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Nathan & Elizabeth: An Epic Love
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Chapter Thirty-One
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Celebrations
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Part II
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"Ladies and Gentlemen of the great town of Hope Valley, we come to you today first to see this beautiful Gazebo-like structure that has been donated to each of you by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Let's give our Mounties a round of applause!"
The town clapped enthusiastically, though still wary of what was to come.
"On this special day, it is my distinct honor and pleasure to introduce to you Deputy Commissioner Hal Blevins, 2nd in command of the RCMP, and my colleague and best friend from my own Mountie training to my Inspector days. I'm here to tell you, they don't come better than Hal, and the fact is, he has some very exciting and unexpected news for each of us who love Hope Valley."
Bill noticed the Governor was standing by the Mayor, and perhaps he should have invited them both to the stage…yes, indeed, he should and would have in most instances. But somehow, he felt strongly that this day truly belonged to the Mounties, so he made a split-second decision and kept it as it was, feeling like that was indeed the right thing to do!
"Let's give the Deputy Commissioner, himself, another great big round of thank you's for both his gift and his visit!"
The clapping was even more enthusiastic, but the faces were getting more and more anxious to know what was going on.
Hal commandingly took the podium but with an air of excitement, friendliness, and assurance, too.
"Thank you for having me, and thank you for loving the Mounties who have served this town, past and present. The two men who have served under me in this fine city are none other than Constable Jack Thornton and former Constable Nathan Grant! And your Judge? Well, Bill is correct: he and I go way back. Maybe even a little too far back, but always as equals in rank and best friends at heart!"
There was gentle laughter at the Deputy Commissioner's choice of words.
It was the use of the word "former" that set off alarms for all.
"I want to say right up front, Hope Valley isn't losing Nathan Grant, though in many wonderful ways, our whole country is gaining him. In fact, in addition to this great man you've grown to love and respect, you are gaining these new six men behind me, who are all ready to serve each of you to the very best of their ability!"
There were more murmurs, but the temperature of the crowd had at least seemed to cool a bit now that they knew Nathan wasn't leaving. But why wasn't he still their Constable?
"First, allow me to introduce to you the man you know very well while loving and respecting him most deeply, formerly Constable Grant, but newly promoted to one of the most prestigious positions in the Mounties, reporting directly to me and Commissioner Conrad Donaghy, I present to you Chief Inspector Nathan A. Grant of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police."
Hal gave the podium to his Chief Inspector to thunderous applause, though they softened it when he began to speak, wanting to not miss a single word.
Nathan paused for a moment, but his eyes went to Elizabeth's. Then, breathing a sigh of contentment, he was fine, ready to explain and to present his men in exemplary fashion.
"This morning, I was deeply honored to be offered the position of Chief Inspector, which, with great consideration, I have accepted. This means I will assume responsibility for all the inspectors across Canada. Though there will be some travel, I am proud to say Hope Valley will be both my home base and my office base. But, in order to do this massive job the way it needs to be done, my new, initial staff is standing behind me. And in the short time I have known them, I am beyond impressed and thrilled to have them with us."
"First, will Staff Sergeant Finn please step forward?"
"Staff Sergeant Finn is literally the best of the best. He has spent his exemplary career training our recruits at Depot in the fine art of equestrianship. Staff Sergeant Finn is also highly trained in the mechanics of running an RCMP Office and has the leadership skills it takes to run a network of Territory Offices. He will be helping me manage our own Territory's administrative workload and will also oversee floating coverage for Benson Hills and Rock Creek. He will accomplish all that with attention to detail, and first and foremost, consideration of your needs with the assistance of these two fine Constables I'm about to introduce you to."
"Constable Andrew Taylor and Constable Zane Morgan, will you both please step forward and stand by Staff Sergeant Finn?"
"These two young men graduated in the top ranks of their class and are more than ready to be out in the field putting all their knowledge to use. Andrew is both an animal and music lover, who is also a great team player; humble yet very bright and observant. Zane's passions include sports of all kinds, and yes, I have already nabbed him for our Ty Cobb Baseball Team! He's a bit of a prankster, so fair warning there, but he is also a great team player who is smart and not afraid to take a risk when it is necessary!"
"Get to know these three industrious men and give them a Hope Valley welcome as only you can give, as they are now your protectors."
"Though I will sincerely miss being your Constable, I know I couldn't be leaving you in better hands, and for that, I am most grateful."
Spontaneous clapping of appreciation broke out.
"I am also most grateful that I get to stay in Hope Valley with all of you, the town, and people whom I love, who are now my family and friends."
Another round of clapping continued before the crowd quietened again.
"My office will move from the RCMP Office to the second floor of Judge Avery's Office, until eventually, the Mounties will build a state-of-the-art center for Investigation and Forensics on the outskirts of town, where we are currently looking at two possibilities, depending on what our architects recommend. However, we do know that no matter which location is chosen, the facility will be like no other in existence, and it will bring jobs to Hope Valley, but in a way that doesn't disturb the integrity of what makes our town so special."
"Obviously, I need a second team working with me in that office, and they are also behind me. First, I'd like to ask Special Sergeant Alex O'Reilly to step forward."
Allie went pale.
'So, this is the guy that was so rude!' she thought. 'And just my luck, he's a Mountie!'
"Newly promoted Special Sergeant O'Reilly is now serving as my Personal Assistant. He is as bright as they come and every bit as honorable, willing to delve into this exciting world of unknowns with me, no matter the maximal effort it will take. And for that, I am most grateful," introduced the Chief Inspector.
And with that, Allie was aghast.
'My Papa's personal assistant? I can't believe this! I'll be a hundred before I meet anybody! And did that obnoxious boy just wink at me? And now he's smirking? Who does he think he is?'
But then Allie realized something most important.
'Wait, he doesn't know who I am! I might be able to have some fun with this, after all!'
"But the job is so vast, it can't be done alone. Corporal Peyton Hubbard and Corporal Jacques Landry, will you both please step forward?" continued the Chief Inspector.
Upon hearing the name, Angela's face lit up. The problem was, though she didn't see it, Corporal Peyton's face lit up, too!
'Pul…eaze!' steamed Allie, who clearly saw both faces grinning from ear to ear.
Allie was completely disgusted and thoroughly exasperated by now. She was going to have to talk some sense into Angela before that girl was lost, drowning in a sea of puppy love.
"We are blessed to have these two fine Servicemen whose passions involve everything related to the criminal mind and the crimes that the bulk of our Inspector's force deal with every day. They will be tasked with helping me with the various top investigations going on across our great country. Corporal Peyton has studied crime and the criminal mind since childhood, ever intrigued as to why and how, taking that knowledge for us to learn from. He also has a very high family standard to meet, as he is a direct descendant of William Peyton Hubbard, the famous inventor and politician. Corporal Landry is just as committed and just as passionate but with differing strengths in analyzing a given situation, sifting out the details that matter, perfectly complementing the rest of us. He is also an avid golfer who is going to give our own beloved Judge Avery a run for his money!"
Everyone broke out in laughter as the Judge made a comical frowning face as if to defend his title, followed by clasping and raising his hands in a sign of certain victory!
"Thank you, Gentlemen!"
"Let's give all these fine men who are committed to making our world safer a nice solid round of applause of welcome and appreciation!"
The crowd did just as they were requested.
"I am hoping each and every one of you give all these men who are here to serve you the same love and consideration you have given and continue to give me! That is all I ask because I know you are going to love them all, and in a year's time, we won't even remember a time before today when they weren't with us."
"From the depths of my heart, thank you for giving me the opportunity to have served you these past six years. Each of you holds a warm place in my heart, and that will never change, though the position has. I will still be serving you, just in a different way. Thank you in advance for supporting me through this new endeavor as well as my men!"
The applause was bigger than ever before, honoring this man who meant so much to them.
He had never failed them, and because of that, this town instantly committed to supporting him through this transition and onward while supporting his men as well.
Nathan nodded in grateful appreciation.
"And with that, I give the podium back to Deputy Commissioner Blevins!"
"Today, we are focusing on community, because as Mounties, our goal is each and every single day to address the needs of the people we serve, fostering strong collaboration, pride, and social ties among us, all the while improving our quality of life in every way possible. Just as we Mounties always get our man or woman, as the case may be, we also attempt to empower our local communities, building confidence while teaching new skills. For it's in working together we build stronger communities, optimal environments in which we can live more comfortably and more safely. We strive to value each member and include everyone for the greater good of said community. When we lock arms together, we all benefit in unimaginable ways! And that results in a vibrancy that can't be taken away, a spirit of togetherness that's invincible, a climate of prosperity in a way that we all benefit."
"When we senior Mounties determine who will fill our various positions, that is a responsibility we take very seriously. Because the truth is, we are only as good as our officers who lead us with courage, merit, service, and valor. In reviewing Chief Inspector Grant's qualifications to lead the department we feel he can best serve us in, it was made abundantly clear, this quiet, humble, yet most honorable man simply did his job to the very best of his ability, day in and day out, without a single complaint. Many times, he carried out the responsibilities of his profession under duress, understaffed, and under-appreciated, yet he trudged on. We simply couldn't find a better example of the honor we Mounties strive to always typify."
"Chief Inspector Grant's motivation has never been medal, or money, or recognition of any kind. He just wanted to lay his head down at night and know with certainty in his heart he had done his best by the people he served."
"In reviewing his work, Commissioner Donaghy and I were mortified that while this Mountie was out exemplifying what we stand for time after time, instead of the accolades he so royally deserved, often he got flack, sometimes ridicule simply for doing the honorable, the right thing!"
"Through it all, this remarkable Mountie stands tall, both figuratively and literally. He is a quiet man with unwavering dedication who demands exemplary service of himself, and we are the beneficiaries. It is that exemplary and tireless service even in great adversity that reflect on all the virtues we Mounties hold dear."
"It is with great pride we honor this esteemed Mountie for his long service and outstanding contributions to the betterment of your community, our country, and in some instances other countries as well."
"Chief Inspector Grant, will you please step forward as Judge Avery assists me in the giving of the medal and certificates:"
Nathan, surprised and not a little embarrassed, stepped forward.
"It is with great pride we honor you on this special day for continued honorable service far above and beyond that required, via these few highlights over the years, that should have already been honored. To no one's surprise who knows him, there are too many to list, so suffice it to say, more commendations are coming, but today we're righting several erroneous omissions that have been brought to our attention, and have been more than earned."
"Chief Inspector Grant, years ago, you were sent out alone to follow a band of cattle rustlers. You not only followed this large band by yourself, you followed them to the Canadian-American Border, knowing if you didn't stop them all at that very moment, justice would never be served for the vast number of people whose livelihood they had stolen. I've thought about this long and hard, and this I know for certain: we have very good Mounties, even great Mounties, but I'm hard-pressed to think of one, that would have acted as bravely and as courageously and as meritously, and as successfully as you did that day at the border. Alone, you managed to arrest the entire lot of rustlers, bringing them all safely back to your Superior Officer, where they faced a judge and justice, paying severely for their many crimes. For that day, on behalf of Commissioner Donaghy and myself, it is our profound honor to present you with The Medal of Meritous Conduct, which you have more than earned. May you wear it with well-deserved honor and pride, and may you place your Certificate in a position of the same! For the erroneous grievous actions you faced as a result, never once complaining but facing them like the honorable man you are, we deeply and wholeheartedly apologize. You, as a Constable, were right; our Officers were regrettably wrong."
The Deputy Commissioner pinned the medal on his Chief Inspector's uniform, smiling as he gave the medal an extra pat.
"Thank you, Sir!" saluted Nathan at attention.
His superior officer returned the salute.
"The next medal is The Medal of Courage, which is being awarded for a more recent remarkable feat. The purported Casimir Shaw, the number one most wanted criminal in both Canada and the United States, you not only captured, you and Judge Avery did it almost single-handedly with the help of your Governor, Editor, and Teacher, another words your community. But you, Chief Inspector, as the Constable of their fair town led well, without a single person getting hurt. This case also solved the shooting of Governor Bouchard. For your vast courage, on behalf of Commissioner Donaghy and myself, it is our profound honor to present you with The Medal of Courage, which you have more than earned. May you wear this with well-deserved honor and pride, and may you display your Certificate in a place of significant honor as well."
The Deputy Commissioner pinned the medal on his Chief Inspector's uniform, again smiling as he pinned the medal beside the last one.
"Thank you, Sir!" saluted Nathan at attention.
His superior Officer proudly returned the salute.
"Next is The Medal of Valor. The water diversion debacle of past years under Governor Balfour's Term confused us all, and was not at all a clear-cut case for we can't live without water. Yet, you developed a comprehensive plan to protect your own citizens, as well as others, at all cost, keeping them safe, while maintaining adequate water supply for the entire area. You kept us abreast of the situation and offered your superiors wise counsel, that we would not have otherwise had access to, and for that, we are most grateful. As it turned out you faced a resident who had taken a hostage, whom it should also be noted is an experienced sharp-shooter who would go to any lengths to protect his land as most would, both facts which you well knew. Yet you negotiated the release of his hostage, by taking his place, as well as while dealing with a band of rambunctious Law Enforcement who were trying to force his hand, which would have most certainly ended in death. Yet you diffused all that upheaval with guns waving from all, everyone aimed at you, once again, you remained calm and even humorous, diffusing the situation, while taking over the command of the entire situation in no uncertain terms, and in so doing keeping everyone safe. That is the epitome of valor, and for that, on behalf of Commissioner Donaghy and myself, we are so very honored and proud to present you with The Medal of Valor. Wear it in well-deserved honor and pride, while placing your Certificate in a place of honor for all to see, as well!"
The Deputy Commissioner pinned the medal on his Chief Inspector's growing cache of medals, all well-deserved and overdue.
"Thank you, Sir!" saluted Nathan at attention.
The Deputy Commissioner retuned his salute with deep pride.
"Last but not least is The Medal of Long Service, served consistently and most honorably, in ways above and beyond that required. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are so very fortunate that you chose us as your career and profession. Your commitment inspires us, your honor makes us strive to be as honorable, and your bravery, your valor, second to none, leads us into new realms of what is possible. Chief Inspector Grant, on behalf of His Majesty, King Edward V, the Royal Crown, Commissioner Donaghy and myself, we are so grateful for your commitment, leadership, and most honorable and industrious service. And for many of the reasons that have been mentioned today, as well as others that are too numerous to mention, you have been asked to lead on the national stage, and you have answered that call with the same distinguished spirit of service, again with utmost humility and honor. Have we given you all the medals you deserve? No, we have not. Not even close, but these are the highlights, correcting omissions that should never have existed. Know that, in your case, those omissions only make these medals more important and more memorable, teaching us how important it is to serve with dignity, distinction, forthrightness, illustriousness, integrity, and profound honor. In doing so, you honor us all, and we are so grateful. Chief Inspector Grant, on behalf of Commissioner Donaghy and myself, it is our privilege, and joy, to in turn honor your esteemed and great diligent service. A heartfelt thank you from all of us for your consistent and unwavering commitment and dedication to us all. Wear this medal with inherent honor and pride, Son, and display your Certificate in the same way, always knowing we are so proud and grateful for your inspiring leadership from the field as a Constable to now the esteemed Chief Inspector of our great and vast country."
Deputy Commissioner Blevins pinned this medal, knowing it wouldn't be the last, praying a silent prayer for his new Chief's confidence, his safety, and his wisdom in this new, daunting endeavor.
"Thank you, Sir!" saluted Nathan at attention.
The Deputy Commissioner sharply and proudly returned his Officer's salute, this time saying, "God Bless and Keep You Safe!"
"At ease, Chief Inspector Grant!"
The robust applause was fast and furious, going on and on.
When the Deputy Commissioner stood back behind the podium, the applause continued, till he spoke through it.
"You know, I searched and searched for a medal that would fit Judge Avery throwing his Constable Grant in jail on his first night of service in Hope Valley, and somehow, my team and I simply couldn't find an appropriate one! Go figure!"
The whole town exploded in laughter, as Bill, with tears in his eyes, congratulated the once harshly and humorously treated man of the law who had become his son!
Deputy Commissioner Blevins allowed the crowd to enjoy their moment of fun, chuckling and laughing at a story well-known to all, while mostly celebrating this great man they loved who deserved every accolade he had just received and more!
"As for staffing and future goals, we hope this clarifies what has been going on right here in Hope Valley over the last few days. And we thank you for being patient with us. We come to help, not to harm, as your community is now our community, and we are in this together! To thank you, yes, 'we've gifted you this beautiful, huge Gazebo, but tomorrow night, we are gifting the biggest street party Hope Valley has ever seen, and you all don't have to do a thing but come and enjoy! We are having a Moonlight Dinner & Dance Party for all, which will start at the Queen of Hearts and the Café but will spill over into the streets. There will be a band from Union City, and the food will be catered throughout from Union City as well, in order to allow the Coulters and the Canfields time to enjoy the party, too for once! And the best thing of all, everything is free. There will be Mounties galore, but make no mistake, this party is yours! Come as you like, dressed in your best, ready to have fun like never before!"
The crowd was beyond thrilled, and all was well in Hope Valley again!
Well, mostly!
Though one Young Lady, full of pride for her distinguished Papa, was still pondering a certain young gentleman, the confusion of youth, and all that life brings…