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Chapter One hundred sixty-one

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Serving Each Other

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"Choir rehearsal is tonight. Any chance you'll be returning soon? We really miss you, Nathan," Josiah Blake inquired as he and Nathan walked the hallway at Depot.

"I won't be ready to return to choir for a while. I am monitoring my strength and stamina and, although improving, this is a hectic time for me. Once the house is cleaned and fully painted, Allie and I will move in to make room in the Cottage for my parents. Then there is Zachary staying with us in the main house for a few days after his graduation, then the wedding! I honestly cannot think beyond that day, Josiah." Nathan shook his head, "I have dreamed of this for so long and yet it is now less than a month away and I am trying to concentrate on one-day-at-a-time to keep from being overwhelmed." Nathan chuckled softly, "I cannot even consider our wedding night or honeymoon…"

"If you want to talk about that, please seek me out, Nathan. All grooms face the same daunting scenario you know," Josiah patted Nathan on the back in reassurance. "No one is an expert. You grow together learning to love each other. Anyway, this is not the place for this discussion, but I'm serious when I say I am willing to talk, brother-to-brother."

With a final pat on the back, Josiah changed the subject, "So we are all set for tomorrow's family night, Nathan?"

"Although I am not ready to return to choir for a while, I am looking forward to tomorrow's dinner and evening!"

"I understand. Just know you'll be welcomed back with open arms! And see you tomorrow at half-past five!"

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Nathan stepped into the stable at Depot and headed to Newton's stall. Just as he arrived and saw it empty, he heard a familiar voice behind him, "Nathan! Nathan! Are you here to see Newton?"

"Zach, hello there! I was actually looking for you as Sergeant Maxon told me you would be exercising Newton. How are you, Brother?" Nathan took a few long strides and greeted Zach, giving him a quick hug as he spoke, then reached to stroke Newton. "Hey boy..."

"I'm getting excited but nervous too. Our drills are intense and that worries me the most. I don't want to let down my troop."

"That's why your rehearsals are relentless, over and over and over again. Just remember they are worried about the same thing!" Nathan paused, remembering, "When you are out in Parade Square on your final day, preforming your final drills, you will forget all about their execution and begin to realize how much you will miss the training and the brotherhood you have developed. That will spur you to do your best and be proud of all you've accomplished. The day is drawing close though, isn't it?"

"Yeah, tell me about it! Of course on the heels of graduation is your wedding, so how are you?" Zach lifted the saddle off of Newton and Nathan lifted the blankets.

"If I think about everything that will happen between now and the wedding, I will get overwhelmed, so I am trying to just take the next step and the next step after that." Nathan grinned, "That is partly why I came to see you. I want you to know all that is going on! Bill arrived and is now at his new job. Learning new things isn't reserved for youth!" Chuckling, Nathan admonished, "Do not tell him I said that!"

"Oh, I wouldn't dare! When do Dad and Mom arrive?"

"They'll be here on the twenty-fourth, the Thursday before your ceremony. That way they have a few days to get unpacked and settled before the festivities begin and more family and friends descend on Regina! I am so grateful that William has hired movers to handle the packing and moving both in Calgary and here. But first, Allie and I have to move out of the Cottage and before we can do that the main house must be completed!" Nathan shook his head admitting, "I would be lost without my lists, but we are going to make it in time! I have Jake and one of the crew members putting in extra time and the rooms are looking more habitable every time I see them. We'll have the guest room ready for you that's for sure."

"Thanks. It is a lot. I wish I was free to help with all these preparations, but I promise to be your right-hand-man the days immediately before your wedding," Zach hesitated then asked, "How is your shoulder?"

"On occasion I wear the sling to remind myself to not overuse it and to take it slowly, but I'm very much improved." Nathan set down the brush and wiped his hands together, "I better let you get back to your assignments. I just wanted to update you on what's happening. By the way, you'll have to keep Midnight Star here until you depart for your assignment. I cleared that with Commander Stewart. You'll just need to schedule regular grooming and rides."

"I was wondering about that. Thanks. I'd like to talk to Dad and Mom once they get here. Will that be possible?"

"I imagine you can do that. Just remember we'll take over the main house number and Mom and Dad will be available on the Cottage number."

"Right! So many changes..."

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Hudson brought Elizabeth to meet Allie after school so they could shop downtown for postcards, art paper, ink, and ribbon. Their first stop was Canada Drug and Bookstore and while there, Elizabeth had a question for Allie. "Your gift to your friends is very special, Honey, but would you mind if we gave the same postcard remembrance book to all those who attend from Hope Valley? Maybe we could even send a few back to our friends who couldn't come. Would you mind or is that idea one you only want for your friends?"

"Actually, when you think of it, all our friends in Hope Valley are all our friends, you know? Age doesn't seem to matter a lot there. I think we can prepare them for everyone! Do you know how many though?"

"I was thinking we could begin with the names on your list, and if I need to order more postcards we can continue with the remaining guests. I will help you, with the ones for the adults, so you don't need to do it all by yourself. Maybe we could get your Dad or Gramma Carol or Hudson to help as well?" As they turned the rack, Elizabeth continued, "Some of these are very feminine with flowers, so do you want to create different booklets for the boys and others for the girls? Maybe you could use different colored ribbons to keep them separate?"

"Oh, I like that idea. They have a lot of designs though…" Afraid they would empty the rack of cards Elizabeth drew the attention of the salesclerk, inquiring about purchasing quantities. Mr. Brown happily had them wait while he went into a back storeroom, returning with some unopened boxes.

"Why don't you count what you need from these boxes and I can order any additional ones you want?" The clerk set out an empty box for them to fill and commented, "I've never heard of this idea before, but maybe we could put out a sample to inspire others?"

"True, you may sell a lot more postcards, but may I request you to please wait until after March tenth to display the sample? I want the friends attending our wedding on the fifth to realize the idea was ours, and we were thinking of them."

"Of course, I can do that. I'll make a note on the office calendar. Maybe we could post a sign attributing the idea to you?"

"Well, that's not necessary, but if you do, maybe just use my daughter's name and she'll provide a sample?"

"Really? But Miss Bess the idea is yours as well, so we should be fair."

"Honey, I need no recognition for sparking an idea! You are the family artist." Elizabeth placed her arm around Allie's shoulders and squeezed her close making Allie feel very loved.

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"Wasn't that nice of the man to give us a discount on our purchases? I'll have to make sure the sample I give them is special!" Allie grinned and threaded her arm through Elizabeth's inquiring, "Where to next? We need lots of ribbon!"

"There is a Dry Goods Store over there were we can get ribbon and I want to order the fabric for the front room after I show you one I neglected to bring home. Your father has given me his okay to make the design decisions, but since you know him so well, I want your input!"

Having called in advance and requested that the salesman not mention her previous visit, Elizabeth was grateful for his expert guidance. Gathering a few bolts together on a large metal table, it was easier to see which William Morris prints went together the best and Allie agreed with Elizabeth's initial choices, in addition to the extra one she'd wondered about.

"I like these because they lighten the look of the room against the dark leather and incorporate the colors you want. Dad will love them too," Allie enthused, adding, "but I think he just wants you to be happy!"

"I have a feeling you are right and that makes him even more lovable!" Elizabeth giggled softly. "I appreciate your assistance and approval, Honey."

"Sir? I'm ready to place my order for both square and rectangular pillows and then we need to see your selection of narrow ribbons, and embroidery patterns and supplies."

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Bill pulled his vehicle to the curb and got out to open doors for Elizabeth and Allie, along with a large basket of their purchases. Getting back into the driver's seat, he inquired, "So, are we ready to pick up Jack at the Hotel?"

"Yes and thank you, Bill. Hudson is going to meet us at the door with Jack, and with Allie's school tote. Nathan will be hurrying home to talk to the construction foreman, then offer to assist Carol with our meal."

"Good. Eventually, I'll take a night to cook, but during this first week of work, I am grateful to be served!" Bill pulled onto the street, continuing, "How was your day, Allie-girl?"

Allie gave a detailed description of the shopping trip then explained, "I'll wait until dinner to talk about school. How was your day, Uncle Bill?"

"Interesting. I have a growing docket of cases that will be brought before me, but I am grateful that my team prepares the briefs I need to read, so that research element isn't a part of these initial cases. I am hoping for more meaty trials, but I guess it is good to be eased in to the job."

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Having caught up on each other's days and cleaned up the dishes, Bill offered to take Jack back to the Hotel on his way home, thus allowing Elizabeth some private time with Nathan, while Allie studied in her bedroom.

"Thank you, but are you sure about this, Bill?"

"Of course!" Bill winked at Elizabeth, reassuringly, "my godson will have my undivided attention and be able to point out things along the way, right, Jack?"

Vigorously nodding his head, Jack agreed, "Can we go to the train station, Uncle Bill?"

Trying to keep a straight face and avoid looking at Elizabeth and Nathan, Bill responded, "Hmmm, I think we might have time to drive by, but not time to get out, okay? You need to get home for your bath and so do I!"

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Adding another log to the fireplace, Nathan commented, "Won't it be wonderful when we don't have to arrange for transportation in order to have time to ourselves? I hope I can lift Jack soon so we don't have to depend on others to carry him to and from the car when he falls asleep here."

"It will. At least Hudson is willing to be our chauffer when needed. He was sweet to pick up Allie and me to shop. I am blessed that Jack has had so many friends in his life over the years in Hope Valley, that he is very compliant with any caregiver he has! Initially, I didn't like that he was with others so much when he was a baby. I didn't want to miss any of his 'firsts' but eventually I saw the blessing."

Nathan sat beside Elizabeth on the sofa and she spread her blanket over him, snuggling to his side.

"You know, next winter it will be nice to have the buffer of the hallway when a door is opened. Here, an open door cools the room quickly," commented Elizabeth.

"That it does, but the temperatures should be warming in a few weeks. When we return from our honeymoon we'll see a noticeable difference and some spring blooms as well. By the way, have you asked Carol about the plantings? Although we arrived during harvest, we were too busy getting settled to take note of her garden and the fruit trees. I believe she mentioned an apple, a cherry, and a pear tree somewhere along the side. Carol also mentioned some blackberry and red-raspberry bushes along the outskirts of the woods."

"I'll discuss it with her. I know I want to have Irma teach me more about gardening. I kept to the basics at the row house, but would like to have an herb garden and more variety here. We have the room so it would be lovely to take advantage of the size of this property."

"That's a wonderful idea, Lisbeth, if that's something you want to do. I know how, but kept it to limited selections at our row house because I didn't want Allie to think she had to manage it when I was working late or out of town. She'll probably want to join you this summer and maybe you can grow some flowers too? She loves to arrange them, or paint, or press them."

"I haven't even discussed that with her, Nathan. I will though and it could be great fun. Your mom might enjoy it too, if she is up to it. She can at least sit outside and watch even if she can't weed. I am sure she has a wealth of knowledge. Did you have a large vegetable garden on the ranch?"

"We did. We had to in order to make ends meet. I was corralled into helping with the harvesting and lifting hot pots and jars when canning, but I kept busy in the barn to avoid weeding," Nathan scrunched his nose showing his distaste for that aspect of food production.

"Ah ha! I will have to remember that! I always felt it was satisfying to pull weeds. It's almost like reclaiming the Garden of Eden from the Curse!"

"That's one way to look at it!" Laughing, Nathan nudged her shoulder, "I'll remind you of that perspective when you come inside all hot and sweaty and complaining about those infernal weeds."

"Nathan Grant! I will not be sweaty. Men get sweaty, we women perspire," she grinned as she scrunched her nose at him and added, "delicately."

"Ummm hmmm!" Realizing it was best to change the subject and keep his imagination in check, Nathan asked, "Did you talk to Johanna about bringing something tomorrow evening?"

"I did and, although she insisted it wasn't necessary, I insisted it was! I plan to make a Sponge Cake with a lemon glaze in the morning. Hudson has a recipe and will be home should I need assistance. I want to increase the recipe since it will be for eight of us, including three hungry men." Elizabeth chuckled, "One of those men is a strapping, growing young man, so it might be good to have extra!"

"And one of those men is your fiancé who might want a second helping!"

"I look forward to baking goodies for you whenever you want them, Honey. I can't wait to make our home ours and to serve you."

Nathan leaned over to kiss her temple, chuckling, "and I look forward to being served…"

Elizabeth broke the silence and tilted slightly to better see Nathan's face before speaking, "I have something to ask you. I don't know if you have heard of this or seen it… I mean we never did it in Hope Valley weddings, but I was wondering if we could incorporate foot-washing in our wedding. You have served Hope Valley and served me so diligently that I want to make that a part of my promise to you, Nathan. I want to visually promise to serve you."

With watery eyes, Nathan glanced away and blinked before looking at Elizabeth, "It has been my privilege and an honor to serve you, Lisbeth."

"I know that. I've seen it every day as you made rounds and checked on the size of the woodpile, rescued me from a collapsed bookshelf, a wind storm, and the likes of Amos Dixon… You came to town to serve and protect the community and me. This is different though. This is to set the tone of our marriage, Nathan. I want to make that promise to you and to have everyone see it."

"How does that work at a wedding? I mean logistically?"

"I've seen it once and there is a pitcher and bowl and towel. The bride sat on a chair while the groom washed and dried her feet. Then they changed places and the bride knelt to wash his feet. It is beautifully symbolic."

"It is. We saw it done in a Maundy Thursday service, but what I mean is how does it work for us. Remember, I'll be in uniform and that means in my black boots so it will take some extra time to unlace and lace them even though they're not the RCMP High Browns."

"I hadn't thought of that. Oh, what if we do it when we dine with our Hope Valley friends the night before? You'll wear your dress shoes with a suit that night, right? We could ask Joseph to introduce and explain the ceremony and tell everyone we want them to witness this since they have seen our journey in Hope Valley. It would demonstrate and confirm my commitment to you." Elizabeth inhaled gaining strength for her next admission, "It would be especially meaningful for them to see me humble myself and prove my promise, my love to you."

Nathan couldn't speak so swallowed hard to compose himself. "You don't need to humble yourself, Lisbeth…"

"Oh I do, Nathan. I need to do this for you and for those who saw my choices in the past. You and they need to see you are my chosen one for life. Can we do this, please?" She reached to place her hand on his chest holding his gaze, even though tears threatened.

"It would be beautiful…"

"It will be beautiful. I'll call Joseph and discuss what we need with Hudson and Mr. Durand. Maybe he can set up a small table with a chair next to it off to the side. No one will know what to expect until Joseph introduces it." Elizabeth gently kissed Nathan's cheek, "I am so happy about this, Honey. I love you so much and you deserve the acknowledgment."

Again, Nathan struggled to speak, so overcome by the love before him, yet managed to whisper, "I am undeserving, Lisbeth, but I am grateful."

He bent to capture her lips with his before holding her close, his lips resting on her forehead in a tender, soft kiss. Resting his cheek against her hair, Nathan silently questioned, 'How many more days?'

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