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Nathan & Elizabeth: An Epic Love
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Chapter Forty-three
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Engagement Woes
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As the word spread throughout Hope Valley that their Mountie and Teacher were finally engaged, Nathan and Elizabeth, nor even Allie, could go anywhere without hearty congratulations and a slew of questions being asked.
"But, Mama, I have no clue how to answer three-fourths of the questions!" explained Allie, needing further direction as to what to do.
''Oh, Honey! I don't know what we should do. I honestly don't. It feels rude to not answer but then some of what they're asking, well, most of what they're asking, I have no idea how to answer them, either! Yesterday was an absolute blur, and I'm afraid today hasn't been much better. Do you like this frame or the silver one?"
"The silver one is much prettier and simpler, and you know Papa, he likes simple things!"
"You're right! This one is much too fancy! I think I just grabbed a bunch so I could escape Mrs. Yost's constant barrage of questions!"
"Isn't that the truth! How many more do we need to frame, Mama?"
"I'd like one of you painting and one of Jack playing ball. Which two do you think?"
"This one of Jack hitting his first ball, definitely! That one will mean the world to Papa. But I never like my own photos, so you'll just have to choose one for me!"
"Oh, Allie, they're all so beautiful, I'm not sure I can narrow them down to one!"
And that was when Rosemary barged in, making her grand appearance without knocking!
"What are you two Beauties up to? Oh, and by the way, there will be no more secret shopping trips to Buxton! What were you two thinking, leaving me at home?"
"How did you know we went shopping in Buxton?" asked Elizabeth, nonplussed.
"And not once, but twice, as you well know! Although I will forgive the family outing with Nathan!"
"Again, how did you know that?"
"Elizabeth, it's very simple, really. After your engagement, I called my favorite dress shoppe to spiff up my wardrobe for all the parties we'll be having, and they just happened to mention they missed seeing me on your last shopping spree there! Well, imagine how left out I felt, and then I realized you and Allie deserved a Mother/Daughter outing alone, but I am to be included in the next one as it will be ages before little Goldie will be able to develop a real interest in fashion! Although she is fairly particular about what she likes and doesn't like already. Actually, her taste in styles is quite lovely, but between us, her taste in colors is just appalling! More like Lee's, I shudder to think! The more garish, the better! And come to think of it, the child seems to be inexplicably drawn to plaid. Oh, my word, a mother's work is never done!"
Both Allie and Elizabeth burst out laughing.
"She's two, Rosemary!" reminded her best friend.
"Well, as I always say, where style is concerned, one can never start too young! Isn't that right, Allie?"
"Yes, Ma'am, I guess so!"
"See, even Allie knows these things! What are you doing?"
"Choosing photos to frame for Nathan's office," explained Elizabeth. "We can't decide on Allie's painting photo as they are all so good!"
"Let me see. This is what I do for a living, after all!"
Rosemary studied the photos one by one, holding them up to the light, angling them just so.
"Definitely this one!"
"Why this one, Auntie Rosemary?"
"Look at the background!"
"I don't really see any background!"
"Exactly, my Dear! The entire focus is on you and your painting! That's the one. Always choose the one that showcases you without any clutter!"
Elizabeth and Allie looked through all of them again.
Then Elizabeth sighed.
"She does have a point…"
"But I want to carry one for Papa, too," complained Jack.
"Here, Jack, why don't you take this one? It's the picture of you throwing your first ball," explained Allie. "And Papa will love that one, for sure!"
"Okay!" and Jack was as happy as a clam for the rest of their walk into town.
As he scampered on ahead of Allie and his Mama, Elizabeth whispered to her daughter.
"Allie, I honestly think you handle him better than I do at times!"
"I guess it's because Papa and I are new?"
"I think it's because he adores you both and would do anything he could to please the two of you!"
Allie gave her Mama a hug, needing her to feel loved too.
"Well, Mama, that works both ways, you know!"
"So, it does! I honestly don't know how I ever made it without you and your father, Allie!"
"And we're just grateful we no longer have to make it without you and Jack, but especially you, Mama!"
"Allison Rose, that means the world to me…"
"Sir, Staff Sergeant Garrett McKenzie from Buxton RCMP Office is on the line," introduced Alex.
"Garrett, it's Nathan! Just checking in to see how things are going."
"Better than I expected!"
"Listen, I heard great things from your men at the Thursday night party. They were all delighted you finally took the lead position."
"That makes me feel good, Nathan! I couldn't have done it had you not encouraged me. But you know, it feels right, and I'm excited about our future as a team, too!"
"That's exactly what I wanted to hear. You were made to lead, Garrett, and you're going to make a great one!"
"Thanks, Nathan, that means a lot coming from you. Oh, your idea about having a weekly lunch with our habitual shoplifter? You should have seen her face when we suggested it. She was thrilled and hasn't shoplifted once since you were here! Which is pretty much a record!"
The two men chuckled together over the phone line.
"Sometimes thinking out of the box works! Not always, but sometimes. Glad this one did, Garrett, since, in the long run, it's going to make all of your lives a whole lot easier!"
"For sure!"
"About your Gypsy prisoner. A transport team from Union City is picking him up this afternoon around 2 PM. They are bringing him by our RCMP Office so I can attempt an interview. After, they'll take him on to Union City and keep him there till I get further word from Headquarters. Has he opened up at all?"
"He's asked a few questions about what is going to happen to him. I've been vague and have instructed my men to do the same, just as you suggested. And at least once daily, he's asked for his sketchbook back."
"So, he knows that's incriminating his fencer."
"Definitely, and as quiet as he's been, you get a sense of urgency every single time he mentions that sketchbook. If I didn't know better, I'd say the fencer has been applying pressure on the Gypsy King himself."
"Bet you're right. But no visitors?"
"Not a one! But they're getting the message to him in some way. Although we have seen a few of the children around town, again all attempting to steal what they can while begging for free money on the side!"
"It's such a sad situation. I'm hoping that given what all's happened, this whole thing will be looked at a lot more closely."
"If you need help with that, I've got a few ideas. Think we could meet anytime soon?"
"I leave for Capital City tomorrow – so a day travel up, a day there, and a day back. We could get together on Saturday, but I hate for you to have to work on your weekend. Would Monday work?"
"Early Monday, anytime from 9-noon."
"Then why don't we say 11, and I'll buy you lunch after. Does that work?"
"A free lunch? You better believe that works! See you then, and Nathan, safe travels…"
In his office, waiting for his next appointment to arrive, the Judge himself answered his phone.
"Bill, hey, it's Nathan! Is this an okay time?"
"Right as rain! What can I do for you, Son!"
"Since Elizabeth and I will be getting married in two weeks…"
"Say it again, Son! You have no idea how long I've been waitin' to hear those words. Like music to my ears, they are!"
"Mine too! I can't believe it, Bill. I still don't think it's sunk in, but I don't think either of us has ever been so happy in our lives! But that's part of the reason I called. Where do we stand with the adoption proceedings?"
"I have to make one final call, confirmin' your marriage date, this afternoon, and the provisional adoption papers for both children will be couriered to me for safekeepin'. Then, the moment you two are officially hitched, the papers are immediately legal as soon as you two sign 'em. Though I thought it might be nice to have Allie and Jack sign 'em too, so it'll feel all official to 'em!"
"I like that a lot. That's great news, Bill. Just send me a bill for your fees so I can get you paid!"
"Are you kiddin'? This is family. There are no fees!"
"Bill, you are going to go broke!"
"Hey, as long you four are together, I'll be happy! Rich or broke, though I do like rich a lot better!"
Both men chuckled.
"Do you mind throwing together a little Adoption Ceremony to be held just after our Wedding Ceremony is completed?"
"Lucky you asked, 'cause I was plannin' one anyway!"
Nathan laughed.
"Bill, you are priceless! Though I do have a favor to ask of you."
"Shoot!"
"I have to go to Capital City to see Jeanette Au Coin. I leave Wednesday, work Thursday, and travel back Friday. Can you oversee my teams while I'm away? Hal has agreed to be on standby in case you need him for anything!"
"Lucas goin' with you?"
"Yes, he's going up on the same Train, and of course, I'm doing a favor or two for him while I'm there. I think we're both trying to be friends and if not friends, at least civil to each other until we get there. But that talk with Hal seems to have set him straight and he does have his own security team now, which is by far safest for him! He also seems to finally understand he is no longer our Boss, thank goodness! So, at the very least, all that is cleared up."
"Well, Hallelujah, for that! I'd do anything for the guy, I mean he is growin' on me. But that interference in our business every day was gettin' on my last nerve!"
"The truth, mine too. But at least that's taken care of!"
"I think Henry has been a calmin' influence on him. If Bouchard will just keep listenin' to his words of wisdom, that is. Better Henry than me!"
"Hey, Bill, got another call coming in. Thanks tons, and talk soon!"
"See you before you leave, Son…"
A few moments later, since the Judge was still between appointments and cases, he met Elizabeth and the children at his front entrance.
"Here are my favorite people in the whole world! Let me see that wowzer of a ring again!"
"Isn't it gorgeous, Uncle Bill," asked Allie, who loved the ring and thought the whole idea of her parents' engagement was so romantic.
"I'll say. It's the prettiest thing this side of Montreal, no doubt! Maybe even Toronto!"
"Uncle Bill, lift me up like Papa!"
Bill immediately filled Jack's request.
"Boy, you are gettin' heavy, heavy, heavy! Ready to go up and see the Chief's swanky new office?"
"We brought him pictures, Uncle Bill," smiled Jack, as pleased as punch.
"Well, I could use some new pictures too! What's your picture of, Jackaroo?"
"I throwed my first ball!"
"Now, I have to get a copy of that one! But I sure do hope you threw it just like Babe Ruth." (*101)
"No, Sir, Papa says I have to throw it like Ty Cobb!" (*102)
"Ty Cobb? Your Papa's confused on that one, I tell you!" (*103)
"We'll get you a photo, too, Bill! Jack's been so excited with all his new baseball equipment, that's all he talks about," explained Elizabeth with a smile.
"Exactly the way it should be, Elizabeth! But hey, Allie, what's your picture of?"
"Me painting at Rose Valley, Uncle Bill. I'll get you an extra one. But I already have a couple of paintings you can choose from, too!"
"Now, I can't wait for a new original Allison Rose Grant in my office!"
"Next time you're over, I'll show them to you!"
"Well, you three, let me escort you upstairs to the Chief Inspector's new fancy home away from home…"
When Alex heard Bill bringing guests, he immediately stood at attention at the top of the staircase to welcome them.
When he realized Allie was there, he had to swallow, but other than that, he gave nothing away.
"Mrs. Thornton, welcome! Allie, Jack, welcome to your Papa's Office! Allow me to take you back to see the Chief Inspector!"
"No need, Alex, I overheard and saw that my gorgeous fiancée, beautiful daughter, and handsome son are here to visit me. How about a grand tour, Darling?" beamed Nathan.
Elizabeth reached up to kiss him.
"I'd love that, Nathan! We've been dying to see where you are living these days! And that's not a complaint at all, just our curiosity wanting to make sure you are comfortable and well taken care of when you're away from us!"
He grabbed her hand and kissed it, which brought a radiant smile to her face.
"Papa, what in the world has Auntie Rosemary done to your Office?"
"Well, Sweetheart, I think this monstrosity of enlarged Valley Voice clippings, all framed in black, is Mrs. Coulter's way of claiming her own Mountie Clippings Hall of Fame right here in our corridor! Let's see, she's already delivered a separate one for each of all the articles she's written throughout this past year, one for the gift of the gazebo and town meeting, another one with all the men's promotions, and yet another one for my promotion. And let's see, two for the huge Midnight Dinner and Party, and one each for all of our individual interviews we promised her and fulfilled, two separate ones for the new offices, one for the new facility planning to be built, plus one with all my medals, and I feel quite sure one will be coming later today with everything she is allowed to release about the Friday night shooting!"
"Good grief! Does that woman ever stop? Here's even one about the Gypsies," noticed Bill.
"And wow, Papa, they're so huge, too!" exclaimed Allie.
"Tell me about it, Allie Girl! She hung them while I was gone. And poor Alex didn't stand a chance! Not that I would have had any better luck at all had I been here!"
Alex stifled a giggle, along with Allie.
"Well, she's a force, Darling! Be thankful she didn't do one gigantic poster for each medal separately," chuckled Elizabeth.
"Hey, Elizabeth's got a valid point, Son!" interjected Bill. "Rosemary must have had her mind on somethin' else to have missed that golden opportunity!"
Nathan just moaned.
"You'd better watch it Bill, we're already close to running out of space with this gigantic hallway plastered from end to end, which means she takes over your office next!"
"She wouldn't dare! Would she?"
"Pfft," was Nathan's answer, eyeroll included. "Alex, would you like to explain the front offices as well as our Conference Room to Allie and Jack?"
Alex smiled, more than happy to do what was being requested of him with Allie and Jack, but to his chagrin, with the Judge tagging along, while Elizabeth hung back for a few private moments with her fiancé.
"Where do I put these, Darling?"
"Here, you're coming with me," and he took her packages in one arm and her hand in the other, pulling her after him, both laughing, into his office.
Once the door was closed, he set all the gifts they had brought down on his desk, and the two properly christened the space with one very intimate kiss full of passion and longing!
"You have no idea how much I've missed you, Lizbeth!"
"Oh, I think I might, Nathan! It's been rough on this end, too, my Love!"
He took her left hand in his.
"I needed to see this on your hand to make sure I wasn't dreaming!"
"Oh, you are not dreaming, Chief Inspector, not in the slightest! My goodness, Nathan, your office is beautiful. Look at that view!"
"Here I am trying to romance my beautiful fiancée in a stolen moment of privacy, and she chooses to talk about my office and view?"
Elizabeth giggled.
"I do need to know what you want for our Wedding!"
"Let's see small family wedding, veil in back not covering your stunning face (which I want to see when you walk toward me), and chocolate cake! That's it!"
"That's it?"
"Pretty much! Oh! And your parents are coming!"
"What? Coming where?"
"To our Wedding here in Hope Valley, of course!"
"How do you know that?"
"I called them?"
"You called my parents and invited them to our Wedding? And they said yes?"
"Uhm, hmm!"
"My parents are coming…to our Wedding? Do you have any idea what that means?"
"Sure! That means with my parents coming too, we'll have the small Family Wedding we wanted."
"Nathan, I don't think you understand. My mother doesn't do simple, and my mother doesn't do small, if you get my drift. And to put it quite bluntly, my mother can be quite the social snob!"
"Didn't you want her to come?"
"Of course, I wanted her to come, but I never thought she would in a million years! Did you talk to her?"
"Of course not! I talked with your father."
"My father? Since when?"
"Since before I asked you to marry me! Naturally, I had to ask him for your hand in marriage first."
"You did?"
"Of course! Just Like I had to ask Cook for all of her recipes for our first date and proposal! Well, that was quite a bit different, come to think of it, but you know what I mean!"
"And Father gave you my hand in marriage? Without even meeting you?"
"Yes, very honorably so too. We got along remarkably well, Elizabeth! And if truth be told, he brought up the fact he remembered choosing me as the one to come to Coal Valley all those years ago to 'honorably protect' you, I believe is the way he put it."
"He did?"
"Yes, he did! And I didn't say a word about what we had just heard either."
"Nathan Grant, do you not understand, that now with my parents coming, Rosemary and I together will need two years to plan our Wedding instead of two measly weeks! Oh no! It's already Tuesday! I don't even have two weeks!"
"Elizabeth! Don't be upset. I thought I was doing what you wanted. This is our Wedding, and we'll continue to proceed just as we were going to. Maybe let Rosemary help you spiff things up a little. Okay? Everything's going to be fine, I promise!"
Elizabeth plopped down in the nearest chair.
Nathan knelt down beside her chair and ran his long fingers through her hair.
"Elizabeth, Babe, are we having a fight?"
The anguished look of pain on his beyond-handsome face was her undoing.
"No, Baby, we're not! We are not having a fight. Absolutely, we are not! I've just got to…to breathe… and to…regroup. And Father loved you?"
"Pretty much, I think!"
'Well, wonders never cease…"
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101. "Babe Ruth," George Herman "Babe" Ruth (February 6, 1895 – August 16, 1948), an America professional baseball player whose career in Major League Baseball spanned 22 seasons; started out as a left-handed pitched for the Boston Red Sox, but his greatest fame was as a slugging outfielder for the New York Yankees; regarded as one of the greatest sports heroes in American Culture and is considered by many to be the greatest baseball player of all time; elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936, as one of it's first five inaugural members. Public Domain.
102-103. "Ty Cobb," Tyrus Raymond Cobb (December 18, 1886-July 17, 1961); nicknames "the Georgia Peach," an American professional baseball center fielder; played 24 seasons in Major League Baseball; spent 22 years with the Detroit Tigers and served as the team's player-manager for the last six years; finished his career with the Philadelphia Athletics; in 1936 received the most votes of any player on the inaugural ballot for the National Baseball Hall of Fame, receiving 222 out of a possible 226 votes (98.2%); no other player received a higher percentage of votes until Tom Seaver in 1992; in 1999 the 'Sporting News' ranked Cobb third on its list of 'Baseball's 100 Greatest Players.' Public Domain.