Trials were Nathan’s least favorite part of his job, at least the testifying part of them. He did get satisfaction in seeing criminals be brought to justice and sentenced to pay their debt to society. His biggest worry with convicts like the Rutherford Gang, was their complete disregard for life especially among members of law enforcement. Sometimes he would get concerned that if they either broke out of prison or were let out for other reasons, they would find him and seek retaliation. Julius Spurlock was the perfect example of someone who tried to avenge his brother’s incarceration by making Elizabeth pay. But even Spurlock wasn’t a known murderer, which made the Rutherfords even that much more dangerous. Nathan thought about how the past few months had changed him, and re-evaluated his objectives in life. Keep the town safe, and raise Allie was now expanding to: Keep the town safe, raise Allie...and now protect, love, and honor Kate as a loving husband.
His name being called pulled Nathan out of his thoughts, and he saw three sets of evil eyes turn back and look directly at him in his Inspector uniform, complete with a freshly pressed red serge jacket that Allie had made sure was pristine for his appearance in court. He made his way to the witness stand at the front of the courtroom with an air of confidence and authority and a serious, commanding expression on his face. He took the oath to tell the truth, read his statement, then took questions from the prosecution. It was the end of the day before they got to Nathan, so when the judge adjourned for the evening, he knew the next day would start with him being cross examined by the defense attorney.
Nathan rushed out of the courtroom, and once outside found his driver Jim waiting right on time to pick him up and take him to his boarding house to change, then to the Clements home for dinner with Anne’s family along with Kate and Allie. Once inside the car, he unbuttoned and slipped off his serge to try and cool down after a stifling day in the courthouse. Temperatures were higher than normal, even for the middle of July. He thanked his driver and promised to be back out in the next fifteen minutes ready to go. Inside his room, he freshened up and picked out his blue navy suit, light blue shirt and patterned tie. He combed his hair to fix the damage his inspector hat and sweat had done during the day. He looked at himself in the mirror, finally satisfied he could fit in well enough at the fancy dinner he would be attending. Nathan hoped to impress Anne’s family, but also not to embarrass Kate by being dressed too informally.
Jim was reading a newspaper when Nathan returned to the car, and eyed the Mountie - turned gentleman - with curiosity. “Sir, or should I call you Inspector?” the driver wondered. “Are you ready to go to the Clements’ home?”
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” he said mostly under his breath. “And you can call me Nathan. I’m not one for formalities, Mr. Reynold,” he smirked.
“If that’s the case, you can call me Jim. It has been a pleasure to drive you and your family around. I appreciate the way you have all treated me like an equal, unlike most people I drive for in this city. Superintendent Lewis is a family friend, so I was able to get him a reasonable rate to drive around his hero Mountie for a few days.”
Nathan blushed at the mention of him being a hero. “I don’t consider myself heroic,” he admitted. “I was just doing my job and trying to keep our territory and communities safe. I’m very glad to meet a friend of the good Superintendent, who has been a great example to me through the years. I appreciate you keeping my daughter and fiancé safe while moving them from one side of town to another.”
“Both very pleasant ladies,” Jim confirmed, not wanting to pry, and needing to start the car and begin driving. They stayed silent for most of the drive, both men absorbed in their own thoughts and neither being extremely talkative by nature. As they pulled up to the large “mansion” as Allie called it, Nathan took a good look at the large estate for the first time in full daylight. He had never been very comfortable around wealth, and wasn’t sure he would have ever been accepted by Elizabeth’s family with their sizable fortune and status. Although Kate had rich relatives, she grew up on a humble farm her entire childhood, before spending most of her teen years traveling with her aunt and getting her education. Knowing how down to earth Thomas was, helped him gain an ever greater understanding and appreciation for the kind of people the Bradshaws were. He had to admit that seeing the kind of life Anne had lived before marrying Thomas, surprised him. Anne was the sweetest person who didn’t seem to need worldly goods to make her happy.
Nerves threatened to rattle Nathan as he straightened his tie and absentmindedly ran his fingers through his hair. “Here goes nothing,” he breathed, feeling his heart pounding a little harder than usual. Jim opened the door and let him out, then he immediately saw two familiar figures move toward him. “Thanks for the ride, Jim. I guess we’ll see you back here at 9:00?” With a wink and a smile, Jim nodded his head as he closed the door, then got in and drove away.
Forgetting her city manners, Allie ran over and wrapped Nathan in a big hug. “Dad, you made it!” She pulled back and twirled around. “Do you like my new dress Aunt Kathryn bought me while we were out shopping today?”
Nathan admired Allie in her new blush colored evening gown with way more ruffles and lace than her normal wardrobe ever had. He also noticed her hair was up and curled professionally, making her look much older than her thirteen years. “You look beautiful, Allie girl. It’s just a good thing Robert isn’t here to see you like this, or I really would send him straight off to Mountie training.”
Rolling her eyes, Allie groaned. “Daaaad!” she complained, but smiled inwardly to have impressed him with the way she looked.
Watching the scene play out in front of her, Kathryn felt the love in her heart expand even more for both her future husband and daughter. Spending the day with Allie shopping for new dresses and getting their hair done, had gotten her even more excited to be an official member of the Grant family. “Allie, sweetie, can you go up to my room and grab our gloves off my vanity, then meet us back here to walk in the front door together? Maggie will let you in that side door we came out of just barely.” Allie nodded and disappeared.
Nathan couldn’t keep his eyes off Kate since he saw her come from behind a tree in the courtyard. She was wearing a new dress that they probably found on their shopping trip that day as well. A stylish silver and black evening gown with navy accents sparkled in the remaining sunlight. It hit her curves in all the right places and took Nathan’s breath away. Her hair was also styled in an attractive up-do with sparkling hair pins arranged throughout her golden curls. She wore silver jewelry with stunning blue sapphires that perfectly matched her dress. He imagined if she had been wearing white, this is very much what she might look like on their wedding day. At that thought, he caught his breath and felt his heart suddenly beat faster.
“Penny for your thoughts?” Kathryn asked, approaching him. “You look so handsome in that suit. I’m sure you knew I would love it because it matches your brilliant blue eyes.” She straightened his tie and smoothed his suit jacket, letting her hands slip down and end up in his.
Finally able to find his voice, Nathan responded, “Kate, you are absolutely stunning and it made me a little speechless.” He squeezed her hands and stepped closer to her, closing the gap. “Thank you for spending time with Allie. She didn’t really need a new dress, but I can tell she had a really great time with you today. I know you are going to make a wonderful mother.” He released one of her hands and caressed her face, running his thumb over her lips before leaning down and pressing his lips to hers in a sweet, yet intense kiss. She moved both hands behind his neck, enjoying every second of being alone together. As they pulled apart, they sighed and looked into each other’s eyes.
Suddenly, Kathryn remembered why she needed to talk to Nathan before going inside. “I almost forgot why I came out here before you went inside to meet Anne’s family before dinner. My Aunt Edith called the Clements and agreed to come to dinner with us tonight!” She suddenly looked nervous and began pacing back and forth in front of Nathan. “I’m not sure what to expect,” she continued. “I haven’t seen her in a few years, and she was so set against my marrying a Mountie when I talked to her the other day. I’m not sure what changed her mind about seeing me here in Union City, but now I’m anxious.”
Just then, Allie appeared with the formal gloves they bought to match their dresses for dinner. “I think I’m going to be underdressed here,” Nathan worried. “I’m not sure what your aunt will think of me, but all I can be is myself. Why don’t we go inside? Anne’s family can’t be that bad, just knowing how sweet and kind she is to everyone.”
“Come on, Dad. You have to see this house, and the family is very kind just like Anne.” Allie took Nathan by one hand and Kathryn by the other. She led them up the stairs to the front entrance, forcing them both to face whatever would come with Aunt Edith. Allie rang the doorbell and waited for the butler, Mr. Sullivan, to open the front door and let them into the foyer.
Kathryn looked over at Nathan, searching his eyes to see if he felt as uneasy as she did. She wasn’t sure if it was his Mountie training or if he really wasn’t phased by this evening’s dinner, but the one thing that was certain was that Allie’s excitement was palpable just like it had been all day long as they had explored the city and gone shopping together. Kathryn felt so much love for the spunky teenager, and was excited at the prospect of being the mother to her that she never got to have at that age. Aunt Edith gave her culture and experiences money could buy, but never gave her the same closeness and love she had with her mother before she passed away. She knew Nathan did the best he could and was a wonderful father to Allie, but these crucial years of becoming a woman might be easier on her with another woman to help her navigate through them.
Mr. Sullivan opened the door and motioned for them to move into the large entryway. Nathan had been to a few fancy buildings in his life, but it was rare for him to be invited into the home of people with the kind of wealth it took to have a grand home in the city like this one. He gazed around in awe, looking at the fine décor, including a fancy crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Allie had let go of his and Kate’s hands and was admiring her surroundings, even though she had seen the house already.
“Sully, I would like you to meet my fiancé Nathan Grant,” she affectionately said to the butler. She turned to Nathan and explained, “I’ve known Sully, Mr. Sullivan, for many years since Anne and Thomas first got together. He is a good friend and like a grandfather to me.”
Nathan held out his hand to shake the older man’s hand. “Any friend of Kate’s is a friend of mine,” he stated, with an affectionate look at his beautiful soon-to-be bride. “This house and the entire estate is impressive.”
“It is very nice to meet the great hero Inspector,” Sully joked with a wink. “I’ve heard many great things about you from Kathryn, and if your daughter is a reflection on your character, I definitely approve.”
Before Nathan could respond, Mr. and Mrs. Clements walked in to greet their new guest. He immediately saw the resemblance to Anne, especially in her mother who was petite and had the same dark hair and eyes, along with the same warm presence. She immediately approached Nathan and surprised him with an exuberant hug. “Welcome to our home, Inspector Grant. We have heard so much about you, not only from Kathryn, but from Thomas and Anne as well. Thank you for being so good to them as they have been settling into Hope Valley. We have been trying to get some things resolved here so we can go visit our new granddaughter very soon. Of course we wanted to let everyone recover before company showed up.”
Yep, Nathan thought to himself, she has the same genuine talkative personality as her daughter. He turned his attention to Mr. Clements, noticing he was more reserved, but had a look of kindness and meekness about him. He moved beside his wife, holding out his hand to shake Nathan’s and his other hand on the back of his wife. “John Clements,” he introduced himself. “My wife Mae and I are thrilled to have you finally in our home, so we can see who has captured the heart of Kathryn, who has been like a daughter to us for some time. Allie is quite the young lady as well, and we are very appreciative to all who serve in law enforcement. How is your current court case moving along? I read in the papers you are in Union City to testify, and to receive a very high award for your brave efforts in capturing those gangsters.”
Face turning red with embarrassment at the praise he was receiving, Nathan acknowledged their compliments then tried to move to a different topic without offending them. “I’ll be back in court tomorrow to finish my testimony, and Wednesday I will be at the Mountie Headquarters for some unwarranted recognition. Honestly, I was just doing my job, and I’m glad we got those evil men off the streets so they won’t terrorize anyone else. Thank you for your hospitality to Allie today and to me this evening for dinner. You have a very beautiful home, Mr. and Mrs. Clements. And I can see where Anne gets her gracious and loving nature.”
“Oh, please call us Aunt Mae and Uncle John,” Mae insisted. “We are basically family now, and we really don’t like all the formalities people like to push because of money and social status.” Before they could continue their conversation or move into the sitting room to visit before dinner was served, the doorbell sounded and Kathryn immediately stiffened.
Sully moved to the door and opened it, revealing an attractive and seemingly fiery middle aged woman that had a strong resemblance to Kathryn. She blew in like a strong gust of wind and immediately made her way over to where her niece was clutching the hand of a tall and attractive man, but one who was woefully underdressed for the taste of Miss Edith Sharp. She also saw a lanky teenage girl in a fashionable dress and gloves, and assumed she was the adopted daughter of the Mountie, who had won the heart of the woman who was like the only daughter she ever had.
Rubbing his thumb against her clammy hand to help calm Kate down, Nathan stood up tall and confident, ready to face the woman who was against their union. “Miss Sharp, Nathan Grant. This is my daughter Allie,” he said, motioning to where she stood. “I’ve heard so much about you from Kathryn.” He held out his hand, and though she looked skeptical, she let him take her hand. He noticed her eyes widen as he lifted her gloved hand and lightly placed a kiss on it before releasing it gently.
Kathryn was trying to stay composed and stop the trembling that threatened to overtake her, impressed by Nathan’s calm demeanor and handling of her sometimes difficult aunt. She loved Aunt Edith, and knew if she would just take time to get to know Nathan and Allie, she would see why she had chosen them to be her family. Timidly, she moved closer to her aunt, not sure how she would respond. “Aunt Edith, it’s so good to see you!” Suddenly not caring what she thought, Kathryn wrapped her in a tight embrace.
Realizing she had no reason to stay upset, Edith reciprocated the hug. “My dear Kathryn, you look well. It seems country life is treating you better than I expected. Nathan and Allie, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” She turned slightly, addressing her hosts. “John and Maeble, thank you for inviting me this evening.”
“Our pleasure, Edith dear,” Aunt Mae replied, just as Maggie appeared to inform them the dining room was ready and dinner would soon be served.
Allie watched the older women and tried to mimic the way they walked, holding their gloved hands properly. She couldn't wait to tell her friends about spending time with Anne’s family and having dinner in a bigger house than she had ever been in before. She followed the adults into the dining room, staying close to her Dad and soon-to-be mom. Her eyes got bigger as she took in the fancy room with a large mahogany table. Place settings of fine china and crystal glasses sat on a beautiful white tablecloth. John took his place at the head of the table, and the rest of the guests sat on either side of him.
They were served a full four course meal consisting of a creamy tomato soup, bruschetta as an appetizer, chicken and pasta for the main course, and chocolate mousse pie for dessert. Everyone chatted politely during dinner, and Edith had warmed up significantly to Nathan Grant...even with his less formal, yet ruggedly handsome blue suit, instead of a more formal tuxedo like the one John Clements wore. He was polite, more educated and well read than she would have expected from a Mountie, and she couldn’t deny the love that radiated from him and Kathryn or the closeness they shared with Allie, his once niece - now adopted daughter. Regret began spilling into her heart at the way she reacted when she first learned the news of Katie’s engagement. She wanted the very best for her sister’s baby girl that she helped raise during her impressionable teen years. Truth be told, it wasn’t that she thought money was the most important quality her niece could find in a man. She really just wanted to make sure he was the right man, with a good heart and the ability to take care of her. Sitting across the table from them told her everything she needed to know. Lightly tapping her glass, she called for a toast. “To friends and family being reunited. And to Nathan and Kathryn on their engagement. May they have every joy and happiness in their new life together.”
Trying to not let her jaw hit the ground, Kathryn lifted her glass as they all answered, “Here, here.” She wondered what had changed Aunt Edith’s mind since the phone call the other day, but decided she would just be grateful things were going as well as they were. She wished Anne’s brother David had been able to make it, but he was out of town on business with his soon-to-be father-in-law. She was pleased to introduce the love of her life to people who were so important to her. Squeezing Nathan’s hand, he looked into her eyes like he was trying to figure out what she was feeling, but she just smiled to let him know everything was perfectly fine.
“Aunt Edith,” Allie blurted. “Uh, if it’s ok that I call you that. I was wondering if you are going to come to Hope Valley for the wedding?”
Everyone collectively gasped and waited for Edith’s reply. She smiled at Allie, the spunk reminding her a lot of both Kathryn and herself. “Well, have you two set a wedding date?” she inquired, looking at the happy couple. “I am leaving to spend the winter in California with friends at the end of September, so if the wedding is before that I wouldn’t miss going. Although, I am surprised you are having your wedding in a town you just moved to recently.”
“We haven’t set a wedding date,” Nathan conceded. “In fact, I can’t say that we have decided to get married in Hope Valley either. We just got engaged, then immediately had to plan our trip to come to Union City, so there hasn’t been time to make plans.” He looked over at Kate who looked a little stunned, but he gave her hand a slight squeeze under the table encouraging her to join the conversation. “This is your wedding, love. What are your thoughts on the matter?”
At the mention of their wedding, Kathryn felt her heart speed up and blushed when everyone looked at her expectantly. “Well, it’s not my wedding, it’s our wedding, so I hope we can make plans together,” she answered, a big grin forming as she thought about marrying the best looking and most wonderful man she had ever known. “I know we’ve talked about not having a long engagement, and secretly I’ve always dreamed of a September wedding because it is such a beautiful time of year. School starts on the 15th, so if we got married on Saturday, the 6th of September, that would give us a week to go on a honeymoon before I would have to be back to teach. I may have looked at a calendar after we got officially engaged to look at possible dates. If I’m married before the school year starts, students can call me Mrs. Grant from the beginning and that would be less confusing. I most definitely would love to be married in Hope Valley, which is our home and where we fell in love.”
“It sounds like we have a wedding date!” Nathan announced. “Only eight weeks away!”
Allie clapped her hands and squealed, then put a hand over her mouth when she realized she was not engaging in proper ladylike behavior. Everyone at the table just laughed and congratulated the couple once again. “Can we go shopping for the wedding while we’re still in the city?” Allie asked.
“I have some free time tomorrow,” Edith unexpectedly stated. “I’ve always wanted to buy you the most beautiful and stylish wedding gown anyone has ever seen. I know just the shop here in Union City that gets shipments in from Paris with all of the latest designs that most people won’t see until next year. Please let me do this for you. It would give us some girl time to talk and go to lunch, and Allie is very welcome to join us.”
Kathryn looked at Allie who was doing her best to contain her excitement and keep her refined behavior. “I think Allie and I would love to join you tomorrow, Aunt Edith.”
“Wonderful! I’ll have my car pick you up here at 10:00 tomorrow morning.” Edith felt like a child on Christmas Eve, excited to share these special moments with her sweet little Katie who was all grown up and about to be a bride.
After everyone was finished with dessert, they moved to the sitting room where Aunt Mae insisted Kathryn perform on the piano for everyone. Nathan and Allie were stunned as she took command of the instrument with a very demanding Chopin concerto. Everyone clapped when she finished, and she dramatically gave a bow which caused the group to chuckle.
Sitting back down beside Nathan, he looked at her with an inquisitive grin. “I guess I don’t know everything about you,” he professed. “When did you become a concert pianist?”
Shyly, Kathryn blushed. “I’m not a concert pianist, but my mother had a piano in our home when I was growing up and taught me to play. Aunt Edith made sure I had lessons with the best pianists in the country and abroad...wherever we were living at the time. I used to play the Clements’ piano whenever I was at their house, but sadly Hope Valley hasn’t afforded me much of an opportunity beyond a few times when I was alone in the schoolhouse. And that piano is not the greatest instrument.”
Nathan made sure no one was focused on them, as they were all engaged in conversation with one another, before he leaned over to brush his lips against Kate’s cheek. He truly had found a treasure of a woman to be his wife. He looked at the clock, shocked to see that Jim would be picking them up in just ten minutes. “Allie, our driver will be here soon. We better say our goodbyes now so we can get back to the boarding house and get to bed.” They thanked the Clements, and Sully opened the door for the rest of them. Jim was already waiting for Nathan and Allie, and Edith’s driver was there to take her back home as well. “Goodnight, Kate,” he whispered in her ear as he pulled her behind a pillar where no one could see them.
“I miss you already,” Kathryn murmured, then looking around to make sure they had a moment of privacy she reached up and kissed him warmly and longingly. Pulling back quicker than normal, to not leave Jim waiting she breathed, “I can’t believe in less than two months we will be married. Please be safe, and good luck at your trial tomorrow. Before I forget, I have a surprise for you. Aunt Mae was able to pull some strings and get you, me, and Allie tickets to the theatre tomorrow night! Pirates of Penzance is being performed, and I know you and Allie are going to love it. I thought we could meet for dinner at that fancy restaurant before the play.”
A horn honked and Nathan knew his driver and daughter were getting impatient. “It sounds like fun, but I better get going before Jim drives off without me.” He gave her a quick kiss and hurried to the car that took them back to the boarding house for the night.
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By the time Nathan’s cross examination was over, he had a headache that wouldn’t go away. He was already in a bad mood from having to stare down the evil men from the Rutherford Gang, and he just wanted the trial to be over so they could be sentenced to life in prison and stop terrorizing their communities. His head pounded harder the longer he sat in the courtroom. Luckily, testimony ended by lunch and when they all returned from the mealtime recess, they were all given a guilty verdict and sentenced to high security prison for life, due to their murders of civilians and law enforcement officers.
Nathan still had several hours before he had to meet the girls for dinner and the theatre, so he decided to go back to the boarding house to hopefully sleep off the headache before getting cleaned up and changed for their evening out on the town. On his way inside, he took a seat in the dining hall and requested some tea that he knew might help with the pain, then went right up to his room and fell fast asleep.
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When Kathryn stepped on the pedestal in the fifth dress she had tried on and looked into the large mirror, she caught her breath. Behind her she heard gasps from Aunt Edith and Allie both. She felt the intricate beading and detail work with her fingers as she marveled at the way the dress fit her small frame and accentuated her natural beauty. “I think this is the one,” she was barely able to vocalize.
“Katie, it’s so stunning!” Edith exclaimed. “This is one of the styles coming out for the new decade, and I’m sure no one in Hope Valley will have worn anything quite so modern and gorgeous. I think you have a couple more to try on, but this is definitely a contender.”
Allie stood up and admired Kathryn, having never seen such an exquisite dress in her entire life. “My Dad is going to go crazy when he sees you on your wedding day,” she assured her.
After trying on the other dresses, they all agreed that the fifth dress was the one. Aunt Edith paid for the dress, and they took measurements so they could alter the dress to fit her perfectly. Not many changes were necessary, so the seamstress in the shop told them she could have it ready in a couple of hours. They decided to go eat lunch together, then they would stop and pick up the dress before heading back home.
Lunch together at a little French café was enjoyable for all three of them. Kathryn realized how much she missed her aunt, and Allie was having the time of her life. When they finished eating, they stopped to pick up the altered wedding dress, then Edith’s driver dropped Allie and Kathryn back off at the Clements so they could rest before getting ready for their night out with Nathan.
“Thank you for the marvelous dress,” Kathryn thanked her aunt with a hug. “It was wonderful spending time with you today, and I know Allie enjoyed it as well. I’m just curious what changed your mind about Nathan.”
“Oh my dear,” Edith uttered. “I am just protective of my favorite girl. You are like my own daughter, and my beautiful sister Elsie’s youngest child. I only want what’s best for you. After seeing you with Inspector Nathan Grant, and witnessing the love shining in your eyes and in your countenances, how could I not believe the two of you were meant to be together? Also, knowing of his selflessness at taking in his niece and adopting her as a single man, not to mention a busy Mountie, and to see what a wonderful young lady she is...that speaks volumes about the man. He will take care of you, I have no doubt in my mind.”
Tears were shining in Kathryn’s eyes, knowing she had the blessing of the woman who helped her get an education and travel the world. “Thank you, Aunt Edith. I only hope I can be what Allie needs in her life. I can’t wait to see you again in September.” They hugged again and Kathryn watched her aunt drive off, feeling a sense of excitement about her future.
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Nathan was grateful the tea and nap had cured his headache by the time he woke up and dressed for their special night. He met up with Allie and Kate at the same fancy restaurant he had taken Allie to the night they saw The Tempest at the theatre they would be attending again. Both ladies did a double take when they saw Nathan in a black tuxedo, and Kathryn felt shivers of attraction run through her at the sight of the best looking man she had ever encountered. They met one another with a quick kiss and Allie rolled her eyes, but took both of their hands and led them inside to their table. They talked and laughed and felt like a real family.
As they entered the theatre, Nathan’s mind flashed back to the time he came here with Allie and noticed Kate from a distance. So much had changed since that night. Pirates of Penzance had them all laughing and wanting to sing along. When it was over, they were all exhausted from their long day. Jim dropped Kate off and then continued back to the boarding house. Allie fell asleep on Nathan’s shoulder and he relished her closeness, knowing he only had a few years left with her before she would move away and begin her own life as an adult. He wanted to keep her his little girl for as long as possible.
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Kathryn beamed with pride as Nathan received his medal of honor at Mountie Headquarters the next afternoon. Allie sat next to her with a smile that covered the entire width of her face. They both knew Nathan never liked getting recognition for doing his job, but even he seemed to get emotional when his medal was pinned on his Inspector uniform serge. A few other Mountie’s were honored, including Gabe Windslow, who helped Nathan catch the Rutherford Gang. He hadn’t needed to testify in the trial, having given a statement, and not being the one who actually arrested the men. He came into town the night before, and planned to stay for a couple of days for required training following the award ceremony.
After receiving congratulations from everyone at headquarters, then thanking Superintendent Lewis for the accommodations and the use of his friend Jim as a driver, Nathan took Kate and Allie to lunch at the Cardinal Café. They talked and laughed about their memories in Union City when Nathan was at Inspector Training and Kathryn was teaching at Advanced Learning Academy while Allie attended there for those weeks. It seemed like forever ago, and yet like just the other day. Food at the café was just as good as they all remembered, and they reflected on the week they just had in the city.
“Well, you’ve now experienced the city in a different way. What do you think Allie, do you wish I had taken that Inspector job a few years ago and moved to Union City?” Nathan questioned.
She thought for a moment and shook her head. “Nope! I’m glad we stayed in Hope Valley, even though things were hard for a while. But now you made your goal of becoming Inspector, and we found Aunt Kathryn who loves our town as much as we do. Visiting the city is fun, but after a few days all I want is to go home.”
Home, Kathryn thought to herself. She had never considered anywhere but her parent’s farm to really be home until she moved to Hope Valley and fell in love with Nathan Grant. It felt good to have a place where she finally belonged again. “I can’t wait to go back home tomorrow,” she agreed. All three of them watched people bustle past them on the busy city street, as thoughts of home filled their minds.
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