Chapter 148- Operation Catch and Release

"Robert?"

"Hi, Allie. You look… Well."

"What are you doing here?"

Robert gave her a small smile. "I'm here for Christmas. Or I should say…" He turned to look behind him. "We are here for Christmas."

Allie's gaze followed Robert's to see a beautiful young woman, a few years older than herself, rise from one of the tables at the café and walk over to where they stood.

"Robert, darling," her voice carried, crystal clear and unself-conscious. "Who's this? You promised to introduce me to everyone in Hope Valley."

The woman who wrapped herself into Robert's side was tall, blonde, with perfect, pale porcelain skin. Everything about her smelled of money, of entitlement, and a life lived as if through the pages of Harper's Bazaar or Vogue magazines.

"Caitlin, this is one of my classmates from school- Allie."

"Classmate, yeah." Allie mumbled. She felt frozen in place, unable to process everything quick enough. She hadn't heard from Robert in almost two years when his letters from Mountie training trailed off before suddenly coming to an abrupt halt.

"Her Uncle Nathan was one of the Mounties I knew growing up that mentored me into choosing this profession," Robert continued. "The other was Jack Thornton, Mrs. Bouchard's first husband." Robert turned his focus back to Allie. "Caitlin's father is a business partner of Mrs. Bouchard's father back in Hamilton. We were introduced through the Thatcher family since I have been stationed in the city after finishing my training."

"Of course, you were." Allie muttered under her breath.

"Excuse me? I missed what you said."

Allie quickly tried to disguise her sarcasm. "Oh, just that it's not Uncle Nathan now. He's my dad. He formally adopted me before you left for training. We had another ceremony though this fall that my mom could be a part of too."

"I heard he married Ms. Thompson last Christmas."

"A Christmas wedding!" Caitlin interjected. "Oh, Robert, how romantic would that be? Maybe we should consider that date for our wedding."

"This year?" Robert's voice squeaked at a high octave, and his Adam's apple bobbed as he struggled to swallow.

It was then Allie noticed the diamond ring that graced the woman's long, elegant finger when her hand came to rest on Robert's chest. It was a large and extravagant gem and Allie struggled to understand how Robert could afford it based on a new constable's pay. She determined the sparkling ring had to come through Caitlin's side of the family instead. Maybe a gift or a family heirloom?

"Heavens no, you silly. There is no way we could plan the type of wedding we are going to have in just a few short days. And mother and father would be furious with us if it happened here and not back in Hamilton where they could invite all their friends. Our wedding will be the social event of the year for everyone in the city. And probably the social event of the decade for the people of Hope Valley." Caitlin turned to face Allie. "Of course you all will be invited to come. I'm sure it will be a wedding unlike anything that has been seen out here in the… country, where you are used to rustic and charming instead of grand elegance. I saw how tiny that church is when we came into town, there is no way everyone on our invitation list would fit in there. Let alone, what would we be able to serve them? Potluck food and chocolate cake?"

"Well, that rustic and charming potluck with chocolate cake worked out quite well for my parents if I do say so myself." Allie tried hard to conceal the rising emotions in her voice, but she knew she was failing. "Everyone who mattered to them was able to fit in that little white church. It may not have been what people in the city would think was the social event of the year, but it was perfect for them."

"I didn't mean any offense, Allison- I hope you don't mind me calling you by what I assume is your full name. Allie just seems so childish in comparison and look at you-" Caitlin's gaze raked over Allie. "Given a new hair style and maybe some more stylish clothes, you'd practically be a young woman. If I were you, I'd demand everyone start calling you Allison instead of Allie."

Allie was about to speak her mind, when Warren's deep laugh sounded from behind, drawing their attention towards the kitchen.

She and Warren had decided to come in the back door of the café earlier to introduce Tremblay to Mrs. Stanton. Warren, seeing that Abigail's traveling trunk and heavier things still needed to be carried up to her apartment on the second floor, graciously offered his services while Allie came into the dining room to save them all a table before the noon rush.

"Abigail, I'm never going to be able to fit in my uniform by the time I get back to my post if you and Charlotte keep feeding me this way while I'm in Hope Valley," he chuckled as he walked in from the kitchen carrying a large slice of apple pie that he was quickly consuming.

"It appears Charlotte and I have a similar way of caring for people- through food," Abigail smiled sweetly. "Besides a strapping Mountie like yourself-" Her eyes brazenly moved across Warren. "Can handle an extra slice or two of pie just fine." Abigail turned to Allie. "You have yourself a fine young man here, Miss Grant."

"No, he's not!" Allie blurted, loud enough to cause everyone in the café to stare at her with very confused expressions. "I mean- no, he's not fine. I mean mine. He is fine, but he's not mine." Allie flustered and felt the heat rush to her face in embarrassment over the whole situation she was in at the moment. Mrs. Stanton assuming Warren was anything more than a friend to her. Warren being all chivalrous and perfect to everyone he met. And most of all, being caught off guard running into her old boyfriend, who was never really her boyfriend, and who was now engaged to this flawless, Hamilton princess that insisted Allie be called Allison.

It was all so overwhelming.

Warren's gaze quickly flitted back and forth between Allie and the two other young people she had been talking to. He easily read the situation and decided to act.

"I don't know, Al." Warren set down his now empty dessert plate on the counter beside him and took a step or two closer to her. "Weren't we just talking this morning about this town's Christmas dance?"

"We were?" Allie tilted her head slightly to look up at him, catching the slightest wink he cast in her direction. His discrete act, urging her to play along. "I mean yes, we were." Allie pushed back her shoulders and straightened. Turning to look directly at Robert and Caitlin. Her confidence once again flowing. "I believe it will be just as special as when we went to the Mountie Ball together."

"You? Went to the Mountie Ball?" Robert's voice rose. "With him?"

"Yes. We went together when Dad was given the Order of Merit award this past winter."

"Constable Warren Tremblay." Warren reached out to introduce himself.

"Constable Robert Wolf." Allie watched as Warren's hand engulfed Robert's, their greeting strong and firm. "This is Caitlin Burlington."

"Ma'am." Tremblay gave the elegant woman a friendly, acknowledging nod, before turning back to Robert. "A Mountie as well? Where do you serve, Constable?"

"I've been stationed in Hamilton since finishing training. I grew up here in Hope Valley. Allie and I have been very close… friends since she moved to town."

Allie's eyebrow rose at the sudden change in her title according to Robert. From moments ago, only being a classmate, to suddenly a very close friend.

"You're a lucky man Wolf, to have had a friend like Allie here." Warren gave her a lopsided smile. "She is one of the finest women I've ever had the pleasure of getting to know and I consider her, and her parents, family."

As if on cue, Nathan and Charlotte hustled in through the front door of the café. Their gaze quickly moved back and forth between Robert and his fiancé, to Warren and Allie. Abigail remained standing between the two pairs, watching the greetings transpire before her.

"Hello, Robert," Charlotte said, coming forward towards the group. "Nathan was just telling me he saw you in town this morning while out on rounds and that you introduced him to your fiancé here."

"You knew?" Allie said, looking directly at Nathan. "You knew, and you never told me!"

"Allie, I just found out an hour or so ago," Nathan replied in a hushed tone, so as not to draw any more attention to her than necessary. "You, Warren, and Charlotte were visiting people around town-"

"And you didn't think this was something important to come find us and tell me about?" Allie glanced from her father back to the others. "Please excuse me, I suddenly remembered I have to help… with something for the festival. Robert. Caitlin. I'm sure I'll see you both around before you leave town, but if I forget to say it, congratulations. I hope you both will be very happy with one another."

Allie brushed by them and quickly exited the café. Nathan turned to follow her, but Charlotte grabbed his arm to stop him. "Just wait…" She whispered. "Give her some time."

"Mind if I join you?"

Allie twisted to look over her shoulder. She hadn't even heard the door to the church open, but there standing beside the pew she sat in was Warren. She moved over slightly, indicating for him to sit as well.

Warren joined her and bowed his head reverently towards the front of the church, his hands folded together, resting lightly on his knees. Allie realized he was silently praying, and she tried to give him the space and respect he deserved for his quiet moment in conversation with God.

After some time, Warren raised his head again and softly spoke. "I don't even remember the last time I had the chance to be in a church. Maybe right before I left Potter's Creek a year ago? It feels good to be back."

Allie stared at where her hands wrung together. "I've always been taught you can pray anywhere."

"That's true, but there is just something about doing it in a church that seems a little different. That and the fellowship and community you build in a congregation. It's something I've missed being a part of up North."

An easy silence fell between them. Neither one, uncomfortable with it. Both lost in their own thoughts and prayers.

After a long while, it was Allie who spoke up. "I'm sorry about earlier. I didn't handle that very well."

"I thought you handled it just fine," he reassured. There was no judgment in his voice. "Your dad is sorry he didn't give you a heads up. He feels pretty awful about it."

"I owe him an apology for how I acted. I really don't blame him. It's not his fault. I was just upset and embarrassed. Mostly by being caught off guard seeing Robert again after I haven't heard from him in years and then him telling his fiancé I was just a classmate."

"So, you two were more than just classmates?"

"Yes. No." Allie tucked her hair behind her left ear. A nervous habit she did whenever she was uncertain about something. "Honestly? I don't know what we were. And even more so, I have no idea what we are now."

"I may understand that feeling better than you think." Warren mumbled.

"It wasn't just that. I mean, you saw her. Miss Caitlin Burlington. She might as well be wearing a tiara and sash that declared her Hamilton's princess. She is stunning and perfect, and no wonder Robert wants to marry her- she- she is everything a man would want in a wife."

"Depends on the man." Warren paused for a moment to let his words sink in a little deeper. "And honestly- I think you were seeing a very different woman than I did. And a very different Robert."

Allie shifted on the pew to fully face Warren. "How so?"

"First off, with Miss Burlington." He twisted to mirror her, moving his arm to rest across the back of the pew between them. "You see her as stunning and perfect, but that's all on the surface, Al. I have a feeling she isn't as beautiful on the inside. Which, in my opinion, is the only place it really matters. A man that is only attracted to how a woman looks in a pretty dress, or how well her family is connected, isn't the type of man I would be putting on a pedestal. Even if he is a Mountie." Warren winked, causing Allie to give him a short, bleak laugh.

"For so long I had these feelings for Robert. I really thought he cared about me too. And until today, I think I held out a little hope, that maybe I could finally be enough for him to… I don't know… Like-like me in return?"

Warren raised a quizzical brow. "Like-like?"

Allie rolled her eyes and let out an exasperated breath. "You know."

"Yeah." Warren gave a coy smile. "Maybe I do." Again, the silence lingered between them for a long moment. At last Warren spoke. "Miss Grant, no matter what doubts Constable Wolf has let creep into your mind, I want you to know you will always be enough… For the right person- you will always be enough. Just the way you are. This Miss Caitlin Burlington- she's not half the woman you are, Allie. If Wolf can't see that, he doesn't deserve you."

"You're just saying that to be nice."

"I'm saying it because it's the truth. You are an incredible woman, Allie Grant. You have such a big heart. One that is kind, compassionate, and fiercely loyal. Whoever you end up giving your heart to one day, whoever you decide is worthy of your love, he's going to be a very blessed man."

"You really think so?"

"I know so." Warren traced a finger along the grain of the wood on the back of the pew. "Will you promise me something?"

"What's that?"

"Don't conform your life to fit into someone else's. And don't feel like you have to change who you are for them to… like-like you. Don't worry about these silly boys who are as fleeting as a puff of smoke. Changing with every wind. A boy should know better than to mess with a Mountie's daughter." He winked and then became more serious. "You have a big, beautiful life in front of you Allie. Go live it and live it fully. Wait for a love that is steadfast and true. Only give your heart to someone who will protect it and everything you hold dear. Who will want to know each and every one of your dreams and strive every day to make them come true. Find a good man who is worthy of you, and don't waste another minute pining for someone who doesn't see how special you are. Promise me that. Please."

Allie stared into Warren's deep, dark eyes. "I promise."

"Good," Warren twisted his body back towards the front of the church and stretched out his long legs before him. Sinking down in a very relaxed position. "So, what are we going to call this operation?"

"Operation?"

"For the town Christmas dance. We did tell Constable Wolf and Hamilton Princess that we were going together. And I figure it may be a little deceitful if we are just doing that to make them jealous," Warren teased. "I'd feel better about the ruse if we gave it some sort of code name. You know- make it official Mountie business or something."

"Hmmm…" Allie thought pensively for a moment. "How about Operation Catch and Release?"

"Catch and release?"

"Yeah, it's like when you go fishing and you catch something. As you're reeling it in you think it's going to be some great prize because of the struggle it's giving you on the other end of the line. But once you pull it out of the water, and get a good look, you realize it wasn't anything that special to begin with and decide to release it for some other fisherman to catch on another day."

Warren tilted back his head and gave a boisterous laugh. "Perfect. Operation Catch and Release has commenced." His eyes sparkled with humor.

"Hey, Warren?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you. For being there for me earlier. And now. I appreciate having you in my corner. I don't know when, or how you became such an expert on love, but sometimes it's nice to hear these sorts of things from someone who isn't your parent."

"I'm no love expert, Al." Warren's gaze moved to look out the window on the other side of the church. A far-off expression fixed upon his face. "I've just come to realize that love isn't always the kind we read about in books- the kind that we are told is supposed to knock us senseless and send our hearts racing. I think love means a little more when- well, when it comes softly. Sort of stealin' up on us gradually. Sometimes you aren't even aware it's growing and getting stronger until- I don't know. All of a sudden it takes you by surprise and you wonder, 'How long have I been feeling this way and why didn't I notice it before?'."

Allie studied him silently and in those moments, she came to understand a little bit more about Warren Tremblay then she ever imagined possible. She smiled before asking the question, she was suddenly dying to know.

"What's her name?"

"Huh?" Warren sat up a little straighter. Realizing he had been caught, he ran a nervous hand through his hair.

"This girl you're in love with. What's her name? You helped me work through my troubles with Robert, maybe I can help you too?"