Granting a Family - Chapter 21: Divided Attention

Sunday morning began with severe thunderstorms rolling through the Hope Valley area. Thomas was on duty, and rode through the rain on his rounds to make sure everyone was staying safe. Nathan and Allie had prepared for church in relative silence, both in a bit of a mood that matched the weather. It felt as if a shift was happening, and certain people in the congregation felt a bit on edge as Pastor Joseph gave his sermon on accepting change and looking for the positive. Nathan and Allie sat near the back as usual, and Nathan’s eyes kept drifting to the side where a lovely blonde in a dark green dress sat with her very pregnant sister-in-law who probably should have stayed in bed this morning. His thoughts kept returning to last night when she kissed him on the cheek and told him she would wait for him to be ready. Oh the irony! He had given Elizabeth that same promise last year, and she had chosen to date Lucas instead. But so much had happened since then, and his head and heart had been at war for the past several weeks.

Thomas slipped in near the end of the service, drenched from being out in the rain all morning. He stood near the back, and Nathan gave him a nod of acknowledgement. When they all stood up to leave and went outside, a ray of sunshine had broken through the clouds and illuminated the town. A peaceful feeling of hope washed over Nathan as he breathed in the fresh scent of rain. 

“What a stunning view, wouldn’t you say Inspector Grant?” Nathan’s body tingled as he heard Kate’s voice and felt her presence right behind him.

“Miss Bradshaw,” he acknowledged, turning around. “It seems that even through the storms of life, there is always a bright ray of hope waiting at the end.”

“How very poetic! So now you’re a poet too? Every time I’m with you, I seem to discover more of your amazing talents.” She spoke quietly so anyone around wouldn’t hear, since they were trying to keep their relationship under wraps. Kathryn had been excited, yet nervous, to see him today. Knowing Elizabeth was coming back, she was feeling slightly insecure and apprehensive about meeting her and wondering what would happen with Nathan. In this moment though, she knew the connection they shared was undeniable. 

“Boss, good to see you. I’m glad the storm let up for our walk home.” Thomas had Anne’s arm in his and they were slowly walking home from the church.

“You are soaked,” Nathan said, pointing out the obvious. “Anne, I didn’t expect to see you here today. You look radiant as always.”

“Hey, you better be careful...she’s taken!” Thomas quipped. 

“Oh hush, Thomas,” Anne said as she playfully slapped his arm. “I haven’t been having pains for a few days, and I am allowed a daily walk so here I am.”

“That is wonderful to hear,” Nathan replied. We won’t want anything to happen to you or that precious cargo you are carrying.” It made Kathryn's heart swell to hear how kindhearted and loving he was to everyone, especially seeing his soft spot for children.

Allie had been visiting with her friends, but said her goodbyes and ran over to walk back home with Nathan before the next round of storms hit. The Bradshaws and Grants walked together through the puddle-ridden street to the row houses, talking and laughing together like they had been great friends for much longer than weeks.

“Are you excited for the summer class to start tomorrow?” Anne asked. “Kathryn has some really fun learning activities planned that I know you will all just love!”

“That’s the hope anyway,” Kathryn added.

“I guess it will be alright,” Allie shrugged. “I don’t really have much better to do with my mornings since Dad is usually working and I usually don’t have switchboard shifts until the afternoons.”

All the adults chuckled and Allie just rolled her eyes. When they reached the row houses, the Grants said goodbye to the Bradshaws and wished them a happy Sunday. Nathan and Allie made it home just as more lightning and thunder began and another round of heavy rain poured down. They ate, played a few rounds of chess, and read their library books. 

The skies finally cleared just after dinner, and they decided to take a walk before getting ready for bed. Nathan didn’t want Allie to know his reason for going out was to check and make sure Elizabeth had arrived home safely. As they approached Lee and Rosemary's house, Elizabeth was just stepping outside holding little Jack. 

“Mrs. Thornton, you’re back! Hi Jack!” Allie ran over and gave them a hug as Nathan watched with mixed emotions. 

Jack wiggled out of his mother’s arms and ran over to Nathan with his arms up. Nathan scooped the little boy into his arms and held him close for a minute before Jack started stammering, “‘atan! We go fishing? Ride ‘ewton?”

“Maybe another time, buddy. Right now you need to see your mother.” He put Jack down, as Elizabeth walked over to Nathan. She hesitated slightly, then embraced him in an affectionate hug. His first instinct was to run, but he hugged her back and she clung to him as tears started running down her face. “Elizabeth, are you ok?”

“I’m just so glad to be home,” she cried. “I missed you...all of you so much. Especially my little boy. With the storms today, it made the ride nerve wracking. I just wanted to be back in Hope Valley in my safe little house.”

Nathan closed his eyes, and memories of the hug they shared after the prisoner transfer flashed through his mind. He took hold of both of her shoulders and pulled her out of the embrace. He looked her in the eyes and gently said, “You’re home now, and we are all glad you made it safely. Spend the evening with your son and get some rest.”

Elizabeth smiled and took little Jack’s hand. “May we talk later?” she asked Nathan. “So much has happened, and there is so much I need to say.”

“Of course,” Nathan agreed. Allie had been kneeling down playing with Jack and had him laughing at her silly faces. “We had such a great time with him while you were away, didn’t we Jack?” Nathan bent down on his level and shook his little hand.

“Go see ‘ewton and Sarge?” Jack begged.

“Another time, I promise.” Nathan and Allie started to leave and he said, “Welcome home,” to Elizabeth, before she led little Jack into their house.

As they continued their walk, Allie tilted her head and looked up at Nathan. “So what was that all about, Dad?” 

“I think she was just happy to be home,” he answered, unconvincingly.

“But what about Miss Bradshaw? You went from having no women, to now they are fighting over you?” Allie shook her head in disbelief.

“I’m not sure I would go that far,” he challenged. “I like Kathryn, and we are getting to know each other. Nothing has changed with Elizabeth as far as I know. But this shouldn't be anything you have to worry about.”

“I just want you to be happy,” Allie admitted, grabbing his hand as they continued to walk down the muddy street. As they walked around the pond, Allie gathered flowers for their table on the way. It was nearly time for bed when they finally got back home, but first they ate the last of the apple pie before getting changed and ready for their nightly reading together. 

Nathan struggled to fall asleep once he had gone to bed. Today did not help his confusion, and he was very curious what Elizabeth wanted to say to him. He also realized Kathryn would be officially meeting Elizabeth and starting to work with her at the school. This can’t go well for anyone involved, he thought to himself. It especially won’t help my situation. He tossed and turned for a while, but finally fell asleep thinking about a childhood memory he had with Colleen in a thunderstorm very similar to what they had experienced earlier in the day.

Kathryn left for school Monday morning much earlier than she had planned, but she had hardly slept the night before and wanted to be thoroughly prepared for her students...and Elizabeth. Her heart sank at the thought of the beloved school teacher of Hope Valley who had just returned from a successful book tour from her first published novel. Kathryn had never been the jealous type, but she wondered if she could compete with Mrs. Thornton on any level and be accepted by people in town. If there was jealousy, it wasn’t about teaching or publishing a novel...it had everything to do with Nathan Grant. She hadn’t meant to see them last night, but on her way home from the school she saw their arms around each other and Nathan closing his eyes like he wanted to hold onto that moment. 

I need to take a step back, she thought. He needs time to work through this himself, without distractions from me. As much as it pained her to think of not spending time with him, she knew it had to be done. She had told him how she felt on Saturday, and if he didn't find his way back to her, she had to be able to move on and let him be happy. She scolded herself for letting herself fall for someone this quickly and so completely. “Focus on your objective of teaching these students,” she spoke out loud to herself.

“Talking to yourself now, Miss Bradshaw?” she heard a familiar voice ask. Her heart started beating faster as she turned to face the handsome Mountie on his majestic horse.

“Inspector Grant, hello.” Kathryn hoped her voice wasn't shaking with emotion as she gave him a formal greeting. 

“You're out here early. Your class doesn't start for another hour and a half. Is everything ok?” Nathan looked at her with concern, sensing a coldness he had never gotten from her before. “I know we're in public, but you don't seem like yourself.”

“I just think we need to take some time. The past two weeks were wonderful, but we’ve always said we should make sure we are moving as slowly as we need. I want you to figure out what you want before we go any further. I meant what I said on Saturday.” Kathryn was barely able to get the words out and felt emotion welling up to the point of nearly bursting into tears. “I really need to be going to get everything finished before my students arrive. Goodbye.”

Nathan wanted to refute everything she had said, but something kept him silent and he knew she was probably right. It wasn’t fair for him to string her along when he wasn’t completely sure how he felt. Kate was everything he ever wanted in a woman and more, but he didn’t trust himself anymore after what happened with Elizabeth. He told himself she was different and wouldn’t hurt him the same way, but how well did he really know her? Kathryn was a well-educated woman who had traveled the world with wealthy relatives. How did he know that she wouldn't just decide to leave Hope Valley and marry one of those rich gentlemen her aunt was always trying to set her up with? 

Newton was getting restless just standing in the middle of town as Nathan watched Kathryn walk toward the schoolhouse. “Alright boy, let’s get on with our rounds.” Nathan prodded him to head out of town to check on things near the pipeline build site and the factory. He hoped Allie would get herself to school on time, but knew her friends would all be walking together so she would probably be just fine. He tried his best to get Kate and Elizabeth out of his mind while he was working, but that was easier said than done.

Kathryn held back tears until she reached the empty schoolhouse, then she allowed herself a few minutes to let the tears fall. The last thing she wanted was space from Nathan, but the thought of getting hurt again was the thing guiding her words and actions. She composed herself and started setting out the papers and pencils her students would need on their first day of summer session. She put Nathan out of her mind, and got to work finishing up her lesson plans for the week while she waited for her advanced learners to come.

_________________________________________________________

Dismissing the students a few minutes before noon, Kathryn let out a big sigh of relief. She had made it through the first day of the session! She felt like everyone had enjoyed themselves and learned something. Today she worked to assess what level they were all on, so she could make sure the lessons were challenging, but not too advanced. They practiced math basics to refresh their memories, using fun games Kathryn had learned from a fellow teacher at the academy. Their first science lesson was focused on weather and seasons, so they were all assigned to track the temperature and weather patterns during the two weeks they were meeting together.

As Kathryn was organizing all of the supplies and perusing the papers students had turned in that day, the door opened and in walked Mrs. Elizabeth Thornton. Somewhat startled at first, Kathryn kindly smiled and couldn't help but recognize why Nathan had been attracted to this beautiful brown-haired, put-together woman. 

“Hello,” Kathryn finally managed to force out in greeting. “You must be Mrs. Thornton. I'm Miss Bradshaw, the new teacher. It's so nice to finally meet you.”

Elizabeth hadn't heard much about the new teacher, except that she was the younger sister of the new Constable. Something was familiar about her though, and she couldn't quite place where she had seen her before. She wasn't expecting someone so young to be so accomplished and accredited to teach the advanced students in the school. Elizabeth was struck by the understated beauty of this blonde-haired woman with piercing green eyes and had the appearance of a well-educated proper city woman just like herself.

“Welcome to Hope Valley,” Elizabeth responded warmly. “You may call me Elizabeth. I trust everyone has made you feel welcome? I'm sorry I wasn't here to greet you, but I just got home from a two week trip.”

“Your book tour!” exclaimed Kathryn. “I heard all about how the other teacher here was a best-selling author. And you may call me Kathryn, Elizabeth.”

“I don't know about being a best-selling author yet, but getting a book deal was a dream come true for me. I'm so happy to be home now though, especially to see my son,” Elizabeth conceded.

“I'm sure. Your son Jack is so adorable,” Kathryn complimented. 

In the middle of the conversation, the door flew open again and a flash of red serge walked in. “Kate,” Nathan began, then froze when he noticed not just Kathryn in the room, but also Elizabeth. “Oh, hello Elizabeth,” he stammered looking at her then back at Kate. He felt the back of his neck burning as the awkwardness of the situation made him embarrassed and he felt the need to get out of there. “You both look busy, so I'll talk to you later.” He turned around and left quickly, leaving both women gaping after him and looking at each other curiously.

Outside, Nathan hopped on Newton and rode quickly home to escape. It was lunchtime and he knew Allie would be at her switchboard shift and the house would be empty. He walked inside and unbuttoned his serge like he was going to suffocate if he didn't get it taken off. Throwing the jacket on a chair, he ran his fingers through his hair and dropped into the seat. So this was going to be his new reality now? Two women he had feelings for were going to both be teaching at the school, and everywhere he went in Hope Valley he would run into one or both of them? He sighed heavily and covered his face with his hands. 

Nathan knew that he had to figure out what he wanted, and move forward with the right person. He decided not to waste his lunch hour, so he made himself a sandwich. While standing next to the counter, he looked up and saw the apron that Kate had used when helping him cook dinner, hanging on the hook. He touched the hem of the apron, fondly remembering that last date they shared just a couple nights ago. He thought about holding her hands and kissing his cheek, telling him she was ready to be in a real relationship when he was ready. But the next day Elizabeth had returned and hugged him just like the day of the prisoner transfer, the day he admitted to himself that he was in love with her. He turned his attention to eating his lunch, and tried to get his mind off both women.

Back at the school, Elizabeth felt stunned to hear Nathan refer to Miss Bradshaw as Kate. It suddenly hit her that this was the woman he met in Union City, who had seen them together at the Cardinal Café after she had taken her exam. Had they spent more time getting to know each other during the past two weeks? Rosemary hadn’t mentioned seeing the two of them together, but in addition to Kathryn being Allie’s new advanced teacher, she knew Nathan was getting close with Constable Bradshaw and his wife so he could have spent time with her that way. Elizabeth tried to approach the situation diplomatically, but felt jealousy creeping in and a desire to dislike Kathryn for taking over not only her job but also the man she loved.

“So I take it you know our Mountie Nathan,” Elizabeth concluded. “It sounds to me like you are quite familiar with each other.”

Kathryn wasn’t quite sure how to reply, but started by saying, “Yes, we met in Union City when he was doing his Inspector training. We were both surprised to see each other again in Hope Valley. He has been very kind to me, and we are friends. I know you are close with him, and he absolutely adores your son. I saw them out together while you were away, and Nathan...Inspector Grant really has a way with children. I think it’s wonderful that Jack has so many great men to look up to here. I am very sorry to hear about your husband. Having a brother as a Mountie, I hope you know I respect and appreciate all Mounties and their families for their sacrifice.”

Great, though Elizabeth, I don’t think disliking her is going to be easy. “Thank you, Kathryn.” She wasn’t sure she could keep from getting emotional, so she decided it would be better to leave and go home to little Jack for the rest of the afternoon. “I just came to make sure you were getting settled, and no one was giving you trouble the first day of your summer class. I better get home since my son will be waking up from his nap soon, and I desperately need to spend more time with him. Good afternoon.” Elizabeth was glad tears didn’t surface until she was on her way home. Maybe she had lost her chance with Nathan once and for all.

Kathryn’s head suddenly ached, and all she wanted was to go home and take a nap. It’s not that she wanted to resent Elizabeth or begrudge her relationship with Nathan, but now Kathryn knew there were very good reasons why he had feelings for the other teacher. She was beautiful, kind, and seemed to have every quality any man would admire. Picking up all her papers and supplies, Kathryn rushed out the door and began walking home in a hurry. She didn’t notice Nathan approaching her on Newton, until they stood right in front of her near the edge of the row houses. 

Not wanting to upset her further, Nathan stayed on Newton and tipped his hat to her out of habit. “Kathryn, I’m sorry if I made trouble back there with Elizabeth. I had no idea she would be at the school. I figured she was taking some time off to be with Jack.”

“Elizabeth is great, Nathan. I can see why you like her. I can tell she still has feelings for you, too.” She forced a smile, but more sharp pain shot through her head. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to get home and rest so I can get rid of this horrible headache. Allie did so well on our first day of class. I’m impressed by what a sharp mind she has, and know she’s going to be very successful. Have a good afternoon. Bye.” 

“I hope you feel better,” Nathan said tenderly. “I can’t wait to hear all about Allie’s first day of class when she gets home later. Please know you have been on my mind and I hope we can talk again soon.” The pain caused Kathryn to stumble a bit as she kept walking down the street, and Nathan turned Newton around to follow her home from a distance, just to make sure she made it ok. Once she was safely inside her house, he pushed Newton to a gallop as he headed out of town on Mountie business that he hoped would bring him some perspective and help him figure out what was in his heart.