Chapter One Hundred Twelve: Warming the New Grant Home
The New Coulter and Grant Homes had been thoroughly cleaned by the very kind, and also curious women of Hope Valley.
They showered Elizabeth with praise for the beautiful and wonderfully comfortable Home Nathan had built her, and insisted they were planning a huge Housewarming for the Couple before their Parents arrived for the Wedding.
Elizabeth was gracious, but inwardly, she was shouting, 'Oh, no! How in the world am I going to work that in with everything else I have to do?'
But thankfully, Adeline was there!
She instantly, and very diplomatically, put a stop to all that.
"Ladies, Elizabeth has her hands completely full getting ready for her Parents and a Wedding! Why don't we hold off till the Grants return from their working Honeymoon to New York, and then we'll throw the biggest Housewarming you've ever seen! Everyone will enjoy it so much better, then! Besides, we've still got Rosemary's and Lee's Housewarming to throw, and we can busy ourselves doing that while Elizabeth and Nathan are gone!"
Elizabeth shot Adeline an 'I'm forever indebted!' glance.
She had been so busy finishing up the School year, taking care of Allie & Jack so Nathan could finish their Home, and trying to complete their Wedding Plans, that she had pushed preparing for their Parents to the back of her mind.
There was still just so very much to do!
She stood at her new front door, hugging each of the Ladies, who seemed placated with a future Housewarming, thanking them profusely for all they had done to help, and telling them she couldn't wait to have them all over for a proper party after the Housewarming!
Nathan had busied himself finishing up some trim work in the Stables, and since the Ladies had been cleaning most of the day, he was looking forward to spending a little stolen time with Elizabeth.
Finally, the last of the Ladies had gone, so he laid down his tools and happily sauntered to what would be his new back door, slipped through, and called out for Elizabeth.
She ran toward his voice, "Oh, Nathan!"
"Darling, you look so forlorn…come here," and Nathan opened his arms for her.
"Nathan, they wanted to have our Housewarming before the Parents get here! But, thankfully Adeline talked them into waiting till we get back from New York. I don't think I can add a single thing to my already explosive list!"
"Thank goodness for Adeline! My, the whole house looks spotless!"
"I know and I'm so very grateful, but Nathan we still have so much to do!"
"I know we do! But for now, just try to relax, Love. The Furniture comes tomorrow and until then, there's really not anything more for you to do. Except to walk with your future Husband through our future Home together for one final inspection before it's all cluttered with the everyday clutter of life!"
She laughed, "Everyday things like Furniture you mean! But I do love everything looking so spacious, and I adore all the light flowing throughout!"
They walked through the Entry and on through the Living Room and Dining Room, arm in arm, past their Butler's Closet which Elizabeth had described as an "extra storage closet," to the Ladies, as in fact, technically that's what it was.
She just didn't want to sound highfalutin and preferred to stick to basics when talking with the Women of Hope Valley about her new Home.
They were already completely in love with the house, and even a little jealous!
And how could they not be? It was beautiful AND had indoor plumbing, on both levels!
The new Grant Home was very big, but very simply styled as an old farmhouse with its lumber painted white, its huge windows and shutters, and its wide wrap-around porch that wrapped completely around all four sides of the entire house!
The porch even had the old-styled metal roof that would literally sing music when the rain danced across it. The Home sat back among towering trees, with shorter Willows scattered around what would soon be a lush green Lawn, and it looked like it had been there forever.
Like it belonged right there where it was.
Beautiful, cozy, homey, and simple, yet elegant in its simplicity.
And although it had never been meant to be a contest, just two families who loved each other building their Homes and living side by side, the Women were prone to prefer Elizabeth's new Home over Rosemary's, because although Rosemary's was beautiful as well, it was quite a bit more formal and imposing in style.
"Nathan, why is that part of the Brick Wall covered?"
"Oh, that!"
"Yes, Darling, that!"
"I might have one more surprise up my sleeve. Stand back!"
Nathan grabbed a hammer and began yanking out nails from a frame that he had built around his surprise.
"Nathan, is this a fireplace to cook on?"
There was a beautiful brick hearth with a large opening at the bottom that could serve as a kitchen fireplace for warmth or even for cooking. But high above there was a smaller slot to burn additional coal or wood under a smaller grated cooking area at the top which was about mid-chest high.
"Yes, even Pizza! I studied Bill's Pizza oven, and I think I've built this as good as his! But you can cook anything on it. Even roast a Chicken. See, it has a built-in cooking spit in case you need it!"
"I had no idea and I absolutely love it! Can you imagine roasting our own meat indoors on a grill? That's exactly what you've given us! Oh, and Popcorn over the fire and Pizza of every kind. This is so nice and such a wonderful surprise. Nathan, how did you ever think of this?"
"Well, I showed my drawing to the Supervisors, and they did a little research and this is our finished product, together."
"Nathan, is this why you wouldn't let me come in the back way, so I wouldn't see the extra chimney?"
"Exactly. At least I was hoping you wouldn't notice it, through the trees. Didn't want you spoiling my surprise!"
"Well, it's a perfect surprise! But, don't tell me, Rosemary has one too?"
"No, Lee said she wasn't interested; that she said he was responsible for doing the outdoor cooking, not her!"
"Boy, is she missing out! I love it. We'll have so much fun cooking together on this!"
"That was the idea, Love! I think the kids will love it, too. And I think it balances out the Fireplace wall in the Keeping Room, besides it will keep your kitchen toasty warm in the winter."
She wrapped her arms around him.
"You are the best fiancé a Girl ever had! It's so beautiful. Like it belongs here! Thank you…thank you…thank you! I really do love it. Are there more surprises I don't know about?"
"No, Ma'am, this is it! Your last surprise, house-wise that is. Here, I've got to sweep my mess up."
"Are you serious? You've done enough. I've got this, Darling!"
"How about we do it together?" he kissed her on her forehead, then both grabbed a broom and made short work of their task at hand…
"There, perfectly spotless! You know, I'm really glad we kept the Kitchen and Keeping Room open. This is going to be the heart of our Home!"
"You are going to be the heart of our Home, Love!"
"Along with my handsome husband! Nathan, let's put our Needlepointed Valentine right here!"
"Home is where the Heart is…and you are my Heart. I'll always love that Valentine!" quoted Nathan from memory.
He held her close, caressing her hair, resting his chin on her head.
"You know, Lisbeth, this is going to be such a wonderful Home!"
"And a happy one, too. Filled with love!"
"Lots…and lots…and lots…of love," moving his lips to hers, pausing slightly between his slowly paced multiple kisses.
The Couple had scheduled their Furniture to be delivered on Saturday, so both of them could be there.
But when Nathan and Elizabeth saw the number of delivery trucks, along with the wagons, which had picked up the remaining furniture that had to be shipped by train, even they were astounded.
"Oh, my this is a lot of furniture!" cried Elizabeth. "What have we done?"
"But, Lisbeth, this is a lot of house," reminded Nathan. "It's all going to be fine."
It took the Delivery Men most of the day to carry in and unwrap the pieces, coordinate what went where, and place each piece where Elizabeth desired.
They were just very grateful that The Lady of the house knew her own mind and was very definite about what went where, seldom changing her mind!
She and Nathan had not even sat down once, since the process had begun and it was very late in the day before the last piece had been unpacked and placed.
"What do you think, Darling?" asked Nathan.
"I'm exhausted, but our Home is more beautiful than I imagined! I love each and every piece. This is OUR Home, Nathan! Are you happy with it?"
"Perfectly. Only two things missing…" and there was that lopsided grin again!
"What could possibly be missing, Love?" she was almost panicked.
"Our Children, otherwise known as Allie and Jack!"
"You!" she said in an exasperated voice.
"And here I thought I had really messed up! Let's go get them!" laughed Elizabeth.
"Ready to show them their new Home?" he asked as he grabbed her hand, and led her to the Stables to get Newton and Sargent.
"You know, Lisbeth, I think we should get the three of you moved in now that we have the place furnished. How does that sound?"
"I'd rather wait till all four of us can move in together, but I know it's the practical thing to do since our Parents are coming."
"I love you Lisbeth, and I'll be Home soon!"
And right there in their brand new Stables with Newton and Sargent happily watching, the Master pulled the Mistress of the House into his arms and sealed his promise with a long, needful, and reassuring kiss, that left no doubt he'd be here with his Bride and Family soon.
"You'd better," she whispered. "It won't be Home till you're here with us, Nathan!"
Nathan rode with Jack on Newton and Allie rode behind Elizabeth on Sargent out to their new Home.
Both the Children were excited, because they hadn't seen the house since it had been cleaned, and most certainly not with Furniture!
When the four reached their new Home, the Children were practically screaming with excitement.
Nathan opened the door for them, then scooped Elizabeth up, kissed her quickly and carried her over their threshold, as was his custom.
But this was the first time, their now furnished Home was waiting for them.
Allie called after Jack, "Let's run and see our rooms, Jack!"
She started running up the stairs, but Little Jack tried and ended up having to half way crawl as the steps were so big.
Nathan called after him.
"Here Big Guy, let me help."
Jack reached out his little arms and Nathan quickly lifted him up, placed him on his shoulders, and carried him to their second floor.
Elizabeth was rushing ahead of them to Allie, who was already in her own room, speechless.
"Allie, do you like it?" asked Elizabeth expectantly.
She nodded and tried to get herself together.
"Mom! It's so beautiful. The most beautiful room I've ever seen! And it's so big! I can have all the girls over, now!"
Allie ran first to her Mom, then her Dad, and gave them both huge hugs!
"It's just perfect!"
"Look at your Chair, Allie. It goes beautifully with your Quilt and Pillow Shams and Drapes."
"I love it! How did you match it so well? Oh, my very own desk! Dad, this is my first desk at Home!"
"Yes, it is Allie and it's a beautiful one, just like the girl who's going to sit at it!" complimented her Dad.
"Allie, You can do your lessons, your art, your journaling, anything you need to work on!" suggested her new Mom.
"I really do love it!"
Allie was practically dancing around her room, she was so excited!
"Try your bed. Make sure it's comfortable for you," suggested Elizabeth.
Allie jumped on her bed and fell into the top down mattress.
"This is the best! Come here, Jack," and Nathan lifted Jack up and sat him beside her.
Jack clapped his hands, and then he and Allie laughed together!
"Dad! You put my old Dollhouse in the corner!"
"I know you're too grown up to play with it, but I thought you might like having the memories…?"
"I love the memories. I played for hours and hours with that Dollhouse. I'm not too big, Dad. I love it! And Jack can play with his Mounties when he's in here."
Then in a voice with a wisdom beyond her years, Allie added knowingly, "Besides, it's nice to have a piece of my childhood still here with me."
Nathan winced and thought, 'But aren't you in the middle of your childhood!'
Elizabeth noticed and patted Nathan's back as she walked toward Allie.
"That's awfully sweet of you, Allie," and Elizabeth gave her a kiss. "Your Father and I are very happy you love your room!"
"I think it's time this Big Guy gets to see his room! Follow us, Ladies!" announced Nathan.
They had placed a lot of Jack's toys around the room, along with his new furniture, a trestle or junior bed, instead of a crib.
"Mine?" asked Jack.
"Yours, Son. This will be your new bedroom! With your new big bed."
"Big bed! And toys!"
They all laughed because they knew all Jack cared about was his toys, his Mounties to be exact.
Jack grabbed Allie's hand and made her get on his bed with him, just like they had done in Allie's room.
The two quickly started laughing and playing as they hit each other with Jack's new pillows!
Elizabeth had asked Nathan to put the Horse Table and Chairs he had carved, along with the Toy Chest, down in the Keeping Room, so Jack would have something to occupy himself with when she was cooking.
And Jack was finished pelting Allie with pillows, he soon noticed his favorite pieces were missing from his new room.
"Horsie Chairs?"
"Jack, your Table, Chairs and Toy Chest are downstairs next to the kitchen, so Mama can watch you play. Want to go see?"
"See, now!"
So, off the four went, but with Nathan grabbing Jack before he lunged for the Staircase!
Allie and Jack ran through the first floor but ended up in the Keeping Room.
"Is this where we get to spend Family Time?" asked Allie as she sat down at Jack's Table.
"We can spend Family Time anywhere, as the whole house is ours!" explained Elizabeth, as Nathan pulled her down on their new sofa.
"Oh, my! This is comfy," she laughed as she snuggled in beside him. "All we need is a fire!"
"I'm going to like this very much! And for the record, we already have a fire," grinned Nathan.
"It's in here," he whispered, pointing to his heart.
"And here," Elizabeth answered, pointing to her own heart.
"But, Mom this is so cozy!" exclaimed Allie.
"Oh, I agree," seconded Nathan.
"You know what? I think you two are right. We probably will spend a lot of our time here! I especially like the idea of everyone being in here while I cook," agreed Elizabeth.
"But, Mom, you can't do all the cooking alone. That's not fair!"
"You're right Allie! That's why you and I are going to help your Mom cook!" explained Nathan.
"I can make Scrambled Eggs, and Brownies, and Chili, and Egg salad already! Oh, and Fried Fish! And Popcorn!" volunteered Allie.
"Speaking of which, I wish we had some Popcorn right now! I'm going to have to get this pantry stocked sooner than later! Want to go shopping with me Allie?" asked Elizabeth.
She nodded excitedly, "Yes, please!"
"We'll go to the Mercantile Monday morning! What would you all like to see us do in this room?"
"Games!" answered Allie. "And read books together! Tell stories to each other about our day!"
"Eat!" shouted Jack. "And play!"
"You know, all four of those things we'll do!"
Then both kids came running to bounce on their new sofa with their Dad and Mom.
"All we need to make this perfect, is a fire in the fireplace, some Hot Cocoa, and some popcorn popping in the kitchen for the perfect Family Night!"
"Corn pop!" yelled Little Jack, although Elizabeth for the life of her could not figure out why he always said it that way!
"I love popcorn. And you can sit here with Dad, and I can make it for us, Mom!"
"Wow! That sounds wonderful! Allie, but why don't we share that job, so you can sit by your Dad some, too! But I was wondering, how would you and Jack feel about moving into our new Home Monday?"
"You mean with Dad?" answered Allie excitedly.
"No, Sweetheart, just the three of us for now," answered Elizabeth.
"Allie Bean, I'll move in for good as soon as we have our Wedding," explained Nathan.
"But where will you go, Dad?" asked a very concerned Allie.
"I'm going to stay with Uncle Bill and Auntie AJ till the Wedding. And you know they'll take great care of me!"
"Well, if you're sure you'll be okay, I guess we could move. But I don't like it that you can't come too. What do you think Jack?"
"Move!"
"But what about Rex and Reggie?" asked a very wary Allie.
"They're definitely coming with us!" assured Elizabeth.
"Allie, it will make me feel a lot better if all the people I love the most are in the Home I helped build for them! Also, I really need you here to help your Mom take care of your Grandparents!" explained Nathan.
"Well, if we have to wait till after the Wedding for you to come anyway, and Mom really needs us to help take care of our Grandmas and our Grandpas, then I guess, we can move in early!"
"That's my Big Girl, and my Big Boy, too!"
Nathan and Elizabeth showered both Children with lots of attention and love.
Allie and Jack were just happy to spend time with the two adults they loved most.
Little Jack was so elated for the four of them to be together, he just rambled from "Dat" to "Mama" to Allie, giggling all the way!
It hit Elizabeth that she had never seen her Son so happy, or her Daughter, for that matter.
The Children, and any future Children, were the reason they had built this Home.
"You know, the only thing that's missing?" asked Allie.
"Wex and Weggie!" shouted Jack.
Just as the Couple had prayed it would be, their new Home was instantly filled with all the love they could have ever hoped for.
A special Family love that can't be forced, one that just is.
Minus of course the much loved and lovable Rex and Reggie!
As Nathan and Elizabeth gazed at each other through two sets of beautiful blue eyes that were overflowing with love, both secretly hoped there would be more Grants someday.
Little Grants.
Sons and Daughters for Elizabeth and Nathan, and Brothers and Sisters for Allie and Jack, that would someday live in this Home with them and share in the love they had for each other.
Yes, they were already a Family in most every sense of the word.
And very soon, it would be official…