Chapter Twenty-One: The Proposal – Part I

Nathan Alexander Grant stood waiting at the bottom of Millicent Alexandria Bradford's Grand Staircase, looking as confident and handsome as any man could possibly look, in his formal Tux and crisp white Shirt with French Cuffs.

Hendrix had ended up having to help him with his bow tie.

But other than the disastrous mess Nathan had made with that small piece of fabric, he remained quite calm.

As he glanced at his timepiece, he realized he was fairly early and still had time to phone his Daughter, before his and Millicent's big night.

He walked to the phone and gave the operator his call instructions, then patiently waited.

Nathan wanted with all his heart to tell Allie her dreams were about to come true, but of course, he couldn't…not over the phone, and not without Millicent.

He did hope however, his happiness came through the line, so that Allie, too, would be happy and not worry about him.

It took a bit longer than usual to connect, but when her voice came on the line, his face widened into a huge smile!

"Allie, Sweetheart, it's wonderful to hear your voice! How's my best girl?"

"Dad, I've missed you soooo much! It's been pretty boring in Hope Valley. Everyone's busy getting ready for the Holidays, so there's not much at all to do. Opal and I are super bored!"

"I have an idea! You know the big art book we saw in the Library? Why don't you and Opal check it out? Then go to The Mercantile and have Mr. Yost get you a couple of canvasses each, then some brushes and paints to share, and see what you can both come up with to paint! Put everything on my tab. I'll pay for it all when I get back."

"Dad, that sounds like so much fun. For, Opal too?"

"Of course, for Opal too! But I want you both to take it very seriously, and read the book first, so you'll know what you're doing and not waste anything. Promise me?"

"I promise Dad! We will! Dad, you sound really good! Are you good?"

"Yes, Sweet Allie, I'm very good! In fact, I'm great! The only bad thing is missing you! Is School going well?"

"Yes! I really love the new teacher. It's kind of nice… well, you know."

"Yes, I do know Baby Girl, but that's all behind us! You just enjoy your new teacher. And Allie, God does have a better dream for us, I promise."

"I remember, Dad, and I pray for us to find our dream every night. I still just want a Family. That's really all I want for Christmas!"

Nathan's heart lurched inside him. He knew Allie longed for a Mother. And Brothers and Sisters.

"Sounds like a pretty tall order, Sweetheart, especially by Christmas, but you never know the timing of things! Besides, the two of us make a pretty great Family, don't you think?"

"Sure, Dad, you're the best Dad ever, but it's just you and me. And that's okay! But, you need a wife, Dad! And I need a mother! Oh, well! I'll just keep praying," she adamantly responded, as if the weight of the world was on her shoulders, and it was up to her to find that wife and mother!

Nathan grinned as he could see her eyeroll through the phone, although part of him was a little alarmed that Allie might just be recruiting active applicants for the positions!

"But, I'm really excited about our Union City trip when you get back," she was trying to end on what was a happier note in her young mind, although it was anything but, for her Father.

"So am I, Allie. I'm sure we'll find something really pretty for you to wear to your Christmas Party."

"Dad, it's a Christmas Dance," she said exasperatedly.

"Yes, it is. Your old Dad knows that. He's just having a bit of trouble saying it out loud. You're growing up on me, Allie! Way too fast!"

"But I'll always be your Little Girl, Dad. That won't ever change!"

"Thank you, Princess. Your Dad needed to hear that. Extra kisses for your tuck-in tonight. Hope you have the sweetest of dreams!"

"You too, Dad! Love you to the Moon!"

"Love you to the Moon, Sweetheart! We'll talk tomorrow! Sweet dreams!"

He hung the earpiece up, and as he did so, he rose and walked over to Millicent's Staircase, glancing up to see an absolute vision coming down the steps toward him.

He stood frozen, and whether it was just her sheer beauty or the importance of the night, he was struck with just how overcome he was.

And yes, she was breathtakingly beautiful and the night was beyond important.

But truthfully, it wasn't either of those things.

It was a million things.

He had read about Love in novels and poetry.

He had sung about love in songs.

He had even seen deep love between his own parents and between Millicent's parents.

Both, examples of true love, that had been struggled for and struggled through, with seemingly insurmountable obstacles they had somehow conquered and survived!

He had even thought he had experienced love once in his own life, but that had only brought him immense pain.

He only knew he felt different than he had ever felt at any other time in his entire life, and that this was glorious!

What he and Millicent now had with each other, was an affection, a love, that went deeper than they both had ever experienced with anyone else, and it was based on deep friendship and the deepest of respect.

They had a lifetime of experiences that had been shared together, that belonged only to them, both good and bad, some even tragic.

They were connected to each other in a way neither could explain, but both knew it was because of that connection, they had always been there for each other, knowing exactly what the other person was feeling at any given second.

They had always been the best of companions, and now that they had truly seen each other, there was a physical attraction like no other they had ever known.

Millicent was the most exciting and most important woman in the world to him.

He saw beyond her beauty to the woman she was inside.

And it was that woman who was everything he had ever desired, and so much more.

She had understood him when no one else had, and she had never once tried to change him.

She had been his confidant, also in life's upheavals, his soft spot to fall when he was troubled, even when they had been physically separated.

When his soul had been laid bare, raw, and exposed, first when Colleen had died, again when Elizabeth had ripped his heart into shreds, Millicent had been the one who cared for it, tended it, and brought him back to life.

They were each other's calm in the storm, whatever the storm had been.

They were each other's steady voice and warm embrace after a bad day.

They were each other's encouraging word when it was needed most.

When she walked into a room, he felt as though a warm blanket of comfort had just been wrapped around him.

Just seeing her brilliant smile alone, brought him pure joy.

He thought her lyrical laugh was the most beautiful music he had ever heard, and he never failed to be mesmerized by it.

And yes, their shared wicked sense of humor, often found them laughing together at something only they could see the humor in!

Given all that, it was as simple as knowing, with certainty, she was the only woman he would ever desire or want.

Perhaps it was true that part of love was happiness, euphoria, excitement, and pure joy.

And he had indeed felt all those things, was feeling all those things, would always feel those things, with Millicent.

But more importantly, he was comfortable with her and he knew he was home wherever she was.

Even with their immense attraction and deep love for each other, they both knew the other was not perfect.

In fact, they knew each other's every single flaw, and loved each other more in spite of them, and perhaps, even because of them.

All those feelings they had had for each other for so very long, yet hadn't been able to define, were simply the feelings of love, deep and abiding, true love.

How had they not seen it? Not known they were in love?

There was a tender gentleness in the way they were with each other.

A pure joy in the air just being around each other.

And always an intimate cozy comfort when in each other's presence.

He wanted the absolute best for Millicent, and he would do anything for her, just as she wanted the absolute best for him, and would do anything for him.

He would always put her needs before his, every single time, and she would always do the same for him.

Their love was just there because it existed, but it was also intentional, as they had always worked at making each other their top priority, always being there for the other, no matter how difficult, even when they were apart.

As improbable as their union might be as a couple, given their vastly different social backgrounds, they were both better and stronger together.

And perhaps, more importantly, each of them was complete when they were together.

He might not have known it before, but he knew it now…

Nathan Grant was truly, madly, deeply, and irrevocably, in love with Millicent Bradford!

And it was an everlasting love!

"You are indescribably beautiful tonight, Darling!" As he took her hand and helped her down the last few steps.

And she was.

She looked resplendent in a very simple off-white sheath-like dress in the purest of silk, that fell softly to the floor in carefree folds and rounded into a soft train draped at her back.

Her neckline was sweetheart in style, with tiny spaghetti straps.

But what made the outfit impossibly elegant was the hand-made lace overlay-like jacket, v-d at the neckline, that hung slightly over her shoulders, cut in dolman-type sleeves that slightly hid the tiny straps.

The portions of the overlay jacket at her shoulders had hand appliqued roses and greenery embroidered into the lace in the same off-white silken threads.

The rest of the lace jacket was sheer and plain and fell down to about a third to two-thirds of her skirt, ending in sheer triangular shapes of various lengths.

The overlay was drawn in at her tiny waist, and every edge, except the sleeves, including at her waist, was edged in the tiniest silver and diamond-like beading, creating subtle drama and a very stunning impact.

He took her in his arms, first whispering in her ear in a most raspy voice.

"You look like an angel!"

And then he kissed her, allowing his lips to linger on hers, grazing across them sensually, breathing her breath in as his own, relishing the feel of her lips pressed against his, tasting the rose of her lipstick, inhaling the scent of her perfume, and wondering how he could have ever lived before without her!

She felt dizzy since she was no longer sure what or who was holding her up, only that she knew her own legs were failing her. His bottom lip fell between hers and with her heart racing, she placed one hand at his neck, leaving the other to caress his hair, holding onto him, kissing him urgently with fervent passion, loving him with her whole heart.

When he was able to speak again, he could only breathlessly whisper.

"I'd say that's a spectacular start to our night, Miss Bradford! And our night is just beginning!"

Nathan helped Millicent into her white fur coat.

"You'd better bring your hat, scarf, and muff along, too! And don't forget your kid gloves, Love!"

"But it doesn't seem nearly as cold tonight as it was last night!"

Nathan smiled.

"You never know when the weather will take a cold turn! And unlike today, I plan to keep you warm!

"Promise?" she asked coquettishly.

"I promise," he laughed. "But I might need a little bit of help tonight!"

Secretly, he was very thankful for the much-needed extras, as Millicent would see for herself in about twenty minutes!

And yes, he would be there holding her, but he surmised she would still need the extra warmth and more.

He had planned tonight with both Albert and Millicent's Security Team, as well as his own added Security, to a tee.

For this was a night he was leaving nothing to chance.

He had organized the entire evening to be perfect for Millicent - a night she would never forget, and one she would cherish for the rest of her life.

It hurt him that she couldn't even remember the last time she had fun.

Though truthfully, it had been the same for him.

Apparently, there just hadn't been room for the word in their vocabularies or their lives.

He was hoping to change that tonight for both of them.

Being a winter month, although thankfully not deep into it, it had taken quite a bit of ingenuity.

But both Monsieurs Albert LaRue and Gaston Garnier had given him immeasurable assistance, as well as his Mountie friends, happily helping him set up everything that was needed down to the last detail!

As the Couple scooted into the back seat of her Limo, Nathan pulled Millicent close to him.

His eyes sparkled as he spoke.

"Tonight, Miss Millicent Bradford, is your night! Just sit back, relax, and enjoy!"

She sighed with excitement and did just that, her eyes sparkling in anticipation.

"You're not giving me any hints, are you?"

"Not a chance!" he vehemently answered.

She laughed.

"I don't even mind. I just want you!"

His eyes told her he wanted her, too, immensely, and his lips told her their kiss had to be now, with both giving in to their desires, creating the most magical, sensuous kiss.

Yes, already tonight couldn't have been better!

Fulfilled, they rode in silence, perfectly content with each other's touch.

But when Albert and her Security Team pulled over not long after, she was more confused than ever.

As Albert held the door, Nathan helped her out of the Limo.

It was still daylight, close to sunset, but still very much daylight!

Millicent had suspected they were going somewhere rather far away since they had left so early, yet here they had already stopped.

It was a beautiful Park, but there were no restaurants in this area, at least none that she knew of!

Now she was more puzzled than ever.

What were they doing here?

Nathan smiled and offered her his arm.

She smiled back, and quickly looped her arm through his, not having a clue as to what was happening.

"There's a tiny Cafe just out of sight around that corner, that has the best Hot Cocoa in all of Montreal! Are you game?"

"Hot Cocoa? Do they have Marshmallows," she asked excitedly.

"Homemade Marshmallows!"

"What are we waiting for?"

Nathan laughed.

He knew the Marshmallows would convince her if the Hot Cocoa hadn't!

Nathan bought their Cocoa from the to-go window, and there they stood on the Park Lane, in formal dress, ready to drink their steaming Hot Cocoa with loads of pillowy Marshmallows!

"Oh, Nathan, this is like Chocolate Nectar! Why is it so different?"

"It's imported Chocolate, that came in on one of those Steamers we saw yesterday, and it happens to be the best in the world! Straight from Belgium!"

"I've never had anything close to this good. It's so rich! But why are the Marshmallows so soft?"

"They're handmade by the Café owner's Aunt, via a secret family recipe from Europe. They're like candy, aren't they?"

"Exactly, like the most delicious candy ever! How could I not know about this?"

"Well, I have to have some secrets, you know!"

Had they had eyes for anyone else than each other, they might have noticed the Park goers who were starting to stare at the gorgeous Lady with the handsome Gentleman, elegantly dressed in complete formal attire, casually sipping Hot Cocoa as they strolled along the beautiful Park Path.

Some even recognized her as the Miss Bradford from the newspapers, but politely kept their distance, smiling instead, thrilled to be seeing her in person.

The entire time, Nathan tried to keep Millicent distracted by talking nonstop with her, and thankfully, he was extremely successful.

She was completely blindsided when he stopped and gently turned her around in the direction looking back over the water to the wharf in the distance…

She was stunned.

"We're across from the wharf. I had no idea that's where we were! I'm not even sure I've ever been in this Park before."

Then he turned her a quarter turn once more, and her mouth literally dropped open…

There was a huge Ferris Wheel looking over the water, and Albert was standing just below it with a fur throw!

The entire structure was not only huge, it was enormous, even gigantic, soaring up into the sky.

"A Ferris Wheel? How…Who…"

"For you and me!" he smiled.

He was holding her up with his free hand.

"One last sip of Chocolate and we've got a ride to take!"

She was so excited she immediately set her Coco down on a small bench, then grabbed his Cocoa mid-drink, and set it down, too, literally flinging her arms around him!

"I have never been on a Ferris Wheel! And I've always wanted to ride one! This will be the most exciting and fun thing I've ever done!"

"Never?"

He was shocked. He knew, complements of Essie, that she love Ferris Wheels and wanted to ride one, but she hadn't said she had never ridden one before! Ferris Wheels had been around since 1893. And they were all the rage!

"Well, we're remedying that right now, Millie!"

"I can't wait! But why is my heart racing? And why is my stomach queasy?"

"It gets worse," he grinned.

"Nathan, are you serious?"

"It's alright! I'll be right there beside you!"

He bent to kiss her forehead, then offered his arm again, and led her to the gigantic Ferris Wheel where the proprietor/operator met them and helped them into their fanciest passenger gondola.

Nathan smiled as Millicent was beside herself with joy!

"My legs are already so wobbly, just getting on!"

Albert handed him their fur throw and the operator secured them in, as Nathan lovingly laid the fur across their laps.

"Are you ready?" he asked with his eyes sparkling. "It goes pretty high and the gondolas rock back and forth, so lots of motion, the higher we go!"

Her face was jubilant with excitement and anticipation.

"Normally, I'd be terrified. And maybe my body is. But with you here, I can't wait!"

"That's my Girl!"

"Nathan, are we the only ones riding this?"

"It's the Sunset Ride and it's reserved for one Miss Millicent Bradford and one Constable Nathan Grant, alone!"

"How positively romantic!"

He didn't tell her that he had had to buy tickets for the entire Ferris wheel, nor that it was the only way her security team would allow them to do this!

Because he had actually loved the idea, too, thinking about the two of them alone on a gigantic Ferris Wheel was incredibly romantic, and a perfect way to start their special evening, viewing the sunset together, as close as they could get to each other and the heavens!

The music started and he hugged her tightly, reassuring her as the Ferris Wheel lurched into motion with a loud grinding, as they nestled into each other.

He kissed her, tenderly.

"Enjoy, Darling!"

As they inched upwards, all he could see was her gorgeous face, as excited as a child, with widened eyes, sparkling, wondering what incredulous thing was coming next!

It filled his soul with a joy he had never known, to see her so joyful.

In a matter of days, her joy had become more important to him than his own, and he would happily spend his life seeing that hers was filled with every single joy life had to offer!

And in that, he too would be fulfilled beyond his wildest dreams.

He smiled as Millicent gripped his hand, as he had left the ring with Albert, just in case!

That was something he most definitely didn't want to fall out of a pocket, and most certainly not while on a Ferris Wheel, especially one as huge as this!

When Millicent grew accustomed to the movement, Nathan watched, mesmerized, as she threw her head back to allow her face and hair to catch the wind, thoroughly enjoying herself!

He thought his heart was going to stop.

She had never looked more beautiful with her hair blowing freely in the wind.

Had he been a painter, that's what he would have painted!

And it would have been a masterpiece.

"This is so wonderful, Love! But why do I feel so heavy," asked Millicent.

They had made it halfway up off the ground and Millicent's eyes had already widened as she looked back down to the ground.

"And now, suddenly, I feel normal again!"

"It's something called Centrifugal Force, Love! A minute ago, it was pulling us up, so it made us 'feel' heavier! But right now, we're across from the very center of the Ferris Wheel, so we feel normal again. That's going to change though in a few minutes. When we reach the very top, we'll feel our lightest!"

Her eyes widened in fear.

"Will it be really scary?"

"Not with me here! We're already almost to the highest point! You're not scared of heights, are you?"

"Not normally, but I've never ever been this high before!" she answered breathlessly.

He gripped her hand harder.

"Look at the Sunset! It's our own private painting," suggested Nathan worried that she might not be able to look all the way down to the ground from so high up.

"Oh, Darling, I've never seen anything so magical! It looks totally different than any sunset I've ever seen. Almost like you could reach out and touch the painted colors!"

"That's because we're closer to it! Do you think you're able to look down? We're almost at the top, Love!"

She closed her eyes and gripped his hand as hard as she could.

He wrapped his free arm around her and held her as tightly, with all his strength.

He smiled as she opened her eyes slowly, hesitantly at first, one at a time.

"This is glorious, Love! Look, there's Albert - you can barely tell it's him! And look at the colors of the sky," she squealed.

He relaxed, breathing out a sigh of relief.

Millicent was going to be more than okay, and she would be even more excited about their next few turns!

She turned to look at him with so much love and gratitude in her eyes, he even forgot for a moment where they were!

Feeling the lightest they had ever felt in their lives, he took her face into his hands and kissed her showing all his love for her, which inconceivably was growing and growing by leaps and bounds every single day, even when he thought he couldn't possibly love her more.

Then he moved his lips to her neck, gently kissing her there, as he moved up to her ear, lightly kissing her behind it, which caused her to lose her breath, catching it again to breathe rapidly.

And there, as close to the clouds as possible, is where he softly whispered a short, but very complete poem of love into her ear.

She clutched his hand, as she was so touched by his words, that tears fell, and she knew this man would always cherish her, love only her, and keep her safe.

Then she reached to tenderly caress his face looking into his eyes, willing him to feel her love for him.

"You make me the luckiest woman in the world, Nathan Grant!"

By this time, they had almost made it to the bottom and were ready to start back upward.

She was totally comfortable now, knowing exactly what to expect, and being more in love than she had ever been before.

He was everything she ever needed, and how she wished they could really start their life together right now, where ever that might be. Even though they hadn't really talked about it, she longed to be his wife, to take care of him in every way possible. She simply longed to be his, officially, and in every viable way!

She was also ready for them to be a family, to and with Allie.

But at least now, she knew the day would come sometime soon, and that was more than enough.

She was almost as excited about going around the second time as the first!

No closed eyes this time around, though!

She was simply silent, doing her best to take every little nuance in!

They fell back into their plush- cushioned seat, against each other, with Nathan's arm around her.

He was surprised that the cold hadn't really been an issue.

Whether it had been the furs or their fiery kisses, he really didn't know.

It didn't matter.

But they had been plenty warm enough as they burrowed tightly together.

"Mil, you make me so deliriously happy!"

"You make me the same, Nate!"

He grinned.

"Why is it I love it when you and Richard call me that, yet I hate it when anyone else does?"

Her laughter rang through the air.

"Because it was our name for you, originally? But that's very good to know. I resisted using it because no one in Hope Valley called you that!"

"Don't ever resist anything where I'm concerned…" and he looked deeply into her eyes."

She grabbed his face and kissed him fervently.

"You are my Nate and my Nathan, and my Alex and Alexander, as well! My personal favorites!"

"They were Colleen's favorites too. I think she called me anything but Nathan just to razz me!"

"You do know the same goes for me. Don't ever hold back anything. I'm not so fragile that I can't take something tough!"

"I know you're not fragile," and he did, but he was still very concerned about one very important thing. "Mil, what if I had to keep something from you in order to protect you?"

"I'd trust that you would tell me when the time was right."

"And I would. Most definitely, I would! I plan to share everything with you. I was just thinking about times when I need to just protect you from the unexpected, sometimes difficult things that come up in life."

"I trust you, Nathan. I love you so very much! I know you'll always do what's best for me."

He felt so relieved because her Father's revelation had bothered him from the moment he had shared his and Victoria's secret with him.

He didn't like keeping anything at all from Millicent.

Ever.

But in this, just like her parents, he didn't want her upset about something she could do nothing about, during the time that should be the happiest for her!

He was so thankful to now know she would understand his position, and it felt as though a weight was removed from his shoulders!

She might be furious at her parents, though, for having kept it from her and Richard, the eldest children, all these years!

In fact, Nathan was sure that both she and Richard would be.

He just hoped they would eventually see their Parents' side too, so the Bradford Family could finally grieve and heal together.

"Oh, my goodness! Look how the skies have changed! The colors are magnificent! The reds and the golds…and the blues and the purples," she was enchanted as she viewed the sky. "I think you really could reach out and touch them!"

"It's like a painting, a masterpiece, painted by God, Himself!" agreed Nathan.

"Just for us!"

As she turned her face toward him, his heart lurched into his throat, but it had nothing to do with the Ferris Wheel.

Her beauty stunned him, almost as though he had never seen her before.

Her excitement and love of life were contagious!

He was overcome.

This was the woman who was going to live her life with him.

How blessed could a man be?

He drew her even closer to him and held onto her as though his life depended on it.

My, the changes one turn of a Ferris wheel could make!

From her clinging to him, to him clinging to her…

He knew one thing: this was going to be one of the happiest, most memorable nights of their lives!

That, he was certain of!

"One more turn?" he asked.

"Please let's do it! I don't want it to stop!" she begged.

And although the entire ride had been romantic, this third turn was solely romantic, no fear, no serious discussion, just tender touches and whispered words of love…

Back at their Limo, a very excited Millicent still couldn't believe what they had just done!

"Albert it was the most exciting thing I've ever experienced, and so incredibly fun," she exclaimed breathlessly.

Albert was smart enough to know it had also been the most romantic thing she'd ever done as well, and if he hadn't seen it for himself, he would have known by the glow on her face, that totally gave it away.

"So happy for you, Miss," and as he opened their door, he winked at Nathan and handed him the ring behind her.

Which Nathan quickly slid into his inner jacket pocket.

Albert shut their door and went to the front to get behind the steering wheel and drive them to their next location.

"Darling, that was the most exhilarating and romantic thing I've ever done! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

She wrapped him in her arms, kissing him so passionately there was no doubt left how happy that little excursion had made her!

"Doing anything with you would be romantic, Mil, but this was pretty spectacular!" he winked.

"Although," he grinned, with a twinkle in his eye, "This is just the beginning of our evening, Darling…"