Granting a Family - Chapter 10: Moving On While Holding Back

Sweaty men in Henleys and suspenders were trying to catch their breath and taking turns drinking water from ladles in buckets. Training was in full force, and today they worked on physical fitness requirements they would all have to pass off to be certified as Inspectors. Nathan had tried to physically prepare in the weeks leading up to his Union City training, but they were pushing these Mounties even harder than they all expected, and many of the men lost their breakfast as their bodies were pushed to their limits. 

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they were released for the day to gather up their belongings and go back to their rooms to recover. Superintendent Lewis finished up by handing out some mail, and passing on messages that came in while they were outside doing PT. “Nathan Grant, I have a message for you to return this phone call. You are welcome to use the phone up front,” the Superintendent handed him a paper with the handwritten message: Call Judge Bill Avery in Hope Valley ASAP. Nathan smiled to himself and wondered what trouble Bill had gotten himself into this time, or was it the new Constable? He better find out the latest news from Hope Valley. 

As he walked up to where the accessible telephone was, Constable Carl Jessop, the Inspector-in-training for Benson Hills, cut in line and grabbed the telephone. “Hey,” Nathan snapped, “You really should wait your turn.” But Carl was already talking to the operator, making his call. He hoped the call was short, because he really needed to get back to the boarding house to meet Allie soon. From the sound of it, Carl’s call was to a woman where they seemed to be making plans to meet up for a date later. That sounds like a really important call, Nathan thought, rolling his eyes and getting more annoyed by the second. 

This wasn’t the first run-in with Constable Jessop that Nathan had endured during this training. He was the kind of Mountie Nathan detested: good-looking, suave, cocky, know-it-all, and ultimate bootlicker with the superiors. Oh yes, Nathan knew his type, and it was obvious from the phone call he was on, that he was quite the ladies man. This is the kind of guy who gives Mounties a bad name, he thought. Finally with his phone call finished, Carl smiled and patted Nathan on the shoulder while saying, “How’s Jack Thornton’s widow, Grant? I hear she’s quite a looker.” Anger welled up in Nathan as he watched Jessop walk away with a smirk, but he took a deep breath to regain control of his emotions and picked up the phone.

“Hello Florence, can you patch me through to Bill?” Nathan asked, when the operator connected him to Hope Valley. 

“Nathan, it’s so good to hear your voice! We miss you and Allie so much, and can’t wait for you to come back home! How’s the city? The new Mountie is nice and all, but I felt much safer when you were the one taking care of things. I do really like Constable Bradshaw’s wife Anne though!” As Florence was jabbering on, Nathan heard Ned chiding his new wife to put the call through to Bill, and he couldn’t help but smile at the newlyweds. “Ok Nathan, I’ll get you sent through to Bill. Give Allie a hug for me and tell her we can’t wait to get you back home.”

“I will pass on the message. We miss you all too. I better talk to Bill, it sounded urgent. Talk to you soon.” Nathan hadn’t ever lived at a place he felt homesick for until now. He really was looking forward to getting home when his training was over. The sound of Bill’s voice pulled him from his thoughts and made him grateful for their friendship. “Bill, is everything ok? Your message sounded important.”

“I’m sorry if I worried you,” Bill answered. “It’s just more time-sensitive than anything. I’m not sure you’ve talked to Elizabeth since her meetings with Mr. Landis, but they are starting construction on a new school that can accommodate more students as Hope Valley grows. They have plans to bring in another teacher with advanced credentials, and it worries Elizabeth that the new district will have so much say over her students’ education.”

“Wow, that is big news. But why is that important for me to know right away?” Nathan questioned, confused.

“That is only part of the situation at the school. Elizabeth made an agreement with Landis, that when the credential exam for teaching a blind student was given somewhere close enough, she would take and pass the test. Saturday it is being administered in Union City.” Bill was hesitant, but went on, “I know it might be a lot to ask, but she has been trying to pull information about you from me while you’ve been gone. I really think if you found some time to talk while you are both in the city, away from the prying eyes of Hope Valley residents, it would help you both figure some things out. Her credentials exam is at the Advanced Learning Academy where Allie has been going, Saturday morning. She will be done at noon, and plans to head home in the afternoon. Lee and Rosemary will be keeping Jack while she’s away overnight.”

Nathan was silent, contemplating what Bill was saying. He felt nervous at the thought of meeting with Elizabeth here, but knew this might be the perfect place and opportunity to really open up and talk things through. “Bill, can you get a message to Elizabeth for me before she leaves tomorrow?”

“Of course. I wasn’t sure if this was the right thing to do, but I thought you at least deserved a warning that she would be there this weekend. Don’t worry about Hope Valley, Constable Bradshaw is doing a respectable job and learning the ropes.”

“I’m glad he’s working out,” Nathan replied. “Go ahead and tell Elizabeth to meet me right after her exam at the Cardinal Café. It’s a couple blocks from the school, so we can get some lunch and talk before she heads back home. They have a little terrace where I’ll sit and watch for her.” Nathan felt mixed emotions at the thought of having lunch with Elizabeth, but knew it might be just what they both needed for more clarity in where their relationship was heading. “I really appreciate your call, Bill. Today’s training was particularly difficult, but hearing your voice and knowing you made it through this to become an Inspector, has helped give me strength to endure to the end.”

Bill felt a lump in his throat, knowing that Nathan saw him as a father figure and mentor. “That means a lot to me. I know you are going to do big things in your future, and I’m proud to know such an honorable man and fine Mountie.” They ended their call, and Nathan walked to Allie’s school just in time to pick her up and head back to the boarding house to get cleaned up for dinner.

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“Dad, my friends want me to study with them and go on a picnic Saturday, is that ok?” Allie asked Nathan during dinner. He was actually relieved, since he didn’t want her to know about his plans with Elizabeth.

“That sounds great, Allie. I’m so glad you have made friends and you have had this experience. I hope you know that your education can take you places in life that you never thought possible,” Nathan asserted. He knew Elizabeth was nervous about a new teacher in Hope Valley, but someone with advanced credentials would open up a new world for Allie and many of the other children.

“You’ve mentioned that before,” Allie reminded him. “I just didn’t want to go if you wanted us to spend time together.”

“I also need to study on Saturday for my Inspector exam at the end of my training next week, so it is perfect for you to go be with your friends.” As he spoke, Nathan scanned the room to see if Kathryn happened to be eating at the same time. He had been so busy with training this week, he barely had a chance to try and find her so he could get answers and learn more about her. 

“Do you mind if I head back up to the room to finish up my homework while you finish eating?” Allie requested, already standing and clearing her plate.

“Uh, ok. I’ll be right up.” He requested dessert, knowing he had worked out hard enough to deserve it today. 

Just as the server brought his cake and coffee, he heard a familiar voice behind him, “Eating alone again?” He turned to see a smiling Kathryn, her green eyes sparkling.

Nathan stood in greeting, and couldn’t help but smile back at her. “Would you like to join me? I’m almost finished, but we could visit while you wait to be served. I can’t stay long.”

“That sounds nice, thank you,” Kathryn agreed, as Nathan pulled a chair out and helped her get seated. “You must have been busy so far this week. I haven’t seen you.”

“I’m here for work training, and they have kept us occupied,” Nathan explained. “You seem to have a lot going on between work and social engagements.”

Kathryn knew he probably wondered about the man she left with last week. Part of her hoped it meant he was slightly jealous, but figured she better explain. “Work has been busy for me as well. I’m preparing for an exam this weekend, but there really isn’t much happening in my social life. I meant to clarify about the man I left with the other day.”

“You don’t owe me an explanation,” Nathan assured her.

“I know, but I hoped you didn’t get the wrong idea,” Kathryn continued. “His name is David Clements, and he’s the brother of my sister-in-law, so basically like another big brother to me. He’s actually close to getting engaged to one of my dear friends and co-workers. My brother and his wife recently moved away, and her family still has me over to dinner every Friday evening when I’m available.”

Nathan didn’t even want to analyze the relief he felt that she wasn’t attached to anyone. Suddenly a wave of exhaustion hit him from his long day of training, so he excused himself. “As much as I would like to continue this conversation, I’m not sure how long I can stay awake.”

“Go and get some rest,” she encouraged. “It was nice to see you.”

As he was getting up to leave, Nathan took a deep breath and before he lost his nerve, quickly uttered, “Kate, would you like to have dinner with me somewhere nicer than this dining hall next week sometime?” He braced himself for rejection, but smiled at her hopefully while noticing how lovely she looked tonight in a pink dress that accentuated her beauty perfectly.

“That sounds perfect,” Kathryn murmured. “What day were you thinking?”

“Wednesday is my least busy day, will that be ok?” Nathan asked. “I’m leaving Union City next Saturday, just so you are aware.”

“My Wednesday evening is free,” Kathryn confirmed. “Why don’t we meet in the lobby at seven. I’m certainly sad you are leaving next week, but I see no reason why we can’t enjoy the time you are here.”

Nathan felt butterflies as he anticipated his first real date in a very long time. He had come so close to one with Elizabeth, only to be shut down and rejected multiple times. He wasn’t sure this situation would be much better, since he was leaving soon and may never see Kate again. But Nathan felt like this was necessary to help him move forward in his quest for true love. “I’ll see you Wednesday at seven. Goodnight.” He headed up to his room, where he was able to fall right asleep with dreams of going out with a blonde haired, green eyed beauty. 

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Studying was difficult for Nathan on Saturday morning. How was he supposed to focus when he would be meeting Elizabeth for lunch soon? He hadn’t had a real, deep conversation with her for quite some time. Even though he felt like he had moved on, he knew all of his feelings for Elizabeth hadn’t completely disappeared, and he struggled the most when they were together. He was glad Allie was off having fun and didn’t have to see him struggling with his emotions. 

Nathan finally gave up trying to study around eleven, and dressed in a brown suit without a tie to look a little less formal, but still blend in with the other city folks. He walked to the Cardinal Café, which was about half way between Mountie Headquarters and the school, and requested a table outside. It was a beautiful day, perfect for eating on the terrace. Nathan watched people come and go as he sipped the drink he had ordered while waiting.

Without warning, his heart quickened as she came into view heading toward him. Today Elizabeth was wearing the green suit-dress that quickly brought back memories of him taking the saddle off Sergeant when he attempted to ask her out, and the time he told her about why he came to Hope Valley, along with his confession about falling in love with her. Why did she wear that today? He stood and waved as she approached the cafe. She smiled when she saw him, then unexpectedly rushed over and gave him a quick hug. Nathan was a bit stunned, and tried to suppress the feelings and emotions her hug brought flooding back.

“Nathan, it is so good to see you! I hope I didn’t keep you waiting long, but that test was a bit more daunting than I hoped it would be.” Elizabeth looked relieved, and nervous as she studied Nathan’s face to try and read him and his thoughts.

“I’m sure you did great,” he finally managed to say. “I have my own test to study for.” Words were not coming easily today, but he was saved by the waiter bringing a glass of water for Elizabeth and taking their order.

“I love little cafes like this,” Elizabeth commented. “Sitting out here is just perfect.” She looked around at people bustling around and added, “It reminds me of a place in Hamilton I went to when I was young.”

All Nathan could think about was how he had dreamt of this moment so many times last year, but now that it was happening, he couldn't fully let himself enjoy this “date”. His head and heart were fighting right now, and he wasn’t sure which was winning. He tried to steer the conversation away from anything personal, and moved on to something else. “I heard they are building a new school and bringing in a new teacher. You are a wonderful teacher Elizabeth, but you know one person can’t teach everything to all of the students you will have next year.”

“I know,” Elizabeth acknowledged. “It is hard to not feel replaced, or admit that I’m not able to give the children what they need.” She sighed and took in the sight of her dear friend. He was dressed up more than usual, but not as fancy as most city men. He wore the brown suit from Ned and Florence’s wedding when she took him outside and let him know she didn’t blame him for Jack’s death. The last time they held hands...she realized she was staring and naturally became lost in his gaze and those striking blue eyes. How had she ever let him go?

Nathan’s heart was winning at that moment when they stared into each other’s eyes and felt the connection, like so many times before. Luckily, the waiter bringing their food was a good distraction. “I hope you like the food. I’ve eaten lunch here several times with some of the other Mounties in training, since it’s so close to Headquarters,” Nathan shared. Keep it professional, not personal, he told himself.

“How is Inspector training going? I know this is something you’ve wanted for a long time. Everyone in Hope Valley is so proud of you, and can’t wait for you to come home to keep us all safe. We miss you.” Elizabeth looked away, trying not to let him see how much SHE missed him, and Allie. “Oh my goodness, where is Allie? I have been missing her in class, and I’ve wondered how she’s acclimated at Advanced Learning Academy.”

“She’s good,” Nathan answered. “This morning she left to study with her new friends, and have a picnic with them. This has been a great experience for her, and for me to see how far she could go with more education. I hope as her father I can give her everything she needs and deserves.”

Elizabeth felt a tear escape and tumble down her cheek as she listened to this noble, selfless man talk about giving his daughter the world through education. Instinctually, she took his hand in hers and softly spoke, “Nathan, you are the best father to Allie. She is so lucky to have you. You were right last year when you said I didn’t really know you. I made so many mistakes and lost something I may never find again.”

Nathan’s first instinct when Elizabeth grabbed his hand was to pull away, but he saw the pain and sincerity in her eyes, and his heart was still in control. Why couldn’t she have said these things a year ago when he admitted his feelings for her? “Elizabeth, you know when you asked if I had ever lost someone so close to my heart that it would tear me apart? Well, I am still trying to pick up the pieces from losing you.” A tear escaped his own eye, and Elizabeth had more tears falling down her face. He squeezed her hand as she looked up, and their eyes met in another intense gaze.

“Nathan!” a voice in the distance broke the trance Nathan and Elizabeth had been in, and they both pulled their hands away and looked toward the sound.

Kathryn had seen Nathan on the Cardinal Café terrace and went to say hello. She noticed him holding hands with the beautiful brunette at the exact moment his name escaped her lips. She suddenly regretted saying something, but it was too late to not follow up.

Nathan looked over and stammered, “Kate, uh Kathryn, hi.” Elizabeth immediately took notice of the elegant blonde woman, and felt strangely jealous by Nathan’s reaction to her. 

Kathryn felt an awkward panic. Feeling the strong urge to get out, she quickly said, “I’m late for something, so I better be on my way. Goodbye.” She hurried off and left Nathan feeling extremely confused about what he was feeling for these two women.

“Who was that?” Elizabeth asked.

“Oh, she’s staying in the same boarding house as us.” Nathan replied. “We’ve talked a few times.”

“You don’t have to justify anything to me, Nathan. If you are interested in another woman, I’m happy for you. You deserve to love and to be loved. I’m sorry I was too scared to love you before.” Elizabeth distracted herself with her food, since she didn’t want to be starving on the journey home. They ate in silence for a few minutes, then Nathan began asking about the latest news in Hope Valley. Talking and laughing about their friends lifted any residual tension and allowed them to enjoy the rest of their time together. 

“How is little Jack?” Nathan asked as they were leaving the café, smiling at the thought of his little buddy.

“He’s growing up too fast,” Elizabeth lamented. “He misses you and Allie. We would love you to come over for dinner when you get home.” Nathan wasn’t sure how to answer so he just smiled and they said their goodbyes. Elizabeth hugged him again quickly and left to catch her ride home. 

As he approached the boarding house, he saw Kathryn. But as he waved to her, she quickly looked in the other direction, then walked inside and went up to her room. Nathan groaned and thought, I think I really messed up again. As wonderful as it was to be out with Elizabeth, he couldn’t get Kate out of his head. He at least wanted a chance to get to know her better, and let her get to know the real Nathan Grant.