Chapter Eighteen: The Ring
After a long goodnight kiss, actually several in fact, Millicent had gone to bed, as she came home from dinner with her parents to a message that she was needed in Judge's Chambers promptly at 8 A.M., which meant with traffic she and Albert would have to leave by 7 A.M. to ensure a timely arrival.
As one was never late for the Judge!
Nathan was hoping this would give him the opportunity to do some shopping with Victoria, who had been kind enough to slip him a note, offering her assistance.
He was restless, sitting alone in the Living Room of the Guest Townhouse, having just said goodnight to Millicent, reflecting on his discussion with Edward.
"Sir, I thought you might like some Brandy!"
"Only if you'll join me, Hendrix!"
"Delighted, Sir!"
"Have a seat and make yourself comfortable."
"How was your night with the Family, Sir?"
"We had a wonderful evening, Hendrix. The Bradford's couldn't have been more welcoming!"
"Sir, you won't meet nicer people than the Bradford's. But, I do know it's a life few people have, and it has to be a bit intimidating marrying into it."
Nathan smiled.
"I love Millicent completely. I love her parents like my own, and Richard is the absolute best friend and brother a guy could ask for! Of course, the younger siblings I don't know as well. It's not the people or even their lifestyle. It's just that it's hard to comprehend that sort of wealth, and all that entails. I worry about Millicent's Security. How could I not?"
"As much as she hates it, I believe Miss Millicent has adjusted over the years. She's come to terms with it, in her own way, and so will you. But that doesn't happen overnight. I know it didn't for her. And it can't possibly for you, either."
"You're very kind, Hendrix. And you're right. I'm just going to have to give it time. At least I know when Millicent's with me that I can add an extra layer of protection."
"Most certainly, Sir. Why don't I draw a hot bath to help you relax?"
"That actually sounds nice, Hendrix. Thank you. I'll just sit here a few more minutes and do some thinking," smiled Nathan.
What Nathan couldn't say to Hendrix was the horrible reason for all this protection he knew Millicent hated.
He also could not discuss the immense amount of the wealth.
Nor the inheritance.
Why, Allie and his future Children would be wealthy, all because of this union.
It just had never dawned on him before.
The money part was just inconceivable to him.
Was he changing Allie's life for the better?
He knew, without doubt, Millicent was meant to be Allie's Mother. And short of Colleen, she would be the best Mother to Allie in the whole wide world. Nathan knew this to be true.
But the money!
How would Allie adjust to that? Would it change her?
And the Security!
Was it right to put her at risk?
'Wait a minute, Constable! You've answered your own questions.'
"Allie is already at risk with me being in Law Enforcement! And always has been. At least now she'll have someone protecting her when I'm not there."
And if money changed Allie, he and Millicent would be there to rein her back in! He'd just have to see that the Trust Fund was held till Allie was adult enough to appropriately deal with it, and perhaps Millicent could manage it and invest it for her.
So, Allie wasn't the problem, nor were the Trust Funds for future children.
The problem was him.
More specifically his pride.
He would never begin to have the money Millicent had, not even from her Barrister's Salary, and that was a mere drop in the bucket of all she had access to, not to mention the exorbitant amount she would have access to!
He had given up his chance of promotion to Inspector for Allie.
Why did this bother him now?
He had done it gladly, without even thinking twice about it, and he would do it again.
Because it was the right thing to do.
But he loved Millicent with all his being, and he also wanted to make her proud.
Then something profound came to him.
He saw her gorgeous face when she first saw him at the Train Station, with pure jubilance clearly written all over it, as she ran to him with all her being, as though he had been the only person who existed in her world.
Then he saw her again when she first noticed the bouquet of flowers he had given her, with happiness and joy written all over her beautiful face.
She couldn't have been any more thrilled if he had given her a diamond necklace in place of the flowers.
He saw the transcendent look on her face as she read the letter he had written her on the train.
And he knew beyond any doubt, she loved him with her whole being.
Millicent didn't need things.
She needed him.
And the million ways he could show her he loved her.
Because he did love her that much.
That's all she needed, and though she deserved the world, he was slowly starting to realize he was her world.
Money had never been a barrier to their relationship before.
It hadn't kept them from becoming friends.
It hadn't kept them from becoming best friends.
It hadn't kept them from becoming extremely close.
It hadn't kept them from falling in love, even though they didn't know exactly when that had happened.
But it had happened.
And although he didn't know exactly how he was going to accomplish being at peace with the money, he wasn't about to let it keep him from sharing his life with her and loving her his whole life through!
Not when they had finally found each other in this most beautiful way…
"This is terrible to say, Nathan, but for once, I'm so glad my daughter was called to work! I've called Mr. Helmsley and he's going to gather several things for you to look at. If you don't see anything you like, just say so, and we'll go elsewhere."
"If this is your favorite Jeweler and Millicent's too, I'm sure we'll be able to find the perfect ring."
"Henri's the best jeweler in all of Montreal, so I'm hoping he has what you want. We Bradford women spend a lot of money at his Shoppe, so he offers us a significant discount, which you can take advantage of as well if you find something you like that is. Nathan, I'm afraid this has to be your choice. I'll help in any way I can, but if I know my Daughter, she'll want you to choose, and not her Mother!"
Nathan smiled at his soon-to-be Mother-in-law.
"No pressure there, Victoria!"
"Oh, Dear! That is a bit terrifying, isn't it? Especially, I suppose to a man!"
"To a Mountie from Hope Valley? Terribly so!"
"Not to worry! What I'm trying to say is: I'm here to assist, not to dictate! I can tell you, however, that Millicent's favorite designer, and mine, is Cartier. Their pieces are elegant, yet simple!"
"But are they affordable?" asked a concerned Nathan.
"With our discount yes. Without it, absolutely not!" laughed Victoria. "Don't even discuss price with him. Let me handle that! Besides, Darling, he'll want you as a new customer!"
"Even though I'm relatively poor?"
"Nathan, you're not poor, and you most certainly don't look poor! Be blunt with me. I know the Bradford money is a bit much to take. Don't forget, I married into it penniless, and you're hardly that!"
"Truthfully, I had to work through it a bit last night. The bottom line is, I love Millicent. And you're right, I'm not at all destitute. I even have quite a bit of income from the Ranch put back, and I have a few investments. But that all pales in comparison to the Bradford wealth I'm afraid."
"My Dear Son, unfortunately, everything pales in comparison to the Bradford wealth!"
Victoria rolled her eyes for emphasis.
Nathan laughed.
"Allie does that! Everything would pale, wouldn't it? Victoria, how do I do this? The money is my only difficulty."
Victoria reached over and took his hands in hers.
"Nathan, I know my daughter and when you marry, your money and her money become your money together. It's only money, Darling, and when used properly it can do a lot of good, but it can't love you, nor can it love my Millicent. Only you can do that, and that's all that matters!"
He reached over and kissed her cheek.
"Thank you, Victoria. I needed that!"
"I want you and my daughter to enjoy the money together, not let it be a source of contention between you. The money's there, it's not going away - just make the best of it! That's what I had to do, although I admit, it did take me a while! With or without money, life has its innate set of problems, and regardless, life has to be lived! What do you say? Let's go buy an Engagement Ring!"
"Let's do," answered Nathan with pure delight and excitement about what that ring really meant!
He and Millicent were going to be husband and wife.
And nothing had ever made him happier than that very thought…
Mr. Helmsley had shown them everything he had gathered together as possibilities, and they were gorgeous rings, just not right for Millicent.
Most of what Nathan had been shown were diamonds, and they were beautiful, but Nathan had his heart set on an Emerald.
He loved Millicent's beautiful green eyes, and he could think of nothing more beautiful on her hand.
He just felt the right Emerald would reflect her best and be uniquely hers.
He knew Emeralds were a bit more expensive than Diamonds, but he had always lived frugally and had saved all of his income from the Ranch, his investments, and even a little from his Mountie salary.
There was enough. More than enough to buy Millicent the ring of her dreams. Now, he just had to find it…
"There is a new shipment from Cartier, direct from the Paris Shoppe, that hasn't yet been inspected. But I do know the pieces are exquisite as I glanced over them myself. If you'll be so kind as to give me a moment, perhaps I can prepare them to show you?"
"Yes, please. We'd be happy to wait," agreed Nathan.
As Mr. Helmsley gathered his assistants and retired to his back office, a Butler appeared with flutes of Mimosas for Nathan and Victoria.
"Thank you, Sir."
And Nathan handed Victoria's glass to her.
"Shall we toast to Cartier's success," asked Victoria.
"To Cartier's Success for Millicent!"
They clinked their glasses and smiled at each other, neither ready to give up.
"Take this Emerald ring, with the side Diamonds, Nathan."
"That's not the one for Millicent, but I actually did have my heart set on an Emerald for her."
"Oh, Nathan, I think she would love that! It's a little odd, that Henri hasn't shown us any. Look, this is retail, and this would be our price, just to give you an idea of the difference."
Millicent scribbled the two prices down on the paper from Henri's own leather notepad.
"Why, that's practically wholesale!"
"Yes, it is. Richard's wife, Margaret buys most of her jewelry here too, along with Millicent and me. And the three of us often buy gifts here in fairly large quantities for Employees and Household Staffs, so it is quite a significant discount across the board, especially when we buy for our personal use!"
"That puts this into the doable range quite nicely."
"Yes, I'm actually glad we got this moment of privacy so you'd know what price range we're dealing with!"
"Victoria, thank you for doing this. Quite frankly I would have been lost without you."
"Well, let's hope this last shipment fits the bill! Oh, Nathan, I spoke with your Mother this morning, and talked them into coming in early on Thursday morning, and staying through Sunday! I'm so looking forward to their visit! It's only right that we all celebrate together!"
"I can't believe you talked them into four days! You know how they are about being away from the Ranch!"
"Frankly, they're as excited as we are, and I doubt you could keep any of us away!"
"It means the world to us that everyone's so happy about our news! It really does."
"Beyond thrilled. Oh, Richard's hoping to see you sometime this afternoon! His meeting should be over by 2 P.M. He'll call you at Millicent's."
When Mr. Helmsley brought the Cartier Rings out, both Nathan and Victoria were immediately impressed.
But as soon as the Jeweler/Owner set the tray of sparkling jeweled rings down in front of them, Nathan knew he had found Millicent's ring.
"The ring in the center is not really an Engagement Ring per se, but it most certainly is a stunner!"
Nathan glanced at Victoria, who was about to cry tears of happiness.
"This is the ring!" announced Nathan.
Engagement Ring or not, it was Millicent through and through!
And it was going to be her Engagement Ring!
Mr. Helmsley was right, the ring was simply stunning, with a large, but not too large, oval Emerald, the color of Millicent's eyes, completely surrounded, both elegantly and simply, by an oval halo of significantly-sized Diamonds, uniquely set in a pave style around the Emerald.
Diamonds also encircled the platinum band.
The ring was breathtaking.
"Perfect choice, Sir! The Emerald symbolizes spiritual awareness, protection, love, and wisdom. The Greeks believed it represented the Goddess Venus, and because of that it is thought to convey both hope and love, all perfect for a marriage."
"Your very best price, Henri!" urged Victoria.
"If this is the Engagement Ring I think it is for Miss Bradford, then it's at my cost. Consider that my gift to you and to her. Her wearing it alone will bring us more business than we could ever hope for!"
He turned and shuffled through a stack of invoices, then handed Nathan and Victoria the one for the chosen Emerald and Diamond Ring.
"You have a deal, Mr. Helmsley!" beamed Nathan.
"It's Henri, Sir!"
"Henri, an immense thank you!" and the two gentlemen shook on it.
"I'm afraid it's a size 6 and Miss Bradford is a 5 and 1/2. We can have it sized and ready by 4 P.M. this evening if that's suitable?"
"Yes, of course!"
Nathan sat at Henri's desk and wrote out a check, off of his Union City Bank Account, paying the amount in full.
He had wired and made the transfer from his savings to his checking account there, during one of the Train's many stops, knowing he would need the funds.
He was thankful he had left his main account in Union City, as this extravagance was not something he wanted the Bank in Hope Valley to see!
He much preferred having his privacy where finances were concerned.
Of course, the entire town would see the ring, but this way, they'd never know the amount paid for it.
"Henri, please make sure this is added to our insurance replacement policy, and if you don't mind, please keep an extra set of specs just in case it would ever have to be recreated."
"Of course, Mrs. Bradford."
"And please add Constable Grant's name onto our Family Account."
"Yes, Ma'am. That's already been taken care of."
"Thank you, Henri!"
"Constable Grant, I'll get all the paperwork and cases together, so that everything will be ready when you pick up the ring. And Sir, I must say, I do believe this is the most beautiful ring we've ever had the pleasure of selling. May I be the first to ask God's richest blessings for both you and Miss Bradford on your Engagement and Marriage!"
"Thank you, Henri. That means so much. It's really been an honor doing business with you!"
Lloyd pulled Victoria's limousine out and up to the Entrance, as soon as he saw Constable Grant and Mrs. Bradford exiting the Front Door with broad smiles on their faces.
As Lloyd held the door open for them, Nathan helped Victoria into the back seat.
"I see you were successful, Sir!"
"Yes, Lloyd, very happily so! Thank you."
Both Nathan and Millicent were absolutely thrilled with the results of their search!
"Nathan, the ring is simply perfect! Millicent will be positively thrilled!"
"I agree! I'm certain she will love it! I do have one concern as it's rather hard to miss!"
"Security. Everything we purchase from Helmsley's is automatically added to our insurance, so if anything is lost or stolen, it's instantly replaced. While you were paying, I also asked Henri to keep an extra copy of specs, just in case the ring would ever need to be recreated."
"Then that pretty much covers everything! Thank you so much, Victoria! I can't believe you got him to give us cost on such a perfect piece."
She laughed, "You know, he's right, though. They'll get their money back time and again, as soon as the Engagement Photos go out. It's like free advertising for them, and although I hate that my Daughter's Engagement, and yours, is used in that way, the truth is, it's our reality."
"Victoria, is Au Pied de Cochon still the best restaurant in Montreal?"
"Best Restaurant, best Food, best View, and best Private Dining. It also happens to be Millicent's favorite!"
"I've reserved their private Dining Room for tonight, but I just don't know. I want it to be so special when I propose. For some reason, I want it to be unexpected!"
Victoria laughed.
"You Men! Edward not only surprised me, he shocked me! It wasn't the most romantic of situations, but then again, it was!"
"He had asked me to go with him to tour a new plant, which was commonplace for him, but extremely foreign to me. I had no idea his entire family would be there, including his parents, who were very much against our being together. To be honest, they despised me, and everything about me!"
"When it came time to cut the ribbon, he insisted I do it with him, which I reluctantly did, with his parents glaring at me in my off the rack dress. And believe me, that off-the-rack dress had been quite the extravagance for my family! It was my very first store-bought dress ever!"
"As soon as I cut the ribbon, Edward fell to one knee, and told me a million new plants didn't compare to me, that he was nothing without me beside him, and would I, Victoria DuBois, walk through all of his life, side by side with him, as his partner in all things?"
"Well, I did the most unladylike thing of all and knelt right down on the floor with him. Needless to say, his parents were aghast, but that's where he put this ring on my finger, and we've never, ever looked back!"
"The point being, my dear Son, the location is immaterial. Whether it's in the fanciest restaurant in all of Montreal or on a factory floor, just share your heart. That's what is important. That's what makes it memorable for any Woman, my Daughter included!"
After their successful Ring Shopping, Victoria took Nathan to lunch at a little Seafood place on the wharf, that was a favorite of hers.
Nathan instantly loved it too!
That was the thing he loved about Victoria. She could have taken him to any fancy restaurant in Montreal, but she was just real and took him to an everyday spot with the best Seafood he had ever tasted!
"Does Millicent know about this place?"
"You know, she's eaten their food as takeout when she's been at our house, but I don't think she's actually been here! At least not with me!"
But even in this tiny rustic dive, it was clear that the Establishment knew he was with THE Mrs. Edward Bradford, and to say they aimed to please would have been quite the understatement.
"Do you ever get used to all the attention, Victoria?"
"Truthfully, sometimes you just stay home to not have to deal with all the fuss, but they do mean well, at least I hope they do! I try to believe that it just comes from a place of kindness, which helps a lot!"
Her bodyguards were very discreet, but ever-present and Nathan was amazed at how well she dealt with it all.
Especially after he now knew the horror she had been through.
Nathan reached for Victoria's hand.
"Victoria, I'm so deeply sorry for your great loss of Master Edward Bradford, III. There just are no adequate words to express my love and condolences. I admire you and Edward so much for not only having the strength to survive, but to also do it brilliantly raising your beautiful Family."
"I appreciate that more than you can know, Nathan. There was simply no choice. He was such a beautiful Child, our firstborn, and we will always, always cherish his memory."
She was trying her best to smile her tears, for they flowed immediately at the mention of her firstborn Son's name.
Nathan handed her his handkerchief, at the same time noticing the far-away look in her tear-stained eyes.
She dabbed at her tears, wiping her face and clearing her throat, fighting to bring some order back to her world.
Then she continued on, knowing from years of experience with grieving, she couldn't allow the thoughts to overcome her.
"A loss that great teaches you that the money is insignificant," and she wiped her tears again. "Because it truly, truly is, Nathan."
She spoke in a low, soft voice, full of compassion.
"As I mentioned before, everyone just has to live their life, my Darling, whether you're a Bradford or not, good things and bad things come. It's how you deal with them that matters. Of course, you and Millicent will be Grants first and foremost. And don't ever forget that. But, Nathan, given our situation, to the public you both will also be Bradford's too. It's inevitable, as we're just all lumped together! And I know that's daunting, but it's a good thing, too. We're a tight family, a strong unit, and we fiercely protect each other no matter what!"
"Victoria, I'll be fine. I am fine. And I am indeed very fortunate to have your Family's love and support."
"You will always have it and you can count on that! You now have two Families, officially, Son. And for the record, you're adjusting much better than I did," and as she winked, she reached over to pat his hand.
Nathan smiled back, knowing he had a true friend, someone who really understood being the outsider.
Yet, now she ran it all, as the matriarch of the entire Bradford Family…with finesse, a firm hand, organization, and lots of love!
"You'll find your way, my darling Nathan. My goodness, you've already survived your first row with the papers!"
Nathan chuckled as her eyes twinkled.
"And quite elegantly, too. But, my, that kiss would have been quite something to see!" she teased.
As Nathan laughed and blushed red, while simultaneously thanking God for wide-brimmed hats…
When Victoria dropped Nathan back off at her daughter's house, he was disappointed to find Millicent was still at Court.
So, Nathan sat in the kitchen with Hendrix and Estella, showing them all of Allie's pictures and telling them of all her many antics!
"My, she's her Mother made over in looks and actions, too," declared Estella. And that spunk, that's pure Colleen!"
"I do see more and more of Colleen in her every day," he mused.
"We can't wait to meet her, Sir! It will be like old times having a child in the house again!"
"A child who is much too rapidly becoming a teenager!" Nathan clarified with dread. "But it's your turn! Tell me all about the two of you!"
"Hendrix went back to England for three whole weeks last spring," offered Estella.
"Not three whole weeks, Estella. It was more like two," clarified Hendrix defiantly.
"I was the one left caring for this household my Dear Hendrix, while you were off gallivanting about. It was three full weeks."
"Let me see…well, I suppose you are right! I did come back on the third Sunday, didn't I?"
"Yes, you most certainly did!"
Nathan thought he detected a bit of personal hurt from Essie, that perhaps she might have missed Hendrix for more reasons than those relating to the job, but she wasn't about to admit that!
"Was it a good trip, Hendrix?" asked Nathan.
"The best, Sir! I got to see the Family and a few of my old friends there. My eldest Brother works for the Royal Family, you know. And there were lots of insightful and fun stories there! Between us, scandalous ones too, but of course he swore me to secrecy! Well worth the traveling woes to and fro!"
"Hendrix hates to travel," Essie quickly explained.
Nathan grinned and nodded.
'Yes, there's definitely something there,' thought Nathan, who studied people for a living.
"Well, tell him about your new career" urged a very proud Hendrix.
"What new career? What am I missing?" asked Nathan.
"Hmph! Career! It's just a hobby, I'd say!"
"She's practically starring in the new play called "The Dresser Knows!" bragged Hendrix.
"Essie, how wonderful! When can we go see you?" asked Nathan, excitedly.
"There you go again, Hendrix, making something out of nothing!"
"It's hardly nothing, Estella! It's really quite the accomplishment!" insisted Hendrix, proudly.
"Sorry Essie, I'm with Hendrix on this one! Sounds pretty impressive to me!"
"Well, if you insist. We're doing a matinee Saturday afternoon, as a trial run for the changes they just made. I suppose you could come and watch. But no funny remarks! You two hear me?"
Both Hendrix and Nathan nodded like schoolboys!
"Promise?"
"We absolutely promise, Essie," vowed Nathan, giving her the Mountie Salute.
And with that, the two men were saved by a knock on the kitchen door, which Essie promptly went to answer.
"Why Master Richard! I mean…"
But Richard had already kissed her and grabbed her in his arms, dancing around the kitchen floor with her, just like he had always done!
Essie was full of laughter, as usual, and if Nathan was reading it right, Hendrix might have looked just a wee bit jealous…
"Richard! Can't tell you how good it is to see you, Brother!"
"Get over here, Old Man! Can't believe we're making it official - but then again, we always have been Brothers! How'd you get away from my Sister?"
The Men did their usual 'Man Hug' greeting.
Then Richard greeted Hendrix with another man hug.
"Hendrix, my Man! You two have to excuse us! Sorry, I'm so late, Nate, but my meeting lasted forever! Mother says we have an errand to run before Helmsley's closes! Shall we, Bro? And Hendrix, you finish my dance with Miss Essie!"
And there it was…
Both Hendrix and Essie turned all shades of red!
"Tell Millicent, I'm with Richard and if I'm not back by six, call the Mounties to come looking for me!" instructed Nathan, with a wink.
Hendrix and Estella laughed as they waved goodbye, but all three knew it wasn't far from the truth.
No telling what trouble those Boys would get into with Richard involved!
The two Men scooted onto the back seat and sat back in the total comfort of one of the many Bradford Limousines, a particularly stylish new model that Richard had commandeered.
"Where's my Sis?"
"She's still at Court. Been there the whole day! And although I've missed her like crazy, it has sort of been a blessing in disguise! I didn't know how in the world I was going to get all this done without her knowing. You know how Millicent never misses a thing!"
"Isn't that the truth? Mother says the ring's a real stunner!"
"Yeah, it's totally Millicent! We were about to give up, but we got lucky, as it had just come in! I knew the moment I saw it. And I think your Mother did too. Henri said it wasn't technically an Engagement Ring, but it's going to be hers!"
"Lloyd, we need to swing back by Helmsley's and pick up a ring!" called Richard.
"On the way, Sir!"
"Nathan, I hear you went through some rough stuff back in Hope Valley, and I hate that! Sorry, I wasn't there for you. But you know what, if it brought you and Em together, it's all worth it, right?"
Richard had never been able to say Millicent as a toddler and somehow Em had stuck as his official name for his younger Baby Sister.
"It was awful to go through, but it certainly woke me up! Richard, how was I so blind all those years?"
"I think you just excluded yourself, thinking she'd fall in love with somebody like Dad, who owned a million companies. But come on, even I knew that wasn't gonna happen!"
He laughed and then thoughtfully continued.
"She's loved you forever, Nate, and I'm talking about the being in love with you kind of love. Although, truthfully, I'm not sure she knew it! And goodness knows, you sure didn't! I think when you grow up with someone you care about so much, it might be easier to block that part out."
Nathan nodded.
"But even I could see it's always been there for both of you! And I'm not the biggest romantic around! Just glad the two of you finally woke up!"
"I've never been this happy in my entire life, Richard! It's like I'm afraid Millicent will disappear if I close my eyes! Like this, all might be just a dream!"
"Good luck with that! Afraid you're stuck with Em and us Bradford's! Are you doing okay with all that? I mean, it's not like we're intimidating or anything like that!"
Nathan chuckled.
"No, not one bit!"
Richard laughed.
"Hey, we are who we are. I had to come to terms with that a long time ago, Buddy. So welcome to my world!"
"I'd forgotten all about that trauma…"
"More like rebellion!" admitted Richard.
Nathan chuckled and threw his head back.
"Yeah, that too! You got us into so much trouble. Dad made me muck out the West Pasture horse stalls for four weekends straight! And I mean every single stall. All sixty of them! Thank goodness, twenty horses had just been transported to market from that pasture. So that took me down to forty. But, brother! Do you have any idea what it's like to muck that many stalls? Took all my weekends for a month!"
Richard grinned like a Cheshire Cat, knowing he had been fully responsible for that little escapade.
"Hey, I helped you with those!"
"Yep, you helped all right," laughed Nathan. "All of about two hours a day!"
"Besides all that manual labor, I had to go home and sit still for hours upon hours of Business Lectures per my Father. You got off easy!"
"Poor Baby - the perils of wealth!"
"Hey, wait till you have to sit through one of his Business Lectures. And believe me, they're coming!"
Nathan just laughed and shook his head.
"Bet those Lectures are why you have the famous Law Practice you have today!"
"True, but don't tell Father that!" winked Richard.
They laughed together.
"Good grief, Richard, you two will never change! So competitive!"
"Keeps life exciting! But seriously, how are you dealing with all things Bradford?"
"Honestly, it's a bit overwhelming…"
Richard guffawed, "Says the master of understatement!"
"Okay, it's a lot overwhelming," admitted Nathan. "Seems I'm buying the Engagement Ring, and she gets to foot the bill for everything else!"
"Well, that's just not true. You work as hard as anyone I know! And unlike me, the shyster Barrister, you're work is actually honorable!"
Nathan couldn't help but laugh.
Although Richard was the king of self-deprecation, he led the largest and most successful Law Practice in Toronto, and probably all of Canada. In addition to handling all of his Father's Businesses, he had a fleet of Barristers who handled the top dozen or so Corporations across the country, as his specialty was Business Law.
And he was extremely good at it.
They had been brothers and partners in crime from the moment they met, when Nathan had been ten and Richard had been twelve, and both knew they always would be.
Richard was dark, athletic, and tall, but over the years, Nathan had surpassed him by a couple of inches in height.
He favored his beautiful Mother and cut a striking figure with his dark complexion, hair, and eyes.
His Cree heritage was distinctly visible, and he wore it proudly.
People were always confounded to see him with his blonde-haired, fair-skinned Sister, whose only Cree attribute was her high, regal cheekbones.
But when they saw his Mother they knew exactly where Richard's rich ethnic look came from.
His Baby Brother, William looked just like him.
"You know, Nate, this is one Wedding I'm really looking forward to! And I really hate Weddings!"
"I bet you're looking forward to it! I may just have to arrest you and incarcerate you for the entire week!"
Richard was the Bradford Family prankster, and though he did his best not to show it, Nathan literally shuddered to think what Richard would come up with as to 'Wedding Surprises!'
He was going to have to do some work and rein in William to do some reconnaissance.
"Hey Nate, the big moment's here! You know it's real when you pick up the ring that's going to bind you through eternity!" laughed Richard, along with his dreadful sound effects. "Yep, it's a killer moment.
Bachelorhood is gone forever!"
"Tell me again why I would ever choose you to be my Best Man…"
"Cause I'm your Man, your Brother! Who else would do it?"
"I do have friends you know!"
"Not like me!"
"Thank goodness!"
Mr. Helmsley met the two 'bickering' Brothers at the Front Entrance of the Shoppe, greeting both the handsome Men with firm handshakes.
"We have everything ready! Constable Grant, Mr. Bradford, follow me…"
"Thank you, Henri," smiled the man who was about to be engaged!
Mr. Helmsley seated both men before his own desk and produced the certification papers and a gold leather box holding a smaller emerald green velvet ring box.
He then lifted the smaller box out and handed it to the Constable for one final inspection.
When Nathan opened the box, the ring had been polished and shined to oblivion and it was even more beautiful than he remembered it.
"It's perfect," smiled Nathan. "She's going to love this!"
"That's an understatement! She's going to flip and go absolutely crazy! Why this is Em in a ring…"