So This Is Love Chapter 151- The Book of Us, a when calls the heart fanfic

Chapter 151- The Book of Us

Well today was miserable outside with the winds and cold, but barring anything crazy, I should be in for the night and have a little time to post as I sit here eating a bowl of homemade chili. Thanks to those of you who reached out with thoughts and prayers for the difficult weather moving in.

This chapter includes the Grant's Christmas Eve- also known as- Nathan and Charlotte's first anniversary! Very (very) mild steam ahead (it feels like forever since I've had to say that… haha).

As I went to post this chapter, I also realized that I crossed a milestone in the past day- over 2,000 reviews for 'So This Is Love'! It blows my mind that this little story I dreamed up that restless night following the Season 8 finale, would find a way to connect to so many of you. As an author I want you all to know, hearing your feedback (both positive and negative) is sustenance that keeps us going and WANTING to write these stories. A simple 'thank you' is appreciated just as much as in-depth analysis of our writings. I can't speak for every FanFic writer out there, but for me- you all are the reason I do this and put a bit of my heart out into the world through Nate and Charlie's story.

I know everyone's lives are busy, especially during the Christmas season, but those of you who faithfully find time to 'touch base' with almost each chapter I post, please know that I appreciate it more than you may ever know. I use those reviews to make sure what I see as my vision is accurately being portrayed to you the reader, so thank you, thank you, and thank you some more. I hope you enjoy this glimpse at 'Operation Catch and Release' and a Christmas Eve with the Grants…

Thankfully, Nathan's missing blue tie had easily been found beside all the rest of his hidden treasures in the bedside table. Charlotte helped him with the tie and then sent him downstairs to wait with Tremblay, while she finished getting herself and Allie ready in the dresses they had purchased a few weeks prior on their shopping trip to Union City.

Warren and Nathan impatiently paced at the bottom of the staircase with Remi. Adjusting the cuffs on their suit jackets and the collars of their shirts until the two women transcended the steps towards them.

Since her blue gown from their past Christmas' together would no longer fit with the growing baby, Charlotte purchased a simple burgundy dress with a thin ribbon tied just above her waist. She styled her hair in a twist that let the waves then cascade down over her left shoulder. As stunning as she looked, it was Allie who stole the show and Nathan had never seen his daughter look more beautiful, confident, or grown-up.

"Wow! Allie… You look…" Warren stood and shook his head slightly. "Let's just say Constable Wolf is going to realize his mistake the moment you walk through those doors tonight."

"Thank you. I guess." Allie blushed at his compliment and turned her focus to smooth the non-existent wrinkles from the front of her dress.

It was a silver-grey gown that accentuated her complexion and hair color. The sheer, long sleeves were decorated in places with shimmery embroidery and beading, that on any other woman may look as though it was too much, but it seemed perfect and tasteful on Allie.

Charlotte had helped with her hair and between the two of them, they braided and pinned it into an elegant updo. Charlotte knew how special tonight would be for her daughter, so she loaned Allie her mother's pearl drop earrings and the pearl and beaded silver comb from the Grant family. The one Charlotte had been gifted for her wedding day a year ago. It all matched perfectly with Allie's charm bracelet she hardly ever took off.

Nathan found himself transfixed with Allie until he felt a small poke in his side and his attention turned to Charlotte beside him. "Your daughter asked you a question, Nathan. Aren't you going to answer her?"

"Huh?" He flustered in his confused state.

"I asked, what do you think, Dad?" Allie repeated. "Is it too much? I've never worn anything so extravagant. It almost feels like I'm a princess in some far off land or an actress playing a part, rather than a student in Hope Valley."

"You look…" A lump formed in his throat, making it tight and difficult to breathe. "You look wonderful. And all grown up. You're beautiful… It's not just the dress or the hair… It's you, Al." He watched Allie's look of uncertainty vanish and be replaced by one of pure delight. "Colleen… She would be… She is mighty proud of the woman you've become Allie. We all are."

Allie wrapped her arms around Nathan's waist and buried her cheek into his chest. Holding him tight. He circled his arms around her and pulled her closer. Glancing over the top of his daughter's head to see Tremblay and Charlotte, both with tender expressions on their faces. They held each other for a long while, before Nathan drew back slightly, running a gentle hand over Allie's hair. "I probably messed up your pretty hair doing that. I'm sorry."

"Don't mind my hair," she answered with a smile, sounding so much like Charlotte then. "I don't plan on it being perfect for long anyway with as much dancing as Warren and I will do tonight."

"Is that so?" Warren's deep chuckle filled the hallway. "Well then, Miss Grant, shall we be on our way?"

Allie took his offered hand, and he looped her arm into his own. "Let 'Operation Catch and Release' commence."

"Do I even want to know what 'Operation Catch and Release' is?" Nathan whispered to his wife as he followed Tremblay's lead and took his date's arm into his.

"Doubtful." Charlotte quipped. "I feel a little deceitful being a part of their plan for Robert, but then again…" Charlotte lifted her chin to look up at Nathan. "He should know better than to mess with a Mountie's daughter, right?"

Charlotte was awake, she knew she was. But still she kept her eyes shut. Letting her mind continue in her dreams and memories of the night before at the Christmas dance. The laughter and companionship that filled the room was beautiful and festive. Even in her current state of pregnancy, she and Nathan shared every dance they could. Her husband expertly guided her around the floor with one hand pressed gently into the curve of her back, while his other held her hand, running his thumb over her knuckles.

They weren't the only pair swept up into the magic of the night. As Nathan had plotted, Abigail and Henry seemed to always be near one another and sharing in various dances throughout the evening. At one point, when Nathan led Charlotte past the other couple on the dancefloor, she leaned over and whispered. "Seems as though your scheming is working, Sarge."

"I wouldn't call it scheming. All I did was bring Abigail over to help Santa," he said, a twinkle of mischief in his eye. "I can't help it if there's just something about a man in a red uniform that certain women find irresistible. Or so I've been told."

Warren and Allie were the talk of all those gathered. Not that the two cared what anyone else thought. As Charlotte found out at the Mountie ball, Tremblay was a divine dancer, and he was more than happy to escort Allie around the floor in various waltzes, swings, and reels. Only deviating from their partnership when Archie or Nathan requested a dance with Allie for themselves. For those few songs, Warren would lead Maise or Charlotte in their own dances, before returning to Allie's side.

The pair seemed to be having so much fun together, they never even paid any mind to Constable Wolf or the Hamilton princess he had escorted in the door. They didn't care anymore. With Tremblay's future with the Mounties in question, neither one knew once he left Hope Valley, when they would see one another again. Allie and Warren were simply there to enjoy the night in each other's company.

The sound of the back kitchen door opening and closing, chased the memories of the dance from Charlotte's mind. She knew it was Warren, up early on his way to let Remi out for a morning walk and bring in some wood to build the fires. Now more fully awake, Charlotte opened her eyes to see Nathan shift slightly in his sleep.

It was Christmas Eve morning. Their anniversary.

As Charlotte watched Nathan, she sent up a silent prayer thanking God for the past year of marriage to this man she was blessed to call her husband. There had, of course, been difficult moments, but also ones filled with so much promise and hope. She longed for a lifetime of falling asleep in his arms and waking to this lopsided grin that always seemed to be upon his face anymore, even as he slept.

Mussed, dark hair lay haphazardly across his forehead. One strong hand supported his head on the pillow, while the other rested on her hip. Each of Nathan's breaths came in long, even intervals- with it a soft, fluttering sound. These were some of her favorite moments. Watching him sleep, like this, as the soft morning light filtered in through frost covered windowpanes. He seemed peaceful and happy. Full of good dreams like she had.

Charlotte couldn't help herself. She reached forward to gently brush her fingertips along the side of Nathan's face. She had long ago memorized each fall and rise of his cheek- its lines and imperfections- but she still loved taking the time to know it further. She trailed her touch down his neck towards Nathan's strong arm, moving to where the scar on his shoulder from the bullet wound would always mark his sacrifice for her and this life they now led. As she often did, she placed a reverent kiss to its raised and discolored skin. When she drew back, Charlotte saw him awake and looking intently back at her.

Nathan stroked a wave of hair back from Charlotte's face. "I do." He said softly, with sleep still in his voice.

Charlotte's heart beat faster with her husband's words. She knew what he was saying. Even with all the hardships they had experienced together, he would do it all over again, knowing they had each other. It was a solidifying of their promises they made to one another a year ago in that little white church, surrounded by family and friends. "I do, too." Charlotte answered, her voice thick with emotion.

Nathan smiled that slow, easy smile she loved. "I was hoping you would say that."

To make sure there was no doubt in her husband's mind, Charlotte leaned in closer. "I do." She again whispered softly against his cheek; her lips so close they grazed across his skin as she spoke. "I do." She repeated. This time against his other cheek, before pulling back ever so slightly to get lost in Nathan's blue gaze. She took his hand and squeezed it. "I do and I always will, Nathan. Never doubt the depths of my love for you."

Nathan took in a long, slow breath, letting his eyes close. Savoring his wife's touch and words. He wrapped his arms around Charlotte and gently rolled her on top of him. "Hmmmm…" He hummed as his lips began to slowly make their way down Charlotte's neck and then along her collarbone. "Did you realize, I've been able to wake up to you, like this, for a year now? To hold you- like this. To… kiss you- like this."

She made a soft sound of pleasure at his continued kisses across her freckled skin. Charlotte pressed her hands flat against his bare chest. Spreading her fingers against the full, hard muscles. Loving the feel of him beneath her.

As she ran her hand over him, he caught his breath. "I love you, Mrs. Nathan." He gave her a hard kiss to the mouth, drawing her even closer to him. "This past year only makes me long for the lifetime that we will have together. Is it strange that I want it to hurry up and slow down all at the same time?"

She softened at the look in his eye and with the vulnerability he spoke with. "I think I understand." Charlotte answered, combing her fingers into his hair.

"Part of me wants the next months to come quickly so we can finally meet this little one," he slowly ran his hand over her body, exploring every curve. "But in the same moment. I want to stop time. To just be here with you. To enjoy our family this Christmas."

"We will enjoy them. I promise. These days. They will always be with us. In our memories. And in our hearts." Charlotte tapped gently on his chest, feeling his heart beat strongly against her palm. "Even when Warren is back in the North. Or Allie away at college. Because of the memories we create now, in a way, we will always have them here with us. Along with all the others that make our life in Hope Valley so special."

"You make my life special, Charlie." Nathan hugged her close, feeling a sense of contented bliss as Charlotte settled her head on his shoulder. Her face gently nuzzled into his neck. "For so long, I didn't think that would be possible for me. When Allie came along, I tried to create memories for her, but it can be tough to make things special when it's just you." Slowly, Nathan drew his fingers along the sensitive underside of Charlotte's arm and took her hand in his. Loosely lacing his fingers through hers. "I had no plans to become a father then. Especially a single one. I never expected to be raising a child on my own."

"Colleen could have found no one better, no one more suitable to raise Allie in her place, than you, Nate. The relationship you have with Allie, it's a beautiful thing to witness. You will always be each other's rock."

Nathan took a deep breath, drawing in Charlotte's sweet scent. "But it's with you, that all these simple things are meaningful. Special." Drawing their entwined hands between them, Nathan pressed their palms together. Feeling the powerful current that flowed through their connection. Fusing them as one.

"We make those moments special… Together." Charlotte propped herself on her elbow, and looked down at him, eyes shining with emotions Nathan couldn't quite name. She kissed him tenderly and Nathan felt her lips curl into a smile against his own. "Speaking of special moments… Didn't we challenge Allie and Warren to a snowman building contest today?"

Parking the car in front of the house after Christmas Eve services, Nathan couldn't help but start to laugh. He was soon joined by his wife, daughter, and Tremblay. Four intricately designed and decorated snowpeople stood guard just a few feet off the front porch. Each one matched its creator's personality. Allie's was a classic snowman complete with an old scarf and top hat Archie had found for her in a box of his old things. Charlotte decided on a 'plump' snowwoman with an old mop head for the hair and an extra round base. "She looks how I feel"- Charlotte joked to them all as they built and crafted that morning.

The real competition came down to Nathan and Warren, who both decided on Mountie snowmen. While building they watched each other closely and kept adjusting and adding snow, making their snow Mounties taller and taller, with broader shoulders, and more decorations and medals. They would have continued on and never called their creations complete if it wasn't for Charlotte finally making them agree to a tie otherwise they'd all be late for church.

This year, Rosemary spearheaded a nativity play with each of the town's children having their own parts led by Allie as the narrator. Fred and Opal were Joseph and Mary on their long trek to Bethlehem to give birth to Baby Jesus, played by the newest member of town, Hannah Shepherd. Given her name, Angela, was the perfect angel with her heavenly hosts as they visited the shepherds, or in this case shepherdesses of Anna and Emily, keeping watch over their flocks at night. The 'flock' being Remi dressed in a white cotton sheet with puffs of fleece attached. The end of the play was ushered in with the arrival of the three wise men: Cooper, Paul, and Timmy.

Nathan had spent some of his free time over the past month helping with the stage backgrounds and decorations. Making the stable and manger and assisting his dad and Joseph with the animal cut outs for the children to paint. Charlotte and many of the other women from town had been busy with the costumes. It was a beautiful rendition of the nativity and a true reminder of the reason for the season.

The pageant was completed with a short homily and prayer from Joseph with Angela playing the old carol of 'The Holly and The Ivy' on the piano, while the rest of her classmates sang in the choir.

That evening Nathan, Charlotte, Allie, and Warren sat down at the dining room table, decorated with a few evergreen boughs, pinecones, and holly berries. A Christmas record played in the living room as they passed around the beef tenderloin, mashed potatoes and gravy, with roasted vegetables, and homemade dinner rolls. Charlotte's mother's Christmas china, Nathan had brought back with him from Potter's Creek the year before, was overflowing with delicious food. Surprisingly everyone saved just enough room to have a slice of Buche de Noel. A few days prior, Warren mentioned that it was a chocolate cake his mother would always make for Christmas to mimic the tradition of a yule log. With the help of Abigail and her arsenal of recipes, Charlotte was able to make Warren's Buche de Noel in honor of his own family traditions becoming a small part of the Grant's.

When dinner was finished, they retired to the living room and took their places around the decorated Christmas tree and the crackling fireplace, Allie asked. "Mom, have you given Dad his anniversary present yet?"

"Anniversary present?" Nathan questioned, his eyebrow raising slightly along with his intrigued voice.

Charlotte pushed playfully against him where they sat together on the couch. "Yes, anniversary present. You know that we both agreed to get each other something small for our anniversary and then go together on a family gift for Christmas Day."

"Oh, right…" Nathan teased. "We did say that didn't we?"

"Allie, would you mind fetching your dad's gift for me? It is in the cedar chest at the foot of our bed, under a quilt."

Allie agreed and set off on her mission. She quickly returned and handed a brown paper wrapped package to Charlotte.

Charlotte's fingers nervously played with the simple string holding the wrapping in place. "I've read somewhere that each wedding anniversary has a corresponding gift or theme attached to it. A couple's first anniversary is represented by paper. It is supposed to show that a new marriage is like a blank sheet, ready to be written and colored in. I didn't think much about that tradition, until you gave me this idea for your present months ago." She handed him the gift and watched with bated breath for him to open it.

The package was heavier than Nathan anticipated, but he carefully pulled the string and unwrapped the brown paper to reveal a beautiful book. It had silver-foil lettering across its deep blue clothbound cover. The title read 'So This Is Love- The Story Of A Single Father On The Frontier' by Charlotte Grant.

The air seemed to suddenly leave Nathan for a moment as he stared at the cover of the book, turning the novel over in his hands he saw a small tagline printed with the same silver-foil lettering on the back.

Based on a true-life story of one of Canada's finest Mounties

and his heroic journey raising a family, finding a community, and

discovering love on the Western frontier.

"You…" Nathan stuttered, his thumb lightly rubbing along the edge of the book in that way he did whenever he was truly touched by something. "You wrote this? A novel about me?"

Charlotte placed her slender hands over his that were trembling with emotions. "I wrote it for you…" She said, turning the book back over and opening it to the front page, revealing the novel's dedication.

~ To Sarge ~

I hope this love story about not only a Mountie and a schoolteacher,

but more so, the love between a father and his daughter,

is a constant reminder for how important you are to Allie,

your family, friends, community, country, and to me.

None of us would be where we are in life, without you.

You are our constant. Our rock. Our True North.

I hope through my writing you find a depth and nuance

that is able to accurately portray how

meaningful and profound the story of Nathan Grant is.

Chapters full of complexity, emotions, trials, and triumphs

that are able to personally reach whoever may one day read the pages within.

Telling of your journey as a man, comrade, friend, son, brother,

father, and husband.

Thank you for not only supporting my dreams but becoming them.

Thank you for always reminding me that

faith, hope, and love are His and your greatest gifts.

And finally, thank you for being my greatest companion, my strongest embrace,

my biggest smile, my loudest laugh, and my best friend.

I Love You,

Forever and Always~ Mrs. Nathan

"Writing this novel was never something I thought I could do," Charlotte explained. "But it was your faith in me, that last day of class before summer vacation, when you told me someone should tell the love story of a Mountie and the local schoolteacher and that someone should be me. You planted this seed in my head and my heart that day, and this is what grew out of that idea. I spent a lot of my free time this summer and fall writing and bringing to life this epic tale of adventure and love. When it was finally finished, Rosemary connected me with one of her publishing friends from Calgary and they helped print, bind, and design the cover for this book."

"What happened to there only being room in this town for one famous author?" Nathan teased, earning a sweet chuckle from Charlotte as they both remembered their conversation from this past summer talking about Elizabeth and her novel.

"I have no need to be famous. Or travel the world on book tours. I have all I could ever want right here," she kissed his cheek tenderly. "This is simply my gift to you. The story of how a young man overcame so much in his life to be the father God created him to be, raising a child on his own, and loving a woman who at one point in her life thought she would never be worthy of the selfless love he so freely gave her. This is the book of us."

"The book of us… That has a nice ring to it. Are you sure you have no plans to become a famous writer?"

"No. I'm quite content with just becoming your favorite author, Nate."

"Even without reading it, I can guarantee that you will always be my favorite." He gave her a kiss, which was only broken by a clearing of Warren's throat.

"Sorry to interrupt," Tremblay sheepishly grinned. "But Grant, I'm assuming you also have an anniversary present to give?"

"I do," Nathan said, rising from the couch to draw a small, flat box from its hiding place behind the Christmas tree.

He extended the gift to Charlotte, a small nod of his head prompting her to open the present. She lifted the lid to the parcel and drew back the tissue paper inside. "I can't believe…" Charlotte whispered under her breath as she lifted her gift from inside.

"You can't believe that we both, in a way, had the same idea for our first anniversary presents?" Nathan finished her sentence. "I suppose I'm not as surprised as I should be." He ran his hand over the simple hand-bound booklet in between them. "While I didn't know about paper being a first anniversary gift, I- like you- wanted a way to remember our story."

"A children's book? It's so creative, Nathan. How did you ever think to do this?"

"It's nothing that special." Nathan ran a hand through his hair. Sometimes he still found it hard to accept compliments directed at him. Even when it came from his own wife who so freely gave them. "All I wanted was a way for our children to grow up knowing how their dad came to love their mom, and what better way for that to happen than through a storybook that we can read to them every night before they drift off into their own dreams."

Charlotte flipped through each beautiful page of Nathan's story. It told of a young girl named Charlie who one summer day arrived in the small town of Hope Valley. Events of her past had made the girl shy and timid. No matter how many invitations she received from the others to play or have lunch together, she always seemed more comfortable alone in nature or reading a book by herself. Then one day, the boy who lived next door, Nate, fell ill. Charlie delivered him a basket of food and medicine to make him feel better and a friendship was forged. When Nate was well again, he and Charlie began journeying on adventures together and with their other friend, Allie. Riding horses, fishing for the biggest trout, discovering waterfalls and meadows of wildflowers. Their days were also filled with simple moments that they found just as much joy and happiness in. Reading stories or laying beside one another in the tall grasses of summer staring at the clouds in the sky and sharing not only the intimate details of their past, but also their dreams of the future. They supported each other, as best friends do. Through the hard times and the good. Charlie learned that she could not only trust others, but also find reasons to laugh and dance again. While at the same time she taught Nate that he was appreciated and loved. That he too, could enjoy things of his childhood again like rolling down hills, swimming in mountain lakes, and climbing the highest trees. It was a story of two friends who spent a lifetime growing together through the adventures they shared and the simple, heartfelt moments in between that were just as treasured and just as important to their relationship.

"It is special, Nathan. So incredibly special." Charlotte pressed a hand to her chest, hoping the gesture would calm her heart's wild beating. "You chose the perfect title, 'The Adventures of Nate and Charlie'. Did you do these drawings too?"

"No." Nathan lightly chuckled. He lifted his head and looked over at the young man who sat across the room. "For that I had a friend's help."

"Thank you both," Charlotte said, her gaze drifting between Warren and Nathan. "This is…" She was overcome seeing her husband's words brought to life through Tremblay's drawings. Young Charlie with her wild, brown waves blowing in the breeze as she spun around, eyes closed, arms open wide in a field of forget-me-nots. Nate smiling as he watched her dance about while holding their horses' reins in the meadow. A bright blue sky, shining down on them. The people and the places Charlotte held so dear were here in front of her. Immortalized for their family and future. "This is… The most beautiful gift, Nathan. One that not only I love, but our children will too." Nathan's hand rubbed gently over her belly. Grinning as he felt the babe inside stir against his touch. Charlotte's fingers grazed over his, threading them together. "Nate… Will you read this to us?"

"Please, Dad." Allie chimed in from her place on the rug in front of the fire where she sat with Remi. "Read us, 'The Adventures of Nate and Charlie'."

"Make sure to turn the book around so everyone can see those award-winning illustrations," Warren teased, earning a hearty laugh from Nathan.

"Nothing would make me happier," Nathan wrapped his arm around Charlotte's shoulder, drawing her into his side. When she rested her head on his chest, he began to read. "One hot summer day, a young girl named Charlie stepped off the stagecoach that had brought her far from her past, and everything she knew. Crossing the dusty, bumpy prairie to a place in the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains called Hope Valley…"

Last note… and then I'll leave you alone (until the last chapter I post hopefully before Christmas).

I wrote all these Christmas chapters, months ago, but it wasn't until I was editing them more recently that I realized Charlotte's dedication to Nathan in their 'book of us', also seems to be a bit of my own dedication to not only the characters of Nathan and Allie Grant, but this beautiful Nathan Grant FanFic community. Especially the following…

P.S. x2- The title of this chapter was inspired by the song 'Book of Us'. It is an unreleased track from Michael Logan and was only every played at the end the Heartland Season 12 finale titled Room to Grow (the one where Mitch calls off his wedding and he and Lou find their way back to one another). If you want a listen- our own Susan Firth has a Heartland video of Mitch and Lou to this song on her YouTube page!

The lyrics have always been a favorite of mine- here's a snippet:

Hey, here we go again

Turning pages

This story doesn't end

It just changes

One, more, chapter in the book of us.

Who I am now is because of you

All the good times and the hard times… too

There's a whole lot of road up ahead

And whatever comes next

Hey, here we go again

Turning pages

This story doesn't end

It just changes

One, more, chapter in the book of us.

We were laughin' so we wouldn't cry

A thousand memories dancin' in your eyes.