Granting a Family - Chapter 14: A Twist of Fate

Summer break had officially started, and the Grants had planned their traditional end-of-school-year fishing trip for Saturday morning. Allie wanted to try going higher up in the mountains for greater solitude and more of an adventure. Nathan was up bright and early to make sure they had everything packed before they went to get their horses saddled up and ready to go. Since Allie had slept in a bit and was still getting ready, he decided to walk over to get the horses and bring them back to the house. “I’ll be back with the horses soon. Make sure everything is ready to load right when I get back, because I want to get home before dark tonight.”

“Ok Dad,” Allie answered with a yawn. “I’ll be ready.”

Nathan went to the livery and started getting Newton and Buddy, the horse they were borrowing for Allie, ready for the day's fishing trip. When he was just finishing up, Nathan heard someone walk in with a horse. When he turned around, he was surprised to see Elizabeth standing beside Sergeant. “Elizabeth, you’re up early riding this morning. I thought you would want to sleep in on your first day of summer break.”

“Nathan!” Elizabeth exclaimed, a little stunned to see him there. “Allie was telling me how excited she was for your fishing trip today. I need to ride Sergeant as much as possible before I leave on my trip.”

“I’m sure he’ll miss your rides,” Nathan acknowledged. “When exactly are you leaving? I know it’s soon. I feel bad I haven’t been around much lately to talk to you and find out all the details.”

“I heard you were out of town most of the week. I leave early Monday morning. I was hoping to get more time with Jack after school was out before the tour, but that was the schedule the Bouchards worked out for me.” Elizabeth frowned and put Sergeant in his stall.

“Let me help you,” Nathan offered, going into the stall and taking the saddle off of Sergeant. “I know you’ll miss little Jack, but remember what I told you about your writing before...right here in this very stall. You have a gift, and you have been given the opportunity to share it with others. We all believe in you, and your son has so many people who love him and will make sure he is taken care of.” 

Elizabeth felt emotional at how much this good man believed in her still. She stared into Nathan’s eyes as he was speaking to her, remembering that time he complimented her writing and helped with Sergeant's saddle, just like today. He had been so close to asking her on a proper date back then, and eventually did ask her the next day...right before the prisoner transfer where he was almost killed. If only that day hadn’t made her afraid to love him. 

They were once again in a trance just staring at each other, trying to read one another’s thoughts. Elizabeth stepped forward, reaching out to touch his arm, then letting her hand slide down until she held his. Nathan was unable to move, even though his mind kept shouting at him to back away. He saw her glance down at his lips briefly and moisten her own, while moving even closer to him...suddenly they heard someone bring in another horse. The spell was broken as the horses tried to loudly communicate with each other, causing her to drop his hand and move away awkwardly. She cleared her throat and tried to sound normal as she spoke. “Thanks for your help. I can finish up, and you better get the horses home so you and Allie can get up the mountain while the fish are still biting.” Elizabeth didn’t dare look at him again, slightly embarrassed at how far she let things go. 

Nathan went to get the horses and turned around, but Elizabeth’s back was to him as she brushed Sergeant. “Elizabeth, I’ll try and say goodbye before you leave. I promise to watch out for little Jack as much as I can. See ya later.” Elizabeth turned around, smiled timidly, and nodded.

As Nathan rode Newton and led Buddy home, he scolded himself for letting that intense moment happen with Elizabeth. He didn’t want to think about how close they had come to kissing just now. If that other man and his horse hadn’t come in at that exact moment, he wasn’t sure either one of them would have been strong enough to stop it from happening. He would always love Elizabeth, but he wondered how “in love” he was with her since the day she had shattered his heart. He wanted to just focus on Allie today and enjoy seclusion in the mountains.

“Horses are here and ready, what about you?” Nathan hollered at Allie as he walked in the door.

“All ready!” Allie answered, carrying her gear to the front door. “Is everything ok? You seem a little weird.”

Why did his girl have to know him too well, and why was he such an open book with his emotions? “I’m fine,” he lied. “Let’s get loaded and up the mountain before it’s too late to catch some dinner.”

Soon the two of them were riding to higher elevations where it was cooler. Nathan had found some great fishing spots while on a tracking expedition up in the mountains. They set up in a nice shady spot on the edge of a gorgeous little lake, baited the hooks, and cast their lines into the sparkling blue water. Allie had packed some food to eat for lunch while they fished, so as they sat waiting for something to bite, Nathan handed her a sandwich and kept one for himself. 

After catching what they could eat for dinner, they hiked around the lake and talked while enjoying the beautiful scenery. “How do you know when you are in love?” Allie asked him.

“I’m not sure you should be asking me that right now,” he answered honestly. “When I have it all figured out I’ll let you know. But you are a little young to be thinking about being in love. Is this about Robert?” Nathan was not ready to deal with teenage hormones.

“Well, Robert wants to leave for Mountie Training next year, and I’m planning to go to college once I graduate. Thinking about him leaving Hope Valley before me hurts a lot. Do you think I’m in love?” Allie looked at Nathan for answers to her difficult life questions.

“Well, Allie girl, I do know that you can love people without it always leading to being with that person for the rest of your life,” he spoke reflectively, thinking about his encounter with Elizabeth that morning. He would always love Elizabeth, but that didn’t mean they would end up together. “I think at your age, it’s best to just be good friends with Robert. He’s a good kid, but you are way too young for any serious relationship. And you know the Mountie lifestyle can be hard, especially the first few years.”

“I know,” Allie conceded. “It’s just hard when you really like-like someone, you know?”

“I wish I didn’t know, but I’m so glad you feel comfortable talking to me about this. Always remember you can come to me about anything,” he grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze and they both smiled, happy that they had each other.

“So what have you heard about the new teacher coming? Isn’t the summer school class starting soon?” Nathan wondered. “Being gone last week really threw me off, and I haven’t been able to talk to anyone about school.”

“They didn’t tell us much, just that an advanced teacher would be coming from Union City this week and summer classes start in two weeks. I think it goes for two weeks, and then we’ll be meeting in the new school when we go back in September.” Allie explained. “I’m not that excited to be back in school during summer break!”

“I thought you were looking forward to a new teacher, and you learned so much at the academy in Union City. Plus, didn’t they say class would just be in the morning until lunch? That still gives you plenty of time for a break, and you’ll be able to help at the switchboard in the afternoons so I won’t have to worry about you getting into trouble while I’m working.” 

“I guess,” Allie sighed. “Can we take Jack fishing while Mrs. Thornton is gone? Maybe just at the pond? We should let him go for a ride on Newton, he would love that!”

“I’m sure he would really like both those things, and the Coulters will appreciate some breaks from watching him.” As much as Nathan was excited to spend time with little Jack, it was hard to get close to him knowing he was just a friend and not his father. But he did it for Jack Thornton Sr. as much as he did it for Elizabeth, because he would always feel it was his duty to make sure a fallen Mountie’s son was protected and cared for. 

“Just promise me you won’t ask out my new teacher,” Allie insisted. “I don’t think I could handle going through what we went through with Mrs. Thornton.”

“I have no plans to ask anyone out right now, but I’ll do my best to keep you out of my love life...if I ever get one,” he assured her. “I’m sorry you got caught in the crossfire with Elizabeth. You are the most important girl in my life, Allie. We better head back and pack up so we don’t get home after dark. I’m so glad you still wanted to do this fishing trip with me. It’s just what I needed.”

“I don’t think I’ll ever grow out of going on these trips with you,” Allie said contemplatively. “When I was really young and you took me fishing and hiking, it really helped me when I was sad about my Mom dying and wondering why my other dad didn’t want me. You showed me that I was important by taking me to do things like this. I guess I just don’t understand what Mrs. Thornton was thinking, not wanting you to do the same things for Jack. He deserves a dad like you. And don’t let this get to your head, but you are a decent looking guy, so these women are a little crazy to not want you.”

Nathan laughed, “Thanks, I think. I’m glad you don’t think I messed you up too bad. I didn’t know the first thing about raising a kid when I first started taking care of you, but you were easy to love and I wanted you to feel like the most important person in my life. Fishing has been therapy for us both.” Nathan grabbed Allie and pulled her in for a hug. 

She quickly broke free and started to run, then turned around and yelled, “Last one back has to clean the fish and make dinner!” He chuckled and ran right past her with his long stride until he reached their gear and horses. 

“I guess you’re making dinner tonight,” Nathan snickered. They packed up and rode back to town feeling connected and less burdened by things that had happened in the past year. 

As they rode past the row houses on their way home, they saw Thomas outside moving some things into his house. “Hi Nathan and Allie,” Thomas greeted. “How was your fishing trip?”

“It was great!” Allie replied. “I’m going to head home and start unpacking and cleaning the fish for dinner. See you later Constable Bradshaw.”

“Bye, Allie.” Thomas waved and turned his attention to Nathan who dismounted Newton to talk. “So boss, how did things go in Brookfield? Sorry I haven’t talked to you since you’ve been back in town. We’ve been pretty busy.”

“Are you getting things ready for the baby already?” Nathan asked, pointing to the furniture on the porch.

“We’ve done some of that, but what I’ve been meaning to tell you is that my sister got the new teaching job here, so she’s going to be living with us!” Thomas was beaming with excitement as his wife joined him outside, looking very pregnant and uncomfortable.

“Nathan!” Anne welcomed him excitedly. “Has Thomas told you the wonderful news? We were going to invite you and Allie to dinner on Monday as a little welcome gathering.”

“I will be gone all day on Monday, but should be back in time for dinner around seven if that works. I better be getting home to help Allie, but let me know if you need any help getting things ready for your sister. I look forward to meeting her, and I’m sure Allie will be excited.” Nathan mounted Newton and waved as he rode away.

“See you Monday!” the Bradshaws called in unison.

After unpacking, taking the horses back to the livery, then getting washed up and changed, Nathan and Allie sat down to a delicious meal consisting of fresh grilled trout, rice, and green beans. “This meal looks heavenly, especially after a long day,” Nathan said, taking a bite. “Speaking of dinner, the Bradshaws invited us to have dinner with them Monday. Apparently the new teacher is Thomas’ sister who will be living with them, and they want us to come meet her and have a welcome dinner with them.”

“I hope she’s nice and funny like Constable Bradshaw!” Allie giggled thinking of a female version of Thomas. “Aren’t you going to be out of town on Monday though?”

“I’ll be back before dinnertime,” he answered. “Will you be helping the Yosts while I’m gone?” 

“Yes, I’ll be there for a while, then I’ll probably go get a new book from the library and read for a bit before you get home. I need to read for fun before I have to read school stuff.” 

“Sounds like a plan. Thanks for cooking dinner.” Nathan yawned and added, “I think after we get this cleaned up I’m going to bed. It was a really good day, but now I’m exhausted.”

“Me too,” Allie agreed. “My bed is calling to me.”

“Why don’t I do the dishes since you cooked. Go get ready, then I’ll come read to you before I turn in.” Nathan did the dishes and cleaned the kitchen then went to read to Allie, but she had already fallen asleep. He tucked her in, kissed her forehead, and watched her sleep for a few minutes before leaving her room. 

As he finished preparing for bed, Nathan replayed moments from his day. Elizabeth at the livery, Allie and the fishing trip, and now a new school teacher would be coming…the sister of his subordinate no less. Before he could analyze too much, he fell into a deep sleep.

Monday morning dawned bright and clear. Nathan was up with the sun getting ready for his day trip. He went to the livery to get Newton ready, stopped by the jail to pick up some paperwork, then rode toward Elizabeth’s house to say goodbye. He hadn’t been this nervous for a long time, because of what happened at the livery the other morning. He went to knock, but Elizabeth emerged from her house before he could, surprising them both.

“Oh!” she exclaimed. “I was hoping to catch you before you left town, but I didn’t know you were coming here.”

“I am heading out to Granville Penitentiary for a parole hearing today, so I had to get up and leave early. I wanted to say goodbye and good luck before I left. I knew you were leaving early, so I hoped you would still be here.” 

“Nathan, I know we don’t have time to talk about what happened the other day right now,” she began. “I’m hoping we can talk when I get back?”

“Sure,” Nathan apprehensively responded. “Have a good trip. I know you’ll be great on the book tour. Allie and I are making plans to take Jack fishing and riding, so just know he’ll be taken care of and loved.”

“He slept at Lee and Rosemary’s last night so I wouldn’t have to say goodbye this morning and wake him. I’m sure he’s going to love spending time with you and Allie. I just can’t figure out why you are being so good to us still, after everything I’ve constantly put you through. When I said I loved you last year, I meant it.”

“I know. You just weren’t ‘in love’ with me,” Nathan barely whispered. Elizabeth heard him, and started to reply just as Lucas pulled up in his car. “I really need to be going. Goodbye Elizabeth.” He walked down her stairs to mount Newton.

“Goodbye, Nathan. Be safe.” He tipped his hat to her, then nodded at Lucas; who gave him a small wave before getting out of the car to help Elizabeth with her bags. Nathan rode off and didn’t look back, because it would have been too much for him at that moment.

Kathryn was nervous as she stepped off the stage in the middle of Hope Valley. Thomas rushed over and scooped her up into a big bear hug. “You finally made it! It’s so good to see you, Katie.”

“You know I don’t like it when you call me Katie,” she half-teased. “But you are my big brother, so I guess I don’t have a choice. Where’s Anne?”

“She was really tired, and it is hot today. She didn’t think she could handle being out here in this heat, with how close she is to having the baby. Let’s get your trunk and bags, and we can store the heavier things at the Mountie office until I can get someone to bring them over to my house.”

Kathryn looked around and saw people coming out of the businesses to check her out. She knew that small towns were known for prying eyes, but never was very comfortable as the center of attention. She just smiled warmly at everyone, and helped her brother gather her belongings. 

Rosemary had been working on her next edition of the newspaper, while Lee had little Jack at home for his nap, when she heard the stage arrive. Rumor had it that the new teacher was coming today, and she wanted to see for herself who would be working with Elizabeth. She wasn’t expecting the elegant blonde woman who was dressed in a stylish mauve traveling gown. She made her way over to Constable Bradshaw and his sister to introduce herself.

“Hello,” she said. “My name is Rosemary Coulter and I’m the editor of our town’s newspaper the Valley Voice. You must be the new teacher, and Constable Bradshaw’s sister.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you. I’m Kathryn Bradshaw.”

“I’ll let you go get settled, but we will be over to meet you and I can introduce you to my husband Lee who owns the sawmill in town.” Rosemary beamed with pride at the mention of her husband. “Thomas, I can have Lee bring the car to help take Kathryn’s things to your house as soon as little Jack wakes up from his nap.”

“That is so kind.” Kathryn smiled, and Rosemary waved goodbye as she stepped back into her office.

Well, she is a pretty little thing and so pleasant, Rosemary thought to herself. I think she’s going to be a great addition to Hope Valley. Elizabeth will be pleased, I hope.

Anne enthusiastically greeted her sister-in-law with a hug when she arrived with Thomas to their row house. “Kathryn, I’m so glad to see you! I want to hear all of the news from Union City once you get freshened up and rested.”

“Just look at you, Anne!” Kathryn squealed, gently touching her large round stomach. “I can’t believe I get a new niece or nephew soon! I’m so excited to be here so I can spend precious time with the new little one. I’m really not too tired yet, but I would like to freshen up and change. Then we can talk.”

“Let me show you to your room, Katie.” Thomas winked at her and led her upstairs. “Anne has invited my boss over for dinner tonight to welcome you to town. I hope you don’t mind.”

“As long as this isn’t a matchmaking ploy by Anne it should be just fine,” Kathryn stipulated. “We all know how badly things went last time she set me up with a Mountie.” 

“We know. Inspector Grant doesn’t act like he’s looking for anything right now anyway, and I’m pretty sure he’s still hung up on the other school teacher.”

“Oh?” Kathryn was suddenly intrigued, but reminded herself she had no intention of having interest in or a relationship with another Mountie.

It had been a long day of riding and testifying. When Nathan got home Monday late in the afternoon, he had no desire to socialize. But he wasn’t the type of guy to not keep his word, so he bathed and changed into a nice shirt and a vest, since he was meeting the new teacher who was coming from the city. Allie dressed in one of her favorite dresses they had picked up in Union City, but one that was more appropriate for Hope Valley and not as fancy as the cream-colored dress she had worn to the theatre and his graduation. 

By quarter to seven, they were ready to head to the Bradshaw’s house for dinner. Nathan knocked on their door and Thomas opened it right up, shook his hand, and gave Allie a silly salute that made her laugh. “Come on in you two, I want you both to meet my little sister!”

Nathan and Allie walked in and saw Anne and Constable Bradshaw’s sister finishing setting the table. Nathan and Kathryn’s eyes met and their mouths dropped open.

“Kate?”

“Nathan!”

Thomas and Anne looked at each other, stunned. “You’ve already met?” Anne finally vocalized. Then a big smile spread across her face. It seemed the matchmaking had already been done for her!