Granting a Family - Chapter 34: What Was & What Will Be

Walking back to the row houses newly engaged, Kathryn held out her hand to admire the ring Nathan had put on her finger. It glistened in the sun, and she squeezed her new fiancé's hand that she was holding while letting out a blissful sigh. “Will you tell me more about this ring? It looks like an antique, so I assume it is a family heirloom?” Kathryn guessed. 

“Yes, it was my maternal grandmother’s ring,” Nathan answered. “I think it was meant for my sister Colleen, but when she brought Dylan home, my mother refused to let him anywhere near family belongings worth any money. He would have just pawned it off, and we would have never seen it again. It would have never survived my dad, but Mom had kicked him out before Grandma passed away and left the ring to her. When I took in Allie, she gave me the ring and told me to give it to the woman who captured my heart and would give me the kind of marriage Grandpa and Grandma Mayes had. They were happily married for 40 years before Grandpa died, so I think it is a good luck charm for a long and happy marriage.”

Kathryn abruptly stopped and pulled Nathan into her for a hug. A few tears escaped her eyes that she let fall on his shirt as she mourned his difficult childhood and family life. She pulled back and looked him in the eyes, so he knew she meant what she said. “Nathan, you are a good and honorable man. I know your mother did the best she could, and I know your father has been trying to make amends, but it still must hurt. I’m so sorry that Colleen chose a man who wasn’t respectable and honest like you are, or someone she and Allie deserved.”

Emotion brimmed to the surface, and Nathan let himself feel the pain he had tried to suppress for so many years. Now he had someone to lean on, who loved him and would help him through the pain of his past. He let tears stream down his face, holding his love close while allowing her to comfort and uphold him. “What did I do to deserve a woman like you in my life, Kate?” he murmured, stroking her hair as her head rested against his chest. “Thank you for being so understanding, and always loving me even though I don’t always deserve it.”

Lifting her head to look up at him, Kathryn wiped Nathan’s tears away and moved to bridge the gap between them so she could express how she felt about him with a heartfelt kiss. His response sent shivers down her spine, and made her long for the day she was his wife. When they finally pulled apart in need of oxygen, both of them looked a little dazed and decided they best be going back home. “Nathan,” she finally voiced. “You have always and will forever merit as much love and devotion as I can possibly give. I’m so glad you feel comfortable sharing your heart with me, and trusting it in my care. I promise to always safeguard and protect it to the best of my ability.”

“Kate, your heart is the most precious thing I have ever desired to possess and protect. We are so blessed to have been brought together, and I have no doubt in my mind that God had a hand in leading us to each other. I am finally getting a real family, which is the only thing I’ve wanted for such a long time. Now, let’s go tell Allie then Thomas and Anne. I’m certain they will all be just as thrilled as we are.” He picked up the basket holding the muffins and empty thermos in one hand and took Kate’s hand with the other. They picked up the pace, walking purposefully toward the row houses with a sense of excitement.

____________________________________________________________

Allie woke up a little later than usual to a completely silent house. She slowly made her way downstairs, the sun flooding through the window facing east. Moving to the kitchen for a drink of water and to find some breakfast, Allie noticed a note on the counter.

Allie girl,

I went out for a little while early in the morning. Be back soon.

Love,

Dad

She rolled her eyes and thought to herself, Probably just some date with Miss Bradshaw or something. Her stomach started growling louder, so Allie decided to make a nice breakfast of bacon, eggs, and pancakes for when her dad returned from his morning...whatever it was. Just as she was flipping another round of pancakes, she heard giggling while the door flew open and in walked her dad with her teacher.

“Allie, you’re up!” Nathan exclaimed. “It smells great, did you make all that food for yourself?” He walked over and snuck a piece of bacon that he threw in his mouth, with his daughter scowling at him.

“I made plenty for both you and Miss Bradshaw,” she quipped. “But why don’t you get washed up first and set the table for me? I mean, who raised who in this relationship?”

Nathan waited for her to put the last pancake on the serving tray before he pulled her away from the kitchen and into the living area. He sat her down in a chair, motioning for Kate to sit beside him across from Allie. “Before we eat, there is something Kate and I want to tell you.”

Allie’s eyes immediately shot over to Kathryn’s left hand, and seeing her great grandmother’s ring on her finger caused her to shriek with delight. “Dad! You finally asked Miss Bradshaw to marry you!” She jumped over and tackled Nathan in a huge embrace, before somewhat timidly looking over at Kathryn. After seeing a huge smile, she instantly embraced the woman who would soon be her new mom. “I can’t believe I’m finally getting a real family! And soon I’ll get my very own brothers and sisters…”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” Nathan held up his hands to slow her down. “Let’s take it one step at a time here. I wasn’t even expecting to propose today, so I think we need to start by getting used to the idea of being engaged and planning the wedding. But we can’t even do that until we are back from Union City next week.”

Having remained silent through the entire exchange so far, Kathryn finally spoke. “Oh that’s right! I almost forgot about going to Union City in two days! We have so much to get ready tomorrow.” She turned to Allie and put her hand over her soon-to-be daughter’s. “I am thrilled to be a part of your family. I love you and your Dad more than I can put into words. Having your blessing makes it even more special for me.”

Grinning from ear-to-ear, Allie pulled both of them in for a group hug. She looked over at the food that was going to go cold if they didn’t eat soon and suggested, “Can we take breakfast over to the Bradshaw’s house to eat? I made enough for all of us, and you need to share the news with them.”

“That sounds like a perfect plan, Allie. Let’s all gather it up and take it over there.” They put dish towels over the trays of food and each took one of them to carry. “I can’t believe Anne and Thomas will be my aunt and uncle and Elsie my very own baby cousin!”

Kathryn looked at Nathan, so proud that she would soon call him her husband, but also in awe of the amazing young woman he had raised since she was very young. She hoped that joining their family would only add to their happiness and help make them an even better family unit. “I want you both to know how much I love you. Thank you for accepting and loving me. I wondered how you both felt about Allie calling me something besides Miss Bradshaw, since that seems too formal for what our relationship is now. I hope one day after we’re married you may want to call me Mom, Allie. But until then, I was thinking something like ‘Aunt Kathryn’? You called your Dad ‘Uncle Nathan’ until the adoption was final, so I felt like it would be appropriate.”

Allie looked at Nathan for approval and he nodded, eyes glistening with affection for both of his beautiful girls and their goodness. All three of them were trying to keep their emotions from spilling out, so they turned their attention back to the food trays they held and started walking the short distance to the Bradshaw’s row house. As they approached the front door, Thomas appeared on Midnight. He dismounted and tied the horse to the porch railing, hurrying up the stairs and opening the door for them since they had their hands full.

“What is all this?” Thomas asked curiously. “Not that I’m complaining. I just finished my rounds and came to get breakfast for me and Anne, but it looks like my lucky day.”

Hearing people downstairs, Anne slowly walked down carrying little Elsie who was awake looking around at everyone and making cute little baby squeaks. Allie set down her tray of food and rushed over. “Hello Allie,” Anne greeted. “Would you like to hold the baby for me while I get a drink and kiss my husband?”

Allie nodded and gently took baby Elsie in her arms and moved to a comfy chair to sit and admire the sweet bundle of joy. “I think Dad and Miss, um well, they have something to say.” She looked over and winked at them both, encouraging them to make their announcement.

Thomas and Anne, who had just greeted each other with a quick kiss, suddenly turned around to face Nathan and Kathryn who couldn’t stop smiling or contain their excitement. “Did you finally ask her, Nathan?” Anne excitedly asked. 

Kathryn held up her hand, revealing the beautiful antique ring and causing Anne to squeal in delight and hurry over to hug her sister-in-law and then her future brother-in-law. Thomas joined his wife, patting Nathan on the back, then swinging his little sister around in celebration. “Welcome to the family, Nathan and Allie,” Anne proclaimed. “I can’t wait to hear all about the proposal! Planning the wedding is going to be so much fun, but what I really want right now is to eat that breakfast I can smell.” 

Everyone chuckled and moved into the kitchen to dish up plates of food. Allie was content to hold Elsie while the adults sat and ate at the table. As she held the baby, she dreamed of the day she would get her very own little sibling. Anne admired the ring shaped like a rose, and savored every detail of the engagement, as Kathryn told the story of how it happened. They also discussed the upcoming trip to Union City that Nathan, Kathryn, and Allie would be going on for most of the next week. Anne lamented not being able to go see her family, but encouraged Kathryn to stay with them while she was in the city.

After everyone had eaten breakfast, Thomas announced it was time for him to go back to work. Nathan decided to join him to make sure he had everything in order before leaving town for several days. They helped clear the dishes, and gave out another round of hugs before leaving their girls and going to the Mountie office in town. Nathan knew he needed to make some phone calls to make travel arrangements, as well as double checking his schedule for the trial and award ceremony at Headquarters. He still couldn’t believe he had a beautiful fiancé who would be accompanying him and Allie on their trip to Union City, and he had never been so excited for a work trip in his life.

____________________________________________________________

News of the engagement spread like wildfire throughout Hope Valley, with some people being shocked at how fast it had happened. But most everyone was excited for their Mountie Inspector and the new school teacher that most had come to know and respect since her arrival. Thomas and Anne, who made friends easily everywhere they had been assigned, had also found a home in the community. Big changes had happened in the Bradshaw family since coming to town, and they all felt extremely blessed.

Ned and Florence were two of the first to find out the news, since Allie just couldn’t contain herself during her shift at the switchboard on Friday afternoon. When Nathan came to pick Allie up on his way home from the office, Florence rushed over and nearly knocked him over as she gathered him in a motherly embrace. “Ned and I are thrilled for you and Kathryn,” she gushed. “No one deserves happiness more than you and our precious Allie. You both have become family to us, and we want to help you with the wedding however we can.”

Ned nodded in approval of what his wife was saying and beamed as he slapped Nathan on the back in congratulations. “Yes, please let us know what we can do to help,” Ned added. “You know you are like a son to me and Allie like a granddaughter. Have you decided on a wedding date yet? Any items you might need for the big day I can get ordered for you, just let me know.”

“We haven’t had time to discuss a wedding date,” he admitted. “But Ned, Florence, we appreciate all you have done for us the past few years since we arrived in Hope Valley. You have become family to us, right Allie?” Nathan put his arm around his daughter who had walked out from the switchboard room to meet him near the front counter of the Mercantile.

“Yes, Mr. and Mrs. Yost, we are so lucky to have you. Working here is so much fun. Are you sure you’ll be ok while I’m in Union City?” Allie took Florence’s hand affectionately, with Ned and Nathan looking on at the special relationship the two had built over the past little while since spending a lot of time working together.

“We’ll be fine, dear,” Florence assured her. “You all go have a wonderful time in the city, and don’t worry about us. We only wish we could be there to see our noble Inspector Grant receive his award.”

Never feeling comfortable with praise and attention, Nathan brushed it off and began to lead Allie out the door. “Have a great week, Yosts. Thanks again for all of your support.” He smiled as they headed home, grateful for the many good people in his life.

____________________________________________________________

Nathan walked home from the livery Saturday evening after giving Newton a good workout before he had to leave his trusty partner for the week. As he approached the row houses, he noticed Elizabeth and little Jack playing out front, enjoying the cooler temperatures as the sun was lowering in the western sky. He hoped to sneak past unnoticed, not wanting to disturb their time together or have yet another forced conversation about his engagement or medal of honor. Everywhere he went, Nathan was peppered with questions. He just wanted some time alone to process his thoughts, which is why his ride on Newton had been so refreshing.

“‘Ountie ‘atan!” suddenly rang out across the street, and little Jack came running to him and jumped in Nathan’s arms before he could even blink. “Where’s ‘ewtan? I rode Sarg with Mama and Hickam!” 

“Oh wow, buddy,” Nathan laughed. “I bet Sergeant loved going for a ride. I just got back from riding on Newton, and I hope you will go visit him this week while I’m gone to make sure he doesn’t get lonely.”

Elizabeth looked slightly embarrassed as she approached her son with the man who had previously owned her heart, but she had stupidly hurt him beyond repair. Her heart was healing, but it had still felt like a fresh wound to hear about his engagement to Kathryn...a woman she had tried to dislike, but one who was very much worthy of a man like Nathan. Trying to push away sadness and regret, she managed her bravest smile as she watched his effortless interaction with her little boy.

“Hello, Elizabeth. Jack was just telling me all about his ride on Sarg, and I was asking him to look after Newton while I’m away.” Nathan kept the conversation focused on Jack, to keep the mood light.

Holding her arms out, the little boy readily slipped into her arms for a hug before hopping down and running back over to his toys. “Bye, ‘atan!”

Both adults chuckled and watched him for several seconds before turning back to each other. “I hear congratulations are in order,” Elizabeth began. “Both for your engagement to Kathryn and your award from the Mounties. Both are well deserved, Nathan. You deserve every happiness in life.”

Clearing his throat, Nathan struggled to find the right words at that moment. “Elizabeth, I...you have always been an important part of my life here. I hope you know I will still always be here for whatever you need and I appreciate your kind words. So, your son said you are both spending some time with Hickam. He’s a good man, Elizabeth, and cares about you and little Jack very much.”

Color rose to Elizabeth’s cheeks, not exactly comfortable discussing her dating life with someone she thought she was in love with just a few weeks ago. “Mike is a remarkable man, just like you. We are spending some time getting to know each other better, but I want to get it right this time and not rush into anything. I don’t have the best track record when it comes to men and making good choices in relationships, especially since Jack.” She looked over at her son and a wave of sadness hit her like it often did when she thought of her late husband never getting to help raise their little boy. “I better get Jack inside and ready for bed.” She placed a hand on Nathan’s arm and realized the spark she felt before was now just a warm feeling of affection. “Be happy, dear Nathan. You and Allie deserve it, and Kathryn is intelligent, lovely, and will be the perfect addition to your family.”

“Thank you,” Nathan said sincerely, pulling Elizabeth in for a quick hug. “I’ll see you next week when we get home. Give Mike my best,” he teased with a wink. He continued walking home, but as he approached the Bradshaw’s house, he was surprised to see Kate sitting on the porch with a look on her face he couldn’t quite decipher. “Kate, my love, are you alright?”

“Fine,” she lied, arms folded across her chest. “It’s late, I better get inside and go to bed.”

“Hey!” Nathan approached and turned her around before she could open the front door. “Tell me what’s wrong, please.” He lifted her chin and forced her to look him in the eye, and just like usual they both got lost in each other’s. 

Anger melting away with Nathan Grant’s touch and looking into his bright, sparkling blue eyes, Kathryn started forgetting all the things she had been upset about. She finally looked away to break his spell, wanting to be mad a little longer. “Why didn’t you tell me where you were going? I saw you walking toward home, then you stopped to play with Jack and talk to Elizabeth, followed by hugging her. I hate that I have feelings of jealousy whenever I see you with her.”

Confused about the outburst, and knowing it most likely had nothing to do with Elizabeth, he tenderly wrapped his arms around Kate and just held her close until he could feel her blood pressure go down. She melted into him and her breathing finally steadied. “What is really wrong?” he whispered as he kissed her head.

She finally allowed herself to release what she had been holding in since the upsetting phone call she had made earlier that afternoon. “Oh Nathan, I’m sorry I took my frustration out on you and blamed it on Elizabeth,” she sputtered between sobs. “I called Aunt Edith to tell her I was engaged, and she was not happy. I found out she’s in Union City right now, and I wanted to make sure we were able to see her this week so I could introduce you and Allie to her. I don’t need her permission to marry anyone, but she was like a mother to me for many years. It just hurts that she is disappointed by my choice, when she hasn’t even met you. Why can’t she understand I don’t need money or status to be happy?”

Nathan let out a sigh, relieved it really wasn’t him that Kate was mad at, and grateful she loved him despite his humble circumstances and lack of societal standing. “How can I help you feel better?” he breathed, running his big hands up and down her back in comforting strokes.

“Mmmmmm,” she murmured, enjoying his strong, yet gentle touch. “Just being close to you is all I need...and time. I hope Aunt Edith comes around and will agree to see us in Union City. I would be very disappointed if she didn’t come to our wedding.” She stopped and thought for a moment. “Will I get to meet both of your parents at our wedding?”

A deep melancholy fell over Nathan at the mention of his family. “My mother moved East to be with her younger sister, back when her health started failing from all the stress she had endured from my father and then Colleen. She tried to take on Allie for a few months, but it was clear that she just wasn’t strong enough to handle a little girl at her age, and in poor health. We’ve seen her a few times through the years, and she tries to write when she feels well enough. I’ve tried to convince her to talk on the telephone, but she is a little skeptical of new technology. Maybe one day she’ll decide it’s worth trying out the phone, to at least hear her only son’s voice. As for my father, you know we did reconcile, but his health is also suffering after a fall off his horse a few months ago. He’s up in Calgary living alone, but he has been able to get the medical care he needs there and seems to be happy for now. He’s just unable to travel in his current condition.”

Wanting to erase the pain they both had been feeling, Kathryn moved her hands up Nathan’s back and tipped her head up as she looked deeply into his sad soul. He followed her lead and leaned down to meet her lips with his own, seemingly pouring out all of his heartache and letting her start to heal him while at the same time soothing the pain in her heart as well. Together they knew they were stronger, and would help each other through any future obstacles that would come their way. When their lips finally parted, they both felt peaceful and safe in each other’s arms.

____________________________________________________________

Sunday evening after arriving on the train, Nathan and Allie said their goodbyes to Kathryn at the Clements home, when the driver of the car the Mounties had rented dropped her off before driving them to the boarding house where they had stayed only a few months before. It was late when they arrived in Union City, so they decided to save introductions for the next day at a dinner that the Clements had invited Nathan and Allie to at their beautiful home. 

“We better get straight to bed,” Nathan decided, when they stepped into their room. “I’ve got court early in the morning, and the driver will drop you off with Kate to spend the day. Did you two make big plans? I hope you won’t do anything too fun without me.”

“Don’t worry, Dad. I’m pretty sure we’ll be doing stuff you would find boring like shopping and getting our hair done,” Allie confessed. “Plus, I thought you wanted us to get a closer relationship, since Miss Bradshaw’s going to be my new mom soon.”

He smiled at the thought, but had to ask, “Are you still having trouble moving past Miss Bradshaw and calling her Aunt Kathryn? I’m fine with whatever feels right to you.”

She thought for a minute, then finally revealed her deepest fear. “I want to call her Aunt Kathryn, and eventually Mom once you are married, but every time I get that close to someone they leave or die. You are the only one who has been in my life and never left me, so I’m scared to love someone else the way I love you. Mrs. Thornton left us when I thought she would join our family. Grandma and Grandpa both have gone away, and we barely get to see them. My mom died, and my first dad didn’t want me. Maybe I’m the reason everyone leaves, and you should have never taken me in and adopted me.” 

Nathan gathered Allie up in a bear hug. He put his hands on either side of her face to let her know he was serious. “Allie girl, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me. You are not to blame for anyone leaving or dying, and truth be told, any romantic interest who left - Mrs. Thornton included - left because of me and not you. Dating is a rough business, and finding just the right fit for our family took longer than I wanted or expected. But I know, without a doubt, that Kate is the right person for both of us. If she hasn’t left by now, I’m pretty sure she’s committed to sticking around.”

Hugging him one more time, Allie closed her eyes and said a little prayer of thanks for being blessed with such an amazing father who chose to be her Dad. “I love you. Thank you for finding Aunt Kathryn and her family. We’ve never had a real family, and now we are getting the entire Bradshaw clan. I’m nervous, but excited, to meet Mrs. Bradshaw’s family tomorrow and to have dinner at their mansion.” As they got settled in their room and ready for bed, Allie kept chatting, eagerly anticipating the next few days. They both wondered what adventures awaited them on this trip to Union City.