Chapter 177- Wait Up For Me
Glad you all seemed to enjoy the cookie baking from yesterday ;)
Because we get a bit of a spicy finish to this chapter. FULL steam warning ahead y'all… Honestly, for as many of these scenes I've written by now in this story, you'd think I'd be immune to blushing… but it's yet to happen. Phew… fanning myself. Haha!
That Saturday afternoon as Nathan was finishing up some paperwork in his office following his rounds, the phone on his desk began to ring. It was Florence stating she had Chief Superintendent Collins on the line. Nathan accepted the transfer even though he knew whatever his superior was calling for would most likely not be welcomed news.
"I hope you know Grant I wouldn't be calling on a weekend if I didn't think it was urgent."
"Yes, sir."
"You also know we have been planning to hold the Schneider Gang trials in Edmonton starting in January."
"Yes, sir."
"Well, I was contacted directly this morning by Prime Minister King. He has requested we move the trials to Ottawa. I already have O'Reilly and his men working at transporting the prisoners there."
"So soon, sir?"
There was a long pause on the other end of the line. So long, that Nathan wondered if he lost the connection with Collins. "Yes, Sergeant. The Prime Minister and the Canadian government have requested Burlington, Eldred and Seth Drake, and all the others be tried as soon as possible."
"Why the rush? Are they trying to find a hole in the case?"
"The case you have put together is solid, Grant. I have no concerns about it. This is a national trial. One of the biggest in Canada's young history and all the branches of government are united on seeing that justice is served and without delay. Hence why they are moving the trial to the Supreme Court."
"When are they scheduling the trial?"
"Opening comments will start Wednesday afternoon."
"Wednesday, sir! This Wednesday?"
"Yes, which is the purpose of my call. O'Reilly is on the phone right now to Avery and the others. We need you on the first train out of Hope Valley. I'm sorry to say that almost as soon as you arrive at the station in Ottawa, you'll be needed in the courtroom for questioning."
Nathan's head swam. There would still be the evening train, leaving in a few hours out of Hope Valley to Edmonton. But that would mean he'd miss the community Christmas concert. Visions of Allie and Charlotte's faces as he would tell them the news had his heart breaking in what felt like a million pieces.
Would it be possible for Charlotte, Allie, and Liam to travel with him to Ottawa? He quickly dismissed the idea. It seemed too short of notice, and too big of a trip, to have them prepare for. It was challenging enough just making it work for himself, let alone his wife and children- including one that was still so young. The other reason was, Nathan had no desire for Charlotte to see the Drake family again after everything she experienced the night of their operation in Edmonton. He'd gone through painstaking lengths to ensure her sworn testimony and reports with the Mounties and a provincial judge would be enough to not appear in person during the trials. He wanted to keep it that way, and that meant Charlotte staying in Hope Valley, and Nathan traveling to Ottawa.
"Grant," Collin's voice rose. "Are you still there?"
Nathan took a deep breath. "Sir, there is a Christmas concert at the fellowship hall that my family is a part of tonight…"
He let that information hang silently between them on the phone. Collins was the next to speak. "Is there a train that leaves first thing in the morning?"
"Yes, sir, there is. But it travels to Calgary, not Edmonton. Still, I believe that I could arrive in Ottawa by Wednesday afternoon."
It was Collins' turn to sigh. He weighed the options. "Alright, Grant. Take the train to Calgary in the morning. I would have preferred to have you along for part of the prisoner transports from Edmonton, but I figure you and your family have personally sacrificed enough in this case. Enjoy this last evening with them as I am unsure of how long you will be away. Given the timing of everything, I can't promise you will make it home in time for Christmas."
Nathan's eyes darted to the calendar on the wall of his office. Today was December 9th. Just a little over two weeks prior to Christmas. Collins was right, that didn't leave much time for a cross-country trip and back, plus however long Nathan would be needed at the trial in Ottawa. While the thought of missing Christmas and his anniversary with Charlotte made him feel physically sick, he knew that his testimony was a key piece to putting the full Schneider gang behind bars once and for all.
"I'll see you in Ottawa in a few days, sir."
Charlotte could tell from the moment Nathan arrived at the Christmas concert something was wrong. From all outward appearances, he was his usual amenable self; but, for some reason she sensed that something was different. There seemed to be an underlying tension about him. She looked around the fellowship hall to see if any of the others noticed.
She hadn't seen Bill yet, but Joseph was helping Minnie with the last of the refreshments. Lee was sitting in the front row of chairs watching Patricia twirl around, showing off her pretty new Christmas dress to anyone who looked in her direction. Rosemary was lining up the children and getting them ready to begin the program. Even though she was now a highly awarded investigative journalist for her publications on the Schneider case, Rosie still found joy in sharing her love of performing arts with the next generation. Little Sarah Wolf caught Charlotte's eye and waved hello from her place beside the stage. Charlotte returned the smile and greeting to the child.
Sarah's mother, Mary, told the Grants a few weeks after the operation in Edmonton, that she'd been in contact with Robert in Hamilton. He broke off his engagement to Caitlin Burlington following knowledge of her father's involvement in the Schneider gang. While he didn't believe Caitlin knew anything about the illegal activities, Maxwell Burlington's arrest opened Robert's eyes. He wasn't in love with Caitlin and thankfully realized that a marriage between the two of them would be doomed to fail from the start. Mary also gave Nathan a letter from Robert, that he asked his mother to personally deliver. The letter was simple and straightforward. Robert wanted to apologize to Nathan. Because he was now a Mountie, he felt it was his duty, given how close he had become to the Burlington family, to have seen the signs of the patriarch's involvement in the Schneider gang. Not seeing their connection had him reconsidering his career choice. Was being a part of the Force his true calling?
While Nathan was a firm believer in the power of a well written letter, his response to Robert was best served in person, and because that wasn't an option, he asked Florence to connect him to Robert's posting in Hamilton. Nathan and the young Mountie talked for a long time on the phone and on multiple occasions since. Charlotte didn't ask what they discussed, but she imagined it was words of wisdom similar to what Nathan gave Warren last Christmas.
Charlotte's scan of the room drew her back to Nathan who sat beside her. Liam stood on Nathan's lap, supported by his father's secure hands. He was already bobbing up and down in anticipation as people took their seats for the program. Liam loved music and had become a joyous participant over the past few weeks at Sunday services. Singing along, in his own way, with the hymns at church. It was as though he understood that Christmas carols would be a part of this evening too.
Nathan was smiling as he watched his son dance about and Charlotte wondered if she just imagined the unsettling undercurrent from earlier.
But no. She was sure it was there.
When Nathan first arrived at the fellowship hall, his usual welcoming embrace and kiss were different. Tighter. Longer. She searched his eyes as he took Liam into his arms, kissing the child's cheeks and holding him close. He took a deep breath in, savoring the sweet boyhood scent that lingered on his son.
It was in the way Nathan looked at her during the Christmas concert, the way he pressed her hand at every given opportunity, the way he leaned her way, so his arm brushed against her shoulder- all sent unspoken little messages to her. She found herself anxious for the program to end so she might be able to get to the root of what was worrying him.
During Allie's solo performance, a retelling of the legend of the Christmas Candle, Charlotte caught Nathan studying her profile, and in it, he noted her obvious look of concern. He squeezed her hand three times in quick succession. His silent way to say…
I. Love. You.
She squeezed his three times in return. Her own loving answer.
Still, she sat there, impatiently waiting. Trying to stay relaxed and enjoy the concert. Supporting their daughter and all involved. Seeing the activities and Christmas beauty through new eyes like that of Liam's. To being a pleasant companion for Nathan.
And here she was, tensing up inside again for no reason she could explain.
When the concert was finished, Charlotte tried to enjoy the fellowship of their community. The merriment and laughter. Normally Liam would be the center of everyone's attention, but after the final song was sung, he also seemed to sense something different in his father. Sticking close to Nathan's side and not wanting to be separated for very long. He was even fussy around two of his favorite people, Grandpa Archie, and Grandma Maise. Which Charlotte never remembered happening in the past.
"I think it's time we go home," Nathan said to her soon after. "It's been a long day."
Charlotte saw a certain seriousness in his eyes, and a funny little chill of fear went tingling through her body. They said their goodbyes and piled into the car. Allie chatted about the evening for most of the drive home. Nathan and Charlotte only adding input when she asked something directly. Charlotte wondered if Allie sensed it too, and only kept carrying on the conversation for fear of leaving a moment of silence for her father to fill with whatever he needed to tell them.
But it couldn't last forever, and when Nathan turned down the driveway and slowed the car in front of the house, he finally broke the facade. "Girls, I need to tell you something."
All the air seemed to be sucked out of the car. Allie and Charlotte exchanged a quick glance with each other before turning back towards Nathan who was staring out the windshield. His fingertips tapping on the steering wheel.
"I know you both sensed it tonight." Nathan turned to them. "Liam too, I think." He brushed the back of his knuckles delicately over the edge of his son's cheek where he was fast asleep on Charlotte's shoulder. "Looking back, I wished I would have been able to tell you before, but you have to believe me, there really wasn't any time…"
"Tell us what?" Allie asked, without looking up. Somehow afraid of what she might find in Nathan's eyes.
He took a deep breath and wrapped an arm around his daughter's shoulders to pull her close to his side. "Collins called. The trial's been moved to Ottawa, and it starts next week."
He went on through the details about what he discussed with Collins and then Bill. Bill left on the train for Edmonton this evening, while Nathan would be catching the Calgary train in the morning so he could stay for the concert. The change in route would have him not be a part of the prisoner transfer, but it would push his schedule to arrive on time for the opening comments of the trial.
He paused again to collect his thoughts before levying the final blow. Saying aloud what Allie and Charlotte were both silently calculating.
He may not make it home in time for Christmas.
Allie tried to put on a brave face, like she always did for him, but Nathan could see how affected she was. Since she came under his care, no matter where they were stationed, they always celebrated Christmas together.
"Well…" Allie said. "Maybe before bed tonight, you can read us the Christmas story. I think I can handle one year without all the rest of our traditions, but I don't believe it would truly feel like Christmas, unless I hear you read that passage."
Nathan's gaze caught Charlotte's over the top of Allie's head. Her eyes were filled with unshed tears as well, but she nodded in agreement with Allie. "Yes. I think that's just the story of hope, love, and family we need to hear tonight.
Drained from the events, and emotions, of the evening, Allie fell asleep against Nathan's shoulder where she sat beside him on the couch as he read the requested Christmas story. He wanted to make sure she was comfortable for the night, so he carefully shifted so as not to rouse her too much and lifted her gently into his arms to carry her to bed. Allie opened her eyes only long enough to wrap her arms tightly around his neck and settle her cheek into his shoulder.
Even though she was now sixteen and quite the young woman, Nathan squeezed her tighter into his arms. Holding his daughter close and savoring the relationship they had with one another. Filing away this moment in his heart to keep him company in the times of loneliness he knew would creep in over the coming weeks.
Liam stayed asleep through the reading of the Christmas story, and Charlotte carried him to his crib in the nursery while Nathan tucked Allie in, and Remi found her place at the foot of the girl's bed.
With both children settled for the evening, Nathan and Charlotte worked in relative silence, packing up the things he would need for his trip across the country and corresponding stay in Ottawa. Both spoke only out of absolute necessity.
Like Nathan, reminding Charlotte about Liam's monthly check-up with Faith and Carson on Tuesday as he tucked his toiletry kit into the bag in front of him. Or Charlotte, asking Nathan if he should pack one of his suits in case there were evening meetings scheduled while he was in the capital.
When Nathan agreed that it wouldn't be a bad idea, to his surprise, Charlotte began to cry. He didn't notice immediately, but after a moment or two he observed her shoulders quivering as she tried to silently hide her pain.
"Hey," he said, taking her into his arms. Placing a hand on the back of her head he pulled her in close, resting his chin on top of her head. He struggled to understand why agreeing to pack a suit would cause this sort of reaction. "What's this all about? I don't have to pack a suit if you don't think it's a good idea."
"It's not about the suit." Charlotte snuffled her nose and then buried it deeper into Nathan's chest. She pulled on the fabric of his flannel shirt, using the material to shield her from the rest of the world. Like blinders on a horse.
Nathan chuckled and placed a gentle kiss or two on her forehead. "I figured as much.
"I was just thinking the other day, it's always Allie and I who are getting the new clothes, never you."
"I don't need much. I have my uniforms, Sunday clothes, and plenty of other options. Come to think of it, the only thing I seem to need more of, is socks…"
Charlotte gave a short, brisk laugh. "That's probably because I'm always stealin' them for myself." She tilted her face up to rest her chin on his chest, looking up at him through her damp eyelashes. "But you're always complaining that my feet are cold when we go to bed, so I'm really doing you a favor."
Nathan smoothed some pieces of hair back from her tear-stained cheeks. "And why don't you wear your socks instead?"
"I like your knitted ones better."
A grin curled on her lips, teasing Nathan to dip forward and kiss it. He did, sweeping his mouth over hers, before moving higher along Charlotte's cheeks. Ridding them of her tears. "I'm sorry I have to leave you like this. I hate it."
"I know you do." She took a deep, steadying breath in. Trying to be strong. "We all do, but… It's important. I understand that. I know this. Your duty- it's a part of you. And I've vowed to love you. All of you. Including this."
Nathan drew back, to look into her eyes, glowing in the light spilling from the one oil lamp on his bedside table. "I'm going to promise to do everything in my power to get home in time for Christmas. I know how important it is. Allie only has so many more with us before she has her own family to celebrate with, and Liam…" Nathan struggled to swallow. "I want to be here to experience his first Christmas morning and everything else magical about the season as seen through the eyes of a child."
"You'll make it back in time," Charlotte said, with a certain amount of conviction in her voice. "Even if Santa has to pack you along in his sleigh."
"Will you wait up for me, Charlie?" He whispered the question out on a sigh. A breath. He wrapped his arm around her back to pull her closer. Tugging her up and into him. "Even if it's midnight on Christmas Eve- our anniversary- will you wait up for me?" His eyes drifted to the side with a seductive glance towards their bed. "Maybe leave a little space in those sheets for me to warm up those cold toes of yours."
His knuckles brushed at her collarbone while he kissed her slowly, his hand skimming up, his thumb tracing little designs in her skin. She felt every single fingertip as he trailed his touch up her neck to the soft skin under her ear, before settling deep into her hair.
"Yes." It was her promise. "Every second you're gone, I'll be waiting for you to get back to me." Charlotte rose on her toes, letting her lips place small intimate kisses along his stubbled jaw and down the line of her husband's throat. Loving the soft sounds he made in reaction. "But… I don't want to think about tomorrow, Nate. I don't want to think about the next couple weeks without you here." There was need in her voice as Charlotte's fingers found the bottom button of his flannel shirt and expertly guided it through its hole. "I just want to think about, now. To feel… Now."
"You sure?"
She answered, by stepping back out of his embrace. Slowly she undid each of her own buttons. Slipping one side of her shirt and then the other from her shoulders and letting the fabric cascade to the floor. Her skirt and undergarments followed.
Nathan swallowed. Hard. Adam's apple bobbing in the column of his throat. They both seemed frozen in the moment. Stuck, watching how each other's body moved when painted with desire.
He began where she let off on his buttons. Revealing the taunt, golden skin beneath. Inch by delicious inch. Charlotte let her gaze brazenly follow the dark smattering of hair on his chest as it narrowed to the edge of his pants before they too were discarded to the side with all the rest.
"Nathan." Charlotte waited for his eyes to rise to hers. "Love me."
They stepped into one another, Charlotte's hand around the back of his neck, tugging Nathan down to meet her mouth. Gentle at first, a sweet caress of her lips against his, before her fingers tangled into his hair, and their kisses turned more urgent as Nathan backed them slowly to the edge of the bed.
Catching him off guard, Charlotte spun them 180 degrees, and directed Nathan to sit on the edge of the bed. His long legs stretched out in front of him, as he leaned back on the heels of his hands.
"Now what?" He asked, his fingers curling into the blankets at his side when all they really wanted to do was touch his wife.
"Now…" Charlotte moved between Nathan's thighs and ran her fingers through his hair. He closed his eyes and leaned into her touch, and she swore, she felt her heart crack wide open as he settled into the feel of her massaging his scalp. "I take care of you."
His eyes flew open, and she let her hand slip down his neck. The corner of his mouth quirked into one of the sexiest smirks she'd ever seen. "Is that so?" His arm curled around her hips, and he tugged her closer.
She hummed her confirmation, leaning in to brush her lips over his. Feeling their hearts beat erratically as she slowly caressed his mouth with her own. It didn't take long though and she felt Nathan's resolve crumbling, his arms tightening around her to pull her fully onto his lap. The move let him take the lead. Kissing Charlotte so deeply that she lost herself in it.
In him.
He moved an arm around her body, and up between her shoulder blades, guiding her until Charlotte's head rested against their pillows. Nathan's fingers caught into her hair and sifted through the chocolate strands, arranging them carefully so they were not trapped by her shoulders. A halo of tangled dark curls. His gaze lingered there before returning to his wife's face and lips. Saying a million things with a single look.
Charlotte's hands moved slowly along his rib cage to his hips, guiding his body into the cradle of her own. The pressure caused her head to tilt back into the pillows, lost in Nathan's touch. A moan pressed against the hollow of his throat in reply to the way his thumbs caressed, swirled, and tugged in all the places she needed it most. Their chests rising and falling with every shuddered breath. No way to catch it as their need for one another built.
She kissed him, anywhere she could. Lips, shoulders, forearms. She couldn't get enough of him. Her fingers dipped into Nathan's back, clinging to him and this moment of just them- together- to keep the loneliness to come, at bay.
"I know," he rasped, reading her mind. "I feel it too." His thumb stroked once over the flutter of Charlotte's pulse along her throat.
Tears stung in the corner of her eyes at the emotions and tenderness of the moment, and he brushed them away before they had a chance to spill onto the pillows. Nathan tilted her chin up until he could kiss her slow and sweet, easing the tempo of their hearts with long, languid kisses.
The movement of their hips falling into the same pattern of time. Slow and methodical. Tender and all-consuming, until the passion could not be held back any longer. Charlotte's hands slipped from his back to brace above them on the headboard, Nathan's touch sliding along the length of her arms to tangle their fingers together and press them into the mattress. Joined completely as they slipped over the edge as one. Body, mind, and soul.
"Charlie Grant." Nathan murmured. His forehead dropped to her collarbone. He rocked his head back and forth in the curve of her neck, his hair damp with sweat.
Charlotte let his special name for her linger on her skin. Wanting it to seep into her pores to keep her company in the nights alone that lay in front of them. "Nathan…" His name purred out of her lips, long and slow, just like their love making. She squeezed his hands, still interlaced with hers above them.
Nathan moved to the side, drawing their hands between them, taking his time to kiss each of her fingers in a way that had Charlotte feeling as though sleep would not be coming anytime soon. Which was just fine with her. She could sleep tomorrow when Nathan was no longer in her arms. Tonight, she planned to savor each and every moment together.
And so, she did.
