Granting a Family - Chapter 37: The Gift

Sunday morning dawned bright and clear, but Kathryn had been wide awake well before the sun appeared across the Eastern horizon. Saturday morning she had met Bill secretly in his office where he gave her the finalized paperwork for her wedding gift to Nathan. Today, after they met with Pastor Joseph to make decisions about their wedding ceremony, her gift would be revealed. Keeping a secret from Nathan as they spent time together all afternoon Saturday was the most difficult thing she had ever done. Kathryn had taken Allie to lunch at the café and asked her to be her maid of honor, which led to a delighted squeal and a big hug from her daughter-to-be. 

Saturday evening, Nathan and Kathryn made dinner for Thomas and Anne and asked them to be in the wedding party. Both readily agreed, as little Elsie cooed in support of their growing family. Allie was getting close to her little almost-cousin, and talked constantly about becoming a big sister. Nathan’s desire for a child was growing as he spent more time holding Elsie, and as his wedding to Kate drew near. Having a family of his own was so close he could almost taste it, but he wouldn’t let himself get too excited until Pastor Joseph announced the two of them to be husband and wife. 

Nathan woke up Sunday morning to the smell of coffee and bacon wafting upstairs, and knew he must have slept in too long if Allie had started cooking her own breakfast. His mind had been too full to get a good night’s rest. Kate had been acting strange, and even Thomas told him she had snuck out early Saturday morning without an explanation. He sincerely hoped she wasn’t getting cold feet. Nathan wanted to be optimistic, but his life had been one disappointment after another. He threw on some casual clothes and wandered downstairs where Allie was just making him a plate of breakfast and placing it on the table.

“Hey there, sleepyhead,” Allie greeted him. “Church starts in one hour so you better eat breakfast and get dressed. I know you are discussing wedding plans with Pastor Joseph after, so you might want to be on time today.”

“Sorry,” Nathan apologized. “I didn’t sleep very well last night. Thank you for always taking care of me, Allie girl. I don’t know what I would do without you.” She sat next to him at the kitchen table and the two of them ate together in relative silence for a few minutes. 

“I can’t believe I get to be the maid of honor,” Allie said excitedly. “I wonder if I’m going to get another brand new dress? Do you know what colors you are going to use for your wedding?”

“Um…” Nathan hesitated for a minute. “Should I know this? We did make a lot of decisions about the wedding, but I don’t remember colors coming up. I guess we’ll talk about that later today. I’m sure whatever dress you wear, you will be the most beautiful maid of honor I’ve ever seen.”

Allie rolled her eyes and scowled. “You have to say that because you are my Dad.”

Nathan laughed. “No, I say that because it’s true.” They had finished eating, and took the dishes to the sink where he washed and Allie dried. When they were finished cleaning up, he headed upstairs to get ready for church.

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After breakfast with the rest of the family, Kathryn went to her room to change and waited for Nathan to come over so they could walk to church together. It was killing her to keep secrets from her soon-to-be husband, but she was certain he would forgive her once she made the big reveal later that day. She hoped things wouldn’t be awkward during church services and their meeting with the pastor. When she had finished getting dressed and doing her hair, Kathryn sat on her bed and mindlessly picked up the magazine Clara had given her from the dress shop so she could look at ideas for Allie and Anne’s dresses for the wedding. 

Getting lost in her thoughts, Kathryn was surprised to suddenly hear a knock at the door downstairs. Butterflies went wild in her stomach as she quickly stood up, smoothed her skirt, and grabbed her handbag before leaving her room and making her way down the stairs. Anne and Thomas were still in their room fussing over baby Elsie, so she was the first to reach the door. 

Nathan nervously knocked on the Bradshaw’s door. Allie had gone ahead with her friends, but promised she would sit with him and Kathryn during the service. After a minute or two, he heard familiar footsteps head toward the door and it swung open, revealing his very beautiful fiancé. She wore a light blue dress that was among his favorites, and her hair was partially up with the rest flowing down her back in loose curls. His heart sped up as he contemplated marrying this woman in a few weeks. She smiled warmly, and stepped out on the porch.

As Kathryn opened the door and took in a breath at how handsome Nathan looked in his navy suit, she smiled and joined him outside. “Good morning,” she greeted him, moving in for a warm embrace. “You always look so handsome in that suit,” she murmured, nuzzling her face into his strong chest.

All of his worries started to fade as Nathan wrapped his arms around Kate and breathed in her intoxicating scent. “Thank you, my love. But you are the one who looks beautiful. Are we not waiting for the rest of the family?”

She pulled back and looked up at him. “Are you disappointed you have to walk alone with me?” she teased. “Thomas and Anne were getting themselves and the baby ready. They will join us shortly. I’m assuming Allie wanted to walk with her friends?”

“How did you guess?” Nathan questioned with a smirk. “She’ll meet us there, then after church she is going on a picnic with Opal’s family so we can meet with Pastor Joseph and have our own picnic lunch together.” He grabbed Kate’s hand and led her down the stairs and onto the street leading into town. They talked of trivial matters and said hello to many other Hope Valley citizens also walking to church on the beautiful Sabbath morning. 

Allie was standing under the shade of a tree outside of the church talking to Robert. Nathan groaned and Kathryn couldn’t help but chuckle at anxiety the budding teenage romance was causing him. “Ah, I now see why she was in such a hurry to get ahead of you,” she snickered.

“I like Robert,” he started to explain, but ended it at that before he said something he might regret. 

When Allie saw Nathan and Kathryn, she quickly left Robert to come meet them on their way into the church. “You both made it,” she uttered a little breathlessly, with some color spreading over her cheeks. “I was just saying hi to Robert. Are you ready to go inside?” The church bell began ringing, signaling it was time for everyone to get inside so the services could begin. They found an empty pew a few rows from the front where they settled in and saved a place for the other Bradshaws. 

Both Nathan and Kate had a hard time staying awake, due to their sleep struggles the night before. Allie kept poking her Dad in the ribs to wake him up when he drifted off, and Kathryn would pinch herself when she started to feel drowsy. Thomas, Anne, and Elsie made it just in time for the sermon. Kathryn held her little niece, which helped her remain alert, and Nathan made faces at the baby which made her coo and smile in response. When church was over, everyone filed out of the church, but Nathan and Kathryn remained seated.

When Pastor Joseph had finished shaking hands and talking with everyone as they left, he came back and sat in the pew across from the soon-to-be-married couple. “Now then,” he began. “You are all set to be married in just a few weeks. I wanted to make sure your wedding ceremony is what you want, as well as give you a little counsel of what to expect out of your marriage.”

“We appreciate you taking the time to meet with us,” Kathryn began, squeezing Nathan’s hand with excitement and a bit of apprehension. “We are grateful you have agreed to perform the ceremony for us.”

“Of course,” Joseph replied. “I think you two make a wonderful couple and are such good examples of public service in our community. Now, are you planning on having your ceremony in the church?”

“Do we have to make that decision right now?” Kathryn asked, looking at Nathan to gauge his response. “I need to discuss this with Nathan this afternoon, so we could let you know later this week what our final decision is as far as location goes.”

Nathan sat in stunned silence, unsure of what was going on in Kate’s mind. “We probably should have talked about that when we were making all of the other plans this weekend,” he admitted. “I guess it is just a good thing we are figuring out what details we missed now before the wedding gets any closer.”

Joseph just smiled in a reassuring manner. “I think God is present when two people are joined together in marriage, no matter the location. You two talk about it and just let me know when and where I need to be on that day. Mostly, I wanted to find out what you were wanting as far as verses you may want me to read, and if you want to recite your own vows or just do something traditional. Of course you can discuss all of that as well and let me know in advance. But more than that, I just wanted to get to know the two of you better and find out how you feel about the sacred institution of marriage. As you know, a wedding is just one day...the marriage lasts a lifetime. I just have a few suggestions, mostly from personal experience, on how to make your relationship last through the good and bad times you will assuredly face.”

Both Nathan and Kathryn leaned in close together and he put his arm around her shoulder, giving it a squeeze. “We would be honored to take any advice you have to give,” Nathan assured him. “My parents and my sister - Allie’s mom - did not have successful marriages, so I am sad to say that was never modeled to me growing up. However, I have had some mentors among the Mounties who did have the kind of marriage I always hoped to have someday. I feel Kate and I have a very solid foundation and a desire to have a strong and loving marriage.”

“I am very fortunate my parents did have an affectionate relationship growing up, but sadly my mother was sick most of my life and passed away when I was just younger than Allie. Later I lived with my aunt who has never married, and even though she has a very full life, I always had the desire to marry and have a family. I never thought I would find a man like Nathan who completely values the same things I do and understands me. It feels like I’ve known him my entire life.”

Nodding his head to indicate his understanding of where the two of them were coming from, Joseph continued. “Thank you both for sharing some of your past experiences with me. It is very clear that the two of you have very good communication, and that is one of the keys to success in any relationship. You both deal with the public in your professions, and that has no doubt helped you with those skills. Now, I know you have both dealt with being hurt by people you trusted and who were supposed to protect you. When joining as husband and wife, we all have the desire to never hurt that other person. But life happens, and that just isn’t possible. How we work through conflict is one of the most important skills we can attain. I’m not going to keep you any longer, but think about what I’ve said. You two go have some lunch together and really communicate. We’ll meet again next week and finalize everything for your ceremony, as well as discuss how you think your relationship is doing as we go into the final days before you are officially bound together for life.”

Nathan and Kathryn shook Pastor Joseph’s hand and thanked him for his wise words. They both knew they had a lot to talk about. As the two of them walked hand in hand back to the row houses to get the lunch she had packed before leaving for church, both were silently formulating in their minds what needed to be discussed. 

Still feeling like she was keeping something from him, Nathan analyzed his fiancé but quietly waited for her to open up to him. He waited outside while she quickly grabbed the basket and a blanket from her house. Offering to carry the supplies, he asked: “Where would you like to have this picnic?” She let him hold the blanket, but gripped the basket tightly and wouldn’t let him take it from her.

“I would like to go to the Grant Family special spot over there.” Kathryn pointed to the grove of trees that hid the waterfall and river in the beautiful place where they had shared so many wonderful moments together, including their engagement. “Summer isn’t going to last much longer, and I want to soak up every last moment of beautiful weather.”

Nathan smiled. “You won’t get any argument from me. Let’s get moving because I’m starving.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her toward their destination enthusiastically. As they approached the place where they had to make their way through heavy shrubbery, he thoughtfully observed, “You know, if we cut through some of this thick greenery and opened it up we would probably enjoy it better.”

“That’s a good idea,” Kathryn agreed. They entered the clearing and sat in their usual spot near the river and Nathan spread out the blanket. She started spreading out their meal on nice plates and pulled out her own single candlestick with a single candle inside.

Eyes widening in surprise, Nathan wondered what this fancy date was about. “I think you are spoiling me,” he confessed. “Are you finally going to let me in on what you’ve been hiding from me this weekend?”

“Yes, but first let’s eat,” Kathryn requested. Enjoying the chicken salad sandwiches, carrots, and sodas she had bought at the Mercantile the day before, they talked and laughed together about anything and everything. For dessert she pulled out two pieces of chocolate cake. “I know apple pie is your favorite, but the café was all out and I didn’t have time to make one. Anne made this cake and told me to take some pieces for our lunch.”

Giving a delightful “Mmmmmm” sound, Nathan said: “A piece of chocolate cake always hits the spot for me after a delicious meal. Thank you for all of this, it was wonderful.” He took Kate’s hand and moved her closer to him. They sat together enjoying the beautiful scenery and peace and quiet in such a beautiful location. “Now, we need to take Pastor Joseph’s advice and really communicate. I don’t like the feeling of you shutting me out.”

Kathryn pulled back the towel that was covering the basket, revealing a folder with papers inside. She handed the folder to Nathan with a nervous smile. “I only kept this from you because it is my wedding present to you. Bill was kind enough to help me, making a trip to Benson Hills to finalize and secure this gift. I hope you like it, and forgive me for being secretive. I promise that keeping anything from you is torture for me, and I promise to try and never do it again.”

Opening the folder, Nathan pulled out a deed for a parcel of land. Five acres in Hope Valley, and as he looked closer he realized they were in the middle of the land she purchased for them. “How were you able to do this?” he asked in total shock. “I looked into buying this land, and they said the owner refused to sell.”

“As I was thinking about getting married and growing our family, I knew we needed a bigger house and land our children could play on that we could call our own. I knew this is the place I wanted to spend my life as Mrs. Grant. I went to Bill and asked him if he knew who owned the land, or if it was even a possibility to purchase “our spot”. He knew the owner hadn’t been willing to sell in the past, but was now in poor health and had to move away from the area to Benson Hills to live with his son. None of the family could afford to take care of the land and needed the money to take care of their father more than they needed the land. So Bill rode out there, put in an offer that was accepted and that was that. I had saved enough from my teaching wages the past few years to pay it outright, so we didn’t even have to go into debt. Now all we have to do is clear some of the land and prepare it to build a home for us to live in eventually.”

Tears formed in Nathan’s eyes as he stood up and pulled Kate into his arms. “No one has ever done anything this thoughtful for me in my entire life. I never dreamed I would have a real family with a wife as beautiful and amazing as you, a wonderful daughter and hopefully more children, and a piece of land that has meant so much to me where I can build a home. You have given me the world Kathryn Bradshaw. I wish I could marry you right now.” He caressed her face with his hand and pulled her in closer to him. Pulling her chin up and bending down, their lips met meekly at first. Then suddenly passion flowed from both, wanting each other more than ever, but knowing the days were numbered to when they could fully show each other the depth of their feelings. Nathan was the first to ease up and end the kiss gently like it had started. As their lips finally parted, he pulled her head into his chest and rested his chin on her head, relishing her closeness as their racing hearts began slowing to a more normal rhythm.

“So I guess you liked your gift?” Kathryn quipped, trying to catch her breath. “I think we better head back...and be more careful at being alone the next few weeks before we are officially wed. You are getting hard to resist.” Her cheeks were bright red, and she was glad her head was resting against Nathan’s chest so he couldn't see her embarrassment.

After a few minutes, they both began clearing up their meal and folding the blanket. “So I guess we have some decisions to make,” Nathan commented as they worked. “Do you want to get married in the church, or did you have somewhere else in mind? I personally have always wanted to get married in nature, which is where I feel closest to God.”

“It’s like you were reading my mind,” Kathryn articulated. “I thought we could have the ceremony right here, but like you said we would probably need to clear some of this foliage to make a better path for people to come. Mr. Landis has offered the new school for us to have our reception. I want the ceremony to be small with only our closest family and friends, but everyone will be invited to come celebrate with us at the reception. What do you think?”

“It sounds perfect to me,” Nathan happily agreed. “Now talk to me about colors.”

Granting a Family - Chapter 36: Making Plans

A month had passed since Nathan, Allie, and Kathryn had returned from Union City. Anne’s parents had come for a visit the first week in August and stayed for a few days to meet and spend time with their first grandchild. A lot of love and laughter had been in the Bradshaw’s home with the Clements and the Grants spending time with the Bradshaw family playing with Elsie, having meals together, and introducing Hope Valley to John and Mae. Anne cried when her parents had to leave, but promised she would visit them as soon as she felt well enough to make the journey to the city, probably in the fall. Allie took it upon herself to invite the Clements to the wedding just one month later, and they said they would be honored to come if their schedule stayed open.

Hope Valley was buzzing with excitement over two prominent members of the community getting married, and everyone wanted to be involved with the wedding plans. Both Nathan and Kathryn wanted to keep things simple and the guest list small. Allie wanted everyone in town to see her dreams of a complete family become a reality. Thomas and Anne couldn’t wait to watch their little sister finally be married to the man they had pegged as perfect for her when they first met him. Ned and Florence kept pressing for a list of things to order in for them before the big day. 

Kathryn had called her other four brothers to give them the news and invite them to come for the wedding. Her oldest brother Mark and his wife Rebecca wouldn’t be able to make the trip, because their sixth child was due to be born right around the wedding day. Their family had moved back into the farmhouse to help the Patriarch of the Bradshaw family, their father Michael, run things when he started losing his memory and his health began to decline. Trevor, the second oldest, also lived on the farm in a house he had built for his wife Sarah and their four young children. Except for Thomas and Anne, they were the couple Kathryn had felt closest to in her family so when they agreed to come out for the wedding she was thrilled. Seth was still single, having moved to Calgary to pursue a career in finance, then eventually moving East to Toronto. Aunt Edith had introduced him to the daughter of a wealthy businessman when she was visiting on a recent trip, and it appeared he would not be single much longer. He wished her well, but also wouldn’t be able to come. Brother number four, James, was married to Emma and they lived on her family’s cattle ranch just a few miles from the Bradshaw family farm. They had recently been blessed with their second little boy, and James spent time helping on both the cattle ranch and the farm depending on the season. Because their baby was so new, they didn’t want to risk the journey.

In the past month, Nathan had been called out of town on many shorter missions. Most of the time he just got home late at night, but a few times it required him to be gone overnight. He hadn’t had to go on an extended trip since his help with the Rutherford Gang capture near Brookfield. When he did have to stay overnight, Allie stayed with Opal’s family again. She didn’t mind having sleepovers once in a while, and Kathryn was unsure about staying in Nathan’s bedroom again this close to being married. Because his work had been so demanding, they hadn’t been able to sit down and make any official wedding plans. Kathryn was busy getting everything ready for school to start the week after the wedding, and the new school building was just weeks away from completion. They knew it was important to make decisions soon so they had set aside time during the weekend to plan. Sunday after church services they were meeting with Pastor Joseph to talk about the ceremony.

Lee and Rosemary had gone to Brookfield to meet little Joshua Miller just two weeks ago, the six year old orphan Nathan had told them about before his trip to the city. All three of them seemed to click right away. After spending a few days together, they were having adoption papers drawn up so they could bring him home before school started. Elizabeth was overjoyed for her friends to finally be parents, and couldn’t wait to have the little boy in her class. Everyone involved knew it would take time for Joshua to adjust and really learn to love and trust again, but the Coulters had support of all their friends to help them through whatever trials they faced.

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Nathan walked from his house early Friday morning to take his turn doing rounds. He was happy to not be required to wear a uniform in his current Mountie role, unless he was acting in an official capacity. Summer was much more tolerable when he could wear a light button down shirt with the top few buttons undone to keep him cool in the August heat. As he passed Elizabeth’s house, he wondered how long she planned to stay with her parents in Hamilton. When they had arrived home from Union City, they were told she had taken little Jack to visit his grandparents and to meet his new cousin. Viola and Sir Lionel were visiting from England with their first child, and the Thatchers wanted to have all of their children under one roof for a visit. He had seen Mike Hickam moping about a bit since she had been gone, but hadn’t gotten a chance to talk with him to find out what had happened between them before she left. He knew she would have to be back by August 30th when the new school was being dedicated, and Mr. Landis told both Mrs. Thornton and Miss Bradshaw that they were required to be there.

As he entered the livery to saddle up Newton, Bill was getting Hero ready to go somewhere. “Hey there, Bill. Where are you heading bright and early today?” 

“I wasn’t expecting to see you up quite this early either,” Bill said, a little surprised to see anyone at the livery right then. “I have business in Benson Hills. Hopefully I will be back tonight, but tomorrow at the latest. How are wedding plans coming?”

Nathan sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. “We’ve been so busy with work and everything that we haven’t made any solid plans yet. This weekend we have set aside some time for planning. But Bill...” Nathan paused and looked his friend right in the eye. “I’ve been wanting to ask you a favor.”

“Well, I don’t know,” Bill teased. “I think you used most of those up already, especially for the adoption.”

Both men laughed, then Nathan got serious again. “Bill, I really appreciate everything you have done for me since Allie and I came to this town. I appreciate not only your professional guidance and help, but also your friendship and the way you’ve always had my back. I know Allie thinks the world of you, and you really have been one of the best friends I’ve had anywhere I’ve lived. I look up to you almost like a father, and I couldn’t think of anyone better to ask to be my best man.”

Normally able to stay void of most emotion and contain himself like all good Mounties, Bill didn’t anticipate the moisture that appeared in his eyes. “Nathan, I don’t know what to say. When Jack died, I had no intention of letting myself get close to anyone like that again...especially not with the new Mountie. But you and Allie were able to weasel yourself into my heart in a way I never expected. It would be an honor to be your best man. Although I always hoped you would end up with Elizabeth, I see now that Kathryn Bradshaw is the right person for you. I couldn’t be happier for you and Allie.” He cleared his throat to try and mask the feelings threatening to make him lose his composure, and held out his hand.

Nathan shook Bill’s hand then gave him a quick hug, slapping him on the back and trying to keep from letting his own sensitivity show through too much. “Thanks, Bill. Have a safe trip, and keep this to yourself until I let my bride know I made this decision already.”

Bill walked Hero just outside the livery and mounted him. “Will do. See you tomorrow.” With that, he disappeared on the road leaving town toward Benson Hills.

As soon as Newton was ready to go, Nathan began his rounds checking out the progress of new homes and the new school going up quickly, then heading out to the pipeline construction site to make sure no one from the factory was messing with Hickam and his crew’s progress. Mike was already prepping for the day when Nathan arrived at the worksite. He dismounted Newton when he rode up and walked over to Mike, taking a drink of water from his canteen.

“What’s the latest, Hickam?” Nathans slapped him on the shoulder and checked out the progress on the pipeline. “It seems you are staying on schedule and should have buried pipes before snow flies this year.”

Mike nodded, but stayed silent for a minute as they looked at the development that was happening. Finally, he turned and looked at Nathan with the look he had been seen with since Elizabeth left town last month. “Can I ask you a question man to man about Elizabeth?” he asked. “I don’t want it to be awkward or anything.”

“Of course,” Nathan answered. “Did something happen before she left town to visit her family? I’ve seen the way you’ve been sulking about. I’ve got to be honest, it’s not a good look on you.”

“I know,” he whispered. “I messed everything up with Elizabeth. And little Jack…” he let the thought trail off and put his hands over his face.

It was becoming uncomfortable, and Nathan started to regret getting off Newton and talking to Hickam. “I’m sure you didn’t mess anything up with Elizabeth. You two seemed to be getting along so well before I left for Union City.”

“We were getting along better than good,” he admitted. “We went out together just the two of us while the Coulters took Jack for the evening. She packed a picnic and we took a walk together. As the sun was setting, we were talking and just had this moment. She looked so beautiful and I, um, I kissed her.”

“And this is a bad thing?” Nathan asked. “Did she slap you, or run away?”

Mike shook his head slowly and closed his eyes, the memory playing through his mind like it had all day every day since it happened. “She kissed me back, then she held my hand all the way back to her house. I helped her take the picnic basket inside, and as I went to leave Elizabeth kissed me again. I went home feeling like we had a breakthrough, but the next day after work I went to see her and Rosemary told me they had left for Hamilton. She didn’t leave me a note or message, so I just kind of figured she left so she wouldn’t have to see me again and used her sister’s visit as an excuse. She knew about Viola for weeks and told me she wasn’t sure if she was going, so why would she have just left right after our kiss if she didn’t feel she made a mistake?”

Nathan chuckled and tried to reassure his friend that he was not to blame. “Sounds to me if she went for another kiss it most definitely wasn’t your fault that she left. I think she probably really did want to see her family, but I’m sure she also had a lot to work through still. Do you know when she’s planning on coming back?”

“Rosemary said she’ll be back sometime next week so she can get ready for the opening of the new school,” he said matter-of-factly. “I mean, she never came and let me know she was leaving and hasn’t called me or anything.” 

“Don’t give up,” Nathan encouraged. “I’m sure when she gets back you can get together and talk things through.”

Mike’s demeanor changed from hopeless to hopeful after his pep talk with Nathan. “How are wedding plans coming?” he asked with a little smirk. “Not too many weeks or days until you are a married man. How does that feel?”

Sighing loudly, Nathan started pacing and spoke faster than usual. “Work has just been so busy we haven’t had time to finalize plans yet, but we’re hoping to do that in the next few days. Honestly, all the fuss about flowers and dresses and all of that isn’t what I care about. All I want is to make vows with Kate in front of God and our close family and friends so we can start our life together. But I know all of that other stuff is important to her and others, including Allie, so I will do my best to give my girls everything they’ve dreamed of for the big day. I am getting a little worried that we haven't been able to plan as much as we probably should have by now.”

“You are a very lucky man, Nathan,” Hickam acknowledged. “I hope someday I am lucky enough to find the kind of love you found with Kathryn.”

“Maybe you already have,” Nathan replied with a smile. He mounted Newton, preparing to complete his rounds. “Have a good day, Hickam. Let me know if you ever need anything, even just to talk.” Mike nodded, and both men waved as Nathan rode back toward town.

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Kathryn was making the most of the time Nathan had to work, by finishing up lesson plans for the upcoming school year. She had to make up for the week she would be gone on her honeymoon. Letting her mind wander to the time she would finally be Mrs. Grant, Kathryn felt all tingly inside and had to shake herself out of that daydream. She wandered over to the window where she could see the new school nearing completion and couldn’t help but smile, thinking about teaching the students she had already come to love in the short time she had been in Hope Valley. Her eyes drifted to the Mountie office, and she looked at the clock which read 4:30. Even though she was supposed to meet Nathan at 6:00 for dinner together, Kathryn couldn’t wait another minute to see him. She went back to her desk and gathered up her belongings, and rushed out of the schoolhouse.

Nathan had been drowning in paperwork for days, but could finally see his desk as he completed the last of the reports he had been filling out all week long. He felt drained and missed spending time with his girls. He had gone over to visit Allie at the Mercantile during her shift at the switchboard, where she informed him that she would be spending the night at Anna’s house. He wasn’t disappointed, because he had plans with Kate and they had a lot of decisions to be made regarding their wedding and the future. Nathan had sent Thomas home a little early to be with his wife and daughter after a long week. Just as he was filing the final report in his desk, the door opened and revealed his soon-to-be bride.

Kathryn’s heart skipped a beat seeing her attractive fiancé wearing casual clothes and sitting at his desk. “Hi,” she greeted, a little breathless.

“Hi,” he responded, standing and walking toward her. “I’ve missed you. How was your day?” 

She closed the gap between them, standing right in front of him and looking up into his handsome face. “My day just got a lot better,” Kathryn confessed, moving her hands onto his chest and fiddling with the unbuttoned portion of his shirt. “How are you?”

He ran his fingers through her flowy hair and longed for the day she would be his wife. “I’m just so glad to be finished with all of my reports and have the entire weekend to be with you and make plans. It feels like we haven’t had much time to be together since Union City.”

“Mmmhmmm,” she murmured, moving her hands behind his neck. Not needing any more encouragement than that, Nathan leaned down and met Kathryn’s lips with his own. It was like a drink of cool water on a hot summer day, both feeling refreshed after many dry spells of affection over the past month due to Nathan’s work schedule. Drinking deeply from one another’s lips became intoxicating, but they instinctively eased away from one another knowing they would only need to show restraint for just a few more weeks. Following the kiss, they embraced with Kathryn putting her head on Nathan’s chest so she could hear the racing of his heart, and Nathan resting his chin on the top of her head while still playing with her long locks.

When Nathan’s heart had slowed down to its normal pace, he finally opened his eyes and spoke. “Why don’t I walk you home so we can get cleaned up before dinner. I would like to just get food from the café so we can focus on wedding plans and not have to worry about cooking since we’ve been so busy with work.”

Kathryn sighed contentedly, longing for the day when she could stay in his arms and never let go. “That sounds lovely.” She released him from the embrace and took his hand, leading him out of the Mountie office and toward home. “What is Allie doing this evening?”

“Anna is having a sleepover and invited Allie. I went and saw her at the switchboard earlier and she was excited.” Nathan suddenly remembered his conversation with Bill and knew he needed to tell Kate. “I have to tell you something. I should have told you before I asked, but the moment presented itself so I went for it.”

“Go on,” Kathryn urged, curiously.

“I saw Bill this morning at the livery getting ready to go to Benson Hills on business,” he began. “I asked him to be my best man for the wedding. He’s been like a father figure and a good friend to me and Allie, and I can’t imagine anyone else in that role. I also want Thomas in the wedding party with me.”

Smiling and squeezing his hand, Kathryn was relieved by his confession. “I think that is a great choice for your best man, and I know Thomas would love to stand with you as we say our vows. I actually have made a decision about who I want to ask to be in the wedding party with me.” Just arriving at the Bradshaw house, they sat down on the porch to finish their conversation. “I want to ask Allie to be my maid of honor. Do you think she would like that?”

Nathan’s heart swelled, knowing the love Kate not only had for him, but also his daughter. He looked into her beautiful green eyes and touched her face. “That is so sweet of you to include Allie in that way. I know she will be very excited.”

“She’s a beautiful young lady, and I can’t imagine not having her by my side as she gets her dream of a complete family. I want Anne in the wedding party as well, so it is perfect if we have Bill, Allie, Thomas, and Anne. Of all my other brothers, Trevor is the only one able to come to the wedding with his family, and his oldest two children can be our flower girl and ring bearer.” Kathryn’s eyes sparkled with excitement as the arrangements started taking shape. “I better go get cleaned up and changed for our dinner date,” she decided, standing up.

Standing with her, Nathan leaned over for a quick kiss. “I love you, Kate. See you in about an hour.”

She smiled warmly and began walking up the stairs turning around right before entering the house. “I love you, Nathan Grant. See you soon.”

___________________________________________________________

About quarter to six, Nathan was putting dinner from the café on the table when he heard a very recognizable knock at the door. He lit the single candle in his Grandma Grant’s candlestick to add just the right romantic touch to their evening, before going to let Kate into the house. As he opened the door, his breath was taken away, which usually happened every time he got a glimpse of the woman he loved. She was wearing the off-white dress from Aunt Edith that she had worn the day of their first kiss, and she looked almost like a bride. “How did I get to be such a lucky man?” Nathan wondered out loud. “You look stunning, my love.”

Kathryn blushed, flattered by his compliment. “Thank you, but I am the lucky one. Is that a new outfit?” she asked, admiring him in a blue and gray striped shirt, with grey pants and suspenders. “Oh, and the candle! What a nice touch from our first dinner together here.”

“You can thank Allie for the new clothes,” he conceded. “But the candle was all me, because I know how much you loved it before.” 

Nathan led Kate to the table and helped her into a chair. They said grace over the meal and enjoyed the roast chicken and vegetables while talking and laughing about anything and everything. When they had finished eating, Nathan poured them both cups of coffee and served pieces of the apple pie Clara had given them from the café. Along with dessert, Nathan put paper and pencils on the table for wedding preparations. 

Each of them took their own paper and pencil so one of them could write what decisions had been made, and the other could write a to-do list of all the things that needed to still be done. Kathryn wrote down the people they had chosen for the wedding party, and they discussed the guest list to get an idea of how many people would likely attend. Both agreed they wanted to keep numbers small, but they also wanted to make sure no one important was left out either. Next, they wrote a list of people who had offered to help with specific tasks. Minnie insisted on making the wedding cake and the food for the reception. Clara was eager to make dresses for the bridal party. Florence volunteered to head up the flowers, with the help of Mollie, who was very talented at arranging and making bouquets. Even Mr. Landis seemed thrilled about the wedding, and offered to let them have the reception at the new school, since it was before classes began. Another list was made to find a place for her out of town guests to stay.

After two hours, they had a better idea of the work that lay ahead for them in the coming weeks. Needing a break, they went outside to view the sunset on the front porch. Just enjoying one another’s company, they watched the sky turn ablaze with shades of pink and orange as the sun dipped below the horizon in the western sky. Kathryn had her head on Nathan’s shoulder with his arm firmly placed around her. She suddenly began feeling tired from a long day, but couldn't bring herself to move from the place she felt most safe.

“I’ve been thinking,” Nathan quietly voiced. “As excited as I am to have you move in here, I just feel like we need more space. I want to buy some land where we can build our own home.”

Kathryn’s head shot up and she looked nervously at Nathan. “Can we talk about this later? I’m exhausted and should be getting back home. Will you walk me back?”

Confused, Nathan agreed to get her safely home, but wasn’t sure what her reaction to buying land and building a new home meant. Surely she didn’t want to stay in the row house long-term, especially once their family expanded? Maybe she was worried about them having to move away from Hope Valley one day and didn’t want to get too settled? So many thoughts swirled in his mind, but knowing it was getting late and not wanting to end their enjoyable evening on a negative note, he pushed it aside until they had a chance to have a proper discussion. On the Bradshaw’s porch, Kathryn thanked Nathan for a wonderful evening and kissed him longingly goodnight, which perplexed him even more. 

Kathryn closed the door behind her and let out a small groan. She hoped she hadn’t tipped Nathan off to her dilemma, and didn’t want him to feel like building a new house on their own land wasn’t what she wanted more than anything. Feeling even more tired, she climbed the stairs to get ready for bed. She didn’t want to keep anything from Nathan, but this was a surprise she knew he would love once Bill returned from Benson Hills and let her know everything was finalized.