispered kisses along her neck.

A deep clearing of someone's throat caused Charlotte to push with trembling hands against Nathan's chest, parting them quickly.

"Hope I wasn't interrupting anything."

"Bill…" Nathan acknowledged the judge who was only a few feet away on the back of Hero. "I do think you could work on your timing a bit." Nathan said, running his own shaking hand through his hair to put it back into place. "Or at least be a little more obvious when you're sneaking up on someone."

"One of the afflictions of being a Mountie, I suppose. You never do get rid of your training, including the art of being inconspicuous. Although I wouldn't say I was sneaking, rather you both seemed a little… preoccupied."

Charlotte felt herself flush and decided to change the subject quickly to safer subjects. "Bill, can I interest you in something to drink? Or a cookie perhaps?"

"I'll never turn down something you've baked, Charlotte. Thank you."

Charlotte excused herself and hastened into the house as Bill dismounted and he and Nathan began walking to the porch.

As soon as Charlotte disappeared inside, Nathan spoke up. "What brings you out here? As much as I know you like Charlotte's cooking, I can tell there is more on your mind."

"It's about our court date next week. I found out who the judge is presiding over the case."

"By the look on your face, I'm assuming it's Judge Miller who did the parole trial we attended a few months ago in Union City."

"I wish."

Nathan felt his muscles tense at Bill's words. "What do you mean?"

"It's Judge Cameron."

Nathan's brows furrowed together as he tried to place the name. "As in Richard Cameron?"

Bill nodded.

"That can't be right. I know he used to be on the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta, but I heard he was now in Ottawa trying to make his way onto the Supreme Court. Why on earth would he be coming all the way out here for this case?"

"Nathan…" Bill swallowed the lump in his throat. "Things aren't adding up here. I need you to know I will do everything in my power to make this right, but I also need you to start preparing yourself- and Charlotte- for what may happen next week."

"Are you saying…" Nathan's voice broke.

Bill dropped his gaze to the ground, unable to look directly at Nathan. "Yeah… that's what I'm saying."

Just then, Charlotte returned, pushing the front door open with her hip as she balanced a platter of refreshments. "I didn't know what you both were wanting, so I just brought an assortment of everything we have on hand." When she turned and faced the two men, she could read the sorrow in their eyes and her heart contracted with fear. "What? What is wrong?" she whispered through trembling lips.

"Charlie…" Nathan came slowly towards her and took the platter from her hands to set it aside. He reached for her then, placing a hand on each shoulder, and looked deeply at her as though willing their souls to share the strength within each other to help bear the news he was bringing. "We need to talk."