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Chapter One Hundred Seventy-four
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Happy Reunions
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As the Hope Valley friends exited the train at the Regina railroad station, they congregated around Nathan, Elizabeth, Allie, and William to share hugs, exclamations about Elizabeth's hair, Allie's increased height, and the happiness that shone from the Bride and Groom.
With tear-filled eyes, Florence hugged each one then stood back and offered her assessment, "You are both glowing and I have never seen you so relaxed and happy! Congratulations and thank you so much for including us in your celebration weekend!"
Rosemary hurried to join the greetings, surprised but delighted by her friend's transformation! "Oh, Elizabeth! You didn't tell me you were going to cut your hair! Wait till Fiona finds out… You do look beautiful though. What does Nathan think of it?"
"He heartily approves!" Elizabeth giggled as she hugged Rosemary then Abigail, "Welcome, dear friend! I'm so glad you could join us!"
"This is an event I couldn't miss, Elizabeth! You look lovely and very stylish too!" With a quick glance around the platform, Abigail queried, "Where is Jack?"
"He's back at the Hotel so you will see him soon. He has a tendency to wander whenever there are trains to see!" Elizabeth explained, before crying out and opening her arms, "Laura! Delighted you could come! Jack is looking forward to reuniting with you, Sweet Lady!"
"I can't wait to see him," Laura wiped a tear before adding, "I miss my little charge."
"Minnie! Angela! So happy you've come. Welcome!"
"It's our privilege and the children are excited to experience Regina!" Minnie laughed, "I am too!"
"Hi Mrs. Thornton!" A chorus of former students called out as they offered their hugs.
"Hello, Emily and Opal! Cooper Canfield, you've grown taller in just a couple of months! Welcome to Regina," Elizabeth extended her hand, whispering to the young lad, "May I give you a hug too?"
Nodding shyly, Cooper nevertheless agreed, "Sure. Hello, Mrs. Thornton…"
Along with hugs, Allie was busily distributing a pink rose tied with white ribbon to her young friends, Angela, Emily, Opal, and Laura, then gave one to her Aunt Rosemary, Mrs. Minnie, Mrs. Florence, Dr. Faith, Mrs. Weise, and Mrs. Abigail, all of whom were charmed and appreciative.
After sharing hugs with Pastor Joseph, Nathan and Elizabeth thanked him for his part in their special celebration then turned to the doctor holding hands with Dr. Faith Carter. Elizabeth held, Nathan's arm as she introduced him to Dr. Ben Marshall, "Ben? This is Nathan about whom you've heard so much! Nathan? Dr. Ben Marshall."
"Dr. Marshall, I cannot thank you enough for all you, and Joseph, did for my Elizabeth," Nathan's voice was hoarse and filled with emotion. "You brought her back to me and I'll be forever grateful."
"Please call me Ben? I am overjoyed to meet the fine man about whom she spoke so longingly. God worked a modern day miracle and you both look wonderfully happy!"
"We are…" Nathan and Elizabeth exchanged loving glances and he placed his arm around her waist.
"Congratulations, Nathan. You waited a long time, but it was worth it, eh?" Henry pumped Nathan's hand before hugging Elizabeth and adding, "You deserve this happiness, Elizabeth. With Allie and Jack you make a sweet family."
While William excused himself to go with Lee to oversee the unloading of the Counter's belongings and vehicle, Nathan pulled Ned and Henry aside to request their assistance with the motorbuses so no one would be left behind. Having handed them a list of those attending from Hope Valley, both men were happy to accept this small assignment. Nathan pointed out the three motorbuses, explaining that one was for luggage and the other two were for their group.
Using his most commanding voice at full volume, Nathan caught everyone's attention, "Excuse me, friends. Welcome to Regina! Ned and Henry have agreed to oversee your transportation this weekend. Two of those three motorbuses over there are provided and please make sure to check off your names each time you board so we don't leave anyone behind!"
"We will be going to the Hotel to get you settled into your rooms and there you will see Jack, Grace, Julie and Brad, Hudson, and Elizabeth's Aunt Agatha. You will all enjoy supper at six o'clock in one of the private dining rooms this evening, courtesy of the Thatcher's. You may stay in your travel clothes if you wish, as this is not a formal meal. We will explain the weekend schedule at that time so please enjoy acquainting yourselves with Le Chateau Qu'Appelle!"
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Amidst widened eyes and awed comments, the group arrived in the Hotel lobby and were greeted by Mr. Durand, the Hotel Manager, as they gathered at the front desk. "My assistant here will distribute your room keys and there is always someone here, available to answer your questions. If you turn around, the three private dining rooms are on the mezzanine level. Tonight's buffet is in the Prickly Rose Room. Elevators are in this corridor and your rooms are on the fifth floor. Tomorrow, you will meet your motorbus at the side entrance which is also down this corridor. The Wildflower Gift Shop and The Prairie Berry Café's hours are posted on that wall across the Lobby." Mr. Durand smiled widely, "I believe the porters are delivering your luggage as we speak, so welcome to Le Chateaux Qu'Appelle and I hope you enjoy your stay and the happy wedding celebrations!"
For some wedding guests, the elevator ride was a new experience so they could hardly imagine what other experiences awaited them. Upon arrival on the fifth floor, Grace and Julie Thatcher stood outside their apartment, along with Jack and Hudson, to welcome their guests.
A flurry of greetings and hugs ensued, along with invitations to come back to the Thatcher's apartment for some tea and cookies once they were settled in their rooms. "Elizabeth and Nathan should be here shortly although my husband is helping the Coulter's sort out relocating their belongings so he will meet you again at the Buffet. Did the Manager tell you where we'll have our meal this evening?" Grace heard the responses as Nathan and Elizabeth exited the elevator, accompanied by Rosemary and Patrick. "Oh, here are our Bride and Groom!"
"Patrick!" Jack cried excitedly.
"Jack!" Patrick responded and from that point on they could hardly be separated.
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Gathered in the Prickly Rose Room, the Hope Valley guests were greeted by Bill, who introduced Adeli, his lady-friend, and joined by Lee and William.
Once everyone had found a seat, William stood and requested that Pastor Joseph give the blessing before the guests helped themselves to the Buffet. Laughter and conversations soon filled the room as the visitors shared about the train journey, commented on what they had seen of Regina so far and complimented the Hotel.
Before dessert, William stood along with Nathan to explain tomorrow's schedule.
Tapping a glass to get everyone's attention, Nathan began, "the Thatchers' have arranged for you to stop at our new Grant home where you will see my parents, meet my brother, Zachary, see Constable Gabe Kinslow and his new bride, Lillian, and meet the Commissioner and his wife, Peter and Carol Collins. After a house tour, you will then be treated to a motorbus tour of Regina where you will see the R.C.M.P. Academy, known as Depot, where I work and Allie's Academy, along with numerous other buildings of note. William?"
"Each morning, a breakfast buffet is served to all Hotel guests in the main dining room, right off the lobby. Following tomorrow morning's tour, you are free for the afternoon. The shopping district is along Hamilton and Scarth Avenues, with the largest department store at 11 Hamilton, and there are various lunch options, but if you decide to dine in the Hotel dining room or the Café during your stay, please tell the servers you are one of the Thatcher-Thornton-Grant wedding guests."
"We will reconvene tomorrow evening for a special pre-wedding dinner in the Prairie Lily Room at half-past-six and have more opportunities to spend time with our Wedding Couple! Anything else, Nathan?"
"Ah, yes. We will be joined tomorrow evening by our Pastor, along with some dear friends and colleagues from Depot and our church who are wedding participants. This will be an opportunity to get to meet and know some of them before Saturday's ceremony."
"Thank you for mentioning that," William spoke again, "Also on Saturday, you are again free for the day. The wedding is at four o'clock so the motorbuses will depart the Hotel at half-past-three from the side entrance. Nathan, Elizabeth and our families will not be available Saturday until after the wedding ceremony, so if you have any questions during that time, please visit the Hotel's Front Desk."
William continued, "If you wish to worship with us on Sunday, you may walk to Victoria Park to find Knox Presbyterian Church or the motorbuses will transport you at half-past-ten. After the Wedding there are no scheduled meals or events, but you are again welcome to charge your meals to the Thatcher-Grant wedding account here in the Hotel until you depart late Sunday afternoon. I believe that is all regarding the schedule, Nathan?"
"Yes, I believe so. Let me just take this opportunity to again welcome you and thank you for coming so far to celebrate with Elizabeth and me, Allie and Jack, and to share in our joy!"
"Amen to that!" William added as applause filled the room. When it quieted, he concluded, "Enjoy your dessert and I hope you sleep well!"
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While Allie waxed eloquent in her grandparents' apartment, back in Elizabeth's apartment, Nathan and Elizabeth stole a few moments together in her living room. They discussed the afternoon's arrivals and Friday's schedule. Hudson had agreed to bring Elizabeth and Jack to the Grants in time to share their new home with the Hope Valley guests and Rosemary had agreed to keep Jack with Patrick for the afternoon. Allie would join the motorbus tour when the visitors departed the Grant house, staying with Ellen Weiss, Laura, and Allie's girlfriends until it was time to dress for dinner. Her outfits were in Elizabeth's closet although she would go home to sleep each night.
"I think that is all the details I can handle tonight, Honey. Please kiss me and hold me for a few moments before you go?"
"You don't have to ask me twice, Lisbeth. Can you believe we marry the day after tomorrow? We've waited so long, but suddenly our Wedding is upon us!"
"I know! I love you, Nathan, dear Husband-to-be."
"I love you, Sweet Bride-to-be!"
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"Are you ready to go home, Allie-girl?" Nathan collected Allie's coat and held it for her. "Goodnight, Aunt Agatha, Grace, Julie, William Brad, and Hudson! I think this is the last time we'll see each other before tomorrow evening? I confess my head is swimming! Thanks for all you have done for Elizabeth and my celebration. You've been wonderfully generous and supportive."
"Oh Son, you are bringing us such joy with this weekend's event. We should be thanking you!" Grace hugged and kissed Nathan.
"I agree, Son. It is our pleasure and an answer to many prayers!" William added, "Sleep well tonight and sweet dreams!"
"Thank you, Hudson, for putting the boys to bed. It takes the entire family to get through all these events!" Nathan commented.
"It's my pleasure to serve you in any capacity, Nathan!" Hudson returned a quick hug.
"Good night, Miss Bess!" Allie hugged and held on to Elizabeth. "Soon I can call you Mom you know?"
"Sweet girl, I am looking forward to that! I love you, Allie."
"I love you too." Allie turned for a final wave to the Thatchers and Uncle Hudson, "I love you all!"
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As they drove home, Nathan checked in with his daughter, "So how do you feel now you've seen your friends again? Was it as exciting as you thought it would be?"
"It was more so, Dad. I can't wait to have them see our house and St. Anne's! They will be amazed. I have to figure out how to help Angela 'see' though. I have described things in her letters differently than I do for the others, so that may help, but I think I will have to walk her around each room so she can feel it all. At least she remembers colors so that's one thing she will understand."
"You are so kind and thoughtful with Angela, Honey. You are a true friend to her."
"She's a bosom friend like Sally."
"Yes, I believe she is." Nathan paused, thoughtfully. "It is amazing to think of how your life, and mine, has changed since those early days in Hope Valley when Mrs. Thornton shared with you about being a friend, isn't it? Now, you have a wonderful circle of friends who love you dearly." Nathan coughed, "And so do I…"
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As Nathan and Allie entered the main house, they heard laughter from the dining room. "Hello, hello! What have we missed?" Nathan called out.
"Hello, dear ones!" Peter answered, "We're enjoying a rousing game of Mexican Train!"
"Hi everyone! That sounds like fun." Allie sidled up to her uncle then realized Gramma Carol was playing along with the Kinslows, Grampa Peter and Uncle Zach. "Wow, Gramma! I didn't know you knew how to play this!"
"Well, you are never too old to learn. Even your Grandparents played a few rounds before they headed to bed! I probably should make this the final game though as we have some very full days ahead!"
"How were your reunions, Nathan?" Zach inquired.
"A bit overwhelming to have almost twenty people arrive at once! William had it all organized so I am very grateful for that."
"Did you prepare anyone to meet me?" Zach hid his final domino as he turned to his brother.
"I mentioned who they would meet when they tour the house here and no one said anything. With everything so new to them all, I doubt we have to say anything other than that we now have a new Constable Grant in the family. There may be comments on our looks, but no one knows much about my family anyway. I mean Mom never visited Hope Valley so I think we'll be fine."
"That's true. Gabe here can remind them I'm in the R.C.M.P. right?" Zach nudged Gabe's shoulder as he turned back to the game.
"I can't wait to introduce you tomorrow, Uncle Zach. Oh! You know Aunt Adeli is here? And you know our Depot and church friends so you'll have lots of people to talk to."
"That's true, Allie."
"Oops! I win!" Gramma Carol announced, laughing, "Beginners luck strikes again!"
Groans rose from the other players as they began to count their remaining tiles.
"We need Archie to tally our numbers here. Math is not my area of expertise!" Gabe poured over the numbers.
"I can do it, Uncle Gabe, if you want?" Allie offered.
"Of course. Our math expert here can do it faster than me! Here you go, Allie-girl!" Gabe stood, "Have a seat!"
While the others collected and packed the dominoes, Allie totaled the wins. "Gramma Carol! You really did win! Good for you!"
Applause filled the dining room, until Nathan spoke up, "Don't mind me, but I may need to wind down a bit before I can sleep and we have a scheduled visit of nearly twenty guests tomorrow, so I'll say goodnight. Allie, Honey, I think you should too, okay? I'll be in shortly for evening prayers."
"Okay. Good night all. I love you!"
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It wasn't long before Nathan emerged from his bedroom dressed in his pajamas and robe. Seeing the light beneath his daughter's room, he knocked lightly. "Honey, may I come in?"
"Yes."
Going to sit on the edge of her bed, Nathan shifted to face her and spoke softly, "Everything in our lives changes tomorrow. How are you feeling? Any questions to ask or thoughts to share?"
Allie pondered for a moment before responding, "I know you have to go and have private time with Miss Bess, but I will miss you next week, especially when Uncle Zach leaves and then Gramma Carol and Grampa Peter. I know Grandma and Grandpa are in the Cottage and I'll go to the Hotel, but I don't know... It feels different than when you used to go away on Mountie assignments..."
"It is different, Honey, and it's been a long time since I traveled without you. Maybe this time is magnified by all the visitors here now and how empty it will feel when they are gone and life returns to normal... well at least a new normal. May I make a suggestion? Help Jack and that will help you, plus keep remembering how excited you have been to have Miss Elizabeth really belong to you and not have to go home each night. Maybe that, and time with the Thatchers, will help?" Nathan reached out his hand to cover hers.
"I hope so..." Allie's gaze was watery and tentative. "You really will have time for me? For us?"
"I will make time for you, Allie, just as I will make time for Elizabeth and for Jack. If you feel left out or distant, please talk to me? We will plan a breakfast date for just the two of us and have lots of family things to do. This is the life we have dreamed about, right?"
"It is, I just hate to say all the goodbyes..."
"I understand, dear girl. Remember Grandma will be missing Carol so maybe you can cheer each other?"
"Oh cry together..."
"That too." Nathan squeezed her hand, "Shall I pray?"
As Allie nodded, Nathan changed his position so he was sitting next to her, placed his arm around her shoulders and leaned against her headboard. She folded into his arms as he prayed a benediction on the life that was ending and a blessing on the life to come. With a final kiss to her temple, Nathan stood, handed her a handkerchief and whispered, "I love you, and always will."
Hugging her dad, she whispered, "I love you, Dad."
"Sweet dreams for us both, Allie-girl..."
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