Nathan sat, finally alone with his thoughts for more than a few moments. Around him, the travelers at the train station were bustling about, but in his mind, he was replaying his recent phone calls. The first phone call was the most surprising of them all. He had been dreading the call to Superintendent Hargreaves, but he knew he couldn't put it off. The call definitely did not go as he had expected.
He explained the situation and asked for another leave of absence. Hargreaves responded that his request was denied.
"Sir?!" Nathan replied, ready to plead his case, trying to keep his anger from rising.
"Actually, Chief Constable, I have another idea for you. We have a very inexperienced team of Mounties serving in Cape Fullerton. I know we haven't always seen eye to eye, but you've been able to make something out of your cadet. I would like to assign you temporarily to Cape Fullerton, see what you can do to bring that command up to snuff. I will of course make sure they are aware of your family situation, so that you are able to be there for your family as needed."
There was silence on both ends. Hargreaves was the first to break the silence, "Chief Constable, it has not gone unnoticed how you took over the care of your niece and how you have been there for the widow and son of a fallen brother in arms. Far be it for me to say when I am wrong, but well, we could use more Mounties like you. I will check back with you in a week's time to see if this arrangement will work. As for Hope Valley, I'm sure Judge Avery and Deputy Garrett can take care of things until you return to your post."
"Yes sir," was about all Nathan could get out before the call was disconnected.
Nathan stared at the phone for a minute, before he was able to remember the next call he needed to make. Nathan thought Bill was never going to believe this, and he was right.
"Hargreaves, Andrew Hargreaves? Well, I'll be!" said an incredulous Bill Avery. "Bout time he came to his senses. Listen son, he's right, Oliver and I can handle things from here. Don't give it another thought. Oliver and I will also make sure to take good care of Scout, Pal, Newton, and Sargeant."
There was a pause. "Nathan, how are they?"
"Hanging in there Bill. The clinic is definitely what he needed right now."
"And can I ask, how's Charlotte?"
Nathan thought he heard a hint of humor in Bill's question.
"She's a concerned grandmother and well, she's…."
"Ha, say no more Nathan, I'm well aware of what Charlotte Thornton is like."
Nathan smiled into the phone; he would miss his daily talks with Bill.
"Nathan," he could hear his tone turn serious, "Take time for yourselves when you can. I know you son, and I know Elizabeth. You give all to those you love. But make some space for you two as well. It's those moments that will get you through this."
Nathan nodded through the lump in his throat, "Thanks Bill, we will. Well, I should go but thank you."
"Of course, son, please give my best to Elizabeth and the kids."
Nathan took a moment, not expecting his call to Bill to touch him to the core like that, but that was Bill Avery. Bill was always full of surprises, starting with the moment he had thrown him in a jail cell all those years ago.
He knew he should call his parents as well, but Nathan was nearing the end of how much emotion he could take for one day.
He had one last Hope Valley call to make, "Nathan?! How are you, how is Elizabeth and Jack…look, Lee and I went to your house earlier today and made sure to pack you each a bag. I know what you're thinking, and don't worry, I had Lee pack your bag. We'll send your bags on the next train, should be there by noon today. Nathan, please give my love to Elizabeth and give a hug to little Jack."
"Thanks Rosemary." He could count on Rosemary to take the lead in the conversation.
Now here he was at the train station, waiting for their luggage to arrive. He was so deep in thought, he didn't see the woman sit beside him, but he felt a hand squeeze his knee.
"Penny for your thoughts." He looked over and saw her, his Elizabeth, her expression worn, but a smile breaking through.
"Hey, I didn't expect to see you here."
"Well, a certain Charlotte Thornton told me I'd do no one any good standing over her grandson."
They both shook their heads and let out a soft laugh. Then each took a deep breath. He put his arms around her and pulled her in.
"Nathan, I just don't know what to say…"
"You don't have to say anything sweetheart, it's you and me, it's us. You don't have to do any of this alone anymore."
She pulled slightly back and put a hand on his cheek and kissed him as if her life depended on it.
"You'll never stop surprising me, Chief Constable." Elizabeth whispered once she pulled back.
"Speaking of chief constable, wait until I tell you about my day."
Elizabeth basked in the ease at which this man could make her feel, even when her world was turning upside down around her, he made her feel like they could face anything. She said a silent prayer of thanks and listened to him recount his day.