Ray and Nathan had just returned from rounds and were talking with John when Elizabeth and Georgiana came into the office.
Well, what have we here? Ray said with a big smile. "Is there anything this handsome Mountie can do for you lovely ladies?
Elizabeth and Georgiana giggled at his antics while their husbands rolled their eyes.
"I doubt that," Nathan scoffed, already moving towards Elizabeth. "However, I think John and I might be of service to them. After all, we are even more handsome than you and have the advantage that they already adore us. Isn't that right, Elizabeth?"
Elizabeth's eyes sparked with mischief as she looked over at her friend. "I don't know about that. What do you think, Georgiana?"
Ignoring her husband's arms, who had come around her, she looked at the three as if considering. "Maybe we should have Joe do a poll or, at the very least, hold a contest." Georgiana teased before placing a kiss on her husband's cheek.
"You know you're starting to get pretty lippy, Mrs. Grant." Nathan retorted, enjoying the banter. "I'll have to do something about that."
Elizabeth hugged him and whispered huskily, "I look forward to your efforts, Constable." She blushed prettily when she pulled back, but her words prompted Nathan to pull her back and kiss her on her lips.
"All right, all right, that's enough, all you lovebirds," Ray said. "Especially when I don't have a special someone of my own yet."
"Well, there's always Alice, Brenda, and Amy," James mused.
Ray made a face," UGH! Don't even suggest that in jest. I may have to ask for a new posting."
"Or you can join Nathan, Gabe, and me in the happily married club."
"I can highly recommend it," Nathan said, giving Elizabeth a loving look. "Catherine is still here, and you know it is only a matter of time before the Valentine's Day Dance becomes the focus in town."
"If I'm lucky, I'll get a mission and be unavailable; we get fresh meat in, or Alice will continue to waste her time with Nathan." Ray lamented. "Although I really don't like what Elizabeth has to endure currently. It gives me pause about going the mail order route."
"Thank you for that, Ray," Elizabeth said, giving him a warm smile. Every time I visit town, it seems to be a regular occurrence."
"Don't worry, love, we will get it settled very soon." Nathan soothed, wrapping his arms around her in a reassuring hug and kissing her temple.
"I know. It just takes away my enjoyment of coming to town. However, I was raised to never run from a challenge, and I'm not about to start now as a Grant."
Her words warmed Nathan's heart, filling him with pride at the determination evident in her words.
Looking at the clock, Nathan turned to her. "Are you ready to go home?"
"I am. I was stopping by to say goodbye before I did." She turned to Georgiana and gave her a firm hug. "Thank you for sharing your story with me, Georgiana. It helps me to know I am not alone."
"You are welcome. Elizabeth. We mail-order brides have to stick together. If you ever need to talk, I am here."
The men looked at each other silently and knew something else had occurred. With a nod, Nathan let them know he was going to leave.
"Well, it just so happens that I am, too, so why don't we tie Newton to the back of the wagon and head home together?" Elizabeth's relieved smile was all the confirmation he needed.
A short time later, with Newton dutifully plodding behind the wagon, they headed home while Elizabeth snuggled close.
"Did you talk with Judge Williams about when the final papers will be ready, Nathan?"
"I did. He told me that they should be back on the 11th or the 12th at the latest." Nathan replied.
"That's good and should work."
"What are you thinking?"
"Well, Aunt Catherine, Aunt Agatha, and Father are leaving shortly after the 16th, and I would love for them to be there. I'd also like Gabe and Faith, though. Do you know when they will return?"
"Gabe called earlier, and they will, in fact, be back on the 11th."
"Oh, that means we will have to make some adjustments to our sleeping arrangements," Elizabeth said, sounding disappointed.
"Gabe and Faith have already thought about that and have arranged to stay in the hotel until your family leaves. Doc Stephens wanted Faith to keep an eye on the clinic while he and his family attend a niece's wedding so it all works out."
"I've missed Faith so much, though she hasn't been gone very long. I don't know what I'll do when we are sent to different postings."
"I have a feeling that you will make friends with whatever town we end up with, just like here."
Elizabeth blushed prettily. "Everyone, well, almost everyone I have met, has been so wonderful and accepting. I will miss them too."
"Well, if you think they are great, wait until you meet the people of Silverlake. They have made many requests and comments about bringing my Mrs. Grant to meet them after Gabe took Faith."
"Oh, Nathan, I would absolutely love that. Can we go by horseback?"
"We can, but we need to get some more riding experience with Buttercup under your belt first. Once you're more proficient, then we will look for a horse. Maybe even at our next posting."
Nathan was inwardly pleased with her excitement. As they continued, they discussed a few of them before settling into a comfortable silence. Though he knew he wanted to find out what else had happened, he wanted to give her a chance to bring it up first.
After 10 minutes of silence, Nathan decided to broach the subject, especially after watching her wring her hands in her lap.
"Lizbeth, did something happen at the dress shop?" He knew the answer when she refused to meet his eyes. "What happened, Sweetheart?"
He could see her fighting tears, so he pulled the wagon over to a stand of trees to give them a little privacy so he could devote his full attention to her. Gathering her close, he handed her his handkerchief and asked again.
"Helena had a visit from Mrs. Patterson, Mrs. Wentworth, and Mrs. Jensen while I was there." Georgiana and I were in the back. MaryAnn was there too and told us to stay hidden."
"I see," Nathan said, his jaw clenched tight. "I'm assuming that it wasn't a good one?"
Elizabeth shook her head as a few tears escaped down her cheek. "Oh, Nathan, it was awful. Not only did they disparage me, but they also personally attacked her too. The girls made up a completely different story, portraying themselves as victims. The mothers accused us of making fun of Alice, Brenda, and Amy because you showed Alice how much you still cared about her, and it made me jealous. Mary Ann set them straight, though I doubt, judging by the way they left, they really care." Tears began falling earnestly as Elizabeth dabbed at them with the handkerchief. Nathan hugged her tight, murmuring soothing words of love while alternating kisses on her temple and the top of her head as she cried. He was usually slow to anger, but now it was blazing at those who dared to cause his sweet Elizabeth to cry. Eventually, she was able to compose herself and dry her tears.
"Lizbeth, you do know that you and you alone are the love of my life?"
She gave him a shaky smile and nodded.
"I realize now that Alice never truly had my heart. Looking back, I get chills when I think of the mistake I almost made when I made the decision to propose. No matter what they say or do, I will never forget what I said. You, Elizabeth Thatcher Grant, are the ONLY keeper of my heart."
Nathan followed his words with a kiss that left no doubt as to the truth of his words, searing them in his wife's hurting heart. They acted as a balm and soothed her. After searching his eyes for a moment, she followed up with a sweet kiss on his lips before speaking.
"I feel the same about you, Nathan. You are my soul mate, and I think if we hadn't met, I would always feel like a piece of me was missing. I am so grateful and blessed to spend the rest of my life with you and Allie by my side."
Her words floored Nathan, and since he couldn't find the words to reply, he let his kiss say it for him. A few minutes later, they pulled back and got back on the road once again.
Hearing a heavy sigh, he knew something else was still bothering Elizabeth. "Sweetheart?"
"I'm alright, love, but what still bothers me is that because of our circumstances, I am considered an immoral, desperate woman because I married you in an unconventional way. It's as if people think I was a saloon girl before becoming a bride. Even though we know the truth, I feel that our love is tainted, although I would make the same choice again if given the chance. I don't regret it, and I don't want anything to change. After speaking with Georgiana, I know that this feeling will pass when we go to our next posting, and considering the source, it's even less significant. Besides, I feel like we were meant to be here together. Anything God creates is proper and beautiful; our love is certainly that."
"I completely agree, Lizbeth," Nathan replied. "If it makes you feel even better, those three families are the ONLY ones who don't accept you fully. I get endless compliments and well wishes about my lovely Mrs. Grant while going around town."
"I try to move through the world with kindness and compassion, but those women make it hard. Fortunately, I refuse to give them the satisfaction of knowing they are getting under my skin."
Nathan chuckled, "That's my girl."
The rest of the time, they talked about the book they had been reading together the night before and Nathan's day. Before long, they were pulling into the yard, glad to be home. Elizabeth helped Nathan settle the horses and the wagon in the barn. After grabbing the packages, Nathan stole a kiss, and they headed toward the house.
Allie ran outside upon hearing the wagon enter the barn. "Grandma, Grandpa, they are back."
Elizabeth smiled and leaned down to catch the flying body hurtling towards her. "Hey, sweet pea Elizabeth said, gathering her up and hugging her tight. "I missed you so much."
Allie giggled as Elizabeth rained kisses all over her little face. "I missed you too."
Nathan joined them and immediately caught the little girl's attention because of the packages he was carrying.
"Unca Nathan. Did you bring me something?"
"Maybe, but you need to wait until after dinner to see, OK?" Nathan replied, tapping her playfully on the nose.
Allie's lower lip jutted out for a minute, but then she nodded, earning more kisses, which she always loved.
While Elizabeth was occupied with Allie, William and Catherine pulled Nathan aside to let him know Grace had called to speak with Elizabeth after reading her letters.
"Upon hearing what was happening with Alice, Grace and Julie want to come," William said. "How do you think she will react?"
"I'm not sure if now would be a good time. There was yet another confrontation at the dress shop between Helena and the mothers of Alice, Amy, and Brenda." Nathan said.
"I had a feeling they were up to no good when MaryAnn and I saw them as we left the café," Agatha said, coming up behind William.
"I think at least we should wait until after dinner and Allie is in bed," Catherine suggested.
"You and Elizabeth also need to talk, William, and that should happen before Grace arrives." Agatha mused. Then, looking at Nathan's look of wariness added, "If Elizabeth is ready, of course."
"As long as you understand that Elizabeth has to agree, then I think it would be okay. But I won't let her be pushed into something she isn't ready to do." Nathan said firmly.
"That goes without saying, Son," William said with a pleased smile. Nathan gave a quick nod before they all headed into the house.
Authors Note: I have a good chunk of the next chapter done and plan to update weekly. However, I am in Florida and having to deal with Milton, though I am in the Northeast, so I am not on the front line. Additionally, I hope to start bringing other stories online soon as well, though it will be slow. But no worries because ALL of my stories will be completed.