News of Elsie Mae’s arrival permeated the town as people spread the news before and after the church service. Many heads were also turned when they saw Nathan come to church holding hands with Kathryn. Allie sat next to Nathan and seemed slightly nervous about her dad’s new relationship on display for the entire town to see. When Pastor Joseph Canfield observed the newest Hope Valley couple beaming in the pew, he couldn’t help but smile. He knew that Nathan had gone through a lot over the past few years, and seeing him finally get a chance at real happiness did his heart good.
Elizabeth knew Nathan had begun courting Kathryn, but actually seeing the two of them together was more painful than she expected. She sat with little Jack near the back so she could escape the service when her boy just couldn’t sit still any longer. Deep regret pierced her heart at the thought that if she had just made different decisions, Nathan might be sitting next to her holding her hand and helping wrestle her very rambunctious three year old. She was happy Thomas and Anne’s baby had arrived safely, and decided to take them a homemade meal later to be a good neighbor and friend.
Mike Hickam was running late for church, having gotten back into town late Saturday night from dealing with problems relating to the oil pipeline. These days he wasn’t getting as much help from Fiona and Lucas, as the two of them were quite distracted when they were together. He rolled his eyes just thinking about the way the two of them shamelessly flirted with one another, then denied there was anything going on beyond being business partners. Upon entering the church, the congregation was singing the opening hymn and Hickam scanned the room for an open seat. His heart pounded a little faster as he noticed one open space right behind Elizabeth and little Jack. He quietly slipped into the seat and tried to blend in, which usually wasn’t too difficult for him.
As a prayer was being offered, little Jack turned around to survey the congregation and look for a playmate or someone who would help him escape the crowded room. Right when things were completely silent, Jack discovered a familiar face right behind him and yelled enthusiastically, “Hickam!”, causing a rumble of chuckles throughout the congregation. Pastor Joseph quickly finished his prayer, trying not to give in to the laughter brewing up in him. Mike knew his face had turned bright red as everyone opened up their eyes and spied little Jack pointing right at his friend. Knowing he had everyone’s attention, little Jack was full of excitement and had no desire to sit still.
Feeling his own need to disappear from everyone’s sight, Hickam placed his hand on Elizabeth’s shoulder and offered to take her son outside so she could enjoy the service in peace. She smiled and nodded, and watched the two of them disappear out the door. Elizabeth knew she should be able to focus on the sermon without a toddler distracting her, but jumbled thoughts about Mike Hickam filled her mind instead. She touched her hand to the place on her shoulder that he had made contact with, and felt a spark of something that left her very perplexed. She pushed everything out of her mind and once again tried to focus on the message being given.
Nathan watched Hickam take little Jack outside and smiled, but also felt a familiar pain in his chest thinking about the little boy he had come to love so much. He never knew how deep his love for children was until Allie was born. He loved his little niece since the first time he held her when she was a few months old, and becoming her parent from the time she was young had brought him more joy than he had ever known. Then watching over Jack’s son made him realize even more how much he wanted a child of his own. This morning as he held Elsie Mae fresh from heaven and watched Allie and Kate snuggle her, his desire for a real family quickly escalated. Squeezing Kate’s hand, he quietly wondered how long a respectable courtship needed to last.
Kathryn observed Nathan’s reaction to little Jack leaving, and wondered how to broach the subject with him later. She needed to hear the rest of the dream he had that he claimed made him feel ready to completely move on from his obligation to Elizabeth and her son. Nathan was a wonderful father to Allie, and when he held tiny Elsie in his large hands so sweetly...that melted Kathryn, making her desire for her own children stronger than ever. She hadn’t known many men who were as big and strong as Nathan, yet so gentle and loving at the same time. Her eyes felt heavy from lack of sleep, and she slowly laid her head on Nathan’s shoulder and closed her eyes for just a moment. She felt his arm slip around her and sleep came quickly as she melted into him.
Nudging Kate, Nathan wished Pastor Joseph’s sermon had gone on for much longer so he could feel her next to him as she slept peacefully. He thought maybe he shouldn’t have dragged her to church after such a long night, but knew Anne and Thomas needed some alone time with their new baby, just like he needed time with Kate before he left town again tomorrow. He hadn’t told her he might be gone for another week or more to finish his investigation with Gabe in Brookfield, and worried about telling Allie now that he knew she wanted to be home in her own bed. Maybe they could figure out a solution that would work for everyone.
Kathryn woke up and looked around at everyone filing out of the church. She hoped Pastor Canfield would forgive her this once for sleeping through his sermon. Smoothing her hair and trying not to look embarrassed, Kathryn stood up and faced Nathan who was smiling at her sheepishly. “Why did you let me sleep?” she scolded him playfully.
“He grabbed her hand and motioned for her to walk into the aisle. “I knew you needed some rest after the long and stressful night you had. I think God can forgive you for sleeping after all you did to help Anne and Thomas get their little girl here safe and sound. Do you want to take a long way home so we can talk? Allie is talking to her friends for a few minutes and I told her I would see her in a bit.”
Kathryn tried to ignore the stares and whispers from well-meaning church goers, and just smiled at anyone who made eye contact with her. They shook hands with Pastor Joseph and tried to slip away from the crowd, moving into a more wooded and secluded area away from the church and behind the row houses. It was definitely feeling like the middle of summer as the temperature, along with the sun, was rising as afternoon approached.
“I wanted to get you alone so we could talk uninterrupted,” Nathan confessed. They found a large log they could sit on in the shade, and both settled in next to each other. He exhaled, not wanting to disappoint her in what he was about to say. “I have to leave again in the morning,” he began. “I’m not finished investigating with Gabe, and this is an important case I need to have wrapped up before Superintendent Lewis comes to do my first Inspector evaluation in a few weeks.”
“Oh,” Kathryn responded, feeling disappointed. She knew Mountie business might take him away on occasion, but lately it seemed he was gone more than he was at home. “How long this time?”
“I’m really not sure. We have to bring in the ringleaders, and that could take anywhere from a couple days to over a week.” Nathan pulled Kate close to him in a loving embrace with her head on his shoulder and hand on his chest. His jaw rested on her head and he closed his eyes as he breathed in the scent of her while they sat quietly contemplating more time apart. “Leaving home used to just be part of the job and didn’t bother me much, but now all I can think about is how much I am missing when I’m gone.”
Kathryn sat up and looked Nathan in the eyes so he knew she meant what she said. “Of course you are missed when you are away, but you are a fantastic Mountie and I will always support you in your work. What can I do to help when you are away?”
“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about,” Nathan answered. “I had an idea I wanted to run by you before I talked to Allie. I know she is tired of staying at Opal’s house and really wants to sleep in her own bed, so I thought maybe you could stay at my house to be with Allie while I’m gone? I wasn’t sure how either of you would feel about it, but I want her to have stability in our home when I have to go away.”
A little speechless, Kathryn felt like this request was a major step in their relationship. “Are you sure this won’t be seen as inappropriate, having me sleep in your house?” She gave him an impish grin, her green eyes teasing him.
It wasn’t always easy to make a Mountie Inspector blush, but Nathan Grant was learning that Kate had that effect on him with just one look. “I think the fact that I’m not there makes it proper. I just kind of thought it would help you as much as Allie. I hear living with a newborn can make it more difficult to sleep. If you got some good rest at night, you would be fresh to help Anne during the day.”
Kathryn thought about the proposed arrangement and had to admit it sounded nice. As much as she had enjoyed her time living with her brother and sister-in-law, she knew they needed time to adjust to a newborn alone together. With things getting more serious with Nathan, time with Allie would be essential if she wanted to eventually become a real member of the Grant Family. She must have been deep in thought contemplating all these things for a bit too long without giving an answer, because she detected him getting nervous.
“Don’t feel obligated, it was just a thought.” Nathan stood up and ran his fingers through his hair, feeling self conscious from how overzealous he had been even suggesting such a thing this soon in their relationship. He felt her light touch on his back and turned around to face her smiling face looking up at him.
“I’m sorry I got lost in my thoughts for a minute,” Kathryn apologized. “I would be honored to stay with Allie for as many nights as you need. I think this plan works in favor of everyone involved. Plus, I want to build a relationship with the number one girl in your life.”
Letting out a huge sigh of relief, Nathan lifted Kate off the ground and twirled her around. “You made me sweat that one out, didn’t you?” he joked as he set her back on the ground and hugged her tight. “I’ll talk it over with Allie before we come over to help with dinner, but I think she will be excited.” He pressed a kiss on her temple and grabbed her hand, leading her toward the row houses.
“Wait,” Kathryn blurted, stopping him from heading home. “Your face when Mike took Jack out of church...I just need to understand your relationship with him...and Elizabeth.”
Caught a little off guard, Nathan wondered how best to express his feelings. “In my dream, Jack told me I wasn’t to blame for his or any of the other Mountie’s deaths. He also told me to move on with my life and find love, assuring me Elizabeth and little Jack would be ok. Now I don’t think every dream has deep meaning or is inspiration, but this one was very different. I finally feel at peace, and I’ve found love.” Nathan stroked her face with his hand, twisting a stray piece of hair between his fingers. “A part of me will always be connected to Elizabeth and little Jack, and I think the dream of raising a son was wrapped up in him from my first few years here in Hope Valley. But now I know what I really desire is my own family and children.”
Thinking about having children with Nathan had been on Kathryn’s mind since seeing him hold Elsie this morning. Hearing him at peace with the deaths of his fellow officers made her emotional and grateful. He was still playing with strands of her hair and brushing his hands across her cheek. She closed her eyes, enjoying his touch and just being with him before he had to leave again. “I’m sorry,” she replied, opening her eyes and looking into his. “I just needed to know how you felt, because I knew there was a bond and I wanted to be respectful of that.”
“Oh Kate,” he murmured. “It means everything to me that you care this deeply about how I feel.” Nathan moved his other hand behind her head and leaned down to kiss her lips earnestly. Her response filled his senses as he kissed her with all the love he had inside of him. When they finally pulled apart, Nathan had never been so sure of what he wanted for his future.
Kathryn still couldn’t believe this man that took her breath away actually loved her. His kiss had calmed her fears, but also increased her sadness that he would be gone possibly for days. She nuzzled into his chest and breathed in his masculine scent so she could hold onto that memory while separated from him. Kathryn wished time would freeze and she could stay in that moment.
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Coming out of the church, Elizabeth found Hickam and little Jack playing by some trees and petting a stray dog. She smiled, watching how taken her son had become with Mike. As she walked to them, out of the corner of her eye she saw Nathan and Kathryn holding hands and leaving the church to take the long way home. Mixed emotions flooded Elizabeth, and she knew her days of being with a Mountie were over. But that didn’t mean she couldn’t find happiness again, and she was determined to be the best version of herself at the very least for her son.
“Mama!” little Jack yelled, running over to her with his little arms in the air and jumping into her arms. “I pway with Hickam! Wook, the doggie!”
Hickam smiled at the mother and son duo, and felt his heart pounding at an accelerated rate watching the most beautiful woman he had ever met interact with her little boy. No one really knew that his greatest desire was to have a family, especially now that his business ventures had taken off and he was quickly becoming one of the most successful businessmen in Hope Valley. But he was quickly learning that success only meant something if you had people to share it with. He knew Elizabeth was out of his league, but couldn’t help but be drawn to the little Thornton family and want to love and protect them.
“Mike, I really appreciate your help with this crazy little man,” Elizabeth thanked him as she wrestled with Jack who slipped out of her arms and ran back over to Hickam and the dog. “Would you like to join us for a picnic at the pond? I have more than enough food, and Jack is having so much fun with you. Only if you want to…”
In shock, Hickam was sure his mouth had been wide open as Elizabeth extended the invitation. “Honestly, that sounds perfect,” he finally stammered. “I was so busy with work I hadn’t even gone shopping for food this week so I was trying to figure out if I even had anything to eat in my house. That is so kind of you to invite me, and we had a great time playing outside together didn’t we Jack?” He tousled the little boy’s hair and smiled at how gentle the dog was with him even though children weren’t always gentle.
“Alright little man, why don’t we let the doggie go home and we can go have a picnic at the pond.” Suddenly the dog eyed a squirrel and ran off to chase it, disappearing into the trees. Elizabeth grabbed her son’s hand, Hickam held his other hand, and the three of them began walking to the row house to get the picnic basket and blanket. When they arrived at the house, Rosemary and Lee were just coming back outside to have their own picnic and they eyed the three of them with a curious look.
Jack burst free of those holding his hand and ran up to Lee and Rosemary, “I go on picnic with Hickam and Mama! I see a puppy!”
“Oh,” Rosemary eyed Elizabeth with a questioning look. “Well, that sounds like fun.” She gave little Jack a hug and kiss then walking by Elizabeth she whispered in her ear, “We are going to need to talk about this later.”
Lee smiled at his good friend Mike Hickam and gave him a little nudge of approval as he walked past him and joined Rosemary on the path heading into the clearing past the row houses. Hickam looked at Elizabeth who seemed a bit flustered, so he offered to keep little Jack entertained outside while she finished packing lunch. When she came out with a blanket and basket, he offered to carry both while they headed toward the pond. As they headed down the lane, Nathan and Kathryn were coming in the other direction holding hands and laughing.
Everyone was surprised when little Jack ran and jumped into Nathan’s arms, “‘ountie ‘atan! Going on picnic with Hickam and Mama!”
“That’s great,” Nathan acknowledged, gauging the situation and noticing the flushed faces of both Elizabeth and Hickam. “I hope you three have a lovely afternoon.”
“You as well,” Elizabeth sputtered. “Kathryn, give Anne and Thomas my congratulations on the birth of their sweet Elsie. I plan on making a meal for them, and you, tomorrow so let them know.”
“Thank you, Elizabeth, that is very sweet and I know it will be very appreciated.” Kathryn felt the awkwardness just like everyone and gave a quick wave before heading to the house she shared with her brother’s family.
At the pond, they spread out the blanket and arranged the food. All three of them ate in silence until Jack, who had been full of energy all morning long, suddenly got sleepy. He snuggled up to his mommy and fell asleep after eating about half of his food. Elizabeth wasn’t quite sure what she was thinking, inviting a man for a family outing when she was still trying to get over failed attempts at relationships with both Lucas and Nathan.
“I appreciate your invitation for lunch. Jack is such a special little boy, and I applaud you for what it takes for you to care for him on your own. I know you have help from people, but what people don’t know about me is that my dad died when I was a baby and my mom raised me alone. She was a very strong woman, just like you, and I’m forever grateful for good women who raise energetic little boys to be good men. I know she always wished someone would come into her life to help ease her burdens, but it wasn’t in the cards for her.”
“Your mom sounds like an incredible woman, Mike. You are the most compassionate, loyal, and caring man and I’m grateful for your steady presence in Hope Valley.” Elizabeth stroked her son’s blonde curls, wet with sweat as he slept on her lap. “I miss Jack every day, especially seeing so much of him in his son. I just feel like since he’s been gone I’ve been making a mess out of everything in my life and disappointing him and everyone else.” A single tear fell down Elizabeth’s face and she quickly brushed it away, embarrassed that she was so freely opening up to another man. “I’m sorry, I’m just not sure I’m any good at relationships anymore.”
Hickam struggled to know exactly how he should react in this situation, but he moved closer and covered Elizabeth’s free hand that was sitting on the blanket with his own. His pulse raced as their hands touched, but she didn’t resist or pull away. Instead she looked at him with wide eyes filled with wonder and maybe a little disbelief. “You don’t have anything to apologize for. I think we all go through times when we are unsure of ourselves. I know I have felt that way for most of my life. But now, having some success in the businesses I’ve been building over the past several years, I finally understand that I am capable of more than I ever thought possible. You are an excellent mother, an exceptional teacher, and you care about everyone in Hope Valley. I’ve admired your strength you’ve shown through great adversity.”
Speechless wasn’t something Elizabeth was often, but she had no words after hearing these surprising revelations by the last person in Hope Valley she ever expected to understand her and what she was going through. She studied Mike’s face, something she had never really done in the past, and she looked at him differently this time. He wasn’t flashy or charismatic like many of the men she had been with or attracted to in the past, but he had many qualities that were vital in any lasting relationship. Not to mention, he was handsome with a build that had become even more muscular with the hours he spent working hard with the men he oversaw in the oil business. He wasn’t just barking orders and wearing suits all day like Lucas did, although he spent part of his time in meetings while nicely dressed. But Hickam had become a well-respected leader who led by example.
Before anything else could be said, Jack woke up a little cranky and hot, wanting his own bed to finish his nap. “I guess we better get this guy home,” Elizabeth decided. They cleaned up the picnic and walked the short distance back to the row house, not saying much since little Jack was whining and refusing to walk. Hickam carried him as far as the porch, then after Elizabeth sat the picnic basket and blanket inside the door she took her son into her arms so she could go put him back down for a proper nap in his own bed. “Thank you, Mike. I hope we’ll see you again very soon.”
“Thanks again for lunch,” Hickam said, closing the door for her. He turned around to head back home, unsure of how he should feel after a very unexpected, yet very enjoyable picnic lunch with Elizabeth and little Jack Thornton.
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Nathan left Kathryn at her house and went home to talk to Allie before going to help the Bradshaws make dinner. She was already gathering up ingredients and supplies to take with them when Nathan walked inside. “Hey there, Allie girl. Can we sit and talk for a minute before we finish getting ready to go?”
“Sure, Dad.” Allie sat in her favorite chair and Nathan sat in front of her on the footstool. “What’s going on?”
“I have to go out of town again to finish my investigation with Gabe this week,” he began. “But I know you talked to Kate, um Miss Bradshaw, about wanting to sleep in your own bed when I’m gone. That’s why I’ve asked her if she could stay here with you while I’m gone. She has agreed to the arrangement, but only if you feel good about it and don’t think it is rushing a relationship with her.”
A huge smile spread across Allie’s face. “Are you serious? I love Opal and her family, but I really do want to stay home while you are gone. Does this mean I get to also go be with the Bradshaws for meals and get to help take care of the baby? I accept this plan, even though I will miss you and hope this mission doesn’t take too long.” She moved into his arms and gave him a big hug.
Relief swept over Nathan and he kissed Allie’s forehead, feeling good about leaving her with Kate while he was gone. “Now that we have it all settled, let’s get going.” He helped her get the rest of the items and went up the street to help get dinner started.
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Monday morning dawned clear and bright, and Kathryn was out the door at sunrise to meet Nathan at his house. She found him drinking coffee on the front porch, awaiting her arrival. Newton was already out front so he could leave as soon as he got her settled at his house. She stopped to pet his horse, before joining him, and noticed he had a second steaming cup waiting for her. “Good morning,” he greeted, admiring how beautiful she looked first thing in the morning. She was wearing a light blue dress, and her hair had been brushed but not styled like usual, due to the early hour.
“Good morning,” she echoed, smiling at Nathan’s tousled hair and admiring him in his civilian clothes with suspenders that she had been accustomed to seeing him in more often as his Inspector duties made wearing red serge a less frequent occurrence. “Thanks for the coffee, I didn’t want to wake up anyone in the house by making some at home.” She took a sip, and settled down next to Nathan, who finished off his mug and set it down.
“I need to get going, but I wanted to see you and make sure you had everything you needed. I put new sheets on my bed for you...I just thought you would be more comfortable in there. Allie will sleep a few more hours then get up for breakfast and do some chores and read before heading to her shift at the switchboard. She can make her own lunch to take with her, so then she’s planning to go to your house for dinner and wants to help with the baby before coming back here and getting ready for bed.” Nathan stood up, and Kate put her mug down and stood with him.
“We’ll be fine, Nathan,” she croaked, trying to hold her emotions in check. “Just worry about staying safe, and know things at home are taken care of just fine.” A few tears escaped, but she hid them by burying her head on Nathan’s shoulder.
He wrapped her tightly in his arms and kissed her head, also fighting tears and holding back the dread he felt having to leave his girls behind. “Thank you for watching out for Allie and for being my support and strength always.” Nathan took her face in his strong hands and looked her in the eyes. “I love you, Kate. I’ll be home as soon as I possibly can.” He kissed her quickly, and before he could change his mind about leaving, went to Newton and mounted.
Kathryn followed him over and looked up to him. “I love you, Nathan. Take care of yourself.”
Nathan urged Newton forward and waved his last goodbye to Kate. She waved back and watched him ride out of sight, staying on the porch sipping her coffee until the sun was completely up in the sky. Sighing heavily, she went inside Nathan’s row house to make breakfast for herself and Allie, hoping Nathan’s case would be solved soon and he would be back home with them where he belonged.
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