Lucky to be loving you

Chapter 29

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The day had come for Gunther's party. Bill felt badly when it got back to him via Molly, that just about all the townsfolk wanted to attend. He wanted to keep it small, so when some stopped him in town, they'd ask if they could at least stop by. Bill knew the folks wanted to give him cards, gifts, and hugs, wishing him well. So, Molly suggested they asked Gunther and Hannah to come to Billees an hour before the dinner, to allow others to enjoy his promotion and say goodbye.

It was going to be a long day starting with church in the morning. Pastor Joseph focused his sermon about the love that God provided, laying his life down for us and comparing it to what every Mountie risks when he is on duty. He recalled stories of when Gunther first came to town, with some laughs but how he has grown to be loved by the community. Joseph shared how Gunther coached the boys in town with their baseball team and worked with the Boy Scouts teaching them how to camp and make campfires.

Near the end of the service, Joseph called Gunther to the front of the church and laid his hands on his shoulders, giving him a blessing, "The Lord bless thee, and keep thee. The Lord make his face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."

Joseph shook Gunther's hand and then embraced him. The congregation all applauded, while Hannah started to cry. Rosaleen sitting next to her mother, Molly and Bill, got up and quickly ran to the front of the church and out the door. Molly squeezed Bill's hand.

"I better go after her," she said worried.

"Maybe, she needs to be alone," Bill advised, "She doesn't want her mother to tell her it's going to be okay, because right now, she can't think like that."

Molly sighed and nodded, knowing her husband was right. Everyone stood up and started to sing, "Amazing Grace." Gunther went back to his pew and sat with his mother who gave him a big hug. Luckily, with everyone standing, he didn't see Rosaleen rush out the door. Nathan watched him beaming with pride.

When the service ended, people were coming up to Gunther and thanking him for his service, congratulating him on his promotion, and wishing him the best. Bill and Molly invited them to come by Billees at 1:00 to share his promotion accolades and see him off. As the congregation slowly departed, Gunther spotted Rosaleen off in the churchyard standing under the tree watching him.

Gunther told Andy to stay with his mother while he left to join Rosaleen. Watching Gunther walking towards her, Rosaleen was fighting her tears. Biting her lip, she stared into his eyes. She saw his sorrow for having to leave her and gave him a warm but long hug. Gunther smelled Rosaleen's perfume and closed his eyes taking in the feel of her embrace. He fought back his own tears and when he pulled away, brushed her beautiful red hair from her face and kissed her.

He didn't want to make a scene, so he kept it quick and whispered in her ear, "We'll take a walk later tonight."

Rosaleen understood, and wiping her face with her handkerchief she put her arm through Gunther's and walked over to join his mother, Hannah.

Right away, Hannah greeted Rosaleen with a warm hug and asked her to sit with her later at Billees. Rosaleen immediately felt comfortable with Hannah and relaxed agreeing to sit with her.

Nathan walked over to Andy and Gunther. "Men, I expect to see you in an hour over at Billees. Staff Sargent Christopher Herrmann will be there as well as Constable Gabe Kinslow, so make sure you both wear your serge." He knew that Christopher Herrmann would be all decked out and so would Gabriel Kinslow.

"Yes, sir!" Andy answered.

When dropping Hannah, Christopher and Andy to the row house, Emily took it upon herself to say, "Hannah, honey, since we'll be eating pork ribs with sauce, I'd hate for you to get your lovely gloves stained, so why don't you leave them home?"

Hannah laughed, "Of course, silly me, I am so excited for Gunther I wasn't thinking."

At the Grant house, Dee was counting on Allie to keep Christopher happy so she could tend to Colleen. As she brought Colleen downstairs all fed and dressed, she asked Nathan to put the buggy in the back seat of their automobile. Bringing her baby carriage to Billees, Colleen would have a place to nap. Nathan's first trip to Billees he dropped off Dee, Allie and the little ones, then went back for his parents, Hannah and Gunther. When he walked in with them, the other Mounties were there.

Emily, Hannah, and Rosaleen marveled at how handsome the men looked in their red serges as they definitely stole the show. Before the dinner, as planned, people from the town came by. On stage, stood Staff Sargent Christopher Herrmann and Constable Gabriel Kinslow from Brookfield. When Superintendent Grant walked up everyone took a seat. Although, Bill was no longer an official Mountie, Nathan asked him to join them.

The Canadian flag was standing proudly on the stage and Nathan asked everyone to join in singing "O Canada."

"Thank you for coming. It is bittersweet for me to say goodbye to Constable Gunther Bermeister. Among the most important factors that distinguishes the trainees from the mediocre ones is their quality and exemplary courage. Gunther has proven this in his actions during the train robbery. With his quick-thinking and command of the situation, he saved lives that day."

The people all cheered and clapped. Hannah and Rosaleen burst into great big grins and stood up clapping until their hands hurt.

Nathan motioned for everyone to sit down, "He not only served our town bravely, but his friendship with all you has been quite remarkable. His dedication in helping the youth here whether in the Scouting program or coaching the baseball team, had been greatly appreciated not only by the boys, but their parents as well."

The boys all whistled and chanted, "Gunther! Gunther!"

Nathan laughed, "He also was a willing helper with our young adult group, the Hopefuls, who many times managed our community gatherings, like today. Their help often times went unnoticed, but was deeply appreciated by all of us."

"Yes! Yes!" Flo and Ned stood up and led the group in more clapping.

Nathan waited for the folks to quiet down, "Constable Gunther Burmeister, will you please join me now on stage."

Gunther slowly walked to the stage looking at his room mate and buddy, Andy.

"Superintendent, may I ask that Andrew Roberts join me?"

Nathan nodded, "Of course."

Andy's face lit up with a big grin as the two of them walked up on the stage and saluted. Andy went to the back and stood next to Bill.

Staff Sargent Christopher Herrmann walked up to the front of the stage with Nathan and Christopher.

Addressing Christopher, Nathan's voice cracked as he announced, "Staff Sargent Herrmann, I am proud to present to you Constable Gunther Burmeister to be your Mountie in Buxton."

Gunther saluted Christopher who returned the salute.

"You are very fortunate to have this Constable working for your town, and I know he will serve and protect Buxton with honor and integrity!"

Staff Sargent Herrmann held out his hand to Constable Burmeister and the two men shook hands while the audience stood up again bursting in applause.

After the long applause, Gunther was congratulated from all the Mounties on stage and then by the crowd. There was a table of appetizers, coffee, and lemonade ready. Also, a basket was set for any cards and room for any gifts.

When the room emptied and just the Mounties, family, and good friends remained, Bill tended to the pork ribs that were roasting with buttered potato slices, and soon it was time to eat their dinner. Pastor Joseph said grace and dinner began. It was such a happy time for everyone who was there and for a little while Rosaleen and Gunther enjoyed the merriment.

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After the goodbye party and dinner drew to a close, Gunther grabbed Rosaleen's hand and walked with her outside. The two strolled over to the pond and walked slowly around it, remembering many a walk there before, when trying to skip stones across the pond or when Gunther put a worm on the end of the fishing pole for Rosaleen, so she wouldn't have to touch it, or sitting with their feet dangling in the water just talking after working with the Hopefuls at a town event. They grew closer and that's when their friendship finally grew to more.

So as they continued walking slowly heading into town they were taking in all the sights so that Gunther could hold them in his memory. Looking in at the livery where Smoky his horse was waiting for him he went in and they gave him some attention. Then they continued down the street to The Mercantile and the Hardware and Garden Store, plus Minnie's Cafe. Across the road they went to Henry's office, following along the boardwalk past Nichols and Dimes, the Infirmary, and Dr. James School dentistry. Right up the road to the Savings and Loan, and past the Library. Across the street to the Valley Voice, Coulter Lumber, Dolly's Apparel Shop, Gowen Oil Office and back to Billees.

Everyone knew he was with Rosaleen and let them alone to enjoy their last day together in Hope Valley.

"Rosaleen, I don't want you to pine for me. There are a lot of good guys here and if they ask you out, don't hesitate because of me. You're much too sweet and pretty not to," Gunther encouraged her even though deep down inside, he was not happy thinking of her with someone else.

"Gunther, I really don't know anyone that wants to date me or I them. So, no worry, I'm not even thinking along those lines," Rosaleen confessed.

Gunther smiled and wrapped his arms around Rosaleen. I will always treasure our time together," he spoke softly as he bent down to kiss her goodbye.

The next morning Gunther left on his horse, Smoky, riding all the way to Buxton. His mother, Hannah was not willing to ride with him, laughed at his offer, but gladly accepted an automobile ride with Staff Sargent Christopher Herrmann.

Since Christopher and Hannah arrived before Gunther, Christopher took Hannah over to the row house he had been staying at when he was called back to fill in when the previous Mountie left. Now, Christopher would be moving back in the country re-joining his family, while training Gunther.

"As you see there are two bedrooms in this house. I'll stay in my own home, so you can stay here with Gunther for as long as you'd like," Christopher explained.

Hannah smiled, nodding her approval. While Christopher brought in her luggage, Hannah walked around and immediately started looking at the windows and thinking about new curtains and checking out the kitchen cupboards and pantry. Before she knew it, she searched her handbag for a piece of paper and a pencil. She stretched out her arms and estimated how wide the windows were so she knew how much material to get. Then she wrote down a grocery list of what she would need to cook for Gunther.

"Mrs. Burmeister, I put your luggage in the second bedroom upstairs. I'm going to the RCMP office while we wait for Gunther to ride into town. Please make yourself at home."

"Thank you so much, but may I trouble you to drive me to the general store, if you wouldn't mind. I've got some shopping to do," Hannah asked with a sweet smile.

Back in Hope Valley at the RCMP office, Nathan took a deep breath and asked Andy to sit down.

"Coffee is fresh," he mentioned to Andy as he handed him a mug of coffee.

"Thanks," was all Andy replied.

"It's going to be different around here without Gunther, but that means I'm going to count on you, Andy more than I have."

Andy nodded, curious to know what he meant.

Nathan continued, "You'll be in charge of the town rounds every morning and night. I will take care of the country rounds, but I will expect you to also help out a couple of days a week."

Andy gulped. He used to do the rounds but not every day and most of the time, Gunther and he went out together. Now, he was on his own and he was hoping he could handle it all.

Nathan noticed Andy's hesitation but looked at him over the top of his coffee cup, watching his reaction. It was exactly what he expected. This was going to be good for Andy. He needed to be on his own to realize he is capable of more and learn confidence.

"So, Andy, do you have any questions?"

Andy thought, then asked, "Sargent, are you sure you need me to do the country rounds too? I mean, I won't have much time to myself and..."

"Andy, you want to be promoted to your own assignment I would think," Nathan countered him.

"Yes sir."

Nathan nodded affirmatively, "That's what I thought, so I'm getting you ready to do just that. When a time comes up like the train robbery did, I want you to be prepared like Gunther was. You'll see yourself handling situations that you might not expect, but that's just it – unexpected happens all the time."

Andy thought about what Nathan was explaining to him and he knew he had to think on his feet now. All his training and watching Nathan and Gunther in action had shown him the way a Mountie's quick reaction could even mean the difference between life and death.

"We have to be alert and aware especially now with all types coming this way. There will be prospectors, loan sharks mixed in with honest businessmen, and strangers we haven't seen around these parts," Nathan took a sip of his coffee and continued, "Like the men you saw fishing. You realized they had no horses or automobile so it made you suspicious. Good. You have to follow your gut."

Andy realized he was now Sargent Grant's right-hand-man. Taking a sip of coffee, he looked straight into Nathan's eyes, "I'm ready sir!"

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Dee was dozing off outside on the porch swing in the backyard. She had been trying to sooth Colleen who was a very upset little baby girl. Dee had a good hunch that she was teething as she didn't feel hot, so she thought taking her outside and rocking her might help.

Emily didn't want her out too long as spring was just beginning, so when she looked out the window and saw Dee sleeping, she hustled outside to wake her up.

"Dee, honey, why don't you go inside and lay down with Colleen. Seems you're both tired," Emily quietly suggested.

Dee looked up and yawned, "Oh dear, I didn't mean to fall asleep, but I must be tired," she answered as she looked down at her sleeping daughter cuddled against her chest.

Slowly Dee stood up trying hard not to wake up Colleen. Once inside the house, she saw that Christopher had also fallen asleep on the sofa next to his grandfather, Archie. The two of them were very content sleeping side by side. Emily covered them up with an afghan she had knitted a few years ago when teaching Allie how to knit.

Dee nodded at Emily as she went upstairs with her sleeping daughter, carefully laying her down in her crib and covering her up. Still yawning she flopped on the bed and fell sound asleep.

When Emily didn't hear a sound, she turned off the soup she had been cooking, and decided it was time for her to lay down too. Dr. Carson had told her repeatedly to slow down and rest throughout the day so her heart wouldn't be so strained. After losing Colleen, and then Archie leaving her, all those years of running the farm by herself with only help from Nathan until he left for NWMP training, the stress had caught up with her. Now, she was still not slowing down, with Archie who needed constant monitoring with his dementia, and Dee and Nathan's two little ones, but she was with family and everyone looked after each other.

When Nathan arrived home, he opened the door and it was quiet except for a bit of snoring. He looked around and couldn't help but smile as he saw his dad and Christopher sleeping on the sofa. He stepped back outside to take off his boots on the front porch and then tiptoed back inside. Smelling the aroma of the soup he walked over to the stove and lifted the lid. Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath in, he knew it was his mother's favorite Gulaschsuppe, German goulash soup. He immediately needed to grab the spoon and taste a spoonful. Smiling he walked quietly and peeked in his mother's bedroom and saw her snoozing away.

As he sneaked up the stairs and checked in on sweet Colleen who was sound asleep, he glanced over at their bed and grinned. Dee looked so beautiful as she lay curled up napping.

He wanted to curl up next to her, but he'd wake her. Instead he grabbed his pants, suspenders, and flannel shirt and stepped into the hallway. Once he got downstairs, he went into the bathroom and changed into his casual clothes.

It was a good chance to go outside to his shed where he liked to do his woodworking. He made sure his shed was included in the building plans. All his tools were there with the wood that Lee let him take. Kevin Townsend was very accommodating too with scraps of wood left at the Hardware and Garden store saving them up in a wooden storage bin outside left for his taking.

Right now he was working on a wooden horse for Christopher. He had already made him blocks, trucks, and automobiles for Christmas and he enjoyed watching him playing with his grandfather, Archie on the floor by the fire. Now that he had learned to walk, he knew he could hold himself up on the rocking horse. Besides, it would give Archie a break to get off the floor and rest his back.

He heard Newton and Penny in the stable outside next to where he was. It wasn't time for them to eat, so he let them out to run around. Newton however hung around and nudged Nathan. He could smell the carrots in Nathan's pocket.

"Do you want something from me?" Nathan asked Newton.

Newton bobbed his head up and down and then coming closer stuck his nose in Nathan's shirt pocket.

"You don't like carrots, do you?" Nathan laughed. "All right, I won't tease you. You're just lucky I snuck carrots out for you and Penny."

Handing Newton his carrot, he called out to Penny to come back and get hers.

"Okay, you two you got your treat, now go out and run!"

Allie was just coming towards the house when she spotted her dad in the backyard.

"Dad, dad," she came running fast.

Nathan noticed she looked upset, "Hi Allie. Honey, what's up?"

Allie had a distressed look all over her face, "Dad, why didn't you tell me that Robert was being sent to Brookfield for his internship?" Quickly she buried her head in Nathan's chest and cried.

"Allie, honey, I left the office early to stop by the Hardware store and come home to eat as Andy is doing rounds. I haven't been back to the office for awhile."

"Dad, Robert told me he just got the letter today. You must've heard something."

Nathan brushed Allie's hair that stuck to her face from her tears. Look, Allie girl, I haven't gone through today's mail at the office, but if he's going to Brookfield, that's good news! Constable Gabe Kinslow is an excellent Mountie. Robert is lucky."

"Robert is leaving next weekend," Allie pouted.

"It'll be fine. Hey, why don't you take Penny out for a ride? She can use some exercise," Nathan suggested. He knew a horse ride would do Allie good as it always helped him to clear his mind. Penny came up to them, hearing her name and nudged Allie.

"Yeah okay, I better go in and change my clothes though," Allie said as she took off for the house.

"Allie," Nathan called out after her, "everyone is sleeping, so please be quiet!"

Nathan turned back to his workshop table and chuckled, "Yes, a horse ride always is good, right horsie?" he said as he continued sanding the wood pieces he was working with.