Chapter 2

Hope Valley, Late Summer 1921

Nathan

Nathan's eyes shot open as if a pistol had gone off. Beads of sweat formed on his brow, now furrowed as he tried to catch his breath. It was so vivid.

Colleen's radiant smile as she introduced her little Allison to him for the first time, passing the bundle up to him. How his hands completely enveloped the tiny, precious body. The delicate newborn smell wafting up to tickle Nathan's nostrils, simultaneously commanding him to protect and adore. "I'm going to call her Allie," Colleen whispered, careful not to break the hush that descended over the room. "Allie," Nathan repeated.

Nathan was completely enslaved by this minuscule taskmaster who had commandeered his heart. He looked over to his sister, awed by the perfection she brought into the world, her strength, and her beauty at this very moment. He almost felt like an outsider who had intruded on this perfect moment.

Nathan stood up quietly, moving to return little Allie back to Colleen, careful not to disturb the fragile newborn's peace as custody shifted to her glowing mother. He placed a whisper kiss on Allie's forehead. Then tucking a fiery strand away from his darling sister's face, he placed a kiss on her cheek. "I love you both. Thank you so much…" Nathan choked out the words. He was overcome with emotion and temporarily lost the ability to speak. Colleen recognized the look on his face and gave him a sympathetic smile.

Nathan's insides twisted as anger and frustration flared. Where was Allie's father? He should be there. Nathan waved to his sister as he backed toward the door and out into the misty fall air. He was on a mission to find the man and demand an explanation for his absence.

Nathan hadn't had that dream in years… Why now? He sat upright and edged to the side of his bed, dragging a rough hand over his eyes and down over his day-old scruff. Standing slowly, he made his way over to dress for the day and make himself presentable. A hint of copper in his peripheral vision drew his attention. Nathan stopped as he turned, searching to identify where "it" came from. Finding everything in order, he turned back to his task. He thought that he must be seeing things… or maybe needed to get more sleep. He chuckled to himself. Yes, that must be it.

Nathan completed his morning ritual and made his way into the stairwell, peeking over to Allie's door. Hearing only the cadence of deep breathing, he smiled to himself. It wasn't unusual for him to tiptoe through their home in the barely filtering morning rays. He couldn't blame Allie for sleeping a little longer on these lazy late summer mornings. School wouldn't begin for another few weeks, and if he were to be honest, he wouldn't have minded sleeping a little longer also. Gesturing in the air with an outstretched hand, he said quietly, 'Me too, kiddo. I guess I'll just get started on morning rounds a bit early today.'

Nathan hastily penned a note for Allie, then removed a muffin from the basket and set it aside for her. Then, taking one for the road, he moved toward the door with his serge draped over his arm and campaign hat in hand. Closing the door with care, he stepped out into the early dawn and took a deep breath.

"I will never get tired of this beautiful town," he said to himself. He stood for a moment to put on his serge and his hat. Glancing down the rowhouses to Elizabeth's house, he smiled wistfully and headed toward town.

Nathan was thankful his morning duties yielded nothing exceptional. He completed his rounds in record time, noting that it was a very uneventful start to the day.

Nathan turned Newton toward town. Newton tried to break into a run, knowing that an apple was waiting for him.

Nathan asked out loud, "Really? Am I that boring, Newt?"

Newton nickered a response.

Amused, Nathan replied, "Fine, I can't fault you for wanting your snack."

Arriving in town, the pair turned toward the jail. He quickly settled Newton and then went inside to catch up on some paperwork.

As the day wore on, Nathan's mind wandered to this morning's dream. The memory hadn't come to mind for so long. Nathan missed Colleen, and Allie reminds him so much of her mother. Nathan's heart swelled with love for his daughter.

When joyful memories of Allie and Colleen surfaced, painful ones usually followed. Nathan's insides twisted as he recalled the way the small child fell apart in his arms when Colleen died.

"What happened to my Mommy, Uncle Nathan? Where did she go?"

Oh, Allie. His heart broke. "Well, kiddo, your mom was hurt and didn't get better. She's gone to heaven now." Anger and guilt immediately followed, weighing heavily on Nathan.

Why couldn't I save her?

Why did she leave Allie and go back to confront Dylan?

Why didn't she wait for me?

These questions often led to others that didn't have an answer either.

Returning to the present, Nathan shook his head to clear his thoughts. Deciding to call it a day, he grabbed his hat and headed outside. Without thinking, he untethered Newton and headed to the stables. Tending to Newton would be just what he needed to unscramble his thoughts.

When he neared his destination, Nathan took in Main Street for a few seconds, wishing away the heavy feeling that settled over his chest. Out of the corner of his eye, another copper flash caught his attention. Twice in one day felt like less of a coincidence. Dropping the reins to the ground, he left Newton and moved quickly toward "it". As he closed the gap, the woman with long hair the color of shining pennies was walking toward the mercantile. Nathan couldn't believe his eyes, and his feet came to a screeching halt.

"Colleen?" Nathan called out, incredulously. He looked quite the sight, wide-eyed and mouth agape.

The woman turned, having been just close enough to hear the Mountie speak aloud. Nathan realized immediately that the woman was not Colleen. It was Mrs. Anderson, who waited for him to continue with a curious look on her face.

"Constable Grant? Did you need something?" Mrs. Anderson asked.

Shaking his head, Nathan quickly apologized. "I'm sorry. I thought I recognized someone else." He paused, then smiled, covering up his previous shock. "Good day, Mrs. Anderson."

Nathan tipped his campaign hat respectfully. He backed up slightly, turned, and headed toward Newton.

"Get a grip, Grant," he mumbled to no one in particular.

Lost in his thoughts, he walked very slowly. "Maybe turning in early would do me some good tonight," he mumbled to himself.

Elizabeth recognized Nathan as she stood at the stable doors and called out to him. She had only ridden Sargent for a short time, so if Nathan was heading out for a ride, she could easily join him.

"Nathan!"

He didn't make any movement to indicate he had heard her, so she called out again.

"Nathan?!" He reached where she stood. Elizabeth placed a gentle hand on his arm to gain his attention.

"Hello? Nathan?"

He suddenly looked up, disoriented. Nathan's face first showed confusion, then eased into a small smile when he realized Elizabeth was speaking to him.

"Hi, 'Lizbeth," he replied gently.

Elizabeth knew immediately something was not right. She returned Nathan's smile, but her nose and forehead scrunched in concern.

"Hi, I was calling you, but you didn't answer. Is everything okay?"

Nodding, Nathan said, "Yeah, 'Lizbeth, I'm alright."

Skeptically, she countered, "Are you sure? You really don't seem okay."

Nathan made a face and sighed. "Would you like to take a walk?" He gestured toward the path behind them leading toward the rowhouses.

Elizabeth nodded.

"I'll be just a moment." Nathan said. He settled Newton in his stall, and joining Elizabeth, the pair headed out.

Nathan stayed quiet for a few moments. Elizabeth allowed him time to organize his thoughts.

His mouth pinched as he began speaking. "I just don't know what's going on."

"Did something happen?" Elizabeth asked.

Nathan let out a heavy sigh. "I had a vivid dream about my sister Colleen last night, and today, I thought I saw her walking toward the mercantile."

Elizabeth gasped and abruptly stopped. She turned toward Nathan, grasping his arm. "My goodness! What a shock. Who was it?"

Nathan shifted uncomfortably. "It was Mrs. Anderson. She was as confused as I was."

"I can imagine."

"Lizabeth, I thought I saw something at home this morning, too. It really rattled me."

Elizabeth gave a sympathetic look. "Would you like to sit and talk about it some more?"

Nathan agreed. Elizabeth slipped her arm in his and guided him to a bench nearby.

"Can I share something with you?" Elizabeth asked softly.

At Nathan's nod, she continued. "In the months after Jack's death, I would see glimpses here and there and wonder if I was seeing things."

"And you thought you saw Jack in me too, at first."

Elizabeth gasped and replied seriously, "Nathan..."

Nathan let out a low grunt in frustration, but still curious, he shifted toward her.

Elizabeth sighed, "I know we need to talk, Nathan... about so many things. For right now, please know that I'm here for you."

She paused, then said fervently, "Please let me help you with this. You are not alone."

Nathan smiled. "Thank you, 'Lizbeth. You're helping just by listening." Suddenly chuckling, he said, "Or there is the distinct possibility that I have lost my mind."

Rolling her eyes at him, Elizabeth bumped Nathan's shoulders playfully with her own. Then she stood, saying, "I better get home and start dinner." Nathan nodded, helping her up to finish their walk.

They walked in silence, both lost in thought. When they reached Elizabeth's rowhouse, having long passed Nathan's, he reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. "See you soon."

Elizabeth walked up the stairs. She turned briefly to watch Nathan as he reached his front steps. She sent a small wave and a smile in Nathan's direction before stepping inside.