Chapter Twenty-five
Many Hands, Light Work
"Nathan, we could start our own library! Look at all these crates of books. Where did they all come from?" Elizabeth exclaimed incredulous.
Last night Elizabeth had stayed after dinner to help Nathan pack his books and treasures. Tonight he was helping at her house since Jack was sound asleep upstairs.
They had borrowed an abundance of crates from the Mercantile, but they could use even more! Nathan ran his hand through his hair after stacking the last of the crates against the wall. "I have found that books grow when taken off the shelves and boxed. Somehow there don't seem to be as many when tucked in the bookcase!" He laughed. "Worst part is, I have even more books in my office!"
"Well, we have no shortage of reading material, so we are all set for cozy family nights by the fire!" Elizabeth responded, then thought of a dream of hers. "Nathaaaan," she drew out his name in a sing-song manner.
He looked over, surprised. "Yeeesss?" He grinned, teasing right back.
"Do you think you could read books aloud to me, even to the family, some evenings? I have always thought that would be such a lovely, hubby thing to do. Allie and I can work on a quilt or knitting while we listen. Could you do that for me?" She asked shyly.
Nathan came across the room to her, reaching his arms around her waist. "Elizabeth, of course. I would be happy to read aloud to you. I will count it as one of my joyful husband duties!" He wiggled her nose with his as they laughed, then kissed. Parting, he looked deep into her eyes, "Friday night cannot come soon enough!"
"I know." Suddenly serious, Elizabeth whispered, "But Nathan, are you nervous? Because I am."
Nathan lifted her chin and kept her gaze. "Why are you nervous, my love?"
"Jack and I weren't married for very long, but he was my first and only. When I am with you, I don't want to think about Jack. I am afraid. I want our love to just be ours alone. Special and memorable and pure." She tried to look away as her eyes filled with tears, but Nathan wouldn't let her, he moved her chin to guide her eyes back to his.
"Elizabeth, my dearest love, do you think of Jack when we kiss or embrace or hold hands?" Nathan asked gently.
As if it was an epiphany, Elizabeth's eyes got wide. "No! Never!"
"Well, I think that when we share our married love it will be just like that. Just like our kisses and hugs and our looks and our words are all ours alone. They will never remind us of anyone else, because you and I are, well, you and I! Does that make sense?" Nathan realized he could not love this dear woman more. 'Thank you, Lord, for this sweet gift of my Lizabeth, this treasure.' He silently prayed as he watched understanding and reassurance grow in her eyes.
A sweet smile filled her eyes, then moved across her face. "Oh, Nathan. How do you know exactly the right thing to say?"
"Well, I cannot promise I will always say the right thing, but I may remind you of this moment if you accuse me of saying something wrong!" He grinned. "And to answer your question, you will be my first and only Elizabeth, so we will just have to find our way together, okay?"
"We will, Nathan." She had never felt so sure! "We will."
Turning the moment lighthearted once again, he wiggled her nose. "Mrs. Grant-to-be, we have more work to do. On with the show!"
Elizabeth giggled and pointed to a crate that was careening dangerously. "You, husband-to-be, can begin with that box right there!"
Thursday morning began cool, but sunny and dry. Perfect for moving day! Grateful for the day off, Elizabeth quickly dressed. Then surveyed her bedroom. She had packed her honeymoon luggage and it stood in the corner. Her covered basket containing wedding preparations items, jewelry, hair accessories and undergarments was next to the luggage. Her shoes and Jack's sat nearby. Alongside Jack's clothing in her closet was her dress, and her travel suit, hanging in a travel bag. She planned to ask Nathan to move her luggage and travel clothing to the new house tonight, so it would be one last thing to worry about tomorrow. She wanted to try to keep the tradition of the husband not seeing the bride until she walked down the aisle. 'We'll see how that goes!' She laughed as an afterthought.
The bedclothes were neatly folded so the men could slide her mattress to the floor for her to use tonight. Once Jack was awake she would do the final check in his room. She was grateful Rosemary had offered to take Jack tonight so almost all the furniture could be moved by the men today.
"God, bless our friends! How could we have done this without them? Without their thoughtfulness? Thank you for each one. Please protect us all today and give strength to all as well." Elizabeth prayed quietly.
She thought of what everyone was doing. As she glanced at her luggage, she also thought of the unexpected gift from Rosemary tucked inside. Rosemary had brought her the most beautiful, silky, lacy white nightgown set with matching slippers! She hadn't even thought about getting something special. There was so much to do. 'But, God bless Rosemary, she thought of it and I know Nathan will love it!' Elizabeth hugged herself with joy.
Her footsteps on the stairs echoed in the room. Rugs had been rolled, drapes had been removed and the furniture was stacked in the middle of the room! She went to the kitchen to make some tea, and porridge and prepare some scones and jam for herself and Jack. Minnie had told her the lunches for the moving men would be provided so that was a relief. Rosemary had promised she would provide breakfast for her with Jack tomorrow morning before they went to Lee's office. Lee had willingly agreed to using his office for the ceremony and planned to work from Nathan's new office on Friday.
Jack called, "Mommy!" from upstairs and Elizabeth's day officially began. She turned the burners low and went to attend to her son.
Meanwhile at the Grant household, they ate a sturdy breakfast prepared by Eileen before Nathan went upstairs and checked his list again. He had kept his luggage, suits and good shoes in his mother's closet so they stayed safe throughout the move. He would collect them later today when he picked up Elizabeth's luggage to take to the new house. He looked around, remembering the ring in his dresser drawer. He moved the ring pouch into his wedding suit pocket and placed his surprise gifts to Elizabeth on top of the luggage.
With a final glance, it was time to meet the men downstairs! Bill, Joseph, Mark, Stephen, Carson and Ned were coming, bringing the two wagons. Lee would be filling his car with clothing and bedding, thereby keeping everything clean. Nathan felt bad that Mike, Jesse, Henry and Lucas were all out of town and would miss the camaraderie of men with a job to do. Many friendships were built and deepened with service to others.
Although normally laborious work, this big move was great fun for all involved. There was a lot of teasing about the quantity of books, much laughter when someone noted the size of Nathan's Mountie boots, a quick game of toss with his campaign hat, ribbing about who was the better cook, and much teasing especially with all those pots and pans! Some thought Nathan wouldn't have as many being a single man, but he explained he gained an entire kitchen of goods when his mother and he sold their ranch. "Mind you, I haven't used half of the items, but Mom sure has since she has been here!"
Nathan also reminded everyone this was moving two households, and two households with children!
"Now Nathan, just because you're having a quick wedding and skipping town doesn't mean you get out of having a bachelor party. We just have to rename it, but we'll do something! Count on it! Maybe we'll even surprise you with a drink at the saloon!" Everyone, knowing the reputation of Hope Valley's bachelor parties, laughed so hard they were slapping their knees and having difficulty standing!
"I look forward to it," Nathan deadpanned.
There were more guffaws and arm punches to go around, until Bill pulled rank and insisted, "Let's get this move moving!"
Rosemary had insisted that she care for Jack, so that Robert could help the men and Elizabeth and Eileen could direct the placement of furniture at the new house. Within a couple hours everything was moved and placed in the new rooms, and the men had eaten a delicious lunch provided by Minnie and Florence. Rosemary brought Jack to nap in his new bed, while she and Florence hung curtains and drapes. Eileen was ready to tackle the kitchen with Elizabeth.
"So, why don't you tell me where you want things as you unpack the boxes, Elizabeth?"
There was no response and Eileen went over to Elizabeth who looked somewhat dazed. "Dear girl, are you okay? Would you rather just do this on your own? I don't mean to interfere."
Elizabeth looked up at her. "I don't know where to put anything. I never did this before. What I accumulated was gathered over a period of time, so I have never settled a kitchen all at once." She looked ready to cry.
Eileen gathered her in her arms. "That's okay, sweet girl. You can take your time. Maybe we can just find a few important items for Nathan to use tomorrow and the two of you to use before you depart on the train? How does that sound?"
Through tears, Elizabeth whispered, "I would rather you just decide. I can look for things until I find them and Nathan and I can rearrange if we need to. He actually has a lot more experience moving than I do! Could you do that for me, Mrs. Grant?"
"Of course! I would be glad to. We can do it together and I will make the decisions, right?"
"Yes, please." Elizabeth sounded relieved.
"Elizabeth, there is one thing we need to change. Tomorrow you will be Mrs. Grant and I will be your mother-in-law. I think you should figure out another name for me! Mother? Mom? I guess you can call me Eileen if you want…"
"No, not Eileen. May I call you Mom like Nathan does? My mother has always been 'Mother' so I never had a 'Mom.'"
"Oh, Elizabeth, I would love that. You can begin right now!"
"Thank you, Mom. Thank you for everything. Your son, your help, your love… I am so blessed!"
"We are all blessed, Elizabeth!"
The women embraced then, wiping their eyes, and they both said at the same time, "We better get started!" Elizabeth and her new Mom began to laugh.
Nathan had been standing nearby listening and praying silently. He wiped his eyes as he gave thanks for his mother and wife-to-be and their sweet relationship. He also fleetingly thought of Colleen and gave thanks that his mother had a daughter again.
Entering the kitchen, Nathan asked if the ladies needed anything moved before he drove back to the row houses. As he lifted a couple crates to the table he explained, "All the men have gone, so I will get our luggage and double check the shed. I never went in there this morning, so hopefully the men brought all my tools! Any special instructions for what to bring over from your house, Elizabeth?"
"Ah…" Elizabeth suddenly couldn't remember if she had left her groom's gifts for Nathan on top of her luggage. "Mom, would you mind if I go back with Nathan for a short trip? I promise I won't be long. I just remembered something."
"Of course, Honey. Go ahead. There will be plenty more to do when you return!"
"Well, this is a welcome surprise!' Nathan said as they got into the car. "We have been passing each other all morning without having a chance to say a proper fiancé-hello! Maybe I can sneak in a kiss or two before we come back?" He grinned as he put the car in gear.
"Hmmmm... A fiancé-hello? That is a new term to me. You must define it please?" She teased.
"Oh, I'll do better than that! I will have 'Show-and-Tell' for the teacher!"
"That sounds perfect!" She giggled.
Nathan laughed and together they realized what fun their lives were going to be. They would never be bored!
Arriving at Elizabeth's old house, they entered and Nathan swept her into his arms for a long, and long-awaited, kiss. "Well, that's a start. Do I get an A?"
"Well, I'm not sure. I think we need to try that again." She flirted. "You know, practice!"
"Is that so? Such a tough teacher! Let's see what we can do to up the grade?" He kissed her passionately this time and they parted to catch their breath. He grinned and looked deeply into her eyes. He whispered hoarsely, "How was that? A+ material?"
"Oh my, yes! You passed with flying colors that time! Now, I want more!"
"Glad to oblige, my sweet Lizabeth!" Nathan whispered as they kissed again.
A knock at the door interrupted them and they grinned before Elizabeth, said "Come in!"
"Hi. I saw the car and wondered if you need any more help?" Bill offered looking from one to the other. "Ahh… did I interrupt something?"
"Of course you did, Bill. What did you expect? I finally get my fiancé alone? Come on! What do you think?" Nathan laughed as Elizabeth blushed.
"Okay, you two. Tomorrow is coming!" Bill laughed. He loved their love and their honesty. They had nothing to hide and it was so refreshing! "Seriously, how can I help?"
"Bill! Did you really just say that? Seriously? Man. Go! That's how you can help!" Nathan grinned at Bill, then Elizabeth.
She swatted his arm, "Nathan!"
"Bill, seriously," she paused and gave Nathan a look, "Could you help Nathan in his shed? He's not sure if all his tools were taken this morning. I'll be right here till you get back."
"What a tough task-master," Nathan pouted, then pecked her cheek and grinned again. "See you shortly!"
"You two!" Bill had no other words for these special people. He loved them dearly as individuals, but loved them even more together. Family gatherings were going to be a lot of fun with the Grants!
By the time Elizabeth and Nathan returned to their new home, curtains were hung in the parlor and bedrooms, Jack was napping in his new bed, Robert was helping Eileen in the kitchen and Rosemary and Florence were making the beds.
"Oh my! I didn't expect all this!" Elizabeth exclaimed, overjoyed. "I feel the stress rolling off my shoulders when I look at all you have accomplished. Thank you so much! I can never repay you."
"Elizabeth, can I speak to you another moment?" Nathan tugged on her sleeve.
"Ah, sure. Excuse me, ladies. What is it?"
Nathan pulled her down the hall and whispered, "I think we need to invite Florence and Ned. And is Fiona doing your hair? And what about Faith? Can we fit in four more chairs?"
"Oh, sweet Nathan! Of course. When we talked about small, I knew we would have to leave people out, but let's ask them! They'll understand why it is last minute and I think they will be thrilled." Elizabeth looked at this wonderful man she was about to marry. "Nathan, I love you."
"I love you, Lizabeth." Nathan kissed her cheek. "Now you can talk to Florence, I'll get Robert to help me unload the car and then I'll need to get Mom home and pick up Allie and bring her here for a bit, okay? I can stop and speak to Fiona and Faith if you would like me to? Oh, and I'll ask Mark to round up four more chairs!"
"Nathan! What about Molly?" Elizabeth suddenly realized she needed to include her as well.
"Oh, and Stephen?" Nathan added.
"Right. Make that six more chairs, that is until we think of someone else!"
"Allie ran into the house, 'ohhing' and 'ahhing' with delight! "Oh, it's beautiful. It's like a real home now with all the furniture and everything. Oh, I love it!" She ran to hug Elizabeth, then to her Dad. "Is this really happening? Can I see my room?"
"Please, just don't wake up Jack, yet?" Elizabeth requested.
Jack was already awake when he heard his Allie's voice. He came out of his bedroom saying, "Awlie? Awlie!" and ran to her arms as soon as he saw her. "Come see my new bed!"
Allie gladly took Jack's hand as they entered his room. "Oh wow! Jack! You have a big-boy bed! That is so nice. Do you like it?"
"I love it! I had a good nap. And this is my toy box and my casebook and my rug and my stuff." He waved his hands around the room excitedly.
"Oh my! All your toys are here now? And will you put your books in your bookcase?" Allie had learned from observing her teacher and her Dad that the best way to correct Jack was to just say the word properly until he caught on. "So, this is your bookcase?"
"Yup. All mine!" Jack enthused.
Allie grinned and giggled. "Okay then. Shall we go together to see my room?"
"Yes! Let me show you!" Jack pulled her into the hall and to the next door. "Ta da!"
Elizabeth watched with Nathan. Surprised, she whispered, "Where did he learn that?"
"Well, remember he is with Laura, Robert and Rosem…"
Before Nathan could finish the name, Elizabeth looked at him grinning and together they said, "Rosemary!"
"Did I hear my name?" Rosemary popped her head out of their bedroom door.
Nathan and Elizabeth were laughing. "We just heard Jack say 'ta da' and we think he learned that from you! Are we right?" Elizabeth teased her friend.
"You bet he did!" Rosemary laughed right along with them as she joined them and watched Jack introduce Allie to her new bedroom.
"Oh!" Allie exclaimed. "This is so beautiful and big and pretty and…" She turned to her parents in the doorway smiling her widest smile. "I love it!"
"We are so glad, Allie-girl!" Nathan said. "Let me have a hug, dear daughter?"
Allie ran to hug her Dad and then her Mom-to-be. "Mrs. Thornton," she paused and gazed up at Elizabeth, "Do I have to wait till tomorrow to call you Mom? Can I start now?"
Elizabeth and Nathan caught their breath, and teared up. Elizabeth hugged Allie tight. "Oh my sweet Allie-girl, my daughter. I would love for you to call me Mom. Starting right now!" She kissed the top of Allie's head.
"Oh good! I love you, Mom!"
By then joyful, thankful tears were running down Nathan and Elizabeth's faces. Jack ran to join the family hug.
Rosemary tiptoed away, very aware of the privilege of witnessing such a precious moment, and saw Florence standing in the doorway, wiping tears from her eyes as well. They looked at each other, speechless, and shook their heads in gratitude.
At dinner, Elizabeth told Nathan that Florence was overjoyed to be included in the wedding and perfectly understood since they had limited the size of their wedding as well.
Nathan reported that he and Allie had invited Faith and Fiona who were both in the barbershop chatting and they found Molly in the Mercantile and Stephen at the jail. Everyone understood and said they would be delighted to participate.
"Mark agreed to find more chairs and seemed especially happy to learn that Fiona would be attending." Nathan looked at Elizabeth with a raised eyebrow and questioning look.
Elizabeth responded with a shrug of her shoulders, and commented, "Well! We shall see!"
Addressing Allie, Elizabeth asked, "Is Robert coming tomorrow or did you decide to invite someone else?"
"If I invited Opal, Emily would be hurt. And vice versa. So I decided to ask Robert and he said yes. I think it was a good idea because he is sort of part of the family now anyway."
Nathan gulped, "Oh? He is?" He gave Elizabeth a panicked glance.
"Sure, just like Laura, since she watched Jack. Robert is watching Jack now. That makes him part of the family! It makes sense." Allie stated matter-of-factly.
All the adults at the table breathed a corporate sigh of relief, unbeknownst to Allie!
"Mom," Elizabeth spoke up quickly, "This meal is delicious! You have spoiled us all and I will need some recipes or cooking lessons I am afraid."
Allie stared at Elizabeth. "Did you just call Grandmother, 'Mom?'"
"I did, Allie. Your grandmother asked me what I would like to call her and I said, 'Mom." She said to start today!"
"Wow! Two Mom's now! Grandmother, can I all you Grandmom?"
"Of course, sweetheart! I would love that!"
Allie looked very satisfied. "This is the best day." Then, looking around the table she added, "Until tomorrow!"