Chapter 175- Heart of the Healed

Last chapter here of the season. Hope you've enjoyed it and the extra bits and pieces we've experienced in Nate and Charlie's lives.

Now, I don't know if many of you have ever paid attention to my choice in chapter titles, but usually they are not done without thought. Especially if you go back to read any that start with "Heart of _" (what I consider my 'core' chapters).

Remember the first episode of WCTH where Nathan's character was introduced? It was titled "Heart of a Mountie". That title gave me the idea on how to name my very first chapter of this story when I introduced Nathan's equal in Charlotte. Her introduction 'episode'/chapter was named "Heart of the Broken".

And with the completion of the Schneider gang this 'season' it felt rather appropriate that her story arc of growth and healing culminate with the name of this chapter. A full circle moment from Heart of the Broken to Heart of the Healed.

Nathan couldn't help but chuckle. "Do you really think this is the best time for conversation? As I'm hanging off the edge of a building?"

Charlotte shrugged. "Probably not, but…" She carefully adjusted her grip. "On the count of three, I'm going to pull with all my might, but you're going to have to help me. You're certainly not light as a feather here." She let out a comical, dramatic groan, teasing him to conceal the seriousness of the situation. "Ready?"

He nodded and on the count of three, Charlotte pulled with every ounce of strength she possessed, her muscles straining. At the same time Nathan lifted, using his newfound footing and the leverage Charlotte's arms provided to rise up. With a final surge from them both, Nathan's lanky body scrambled to the top and was pulled back up over the edge and to safety.

Gasping for air, they collapsed into one another. Both physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted from the night's events. Nathan wrapped his arms around her, afraid that if he let go, he'd find out it was all just a dream.

"You're here," Nathan sobbed burying his face into the safe comfort of Charlotte's neck as he clung to her.

"I'm here," she crooned, her grip tightening around his waist to support his lax body. "I'm here."

Nathan looked up, pulling away from her, but Charlotte refused to let him go. She clasped his face between her hands and gave him a beaming smile. Unable to conceal what she was feeling any longer. Thankfulness. Gratitude. Relief. "We did it. We actually did it, Nate."

They both realized how close they came to losing one another tonight. He covered her mouth with his, savoring the feel of her in his arms, inhaling her soft scent. His hands ran along every contour of her body to convince his mind that she was real.

"I love you, Nathan," she breathed against his mouth. "I love you so much."

Nathan drew back and tried to catch his breath. "How?" It was the only word he could produce. How had she managed to save him? How had she known to come to the warehouses sensing he was in danger? How had her evening at the Drake mansion gone? The questions swirled, yet, in a way, he didn't really care. She was here, and that was all that mattered. He kissed her mouth again, then her cheeks, and back to her mouth.

"I'll explain it all later." She said between his flurry of affection. She smiled up at him, and he eased his hold on her a mere fraction of an inch. They heard the sirens coming closer and the shouts of the other Mounties involved in the mission as they apprehended Drake's men further down the street. The commotion carried easily through the night air. "But… Operation Trojan Horse seems to have been a success. The Mounties always get their man."

"I always knew you'd be an impressive member of the Force." He ran his hands along her cheeks, pushing back her unruly hair, which had fallen out of place from her elegant updo, to cradle the back of her head. All the pain, all the anguish in his heart flowed out of him. She was here, and she was safe.

"Speaking of…" Nathan leaned back slightly, his gaze slipping over Charlotte in her scarlet red dress. "You look good in that serge, Charlie. It suits you." He was unable to hide his flirtatious smirk. "Can't say it is a regulation uniform, but…" He let out a long, slow whistle. Shaking his head in disbelief. "I'm not complaining."

"Easy there, Sarge." She ran a thumb gingerly along his brow, noting his injury there. "I think you must have hit your head harder than we thought."

Nathan shrugged and captured her hand kissing the back of her knuckles. "A couple more whacks and I'll be as good as new, if not better."

"Mmmhmmm…" Charlotte shook her head in mock outrage and rose to her feet. "Come on." She held out her hand to help him up. "Let's go home."

By the following evening, Rosemary's headline, and article from 'The Valley Voice' was being picked up and printed all across the country, into the states, and even over the pond in England.

.

Secret Operation Brings Down Notorious Schneider Gang

~ Mrs. Rosemary Coulter, Editor in Chief ~

Valley Voice - Hope Valley Alberta

Saturday evening, under the cover of the Prince of Wales arrival in Edmonton, a secret operation finally served long awaited justice for the citizens of Canada victimized by the infamous crime conglomerate, formally known as the Schneider Gang.

Chief Superintendent Sam Collins confirms that as of Sunday morning, all members of the infamous criminal gang have been accounted for and apprehended by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The Chief Superintendent explained that a key piece of evidence was extracted from the Drake Family Mansion in the swanky Glenora neighborhood of Edmonton. Papers containing the names, aliases, and location of all those tied to the Schneider gang was the final piece that helped in the arrest of all criminal members. Many of whom are well-known individuals of Canadian businesses and law enforcement, including the boss of the gang- Ontarian tycoon and Senator- Maxwell Burlington.

Burlington was arrested at his home in Hamilton and taken into custody by members of the local Force. Other prominent members of society arrested following the operation include Edmonton shipping and warehouse baron, Eldred Drake, and his son- former lawyer- Seth Drake. As well as Supreme Court hopeful, Judge Richard Cameron. The same Judge Cameron that this reporter first drew attention to a year ago for his scathing and improper conduct in the custody trial of a local young woman.

Other members of the Schneider gang were apprehended transporting illegal cargo from the Drake Enterprises compound to the train station bound for the North. These men, and all others, are now being held in undisclosed secured locations guarded by trusted members of the Force as they await their trials.

One of the highest-ranking members of the Schneider gang- RCMP Assistant Commissioner Duncan Aitchison- met his fate on Saturday evening. Falling to his death from the rooftop of Drake Enterprises' warehouse, but not before confessing his involvement in some of the deepest crimes this territory has seen over the past couple of years comprising forgery, collusion, kidnapping, attempted murder, and murder- including that of beloved RCMP Constable Warren Tremblay and heroic civilian- Dylan Parks- who was the Force's inside informant for the operation. Parks lost his life Saturday night, taking a bullet from Aitchison's pistol, saving the life of RCMP Sergeant Nathan Grant.

Sergeant Grant is an Order of Merit recipient for his involvement two years ago in bringing down Beck McEntire, also a known member of the Schneider gang. The long-serving and honorable member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is no stranger to courageous acts of service for those he has sworn to protect. Sergeant Nathan Grant, along with his wife, Charlotte Grant, both of Hope Valley, Alberta, were the key leaders of this undercover operation. The pair have been collecting evidence on the Schneider gang for over two years and put that information to use in orchestrating the mission on Saturday night.

The mission involved action by many, both behind the scenes and in-person. Several members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police including Chief Superintendent Sam Collins, Superintendent Patrick O'Reilly, Retired Inspector Bill Avery (now Judge Avery), Sergeant Gabriel Kinslow, Constable Albert Rogers, Constable Caleb Landry, Constable Patrick O'Reilly Jr., and many others in Edmonton and across the country had a hand in the extinguishing of this criminal ring.

Chief Superintendent Collins wanted to extend his thanks to the numerous civilians who also lent their support and assistance to the mission and building a case against the Schneider gang. Some of whom are George Lane, John Bartlett, Alfred and Suzanne Cody, Dylan Parks, and various residents of Hope Valley, including Jack Thornton Jr. and the Grants' children- Allie and Liam.

Sergeant Grant gave the following quote about the operation's success. "For years the Schneider Gang has taken advantage of the law-abiding citizens of this country. It breaks my heart knowing there were individuals deeply embedded in the organization that used the trust given to the members of the RCMP to their advantage, especially those in indigenous communities of the North like that of Cadotte Lake. My hope is that seeing justice finally served will bring a sense of healing to those that have been severely affected by the crimes carried out by the Schneider Gang. Today, good triumphed over evil, and darkness was defeated with light. While I know that we will never bring back those loved ones lost along the way, we can honor them, their wives, and their families by continuing to serve in an honorable fashion."

The latest news coming out of Edmonton is that the Prince of Wales is planning on awarding bravery decorations to all those involved in the operation this coming Friday in a grand ceremony set to take place in Hope Valley. The levels of decorations are as follows- The Medal of Bravery, The Star of Courage, and The Cross of Valour. The highest award- The Cross of Valour- will be awarded to those individuals who acted of 'the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril'. The Prince of Wales has named the following individuals as recipients for The Cross of Valour for the extreme risk of their own lives for service to the crown and commonwealth- Mr. Dylan Parks- posthumously awarded to his daughter- Allie Grant. Constable Warren Tremblay- whose family has asked that the medal be posthumously awarded to his Godson- Liam Grant. Mrs. Charlotte Grant and Sergeant Nathan Grant.

Help show Hope Valley's pride for our local Mountie and his family by joining in the celebrations this coming week.

.

Rosemary included a second article on the front page of the special edition of the Valley Voice. A piece dedicated to Dylan Parks. She told a story of a redeemed man, who sacrificed himself in the place of a brother. While there were times Rosemary wanted to stomp on Dylan Park's foot for what he did to Nathan, Charlotte, and Allie, she also wanted the Grants to have something to remember Dylan by. The man he became with their help and not the man he was before.

Nathan and Charlotte struggled with how best to tell Allie about Dylan. The girl experienced so much loss in her short life. Telling her she lost another parent, seemed too much to ask of the young woman. What gave Nathan some solace was when Charlotte pointed out that Allie knew she'd always have Nathan to watch out for her and love her through any struggles.

They held a funeral service for Dylan and then buried him in the Hope Valley Cemetery. Not far away from Tremblay's memorial and under the shade of a large maple tree. Charlotte helped pick the spot, saying a person like Dylan who led such a tormented life needed a peaceful, idyllic place for his eternal rest.

Nathan found a note in Dylan's things about the stolen goods he took from Mr. and Mrs. Cody's store in order to get into the inner circle of the Schneider gang for the mission. As soon as possible, Nathan arranged that the Codys be paid back every cent along with a nice bonus and invitation to the ceremony being held in Hope Valley.

Collins and O'Reilly not only apprehended everyone on the list Charlotte found with ties to the Schneider gang, but they also held their own internal reviews of the Mounties and anyone who had close ties to Aitchison was let go. One of which was Inspector Oliver Martin- who was a part of the investigation in Potter's Creek almost two years prior following Beck's murder.

As for Hargraves, he was found to be innocent of having any ties with the Schneider gang and any close relationship to Aitchison but following Collins' assessment of Hargraves vindictive and unrequited actions towards Nathan, he too was severed from the Mounties, ending his career with a stroke of a pen. Rumors spread through the Force that Hargraves planned to move to the coast and try to find work on a boat. Charlotte thought it appropriate he'd spend the rest of his days shoveling fish guts.

Mr. Carl- the stuttering child welfare worker assigned to Allie's custody case last summer was let go from the children's bureau after the Mounties supplied the department with information about his connections to the Schneider gang. Every case that Mr. Carl handled in his tenure with the bureau was going to be reviewed to ensure that no malicious activity was associated with other litigations he had been a part of. Overseeing the children's bureau review was reinstated Inspector Randal Andrews who first connected that Sergeant Ralph Nelson- later to be known as the alias for Duncan Aitchison- was behind the New Hope orphanage losing their license. His first action was returning New Hope's license to Lillian and Grace, so they were free to welcome more children into their homes following the arrival of their own babies and the finalization of the adoption of Vincent and Mary Louise.

There was a fallout in Hamilton upon Maxwell Burlington's arrest. Stock in his businesses plummeted as each and every one of his financial supporters pulled their funding from the Burlington's companies. Including William Thatcher, who Charlotte was rather thankful to find out her concerns about him being involved in the Schneider gang were unfounded. When Mr. Thatcher discovered what Burlington was involved in behind the scenes, he was the first to pull his partnership, name, and finances from anything they were associated with together.

Documents were also found connecting Burlington with terminating Lee's public land timber leases a year ago. Abusing his influence in the government to his gain personal advantage. He lost his Senate position immediately upon his arrest. The Speaker declared a special election would take place in the new year to find who would take Burlington's position in the government.

The last piece of the Schneider Gang's turmoil needing to be corrected would take a bit longer. In the native communities of the north where the criminal's presence and destruction were most felt, Collins and O'Reilly made personal vows to Nathan that they would only send their best Mounties to serve there in the future. Especially to the community of Cadotte Lake, which had become incredibly important to Warren Tremblay.

They also rectified all documents Aitchison smudged surrounding the initial reports Tremblay submitted on Big Bear's murder at the hand of the Schneider Gang's henchmen. Instead of being labeled an 'unfortunate incident', the RCMP publicly praised the indigenous man's attempt at keeping his community peaceful and safe for future generations.

The town was bustling with chatter in the lead up to the awards ceremony the Prince of Wales hosted Friday night in The Warren Tremblay Fellowship Hall.

Imagine. A prince in Hope Valley!

Since Lee was the town mayor, he and Rosemary took it upon themselves to host Edward, who arrived with his entourage including George Lane on Friday morning to all the fanfare the community could muster. The pomp and circumstance carried over into the evening when the medal ceremony was held.

So many people from out of town arrived to be a part of the event, that there was a mad dash of Hope Valley residents making housing arrangements for those who arrived and did not have a place to stay. Everyone also pitched in to make sure there was enough food to share with all the unexpected guests.

In addition to the medals the Prince of Wales awarded, Nathan and Charlotte took a moment to also thank Jack Thornton for his own contribution to the mission, with that of the St. Christopher medal he gave the Grants before they set out to Edmonton. They wanted the boy recognized in front of everyone for his selfless giving that had an incredible impact on the successful outcome of the operation. He beamed with pride up on stage, when Charlotte gave him his medal back, and the Prince of Wales shook his hand in congratulations.

Gabe and the others from Brookfield were unable to attend the event as Lillian and Grace both went into labor the day before. Bringing into this world two beautiful little girls. The first born was Chuck and Grace's daughter- Teresa (they called her Tessa) Suzanne Stewart- named after both her grandmothers. The second girl- Gabe and Lillian's daughter- was named Gabrielle Eleanor Kinslow. Gabrielle in honor of her father's name. Eleanor, after the orphanage's longtime housekeeper who became an adoptive mother to Lillian and Grace over the past few years. Tessa and Gabby were already loved by everyone in Brookfield, including their officially adopted older siblings of Mary Louise and Vincent.

The week was a whirlwind for the Grants, and Nathan and Charlotte questioned if they still wanted to host a fall round-up party as they did the year before. After some conversations, and help from their family and friends, they decided to continue with the tradition and host the party (although on a much smaller scale than the awards ceremony the day before) that Saturday night. They knew it was a way to come together as a community and reflect on both the hardships and the blessings of the past year.

As Rosemary started another record in the player at the edge of the makeshift dance floor that Saturday evening, Charlotte excused herself. She was feeling overwhelmed after the week she experienced, and knew she needed a few minutes to herself, away from the hustle and bustle of the party in their barn.

On her way out the door, she scanned the space one last time, noting that everyone, including her husband, daughter, and son looked happy and occupied as they danced to the jazzy number Rosemary just selected.

It was a beautiful autumn evening, and the fallen leaves crunched under the soles of Charlotte's boots, as she walked towards the pasture of horses, stopping for a moment to give each one- including a returned Newton- their own love and nuzzles before continuing past them to the front porch of her home.

She wore a new dress that night, one that Rosemary and Clara insisted she get when it was delivered to the shop the other day. It was simple in design, no extra lace, or embellishments, except for the bell sleeves and a simple bow tied at her waist that accentuated her figure and curves. The color was blush- not normally something Charlotte would have picked for herself, but she did love the way it complemented her skin tone and hair. Of which she left natural tonight, letting it fall where it wanted in cascading, dark brown waves.

Charlotte took a deep breath and looked out at the stars. She always loved this fall dance as a girl growing up in the foothills. It marked the end of a busy summer and fall round up, before entering a season of rest. She needed that now. Life over the past months since finding out about Tremblay's death had been constantly something. She looked forward to the moment when she and her family could settle into a sense of normalcy again. No more secret missions to plan. No more loss. Just life lived together, continuing to build their home here and enjoy their moments as a family.

At the same time, she felt a ping of sadness. Not only for all those they lost, but also for the time that seemed to slip through her fingers like sand in an hourglass. She knew this night marked the end of an era. The end of a chapter in her life.

The woman she was when she first arrived in Hope Valley was not the same woman she was today. The experiences, and more so the people God brought into her life, had shaped her. Supported her. Put her back together from the shattered pieces of her soul she arrived in town with.

She'd felt beyond repair then. Believing she could never be whole again. But she came to realize a broken history did not disqualify someone from living their God-given destiny. From finding happiness and love.

"Running away again?"

Charlotte spun to see Nathan approaching her. His face still held a blue and purple shadow from where he hit his head in the warehouse, but thankfully the swelling had gone down. The scabbed-over gash was healing nicely after being stitched by a local Edmonton doctor the night of the mission. He instructed Charlotte to keep an eye on Nathan for any sign of concussion, which thankfully did not seem to be an issue in the days following.

The doctor also diagnosed Nathan with severely bruised ribs, a result of his fight with Aitchison on the roof. He ran some tests to be sure that nothing was broken, or a lung punctured, but everything seemed to be in order. They were sent home with instructions to see the Shepherds in a couple days for a follow-up to be sure everything was mending.

"And if I was?" Charlotte asked, a clear hint of flirtation in her voice to match her husband's. "What would you do, Sergeant? Tackle me to the ground as I tried to get away?" She winked. "Do you realize how angry Rosemary Coulter would be with you if you got this dress dirty?"

Nathan laughed and then winced. Grasping at his side to support his bruised ribs. "Ouch. You'd think I would have learned by now that laughing hurts with these still on the mend."

"I'm sorry. I keep forgetting too," she said, quickly coming to him. Acting the part of an attentive nurse like she'd been all week. Making sure Nathan followed doctors' orders and didn't do anything too strenuous. "I'll try to be less witty when I'm around you."

"You should never try to be less of anything, Charlie. Not around me." Nathan cupped the side of her face. "I waited far too long to hear you laugh when you first came to town, and because of that, I never want you to keep from sharing who you really are."

"I was just thinking about that. How I was when I first arrived in Hope Valley."

Nathan smiled at the memories. An impish look about him before he decided to speak. "When a dashingly handsome Mountie saved your life."

"In more ways than one." Nathan's fingertips brushed against her temple, pushing back one of her wavy tresses. It was a simple, caring gesture, but one Charlotte knew she'd never tire of. "I was reminiscing about this journey. About arriving in Hope Valley with a heart so broken, I couldn't even imagine it being whole ever again. It was a dream. But now… with all that Beck represented behind us once and for all, there is this extra sense of- I don't know. A sense of finally being healed in a way. And there is just something beautiful in the process of healing, don't you think?"

"I don't know if I ever thought of it that way." Nathan looped his arm around Charlotte's shoulders and pulled her to his side. They were quiet, listening to the music and merriment coming from the barn, filtering into the valley below as they both reminisced over the last few years together. "Ya know… you weren't the only one broken when you first came to Hope Valley." Charlotte twisted her head to look up at him. Intrigued by what he was saying. "I was too. Not in the same way of course, but- before you came, I had given up thinking I'd ever feel that my life was complete. But loving you, it gave me a purpose. It gave me hope. And maybe most importantly… You gave me a family."

Nathan turned them so they were facing the party in the barn. Between all the hustle and bustle, their eyes landed on Allie at the edge of the dance floor. She was smiling. The kind that ignited her whole face to the point where her eyes were practically closed. On her hip she held a giggly Liam who was still up way past his normal bedtime. Allie held her brother's hand in hers as she spun them around the floor. Whirling and dipping him to the music, earning squeals of laughter and delight to escape the little boy's mouth. The love radiating from the pair made their parents' hearts swell.

The song playing changed from an up-tempo swing number to the couple's first dance song, Waltzing Matilda. Before Charlotte knew what was happening, Nathan took her hand and spun her expertly to him. A gasp of shock quickly shifted to something more as she saw the look in Nathan's eyes and let him start moving the pair through the steps of the waltz across the grass in front of their porch.

"Charlie?"

"Mmmhmm." Charlotte hummed her response into her husband's chest. Lost in the way his fingers were playing along the edges of the ribbon on her dress.

"I've been meanin' to ask you all night since Collins extended the personal invitation, but will you do me the honor of being my date to the Mountie Ball again in the new year? I know it's not in Calgary, which may be a disappointment, but I've heard good things about The Lake Louise Chalet. Maybe we could…"

Nathan trailed off, eyes closing as Charlotte moved her lips over his in the barest whisper of a kiss. His hand tightened into the bow at the base of her spine as a response.

Charlotte drew back to look at him. It was dark, the only light coming from the moon above them, but she could have sworn that a flush crept into Nathan's cheeks, a shade matching the color of her dress. Her brow lifted. "Only if you promise to save the last dance for me, Sarge."

"I promise."

The smile he gave her was both dazzling in its joy and startling in its intimacy. Nathan pulled her close, once again, swaying in time to the music and the laughter of their children dancing together.

Charlotte was right. There was beauty to be had in the healing and although he knew she may still find moments in their journey together that took her back to the dark times, and he to his, they weren't the same broken people they were when they first met. Their hearts had been healed. Woven as one, filling each other's weakness with their partner's strengths. Together they were whole. They were each other's reasons. They were each other's support through every season.

And Nathan couldn't wait to experience what a lifetime of their love built together.

As always, thank you to everyone who reads, leaves comments, and loves on Nate and Charlie. It has meant more to me than you may every know ~ Love, Chanda