. .

Author's Note: While Season 11 of WCTH is being broadcast, it is difficult for me to find time to write this story! Nevertheless it remains incomplete, so here are a few chapters to continue the tale as we approach some significant days in the lives of Nathan, Elizabeth, and their family in this Fanfiction.
My gratitude to those readers who are continuing with this story as well as my other Fanfiction offerings! I am humbled and amazed, especially when I see that my words are reaching into 27 countries where I myself cannot go! It is this realization that causes me to include important life events and lessons that allow growth and
redemption through life's struggles and challenges, so this story is so much more than a recounting of Nathan's and Elizabeth's love story!
I apologize that I haven't been able to respond to each review, but I do read them all and am encouraged, so thank you! Eilie

. .

Chapter One Hundred Sixty-five

. .

Allie's Idea

. .

On Monday, Elizabeth, Grace, Carol and Irma met in the Cottage to complete the cleaning and preparation for Archie and Ruth's arrival. The house wasn't that dirty, but they wanted to wash the ceilings, walls, and floors. The four women washed, ironed, and rehung curtains, arranged new oil cloth on the shelves and made the place as ready as possible, knowing it would be fun working together and Ruth would be exhausted with the move!

After Jake had shopped for staples to fill the Cottage's kitchen cupboards, he built up the woodpile since Nathan had been unable to chop wood for weeks. Grace had ordered a 'Welcome Home' flower arrangement to be delivered the day before they arrived and the family had decided to each write notes or cards to welcome their dear ones. Jake even picked-up the wheelchair and it was safely stored on the back porch.

. .

Lifting the office telephone, Nathan answered, "Hello. Staff Sergeant Major Grant speaking, how may I help you?"

"You can help me by not backing-out on this upcoming wedding!" Gabriel Kinslow laughed, "Nathan! It's me, Gabe! How is the Groom?"

"Gabriel Kinslow! Hello! No chance I'm backing-out. How soon will we see you and your beautiful bride?"

"I guess, since you are no longer competition I can let you compliment my wonderful wife! We are well and looking forward to seeing you and Elizabeth! How are the plans?"

"Checking things off our lists, although occasionally adding a few items as I think of more we must do! What are your travel plans?"

"We're heading to Hope Valley early because Mr. Thatcher offered train tickets before the rest of the Hope Valley folks travel. He knows I am in the wedding and figured we might need some time to catch up before all the falderal! Also, Lillian wants to see Elizabeth. We'll arrive on Saturday morning, so we can attend your brother's graduation and help out however we can. Are we still okay to stay with you, because Mr. Thatcher said he would hold a room for us at the Hotel?"

"You are, although I am uncertain if you'll be in the main house or the cottage with my parents. They arrive this Thursday, so will talk to them then. There's been so much going on with all the moves and changes and… who knew getting married would be so exhausting!"

Laughing, Gabriel answered decisively, "I do!" Gabe paused, deciding if he should proceed. Determining there were no distractions at the moment, he decided he would ask, "Ah Nathan? I received a call from Ottawa. The Commissioner wants to meet with me on Monday before the wedding. Do you know what this is about?"

"Ottawa? Hmmmm… I can't say that I do, but Peter doesn't talk to me about his work. It's curious, but if it involves meeting with Peter, it might be good… He didn't say why?"

"No, he didn't. I don't know how much the broader RCMP information is known at Depot, but when I was in Union City to testify a couple weeks ago, I overheard some talk of the Provincial Police taking on greater responsibilities in the Western Provinces. Have you heard about this?"

"I'm afraid I am in the dark on that one, Gabe. I can ask around though. I have a few trusted friends that might divulge what they know. Are you worried that might be connected to Peter's request to meet with you?"

"I'm not worried, but it does seem like a strong coincidence." Gabe sighed, "I hope he doesn't want to transfer me to Ottawa…"

"Well, if there are changes in the west maybe you would be assured of a position?" Glancing at the wall clock, Nathan explained, "Sorry, Gabe, but I need to go now, because I have a class to observe. I'll be praying for safe travels and either Elizabeth or I will meet your train. It'll be good to see you, Brother."

"Same. Please greet Allie and Elizabeth for me? See you soon…"

"Will do."

. .

On Tuesday, Hudson helped Elizabeth move most of her clothing from Le Chateaux to the main house once she had set aside the outfits she would need for the upcoming special events and she had begun to pack a few items in her luggage in preparation for the approaching Honeymoon trip. Elizabeth gratefully accepted Hudson's offer to move Jack's clothing to the main house while Elizabeth and Nathan were away.

Joining Carol, Elizabeth and Grace continued to settle the main house, stacking crates for Jake to return to the Thatcher's storehouse. They made Jack's bed with his new train quilt, and prepared the guest room for Zach to use after graduation. While Elizabeth arranged books and treasures in the living room, Grace joined Carol to pack her clothing and items she would be taking to Ottawa after the wedding.

. .

In the evening, Allie and Elizabeth completed the postcard booklets for their Hope Valley friends, while discussing the week when the Bride and Groom would be away.

When Nathan joined them at the dining room table, Elizabeth queried, "I've been meaning to ask you, Allie, about what you prefer during our time away. Grandmom and Grandad are excited to have you stay with them, Jack, and Hudson of course. However, we know your Grant grandparents are going to be here now."

Nathan explained further, "We have a few options from which you can choose, Honey. You could stay here with Uncle Zach and the Kinslows, but you would have to have meals down at the Cottage with Grandma and Grandpa. Gramma Carol will be leaving with Grampa Peter mid-week and may have a lot to do."

"You could stay in the guest room down at the Cottage and still see Uncle Zach and everyone for meals, although staying on this property means you won't see Jack as much." Nathan paused, "We can still go with our original plan to have you stay with Jack and the Thatchers in the Hotel and I am sure Uncle Zach and Grandma and Grandpa will join you for some meals. What are your thoughts?"

Pausing in the postcard project, Allie looked from one parent to the other and sighed as she responded, "I've been wondering about this. I really want to be with Jack, but we have a lifetime ahead for us and with all the activities and with Patrick here again, Jack won't miss me. The Collins's and Uncle Zach will be leaving and I want to spend as much time as possible with them, especially Uncle Zach. So could I stay here until they leave then go to the Hotel? I just don't want Grandma and Grandpa to feel alone here, so I suppose that I could stay at the Cottage if they want me to?"

"Everyone will want time with you, Allie-girl! I like the idea of splitting the time, if you don't mind moving from place to place! Why don't we plan on you staying here for the first part of the week and moving to the Hotel for the second part?" Nathan grinned, continuing, "That gives you the exciting Hotel experience and the fun of being near the Coulters again. Don't worry about my parents because they are used to living alone and they'll be close to us all when Miss Bess and Jack move in here!"

Elizabeth spoke up, "We will have many Grant family times together."

"I hadn't thought of Aunt Rosie and Uncle Lee being there. I like that idea because it lets me spend time with Grandmom and Grandad too since they'll be leaving for Hamilton in a few weeks…" Her face immediately crestfallen, Allie whispered, "I can't think about that yet because we have an awful lot of goodbyes ahead…"

"There are goodbyes along with the excitement of settling here as a new family plus the others who are new residents of Regina like Uncle Bill! I like this split week idea, Honey, as it gives you some distraction and excitement while we're away," Nathan stood and leaned over Allie to give her a hug.

"Okay, good."

. .

On Wednesday, Nathan stood near the entrance to the Dining Hall, keeping watch for Zachary as the Drills ended. He was excited for his brother to complete his training, although not excited that he would probably be assigned a distance away.

"Nath… er... Sergeant Grant!" Zachary stood straight and snapped to attention in front of Nathan who returned his salute.

"At ease, Cadet Grant. Step aside for a moment, please?"

Worriedly Zach followed his brother, quietly asking, "Is everything alright?"

"Ahh, yes, except for your forgetful brother. I was talking with Gabe, you know my friend who will be standing up with me in the wedding? I forgot that he would be coming as a married man and would need our guest room. I had promised he would stay with me, so would you mind sleeping in Jack's bedroom? It is fresh and clean although decorated with trains!"

"Of course I wouldn't mind. I'm still in the house and you know I could sleep on a cot in the living room if I had to!"

"Absolutely not! You deserve a bed and you may be exhausted after all your ceremonies and celebrations too! By the way, would it be okay if we host all the family for a buffet meal that evening? There will be too many to do a sit-down dinner, but everyone wants to congratulate you on your accomplishment and hear all about your new posting. Is that okay or were you planning on a final hurrah with your Troop?"

"My Troop has had plenty of meals and celebrations together, so I would enjoy moving in right away and celebrating with Dad and Mom, and all of you. It will be fun!"

"Of course Gabe and Lillian, Bill, and Hudson will join us, you know like at Christmas."

Laughing, Zach acknowledged, "Of course, Nathan, I haven't forgotten how many are in our family!"

"Great! I am relieved that my blunder is so easily remedied and you can settle into Jack's room for now." Nathan extended his hand to his brother and they shared a brief hug as they said, "See you Tuesday!"

Laughing because they had spoken in unison, Nathan added, "Oh that's for certain!"

Resuming the formalities of protocol, the two Grant men saluted and separated to their individual responsibilities, one Staff Sergeant Major breathing a long sigh of gratitude.

. .

"Dad?" Allie called as she heard him close the bedroom door after he had changed. "Can I ask you something?"

Immediately standing in Allie's doorway, Nathan answered as he rolled up his shirt sleeves, "Sure, Honey? What's up?"

"When I was hanging my paintings I hung my adoption certificate. I might not always want that on the wall, but I do for now. I remembered something though. I had asked Uncle Bill if we could adopt him and he said it isn't done for adults. But could we have a little ceremony and get a certificate for him so he knows it in writing?"

"That's a sweet idea, Allie, and I believe it would mean the world to Uncle Bill. Do you want to draw a certificate?"

"I want it to look professional. Do you think they might sell those at a printer or at the bookstore downtown? There must be some general certificate people could buy? I was thinking we could ask Reverend Huntley to sign it and give it to Uncle Bill on Sunday afternoon, before all the busyness. He needs to know he is in our family for every event, right?"

Amazed at his daughter's tender heart and knowing she had no inkling of Bill Avery's recently divulged history, Nathan shook his head, trying to hold back the tears. Finally in control, he reached out to hug Allie and whispered into her hair, "I will call around and try to find a blank certificate. Would you like to call the church office and ask the Reverend yourself?"

Suddenly shy, Allie hesitated, "I don't know. Could you call instead?"

"I will, or I could ask Miss Bess to call. Would that be okay?"

"Yes! Either of you would be great. There's one more thing though, could you get a frame so he can hang it on his wall somewhere?"

. .

Hoping to steal a few moments to themselves when Nathan drove Elizabeth and Jack back to the Hotel, the couple followed Hudson as he carried the sleeping boy from the car into Elizabeth's apartment. Hudson placed a sleeping Jack into bed and Elizabeth tucked his covers around him, then kissed his forehead.

Nathan bent to do the same and whispered, "Goodnight, Son," then tiptoed into the hallway and quietly shut the door behind them.

Having stood to the side and observed these two parents say their goodnight, Hudson whispered, "That boy has no idea how loved and blessed he is. You two are precious parents."

"Thank you, Huds," Elizabeth responded as she reached up to kiss his cheek. "Jack is a blessing to us too. Now, please excuse us? Nathan and I need to talk for a few minutes."

"Of course. Goodnight, you two!"

"Thank you for carrying him in, Hudson. Sleep well." Nathan patted the older man's back before following Elizabeth to the sofa.

"Jack is blessed, Honey. There is no one who could be a better father to him after Jack. You are God's gift to me and to my son." Elizabeth took Nathan's hand and squeezed it, "Now what did you want to discuss in secret?"

"Allie had an idea about Bill…" Nathan explained the adoption certificate plan and was happy that Elizabeth thought it was a lovely idea.

"Bill will be so moved. Maybe we should have a special cake for him at Sunday's dinner? Allie and I can make it on Saturday and enjoy using our new-to-us kitchen! Oh, you know maybe we could get some new handkerchiefs for him too? You know how he always teases, saying we need a crate-load for our family events! Shall I get some downtown?" Elizabeth made a mental note even as a sudden idea struck her, "Honey, we have been so preoccupied we haven't discussed a nice graduation gift for Zach. Have you thought about it?"

"I have. Honestly, it is not memorable yet when I finished training what I needed most was money. You know, to purchase items as I needed them at my new posting? I was thinking of giving him a sum to save, even if he doesn't need 'things' immediately."

"If it would have helped you, then you know best." Elizabeth added her suggestions, "I was thinking of writing paper and a new sketchbook so he could draw for fun and relaxation, along with pencils, pen nibs, and ink."

"Perfect. Maybe we can have Allie and Jack give that to him and we can give the money?" suggested Nathan.

"Sure, although Allie was busily working on something the other day, so she may have something up her sleeve…"

"Oh? That would be just like her, but there is something else… I have a ring that was once my paternal grandfather's wedding band, brought over from Scotland. It's actually a signet ring with an engraved G and Celtic knot design. I have a couple family keepsakes for Allie as she gets older, but this is fitting for Zach. I asked Allie to stitch a small pouch from a scrap of Grant tartan in which he can keep it, so maybe that was her project?"

. .