Summer had always been Elizabeth's favorite season. The vibrant colors, fresh flowers, warm sunshine. Yes Summer was her favorite but it was impossible to resist the charms of Fall. The richness of the colors, flavours, and scents. The cozy feeling that came with pulling out favorite sweaters. The crisp morning air on her walk to school. Fall certainly didn't disappoint.
Nathan announced one early October Saturday morning after breakfast that he would be taking the kids to pick apples at the orchard. Elizabeth decided to go along as well and was glad she did. A particularly hard to reach apple had proven the perfect excuse to sneak a kiss and some closeness with her husband. That evening, she and Allie had baked an apple crisp and prepared hot apple cider. It's was a deliciously sweet evening together and their hard work was enjoyed by the whole family. Next on their list was pumpkin pie. Thanksgiving was next weekend and it would be the perfect dessert.
Wednesday, as the children were let out from class, Bill dropped by the school.
"Bill! What are you doing here?" Elizabeth greeted him with a happy smile. This was certainly a rare occasion to have Bill drop by the school. Elizabeth continued gathering her books as she waited for him to speak. Bill forced a reassuring smile, unsure of how Elizabeth would take the news.
"Nathan got called away on a work assignment. Should only be a day or two. He gave me this note to pass along to you. There wasn't time to stop by and he didn't want to interrupt your class for this." Bill realized his attempt to brush off the seriousness of Nathan's work had lead him to say twice as much as normal.
A worried look painted Elizabeth's face as she reached for the note Bill was holding out. Her hand shook just slightly as she unfolding the paper. It had been many months since Nathan had been called away for work and Elizabeth vividly remembered how it felt to wonder if he was safe. In fact, it was her breakdown that day that had forced her to really look at her heart.
She took a deep breath. She was not the same Elizabeth now that she was then. She had faced her fears. She had opened her heart to the great love that was waiting in his arms. She had married him knowing his work may include danger. She could face this. And she would. For her own sake, but more so for their children who needed her to carry on on these days when his duty called him away.
Finally she opened the note. She saw Nathan's familiar script was written quickly.
Elizabeth,
I'll be home as soon as I can.
Give the kids a hug for me.
Love you with all my heart,
Nathan
Elizabeth read and reread it quickly. No details, no timeline. She knew to expect that. His work often required discretion and confidentiality. Still she was grateful for this note. I love you with all my heart too she replied silently.
"There's a fugitive that's been spotted around Brookfield. Nathan was called to help. It may take a couple days before he can be back but I'm sure he'll be home for turkey and all the fixings this weekend." Bill knew she needed a little more information so he shared what he could. He felt protective of Elizabeth but also knew her strength and courage. This was Nathan's first time being called away since they married. He'd do his best to check in on them over the next couple days.
Elizabeth thanked Bill for delivering the note and letting her know. She collected her things and began the walk home. Supper still needed to be prepared and she should let the children know about Nathan's absence.
Elizabeth was just putting a hearty yet simple stew in the oven when Allie and Jack came in the door laughing. Elizabeth was so thankful they were a family now. Jack adored his big sister and Allie was happy to often have him tag along with her. Being upgraded from babysitter to big sister was a pretty great feeling.
Elizabeth quickly put together biscuits to go with their meal and then sat with the children in the living room while it all baked.
Allie had picked up the book she was reading while Jack laid across the floor coloring a picture. Love filled Elizabeth's heart once again. This was a good life and she was certain in just a day or two, Nathan would be back here enjoying it with them.
"Your dad was called away for work today. He'll be back in a couple days." Elizabeth decided to just go ahead and say it rather than belabouring the point, making more of it than needed. After all, this was his job and his life. It wouldn't be the last time and it was important they accepted it as part of their life now too.
"Okay mama," Allie replied barely looking up from her page. Somehow, it hadn't fully occurred to Elizabeth that this was nothing new for Allie. She had waited at home for him many times before. The biggest difference was now she wasn't waiting alone, or at a friend's house, she was with her family.
"Okay mommy," Jack answered, copying his sister. This was all new to Jack. Having never known his father, the coming and going of a Mountie was unfamiliar to him but if Allie said it was okay, it was okay.
That night at bedtime, Elizabeth spent a little extra time with Jack, tucking him in. She read him his favorite book and sang to him quietly. Just as she thought he was settling in to sleep and she began to slip from his room, his little voice called out. "So dad will be back soon right?"
"Yes, my sweet boy." She loved hearing him call Nathan dad. He knew of his daddy. Jack would never be forgotten. But Nathan was his dad now.
"Before pumpkin pie?" Jack asked, sounding slightly concerned.
"I'm sure he won't miss it, Jack." Elizabeth spoke quietly and calmly, hoping he would fall asleep.
"Okay mommy. G'night."
Elizabeth wished him a good night, kissed his cheek one more time, and quietly made her way downstairs. The house she had shared with only her son for so long now seemed empty without Nathan. She slid the kettle to the hottest part of the stove. Maybe some tea would take away the loneliness.
A few minutes later, she sat on her front step, sipping hot tea, and holding Nathan's note in her hand. The light from her open door allowed her to read it again but truthfully, she had already put his short message to memory.
In the distance, she heard horse hooves beating quickly along the road. She sat up a little straighter but then the sound got quieter and more distant again. Don't be silly Elizabeth. He won't be home tonight. Maybe tomorrow.
Finishing her drink, she made her way back inside. Fall had made the evening chilly but the fresh air still felt good. She was doing this. She could handle it. She was a Mountie wife after all.
The next day, Elizabeth attempted to keep her hopes at bay. It was really only a day since Nathan had left and it was expected to take at least a couple. But technically it was the second day so she couldn't help but hope he'd be home before she went to bed alone again.
Thursday came and went uneventfully. Another day at school, another supper, another quiet evening. After the kids were in bed, Elizabeth made her way to the front step again. Wrapped in a thick blanket, she sipped her hot tea. Leaning back against the porch rail and closed her eyes and subconsciously listened for hoof beats again. She was so distracted by this that she didn't hear the approaching footsteps.
"Hey you," Rosemary spoke softly to not startle her friend. "I take it Nathan hasn't returned home yet."
"Not yet." Elizabeth replied, patting the step next to her. She was doing her very best to believe that he would soon be back with them. She hadn't fallen apart like before but as another day closed, she missed him dearly.
Rosemary sat. "I've seen you two out here many evenings," she smiled.
"It's kind of our spot." Elizabeth replied, a dreamy smile on her lips.
"He will be home, Elizabeth." Rosemary reached her arm around Elizabeth's shoulders and squeezed her close for a moment.
"I know." Elizabeth took a deep breath. "I thought the day had gone so well but the night is harder without him."
Rosemary was unusually quiet. Normally, she would have talked up a storm, reassuring, distracting but not tonight. Tonight she just sat with her dear friend and allowed her silent support to be enough.
Friday morning, the sun shone brightly in a clear sky. Elizabeth felt hopeful today would be the day. Nathan would be home and everything could go back to normal. She threw herself into her school day willing the hours to pass quickly until his red serge would come onto view.
When the school day ended Allie, who still seemed unbothered by Nathan's absence, made plans with Angela and Emily so Jack walked home with Elizabeth.
Waiting on their step was Bill. Elizabeth's heart stopped and raced all at the same time. She worked hard to sound composed and confident.
"Bill, Another visit this week. What's going on?"
"Well I thought it seemed like the perfect day to give this kite another try. What do you think, Jackeroo?" Bill asked, picking up the kite from where it had been sitting next to him on the porch.
The Fall breeze was indeed perfect for kite flying and soon it was soaring above the field across from their home.
"It's only been a couple days." Bill said as he sat next to Elizabeth on the porch. Jack was doing his best to keep the kite flying, his eyes full of wonder and a big smile on his little face. Elizabeth felt like she could relate, trying to keep your hopes up and soaring when one errant gust of wind could bring it all down.
"I know. No reason to worry." It was somewhere between a question and a statement. Elizabeth was struggling to decide if she was handling this well or barely holding on. As time went on, it got more difficult. But it really had been only a couple days. He would be home soon.
Meanwhile, somewhere outside of Brookfield, Nathan and Gabe found themselves taking cover in an old mine shaft. The rain was relentless and just a small fire to warm themselves to make a hot coffee sounded like a great reprieve. They had found the fugitive and arrested him without much issue. Transporting him back to town was proving to be more of a challenge than expected. It was taking longer than they'd hoped but not wanting to risk their horses on the muddy, slippery trail, they were taking it slowly.
"Gabe, what did I tell you about our relationship being unhealthy? I thought we were going to let someone else have some of the fun." Nathan joked with his long time friend.
"What? There wasn't even an explosion this time, Grant. Has marriage made you weak?" Gabe teased right back.
"Not weak. But I have even more reasons to make it home. And I don't want Elizabeth to have to worry. I didn't even get to say goodbye before I left." He answered honestly.
Gabe put his hand on Nathan's shoulders. "I understand. I saw Lillian for a moment before we left. I can't wait to get home to her."
"I don't think we'll get any farther today. Maybe tomorrow the weather will clear and we can get back to our wives." Nathan smiled at the thought. "You rest. I'll take the first watch tonight." He added, taking another long sip of hot coffee.
That night, after supper at Lee and Rosemary's, Elizabeth tried to go to bed early, hoping sleep would pass the time. She was so grateful for her friends. Bill's visit and the time shared with the Coulter family had made this day much brighter.
The pitter patter of little feet in the hallway let her know she wasn't the only one awake.
"Mommy, will dad still be home for pumpkin pie?" his little voice was serious, tinged with sadness.
"Come here, Jack. Come snuggle with me. Yes, he'll be home in time for pie. And if he's not, we'll save him a slice." She hugged her boy tightly to her and in no time felt him relax in her arms, fast asleep.
Elizabeth tried to fall asleep too. Mostly she tossed and turned, longing for her husband to be safe, next to her, home. When she did sleep, she dreamed of a lone Mountie riding into town. "I'm sorry ma'am" was all he said while her world crumbled around her.
She woke up with a start. It was just a dream, a nightmare. But it wasn't real. Not this time. Nathan would come home. He just had to. In her bed, in the dark of night, she prayed. She prayed for her husband and she prayed for herself. She prayed until she felt peace fill her heart. And then she drifted off to sleep again.
Saturday morning, Elizabeth determined to make it a good day. She longed for Nathan's return. She desperately hoped he would in fact be home for Thanksgiving dinner on Monday. Their first holiday as a family. She wanted it to be extra special so she planned a trip to town to get a few last minute items for their dinner. Including the perfect baking pumpkin. The pie seemed especially important to her little boy.
In town, Elizabeth, Allie, and Jack stopped by the produce stand before visiting Abigail's Cafe where they enjoyed large, sticky cinnamon rolls. They visited the merchantile and stocked up on cozy teas and hot cocoa for the cool evenings ahead. They even took the long way home to enjoy the view of the Fall leaves around town. Elizabeth found herself wishing for Nathan's hand to hold as she walked, thinking of how much he'd enjoy the dessert they had eaten, and making sure to pick his favorite hot drinks as well. But she also realized, she was doing it. She was getting through his time away without constant fear, capable of carrying on, marking off the days, and making the best of them.
Back at home, Elizabeth was finishing up making supper and Allie was setting the table for 3 once again when the door opened.
Nathan. He was home. Jack jumped up from where he was playing and leapt into Nathan's outstretched arms. Allie hugged her dad, giving him an extra tight squeeze. Elizabeth stood back, trying to give their children a moment with him. When Allie stepped aside, Elizabeth nearly ran the few steps to him. Nathan met her in the middle of the living room. They wrapped their arms around each other and held on tight.
Allie maneuvered around them to get to the stove before the pot boiled over. Jack went back to his toys. And Nathan and Elizabeth remained in their own little world just a bit longer, lost in a kiss they'd waited days to share.
That night, Allie headed upstairs to read more of her book and Nathan put Jack to bed, happy for a few extra minutes with his boy. When he came downstairs, he found Elizabeth on the front step with a blanket and 2 big mugs of hot cocoa. Joining her in their favorite place, he took the mug she extended to him and wrapped the other end of blanket around his shoulders. Cuddled together, under the stars, right where they belonged. All was right in the world again.
"Jack was very concerned you wouldn't make it home in time for pumpkin pie on Monday." Elizabeth shared with a giggle.
"I would never miss pie!" Nathan replied with a grin.
"I missed you." Elizabeth said, suddenly more serious. "I missed you so much. I thought about you every moment. But I managed, Nathan. I prayed and I kept believing you'd come home. I suppose that sounds a lot less courageous than I was hoping but…" Her voice trailed off. She hadn't really done anything impressive. Just survived without a complete breakdown. Elizabeth looked down, ashamed to meet the gaze of the brave man next to her.
"I'm so proud of you, Lisbeth." Nathan's voice was sincere. He put a finger under her chin to lift her gaze back up to meet his. "I missed you too. I couldn't wait to get home to you. And from what the kids said this evening, you were great. You made happy memories with them and you kept our home going." Nathan well remembered her look of fear in her eyes when he had returned from the hostage situation last Fall. He could never forget her hug as she had realized he'd made it back alive from the prisoner transport incident. And he could only imagine a younger Elizabeth met with the news her newlywed husband wouldn't be coming home. He knew the bravery and strength it took for her to come through these days well and his heart filled with love and pride that she had done just that.
"Maybe I am a decent Mountie wife after all." Elizabeth attempted a joke.
"You're the only one for me," Nathan's voice was deep and sure. He pulled Elizabeth in for a kiss. She didn't resist in any way, so delighted to be back in his arms.
Monday, after much prep and baking and cooking, the Grant family sat for Thanksgiving dinner. Their table was full of delicious foods and their hearts were full with a new and profound thankfulness for one another and for their newly formed family. And of course, they each enjoyed a slice of pumpkin pie.
Notes: While Thanksgiving in Canada was celebrated on November 11 in 1921, I opted to go with the current mid-October date.