Watching the sunset for the last time on her unchanged plot of land that would soon see construction of a permanent home where she hoped to live out the rest of her life, Elizabeth sat on her log that had always been a place of solitude and retrospection for her. She ran her fingers across the initials her late husband had carved nearly two decades prior, which now seemed like a lifetime ago. As the sun dropped out of sight and the blazing colors began dissipating, she decided it would be wise to ride back into town before complete darkness took over. After a lot of negotiating, Elizabeth had finally convinced Jack Jr to let her take Newton out for his ride just this once; and she had almost forgotten how invigorating a brisk ride on a well-trained horse could be. She could see why this particular giant steed had been chosen for the Mounties and was impressed by how strong and energetic he still was even in his advancing age.
It had been almost a week since the incident in the library. Although a crew Lee had put together was starting to prepare the land for the build the next day, Nathan would not be back to oversee the project for a few more days. Before the two of them had even gotten a chance to discuss what transpired, specifically the almost-kiss, he had been summoned back to Union City for some final Mountie business and doctor appointments at the hospital to check his progress. Robert volunteered to accompany him, both in professional and personal capacities. Allie told Elizabeth that with some purpose in his life again, Nathan had decided to pack up his house in the city and move the rest of his belongings back to Hope Valley.
After mounting Newton, Elizabeth leaned down and patted his neck as she took the reins. "What do you think, boy? Is your partner ready to settle back down in a small town? I think he needs us both to help him heal, and Jack needs you and Nathan in his life to help him grow into the kind of man his father would want him to be." He seemed to nod in agreement, so she guided him to the road and trotted back into town. Jack Jr was waiting for them at the livery, where he untacked and brushed Newton before getting him settled into his stall for the night. Mother and son walked home together, discussing memories of Sergeant and the times Jack remembered Nathan's horse when he was just a little boy in Hope Valley. Both eagerly awaited their new home to be built and hoped they would get a barn and fences built also, to have their own horses and other animals once they were settled.
As the Thorntons approached their house, they noticed Allie sitting on her porch swing. Jack waved to her, then went inside to get ready for bed. Elizabeth walked over to check on her young pregnant neighbor. Allie patted the spot next to her on the swing and Elizabeth sat down, breathing in the evening air and staring at the full moon and sky full of stars. "How are you feeling?" she asked. "Have you heard from Robert today?"
Letting out a big sigh, Allie shifted in her seat and turned to face her former teacher. "Yes. I just got off the phone with him and my dad a few minutes ago. I came outside to enjoy the cooler air, since it gets quite stifling inside during the summer months. I was hoping they would be home soon, but it might not be until the end of the week."
"Oh," Elizabeth said quietly, trying not to sound as disappointed as she suddenly felt. "Are things going ok for them, or did they run into issues that are slowing them down?"
Trying to hide her pleasure at Elizabeth's concern for her father, Allie attempted to reassure her. "Everything is fine, they just have more meetings than they anticipated regarding the house and the Mounties. Dad is trying to decide whether to sell the house or rent it out for now."
Elizabeth nodded, knowing how hard it was to part with a place you loved. "Tell me about your home in Union City. I'm sure you made many happy memories there together."
Her eyes brightened as she thought about her years in the city after leaving Hope Valley. "Of course I missed my friends when we left here, but the school I went to in Union City really pushed me academically. Our home there was perfect for the two of us, and we both made good friends in our neighborhood. I think that is the hardest part of wanting to give up the home forever, because it really was our little community of family."
"I'm so glad you found that again," Elizabeth remarked. "I also want to know how you ended up with Robert so many years after you left Hope Valley."
Blushing at the memory of their love story, Allie rubbed her baby bump as she began reminiscing. "As you know, I had a crush on Robert for quite a while. When we left, I made him promise to write, but he's a boy and they aren't the best at keeping in touch. He went into Mountie training the year after we moved, and of course my dad kept track of him. Even though he gave me a hard time about liking Robert, Dad actually was quite fond of him as well. When I began college, I started dating a little and became quite determined to stay away from Mounties and that lifestyle. Much to my surprise, during my second year at the University I ran into Robert in Union City and found out he had been stationed at headquarters."
"Oh wow, it's almost like fate brought him back to you," Elizabeth marveled.
Allie laughed. "Nope, it was more like a man in red serge didn't approve of the men I was seeing and decided to step in and bring someone he approved of back into my life."
"No!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "I didn't know Nathan was the type to meddle and be a matchmaker." Both women started giggling at that thought.
When she finally regained her composure, Allie continued. "Neither of us knew until after we were married that my dad had suggested Robert for the position at headquarters, after hearing good things about him from other superiors at the fort where he was stationed prior to Union City. He wasn't sure we would even still have interest in one another, but from that first time I saw him again, I knew I would forever be in love with Constable Robert Wolf. We courted for only a few months before Robert asked my father for my hand in marriage and then proposed to me. Hope Valley was in need of a new Constable just after we were married, and again my dad put in a good word for Robert. We moved back here, and I was fortunate enough to get a teaching job since I had recently finished my schooling. God, and my dad, were able to help us get the life we wanted to live. I'm so grateful."
A comfortable silence ensued as Elizabeth absorbed the new information Allie had just divulged. Her heart swelled as she thought about the love Nathan had for his daughter, sacrificing everything to make sure she was happy and cared for by him and then helping guide her to a worthy and loving husband. It was the kind of person he had always been, and she just didn't understand why he hadn't committed his heart to anyone when he had so much love to give. "Thank you for sharing that with me. You have created a beautiful life together and I couldn't be prouder of you and Robert. Let me know if you hear when he will be arriving back home with your father. I just have some house questions for Nathan."
Not quite believing that was the only thing she wanted to discuss with her father, Allie just nodded. "I will let you know when they plan to be back. I better try and get to bed. Thanks for coming to say hi." She embraced Elizabeth as they both stood to go their separate ways. Her plan seemed to be working, and she hoped her matchmaking would bring her dad the same amount of happiness his meddling had brought to her.
Taking a deep breath, Nathan walked into Mountie Headquarters for the final time as an officer. He would sign his official retirement paperwork and start receiving monthly pension payments starting immediately. Robert had offered to be there for support, but Nathan wanted to do this final act himself. He sent his son-in-law to get his car ready for their drive back to Hope Valley. Wearing his Superintendent red serge one final time, he ran his fingers over all of the pins and medals he had earned through the years. He held his hat as he entered the building and did his best to walk without the use of his cane.
"Superintendent Grant!" he heard a familiar voice shout. Nathan turned to see Inspector David Marshall coming toward him. "It's so good to see you, brother!" Both men embraced and slapped each other on the back. "Things haven't been the same around here without you, but retirement does have its perks. How's the injury?"
Chuckling at his friend's infectious excitement, Nathan couldn't deny the thrill he had being back at a place he had worked for many years with great friends. "I miss you all too, but I will admit it has been a nice change of pace to be back in a small town with my daughter. Doctors say my leg is improving, but it could be a few months before I can walk normally again. I really don't feel old enough to retire."
Noticing the cane in his hand, Inspector Marshall wore a troubled expression remembering the day he had found Rowdy attacking his boss and having to put the horse down. "Are you sleeping ok since the accident? I had nightmares for a while but talking to someone and working with some of the calmer horses has helped. Speaking of horses, I have some news to share about Rowdy's mom." Before he could continue, Chief Superintendent Hayes entered the room and saluted both men.
After a return salute, Nathan shook hands with his former boss, and they made their way into his office. "Superintendent Grant, Nathan, I'm happy to see you looking so well. It brings me no pleasure in losing one of the best Mountie's I've ever had the privilege of working with, and my go-to Superintendent. How are Allie and Robert? I hear they are expecting a little one soon. I'm sure being with them in Hope Valley during this time will help bring you comfort as you heal and move forward in your life."
Clearing his throat to hide the many surfacing emotions, Nathan forced a smile. "Thank you. I will miss working here with all of you. But you are right that being with Allie and Robert as they prepare to welcome my first grandchild, has helped the transition to retired life immensely. Actually, I'm going to help some old friends build their home. You might remember Jack Thornton's widow Elizabeth and son Jack Jr? They have recently returned to Hope Valley to build on Jack's land he purchased right before he was married and went to Fort Clay."
"Of course I remember Jack Thornton's widow. How can I forget you asking for a transfer to watch over her and her son before your promotion to Inspector? Interesting that you both moved back there at the same time. I'm glad you have work to keep you busy, but let's get this paperwork signed so you have some steady pension income that you have earned over the past 30 years." Pulling out a folder and placing it on his desk, Chief Superintendent Hayes walked Nathan through everything, and they both signed all of the necessary documents.
As he penned his last signature making his retirement official, Nathan felt both a sense of sadness and relief. "Thank you, sir. Will you need the serge now, or should I just have it sent back later?"
"Keep your uniform, Nathan. Once a Mountie reaches the level of Superintendent, we don't expect to get uniforms back. It will always be a reminder of all you accomplished in your career. I know this is not the way you saw things ending, but maybe it is a blessing in disguise. Just know the RCMP is grateful for your years of service, and we honor your legacy." Superintendent Hayes stood and gave Nathan one final salute. "Superintendent Nathan Grant, I hereby release you of all duties related to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and wish you a long and satisfying retirement."
Nathan stood and saluted his superior, then left the office and hurried outside as fast as his limp could take him. Feeling stifled by his serge, Nathan sat on a bench and began unbuttoning his jacket; he ripped it off before working the buttons on his Henley. He looked at his watch, frustrated that Robert wouldn't be back for another hour to pick him up. Well, that is that, he thought to himself. Thirty years of work now over, with just this uniform to show for it. He closed his eyes, enjoying the summer breeze against his newly exposed skin. He ran his fingers through his long curls that had become unruly and decided a haircut at the barber down the street should be his next stop. Standing up and walking in that direction, he was soon met once again by his friend David Marshall.
"Grant! I'm glad I caught you before you left," Inspector Marshall said a little out of breath. "May I walk with you and discuss the horses before you leave town? I have some information you might find interesting."
"Come on," Nathan encouraged. "I'm going to get a haircut at our favorite barber, but you can join me and tell me all about the horses. I was so happy to get Newton back. I have Jack Thornton's son Jack Jr riding him for me until I'm well enough again."
Hearing Jack Thornton's name raised David's eyebrows. "Elizabeth and her son are back in Hope Valley? That is an interesting development."
Glaring at his friend who knew way too much about his past with the Thorntons, Nathan explained their presence back in town. "Yes, they are building a house on Jack's land. Her son is 15 now and looks just like his father. Elizabeth spent the past several years caring for her ailing parents. She's been through a lot."
"You've been through a lot too," David reminded him. "You deserve to be happy. I know getting to be there for Allie and Robert as they have your first grandchild will be wonderful. But you are one person I never understood not ever being married, and if the right person were to come along…again, you should see what happens."
His heart sped up just thinking about the possibility of pursuing a relationship with Elizabeth, but Nathan was still unsure. "Marshall, I just don't want her to feel sorry for me or obligated to take care of me. I'm not the same man I was a few months ago, and I'm not sure I ever will be."
Reaching the barber shop, David grabbed Nathan's shoulders and looked him in the eye before he could go inside. "You are the same person in every way that matters. Your wounds will heal, and you may not be able to run as fast as you did before, but the core of who you are is unchangeable. Give her a chance to see you for who you really are, and I have no doubt she will be head over heels in no time."
Running his fingers through his long hair again, Nathan felt grateful for the good people he had in his life to lift him up during difficult times. "Thank you for all the words of encouragement. Now, let's both go get haircuts and discuss horses. They are a little easier for me to understand than women anyway." Both men laughed as they went inside, just like they had done many times before.
Approaching her land a few days after the prep work from Lee's assembled building crew had started, all Elizabeth could see was a huge hole in the ground. Rosemary had driven her to see the progress after lunch on Thursday. Both women marveled at the size of the hole and were satisfied they had put it in the perfect location. After parking the car, they walked over to the worksite to take a closer look. On her way, Elizabeth instinctively rubbed the initials carved in her log. You would be so proud of this moment, Jack. Elizabeth thought to herself. I'm finally getting my dream home on this land.
"Oh Elizabeth," Rosemary gushed. "I know it's just a big hole right now, but I'm already envisioning your beautiful home on this spot. I can't wait to come here for dinner parties or just to say hello. Sunsets will be stunning from your front porch!"
Closing her eyes, feeling the sun on her skin and the breeze through her hair, Elizabeth already felt at home. "I know Lee has confidence in these men, but I will feel better once Nathan is back to make sure everything is done to his specifications. He really does have a great eye for detail."
With a smirk, Rosemary questioned her friend's motives. "I'm sure that is the only reason you want Nathan back in town," she teased. "It's ok to admit you enjoy his company and want to spend more time with him."
Butterflies went wild in Elizabeth's stomach, but she didn't want to give Rosemary the satisfaction of being right. "Nathan is just a friend and now working for me, so I don't know that anything else is going to happen between us."
"Even with the almost-kiss in the library?" Rosemary continued to badger. "Don't worry, I haven't told anyone else about that, but Jack Jr did tell Lee you two looked really flustered when he walked in on you."
Trying to change the subject, Elizabeth kept walking and surveying the work that had been done. "I hope we can move in by winter, but I guess we can stay in the row house until spring if necessary."
"Lee says if all goes well you should be in by October or November at the latest." Lunchtime was ending and the work crew began showing back up; so the two women got back in the car and drove back to town.
Late in the evening, Elizabeth was reading in the living room when she heard an automobile drive down the road and stop close by. She looked out the window and saw a car parked next to the Wolf's house. Curiosity getting the better of her, Elizabeth stepped outside and realized it was Robert driving a nice family car with Nathan in the passenger seat. Just then, he looked up and saw her, their gaze meeting and her heart quickly accelerating as she noticed his neatly trimmed hair and freshly shaven face. She didn't remember ever seeing him look so handsome, and color rose to her cheeks when Elizabeth realized she was staring. She waved, then decided to walk over and greet him.
Relieved to finally be back home and not on a bumpy road with Robert driving his fairly new car, Nathan couldn't help but look over at the house where the Thorntons were staying, right after the car stopped. To his surprise and delight, Elizabeth had come outside, probably having heard the car pull up next door. As their eyes met, she took Nathan's breath away with her natural beauty. Her curls fell across her shoulders, and she held a book which told him she had probably been inside reading before bed. A bright floral summer dress hugged her in all the right places, and he suddenly felt the need for a cool drink. As she began walking toward him, Nathan carefully stepped out of the car and used his cane to steady himself.
"You're back!" Elizabeth uttered breathlessly. "How did everything go?" She couldn't take her eyes off of him and noted how much younger he looked with his hair shorter and no scruff on his face.
Trying to contain his urge to pull her into his arms, Nathan instead focused on the discomfort his leg was causing after a long journey, to calm his racing heart. "It all went as well as could be expected I suppose," he answered, trying not to be affected by her intoxicating scent. Just then, Allie came rushing out of the house and ran into her father's arms.
"Dad, I'm so glad you made it home!" It was only then she realized he wasn't alone. "Oh, hi Elizabeth. Sorry I didn't let you know they were on their way home today. After they called, I fell asleep and then right when I woke up, I started making food for when they got back."
Elizabeth smiled. "It's fine, Allie. I'll let you all go get some dinner and rest. I'm glad you're home safely, Nathan. Why don't we go for a walk in the morning, and then we can talk?"
Trying not to feel too disappointed but knowing he would be in better shape in the morning, he agreed. "That sounds great. I'll be looking forward to it. Meet right here at 8:00?"
"Sure." Elizabeth smiled timidly as she made her way back to her own house, already wishing away the next 12 hours. Wanting to be refreshed for her morning walk, Elizabeth immediately got ready for bed and fell asleep with thoughts of Nathan Grant occupying her mind.