Granting a Family - Chapter 31: Time Apart

It had been a long Monday, and Kathryn couldn’t stop yawning as she and Allie finished washing the dishes at the Bradshaw’s house after dinner. Getting up before the sun to see Nathan off this morning, combined with helping take care of Elsie and keeping track of Allie, was all catching up to her. Thomas and Anne had gone upstairs already to try and put the baby down, so once the dishes were finished Kathryn and Allie would head back to the Grant’s row house to sleep. Allie had been polite and helpful, but she was still acting a little hesitant about getting too close to another woman who had the potential to be married to her Dad and be a mother to her. Both were missing Nathan, the man in their lives who brought stability and protection, but Kathryn hoped the two of them would use this time together to become closer than just a teacher/student relationship.

“All done, Miss Bradshaw,” Allie announced. “Can we go back home so I can get ready for bed? I’m doing the morning shift at the switchboard, and I’m hoping my Dad calls while I’m there.”

“Of course,” Kathryn answered. “Let me just run up to my room and grab my overnight bag and we can head over.” Suddenly nervous, she ran upstairs and had to sit down on her bed and breathe for a few minutes before she was ready to spend the night in Nathan’s house...and his bed. She was grateful no one was around to see her red face when that thought entered her mind. She picked up her bag and left the room. In the hallway, Thomas had just come out of his room to get a glass of water downstairs for his wife who was feeding the baby and putting her to sleep.

“Heading over to the Grant’s house?” he asked with a smirk. “Things must be getting really serious for you to be sleeping over there, and acting like Allie’s Mom while Nathan’s away.”

“He loves me, Thomas,” Kathryn admitted. “And I love him. It’s all happening so fast, but at the same time doesn’t seem fast enough...if that makes any sense at all.” 

“Uh oh, I think you only feel that way when it is something that is meant to be,” he stated. “That’s the exact way I felt about Anne when we were first together. He better treat you right, because I really don’t want to have to beat up my boss who is also bigger and stronger than me.”

Kathryn chuckled and gave her brother a quick hug before heading down to join Allie downstairs. They went the short distance to the Grant house and Allie quickly dressed for bed while Kathryn made some tea to calm her nerves and help her feel more relaxed for the evening. Allie came bounding down the stairs dressed in her best nightgown and holding a book.

“Miss Bradshaw, can you read to me every night just like my Dad does?” Allie asked, holding the book out for her to take. “This book just came into the library and I haven’t read it since I was a lot younger. Back when Uncle Nathan...now my Dad...read it to me, I was going through a really hard time missing my Mom. He wanted me to think about the positive things we had in our lives.”

“Of course I would love to read to you,” Kathryn answered, taking the book from Allie. She smiled when she saw the title of the book. “Pollyanna is one of my favorite books to read to my students,” she confessed. “I’m not sure I have the talent your Dad has to do all the voices, but I’ll do my best.”

Setting her tea down on the end table, Kathryn sat down and opened the book. She was a little thrown off when Allie settled in beside her, but realized how natural it felt to be reading together before bed. After a few chapters, their eyelids were drooping and they were struggling to stay awake. “Thanks for reading to me, Miss Bradshaw. I’m going to brush my teeth and go right to sleep so I won’t be too tired to work in the morning.” She gave Kathryn a tired smile and left to go to bed.

Once her tea was gone, Kathryn washed the mug she had used, since she hadn’t seen any tea cups in the house. Suddenly feeling exhausted and deciding it was time to make herself comfortable in the home of the man she was madly in love with, she picked up her overnight bag, let out a deep breath, and slowly walked up the stairs. Entering Nathan’s bedroom, Kathryn looked around with curiosity. She felt like an intruder being in Nathan’s personal space, but if she was being honest, she was excited to pull back the curtain to his private world. 

Just like Nathan, his bedroom was simply decorated with just the basics and necessities. A large bed, that he had obviously made custom to fit his large frame, took up a good portion of the room. The headboard was etched and carved with his signature craftsmanship. She smiled at the rose theme he had used, knowing the meaning behind them as she had learned about his and his mother’s love of planting rose bushes wherever they lived. He had built matching nightstands that were beautifully crafted, which sat on either side of the bed. One held a wooden picture frame that had “Dad” carved into it, and inside was a picture of Nathan and Allie dressed up at a formal event. On the other was the current book he was reading. The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts Rinehart was one of her own favorite mystery novels, and it didn’t surprise her at all that he was reading it, after learning of his remarkable taste in literature. 

Finishing her self-guided tour of Nathan’s room, she ran her fingers along the back of the sitting chair that accompanied a little writing desk in the corner of the room next to the wardrobe that held his civilian clothes, plenty of suspenders with a few ties that hung on a small hook on the side, and a few nicer suits. His old Constable uniform was next to his formal Inspector uniform, and she gently stroked the stunning red serge jacket then pulled it to her face and inhaled the scent of him that still lingered from the last time he had worn it. A small dresser was the final piece of handcrafted furniture in the room that she assumed held his more intimate apparel and private things. She saw a note on top of the dresser that Nathan had written to her.

My sweetest Kate,

I have cleared the right side of the drawers for you to put your things in while you are staying here with Allie. I also made sure there was space in my wardrobe to hang some of your dresses. I just finished the book on my nightstand, but thought you might enjoy having something to read before bed. Make yourself at home, and thanks again for being willing to watch over Allie and allowing her to be home while I’m away. I miss you so much already, and can’t wait to be back in your arms very soon.

All my love,

Nate

Kathryn sighed and hugged the note close to her heart as she contemplated how lucky she was to be blessed with such a thoughtful man. She unpacked her small bag and placed some of her clothes in the drawers provided, making a mental note to bring some dresses over tomorrow after going to see Anne and baby Elsie. Changing into her nightgown, Kathryn tried to push out of her mind how many times Nathan had changed in this very spot. What is wrong with you? she asked herself, trying to shove inappropriate thoughts aside. But that was difficult when she was here, getting ready to sleep in the same bed Nathan Grant slept in every night he was home in Hope Valley. She pulled down the covers of the neatly-made bed and crawled in, feeling small on such a large mattress. She was surprised how comfortable it was and how safe she felt within these walls, which caused her to drift off almost immediately after her head hit the pillow. Thoughts of a good-looking Mountie Inspector with dark hair and crystal blue eyes danced through her mind until she fully lost consciousness.

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Gabe had to shake Nathan awake early Tuesday morning on the cot he was sleeping on in the Mountie office in Brookfield. Surprised he had slept so long and free from the recurring dream that had disrupted his sleep for months, he stood up and suddenly missed his comfortable bed at home. A mischievous smile formed at his lips as he thought about who was occupying his bed at home, but quickly chided himself for the inappropriate thoughts that threatened to overtake his mind.

“I would ask what you’re thinking,” Gabe said, bringing Nathan back into reality. “But honestly, I’m not sure I want to know. I’m thinking it has to do with a certain school teacher in Hope Valley?”

“Constable Kinslow, it is certainly none of your business.” Nathan attempted a stern look, but the two friends burst into laughter instead. Gabe handed him a steaming cup of coffee and sat down at the desk to try and work on a strategy to catch the final men in the gang who had been causing so much trouble near Brookfield. “I just talked to the Superintendent who is well aware of this case. They think this same group committed crimes throughout the territory, but they always eluded the other inspectors. He expects great things for his top tracking inspector.”

“Great,” Nathan lamented. “As if I didn't feel enough pressure to solve this case already. I’ve got to catch these guys soon, or I’m in some serious trouble when Superintendent Lewis comes for my review. Let’s make a plan for where to start tracking today, and then we can go get the horses to head out.”

Gabe pulled out the map they had marked with their search from the past week. “Do you still think the ringleader is too hurt to have gone very far?”

“Yes,” Nathan confirmed. “I believe he was shot during the last armed robbery they committed by that farmer who came at them from behind. We caught the one who was probably the lookout man and got away faster. They were confident the one in charge was shot, and possibly the second guy as well. We haven’t had any other robberies or murders since that one, so more than likely they are either dead or convalescing somewhere. First, let’s go to the general store and see if anyone has been in to buy medical supplies. One of the locals could be taking care of them and hiding it for some reason.”

Gabe folded up the map. “I’ll head over to the store and talk to Joe while you start getting Newton ready at the livery.”

“Thanks Gabe. We’re getting closer to apprehending these outlaws, I can feel it. I want to get this over with so I can get back home to my girls.” He said the last part mumbling to himself, but his Constable friend just gave him an understanding smile as he left the Mountie office to walk across the street. Nathan set down his empty coffee mug and ran his fingers through his hair to tame some of the wild strands going in every direction from the long ride on Newton and the night’s sleep on a cot. With determination, he walked over to the livery to brush Newton and saddle him up for a long day on the job.

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A light knocking sound brought Kathryn out of a deep sleep, and as she started to fully wake up she felt disoriented and couldn’t remember where she was. Her nose caught a hint of Nathan’s muscular scent, and suddenly she sat up and remembered she had been sleeping in his bed. She noticed the knocking sound coming from the bedroom door, so she jumped out of bed and covered herself in a long robe and opened the door to find Allie all dressed and ready for the day.

“Hi Miss Bradshaw, I’m so sorry if I woke you,” Allie apologized. “I’ve been up for a while finishing my chores and eating breakfast, but it’s time for me to go do my shift at the switchboard. I have some extra breakfast staying warm for you on the stove if you want.”

Embarrassed to have slept so late, Kathryn cleared her throat and attempted to speak without her voice cracking. “Allie, I’m so sorry I overslept. I think the baby being born and not getting much sleep the past few days caught up with me, and that bed is the most comfortable one I’ve ever slept in…” she suddenly felt color rise to her cheeks, but tried to change subjects so it wasn’t noticeable. “Thank you for making breakfast and getting yourself ready. I am truly impressed with your level of responsibility. I’ll probably come to the Mercantile in a little while, so I’ll see you there.”

“Ok,” Allie answered, trying not to giggle at how flustered her teacher seemed to be based on the speed she was speaking and the blush she noticed on her face after mentioning her Dad’s bed. Adults are weird, she thought. “See you later,” Allie said, as she turned to leave.

Kathryn closed the door and threw herself back onto the bed, disappointed with herself for not keeping her cool in front of a girl who wasn’t just a student, but also the daughter of the man she loved. You have got to get it together Miss Bradshaw, Kathryn scolded herself. She quickly dressed and folded her nightgown, which she placed in one of her designated drawers in the dresser. Downstairs in the kitchen, she uncovered the plate Allie had left for her with eggs, bacon, and toast. A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice sat on the counter, along with freshly brewed coffee. Trying not to get emotional, Kathryn realized that Allie had been taking care of Nathan this way for quite some time. She felt honored to have been the recipient of this impressive young teenage girl’s affection and act of loving service. Her heart was opening up to Allie even more, and hoped she could feel it too so they could one day hopefully be a real family.

After enjoying her breakfast, Kathryn cleaned up the kitchen and decided to check on Thomas, Anne, and Elsie before making a list and shopping at the Mercantile. Thomas was dressed in his uniform getting ready to leave for rounds when she walked into the house and made him jump when she said hello. 

“Oh hey there, Katie. How was your first night as a mom?” Thomas winked at Kathryn and she just rolled her eyes. 

“Allie was wonderful, and I think we will get along great this week,” Kathryn happily reported. “Is Anne awake? I want to run up and see her before I run some errands in town. I need her to help me make a list for the Mercantile so I can bring back some things for you all.”

“She was feeding the baby, but I’m sure she’s finished by now,” he said. “Do you mind staying with her while I do my rounds, then when I get back for a lunch break you could go to the Mercantile while I spend time with my family?”

“Of course. Be safe, big brother.” Thomas walked out the door to head off to work, and Kathryn went upstairs to see her sister-in-law and little niece for a nice little visit.

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Summer rains washed out all tracking trails they had been working on all week long and Nathan was very discouraged. It was already Friday morning, and he had hoped to be back in Hope Valley by now. Several leads had turned cold, but they did have one that seemed to make the most sense and he felt it in his bones that the two leaders of the gang were still hanging out close by, recovering from gunshot wounds. They had been so close when it got dark the night before and the storms rolled in, but now they had yet another setback with all the rain washing away his hopes at being with Kate and Allie this weekend. He stared out the window getting more depressed with every lightning strike and rumble of thunder. 

“Don’t be so gloomy,” Gabe urged, standing up from the desk in his partially unbuttoned Henley and suspenders, matching Nathan’s casual look as they tried to keep cool from the humid summer air. “I know you were hoping to be home by today, but the storm looks like it might let up in a couple hours and then we can go to the place we narrowed down with all the clues we found this week. I’m sure they couldn’t have gone anywhere in this storm, and we still have an opportunity to catch them by surprise. Why don’t you use the telephone to let Constable Bradshaw know you’ll be here a little longer. I’ll give you some privacy, and go next door to get us some lunch that I’ll bring back to eat while we wait out the storm.

Nathan was excited when he heard Allie’s voice at the switchboard of Hope Valley again today. “Hey you, it’s so good to hear your voice. I miss you so much. Are you still being nice to Kate, um, I mean Miss Bradshaw?”

“Yes, Dad,” she answered with her usual annoyed teenager voice. “We’ve actually had a really fun week. She’s been reading Pollyanna to me at night. Remember when you read that to me when I was having a hard time and  you told me to look on the bright side? It’s such a great book. Also, we get to play with baby Elsie every day. She is so sweet and starting to make the cutest little noises. Miss Bradshaw is also an amazing cook and is teaching me how to bake a lot of new things so we will be eating a lot better when you get home…” Allie prattled on, and Nathan was content listening to her talk about the time she was spending with Kate, the woman he loved. He was glad they were having such a good time, but it didn’t help put him in a better mood no matter how much Pollyanna Allie tried to push on him. Why did your kids always take lessons you taught them then turn it around on you later?

Lost in his thoughts, it took a minute for Nathan to realize Allie had stopped talking. “Oh, um, hey that’s great you are having such a great time. I wish I could be there to join in the fun.”

“So you aren’t coming home today, huh? Allie sounded disappointed, but not completely distraught. “It’s been raining here, and from the sound of things on your end you are getting storms as well. How long do you think you’ll have to stay?”

“Hopefully not much longer. Can you patch me through to Thomas at the office?” Nathan hoped to catch the Constable while he was in the office to explain his situation. 

After a few rings he heard Thomas pick up and Allie told them both goodbye and disconnected on her end. “So, Inspector Grant, you haven’t caught those fugitives yet? You know this isn’t going to help your reputation as the best tracker in Alberta.” Thomas joked.

“We’re close, but this summer storm is not helping matters. I am pretty confident they are within certain boundaries. Should be home in a few days at most. I hope you are looking out for both of our girls. How’s Anne and the baby?”

“My girls are getting stronger every day and being a father is the best thing that has ever happened to me, Nathan. You were right.” Thomas fought a lump in his throat and tears that were welling up in his eyes. “As for your girls, I really think their relationship is taking off. Although, you may never get your bed back once you get home, because the news that got back to me is that Katie hasn’t ever slept in a more comfortable bed and seems very rested every morning when she comes back here.”

Nathan was glad Constable Bradshaw couldn’t see the bright red color his entire face and neck had become as he thought about Kate sleeping where he usually did. Unfortunately, Gabe walked in at that exact moment and gave Nathan a questioning grin. “It looks like this storm will be out of here soon then we are headed out again. You know the Mounties always get their men and I won’t quit until these gangsters are brought to justice. My lunch just arrived, so I’ll be in touch again. Give my girls hugs for me. Goodbye.”

“Should I even ask about the blushing, while talking to Constable Bradshaw no less?” Gabe lightly punched Nathan’s shoulder as he joked with his superior, mentor, and friend. “It’s going to be clearing up soon, so eat this plate of food I got for you and be ready to take down this crime ring once and for all.”

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Friday night, Allie and Kathryn stayed at the Bradshaw's later than usual to play games with Thomas and Anne before they headed back to get ready for bed. Both of them were sad Nathan hadn’t been able to come home for the weekend, and they fervently prayed for his safety and success in finding the men who had caused so much pain across the territory. By the time they had both gotten ready for bed, Kathryn had one of her headaches and Allie asked if she could read out loud instead, while she relaxed in Nathan’s bed. She agreed to just two chapters, and when those were over, the pain from her headache had gotten worse. 

Allie suggested making her some tea that was supposed to help the pain, and Kathryn readily agreed. Playing nurse to her teacher and friend, Allie helped her sip the tea and put a cold rag on her forehead. She also blocked all the light from the room, and suggested sleeping next to her in case she needed anything in the night. They both fell asleep holding hands in Nathan’s large bed, a deep bond forming even stronger as they spent time together in the Grant’s simple row house.

By morning, Kathryn’s head was much worse and Allie didn’t have any other ideas other than getting Faith. She ran to town and was happy to see Faith at the Infirmary checking on an overnight patient. “Faith, I need your help! Miss Bradshaw has had a bad headache and it’s only getting worse. I’ve tried that tea that is supposed to help the pain and put her in a dark room and used cool rags on her forehead. Nothing is working, and I need you to help ease her pain. She was also getting sick to her stomach and won’t eat anything.”

“You did all the right things, Allie,” Faith assured her. “It sounds like a migraine, and I have a few things I could try. Let me put some supplies into my bag and we’ll head right over to help her feel better.”

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Nathan got back into town early in the afternoon on Saturday. He couldn’t wait to be back home, so even though he had spent until late in the night processing his prisoners and arranging for immediate transport, he got up at first light and urged Newton to get him home as quickly as possible. He knew it would be another short stay before going on to Union City to testify in the trial of the newly discovered Rutherford Gang who had been wreaking havoc all over the territory. It had been a long, intense week as he investigated and eventually caught up with the two wounded leaders of the pack as they gained their strength in a very secluded cabin with help from a loner who lived near the area and thought he was doing a kind deed.

Hope Valley was a welcome sight, and he immediately took Newton to the livery to be taken care of properly after a long day’s ride. He gave his trusty partner a nice brush down, along with plenty of water and food to replenish all the energy he had used up on their mission to Brookfield. Once he had finished, he grabbed his overnight bag and hurried as fast as he could back home. 

Allie was downstairs with a somber look on her face when Nathan walked inside. Terror pierced his heart as his mind raced through worst case scenarios. “What’s wrong?” he asked, moving to her side and wrapping his daughter up in his arms.

“Dad!” she exclaimed, although more quietly than usual. “Everything is going to be fine, I’m just worried about Miss Bradshaw. She’s had this horrible headache since last night that Faith is calling a migraine, and she’s given her some medicine that should make her feel better soon. I was just worried about you, and I’m so glad you’re back. Did you nab the bad guys, Dad?”

“As if you even had to ask. You know what I always say,” he reminded her.

“The Mounties always get their man,” she repeated.

“Or in this case, men.” Nathan looked over at the stairs and then back at his daughter. “Is Faith still with her?”

“Yeah, I was just waiting for her to finish so I could find out if she’s improved. I’m sure seeing you will really help, too. I think she kind of likes you.” Allie didn’t seem upset about it at all, and Nathan was overjoyed that the two of them had taken to each other while he was away.

“It sounds like you had a great time...I’m not sure either one of you really missed me, did you?” Before Allie could answer Nathan’s question, Faith came down the stairs with a pleasant look on her face.

“Nathan,” Faith declared. “You’re back! I’m sure Kathryn will be excited to see you. She is much better, but still very weak. She needs to stay in bed until at least tomorrow, and should take it easy for a few days. I’ll follow up with her again before she goes back to bed. She may have to stay here again tonight, because I don’t want her moved. I hope that won’t be a problem with you back.”

“No, that is fine. I can find somewhere else to sleep tonight,” he promised. “May I go up and see her?”

“Of course. I have to head back to the Infirmary, but let me know if you need anything or if she gets worse again.” Faith smiled, gave Allie a hug and left to go back to town.

Nathan climbed the stairs vigorously, wanting to see for himself that Kate was on the mend. He knew she got severe headaches on occasion, but it only made him being away even that much more difficult. He quietly entered his darkened room and his heart nearly burst with an array of emotions seeing the woman he loved in his bed. If he hadn’t known she had been suffering all day, he would have never known by looking at her. In a simple, but elegant nightgown and her soft golden curls spread across the pillow, she was simply radiant. 

He rushed to her side and gently picked up her hand and her eyes fluttered open. “Nathan! Is that really you? I’m so sorry you had to get home only to find me like this. I’m afraid it was Allie taking care of me, not the other way around, since last night. You’ve raised such a thoughtful and kind daughter.”

“Oh my love, I’m so sorry you’ve been in pain.” Nathan pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead and she put her hands on either side of his face, pulling his lips from her forehead to her lips. Even though Nathan was attempting to be tender and not worsen her headache, Kate kissed him with all the passion and longing she had been feeling since he rode away almost a week ago. He let himself get lost in the moment, until he became painfully aware of where they were. He quickly pulled away and stood up, his heart racing and breathing heavy. “Can I get you anything? Some water, maybe? I think I need some water, I’ll be right back.” He bolted out of the door, closing it quickly but quietly. He leaned against the wall and ran both hands through his hair, trying to calm his senses before going back downstairs and facing his daughter.

“Is she doing better?” Allie asked, as he went straight for the glasses to pour water for both him and Kate.

“Yes, she’s doing a lot better. I just needed some water, we both did. I’m going to get this right back up to her.” Nathan once again rushed back up the stairs and took deep breaths before opening his bedroom door and calmly delivering the glasses of water. “Here you go, Kate. I’m sorry I rushed out of here so quickly.”

“It was my fault. I think the medicine Faith gave me tends to take away some inhibitions. I need to sleep it off, especially since I’m feeling quite drowsy right now. I promise when I’m feeling better we’ll talk about our week, and I won’t make you uncomfortable with my passionate kissing in your bed.” Kathryn could feel her speech slurring and her eyelids felt heavy. “Goodnight, Nate. I love you.” 

“I love you, too,” he whispered, leaning down to lightly brush his lips across her temple. Chuckling at the effect the medication was having on Kate, he grabbed the chair by his desk and just sat and watched her sleep for several minutes before quietly going back downstairs to spend time catching up with his not-so-little girl. Although this wasn’t the homecoming he was expecting, Nathan was grateful he had survived a really intense Mountie mission to come safely home to his girls in his house. It all felt so right having Kate here, even though she was struggling through her migraine. If this is the way life would be as a real family, he simply couldn’t wait much longer. Every time he stared death in the face, it made him realize he couldn’t put off the important things in life...instead, he was ready to embrace the future he dreamed of having and make them a reality right now.