Chapter Fifteen: A New Day
Their first night in Montreal together, Nathan and Millicent sat up till 3 A.M. in the living room, contentedly talking and cuddling, catching up, getting to know each other in the way new lovers do, holding hands, kissing, and excitedly looking forward to tentative new plans, but mostly just being together and relishing in their newfound love.
Hendrix realized Nathan had still woken quite early, even after his late-night with Millicent, and very quickly presented himself to draw Nathan's bath and help familiarize him with his new surroundings.
By 7 A.M., Nathan was fully dressed and ready for breakfast, but mostly just ready to see Millicent.
As he walked down the stairs, he heard her voice and looked up with a radiant smile, bounding down the steps to reach her.
She was smiling up at him from the bottom of his Grand Staircase, which was an exact mirror image of Millicent's own staircase, the only difference being it curved in the opposite direction.
"Good morning, Darling!" and he warmly wrapped her in his arms as soon as he could reach her.
"Best morning ever, because you're here!"
Nathan could wait no longer and lovingly drew Millicent into a tender good morning kiss, drawing her as close to him as possible, taking in her luscious scent.
She drew her hand gently across his freshly shaven face.
"I think your good morning kisses might just be every bit as good as your goodnight kisses, Constable," she said flirtatiously.
"That's because you look so very beautiful! Did you sleep well?"
"As the hostess, I'm supposed to be asking you that! But truthfully, too excited! I think I managed at least a couple of hours, maybe?"
"About the same," he chuckled. "But the bed was super comfortable, and I fit, so that's always a good thing!"
"My tall Mountie! I bet beds are a problem with your height. Glad we could accommodate you appropriately!"
"What's our agenda for the day," he asked as they walked arm-in-arm through the massive double doors back to her own Town House.
She led him to her dining room, a stunning room done in the most beautiful and softest shades of blues and greens.
"This is quite stunning, Millicent!"
She blushed at the compliment.
"You did this yourself, didn't you?"
She nodded.
"Decorating is just something I've always loved to do!"
"Well, if this room is any indication, you do a magnificent job!"
"Thank you, Love! As for our agenda, I need to show you off to everyone at the offices, as they'll never forgive me if I don't introduce you, and then the day is ours. I'm hoping the week is ours, too! Short of any emergencies, that is! I worked all weekend trying to clear my workload, but ended up having to delegate some of it, too! I just don't want anything to interfere with our week!"
"You're taking the whole week off for me?"
"Yes, for you! And for us! At least, I'm hoping to! Two weeks, if we count the week in Hope Valley, and I did promise a certain handsome Constable lunch at Delro's!"
"Ah! Lunch. Absolutely at Delro's. And it's going to cost you, too! I was wondering if they might have Fresh Clams and Mussels to go along with that Fresh Lobster, of course!"
"Very funny!"
He laughed and bent to kiss her, still amazed at all the feelings she brought forth in him with just a word or a glance.
She seated him at the head of her table, then sat down beside him.
"Your flowers look beautiful here!"
Hendrix had brought in her bouquet from the living room and placed them in the very center of the long dining table.
"My flowers would look beautiful anywhere, Darling, because you selected the most beautiful bouquet I've ever seen! Oh, Nathan, Eggs over Easy, right?"
"Exactly the way I like them!"
"Good, that's what I remembered! Essie didn't know, since she had her hands full with us, and never had time to cook back then! But she was insistent they be perfect!"
As if on cue, the door from the kitchen swung open and Estella, exceedingly happy to have her 'Children' together, served their hot plates of Eggs, cooked to perfection exactly as they both liked, with smiles all around!
Hendrix then served a platter of Bacon, Ham, and Sausages along with a basket of hot fluffy Biscuits.
Butter, Jams, and pitchers of Juices were already on the table, as was a separate covered bowl of Crispy Fried Gratineed Potatoes, and a covered platter of French Toast Points, with a selection of Fresh Fruit Toppings and Maple Syrup.
Estella quickly returned with a pitcher of hot Coffee, pouring them steaming cupfuls!
"This looks delicious!"
"Thank you, Estella, Hendrix! Nathan would you please say grace?"
Nathan took Millicent's hand.
"Dear Father, we thank You for this wonderful food and the loving hands who have prepared it. We thank You also for this glorious time we get to spend together, as well as for this great love you have given us. We pray You direct us in Your wisdom, and lead us in the decisions we are about to make in this coming week. We also ask that You be with Allie as she takes her Math Test today! In Your most Holy Name, we pray! Amen!"
"Amen!"
Estella quietly returned to the kitchen, with a tear falling from her face, thinking about Miss Colleen's young daughter never getting to know her beautiful Mother and vice versa, as Hendrix began to serve the young Couple.
"Thank you, Hendrix. Everything looks delicious!" smiled Nathan.
"Thank you, Sir! Enjoy!"
"I do have a question, Hendrix. Is Breakfast always this big of a spread?"
"Every morning, Sir! Except on Sundays, then we have a full all-out Sunday Brunch, with everything you can imagine, unless Miss Millicent eats out after Church."
"Sunday Brunch! Now, that I've got to see! I can't imagine anything topping this!"
"We do our best, Sir!" smiled Hendrix. "Even Omelettes made to order!"
"Oh, you just wait! It will be the best brunch you've ever had! I promise you that!" smiled Millicent.
"Well, I most certainly don't want the week to fly by, but as brunch is my favorite, I look forward to it, Hendrix!"
"I'll step away to give you two privacy. Please ring, Miss, if anything at all is needed!"
"Thank you, Hendrix!"
As Hendrix returned to their large kitchen, Millicent reached for Nathan's hand.
"I was thinking of all the breakfasts we've had together over the years, yet this is the very first one that's ours alone together!"
"It is, isn't it? I love that. Our first of many, Millicent!"
And Nathan reached to sweetly kiss her.
"You know, I could get very used to this," he grinned.
"You'd better get very used to it! I'm afraid it's part of the package!"
They kissed again, both tenderly touching each other's faces.
"Nathan, I have a question that might sound crazy, but how do you keep work from consuming your life?"
"Well, I wasn't expecting that question! But I think my answer would have to be Allie. Yes, she's what made me learn to better balance work and home. When you have a child, the child comes first. For me, work, as much as I love it, quickly became second. Although I will admit at times, it's a juggling act. In my line of work, there are times I can't say no to a case and I don't always have control over the timing either, but even then, Allie's needs have to be met first."
"Nathan, do you think I'll be able to juggle it all?"
"Mil, you're the consummate juggler. Look at how you juggle your work and your charities!"
"Yes, but Albert says I do that at the expense of my personal life. And I've been thinking about it. I think he's right! In fact, I know he's right!"
"Maybe you just haven't had anyone in your personal life worth juggling," surmised Nathan with a flirty gleam in his eye.
"I'm serious…"
"So am I…"
Then they both started laughing together!
"Okay, you have a very valid point, but Nathan, what if I don't know what to do? What if I don't adapt well to
just the living part? Albert's right. I only work. Even my social engagements are for my charities. Which is also work. That's what I'm good at. I don't even know how to have a personal life."
He took her hands in his.
"Darling, look at me. Do you know me?"
"Better than anyone."
"Do you trust me?"
"Implicitly."
"I'm the man you're going to be having that personal life with. I'm your new partner, in everything. Because we love each other, we'll start a brand-new personal life together. You're not alone in this. Allie and I will be there with you every step of the way! We'll figure out our new personal life together, as a couple and as a family. No worries, I promise. Just because you haven't had a personal life yet, doesn't mean you won't have the most rich and fulfilling personal life ever, because I promise you, you will, with Allie and me!"
She looked at him, wanting so badly to be convinced she could adjust and contribute to everyday living outside her work, so he tried a different tack.
"Look, my personal life right now consists of fixing dinner for Allie, helping Allie with her studies, and trying to keep a sinking household afloat! And you're worried about not knowing how to have a personal life? My Darling, we're in the exact same boat! Neither one of us has a personal life!"
Nathan's lopsided grin turned into a chuckle and Millicent's lilting laugh soon joined in!
"Oh, that makes me feel a lot better!" she teased.
And then she thought a moment…
"Good grief, Nathan! Seriously, we'll be like the blind leading the blind," exclaimed Millicent.
"Exactly like that! But it's going to be so much fun!"
She got up from her chair and threw her arms around him!
"With you, I can absolutely do fun! We'll have more fun together than you can imagine! And you're right! We'll be building our brand-new life together! No more being alone!"
"That's my Girl! And if I get breakfast kisses? Well, that's just icing on the cake!"
"But then we may never get any work done!"
"You've got that right…"
Grinning his lop-sided grin once more, the big one that had always made her go weak in the knees, he winked and scooted his chair back to pull her down onto his lap…
As they kissed, Hendrix nervously entered, and loudly cleared his throat.
"Yes, Hendrix?"
"Ma'am, Sir, I'm so sorry to interrupt but the Morning Paper just arrived, and we think you'll want to see it."
Hendrix removed the paper from his Silver Tray, and opened it with a flourish, handing it first to Millicent, who had moved back to her seat.
When she looked down at the Front Page, her hand flew to her mouth, and a mangled sound escaped, that could only be considered a cry of anguish.
Nathan tensed, reaching for her hand.
"Oh, Nathan! I'm so sorry!"
"What is it, Darling?"
She handed him the paper, although it was the last thing she wanted to do.
Nathan looked at the page calmly, without saying a word, as Millicent searched his face.
"Well, at least, the photos are good of both of us, and I love that they missed our kiss!"
"But Nathan, they didn't miss our kiss!"
"Sure, they did, your beautiful hat brim covers both our faces!" he chuckled.
"Let me see," she begged.
He held the paper so she could see more closely.
Then they both started to laugh, and Hendrix was so relieved, that even he started to laugh, and Estella peeked through the door to come join all the fun…
As Albert brought the Limo around for them, had Nathan not been a trained man of the Law, he wouldn't have noticed the two cars, front and back, ready to pull out alongside them.
As Nathan helped a warmly wrapped Millicent through the cold, into the back seat of her Limo, the other two cars inched along, prepared to pull out exactly at the same time as Albert.
Nathan also noticed they led and followed closely enough that it would have been very difficult for another car to intervene and get close to them, or even anywhere between the three vehicles...
He was thankful Millicent, at least for the time being, seemed oblivious to the two cars.
Nathan quickly noticed Albert was taking the long way around the block, different from their path last night, another ploy he assumed, that was meant to keep any patterns from emerging to any untoward watchful eyes.
Nathan suddenly realized Millicent was explaining something to him and tried his best to get his mind back on track as to what she was saying, something about plans for the day…yes, plans for after lunch!
"Whatever you have planned, will be perfect, I'm sure," he offered.
"You didn't even hear me, did you?"
"Truthfully, no. I'm sorry, Love! My mind was on your Security Team. Just observing. I'm a bit concerned. Is it possible for me to talk to them first, to see if some of the things I'd love us to do here in Montreal can also be done safely?"
"Of course! Honestly, I suppose that's another reason for my lack of a social life. Everything just becomes such a hassle with all the security measures that have to be put into place!"
"When's the last time you've done something just for fun?"
"I honestly can't remember!"
He pressed his lips against hers.
"That, my Love is going to change!"
He could see the beginning of hope and the start of excitement building in her.
"I just want us to have a romantic week together! That's all I want," and her eyes showed the depths of her desire. "It's just so important to me! I want us to do the things other couples do."
"And you shall have our romantic week! I promise!"
They sealed that promise with a second kiss, full of anticipation, and with enough love spilling over to light a literal fire, as flammable as the one already between them.
They simply couldn't get enough of each other.
Sure enough, at Millicent's Office, the first car pulled over just in front of Albert, and the second car pulled over just behind.
Nathan also noticed, a man from each car immediately exited, ready to walk in front and behind them.
'At least they're good,' he thought.
But it did impress upon him the seriousness of the situation.
Not only did he need to talk to Millicent's Security Chief, but he also needed to speak with her Father about the matter.
Because if Nathan knew anything about Mr. Bradford, it was this: he would never take unnecessary precautions.
Not from a 'money' standpoint, and not from a 'putting his Daughter through all this' standpoint.
There was definitely a reason for all these precautions and if Nathan was going to effectively protect Millicent, he needed to know exactly what the reason was.
Albert opened their door, and Nathan helped Millicent out, catching his own eyes darting around as they exited.
"Thank you, Albert. We should be ready by Lunchtime," instructed Millicent, then she took Nathan's arm and led him into her Office Building.
From the man at the Lobby Desk to the Elevator Operators, to her Law Partners, and to her Teams of Charity Workers, Millicent proudly introduced Nathan to each and every one.
She even introduced him to a team of Maintenance Workers cleaning the mezzanine, with equal fanfare.
Nathan couldn't help but be impressed when he realized Millicent knew each and every name of the group responsible for maintaining the Building, and he was even prouder that they loved her as much as her other colleagues.
One of the many reasons he adored Millicent; although she had been raised with servants, she never took them for granted or treated them as such. Instead, she went out of her way to treat everyone with the same kindness and utmost respect that she would give to anyone.
And although Nathan wasn't naturally a man of small talk, for Millicent, he put every single person he met at ease, asking them pertinent questions about what they did, how long they had been working there, where they were trained, and what things they particularly liked about what they did, etc., etc.
It was clear to everyone, even in this, their initial meeting, that this was a couple who were definitely in love, and all of them who met Nathan were extremely pleased with Millicent's choice.
Since an unexpected Court issue came up that demanded Millicent's full attention in a Colleague's Office, she arranged for Nathan to meet with her Chief of Security in her own impressive corner office.
"Hello, Monsieur Garnier, Constable Nathan Grant. I was hoping to understand more about your surveillance of Miss Bradford, and also get your opinion as to our plans for the week to help me determine whether or not they can be safely carried out."
"A pleasure, Sir. Monsieur Bradford has already contacted us and he has instructed me, personally, to give you full access to our system, as well as any information we might have. We are most happy to help in any way possible, Sir!"
"I appreciate that. Please have a seat."
Nathan sat behind Millicent's large desk in her tall leather chair and motioned for Monsieur Garnier to sit across from him.
"Please, make yourself comfortable. My main concern is that I don't inadvertently interfere with any of the safety mechanisms you already have in place. And obviously, I want to do what I can to add to Miss Bradford's Security. I'm starting out at a deficit, as I only know a 24-hour Security Detail exists."
"Mais oui, Constable. There is a minimal team of four Agents, who guard Mademoiselle Bradford at any given point of the day. Obviously, there's a revolving team in order to accomplish that. When she is in her Limo, I expect you have already deduced, the first car of two guards leads the procession and the second car of two guards follows the procession, making the vehicle pretty much unreachable from both the front and the back. And of course, our Ride-along Agents are constantly scouring for any possible activity from the sides. Our drivers, as well as Mademoiselle Bradford's own driver, are trained guards, although I'm not at all sure Mademoiselle Bradford realizes Albert is also trained. She tends to not trust us and would rather we not be around at all. It was necessary, however, for us to train Albert as well, and of course, since he has exemplary distinguished service to His Majesty, it was not at all difficult for us to get him up to snuff. When Mademoiselle Bradford is in this building, two men are with her still at all times, and as soon as the drivers park their cars, they enter the building and share in that responsibility, taking us back to our team of four."
"What happens when Miss Bradford is at her Townhouse?"
"A team of four surround the Townhouses, at each side, and yes the guards are armed at all times. Also, when Mademoiselle Bradford is at home, a fifth guard stays inside the premises, and without her knowing, or at least we think so, that guard stations outside her bedroom door throughout the night."
"That's extensive. Do you and your men know exactly what or who you're guarding against?"
"Only that we're guarding against a kidnapping, Sir. And that the kidnapping would be at the hands of hardened criminals, who have indeed served time for the same charge. We do have photos if you'd like to see those, along with case files of those both known and thought to be possible threats. We also have a less extensive file in content, that's an even more extensive listing in number of all known kidnappers throughout the country.
"Can you get me copies of everything? I'll run all the information through our upper levels of Security as well."
"That would be much appreciated, Sir! You'll notice there are quite a few gaps in what we have. I'll get you the copies before you leave the building."
"Thank you, Monsieur Garnier!"
"It's Gaston, Sir!"
"Likewise. It's Nathan! Would you be willing to look at this list of activities to see if we could safely do them this week?"
"Of course, Sir!"
Gaston's face quickly perused the paper.
"A most romantic week, Sir, in our city of romance! You know Montreal very well, I see?"
Nathan could feel his face start to blush, so he quickly brushed Gaston's comment aside.
"She deserves it, Gaston, and yes, I've spent a bit of time here!"
"The last two might take a bit of thought. But, yes, I do believe all of this is doable. A few of the other events are going to require extra reservations, tickets, or passes, but that shouldn't be a problem. May I have a copy of this? I'll personally see that we have you both maximally covered throughout your stay."
"Absolutely. Is there anything else I should know, Gaston?"
"I'm sorry, Sir! I've told you everything I know. I would add as my own personal, professional assumption, however, that I do believe kidnapping is something this family has experienced before. Monsieur Bradford is too knowledgeable about the legal ins and outs. But again, Nathan, I'm offering that as a personal assumption, based on my professional expertise, and in trust between us."
"I appreciate that, Gaston, and I will most certainly keep your confidence."
"Let me go get copies made for you, Sir!"
"Thank you!"
As Gaston left, Nathan had an ominous feeling, he was right.
Whatever was causing all this protection was something very personal and very real to the Bradfords, at least to Mr. Bradford!
And he was growing more and more thankful they were seeing Edward and Victoria tonight!
Somehow, he had to get complete clarification.
And somehow, he had to help them…
"You, Sir, look mighty handsome sitting behind my desk, deep in thought!"
He looked up with a smile already on his face, at the mere sound of her voice, smiling at her standing in the massive doorway of her office, looking more beautiful than a woman should be allowed, and stood up instantly.
"I'm afraid it's a lot fancier than the desk I sit behind at home!"
"But, no more important! In fact, not nearly as important. What you do is nothing short of heroic, Love! I just shuffle papers and formulate a case of words to present in Court! If it weren't for you, we wouldn't even have a Court!"
"That's a unique way of looking at it!"
"No, just the truth! You're the Hero, not me!"
By this time, they were quickly walking to meet each other, and when they met, he completely enveloped her in his strong arms.
"Millicent, why is it I can barely be without you for even minutes, without my mind racing, thinking of you, and my heart desperately needing you? Am I always going to be unable to even function without you?"
"I certainly hope so!" she laughed. "It's nice to be needed and even nicer to be loved! Are you hungry, Love? I do pay my debts and Delro's is waiting!"
"Sounds positively romantic!"
"And then the rest of the day belongs to us!"
"Sounds even more positively romantic! Truthfully, with you, everything sounds romantic and perfect!"
And he brought his lips to hers tenderly, sensuously, cradling her head in his hands, entwining his long fingers barely into her French Twist, being very careful not to muss it, knowing she was his everything, now and forever.
The Maitre D met Millicent and Nathan at the side door of Delro's, and even knew Nathan's name, although Nathan shouldn't have been surprised.
"Mademoiselle Bradford, always a pleasure; Constable Grant, a delight to meet you! Follow me, please," he directed authoritatively.
Millicent smiled up at Nathan, and both did as they were requested.
They were quickly whisked to a private elevator and taken to the second floor of the restaurant.
The upscale Delro's was booked fully, with not an empty table in sight, even on the second level, which was a more private Dining Area.
But apparently, that was no problem at all, as the Maitre D led them down a private hall to an even more private Dining Room for two, beautifully intimate, with a fire crackling in its stone fireplace, surrounded by a velvet semi-circular shaped banquette with a large round dining table in front of it.
The room's far and side walls consisted of floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors that opened out onto a large balcony, that looked out over the city with the most gorgeous of views.
"I trust this will be appropriate pour Le Dejeuner!"
Oui, Monsieur! Merci beaucoup!" and Nathan bowed his head respectfully as acknowledgment.
The Maitre D bowed in response and waited as Nathan directed Millicent toward the balcony to better see the city view, while they still had their coats and winter attire on.
Before they reached the glass doors, the Maitre D already had them open.
He stood back, discreetly, as Nathan put his arm around Millicent and the Couple enjoyed looking over the balcony to the hustle and bustle of this beautiful wintry city together.
"It's really magical!" sighed Millicent.
"Yes, it is! But not nearly as magical and gorgeous as you…"
The wind was blowing, so Millicent took her hat off, and as she did, Nathan drew in his breath, overcome with her natural beauty and grace, along with those flowing tendrils of golden silky hair that simply took his breath away.
He drew her closer to him and they stood melded together overlooking Montreal in the cold.
"I love you, Millicent Bradford!"
He bent to kiss her, desiring her, needing her, wanting her, as he lovingly touched her escaping tendrils.
But the desire, need, and want for him were just as pronounced for her, causing their love to be laid bare, bringing them together as one.
Their passionate kiss fed them and strengthened them, all the while confirming their love one for the other.
"And I love you, Nathan Grant!"
"It's getting even colder! Ready to go in for my extravagant lunch, Love?"
She smiled and nodded, and he placed his hand around her waist, leading her back inside, where he proudly took off her coat, seated her on the velvet sofa, and then scooted in beside her.
"Does this bottle of Champagne suffice, Monsieur!"
Nathan looked closely at the label, a 1918 Bollinger la Grande Annee Brut, an almost impossible find in Canada, and after glancing at Millicent, nodded his approval to the Maitre D.
Nathan and Millicent watched as the Maitre D expertly popped the cork, poured their Champagne, and turned to ask the couple how they wished to proceed.
"Would the Lady and Gentleman prefer to order from our menu or follow our 'Chef's Exquisite Whims?'"
One look at Millicent, Nathan very assuredly pronounced, "Definitely, the Chef's Exquisite Whims!"
"Excellent choice, Sir! Excuse me, momentarily!"
As the Maitre D left, Nathan lifted his Champagne flute, "To the most beautiful woman in the world, inside and out, who happens to be the woman I love."
"To the most handsome man in the world, inside and out, who happens to be the man I love."
They clinked their glasses and took their first sips of the bubbly velvety goodness filling their glasses.
"If this is any indication as to what is coming, we're in for a very special treat," mused Nathan.
No sooner had he said that than the Maitre D appeared with a Silver Tray filled with two plates holding crystal goblets.
"Your First Course In the form of an Amuse Bouche, Mademoiselle, Monsieur. The Chef's own Fig Mousse with Bacon Shards and Chilis, enjoy!"
He served them, giving a nod to the Constable, then turned to give them privacy.
"Nathan, this is divine! I love the kick of heat from the Chilis!"
"Yes, what a unique combination! It's hitting now. Really delicious! I like the heat, too!"
"That's good to know. I tend to cook spicy! Oh, Nathan I just had a horrible thought!"
He chuckled.
"How could you possibly have a horrible thought in this beautiful setting, with this perfect bite of food, Darling?"
"I'm a pretty good cook, but I've never kept house in my life! I wouldn't even know where to begin! Why Allie knows more about housekeeping than I do!"
"Well, my stomach tells me cooking is so much more important! But, Milli, I'm not marrying a housekeeper, I'm marrying a Barrister, a beautiful Barrister at that!"
"Marrying?"
"Was that a trap?" he grinned that lopsided grin she loved so.
"No, Silly, but here I sit and you of all people know every single one of my flaws!"
"Don't you know, Milli, it's your flaws I'm in love with!"
"My flaws?"
"Each and every single one of them! Shall I list them?"
"Oh, please no! I couldn't bear it!"
She laughingly covered her face with her hands.
He chuckled, "But you know, that works both ways. You know every single one of my flaws from the time we were ten years old!"
"True…but then what's going to happen the first time we fight? We both walk away? Without even talking? How will we ever work through anything? In that regard, we're exactly alike. We both respond to conflict by clamming up and walking away when it's personal. Going radio silent as they say!"
"You do have a point there…"
He smiled at her concerned eyes, but then he realized she was serious.
"I tell you what, every time we fight, we clam up and walk away for five minutes," he suggested.
"But that's what I'm afraid of! That's exactly what we'll do!"
He took both her hands.
"We're going to walk away from each other for five minutes, and then we're going to come back together, kiss each other, which might in itself take another twenty minutes or so if we're lucky! Then each of us gets to say our piece. Ladies first. Guarantee we'll come to an agreement within another five minutes and problem solved!"
"That might work!" she said skeptically, but hopefully agreed.
He raised her hands, one after the other, and bent to kiss them.
"I promise it will absolutely work! I'll even be the timekeeper."
By that time his eyes were twinkling and hers were sparkling, and all that was left on their minds were each other and the romantic meal they were sharing.
He played with her slender wrist and she caressed his hand, intertwining her fingers with his.
Millicent felt so comfortable with Nathan, she simply spoke her thoughts, unfiltered.
"I'm so happy! I've never ever been this happy before. Not ever!"
"Me neither. I never knew love was just so real, so full, so rich, and so true! You make me feel like I could do anything that needed to be done, like every moment of my future is going to be better than the last, just because you're in it! Like there's no quagmire for us to tunnel through."
"There is no quagmire for us to tunnel through, Darling! We're built on something much stronger than that - lifelong mutual love and respect that will never go away. But to take the best friendship ever, which is so wonderful in and of itself, and grow it into being 'in love,' I can barely contain myself! These are feelings I just didn't know existed! I hoped they did, but I wasn't sure. Yet, here they are! I'm so very thankful they do exist, and that we've finally found them together!"
"You simply build me up, Milli. You've always only built me up."
"That's what a woman who loves and is in love does. I will always build you up, Nathan. It's all I know. It's all I could ever do where you're concerned. But you've always built me up, too! Even through Law School. And I love you for that. I always have. You've been my rock, my truth. My safe place. When I think of a future with you, my whole being erupts into effervescent excitement and pure happiness! I just get giddy!"
He tenderly touched her cheek with the back of his fingers.
He thought for a moment how foreign this concept was to him.
He, his heart, and spirit had previously been trampled in the name of love, and here was his beautiful Millicent only ever building him up, as she had always done, but now with an intensity of love and fierceness he had never known before.
Just as he would fight for her, he had no doubt she would do the same for him.
He knew her, and yes, she would literally fight for him, without a second's hesitation.
And for Allie, with everything she had.
She would be there when the going got rough, standing tall beside him!
Through good times and difficult times, she was now a part of him.
This was what love was supposed to look like.
This was what love was supposed to feel like.
This was what love was supposed to be.
Not being able to live without the other person, yes, but also giving your all to each other, making each other better than you could possibly be alone.
This was true love.
This was what being in love was all about.
You care with all of your being, treasuring the other person, and you do everything possible to avoid inflicting pain.
This was beyond anything he had ever experienced, or even imagined!
He and Millicent were true partners in every way.
Two strong people making each other even stronger, completing each other, building each other up, not tearing one or the other down.
How could he have come so close to getting it all so wrong, and missing out on all this, the one person he was meant to be with?
He took both her hands in his again, and turned to look directly in her eyes, then upward.
"Thank you, Dear God, for Your perfect timing!"
Millicent smiled softly, knowing exactly what he meant, also full of immense gratitude to God!
She bent and kissed each of his hands with such awe and tenderness.
By some miracle, they had found each other in this new way, and both would be forever grateful!
At that moment the Maitre D walked in with two Servers, who served their Second Course in unison, uncovering miniature individual soup tureens, full of the most delectable Creamy Lobster Bisque, Nathan and Millicent had ever tasted, with huge chunks of succulent Lobster throughout.
Next came their Third Poisson, or Fish, Course, a Plateau de Fruits de Mer, French for 'Plate of the Fruits of the Sea' served on ice.
The platter was literally a treasure trove from the sea, starting with bites of a Thai Shrimp Salad, followed by additional bites of Ahi Tuna Tartare, Baby Clams in a Green Curry Sauce, Miniature Lobster Tails on Toast Points, Mussels in White Wine Sauce, Scallops with Pistachios and Lime, Smoked Salmon Cucumber Rolls, and Oysters Bienville, a brand-new dish fresh out of New Orleans!
Nathan and Millicent happily fed each other bites of the delectable Seafood, being sure to at least sample each of the magnificent selections.
"Exquisite," deemed Nathan. "Not that we're keeping a record, but I've already gotten my Clams and Mussels! And my Lobster twice!"
Millicent laughed at his wink.
"I have to agree and yes, you did, Darling! This is the first time I've had the Oysters Bienville! I must get the recipe!"
"Please do! That Bechamel Sauce is to die for! I can't imagine more courses!"
"Neither can I! But here they come!"
One team cleared, as the Maitre D entered again with his Servers.
"Your Fourth Course: Tournedos a la Bordelaise, Pan- Seared Beef Tenderloin in a Shallot Red Wine Reduction, topped with Lobster Bearnaise. Enjoy your Main Course!"
"This is delectable, Millicent! And a triple hit for my Lobster!" he grinned.
"The Chef must know your heart's desire, with so much Lobster!"
"Not my heart's desire. That would be you, Love. Let's just say my culinary desire, my gastronomic desire, my..."
She laughed back at his teasing eyes.
"I'm just glad you're getting everything you want," she said tongue in cheek.
He laughed, "Don't forget, you're paying for this one!"
"And here I thought you'd be a Gentlemen and forget our little arrangement!"
"Oh, no you don't. No fun in that! All arrangements must be paid in full! Whether it's you or me. Sadly, the Barrister lost this time!"
She made a pretend face, trying her best to grimace, but seemingly not being able to do anything but break out into laughter.
Nathan joined in and reached to kiss her through, breaking their laughter for a few moments of treasured and intimate silence.
"I love you so much," she said with all seriousness.
"I love you, Mil, more than you can ever know!"
They continued eating, till they both were beginning to get full.
"This is so very delicious, but I'm not sure I can eat another bite!" she muttered.
Somehow, they struggled through together, but both were ready for the lightness of their Fifth Course, which thankfully was a delightful palate cleanser of Sorbet au Fraises or Strawberry Sorbet.
This pleased Millicent beyond no end, as she adored Strawberries.
Next came the Sixth Course, a Warm French Green Bean Salad with Toasted Walnuts and Fried Shallots!
This was followed by a Seventh Course of an Elegant Assortment of Cheeses and Bread.
They especially enjoyed the extra creamy Herbed Goat Cheese spread on warm slivers of freshly-baked French Bread, they fed to each other.
Finally, when neither Nathan nor Millicent thought they could not possibly eat another bite, out came their Eighth and Final Course as a most elegant Dessert: Brown Sugar Meringues with White Chocolate Mousse, Dripping with Coffee Glazed Syrup.
The Dessert came in the form of a huge impressive Tower as though it could have been the table centerpiece, feeding four!
But this was for two…
Nathan bravely took on the challenge and fed them both, with Millicent holding her breath each time he removed a bite, thinking the tower was going to self-destruct!
"Oh, ye of little faith!" he teased.
But each time, he expertly managed to retrieve the needed bite without collapsing the Tower!
"You are truly impressive! A man of many skills!"
"I like this! A talent I never knew I had!"
"I dub you Champion of Meringue Towers Dripping in Coffee Glazed Syrup!" and she reached for a clean knife, tapping him on the shoulder in mock jest.
Somehow, although it could be argued it was their own private dining room, there was some mischievous playing involved as well as a lot of teasing, and part of the white chocolate mousse ended up - well, it ended up on Nathan's face and Millicent's beautiful nose, along with flecks of meringue on both their cheeks, with the two of them laughing so hard, they thought they'd never stop!
But lucky for them, they needn't have worried, because their laughter was soon muffled quite nicely by their joined lips when suddenly they needed each other more than the exquisite Clouds of Dessert remaining before them…