Bright and early Monday morning, Nathan was up and preparing for the day before Shirley and a few others on his part time staff arrived to prepare the house for the new renters. He slipped into his office and locked the door before taking down a painting and unlocking the secret safe hidden behind it in the wall. He didn't have much of significant value, but the house came with the safe, so he kept a stash of cash and the few family heirlooms his father hadn't sold to pay for his gambling addiction. Among them were a set of diamond earrings that had been passed down for several generations. His grandmother kept them hidden and didn't give them to his own mother until she left his father. Because they were so old and had been moved around so much, the stones were falling out of the settings and didn't resemble what they used to be. Nathan took one out of the safe, and locked it again, putting the painting back up and unlocking the door right when he heard the back door close, and Shirley enter the house.
Stuffing the earring in his pocket, Nathan greeted his favorite cook and housekeeper. "Good morning, Shirley. I was just heading out, so the house is all yours."
She inspected him closely with a twinkle in her eye. "My boy, I would have to say that despite the injuries you suffered, you look more at peace than I've ever seen you before. I'm sure it has done you good to be with Miss Allie, but I'm sensing something more. But it is your business, so all I need to know is if you will be home for dinner. I was planning to make my famous roast chicken with all the trimmings."
"How could I say no to that?" Nathan responded. "I'll be back by 5:00, so dinner at 6:00 is perfect. Allie asked me to tell you hello. She is having her baby any day, so as soon as I conduct my business, I'll be rushing home for that."
Shirley motioned to the kitchen. "Can I make you some coffee and eggs or something?"
Shaking his head, Nathan fingered the jewelry in his pocket. "I'll grab something at a cafe downtown, but thank you. See you at dinnertime." He kissed the older woman's cheek before going out the back door to his car. As he drove the streets of the city, Nathan already missed Hope Valley and the wide open spaces with room to breathe. How did I ever live here? he asked himself. But he knew it wasn't just the clear air and lack of development that drew him most to the place that felt like home.
He first stopped at his favorite little French Cafe for a coffee and breakfast croissant. Ah, this is part of what I loved about this place, he was reminded. His next stop was a jewelry store where he took the falling apart earring and told the goldsmith his idea for a new way to set the precious stones. After looking around for ideas, they created a design that Nathan was pleased with and he was promised it could be done by Wednesday.
After picking up some paperwork from his attorney, Nathan's next stop was lunch with his good friend Inspector Matthew Reynolds with his daughter Becky and her soon-to-be husband Constable Nicholas Walker. They enjoyed a meal at one of the restaurants near headquarters that was frequented by many officers in red serge daily. Nathan felt a little out of place in his blue suit, instead of the uniform he had worn for so many years. Now he was just a regular civilian among a sea of red.
As he got to know the young couple better, Nathan felt like the arrangement of them renting for a year was a perfect solution for all involved. He had it written in the contract that the cottage on the back of the property was to be unused and available whenever a need arose for Nathan to stay there. His staff would check on things regularly and be there if they needed anything fixed or otherwise taken care of during the specified renting period. It also gave him a year to figure out a long-term solution.
Everything was falling into place, and Nathan felt more excited about the future than he ever had before. Once all of the paperwork was signed, Becky and Nicholas left for an appointment related to wedding plans. Matthew stayed a bit longer to catch up with his friend. After finishing their meal, the waitress poured them cups of coffee and brought them each a piece of their famous apple pie. Taking his first bite, Nathan closed his eyes and let out a little moan.
"I guess Dorothy's pie is one thing you've missed from the city," Matthew joked. "We've all been wondering how you've been doing since the accident, but I can report back to the guys that you look great and seem happier than I ever remember. It must be a woman. Spill it, Grant!"
Trying not to blush, Nathan swallowed the pie in his mouth and took a sip of coffee. "You are never going to believe it, but Jack Thornton's widow came back to Hope Valley at the same time I went there to stay with Allie after the accident. One thing led to another and we have been seeing each other for the past couple months. Allie is about ready to have her baby, which is exciting, even if I feel too young to be a grandfather. Although leaving the Mounties is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, I feel like my life is just beginning."
Matthew smiled. "Of anyone that I've ever known, you are the one man I've most wanted to find true happiness. You have gone through a lot in your life, but you took all of the pain and channeled it into providing service to others for over three decades. I hope retirement brings you new opportunities, and most importantly, new love. I am grateful for your friendship, and I truly appreciate your help with the housing situation for Becky and Nick. It's hard to believe they will be married in just a couple of weeks."
Finishing off his pie, Nathan sat back and grinned. "Inspector Reynolds, you are one of the best men and best friends I had on the force. I believe the housing situation was purely providential. Now, I have more meetings to attend and errands to run, but I'm glad it worked out for us to meet up today."
After paying their bill, the two friends shook hands and went their separate ways. Nathan resumed checking things off his to-do list, trying to be quick so as not to miss his favorite meal from Shirley. By the time he arrived home, the aroma made his stomach rumble in anticipation. He washed up before going to his room to rest his leg for a little while before dinner.
Elizabeth sat in her classroom trying to focus. With school starting within the month, she had hoped to be completely finished with lesson plans; but all of her time spent with Nathan and building her new home had taken attention away from her job. At least Allie had left her an abundance of resources, in addition to her own that she had brought from Hamilton. She was close to being ready for classes to start but felt nervous at the same time. She looked at the clock and was shocked it was after 5:00. She wondered what Nathan had been doing all day in Union City, and couldn't wait to get a phone call from him sometime that evening.
After all of her belongings were gathered, Elizabeth walked from the school into town where she saw a familiar face coming out of the Mercantile. "Hello, Rosemary!" she hollered from across the street. She made her way over just in time to catch one of the bags falling from Rosemary's grasp. They walked together to the Coulter's car and put all of the groceries in the back seat.
"Would you like me to drive you up to see the progress on the house and to check on Gypsy?" Rosemary asked. "Then you and Jack are invited to dinner tonight with us, if you don't have any plans. Daniel and Daisy have been begging for you both to come over."
With a nod, Elizabeth quickly settled into the passenger seat, excited to visit with one of her favorite people. "Thank you, Rosemary. I can always count on you to know exactly what I need."
"Nonsense," she insisted. "That's what friends are for." As they reached the construction site, workers were gathering up their tools and starting to head home for the evening. "This house is just beautiful. I had a feeling Nathan designed it with you in mind. I think at one point he almost bought some land from Bill to build it on, but he couldn't bring himself to actually go through with it without you and Jack being with him and Allie."
Pondering that thought, Elizabeth admired the nearly-finished outside of her Hope Valley dream home. "But why would he offer to build it for me, even before we ever started getting together? This was his design for himself."
Rosemary put her hand over Elizabeth's. "Even though he didn't know if he would ever share this home with you, Nathan considered it yours. That man hasn't been able to get you out of his head since the moment he laid eyes on you." They sat silent for a moment, then Rosemary asked, "Do you know why he rushed off to Union City?"
"Not entirely. I do know he was trying to get his affairs in order with his Union City home." She exited the car, followed closely by her friend. "Rosemary, did you know Nathan has part-time staff and a cottage on the back of his property where Archie lived until he died? I keep finding out all of these things that make me wonder if I even know him at all."
With a giggle, Rosemary put her arm around Elizabeth and began walking toward the barn. "Even after all of these years, I still find out new things about Lee. I think all of us have things to learn about one another. In fact, I bet there is a lot that Nathan still needs to learn about you. Like the fact that Jack's dog Rip never did take to you." Both of the women burst into laughter as they approached the horse stalls.
Gypsy noticed her owner right away and positioned herself so Elizabeth would rub her neck just the way she liked. She continued to speak as she gave her horse the attention she craved. "Nathan has confided in me quite a lot. Jack Jr doesn't know this yet, but his father Jack replaced Nathan on that training mission at Fort Clay. It came as quite a shock to me at first, but…"
A gasp from behind caused them to turn around quickly. Jack Jr was looking at his mother with a face filled with horror. "What are you saying, Mom? Nathan is the one responsible for my father being sent to his death on that mountain? You thought keeping this from me was the right thing to do? I'm not a little boy anymore, Mother." He jumped back on Newton who was saddled from the ride they had just been on minutes prior. Tears stung Jack's eyes as he heard his mom yelling for him; but he ignored her, and instead pushed Newton harder in the direction of the cemetery where he hadn't been for several weeks. He thought Nathan could finally be a father to him now, but how could he trust a man who didn't share the truth with him? Anger, pain, and sadness washed over him as he collapsed onto the grass next to the headstone that bore the name of the man he was named after, but never met, because of Nathan Grant.
Staring straight ahead with a teacup in her hands, Elizabeth replayed the scene again and again in her mind. She was unsure why the words had come stumbling out of her, but with Nathan gone, she had felt out of sorts and unsure of herself. As they spent more time together, and knowing they were getting closer to committing to each other for life, Elizabeth had been analyzing all of the details they had shared in her attempt to solidify her feelings logically. Her heart had loved Nathan nearly from the first time they met, but her head always took some time to catch up with her feelings. In a way, she had hoped that telling Rosemary would put it out in the open and prove she had moved past it. But having Jack find out that way was not in her plans. Would he ever forgive Nathan…or her?
Instead of going to the Coulter's for dinner, Elizabeth had Rosemary take her home to wait for Jack to get back from his unexpected second ride on Newton. She wondered if Nathan would call, then remembered he had given her the information she needed to call him. Her first instinct was to let him be, but then realized they were together and needed to share when something was wrong. She picked up the receiver and made the call. To her surprise, an older woman answered and readily agreed to get Nathan for her.
"Elizabeth, what's going on? Is it Allie or Gypsy?" Nathan's voice had a concerned tone as he picked up the phone. "Talk to me, love." He listened and heard what sounded like a whimper coming from the other end.
Trying to suppress sobs, Elizabeth tried to clear her throat but it came out more like a little cry. "Sorry if I interrupted your dinner, Nathan. Allie and Gypsy are both fine. I just…I made a big mistake and I just feel so lost without you here with me. I miss you."
"Elizabeth, I'm sure that whatever it is, it will be alright. Please talk to me and let me know how I can help." Nathan longed to be with Elizabeth and wrap her in his arms. He realized more than ever that his greatest desire was to never be apart from her ever again.
Trying to get the courage to tell Nathan what Jack had overheard, she saw movement outside of the window. Footsteps on the front porch confirmed it was Jack coming home. "I have to go right now. Can you call me back after you are finished with dinner? We'll talk then." Before he could protest, she hung up the receiver just as her son slammed the door shut and ran upstairs.
Following Jack up the stairs, Elizabeth stopped outside of his bedroom door and took a deep breath before knocking. "Son, can we please talk about this? Nathan and I never meant to hurt you by withholding this information. We had plans to tell you eventually. It was probably a mistake to keep it from you; but you know how much he loves you, and you have to understand the guilt Nathan felt for all of these years. We were just waiting for the right moment."
"Not now, Mom!" Jack shouted. "Just leave me alone!"
Deciding that giving him space was the best option at the moment, Elizabeth went downstairs and prepared some sandwiches and a salad for dinner. She took a tray up and knocked again on Jack's door, letting him know he could grab the tray and eat in his room and they could talk later when he had calmed down. She went and ate in the kitchen alone, lost in her thoughts. While she was washing the dishes, her phone ringing broke the silence in the house.
Out of breath she picked up. When she heard Nathan's voice she broke down and tears began falling. "It's just so good to hear your voice," she assured him. "Tell me about your day and I'm sure that will help me feel more calm."
He proceeded to tell Elizabeth about his meeting with his good friend Matthew, and how they were able to get the rental agreement signed and ready for his daughter to move in when she married in just under two weeks. She laughed when he mentioned the glorious piece of pie he had eaten, and her heart was filled with compassion as he spoke of feeling out of place without his uniform in a place filled with Mounties. "Tomorrow I will spend most of the day packing up the rest of my belongings and moving some of it into the cottage, while bringing a load of important things back to Hope Valley. I have meetings on Wednesday with some Mounties and also need to finish up some other business. Hopefully everything will be resolved by then so I can get on the road first thing Thursday morning."
Hearing him speak about his trip did the trick and helped Elizabeth feel more relaxed, but she also worried about him doing too much. "How is your leg holding up? I hope you are getting enough rest so you are fit to drive home."
"Do you know how good it feels to have someone worry about me for a change?" His heart overflowed with love and gratitude for the woman he hoped would be his forever. "I just ate a wonderful meal that Shirley prepared for me. I have been resting my leg for a couple of hours since I got back from my errands. After I get off the phone, I plan on a long hot bath then some tea. I am impressed how well the leg is doing, and it isn't as stiff and sore as I had anticipated. I do have an appointment for the doctor to check it out on Wednesday. I think he'll be pleasantly surprised at how much progress has been made since my last appointment."
Elizabeth's mind flashed to how broken Nathan was when she first saw him walking away from the pond on her first evening back in town at the beginning of summer; but she had seen his strength pull him through, and now he was thriving in more ways than just physically. "I'm so proud of you, Nathan. I knew your accident wouldn't keep you down for long."
"I couldn't have done it without your patience and support, my lovely Elizabeth. Now, what was it that had you so upset before? Talk to me before I need to go."
After hearing Jack's door open and close, Elizabeth decided not to discuss what happened with Nathan at that moment until she was able to have a better talk with her son. "It's just teenage stuff. We'll talk about it when you get home; there's nothing you can do about it from Union City. Go take care of yourself and get to bed."
"Is that code for, Jack might be listening, and you don't want him to think you are going behind his back and talking about his problems with your boyfriend?" Nathan nearly whispered.
Amazed as always by his intuition, Elizabeth let out a soft, "Mmmhmm. But just talking to you helped me feel better." After saying goodnight and hanging up, she decided to go check on Allie before settling in for the evening and getting ready for bed.
Robert answered the door and informed Elizabeth that Allie was resting in bed upstairs. He sent her upstairs to check on his wife while he finished washing the dishes. Knocking lightly on the bedroom door, Elizabeth pushed it slightly opened and saw Allie engrossed in a book on the bed in her nightgown and robe.
"Can I come in?" she asked when Allie looked up from reading. "Robert told me you were resting. How are you feeling?"
Allie motioned for her to come sit next to her as she set her book on the nightstand. "I'm feeling fine, just tired. I definitely know my time is coming soon. Baby seems to have shifted down a bit, making it more difficult to get around. My dad better make it back before I have this baby. Did he call you today?"
Elizabeth nodded. "I just got off the phone with him and he said he is planning to be home Thursday afternoon. It sounds like his meetings so far have been successful; although, he has been very vague about what all he is doing. But the rental agreement is signed, and I can tell it is a big weight off his shoulders knowing he doesn't have to worry about the house at least for the next year."
"He really loves that house in Union City; but between you and me, I am so glad he decided to stay in Hope Valley. I want this baby to have him in their life. I think it's still a little painful for him to know he won't have his own biological children, but I do think being a grandfather will ease a little bit of that for him. I don't think he realizes how amazing he is with kids."
A familiar prick to her heart brought back feelings of regret for ever giving up on Nathan when they were younger. Elizabeth knew she should be grateful they found their way back to each other now, but in a way there would always be a part of her who would long for what could have been when it came to more children. "I don't think another man ever pulled smiles out of Jack when he was little like Nathan did. That time he made baby Jack laugh at his Christening is etched in my mind forever. If only he could remember that and know what a good father he could have." Her last sentence was underneath her breath, but Allie gave her a questioning look.
"Did Dad tell you he is seeing his doctor in Union City? I bet they feel stupid not thinking he would make a full recovery," she smirked. "If they knew him at all they would know his determination and strength is well beyond what they probably expected. Speaking of checkups, I have one with Dr. Burton and Millie tomorrow to determine my progress. Luckily, I haven't had too many serious contractions, so I'm hoping I can at least make it to the weekend."
Grabbing Allie's hand, Elizabeth attempted to comfort the young lady who was very much starting to feel like her daughter. "You are strong just like your father. No matter when this baby gets here, he or she will be such a blessing to all of us." Pausing for a moment, she finally got the courage to bring up the subject she hadn't with Nathan. "Allie, you know Jack replaced Nathan at Fort Clay and he has felt guilty about it all of these years. I just need to know how you feel about all of that. Jack just found out accidentally and is furious. I'm just not sure how I can help him understand that it wasn't really anyone's fault that his father died."
Allie leaned back on the pillow and shifted to get more comfortable. "Would you like me to talk to him? When I first found out the man who replaced my dad was a husband and father, I felt guilty. I was the one who got sick and forced the switch in the first place. But then I realized that I would have been all alone if Uncle Nathan had died. I guess when we first came to Hope Valley, I thought that if the four of us had become a family it would have been God's way of making things right for everyone again. Not that it would take away all the pain for you or little Jack; but the more time I lived with my uncle, the less the pain of losing my mom hurt. Even though the timing was off then, I see now that I was right about a few things. You and my dad have made each other better by being together. Your love has given him courage, and his love has helped you see what is truly possible here. My guess is that Jack is upset about being kept in the dark, not what actually happened."
"Thank you, and I agree. Maybe giving Jack space until he comes to terms with his feelings is best." Elizabeth stood and began walking toward the door, then turned around. "I will be back in the morning with breakfast. I want you to stay down if the baby really has dropped, so we don't take our chances of your dad not being back." She walked home, determined to find a way through this latest challenge so she could keep her newfound happiness.
Wandering through town early in the morning, Jack's thoughts turned to Nathan Grant. Over the past months, he had become the father Jack always wanted. Why did he feel so betrayed? Of course it was illogical to think of Nathan being at fault for his father, Jack Sr's, death. It was an accident that could have killed anyone that day. But why would he and his mother keep that information to themselves? Did they not trust him enough to know the truth? Instinctively, he made his way to the livery, even though Newton and Gypsy were in the barn on their land. He went to Lucky's stall and began scratching him just the way he liked. Hearing footsteps approaching, he was a little surprised when the horse he was petting got a little excited. He turned to see Robert dressed in his serge.
"Oh, hello, Constable Wolf. I was just saying hi to Lucky." He moved away while Robert began getting his faithful partner ready for rounds. "I guess I'll be going," Jack turned to leave, but felt an arm restrain him.
Eyeing young Jack Thornton who was already close to his same height, Robert gave the sternest look he could muster without breaking out into laughter. "Why don't you come on rounds with me, young man, before your work at the house begins."
Jack swallowed, worried the constable had found out about his little date at the river with Sarah, and wanted to lay down the law. "I would have to go to the barn to saddle up Newton," he explained, hoping it would change Robert's mind.
"Hop on behind me. It's not far, and Lucky is strong." They rode together in awkward silence until they reached the barn. But instead of going straight to Newton, both of them noticed Gypsy acting strange in her stall. "Take Lucky and go fetch the vet, Mr. Davis."
Jack's eyes opened wide. "As in, the father of Jimmy Davis? Can't you do it instead?" He knew where the Davis family lived, but had no desire to come face-to-face with the boy who had been courting the girl he had very strong feelings for and couldn't get out of his head.
Robert was unbuttoning his jacket and looked annoyed. "Do you know how to deliver a baby horse? Get Doc Davis on his way, then bring your mother. Nathan is not going to be happy that he missed this, but better Gypsy than Allie I suppose."
Mounting Lucky, Jack rode as fast as he dared to the Davis home. He was grateful it was Mrs. Davis who opened the door, followed quickly by her husband James who had been the community vet for over 20 years. After he was in his car on the way to the barn to check on Gypsy, Jack rode to his row house, where he knew facing his mother would be difficult. He found her drinking tea at the kitchen table. She immediately stood when Jack walked in the door.
"Son, where have you been?" she demanded. "I've been so worried about you."
Only able to focus on the task at hand, Jack blurted: "It's Gypsy, Mom! She acted like she was about to have her baby, so Robert had me get the vet and wants you there as well. Let's go!"
Elizabeth pulled on her shoes and Mounted Lucky behind Jack. They rode as quickly as they could to the barn where Robert and Mr. Davis were tending to Gypsy. Newton seemed irritated, so Jack let him out of the stall and took him to the fenced area in the yard to roam and graze. Gypsy immediately responded to Elizabeth's touch and calmed while the vet checked her progress.
"This mare is a feisty gal, but it looks as if you'll have yourself a little foal delivered this morning. She seems to be calmer with you here, so stay at her head and stroke her gently when she acts agitated. We'll get through this together."
After Jack finished with Newton, he made sure the construction crew was all working before going back to check on things in the barn; but before he got there, he saw Robert mount Lucky and tip his campaign hat in acknowledgment. He rushed even faster. Gypsy was still on the ground, her head resting on his mother's lap. In a pile of hay near them was a beautiful dark foal that looked a lot like Sergeant, with the exception of a few white spots on its back and stomach and what looked like white socks on each leg.
He moved closer to the newly-birthed animal and watched it attempt to stand. Mr. Davis clapped Jack on the back. "Congratulations, my boy. Your mother told me this little guy is yours. I hope you have a name for your new little colt."