Granting a Family - Chapter 17: Sharing Secrets

Nathan found Faith at the infirmary making notes in patient files before she headed home for the night. He rushed in and startled her briefly. “Faith, hi. Anne Bradshaw is having what they think are labor pains, but she still has over a month until she’s due to have the baby.”

Faith grabbed the black doctor bag Carson had given her before he left for Baltimore, and rushed out the door with Nathan to quickly head to the Bradshaw’s house. Thomas was on the porch pacing back and forth when they arrived.

“Thank you so much for coming, Dr. Carter,” he said appreciatively. Katie is with Anne. She’s trying to rest, but she’s having a lot of pain and we are worried the baby will be born too soon.” 

“You were right to have me come check her out,” Faith calmly told him. “Do you want to come with me?”

“I’ll stay out here while you do your initial exam, then I’ll come in and be with her.” Thomas continued to pace while Faith went inside.

“Stay calm Thomas,” Nathan encouraged. “Think back to our training about keeping a level head in times of stress.”

“You just wait until it’s your wife in that kind of pain,” Thomas snapped. He quickly regretted being so rude to Nathan. “I’m so sorry, I’m just so worried about Anne and the baby. They are my whole world.”

“I get it,” Nathan promised. “If anything happened to Allie, I’m sure I would feel the exact same way. When my sister Colleen died and her husband walked away from his responsibilities, Allie became the most important person in my life.”

Both men sat in contemplative silence thinking about fatherhood and the important women in their lives. Nathan was grateful Thomas had been sent to Hope Valley, and felt like he had become like a brother in just a few short months. Anne was such a warm and friendly person, and she had really opened up their lives to Nathan and Allie and blended into the Hope Valley community seamlessly. Kate being his sister only made him feel more connected to the Bradshaw clan.

Kathryn came out a few minutes later to tell Thomas that Anne wanted him to be with her. He immediately left to go inside. Nathan suddenly felt nervous, after what transpired the last time they were left alone on this porch. They both started talking at the same time which made them both start laughing and broke some of the tension.

“Is Anne ok?” Nathan finally asked.

“Dr. Carter doesn’t think real labor has started yet, thank goodness. She is concerned because of her swelling ankles and other symptoms from the heat, and thinks Anne is overexerting herself this close to delivery. She is recommending bed rest for the next few weeks, until the baby is bigger and has a better chance outside the womb.”

“That sounds like good news. I better be getting home to Allie, but I hoped you would be up to meeting somewhere outside of town tomorrow. There is just so much I still need to find out about you.” Nathan was purposely keeping his distance this time because he knew what would happen if he didn’t, and the possibility of them being seen or getting interrupted was too high on the porch.

“You tell me when and where and I’ll be there. You aren’t the only one with burning questions that need to be answered.” Kathryn flashed him a flirtatious smile and started backing up toward the door to go inside.

“At eight in the morning, come outside and you will find a note with a map and directions on where to find me. I’ll be waiting for you there. Goodnight, sweet Kathryn.” Nathan began walking down the stars and onto the street.

“What, no Kate this time?” she teased.

“Are you saying you are finally warming up to me calling you that?” he asked, tilting his head to the side and smiling at her.

“I feel like a Kate when I’m with you. Goodnight, Nate.” She waved and walked into the house, and Nathan chuckled to himself as he began walking home. He was sure Colleen would feel like she was in good company in using that nickname.

Allie was sitting in the living room waiting for Nathan to get home when he walked through the door. She ran over and hugged him tight asking, “Is Mrs. Bradshaw ok, and the baby?”

“She had a little scare, but Faith thinks they will be alright as long as Anne takes it easy and stays in bed for the next few weeks. Maybe we can think of some things we can do to help them out while she’s laid up.”

“I could help her finish getting everything ready for the baby, and make them dinner a few nights. Our cooking isn’t quite as good as hers, but it’s not half bad. I’m so excited for her to have the baby. I really haven’t been around a brand new baby before.” Allie imagined what it would be like to hold a tiny bundle and got a little sad.

“What’s the matter, Allie girl?” Nathan put his arm around her as they both sat down. “I’m sure everyone is going to be just fine.”

“It’s not that,” she said quietly. “I just keep hoping that someday I will get to have a baby brother or sister. I used to want Jack to be my brother, but he’s not even a baby anymore. I want to have a baby in our family and watch them grow up.”

“I want that too, Allie...more than you know. But I first have to find the right woman to marry, which is why I have an engagement in the morning that no one needs to know about.” Nathan gave Allie a wink and she rolled her eyes. “I’ll be leaving pretty early, so feel free to sleep in since it is Saturday.”

“I’m going to get ready for bed now, but you are going to read to me tonight aren’t you?” Allie pleaded. 

“Of course I am. Were you able to find a new book at the library earlier?”

“The first book I saw today was A Little Princess. I know we read that together a few years ago, but it is such a great story. Sara always inspires me to have a good attitude and treat others kindly, even when they may not treat you that way. You still want to read it to me, right Dad?”

“Reading to you is one of my most favorite things to do,” Nathan assured her. “Let’s get ready for bed and I’ll meet you in your room in 10 minutes for story time.” After getting ready for bed, Nathan read a few chapters to Allie then kissed her goodnight and headed to his room. Before he went to sleep he wrote the note to Kate with a map of where to meet him in the morning. Even the thought of seeing her gave him butterflies in his stomach, and the almost kiss earlier kept playing through his mind like a broken record. Eventually the exhaustion from the day’s events overtook him and he fell into a deep sleep.

Sunshine was beating down on Nathan's face Saturday morning in his bed, and normally he would have been annoyed on his day off to be awake so early. But this morning he had no problem getting up and quietly getting ready so he didn’t disturb Allie. He packed a snack he could share with Kate, depending on how long they decided to spend together. His first stop was leaving the note on the Bradshaw’s front door, then he headed to the spot he had mapped out for them to meet. It was a place within walking distance of town, but secluded enough they would have some privacy. His job allowed him to find little hidden gems off the beaten path.

Kathryn woke up with great anticipation Saturday morning. She was a little tired from the excitement of Anne’s false labor that kept them up later than normal, but luckily the pains had subsided with rest and she had been able to sleep through the night. Looking through her closet, Kathryn was determined to knock Nathan’s socks off at this morning’s rendezvous. She knew it was going to be a warm day, so something light and flowy. She picked out a flattering pink skirt and a light, cream-colored blouse. Her hair she styled with some of it pulled back out of her face, and the rest flowed down her back in soft curls. 

First, Kathryn went and found Nathan’s note and was nearly trembling as she opened it up to find out where they would meet this morning.

My Dearest Kate,

Good morning beautiful, I hope you slept well. I haven’t stopped thinking about you since our time together on the porch last night at sunset. I am looking forward to learning more about the one and only Miss Kathryn Bradshaw. I am also ready for you to know the real Nathan Grant. 

This morning I am going to show you a very special spot that has gotten me through some hard times since I’ve been in Hope Valley. Allie is the only other person I have shared this spot with, and we made a pact not to tell anyone else about it unless that person is special enough to us. It isn’t far from town, but is quite hidden and difficult to find without a map and instructions. I will be watching and anxiously awaiting your arrival very soon.

Yours,

Nate

Kathryn smiled at how he used his nickname at the end of the letter. He had enclosed a map with specific instructions to his special spot, and she was too nervous to eat more than a piece of toast. As she was preparing to leave, Thomas came down in his serge and eyed her suspiciously.

“What are you doing up and ready to go somewhere this early on a Saturday morning? Please tell me you aren’t getting involved with my boss.” Thomas winked at her and pulled on his boots. “I hope you don’t plan on being gone long, because I am working and I don’t want Anne to be alone. Faith is checking in on her this morning, and I’ll be back at lunch.”

“I will be back in a few hours for sure,” Kathryn promised. “I trust Anne slept well and the pains have stopped?”

“Yes, she seems much better with rest. I mostly need someone to be with her so she won’t try to overdo it again. Just keep her in check when you get back home.” Thomas looked at Kathryn and gave her a quick hug as he went to leave for rounds. “I hope you have fun today sis...you and Nathan deserve some happiness. I promise I won’t tell anyone.”

Kathryn was a little nervous trying to follow a map. Directions had never been her strong suit, and she didn’t want to get lost and leave Nathan alone all morning. She knew the written instructions would be a lot easier for her to follow than the map, but decided both would probably be useful. She grabbed a basket and put in a few baked goods she had made with Anne the day before in case they got hungry, then headed out on her adventure.

Nathan’s detailed instructions were easier to follow than Kathryn expected and the drawn out map made more sense than most maps she had tried to follow in the past. Being a Mountie and expert tracker probably taught him how to be clear in guiding to precise locations. Past the meadow and through a grove of trees, she entered a small path with a lot of thick shrubbery running along a stream, which was probably why it wasn’t hugely known or traveled. She heard water and moved toward the sound of it, per the instructions given in the letter. Soon she emerged into a small clearing with a waterfall flowing down a rocky cliff and emptying into a river that had been the source of the stream she had been following.

Taking in the stunning scenery, Kathryn had completely missed seeing the man standing on the bank of the river, eyes closed as he took in the peacefulness of this special spot. As she kept walking she snapped a twig and Nathan suddenly opened his eyes and turned around. She had to catch her breath, seeing him in a casual white shirt partially unbuttoned, suspenders, casual pants, and hiking boots. 

Nathan felt her presence, but was still startled when he heard her step on a twig. She would not be able to sneak up on anyone being that careless, he thought to himself. His nerves threatened to get the best of him, seeing her standing here in this place that meant so much to him. She looked stunning in the cream and pink outfit, her hair partially up with golden curly strands touching her shoulders and her back, making him want to run his fingers through it and…

“This place is gorgeous,” Kathryn said breathlessly. “I’m so honored you would share your special place with me.”

“Come on, I brought a blanket where we can sit next to the river and look at the waterfall which is perfect this time of year because of the spring runoff.” Nathan grabbed her hand and led her over to the blanket he had laid out with a basket full of his own snacks.

“I brought some cookies we baked yesterday.” Kathryn offered him her basket.

“These look great, and will be perfect after we eat the other food I brought. But first, let’s enjoy the views and talk.” They sat in comfortable silence, listening to the sound of water rushing over the rocks. “I found this place the day after I realized I had feelings for Elizabeth and knew I probably shouldn’t, and she had asked Lucas to dance. It’s kind of a long story, but every time my heart was breaking or something difficult happened, I came here to get...perspective.”

“I love that you found a place you can go that brings you peace. I’m sorry about Elizabeth. I’m really looking forward to meeting her, and trying to not judge her based on what I’ve heard from you.”

“I’m so sorry. She is a wonderful teacher and I’m sure you will get along great. Elizabeth has been through a lot since coming here, and losing her husband so soon after they were married was really hard for her. Logically I know it’s not my fault Jack died, but the guilt still gets to me sometimes.” Nathan stood and wandered over to the edge of the river. This was not going as planned. Why would he bring up Elizabeth in this perfect spot with an incredible woman here with him?

Kathryn also got up and slowly walked over and stood next to him. “Nathan, I want you to feel like you can talk to me about anything. I want to know all of you, not just the perfect and happy things in your life. From what I’ve seen, you’ve had to be strong for a lot of people for a long time. When’s the last time you were able to break down and express your pain? Who takes care of you?” She reached over and thread her fingers through his and gave his hand a squeeze.

Nathan felt tears start welling up, but still didn’t feel like he could be completely vulnerable yet. What if he opened himself up and got hurt again? Keep the town safe and raise Allie, he repeated in his mind. For years that is all he would let himself focus on. He had let Elizabeth in, told her he loved her, and ultimately was crushed. At times he didn’t feel worthy of anyone’s love, yet here he was holding hands with Kate who seemed to understand how much he needed someone in his life to care for him. He could see a future with her and it scared him. “I know you had some reservations about being with a Mountie. When you spoke of Carl and his type, there are many Mounties who are that way. But I became one for very different reasons than most.”

“Please tell me about it,” she encouraged. “You are a very different type of man than Carl, and even my brother for that matter. I want to know what drew you to that profession.”

Nathan closed his eyes briefly and took a deep breath. He was still enjoying the warmth of Kate’s hand and rubbed his thumb over hers to show his affection, before sharing a part of himself with her. “Growing up, my father was in and out of jail because of a gambling problem, then resorted to petty theft to keep food on the table. I had to be the man of the house from a very young age. I never had the chance for a normal childhood. When Colleen married Dylan Parks, I worried he would end up hurting his family like my father did, and I was right. I became a Mountie at first to prove how different I was from my father and Dylan. But then as I worked my way up through the ranks, I had mentors who taught me what it is like to be an honorable and honest man. Instead of wanting to prove myself, I began to love serving others and protecting the innocent from those who want to harm them.”

Kathryn was continually amazed by this large, gentle man. Her older brothers were good men, but none of them had quite as much character as Nathan Grant. “Then you took on Allie when she was very young, so I’m sure having a regular social life as a single guy hasn’t been easy.”

“Raising Allie and adopting her is the number one thing I have ever done, but we both need a real family. It has been hard to not be able to give that to her.” Nathan led Kathryn back to the blanket where they sat close, still holding hands. They sat absorbing what had been said already for a few minutes then Nathan let go of her hand and moved to where the baskets of food sat on the blanket. “I’m starving because I was too excited to eat much before I left,” he admitted. “I have some apples, cheese and crackers, and soda pop bottles Allie picked up at the Mercantile. We can finish off our meal with those delicious cookies you made.”

“I barely ate a thing this morning,” she confessed. “It all sounds wonderful.” They ate together discussing trivial matters and watching the wild animals play in the waterfall and river. “This really is such a lovely place. Thank you for sharing it with me. I promise I won’t tell anyone,” she whispered leaning in closer to him.

“I told you why I became a Mountie, will you tell me what made you decide to be a teacher? It is another noble profession that I admire, because I don’t think I could shape young minds the way you do.” Nathan smiled his crooked smile and caught her gaze with his sky-blue eyes and held them while she contemplated what to tell him.

Finally looking away so she could control her heart rate, she began, “My mother passed away when I was around Allie’s age. She actually grew up in the city with parents who had a lot of money. She fell in love with my father, who was a simple farmer, while they were visiting friends in the country. She left that lifestyle for love, and was happy on the farm with my father and us kids. When I was born, she had a lot of complications that caused her to have health problems for many years and she ended up dying of a heart condition. I always felt somewhat responsible for her death.”

“You know that’s not your fault,” Nathan reasoned.

“Of course I do now, but as a young child it was hard not to put that blame on myself. I’ll tell you what, if I can’t blame myself for my mother’s death, you can’t feel responsible for Jack Thornton’s death.” She gave him her serious teacher look, but it just made him laugh out loud.

“Is that your best mean teacher face?” he asked. “Because I just find it adorable.”

“What? I’ll have you know I have gotten the attention of large classrooms full of students with that look.” Nathan’s laughter made her giggle in response and the heaviness of the conversation was suddenly lighter. Once she had composed herself she continued, “My mother’s sister, Aunt Edith, insisted my father allow me to get a proper education. My brothers were mostly grown, most of them married and helping on the farm or pursuing their own careers. Thomas was getting ready to leave for the Mounties, so my Dad felt like it would be good for me to experience life outside of the country. I think Aunt Edith was more interested in getting me married to a rich gentleman than my education, but I thrived in school, especially in math and science. I wanted to share my passion for those subjects with older students, so I became a teacher and worked in higher education. I’ll forever be grateful for the opportunities given to me, but my aunt still wants me to marry for money and I guess that is part of why I rebelled and started dating Mounties.” 

Nathan pretended to be highly offended and said, “Ouch. So getting to know me is an act of rebellion huh?”

“Maybe a little,” she teased. “I think it is more important to marry for love though, and probably more fun.” They had just finished eating and the sun was almost straight up in the sky, signifying close to noon. “As much as I hate for this time together to end, I have to get back to take care of Anne for Thomas. Thank you for this morning.”

“I really enjoyed being with you too, but I also better get back and make sure Allie is getting her chores done. I’ll let you leave before me so we won’t be seen together. I’m so glad you came and that I got to show you this place, Kate.”

“You’re welcome, Nate.” she smiled at him mischievously, then made herself leave the way she came, even though all she wanted to do was stay a little longer. She felt like they had really gotten to know each other better, and couldn’t wait to spend more time with him. A huge smile remained on her face the entire time she walked home.

Nathan cleaned up the blanket and leftover food, then started walking home with a captivating woman on his mind. Kate was quickly becoming important to him, and learning what he did about her today only strengthened their bond. His heart was finally opening up again, and he was ready to fall in love with his one and only. He felt like today was a huge leap in that direction.