Granting a Family - Chapter 27: The Dance

Letting the students out on the last day of their summer class was bittersweet for Kathryn. Teaching all week had given her something to focus on, since Nathan had been called away for several days to help investigate a crime spree in Brookfield with Constable Gabe Kinslow. That community was too small for a full-time Inspector, so Nathan was usually the one asked to go help out on difficult cases. Kathryn knew all about the Mountie lifestyle and didn’t begrudge him for having to leave town, but she missed him terribly and hoped he made it home in time for the big community dance that he was set to chaperone with her. Cleaning up the rest of the cookie mess her students had made in their final science cooking experiment, she wondered what the rest of summer would bring for her with the two months off from teaching. The new school was getting closer to being finished, and she would have to set up her classroom once it was ready.

Kathryn knew the next big development would be the birth of her new little niece or nephew, so her plan was to help get the house cleaned and organized so Anne and Thomas would have one less thing to worry about. She was also working on sewing blankets, diapers, and clothes for the new infant. As she worked on the baby projects, it made her long for the day she would marry and have her own children. Teaching brought her an immense amount of happiness, but Kathryn knew that lasting joy would come in a real family with a husband and hopefully adding a few little ones into the mix. Especially if they had Nathan’s blue eyes mixed with her blonde curls or some other combination that would be uniquely theirs. 

A knock on the door startled Kathryn out of her thoughts, and she secretly hoped it was Nathan just getting back. She was disappointed when Faith was the one standing at the door for Anne’s weekly checkup. She had been having appointments at the Infirmary, but with how close it was to delivery they both felt it was safer to have them at home. This past week Anne had mostly stayed in bed, even eating most of her meals upstairs. Kathryn knew Thomas was getting increasingly worried with her lack of energy, headaches, and swelling which had been made worse by the current summer heat wave. 

“Faith, come in,” Kathryn welcomed.

“Thank you Kathryn. How is Anne today?” Faith asked as she followed her toward the stairs.

“She still seems quite tired and swollen, but hasn’t complained about her headache as much today.” They both climbed the stairs and Kathryn knocked softly on the bedroom door. “Anne, are you awake? Faith’s here,” she asked quietly through the crack in the door.

“I’m up,” came the reply. Anne was sitting up reading a book when the two women walked into the room. “Have either of you seen Thomas? He promised he would be here for this.”

“I’ll go see if I can find him,” Kathryn suggested. “Why don’t you get started, and I’m sure he’ll be here in no time.” She went outside to start walking toward town, but saw Allie on her porch looking disappointed, so she headed over to find out what was wrong. “Is everything alright?” she asked.

“My Dad was supposed to be home already, but he ended up having to stay an extra day. I don’t want him to miss the dance tonight or we might not have enough adult chaperones.” Allie sighed and looked off into the distance. 

“If he doesn’t make it in time, what adults have you asked for help and who else would you need if he isn’t here?” she wondered. “I’m planning to be there so that’s at least one, and what if you asked Mrs. Thornton, since everyone is comfortable with her and she knows you all?”

Allie’s face seemed to brighten up a little and she nodded, “Yes, I think if both you and Mrs. Thornton helped, with the other parents coming we should be just fine. But I still want my Dad home. I love Opal, but sometimes it would be nice to just sleep in my own bed even when he’s gone for work.” 

“I know you miss him when he’s gone, and I’m sure he misses you too. Have you heard from him or know if he’s going to be back today?” Kathryn felt a little guilty she was asking as much for herself as Allie.

“He called Mrs. Yost yesterday and said he was headed home today,” she replied. “But we all know how plans change with the Mounties.”

“I was just on my way to find Thomas, so maybe you can come with me and we can see if he has any new information about your Dad. Then, you can head over to the school to ask Mrs. Thornton about coming to the dance.” Kathryn put her arm around Allie’s shoulder and they started walking toward town.

Before they had gotten too far, Thomas came riding up on Midnight. “Katie, am I late for Anne’s appointment?”

“I was just coming to find you, but Dr. Carter had just gotten there so you should be fine,” Kathryn assured him.

“Great, I got caught up dealing with some things at the office,” he explained, then turned and looked at Allie. “Hey, your Dad called and said he would be home for sure tonight and hopes he gets there in time for the dance.”

“Thanks for letting me know Constable Bradshaw,” she said. “I better go see if I can talk to Mrs. Thornton. See you tonight Miss Bradshaw.” Allie hurried off toward the school, and Thomas hurried back to his house. 

Kathryn was left in the middle of the street, hoping Inspector Grant was riding back home on Newton this very minute. Wanting time to think and be alone, she decided to go to the Grant family’s special spot that Nathan had shown her when they first started getting to know each other better in Hope Valley. Making sure no one saw her when she slipped through the trees and brush, Kathryn had to once again catch her breath at the beauty of the special place where she had started falling for Nathan Grant.

Kathryn found a big flat rock near the edge of the river where she sat down and listened to the flow of the waterfall and river. Closing her eyes, Kathryn replayed the morning she spent with Nathan a few weeks ago, when they shared so much of their pasts with one another. She had never found another man who made her feel so at ease. It felt like the most natural thing in the world to open her heart to him and tell him her deepest thoughts and feelings. Having Nathan gone this week had made her insecurities come to the surface and she wondered if this was all happening too fast, but when they were together it felt like it had been that way forever.

Taking a deep breath, Kathryn turned her mind to other pressing matters. She knew Anne could have her baby very soon, and if there is one thing she loved being, it was an Auntie. Her older brothers had many children, but she hadn’t lived close to them for quite some time. Thomas was closest in age to Kathryn, and she had lived near him and Anne for quite a while, so she knew this baby would be very precious to her. Then there was Allie. As much as she tried to keep her distance, Kathryn couldn’t help but feel connected to the young teenager without a mother, who reminded her so much of herself. Kathryn wanted to give Allie the world and the real family she deserved. A smile spread across her face at the prospect of marrying the one and only tall, dark, and handsome Nathan Grant.

After a while of quiet contemplation, Kathryn finally felt ready to face the world again. She took another look around and headed through the shrubbery and across the fields back to town. At the Mountie office, she noticed Midnight tethered outside and decided to check on Thomas and to get an update on Anne. Inside the office, Thomas looked troubled sitting at the desk and immediately looked up when he saw Kathryn enter. “What is it Thomas? Is everything ok with Anne and the baby?” she asked.

“Faith is putting her on stricter bed rest,” he explained. “She thinks the baby could be here as soon as this week, but it is still a few weeks sooner than she would like. The headaches and swelling haven’t gotten much worse, but the labor pains have and she is progressing faster than expected. The baby does seem bigger and we might have calculated the due date slightly wrong, but I’m just worried about Anne especially after what happened to Mom.”

Kathryn winced at his statement, the pain and guilt of causing her mother’s poor health still weighing on her when reminded of it. “Anne is young and strong, unlike Mom was when she had me. Stress and worry isn’t going to help anyone, and I promise to help out as much as possible now that school is over for a while. That’s part of why I wanted to come to Hope Valley, because I knew you would both need someone here for you when the baby came.” Kathryn moved over to Thomas and put her hand on his shoulder. He stood up and gave her a tight brotherly embrace.

“I’m so glad you came here,” Thomas admitted. “I don’t know what I would do without you, sis.”

“I’ll head home and be with Anne until you are off work so I can go help with the youth dance Allie and her friends have organized. Hopefully the Inspector will make it home in time to chaperone,” she mentioned with a smirk. 

“He’ll be cutting it close, but I know he will do his best,” Thomas promised. “Nathan Grant is a man of his word, and a great mentor and friend to me. I wouldn’t mind him joining our family for real one of these days.” He nudged Kathryn and she immediately blushed at the implication.

“I better get going,” she said, trying to escape the conversation. “See you around five.” Kathryn left the office and headed down the street. She peaked into the livery just to make sure Newton wasn’t in his stall, then slightly frowned and walked back home. 

Kathryn found Anne in her room crying when she arrived back home. “Oh my dear, I’m so sorry this last little part of this pregnancy is being so rough on you.” She went and sat down on the bed, patting Anne’s hand and trying to calm her. 

Through her tears, Anne finally voiced, “I’m just so tired, and worried about my baby coming too soon.”

“I know, but we need to think positive thoughts and you should try and stay calm,” Kathryn encouraged her. How about I sneak you one of the cookies the students baked for the dance tonight. I know you can’t resist a good snickerdoodle.”

Anne let a little giggle slip through her sniffles. “Oh alright, you know me too well. If you add a glass of milk I should be right as rain in no time.”

Kathryn chuckled as she went downstairs and got the cookie and milk for Anne. The two women talked and laughed for a while until the mama-to-be got tired and decided to have a little mid-afternoon nap before her husband got home from work. Kathryn decided to use the time to finish some hand sewing details on the little clothes and blankets she was making for the baby who could be making an entrance sooner rather than later. She started dinner so it would be ready when Thomas got home, and she was just setting the food out when he came in the door. 

“Something smells good,” he remarked, going over to kiss his sister on the cheek. “I’m going to head up and check on Anne. I’ll be back down after I change to grab a tray for us to eat upstairs. Sorry if that means you have to eat alone, but I know you are in a hurry to get ready for the big dance.”

“I actually ate right before you got here and yes, I need to get ready so I can be there by six to help make sure everything is ready by seven.” While Thomas was checking on Anne and getting changed, she dished up their food and put their plates on a tray for them to be able to eat in their room. He came down and thanked her before carrying the tray upstairs. When the kitchen was back in order, Kathryn went upstairs to get ready for the dance.

Because this was the first official dance she would go to with Nathan, if he made it back in time, she decided to wear one of her more elegant gowns she had worn in Union City to places like the theatre. She also did her hair in a stylish updo and wore ornate ruby jewelry her Aunt Edith had given her for her 16th birthday in Paris. Once she was ready, she looked at her reflection and smiled at the end result. She hoped the time was well spent and Nathan would make it home in time to see her, but truthfully she was more concerned about him making it back for Allie who really needed her Dad at this occasion that was so important to her.

In the hallway, she knocked lightly on Thomas and Anne’s bedroom door and they both hollered “Come in,” in unison and started laughing as Kathryn opened the door. “Look how perfectly elegant and beautiful you look!” Anne exclaimed. “Nathan Grant is going to be blown away, not that he isn’t already completely smitten by you.”

“You are too sweet,” Kathryn replied. Don’t wait up for me, just make sure you both get some much needed rest tonight. I will see you both in the morning.”

Kathryn walked to the Saloon and found many of her students and their parents working to get things set up. Lucas, Fiona, and Hickam had also agreed to help get the place ready, and many of the adults were going to stay. It had been a while since a dance had taken place in Hope Valley, and everyone was ready to have a good time. Allie spotted her new teacher and hurried over to greet her. Kathryn smiled at how grown up and pretty Allie looked in the fancy cream colored dress she wore, and with her hair professionally pinned up.

“Miss Bradshaw, wow!” Allie proclaimed. “My Dad better make it back in time to see you in that dress, because you look really beautiful.”

“What a kind thing to say, Allie,” Kathryn returned. “I was just about to compliment you on your dress, and your hair is so becoming tonight.”

“Thank you,” Allie said, smiling shyly. “We bought this dress in Union City back when we were there in the spring. I wore it to the theatre to see The Tempest. Fiona was nice enough to do my hair for free, since she knew my Dad was gone and wouldn’t know the first thing about how to do hair like this anyway.”

“Oh wow, Nathan took you to see The Tempest? I also saw that show while it was playing that week you were in town. Did you like it?” Kathryn asked curiously. 

“We love Shakespeare and that is one of our favorite plays, so we were so happy we could attend the play.” Allie turned her attention to the platter of cookies Kathryn was holding. “You can bring those cookies over to the refreshment table. We have so many good treats and real fresh-squeezed lemonade to drink. It’s going to be so much fun.” Allie rushed off to her friends who were finishing up some table decorations, and Kathryn set down the cookies and worked to make an attractive arrangement of the refreshments. 

Elizabeth nervously entered the Saloon, unsure if she was ready to face another Hope Valley Dance. She had made her share of mistakes at these social events of the past, and knowing she would probably have to watch Nathan and Kathryn together made her feel sad and lonely. But she couldn’t disappoint Allie again, so she asked Lee and Rosemary to watch little Jack for the evening, dressed in one of her Hamilton gowns, and bravely showed up to chaperone for her students. 

Mike Hickam had to remind himself to breathe again, after watching Elizabeth come into the Saloon. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, but she always had too many other men interested in her for him to really consider asking her out. He knew he was a simple man, and she turned heads whenever she entered...unlike him who was rarely noticed by anyone. He looked across the room at Fiona and Lucas, laughing and flirting as they finished rearranging the room to be more conducive to dancing. He hoped their budding romance wouldn’t be too painful for Elizabeth, but worried more about how she might feel about the recent rejection from Nathan. It was a silent truth that everyone in Hope Valley now knew about - thanks to Rosemary - and he worried about her feelings.

Kathryn marveled at how stunning Elizabeth was in her black and white gown, her dark hair flowing down her back in soft curls. She could see why Nathan had been attracted to her, and felt bad for all of the pain she had been through in the past few years. Kathryn smiled and waved when Elizabeth looked over at the refreshment table. Both women felt they had reached a certain respect and understanding with each other, but it didn’t mean they would necessarily become best friends.

Everything was ready to go promptly at 7:00, and more guests began to arrive. Allie was excited to see Robert show up, looking dapper in his suit. But she was still disappointed that her Dad hadn’t made it home in time for the dance to start. She knew he would do his best to be home tonight, but the life of a Mountie was often unpredictable and unfair. She focused on being with her friends, and stayed determined to make it a fun celebration of summer break. When the first slow song began, Allie nervously waited to be asked. Robert didn’t make her wait long before he confidently approached her to ask if she would do him the honor.

Kathryn wasn’t sure what was keeping Nathan so long, but tried to just stay focused on the task at hand and enjoy getting to know her students and the other Hope Valley residents better. She was sure to keep an eye on Allie and Robert as they danced, and had to smile at the way they radiated young love when they were together. Kathryn was sure Nathan did not enjoy seeing that side of Allie and Robert as a parent learning to navigate the teen years. To keep her mind off Nathan, she got a cup of lemonade and a cookie and sat down at an empty table.

Elizabeth sat alone, smiling as she watched her students have fun together, but having moments of heartache as she watched in-love couples dance together. Her mind suddenly went back to the dances she shared with her dear husband Jack Thornton, and she felt a single tear escape and slip down her cheek. Oh Jack, she thought, I have really messed things up for me and your son. Please help me figure out where to go from here. She wiped the tear away and looked up, surprised to see Mike Hickam standing in front of her with his hand held out as an invitation to dance.

“May I have this dance, Elizabeth?” he quietly asked. “It’s not right for a beautiful lady like yourself, who is all dressed up, to sit alone when music is being played and a dance floor awaits.” 

Startled by the slight flutter in her stomach, Elizabeth couldn’t think of a reasonable excuse, nor did she have a desire to turn this good man down. “Mike, I didn’t know you would be at this youth dance. Were you also asked to chaperone?”

“No, I was in a business meeting with Lucas and Fiona and he needed help getting the Saloon ready. It’s been so long since I’ve attended something social like this so I stayed.” Stopping to think before continuing, Hickam decided to proceed. “I must admit I partially stayed to make sure you were alright. Um, did you want to dance while we finished this conversation?”

Elizabeth felt her face get warmer, but she held out her hand to Mike and he led her to the dance floor. To her great surprise, she felt safe and secure in his muscular arms and he moved in rhythm to the music. To get her mind off her current thoughts she tried restarting their conversation. “Why did you think I wouldn’t be alright? I hope the entire town isn’t feeling sorry for me.”

“Of course not,” Hickam assured her. “I just have to work with Lucas and Fiona making eyes at each other all day, and I wasn’t sure how much you knew about that new development or how you might feel about the two of them together. Well, and then there’s Nathan. I just worry about you...somebody should.” He looked down, embarrassed he had let some of his feelings out in the open. 

Elizabeth was shockingly flattered to be thought of in that manner, but wasn’t sure she could trust her feelings about anyone after how horribly she had messed things up with everyone. “Mike, you deserve the very best because you are so kind and caring. I’m just so confused right now, and think I’ll forever just be damaged goods.”

“I noticed you when you first came to town,” Mike revealed. “I thought you were the most beautiful woman I had ever seen, and the most caring teacher. But Jack Thornton was a friend to me, and when I saw the two of you together I knew it was meant to be. How can I compete with men in uniform like Jack and Nathan, or a successful businessman like Lucas? I’m just a simple man, who barely gets noticed by anyone.”

Elizabeth realized the slow song had ended, but their conversation had caused them to keep dancing anyway. They both realized this at the same moment and chuckled as they walked off the dance floor. “Would you like some lemonade and cookies? We could sit and talk a little more while we enjoyed them. And Mike, you are wrong,” she corrected. “People do notice you and the way you care about everyone in this town. I’ve considered you a very dear friend, and you’ve never been invisible to me.” Mike smiled and they both chose something to eat and sat down together at a table.

Near the end of the dance, the Saloon door opened and Nathan walked in wearing a brown suit and tie. Allie saw him first and jumped into his arms, forgetting for a second that she was a young lady wearing her elegant dress. “Dad, I didn’t think you were going to make it.”

“Better late than never?” he asked, hopefully. “I’m so sorry I am late. That investigation was a lot bigger than expected and I got caught up on my way home at the train station. We can talk about it later.” Nathan’s eyes scanned the room until they met the green eyes of a captivating blonde woman in burgundy. His heart raced at the sight of her, but he tried to tone down his reaction because they were in public. 

Kathryn’s eyes followed Allie jumping into Nathan’s arms but stayed back, resisting the urge to follow Allie’s lead to run into his arms. Once their eyes met, she couldn’t stop the butterflies in her stomach, seeing him all dressed up. As he walked over to her, a new slow song began to play and he offered her his hand. He swept her away into the rhythm of the music and though they weren’t verbally speaking, a lot of communication was happening between them. Kathryn rested her head on his shoulder as they danced.

“I guess if people didn’t know about us before, they will now,” Nathan whispered softly. “I missed you so much.”

“What kept you tonight?” she questioned. “Thomas said you should have been back sooner.”

“I had some last-minute business at the train station before going home to get cleaned up and changed,” he answered, more terse than he planned. “I ran into Carson there. He is on break, and coming to see Faith for a couple weeks.”

“Oh, I’m sure she’ll be thrilled!” she asserted. “I’ve been so worried about you, and concerned about Allie. She misses you so much when you’re gone, and told me she misses sleeping in her own bed when you’re gone. Allie reminds me so much of myself at her age, and I want her to have all her heart desires.”

Nathan’s mood became even more agitated as the song ended. “Can we speak outside?” he snipped.

Kathryn was confused by his reaction, but followed him outside. “Did I say or do something wrong, Nathan? Something doesn’t seem quite right. Talk to me.” She reached out for his hand, but felt no response from him.

“Why are you talking to Allie about her arrangements when I’m gone?” he sharply inquired. “I already had one school teacher force her way into her life, only to rip herself out of it and leaving Allie devastated. I don’t want that to happen again.”

“I’ve been trying to keep my distance and have a professional relationship with Allie,” she argued. “But she was hurting and I was trying to cheer her up and help her with this dance. She wanted you here, but you weren’t. I know the Mounties take you away sometimes, and you are a wonderful father to her...but that doesn’t make her less disappointed at times.” Kathryn felt irritated that Nathan was being so accusatory, when she specifically tried to honor his wishes.

“Kate, I just need to go have at least one dance with Allie before this ends. We’ll have to talk about this more later.” Nathan abruptly turned around and went back inside, leaving a fuming Kathryn, still a bit unsure of what triggered their first real fight as a couple. After waiting for a few minutes to compose herself, she went inside where Nathan and Allie were dancing together. Knowing they now had enough chaperones without her there, she gathered up the empty tray that previously held her cookies and walked home feeling angry and confused.

Granting a Family - Chapter 26: In My Dreams

A shot rang out during the prisoner transfer gone wrong, and everything was in slow motion. Nathan moved to the wagon to help the wounded Constable. When he removed the hurt Constable’s hat, the face staring back at him was Constable Jack Thornton.

Nathan’s eyes immediately shot open and he woke up in a cold sweat. This was a recurring dream he had been having for a while, but he didn’t want to burden anyone with his struggles to come to terms with losing his fellow Mounties. Nathan had initially felt responsible for the death during the prisoner transfer, and was still trying to move past the guilt of Jack replacing him at Fort Clay to train new recruits. On many occasions, he wished he had been the one to lead that mission so Elizabeth still had a husband and Jack had his father.

It was very early in the morning, and Thomas was the one on duty this weekend. Allie was sleeping over at Anna’s house, and although the sun was coming up, not many people would be awake yet. Nathan went downstairs to get a drink of water to help settle his nerves. As he took a drink, he looked out at the chopped wood that still needed to be stacked. He felt a familiar fluttering in his stomach as he remembered his first kiss with Kate. Nathan closed his eyes, the memory of that moment in his backyard replaying over and over in his mind. He could hardly believe they were in a formal relationship now. 

His mind shifted back to his dream, then to his conversation with Elizabeth yesterday. Jack, I’m sorry I hurt Elizabeth. I’m trying to still be there for her and your little son Jack, Nathan tried to explain to him in his mind. Still exhausted from the week, and especially from the events that happened the day before, Nathan went back to bed and quickly fell asleep again.

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Kathryn woke up with the sun, unable to stay asleep when it was a new day full of endless possibilities. Her heart fluttered when she thought about her evening with Nathan, and she put her pillow over her face and let out a little squeal. She got out of bed and looked out the window at the sunrise over a very quiet and peaceful Hope Valley. Through the window, the light shone on her dress from last night hanging up across the room, bringing back a flood of emotions from the first kisses shared and them deciding to officially court. Sighing blissfully, Kathryn decided to get dressed and go for a walk to clear her head before it got too hot outside. She quietly went downstairs, trying not to disturb Thomas and Anne. But when she was just about ready to go out, Thomas joined her downstairs dressed for work.

“Oh, I wasn’t expecting to see you this morning,” Kathryn said, surprised. “I didn’t know you were working this weekend.”

“Your boyfriend didn’t mention he was taking this weekend off?” Thomas teased. “So, the two of you seemed very close last night.” He winked at her and she immediately blushed.

“I will tell you more about that with Anne at dinner tonight,” she assured him. “Right now I’m going for a walk to clear my head.”

“And I am going to go up and kiss my wife then head out on rounds. See you later, Katie.” She rolled her eyes playfully at him, as he headed back upstairs and she stepped outside.

It took everything in her not to go straight to Nathan’s house and knock on the door, but she knew he might be sleeping in on his day off and she didn’t want to disturb him. Instead she walked into town which was very quiet this early, and she went to the livery to see the horses. Newton was by far the most majestic horse in the stalls. He came right over to Kathryn to let her pet him, even nudging her with his head to show his affection. In the stall next to him, Buddy whinnied in disapproval for not getting her attention.

“Oh ok, Buddy. I’ll give you some love too.” Kathryn laughed as both horses tried to compete for her attention. She wished she could take a ride right now on Buddy, but knew it was too early to arrange that, so she would just have to ask Nathan to set it up for them to go riding again. One day she hoped to have her very own horse again like she did growing up on the farm. She turned around to leave the livery and almost ran right into Elizabeth bringing her horse Sergeant back into his stall.

“Oh, hello Elizabeth.” Kathryn wasn’t exactly sure what to say or how to act after knowing she was still in love with Nathan. “You are up early this morning to go for a ride. Your horse is so beautiful. I was just going for a walk since I was awake and it was a beautiful morning.” She knew she was rambling, something she did when she was nervous.

“Good morning Kathryn,” Elizabeth croaked, sadly. “Lee and Rosemary were watching Jack for me last night and offered to keep him overnight so I could get a morning ride in before breakfast.”

“That sounds nice.” Kathryn was having a difficult time, not knowing exactly what happened between Nathan and Elizabeth yesterday, or the past few years for that matter. She only knew a basic overview of their relationship, but not all of the little details that made the two of them so close, then torn apart. Kathryn hoped she could get Nathan to open up to her about those specifics that might help her understand better what had happened. She decided to try changing to a subject where they had common ground. “I can’t believe my summer class is halfway over. I’m so pleased with how well students have been doing with the lessons. It is obvious you prepare your students very well for their future endeavors. I must say, I am impressed by how advanced some of them are, especially Allie.” She mentally kicked herself for bringing the Grants back into the conversation.

“Yes, Allie has been beyond what I can give her in math for quite some time, which is why I set her up with the academy for the advanced course.” Elizabeth’s eyes and heart were full of sadness and regret over the loss of a once-possible daughter. “I’m honestly grateful you came to help our students progress further than I have credentials to teach. I really think they should stay in school longer so they can stay young and not have to face adult responsibilities at such a young age. It is why Nathan helped me convince Robert he wasn’t ready to join the Mounties yet. Although, he might be regretting that decision now, with Allie and Robert wanting to spend so much time together.” 

Kathryn realized the history between Elizabeth and Nathan would be hard to compete with, and started feeling a little intimidated. “It sounds like you two have been wonderful public servants together here in Hope Valley, and you are training a new generation who have that desire as well. I appreciate the way you have welcomed me and been supportive of the expanding school even though I know it is not easy for you.”

“Jack built me that school,” Elizabeth reminisced. “I’m so glad they will be able to use it as a church and community building. But it just won’t be the same to have to teach in a new school building.”

“I’m so sorry, Elizabeth.” Kathryn touched Elizabeth’s arm lightly, her eyes full of compassion. 

Clearing her throat to try and push away the emotion welling up in her, Elizabeth was frustrated she still couldn’t find a reason to dislike Kathryn. She was starting to see how Nathan had developed feelings for this new, very lovely school teacher. But that didn’t mean it didn’t still hurt that he had rejected her last night. She had been so upset when she went to pick up little Jack from Rosemary and Lee’s house that they had suggested keeping her son while she had some time alone to process and grieve. She had hardly slept a wink, so at first light she headed to the livery to take Sergeant for a ride to the land Jack bought for them. Riding had helped a little, but seeing Kathryn had set her back slightly again. 

“I better get Sergeant taken care of and try to make it back for breakfast with my son.” Elizabeth was trying not to sound rude, but she knew keeping her emotions in check wasn’t going to last much longer.

“I should get back and check on Anne,” Kathryn said, feeling the need to remove herself from the situation. She didn’t want feeling guilty about Elizabeth to dampen her joy she felt from entering a relationship with Nathan, but she did have empathy for her. Rejection was always a hard pill to swallow. Kathryn waved and left the livery feeling a little conflicted. The sun was now fully up, and the town was starting to come alive. As she headed down the street of row houses, a group of giggling girls ran past her and she noticed Allie among them. 

“Hello Miss Bradshaw,” they yelled in unison as they passed. She waved and smiled, watching them all enter Nathan’s house as she was approaching her own. Would Allie accept her as more than a teacher? They had bonded a few times, but she knew Nathan was nervous about putting Allie in the middle of another relationship and she didn’t blame either of them. Letting out a huge sigh, she stepped into the house to find Anne in the kitchen looking for something to eat.

“Anne, you should be taking it easy, especially after going out last night.” Kathryn went and ushered Anne over to sit in a comfortable chair and put her feet up on the foot rest. “I will make us breakfast. You just relax.”

“How about you tell me all about your date with Nathan while you cook,” Anne suggested. “I need some good girl talk to get my mind off how uncomfortable and miserable I feel.”

“Well, I was going to wait and tell you and Thomas together at dinner, but I’m feeling like I need to talk to someone about all this right now. Especially since I just had a very awkward conversation with Elizabeth Thornton at the livery.”

“See, now this is the kind of excitement I need in my life right now. You need to start right when Thomas and I left for our date, and don’t leave anything out.” Anne sat up straighter, anticipating a good romantic story.

“I probably won’t divulge all the details,” Kathryn admitted. “But it would be nice to get another woman’s opinion on the situation, without having to get teased by my big brother. Here goes. So, I finished getting dinner ready and then got dressed and waited, but Nathan never showed up. It isn’t like him to be late, and I knew he had gotten off work in time to be here. I got worried when it was almost quarter after seven, and I went to Nathan’s house to check on him.” Kathryn felt color rising up her neck, landing on her face. “Um, so when I got to his house he was out chopping wood and had forgotten about dinner because Elizabeth caught him on his way home and told him she was still in love with him.”

Anne sat with her mouth open, trying to take in all the new information. “Wow, that had to have been a lot for him to process since he’s spent almost a year trying to get over her. I’m assuming from what I saw in this very room last night that he said, ‘Too bad, because I am head over heels for the new school teacher?’”

Kathryn shook her head and chuckled. “I’m sure he put it in a much nicer way, but he did tell her he wanted to give a relationship with me a chance.”

“Wait, so let’s get back to this wood chopping part,” Anne blurted out. “Was he in his Henley and suspenders going at it all manly like? Because the first time I saw Thomas that way, sweat dripping down his muscular frame...I was a complete goner.” She fanned herself with the book sitting on the end table.

“I could have done without that description of my brother,” Kathryn complained. “But yes, that would be pretty accurate what I witnessed in his backyard. Then…” her voice trailed off as she got lost in the recollection.

“He kissed you, didn’t he? I knew it! I could totally see it on your face, but now that I hear the circumstances surrounding it, I am not at all surprised. I’m telling you, those Mounties have a way of driving you crazy doing something as simple as chopping wood. So, are you official now then?” Anne was getting so excited, Kathryn worried she might go into labor right then and there.

“Yes, we kissed last night...twice. Once in his yard, the most blissful moment of my life so far, and the second was a sweet goodbye kiss before he left here.” Kathryn had to sit down in the middle of cooking so she didn’t fall over from being weak in the knees once again with the remembrance of all that happened. “He asked me to officially court him, and I said yes.”

“Wow!” Anne exclaimed. “That dress really must have done something to him! But in all seriousness, I’m so happy for you both!”

“Thank you, I almost have to pinch myself that Nathan Grant wants to be in a formal relationship with me. He is so wonderful,” Kathryn sighed, then got up to finish cooking breakfast. When the food was ready and on the table, the two of them sat down and enjoyed the meal together, giggling like little girls about their Mounties and being in love.

At the Grant house, Nathan was suddenly jarred awake by the slamming of the front door, followed by boisterous laughter and teenage girl voices all talking over each other. He must have slept in a little longer than he had planned to, so he hopped up and pulled on some clothes and tried to smooth his hair so he could go greet Allie and her gang of girls. Everyone stopped and stared when he walked down the stairs.

“Did we wake you up, Dad?” Allie asked. “I’m sorry, you are always up before now. We were just walking everyone home and making plans for next weekend when our summer class is over and we can celebrate. We are planning a big party and wanted to know if you can help chaperone. We are thinking of having a dance, so we can have all the boys and girls in our class come with refreshments and everything. What do you think?”

“Where are you planning on holding this event?” Nathan wondered, trying to suppress a yawn.

“Mr. Bouchard said we could have it at the Saloon, and all the parents are helping out with providing refreshments and decorations. All we need from you is for you to chaperone, and we figured since you are a Mountie you would be the perfect person to ask. You can even bring a date,” Allie added, nudging him with her elbow.

That comment caught him off guard, but he hid any reaction and just answered her instead. “I think I can handle that assignment. Did you already eat breakfast, or do you want me to make you something?”

“We ate,” Allie informed him. “I’ll be back in a few minutes. We just have one more house to go to and then I’ll be right back.” 

Nathan immediately wondered if Kate would want to go help at the party or dance or whatever event the kids had conjured up for next week. Nothing like getting our relationship out there to everyone all at once, he thought. His stomach growling got him moving to make himself breakfast before Allie got back. He knew the first thing he needed to do was talk to her about the changes between himself and Miss Kathryn Bradshaw.

Allie came home as he was washing his dishes, and declared herself completely worn out and needing to take a nap. But first she went over to help Nathan dry his few dishes and talk about her evening. “First the boys tried to crash our party when we were outside playing games. But we told them it was only girls allowed at this party, and that’s how we came up with the idea to have a big summer break party with a dance and everything for both boys and girls.”

Inside Nathan was thinking Great, that just sounds fantastic to have Allie wanting to dance with boys...or a specific boy. But he kept that to himself and just said, “I’m sure that will be fun for everyone, and it’s probably good I’m going to be there keeping watch over a certain young man who probably will want to dance with you all night.”

“Dad, I do like Robert, but he’s not the only boy I’ll dance with all night. We are going to have games and food too.” They finished up the dishes and moved over into the living room to sit down and finish talking. “I’m more interested in what is going on with your love life. How was your date with Miss Bradshaw?”

“That’s what I was going to talk to you about. Last night was kind of interesting, and I told you that when things did progress with Kathryn I would let you know so you could decide how involved you wanted to be.”

“Oooooh, did you kiss her finally?” Allie batted her eyes and puckered her lips. Nathan turned a deep shade of red and she got her answer. “Way to go, Dad! I was beginning to wonder when you would finally make your move.”

Nathan shook his head and tried to calm his racing heart from thinking about kissing Kate. “Listen, I just wanted to tell you that I asked her to officially start courting and she said yes. I just want you to know that we aren’t going to force you into the middle of our relationship or make you spend time with us unless you decide that is what you want to do. We make all major family decisions together. You are still the most important girl in my life, you know that don’t you?”

Getting serious for a minute, Allie nodded. “I know. But Dad, you deserve to be happy. I’ve never seen you look this way before, so I fully support you in this next step. I think right now I just want to be Miss Bradshaw’s student. When summer class is over, maybe we can try doing something with the three of us. I also really like spending time with Constable and Mrs. Bradshaw as well. Maybe we can have dinner all together with them again sometime.”

“I’m impressed with how mature you have handled what has been thrown at us lately,” Nathan expressed. “I’m glad you know your limits now and I am completely supportive of whatever you decide. Just having your blessing is all I could ever ask for or need.” He moved over to sit next to Allie, giving her a big hug and kiss on the head. “Now, you go take a nap. Experience tells me you didn’t get a whole lot of sleep with your friends last night.”

Allie yawned and responded, “You know us too well. Thanks for letting me know about you and Miss Bradshaw. It will still take me some time to get used to the idea, but I know you will make the right decisions. I can barely keep my eyes open, but can we go riding later? Buddy needs to get out of his stall more often, and Newton probably needs some exercise today.”

“That sounds great. I have some things to work on while you sleep,” Nathan explained. “Maybe we can take some food with us to one of the upper ponds and picnic while we fish for a while, just the two of us.”

“Really? That would be awesome. I saw Mrs. Bradshaw heading back home early this morning. I wonder why she was in town so early. Anyway, goodnight.” Allie walked up to her room and went to bed for a much-needed nap.

Nathan was intrigued that Kate had been out so early, but tried to focus on the chores he needed to finish before he and Allie could go on their impromptu fishing trip and picnic. Looking out back, he remembered the chopped logs that needed stacking. He pulled on his boots and went out to get to work. He stacked the wood and cleaned up the yard, trying not to get distracted thinking about a beautiful woman in a lovely off-white dress with lace accents. When he was finished in the yard he decided to go pick up some supplies from the Mercantile. He went inside and cleaned up the best he could, then wrote a note telling Allie where he was in case she woke up.

Ned welcomed him at the Mercantile and engaged him in small talk. He asked if Nathan needed any help, but he declined since he just had a short list of things to buy. While finishing up his shopping, Nathan heard Ned’s bell ring and casually looked over to see who came in the door. His heart stopped when he saw Elizabeth. She didn’t notice him at first, as she went straight to Ned and exchanged pleasantries before turning her attention to her shopping list.

Elizabeth immediately saw Nathan when she turned toward the store shelves to begin her shopping. Resisting the urge to run away, she gave him her most convincing smile and moved over to talk to him. “Hello, Nathan. How is your Saturday going?” She hoped the hurt she felt wasn’t written all over her face, but felt extremely emotional and wasn’t sure she was hiding it well at all.

“Good morning Elizabeth,” Nathan replied. “I’m just running errands while Allie is napping after having a sleepover. You know how little those girls actually ever sleep at those things.” He chuckled at the memory of Elizabeth helping the girls decorate cupcakes at the first sleepover Allie hosted at their house all those years ago.

Elizabeth remembered all too well how Nathan felt about the sleepovers Allie had with her friends, and a flash of putting icing on his nose during that first slumber party at his house went through her mind. “I remember,” she whispered. “I need to hurry and get back to little Jack, but tell Allie hello for me.”

“I will,” he promised. “I’m just so sorry if I hurt you yesterday. That wasn’t my intention at all, and I’ve been sick wondering if you were alright.”

“I will be.” Elizabeth wasn’t sure how much longer she could hold it together, so she started putting items from her list into her basket.

Nathan felt his heart breaking for her, and not wanting to cause her more pain, went and paid for the items he already had and quickly left the Mercantile to head home. He shifted his thoughts to happier things as he walked. He was really excited to spend some one-on-one time with Allie this afternoon, knowing he needed to make sure Allie didn’t feel replaced or less important than the new woman in his life. Being so deep in thought, he almost missed seeing Kate sitting on the steps of her porch watching him walk by.

“Hello there, handsome,” Kathryn asserted as Nathan walked over to her. “I think a man with a basket has a certain appeal to him.”

“Hello yourself, beautiful. I think baskets can be very manly, can’t they?” Both of them started laughing, basking in this new and flirtatious stage of their relationship. “How did you sleep?”

“Let’s just say it was difficult after the excitement of last night,” she conceded. “I was up with the sun.”

“I was up with the sun too, but ended up going back to sleep until Allie and her friends gave me a rude awakening.” Nathan set his basket down on the Bradshaw’s porch so his hands were free to hold Kate’s. He could never get over the way her looks affected him, and today she wore the yellow dress from the first time he ever saw her in the boarding house dining hall. It was amazing how he felt something for her the first time they met, but he had no clue he would fall for her like he had.

“I remember this dress, and how I felt the first time I saw you. I feel like there were greater forces at work that have brought us together.” He pulled her closer to him and moved his hands behind her back. 

Feeling too exposed in the front of the house, Kathryn took him by the hand and led him to the back where they couldn’t be seen. “I know we aren’t keeping our relationship a secret, but I’m still not ready for it to be on full display. That first time I saw you, I could barely breathe. I never would have dreamed we would be together like this, but I’m grateful you were brought into my life. I can’t remember a time I ever felt this happy.” She let him draw her closer again, and moved her hands up to the back of his hair. Looking at the pile of wood next to them, Kathryn couldn’t help but think about what Anne had said about how attractive sweaty Mounties in Henley’s and suspenders were chopping wood. Darn you, Anne, she thought, trying not to giggle. 

Nathan looked curiously at Kate, who looked amused. “What’s so funny?” he asked, wanting to know everything she was thinking.

“Just something Anne said earlier about Mounties and chopping wood. Girl talk.” This time she couldn’t help but snicker a bit, but as her eyes caught Nathan's, her pulse raced and the only thing she could think about was being close to him. She pulled his head down and planted a kiss right on his lips.

Nathan didn’t expect Kate to initiate a kiss, but the minute their lips met he pulled her closer, his hands smoothing her hair and resting on her back. It was brief this time, and Kate looked a bit embarrassed for having been so forward. She couldn’t meet his eyes in that moment so she put her head on his chest and they just held each other for several moments. “I could stay like this forever,” he murmured. “Unfortunately, I have a lot to do before I take Allie riding up to fish and have a picnic together.” 

Kathryn regained her composure and smiled up at him. “One of the things I admire so much about you is the special relationship you have with Allie. She needs that time with you. I had already planned to have dinner with Thomas and Anne tonight, so go enjoy the day with your daughter.”

Nathan kissed her head and held her hand as they walked back to the front of the house to retrieve his manly basket full of goods from the Mercantile. “I’ll see you soon, Kate.” He gave her a crooked smile as he walked the short distance home.

Kathryn wondered if this effect he had on her would ever go away. She watched him go home and sat back down on the porch steps to gain the strength to walk up them and into the house. Suddenly feeling tired from her lack of sleep, she decided to attempt getting some rest before making dinner for Thomas and Anne. All she knew was that her life had been made much sweeter with Nathan Grant in it, and she couldn’t wait for what their future held.

Granting a Family - Chapter 25: Full Circle

“Would you like something to drink?” Elizabeth asked Nathan as they entered her house. “I just made some fresh lemonade.”

“That actually sounds nice,” Nathan answered, removing his hat and inspecting the house out of habit as he waited for her to pour the glasses of lemonade. He noticed all of the wooden toys he had made for little Jack in the corner, and he smiled thinking about his little buddy getting use out of his handiwork. Elizabeth carried the glasses over and saw him looking at the toys. 

“You know, all of the toys you made him are Jack’s favorites.” She handed him the lemonade and they took a seat across from one another. They both took a refreshing drink and set the glasses on the end table. 

Nathan felt nervous, which made it feel like he was suffocating in his serge. He unbuttoned the top and a few buttons down so he could breathe. “I hope you don’t mind, it’s just getting a little stifling.”

“You can take it all the way off,” she suggested, then realizing what she said turned bright red. “I mean, I know your jacket must be really hot in the summer and I’m fine if it would be more comfortable without it.” Elizabeth tried to push away the embarrassment of her comment, and focus on the purpose of this conversation.

Nathan snickered and happily took his jacket off and set it next to him with his hat. “I don’t have a lot of time because of plans I have this evening, but it seemed like you had something important to say.”

“Nathan, I don’t know where to begin…” The irony hit Elizabeth, that she had used that same line last year when she rejected him at the spot they were this morning next to the pond. “The past few months I’ve reflected on my life and the choices I’ve made. On the book tour, being away from Hope Valley was a wake up call to me. For the first time since Jack died, I finally felt like the real me again once I stood up to Lucas and recognized who I really was and what I wanted.”

“I’m glad you are feeling more like yourself, Elizabeth. A loss like you experienced with Jack takes time to really process and move on from,” he sympathized. “You know, the guilt from feeling responsible for Jack’s death has taken a long time for me to come to terms with. Your forgiveness had everything to do with my healing. I recognize that me confessing my love for you did not help either one of us move forward faster.” Nathan suddenly felt thirsty again, and took another drink of the lemonade.

“When you told me how you felt last year and I rode off on Sergeant without acknowledging your feelings, I rode him to Jack’s land and cried harder than I had since I found out he died.” Elizabeth moved over to sit next to Nathan before she continued. Taking his hands in hers and looking deep into his piercing blue eyes, she said, “I was scared of my deep feelings for you, and hearing you confess what my heart was feeling was just too much for me in that moment. If I had been able to be honest with myself and admitted my feelings, I would have told you I felt the same way and that situation would have ended very differently.”

Nathan couldn’t believe this was happening right now. This was everything he wanted her to say before, and he couldn’t deny that hearing it right now helped validate what he believed back then. He looked deeper into her eyes to try and figure out where she was going next, and he saw a more vulnerable and open Elizabeth staring back at him. It was discouraging to him that she was coming around now, when he had worked so hard to move on and open up to someone else. Even so, part of him was struggling to let go of his vision of Elizabeth and little Jack being a family with him and Allie. Then the pain he felt in the Mountie office that day last fall hit him straight in the heart. 

Elizabeth wasn’t sure how to interpret Nathan’s silence, and she was becoming so lost in his eyes that it was difficult for her to form words. She finally opened her mouth to vocalize what had been haunting her for some time. “Nathan, the day in the jail when you told me you believed love was worth fighting for...what you didn’t know is that I have always had that same philosophy on love. I ran away that day because it hit me hard that not only did we agree on fighting for love, but that we both had felt like we were betraying Jack by falling in love with each other.”

Pulling his hands away from hers and using them to cover his face, Nathan felt like he had just been punched in the gut again. “Are you saying what I think you are saying?” Nathan questioned with emotion.

“Nathan,” Elizabeth breathed, touching his arm lightly. “I’m in love with you. I have been for so long, but I tried to keep myself from believing that it was true. I was so scared of losing you like I lost Jack, that I let it cloud my judgment and make me become someone I didn’t even recognize.”

Standing up and pacing the floor while running his fingers through his hair, Nathan tried to absorb the weight of Elizabeth’s confession and tried to determine what response he could give that was true to how he really felt. “This is exactly what I wanted to hear last year,” Nathan began. “I was ready to settle down and become a real family with the four of us. It’s all I dreamed about for a really long time.” Tears were running down both their cheeks as he spoke. “I was in love with you, and I absolutely adore your little boy like he’s my own son. I knew you felt the same way back then. I’m a Mountie and have the ability to read people, but I couldn’t force you to be honest with me and admit what was really in your heart. I was willing to give you time to figure it out, and I did that. But that day you told me you loved me, but wasn’t in love with me and that you were looking for Jack in me...it destroyed me. It felt like someone had ripped my heart out of my chest and stomped it into a million little pieces.”

“I know,” Elizabeth cried. “What I said and did that day is the biggest regret of my entire life. I had to tell you now, because I can tell something has happened with you and Kathryn. I decided today that I have to be strong and fight for love, to fight for you.” She stood and moved to where he stood in the middle of the room. Wrapping her arms around him in a big hug, like the one they had on the street when he was nearly killed in the prison transfer, she let all of her emotions out and soaked the front of his Henley with her tears.

Comforting her, he wrapped his arms around her in a tight embrace. When her sobs turned into a light whimper, he softly spoke again. “I will always love you and Jack. I will be here for you whenever you need anything, I promise. When I asked for this posting to watch over Jack Thornton’s wife and child, that was not something I took lightly and it wasn’t a duty that had an expiration date. I do love you Elizabeth, and I’m not going to say I’m not in love with you anymore because it’s not that black and white.” 

Nathan grabbed her by the shoulders to pull her slightly away from him so he could look her in the eyes again. She looked up at him with a sense of dread, but smiled slightly to encourage him to go on. “I don’t want to hurt you, but I have moved on. I had to do that to keep myself going and to progress in all aspects of my life. My career has taken off, Allie is giving me a run for my money but has grown up so much recently, and I have started to fall for Kate, um Kathryn. I owe it to her to give our relationship a chance. I want you to fight for love, Elizabeth. You deserve someone who adores you and will give you all the love in the world. But I also know that me being a Mountie would always be a source of great anxiety for you. I offered to quit because I felt like it was the only way to keep you in my life. Truthfully, it would have been difficult for me to give up the profession I love so much. I was resentful to you after your rejection, because I would often think about how I gave up a promotion for you. Yes, it was also for Allie, but she would have been ok either way. She understands the Mountie lifestyle, and she may end up being a Mountie’s wife one day. Elizabeth, maybe you need to be with someone who doesn’t remind you every day of what you lost. I’m glad you figured out Lucas wasn’t the right one for you, but I believe there is someone else who could be what you and your son need, without the constant reminder of your first husband and his profession.”

More tears fell down Elizabeth’s cheeks and she wiped them with her hands until Nathan pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and handed it to her. “Thank you for your honesty. I do want you to be happy, and I will always be grateful for you coming into our lives. I only have myself to blame for not being honest with myself and overcoming my fears sooner.” She reached her hand up to his face, touching the short stubble from the day’s growth. She looked over his attractive features, wanting to remember everything about him. Elizabeth would forever regret not kissing his lips, or running her fingers through his hair. She knew letting him go and trying to be happy for him was the only thing she could do now, but it hurt more than she could possibly imagine. “Goodbye, Nathan,” she whispered.

Taking the hint, Nathan grabbed his hat and serge jacket then headed for the door. He turned to face Elizabeth one more time before leaving her house. “I’m so sorry,” he apologized, and hurried out the door and down the street to his house feeling a mixture of sadness, relief, and heartbreak all over again.

His mind full of worry and confusion when he walked in the door, Nathan decided to do what he normally did when he needed to release frustration and get perspective. As he went out to the woodpile he noticed it was getting low, so chopping wood was killing two birds with one stone. He pulled his suspenders down and untucked his short sleeve summer Henley from his uniform pants. When the axe made contact with the first log, Nathan immediately felt better somehow. He mechanically kept grabbing more logs and chopping as he let parts of his conversation with Elizabeth play through his head.

_____________________________________________________

Kathryn had finished making dinner for Nathan by 6:30 so she could set the table, then change back into her new dress before Nathan arrived at 7:00. She knew he had finished work on time, because Thomas had come home with plenty of time to get ready and take Anne out for one of their last dates before their baby arrived. After getting changed and checking everything one final time, she checked the time and started to worry what was taking Nathan so long. At 7:10 Kathryn decided to walk over to check on him. As she approached his house, she could hear the familiar sound of wood being split out back, so she went around the side of the house to his backyard where she discovered him hard at work. 

He was a sight to behold in his element, sweat dripping down his face and neck, soaking the white Henley he wore untucked and unbuttoned. Kathryn could barely breathe as she watched his muscles tense and release in this exercise of hard labor. His hair was flying in every direction, and his face had a look of determination mixed with sorrow and possibly stress. She stood there just taking in the view and admiring what an attractive and strong man Nathan Grant was.

As he got lost in the familiar routine he often used to relieve his mental burdens, Nathan could feel someone watching him and groaned when he realized he had forgotten something very important...his date! Turning slightly he met Kate’s gaze, and gasped when he saw her. Wearing an off-white, stylish dress he had never seen before with her hair flowing down her back, yet out of her face, and the delicate emerald jewelry, she had never looked so stunning. 

When Kathryn saw him turn around, she knew her mouth was wide open staring right at him. He began walking toward her and she felt stuck to the ground. She couldn’t speak when he stood right in front of her.

“Kate, I’m so sorry.” Nathan reached out to touch her face and her heart raced faster than it had been while watching him before. “Time just got away from me, and there is so much I need to tell you.” He stopped and took a step back to take her in up close. “You look incredible!”

“Thank you,” she murmured breathlessly. Their eyes met and it was as if a big magnet was pulling them together. She reached both hands up to smooth his disheveled hair and rested her hands on the back of his neck. She noticed a different look in his eyes than the last time they had been this close, as if all confusion and hesitation had disappeared and was replaced by longing and desire.

His large hands went around her waist and pulled her closer to him, causing her hands to slip from his neck to rest on both biceps as they kept eye contact and no words were needed. He moved one hand up to tuck a loose golden lock behind her ear and kept his hand there, lightly brushing her cheek with his thumb. He could smell her intoxicating sweet fragrance that reminded him of fruit blossoms, and it was driving him crazy. “Oh, my beautiful, sweet Kate,” he moaned, his voice cracking with emotion. He saw her briefly look down at his lips, and that was the only signal he needed.

Kathryn hoped nothing would stop him from actually kissing her this time. They had been so close before, but today seemed different. When Nathan said her name that way, she broke their gaze and looked at his lips, hoping he understood she was more than ready for more. Being this close to him, her senses were heightened and she caught a whiff of his muscular scent from working hard in the outdoors. She moved her hands back up his muscular arms and behind his head into his hair. His hands both cupped her face and their heads slowly moved closer together. 

His lips finally met hers, meekly at first, but as she responded, all of his pent up emotion flooded out and the kiss deepened. Both of them felt more alive than they ever had, and they let that passion seep into their first kiss together. After several blissful moments, they finally pulled apart and just stared into one another’s eyes again, completely breathless with their hearts on fire.

“I think I should catch you chopping wood more often, Nate,” Kathryn finally managed to say with a twinkle in her eye. 

Nathan pulled back suddenly and blurted, “I’m so sorry, Kate. I hope I didn’t ruin your beautiful dress with how sweaty and gross I am right now.”

She grabbed his hands and pulled him back to her, “I’m not concerned about my dress, silly.”

“I am, because you look gorgeous and smell wonderful, so I don’t want to get you dirty or smelly like me,” he reasoned. Let me hurry and clean up so we can still have that date. I’m starving, and I’m sure you are as well.”

“Food is the last thing on my mind right now, but I would still love to have dinner and talk,” Kathryn admitted. “I’ll go make sure everything is ready, and you can come over when you are.” 

They walked together holding hands until they reached the back door of his house. “I’ll hurry, I promise.” Nathan kissed her hand before going inside, and when he was gone Kathryn let out a huge euphoric sigh. She hoped she would be able to walk home, with how weak in the knees she felt at that moment.

Nathan washed up and changed into Kate’s favorite light blue shirt and gray vest that she insisted brought out his eyes. As he combed his hair, he had flashes of Kate’s hands softly sifting through his brown curls during the intimate moments surrounding their first kiss. His desire to see her again motivated him to quickly finish getting ready. In no time he had crossed the street to pick some wildflowers, then climbed the stairs to her house and knocked on the door.

Kathryn went home and made sure the food was still properly heated and the table perfectly set. Then she freshened up a bit, still reeling from their unexpected fiery exchange. She wondered what changed in him, and hoped she would learn more about that during dinner. A knock at the door startled Kathryn out of her thoughts and sent a rush of nerves through her entire body.

When she opened the door, Kathryn had to catch her breath at how utterly handsome Nathan looked. He stood there with his crooked smile, holding a small bunch of freshly-picked wildflowers. “Oh, Nathan!” she exclaimed. “They’re beautiful! Let me put them in water and we can have them on the table for dinner.”

Nathan felt almost like he was living in a dream, and nearly had to pinch himself at his good fortune for finding such an amazing woman who actually felt the same way about him as he did about her. “Tell me about that dress,” he suggested. “It doesn’t look like one that came from Hope Valley. It completely blew me away when I saw you wearing it earlier.”

Trying not to let him see the color rising up her neck, she smiled and said, “Thank you, I thought it was so elegant and lovely when it came for me from my Aunt Edith. Honestly, I mostly wanted to wear it for you.”

“You must thank your Aunt Edith for me,” he instructed. “She can send you new dresses anytime.” Nathan stood next to her and reached out to touch the lace at the bottom of her sleeve. He noticed the plates of food she had dished up and added, “Dinner smells great.”

“It’s more than ready,” Kathryn announced, setting the vase of flowers down in the middle of the table, along with the plates of food. “I just made a roast with carrots and potatoes, nothing fancy. But I did get your favorite apple pie at the café for dessert, since I didn’t have time to bake something myself. And I do have homemade bread the kids at school learned to bake for our science experiment today, with fresh raspberry jam to go with it as well.”

“It all sounds perfect.” They sat down at the table, said grace holding hands, then began eating together. “Kate, I have so much I want to say to you. I know we don’t have a lot of time tonight, but I first want to explain why I was chopping wood and not at your house at 7:00 sharp.”

“Nate,” she quietly giggled at the use of the nickname she had started using for him, and at the thought of him chopping wood. “You don’t owe me an explanation, but I am here for whatever it is that you need to say.” She placed her hand in his and squeezed it to encourage him to keep going.

“Elizabeth caught me on my way home and wanted to talk,” he rubbed Kate’s knuckles with his thumb and took a deep breath. “She told me she was in love with me.”

“Oh!” Kathryn replied. “I’m not sure I was expecting that. So I’m going to assume you didn’t say it back, based on what occurred in your backyard.”

“That’s just it. As soon as she confessed her feelings to me, everything became so clear. I told her I was falling for you and wanted to give our relationship a chance,” he explained. “So that’s what I’m asking you tonight. Will you officially begin a proper courting relationship with me? One that we can pursue out in the open?” His bright blue eyes were full of pleading adoration as he looked for an answer in her sparkling emerald eyes.

I will probably have to come to terms with Elizabeth being in love with him, she thought to herself. But out loud she answered, "Yes, of course I'll enter a courtship with you!" They both stood up and gathered each other into a tight hug. As they pulled back and looked into each other’s eyes again, their heads moved closer together. Suddenly, the front door opened as Thomas and Anne returned home from their date.

“Oh, I’m so sorry you two,” Thomas apologized. “We are actually going to head upstairs, so you won’t have to worry about us for long. It looks like things are going well.” He winked at them knowingly, and Anne lightly hit his shoulder with a look of warning.

“We thought you would have been done with dinner by now,” Anne added apologetically. “I am very tired and just want to go to bed, so I’ll help you by getting Thomas out of your way.”

“I’m so glad you two had a chance to go out tonight,” Nathan chimed in, chuckling.

“Goodnight, Anne and Thomas,” said Kathryn. “We’ll be finished soon.” After Thomas and Anne went upstairs to bed, Kate and Nate finished their dinner and enjoyed their pie together, talking about Nathan’s work and Kathryn’s summer school class. They worked together to wash and dry the dishes, but not wanting to disturb the other Bradshaws further, they decided it was best to end their date and get together again the next day. Kathryn walked Nathan to the door holding his hand. Both were disappointed to say goodbye. 

“Thanks for dinner,” he said appreciatively. 

“You’re welcome.” Kathryn’s heart began racing again as he took her into his arms and leaned down, pressing a sweet and tender kiss to her lips.

“Goodnight, Kate,” he said softly, opening the door and turning around for one final look at her before heading out into the night to go home.

Kathryn slowly climbed the stairs to her bedroom, feeling like she was floating on a cloud. She collapsed onto her bed, touching her lips and remembering all of the incredible moments she had experienced with Inspector Nathan Grant today...the man she was now officially courting!

As Nathan prepared for bed, he felt emotionally exhausted, but for the first time in a long time he was excited and confident about his future. Kate was everything he had dreamed of and more, and their chemistry and connection was undeniable. He had no desire to hurt Elizabeth, but had a feeling she was going to be ok and find love with another man worthy of her and little Jack. Tomorrow he would tell Allie of his official courtship with Kate, and he hoped she would be excited for him as they moved toward adding to The Grant Family. Life had never been better!