. .
Chapter One Hundred Seventy
. .
Constable Grant
. .
In order to greet each graduate and meet each family, the Senior Mounties stood in a receiving line as everyone entered the Dining Hall for the Graduation Luncheon, then filed in to take their places at the head table.
Chief Superintendent stood to welcome everyone and introduce the Instructors as they stood. When he got to Nathan and Elizabeth, Tim shared proudly, "We have some special people to introduce today, Staff Sergeant Major Nathan Grant and Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton, soon-to-be-Grant. If her name sounds familiar, she is the widow of Constable Jack Thornton who lost his life in service to the Mounties at Fort Clay some years ago. Welcome, Mrs. Thornton. We are sorry for your loss, but happy for the joy you have found and your upcoming marriage this next weekend. Congratulations to you both! If Sergeant Grant looks and sounds familiar, it is because his brother is one of today's graduates!" Tim led the assembled guests in a round of applause before completing the introductions and calling on Chaplain Thom Morgan to pray the blessing.
"I'm sorry, Honey. I didn't know Tim would do that," Nathan whispered to Elizabeth as he leaned closer to her. "Are you okay?"
"Oh, Nathan, it isn't a problem. It was kind to acknowledge Jack, but I also appreciate his congratulations to us. Next time we attend will be different!"
Their eyes locked until they were interrupted by a waiter serving a tray of appetizers, "Excuse me, Sir, Ma'am. May I interest you in any offerings on this platter?"
. .
At another table the extended Grant family admired the parade and drills they had witnessed, asked Zach questions about the ceremony, and turned to discuss his posting.
"Son, I am sorry you will be so far away," Archie stated. "Do you know how long you will be stationed on Prince Edward Island?"
"My understanding is that I will be there at least one year. I'll have six months of mentoring, working alongside a seasoned Mountie, and at least six months serving on my own. I'm not thrilled with the distance, but I do look forward to Prince Edward Island. By all accounts, I've heard it is a beautiful place and I will get experience with water rescues and policing as well as working in a small town and with tourists. It should be fun!"
The adults exchanged looks as they considered how it might not be fun, but said nothing to dampen Zach's enthusiasm.
"You will be closer to Hamilton, Zach, so maybe we can arrange a visit once you are settled in during part of the year when we are staying there?" William suggested as he and Grace nodded in unison.
"That would be lovely! We can at least represent a portion of our family," added Grace.
"Oh, I wish I could visit you, Uncle Zach!" Allie was holding back tears, "I will miss you here, but you know, the Anne of Green Gables books are set on P.E.I. and it sounds so beautiful. You'll have to write and tell me if you see the red sand beaches. Could you collect some seashells for me?"
"I will keep my eyes open for some pretty shells just for you, Allie!" Zach placed his arm around his niece and squeezed her shoulders. "We must write often!"
"What can you bring for me, Uncle Zach?" Jack tapped his uncle's arm, reminding him of Jack's presence.
"Now, I don't know, my man. I will have to look around for something meaningful for you, okay? It will be a surprise!"
"Well, you have an entire year to make your choices!" Archie laughed. "As you get to know the Islanders you may find lots of possibilities! We do recognize you are there to work, but letters home will be shared amongst us all, you can be certain."
Tearfully, Ruth spoke softly, "It seems so unfortunate that we just meet you and you have to serve so far from us all. Yet, maybe you'll be able to devote so much time to your training that you'll excel and come back to us sooner." Ruth glanced around the family, knowing she was expressing the sentiments of many. "At least I can hope…"
"Ruth," Bill spoke softly and kindly, "I don't want to disappoint you, but postings are not usually cut short. Yet Zach will be very busy concentrating on all he is learning and experiencing. Growing up in Halifax was fascinating and I enjoyed all manner of vessels that visited or worked from the port, so there will be much of interest."
"That does sound interesting," Allie placed her fork on her plate, threaded her hand through her Uncle Zach's arm and leaned on his shoulder before continuing, "Maybe I can write a paper about things you tell us? Wouldn't that be fun?"
. .
Jack stood inside the doorway observing his Uncle Zach unpack his satchel in the dresser in Jack's room. "I hope you like all the trains in my room." He waved at the windows and moved across to pat his bedspread. "You'll have to tell me what it is like to stay here, okay? I get to move in when Mommy and Daddy come back from their 'moon.'"
"Their honeymoon, Jack? Yes! You have some exciting times coming up, don't you? This will be your big house soon." Zach unpacked a pair of shiny, black dress shoes and held them out to the little boy, asking, "Would you like to help me and place these inside the closet?"
"Yeah! I can help!"
"Thank you, Jack." Zach watched, then made another suggestion, "Will you please put these books on the table beside the bed?"
Feeling proud to assist his Mountie Uncle, Jack quickly responded, "Umm hmm!"
. .
"Umm hmm! I love those kinds of potatoes, Daddy!" Jack responded to Nathan's question about scalloped potatoes as Nathan filled a plate for the young boy, "They're my favorites!"
"You have lots of favorite 'everythings,' Jack!" Allie teased, "Songs, books, toys, and especially foods… You're like Daddy! Easy to please, right?"
"I like being like Daddy! He's my favorite too!" Jack dissolved into giggles as he squirmed in his chair.
"I'm glad to know I'm your favorite, Son!" Nathan chuckled as he placed a plate of food in front of Jack, but just out of reach. He then arranged a dish towel around the boy's neck to protect his clothing, tousling his hair and bent over to whisper, "Now, let's wait until everyone is served, okay?"
Once plates were filled, Nathan extended his hand to Jack on his left and Elizabeth on his right, "Dad? On this momentous day, would you please lead us in a prayer of thanksgiving?"
Archie stood as he answered, "Gladly."
"Heavenly Father," Archie began,
"We are rejoicing today!. Thank you for guiding Zachary through his training and the ceremonies today. I think I speak for many of us that we are impressed and very proud of him. We commit him to you as he relocates to Prince Edward Island and ask that you would protect and provide for him, go before and beside him, and guide all his ways as he serves and protects. May he be a blessing to others as he is to us and may he quickly find his place and find friends too."
"We are thankful for how You turn things for good, for those who love you and we trust your timing is perfect."
"Thank you that we are all gathered together around this table, in this home, and ask you to bless this food to us and bless the hands that have prepared it."
"We anticipate a wonderful, celebratory week and thank you for the upcoming wedding of Nathan and Elizabeth that truly unites our families. Please bring all the wedding travelers here safely."
"We ask all this with thanksgiving and in Your Holy Name, Amen."
. .
After dinner, which was a buffet arranged on the sideboard in the dining room, Jack made sure everyone knew that he had helped Uncle Zach move into his bedroom adding, "He's going to take care of my room until I move in!"
"Yes, Jack was very helpful!" Zach grinned, turning to look at the young face looking up at him admiringly. "I will miss having you help me move into my new quarters."
"What're quarters?" Jack took a gulp of milk, leaving a white moustache on his upper lip.
"Here Jack, let me help you!" Zach took his napkin and wiped Jack's mouth as he explained, "Quarters is a word we use for where we live in the Mounties. My dorm was my living quarters here in Regina. I don't know where I will be living when I go to P.E.I. but they will be my quarters or rooms."
"So is my room my quarters too?"
Amidst the laughter around the table, Zach answered smiling, "I guess you could call it your quarters after you move in!"
"Zach, as our guest of honor tonight, would you like to be the first to help yourself to the various desserts available?" As hostess, Elizabeth motioned to the tempting array of sweets. "Then Aunt Agatha? Mom? Mother? Carol? Lillian, and Allie? Gentlemen you may follow the ladies."
"I guess that was wise, Bessie!" William chuckled at his daughter, "There might not be anything left for the ladies if we men went first, eh?"
"Oh no! I really like desserts, Grandpa. I hope I can have some?" Jack questioned worriedly.
"I think there will be enough for you, Son! Your grandmothers will make sure you have something sweet because they know little boys!"
While the ladies served themselves, Nathan moved a small stack of envelopes and packages from on top of the living room piano to Zachary's place at the table.
"Oh my! What's this?" Zach was genuinely surprised. "I wasn't expecting anything…"
"Well, we can't celebrate a graduation without a few remembrances, Brother. Please enjoy your dessert first though." Nathan patted Zach's back as he returned to his seat.
. .
As desserts were enjoyed and laughter surrounded the family table, Nathan noticed Zach had finished his plate.
"I believe it is time for some gifts for the graduate. Constable Grant? Please open and be blessed." Nathan grinned, "It's fun to call someone else, Constable Grant!"
The first box contained a lined, square fabric envelope made from scraps of tartan pieced around a small needlepoint family crest, to which Ruth had added buttons. "Zachary, that is the Grant family tartan and Crest but knowing you'll be on the move, I made it into a pillow cover you can stuff with any off-season sweaters or extra sets of towels. It is useful, yet something to make your space personal and remind you of all of us."
"Oh, Mom," Zach immediately rose and went to Ruth's place, leaning over her and kissing her cheek. His voice was husky when he spoke, "I will treasure this. Thank you so much!"
"I like that idea, Grandma! Maybe I can do something like that for my friends in school," Allie, always the one to collect gift ideas, stored the pillow idea in her mind for future use.
"It's a wonderful idea, Ruth, useful, meaningful, and transportable. You could sell those!" Grace exclaimed. "May I see it up close, Zach?"
Laughing, Ruth responded, "Maybe Allie and I should start a business, eh?"
"What's next, Uncle Zach?" Jack anxiously questioned.
"Let's see. Oh, this is from you and Allie!" Zach opened the box and emptied the contents onto the table, grinning, "I guess I get the hint! Writing paper, ink, and a new sketchbook... Maybe I can record the scenes I see and show you when we next see each other?"
"I think we would all enjoy that, Son," Archie contributed.
"I'll keep that in mind!" Zach next took a small box and untied the blue ribbon. Lifting the lid he found a small drawstring pouch, made of the same Grant tartan fabric, with a 'G' embroidered on it. Opening it, he slid out the gold signet ring engraved with the initial 'G' and looked around the table.
"Allie stitched that pouch for you and that ring is a family heirloom you deserve to have, Zach. It belonged to our Scottish great-grandfather, Malcolm Grant. Our grandmother gave it to me when I left home and joined the Mounties, but I kept it safe because my hands are too big to wear it. If it doesn't fit you, we'll give you the money to get it sized so it will fit properly."
"Look! It fits on my pinkie! Are you sure you don't want to keep this, Nathan? Or Dad? I'm kind of a newcomer in…"
Nathan responded quickly, "I have other treasures and so does Allie, so it belongs to you, Zach. You are as much a Grant as we are."
Archie added, "Nathan's right, Son. You deserve that. Thank you, Nathan, for gifting it to your brother."
"Well, I am honored and thank you… all of you." Zach's eyes filled as he glanced around the gathered family.
"Here, Zach, I can spare one of my new handkerchiefs!" Bill handed the embroidered linen to Zach adding, "You may keep this as it also has a 'G' initial!"
"Oh? Well, thanks, Bill," Zach dabbed his eyes and blinked, reaching for the next package.
Laughing as Zach, ripped off the paper and saw the leather pouch, William explained, "Grace and I know of your artistic inclinations so decided a portable leather envelope for your pens and pencils might be useful. The engraved 'G' wasn't coordinated with the rest of the family though!"
"This is perfect, William and Grace, thank you so much! I will have something to remember each of you now."
"Remember you have the painting I gave you at Christmas, and your necktie too," Allie reminded Zach, "and Jack's bookmark!"
"Oh, I know! I will be surrounded by family memories and I am so grateful. I can hardly express how much all of you," Zach motioned at the gifts and wrappings in front of him, "and all of this means to me."
As Zach opened the envelope he thought was in Nathan's handwriting he gasped. "Nathan! Elizabeth! This is too much!"
"It is something to start an account for purchases you will need as you settle. I remember money was what I needed most when I became a Mountie, so that's a start from us with our love. Use as needed, Brother."
Chuckling Peter, Bill, and Gabe glanced at each other having a feeling they had all gifted a similar contribution remembering their days as new Constables post-graduation. They were correct and Zach was blessed with surprising monetary gifts.
When a final envelope was opened, William spoke up, "Zach, this is a gift to us all. Those vouchers are for two round-trip tickets to return here to Regina whenever you have leave and time to do so. Just contact me and I will arrange the tickets when you are ready. My business card is there for the Hamilton location and you know my contact information here in Regina. I am thrilled to use my company connections to bring happiness to you and all our family!"
"I don't know what to say, but thank you from the bottom of my heart… You all mean the world to me and I'm thankful for each one of you." Zach stood and began to make the rounds, hugging each one present around the family table.
These were moments he, and they, would never forget.
. .
Early Wednesday morning, Nathan arranged for he and Zach to meet in Nathan's bedroom to talk.
"This week will be so full that I don't want to delay sharing something important with you. Peter asked me to wait until after you graduated, so you wouldn't feel awkward at Depot or obligated to respond in any way. Zachary? The Mountie that sent regular financial contributions to your mother? It was Peter." Nathan paused to allow that information to sink in.
Zach was shocked, silent, and still.
"Our family connection with the Collinses began when Peter was the Mountie who first arrested Dad, back when I was ten years old. Evidently he was so moved to see Mom, Colleen, and me watching Dad be taken off in handcuffs, and without any savings or income, that he felt compelled to help us. By then Peter and Carol had learned they couldn't have children so, since they had substantial resources, they began to send an anonymous monthly contribution to Mom. Peter kept up with our family needs for years and because of their assistance Mom and I could purchase the ranch and begin the business. We had no idea who was the source as the cheques came enclosed in Mountie stationery."
"But that's just like ours…"
"Yes. As I understand it, Peter served with your grandfather and when he learned that his daughter was caring for his blind sister and had a baby named Zachary Archer Grant, Peter knew this must be Dad's son, so he began to send money to them, to you too."
"When did you find out?"
"I learned a couple of months ago."
"Does Dad know? Or Mom?"
"Yes. With Peter's permission, I told them and it took some time for them to absorb the magnitude of their generosity. As I understand it, Dad has spoken and written his thanks to Peter and Carol." Nathan paused and when Zach didn't have another immediate question continued, "There is more, Zach."
"After Elizabeth and I got engaged, I realized I needed to look for housing, but before doing that needed to know if my posting here in Regina was long-term or not. So I met with Peter about the job so I could decide if we should rent or purchase a home."
"Peter discussed it with Carol and then shared that they had left this house to me in their last will and testament, but felt they should give it to me early due to our needs as a family of four! So, they changed an earlier will and signed the deed over to me on Monday." Nathan continued, "Their generosity cannot be matched, Zach, and we are all indebted to them. Yet, their explanation is that they gave their money to God and he provided for us with that money. They want to keep it private and want no thanks or accolades, thus requesting that I only tell you now."
"Wow! So this place is yours? Wow! This is just so much…"
"It is and I thank God daily for His provisions. Elizabeth and I want you to know that whenever you are in Regina, this is your home too. We are considering adding an apartment to the barn/garage when we rebuild in the coming months, so that might be available to you if at any point you were assigned here longer-term. That's at least a year from now though, so we'll see how it goes." Nathan glanced at the clock, then added, "Please keep this private, Zach? If you speak of it to the Collinses or Dad and Mom, or Elizabeth, please make sure no one is around to overhear? Privacy is all they ask."
"Oh, I will, Nathan. I am still flabbergasted though…"
"Give thanks to the Lord and, when you are ready, Zach, it might be nice to write a thank you to them both."
"Oh, I will…"
. .