A light knock at her bedroom door startled Elizabeth out of a deep sleep. Jack Jr poked his head in and let her know he was leaving for his hike to the waterfall that he had been planning with other Hope Valley teenagers for their last hurrah of summer break. She cautioned him to be safe before bidding him goodbye and settling back into her pillows. Nathan had been working so much on the house to get it finished as soon as possible, that the only time they had together was between dinner and bedtime. Last night they had stayed up far too late snuggled on the porch swing talking about their hopes and dreams for the future.
Thinking about her upcoming nuptials, Elizabeth reached onto her nightstand and carefully picked up her ornate engagement ring. As she slid it on her left ring finger, memories from two weeks before flooded her mind. Nathan's proposal that day was somewhat of a surprise to Elizabeth, but she soon discovered almost everyone else knew it was coming. Their first stop had been to pick up Jack at the Coulter's. Rosemary squealed as she inspected the sparkling diamond ring, while Lee enthusiastically shook Nathan's hand and welcomed him into the family. Daniel and Daisy showered their Aunt Elizabeth with hugs and kisses, while Jack tried to keep his reaction subdued; however, both she and Nathan caught glimpses of a few tears being shed along with his approving smile.
Next, they had driven home and told Allie, Robert, and little Colleen the exciting news. Still hormonal, Allie burst into tears at the prospect of having her very own mother and a Nana for Colleen and whatever future children came into her little family with Robert. Jack couldn't wait to officially have a big sister and brother, as well as sharing a niece with Sarah. They were finally getting the blended family all of them had dreamed about at one time or another through the years. Both Nathan and Elizabeth would have just gone and asked Bill to marry them right then and there, but they knew the practical thing to do would be waiting until the house was finished so they could move in together as newlyweds.
Looking out of the bedroom window, Elizabeth saw the sun barely peeking over the horizon. After saying a little prayer for the teens who would be hiking a somewhat challenging trail and be gone most of the day, a wave of exhaustion suddenly hit her. Returning to bed, she turned over and swiftly fell back asleep.
Sarah watched anxiously as kids started assembling near the church to begin their journey. Every time she saw someone approach, her stomach did flip flops hoping it was a certain tall blonde boy who had become very dear to her over the summer. A cool wind blew as the sun was just starting to light up the Saturday morning sky, causing Sarah to pull her jacket tighter around herself. It would stay cool a few hours longer before the heat of summer would beat down on them, so getting to the waterfall to play in the water by then was crucial. A few kids would be carrying backpacks full of food and water to make sure they didn't get hungry or dehydrated during the hike to and from their destination. Finally, just before they were set to depart, the reaction of some of the other girls told her he had arrived.
Trying to push away nerves, Jack approached the group of his new schoolmates, looking for the only one he really wanted to see. Annie and Ruth, a couple girls Jack had met through the Coulter twins, saw him first and made their way over to say hi. He wondered if their fascination was just because he was new in town, or if they were genuinely interested in getting to know him. While stumbling through small talk with them, his eyes met Sarah's and he finally felt excited for the day. Excusing himself, Jack moved next to his friend, much to the annoyance of his fan club.
"You made it," Sarah declared, attempting not to glare at the girls who were trying to steal Jack's attention. Ignoring them instead, she turned to the rest of the crowd and announced: "As far as I can tell we are all here. It's just after 7:00 and we need to make good progress before it gets too hot. Let's get moving. Everyone go ahead and follow Ben, since he scouted out the best route to take this year."
Always amazed at how Sarah was so good at taking charge and being in front of people, Jack realized just how different they were in that respect. He was more reserved and never liked to be in the limelight, much preferring one on one interactions to group socializing. But he was making an exception today, hoping to push himself outside of his comfort zone for the upcoming school year.
Everyone fell into a line as they made their way to the trailhead. Jack kept pace with Sarah, both allowing the giggling girls to go ahead of them so they could talk without prying eyes and listening ears. "So, Miss Wolf, this is your last excursion before starting your final year of school in Hope Valley. How does it feel?"
She looked at him peculiarly. "Miss Wolf? Why so formal, Mr. Thornton?"
Her eyes sparkled as she teased him, and Jack couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle. "Do you think anyone knows we're friends?" he wondered out loud.
"Of course they do," Sarah replied. "Everyone knows everything about everyone else here in Hope Valley. That's why I want to go somewhere bigger like Union City or even Calgary. Allie is helping me apply to colleges in both places."
Jack felt his heart drop at the thought of her leaving in less than a year, especially given the fact they had just met a few months ago. "I'm sure your parents will be sorry to see their house empty when you leave. Little Colleen won't know what to do with her favorite aunt."
Sarah instinctively reached for Jack's hand and gave it a squeeze before looking around to make sure no one noticed. "I'll miss everyone here very much, maybe even you; but I'm determined to become a nurse and midwife and that requires additional schooling that I just can't get here."
"I wouldn't expect you to stay," Jack answered, trying to ignore the way her touch overwhelmed him. He threaded his fingers through hers and rubbed his thumb affectionately over her knuckles. "I think for now we focus on the present, and not worry so much about the future. I want to join the Mounties in two years, but my mom really isn't sold on the idea. Last time I brought it up, I caused some problems between her and Nathan. It's so strange that he'll be moving into the new house with us sometime next month. I feel bad I won't be able to help with the last few weeks of construction; but they mostly have very detailed finish work left, and I don't have the skills necessary to do that."
Ben stopped and turned around, causing the group to halt to avoid running into one another. Sarah pulled her hand from Jack's and felt a blush move up her neck. She tried to listen intently to what their leader was saying, but could still feel the warmth of Jack's hand that had been intertwined with hers just seconds earlier, making it hard to focus. As they moved up the first hill, Sarah began chatting with a few of her childhood friends while Jack stayed just behind her by himself, taking in the beautiful scenery.
Frantic knocking at her front door was the thing that startled Elizabeth awake for the second time that morning. She looked at her clock, shocked it was already almost 10:00 and over three hours since Jack had left. Grabbing her robe and smoothing her hair, she rushed downstairs and flung open the door. To her surprise, a disheveled Allie stood there in her own nightgown and robe with a crying Colleen in her arms.
"Oh, Elizabeth!" she cried. "Robert had to go to work this weekend, and of course my dad is spending every waking hour finishing your house, so I'm all alone. Colleen has been crying like this on and off for most of last night and this morning. Does she feel too warm and maybe have a fever?"
Taking the baby into her own arms, Elizabeth cooed, "Come to Nana, Colleen. Do you have a little temperature?" The placing of the back of her hand on the infant's forehead stopped her sobs as she grabbed Elizabeth's fingers and tried to pull them into her mouth. "Hmmm, maybe she's a little warm." Placing her lips on the baby's forehead instead, Elizabeth spoke calmly. "Allie, I do think she has a fever, so we should probably get Dr. Burton to check her out. Let me call and see if he can come over."
"I'll do it, since you seem to have the magic touch to stop the screaming." Allie picked up the receiver and made the call. Dr. Burton just happened to be at his office on a Saturday morning and offered to come over right away. She then called Robert at the Mountie office, who was back from rounds and catching up on paperwork. With words of reassurance, Robert seemed to have a calming effect on his wife, promising everything would be fine and he would drop everything to meet the doctor at home very soon.
Handing Colleen back to Allie, Elizabeth hurried upstairs to change. She ran a brush through her hair and quickly put it up and out of her face. At the bottom of the stairs, she found Allie with tears streaming down her face as she fed Colleen. Rushing to her side, Elizabeth wiped away her tears and put the young mother's head on her shoulder.
With a sniffle, Allie croaked, "What if something happens to my little girl? Maybe I'm just not cut out for motherhood."
"You are a wonderful mother, Allie. Colleen is eating, which is a very good sign and will help her get the fluids she needs. Let's get you home and dressed. Your life has been turned upside down, not to mention how lack of sleep can make everything feel worse than it is. How about after Dr. Burton comes, I'll take care of everything so you can take a nice long bath and get some sleep? I have no other plans today."
Allie let out a huge sigh of relief and stood, once she had finished with the feeding and burping of little Colleen who had finally fallen asleep. By the time she got home and dressed in comfortable clothes, Dr. Burton and Robert arrived together. Elizabeth had made some tea for everyone, which she set out with some leftover scones she had picked up at the cafe the day before. Dr. Burton examined Colleen, determining she had a low grade fever most likely from a mild virus. He instructed Allie and Robert to watch her fluid intake and give her sponge baths to cool her down if she got too warm. Other than that, he was pleased with her growth as she was turning a month old the next day. Promising to check on her before her bedtime, he left to make a few more house calls. Robert had to go back to work for a few hours, but told them to call him if there were any changes.
After finishing her tea and scone, which was the only breakfast she had eaten, Elizabeth took charge of Colleen while Allie ran a bath for herself. After soaking in the tub for a bit, she took a much needed nap. As Elizabeth held and sang to her soon-to-be granddaughter, a yearning deep inside took her by surprise. If only she had married Nathan years sooner, then maybe another child of her own would have been possible. Trying to not dwell on the past and be grateful for her many blessings instead, Elizabeth determined that having grandchildren would at least help lessen the pain of not being blessed with more children of her own. Not able to hold her emotions inside, she wept and pulled Colleen close.
Entering the back of the house quietly so as to not wake up anyone who might be sleeping, Nathan was immediately struck by the tender sight of Elizabeth holding baby Colleen across the room. His heart felt as if it might burst out of love; but a familiar pain also pierced him, knowing a biological child of his own was all but a buried dream from the past. As he got closer, he noticed Elizabeth's face was wet with tears with her eyes closed as she snuggled the baby to her chest. To alert her, Nathan cleared his throat before sitting down across from her.
Elizabeth's eyes fluttered open and immediately met a pair of concerned blue ones searching her face. "Oh, hi," she stammered, wiping at the tears with the back of her hand, then looking at the clock. "Lunchtime already? Oh, and you've been working so you didn't hear all of the latest news. Allie frantically brought Colleen over this morning with a slight fever, but Dr. Burton said he doesn't think it's serious. Can you hold her while I find some food for everyone?"
Taking in all of the information she was rapidly spewing out, Nathan stood as she did, and they met right next to the coffee table. Before taking the little wrapped bundle, he used his thumb to wipe away any residual moisture from his beautiful fiancé's face. Next he brushed his lips lightly across both cheeks, then her forehead, and let them slowly make their way to her lips where he communicated love and comfort and felt her respond in earnest. Little squeaks brought them back into reality, as Nathan took hold of the swaddled babe who was looking up at him with wide eyes. "Hello there, sweet girl. Papa is here to make you feel all better. But first, we need to ask Nana why she was sad."
"Well, you can tell Papa that Nana was just feeling sad she can't give him a child of his own because she was a fool back when they were still at an age where it would have been possible. But then, the tears turned to gratitude for what we have been blessed with." Elizabeth touched the top of Colleen's head before reaching up and smoothing Nathan's hair, admiring how distinguished the silver specks on the sides made him look. "I love you," she whispered, pressing a kiss to his cheek.
Savoring her nearness, Nathan tried to swallow his own disappointment. "I love you more than you'll ever know," he murmured, kissing her temple and resting his head on hers. "I'll stay here as long as you need me, but I am making some real progress on finishing up the bedrooms today."
"I have everything under control here; I just hope Jack and his friends are being careful. I'll make some sandwiches, then you can eat and get back." She went in the kitchen while Nathan held and talked to his granddaughter until she began fussing to eat again. He carried her up to Allie, giving his daughter a hug and kiss on the head before leaving his little girls to themselves. Elizabeth had a nice lunch prepared for the two of them when he got back, and they had an enjoyable time eating and talking together.
At the door as he was leaving, Nathan held both of her hands and looked deeply into her eyes. "You know I wanted nothing more than to have a big family with miniature versions of us running around, but what I want the very most is to share the rest of my days with the love of my life. I will never take that opportunity for granted." Deciding now was a good time to discuss the wedding, he continued. "My estimate of completion for the house is the first weekend of October. I thought we could get married the next Friday, October 10th, when you have a break from school for Thanksgiving the following Monday. Since school won't start until Wednesday again, it would give us a long weekend for just the two of us…alone in our brand new house. I want to take you on a proper honeymoon during winter break, getting back in time for Christmas with our family. That's all I have been thinking about the last few days while working."
Nerves of anticipation coursed through Elizabeth. "It sounds like a perfect plan, my love," she agreed, her voice full of emotion. "Once the house is complete, we can prepare it for the wedding as we move in our things. I married Jack in the church and school he built. You designed and constructed this home for us. It is the symbol of our new life together as a complete family. That is where I want to marry you; it's all I have been thinking about since you proposed on the front porch."
"Then that is where we will start our life together in just under four weeks…" Sealing their first real wedding plans with a kiss, Nathan couldn't help but let out a joyful laugh. "I guess the pressure is on to get construction finished on time. I'll see you tonight." Elizabeth watched him get in his car and drive away, in awe that she would soon get to be his wife and love him forever.
By noon, the hiking party had dwindled a bit as some of the youth had retreated and gone back down as the terrain became steep and more difficult to navigate. When they reached the waterfall, Jack was blown away by the beauty of nature that he had experienced over the course of the past several hours. Their group now consisted of four boys and four girls, and much to their relief, enough food had been packed among them for a hearty lunch. After eating, the sun was beating down and everyone was ready to cool off in the water. Most had worn swimwear underneath their hiking clothes and stripped down to them before rushing into the pool of water at the base of the waterfall. Jack tried not to stare at Sarah and the other girls as they splashed in the water in their bathing suits. He self-consciously prepared to swim with the others but wasn't used to many people seeing him in just swimming trunks; however, the heat was becoming unbearable, so he made his way to the water with his peers.
Sarah was enjoying the coolness of the water when she spotted Jack taking his shirt off. She had seen many boys without one during the summer at their favorite swimming holes, but this time it was different. She had spent all summer getting to know how amazing he was; not to mention she had never seen a young man his age with such a defined manly physique that had been chiseled even more while working on the building crew. It wasn't a surprise, since clothes fit him so well; but if Sarah hadn't been in water cooling off already, she probably would have needed to fan herself. As he made his way into the water, the other girls took notice. She felt a twinge of jealousy, but tried to push it away and just enjoy herself.
Cooling down while playing in the water was one of the best times Jack could remember having with friends in a long time. He eventually made his way closer to Sarah and splashed her playfully. She looked up at him a little shocked, but quickly retaliated until he grabbed her arms and tripped, causing them to fall together. As they came back up out of the water, Jack held her steady with his arms securely around her waist. Her arms had moved up his arms and landed around his neck. All either one could focus on was how close together they were as their hearts raced. Everyone else disappeared until Ben called out, "Are you going to kiss her or what?" Immediately, the spell was broken and the two of them separated in a flash.
After drying off in the sun, they all dressed again and started their descent. In some ways, going downhill was more challenging than climbing had been. Dark clouds filled the sky unexpectedly as they reached the most difficult part of the trail. A quick moving summer storm began dumping on them, causing dangerous conditions. Ben suggested taking cover to wait out the storm, but he was outvoted by nearly everyone who just wanted to get home in time for dinner. Reluctantly, Sarah forged ahead staying close to Jack, eventually holding his hand for support while not caring what anyone thought anymore. When visibility got down to almost nothing, they tried to slow down and stay close but a loud scream rang out as they were trying to make it down a small ledge.
Annie had fallen over a small cliff she couldn't see due to the heavy rain and hurt her leg. Jack sprung into action and navigated his way to her as carefully as he could. He had been trained in first aid, but rarely had put it to use prior to this experience. Once he reached Annie, she had both tears and rain running down her face. Jack checked her leg the best he could under the circumstances. He determined it was probably not broken and most likely a bad sprain, but decided the best course of action would be to put a splint on it just in case. He called for someone to throw down a backpack with their lunch supplies. He took two sticks he found near them as the rain started to dissipate, then used cloth napkins from the backpack to tie the splint securely around her ankle and lower leg. Luckily, visibility had improved and Ben was able to come help lead them back to the trail.
Jack easily hoisted Annie into his arms to carry her, and Sarah noticed she didn't seem too upset about it by the way she sighed and laid her head on his chest with her arms around his neck. Why was she wishing it had been her who was hurt? Jealousy and anger threatened to rage in her heart, but Sarah focused instead on the amazing poise and knowledge Jack showed during a crisis. He really would be a great Mountie, she thought, smiling to herself. Grateful for the rain letting up, and the fact that they were less than a mile from home, the teens walked mostly in silence, engrossed in their own thoughts.
Work on the house was sometimes tedious, yet always fulfilling for Nathan. They had completed the outside, which made it easier to work when there were unexpected changes in the weather like the blast of rain currently falling. Knowing Jack and Sarah were out with their friends in the heavy summer storm hiking in some rocky areas, caused the Mountie in him to become concerned. Grateful he had insisted on Jack giving him the exact times and locations of their hike, Nathan put down his tools and went to his car to search where he knew the kids should be heading.
As the rain was letting up, Nathan was relieved when he saw a small group of them just getting off the trail and scattering in the direction of their homes, all wet and tired. His eyes searched for Jack Jr, but he hadn't appeared on the road as of yet. Sarah emerged looking upset, and Nathan stopped the car to wave her over. "Hey Sarah, is Jack right behind you?" he asked. She gave him a terse nod right before he saw Jack carrying a petite girl with a splint on her leg. Rushing to them, Nathan inquired about Annie's condition. After getting a rundown of the accident, Nathan felt proud of the way Jack had seamlessly handled a crisis. There was no doubt in his mind that the young man had law enforcement blood flowing through his veins.
Jack placed Annie in the front seat of Nathan's car before calling out for Sarah to join them. When she glared, he caught up to her and gently took her by the arm. "Please, come with us. I can't for the life of me figure out what I did to you. I'm exhausted from the day, and having to carry another person for almost a mile when my body was already spent. I don't like those other girls, Sarah. Isn't it obvious how I feel about you?"
Swallowing the lump in her throat, Sarah fell into his arms in an emotional embrace. "Jack…I don't know what came over me. You were the hero out there today. I can see you being a Mountie just like Robert, and your father, and Mr. Grant. If that is what you want to do, I know you'll be great. A ride home would be nice, thank you." They walked hand in hand to the car where Nathan gave them a questionable sideways glance as they got in the back seat of the car together. They first dropped off Annie at her house where Jack took her inside. Her parents immediately called to find Dr. Burton for him to come look at her leg. Appreciative, they gave Jack and Nathan each a fresh loaf of bread as payment for the help they rendered to their daughter.
Next they drove down the road to Sarah's home. Jack walked her to the door where she once again gave him a hug and smiled before going inside. When he got back to the car, Nathan decided it was time for a little father/son talk. "Jack, I know you and Sarah have a strong connection and have built a close relationship recently. But you are only 15 right now, and you are still a bit young for any kind of a serious romantic relationship. I know I'm not your father yet; but I hope you know if you want to talk to me about anything, I'm here for you. I just don't want you to do things you might regret later."
Feeling embarrassed, Jack wasn't sure this was a conversation he was ready to have; but at the same time, he needed to talk to someone. "Did you ever kiss a girl when you were my age, Nathan? I mean, I didn't think I would even be interested in that sort of thing yet, but Sarah is just different than any girl I've ever known. I can't help thinking about her all the time."
Starting to regret starting the conversation, Nathan suddenly felt uncomfortable. "Well, um, yes I did kiss a girl when I was around your age. I had known her practically my entire life and was sure we would marry when we were both old enough; but when she found out I was going to join the Mounties at 17, she left me for someone who worked on his dad's farm just down the road. One thing you learn in Mountie training is self control. My dad was an example of the very opposite, and I am ashamed to admit I had some anger issues before I learned how to be disciplined. Son, the sooner you learn that the better. When it comes to women, you need to respect them and yourself, always making sure to keep yourself in check. At your age, it is more difficult with teenage hormones raging through you; but you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to do."
Letting what Nathan said sink in a little, Jack didn't respond right away. As they approached the row houses, he finally broke his silence and asked, "Do you regret kissing that girl?"
"Not necessarily," Nathan thoughtfully answered. "But your mother is the only woman I've ever truly loved, so kissing her is far more meaningful because I know we'll be together for the rest of our lives. At your age, friendship is the most important kind of relationship you can develop. Once you start pursuing the physical part of a relationship, it becomes more complicated and can lead you down a road you may not be ready for. If you have questions about anything, I am here for you just like Elizabeth has always been. I didn't have a father I could talk to when I was a young man, but luckily my training officers became that to me and helped change the course of my life."
They pulled up to the house and Nathan's shoulders drooped. "I appreciate it, but for now I think I'll take a bath and go to bed." They shook hands and both headed to their different homes.
Elizabeth was still at Robert and Allie's house when Nathan went inside, running cold water into a basin. Colleen was screaming upstairs, and it only took one look for Nathan to realize something was wrong. "Her fever suddenly spiked, and we are giving her a sponge bath to help bring it down. Luckily, she is still eating well so the fluids should definitely help. Why don't you wash up and take this basin upstairs to Allie and Robert while I wait for Dr. Burton. I heard what Jack did to help that poor girl. How's he doing?"
Worried about his granddaughter, and not ready to tell Elizabeth about his conversation with Jack, Nathan shrugged. "He said he was going to take a bath and go to bed. I think they got pretty tired on their hike; but he responded to that situation better than most guys I worked with over the years." As soon as he was washed up, Nathan took the basin upstairs where they worked to sponge Colleen, then dried her off and wrapped her in a light summer blanket. He offered to take her so they could get a break to eat the dinner Elizabeth had warming in the oven downstairs. Robert followed him and grabbed a tray of food for himself and Allie, while Nathan gently bounced the infant until she drifted back to sleep.
Doing her kiss test, Elizabeth declared the temperature to have come down, but waited for the doctor to confirm it with his thermometer. Watching Nathan with a baby had always been something that attracted her to him. He was so natural with children. "I'm going to take a plate over to Jack, then when I get back I'll take her so you can eat."
Jack had just finished his bath when Elizabeth showed up, and he was grateful for a plate of food to replenish his expelled energy. He scarfed dinner down before kissing his mom and barely making it into his bed before immediately falling fast asleep.
By the time Dr. Burton arrived it was getting late, but Elizabeth had the suspicion that Colleen's fever had broken based on the sweat soaking through her blanket. Satisfied it was a short-lived virus, he instructed them to call on him if the fever came back; but was convinced it wouldn't. Relieved, Allie and Robert went to bed with Colleen sleeping near them in her cradle. Nathan helped Elizabeth finish the dishes, then walked her to her home to say goodnight.
"Soon we won't have to say goodbye like this ever again," he whispered longingly in her ear, kissing a trail from her ear, over her cheek and onto her lips. "You were a lifesaver for Allie today. My sister Colleen died from a bad fever that they couldn't bring down, so her reaction today was based on past trauma. You are an incredible mother, Elizabeth."
Hugging Nathan tightly, Elizabeth gave silent thanks to God for the remarkable man she would soon share every aspect of her life with. "I love you, Nathan Grant. Thank you for your love and choosing to share your life with me and Jack. Loving Allie and her family is the easiest thing I've ever done. I'll see you in the morning." He kissed her hand, and she watched him walk back home with the knowledge that she only had to endure their nightly partings for another few weeks. She slowly climbed the stairs to her bedroom where she had slept soundly for hours just that morning, but the day had been so long and stressful that she had a hard time remembering what it was like to close her eyes and rest. Barely slipping out of her clothes and into a nightgown, Elizabeth collapsed on her bed and surrendered to a peaceful oblivion.