Chapter Twenty-Two: The Proposal – Part II
"How did you know I had always wanted to ride a Ferris Wheel? And at sunset! That just made it perfect…and so very romantic!"
"I can't divulge all my sources!"
She twisted her lip, as she often did when he perplexed her.
"I think you have too many sources! I bet it was Essie! See, the thing is, everyone falls in love with you, and they tell you everything. How am I supposed to keep any secrets!"
"What can I say? It's sort of my profession. I interrogate people for a living, getting them to talk and say what I need them to say."
"That's just an excuse for the famous Grant charm!"
He laughed.
"You don't miss anything, do you?"
"No, and now, I can't stand not knowing where we're going next! Can't you give me just a tiny hint! I'll pretend to be surprised!"
"No, you will be surprised, and that is just so unfair…"
She was flirting shamelessly, and it wouldn't have taken much more for him to spill…
"All is fair in love and war, my Darling!"
"Why do I get the feeling, I'm going to be hearing that a lot?"
She laughed.
"But the thing is you love it!"
"You know me too well. I adore your drive, your independence, and your spunk, more than you know. But tonight, my Love… there are secrets!"
There was that twisted lip again! It wasn't a pouty look, but more of a pondering look.
He ran his fingers through her long flowing hair, loving that she had worn it mostly down for the night with only half of it pulled back.
He smiled because he knew she was seldom kept in the dark, and therefore seldom surprised.
But that too was changing tonight!
Albert drove while the Couple just enjoyed their time alone together.
Once, when Millicent reached across him to see something through the window, he glanced at his timepiece.
'Good, everything's right on time!' he sighed.
He stroked her back through her fur coat.
"Uhm, that feels nice!" and she nestled back into her seat next to him, closing any space between them.
They drove silently the rest of the way, hands clasped, fingers entwined, his other arm around her, breathing happily in sync.
Oddly, he wasn't the least bit nervous.
He now realized all this should have happened long ago, but he was so very excited and grateful it was happening tonight!
This was as real as it gets, and although he might have doubts about integrating into all that wealth and still couldn't comprehend living with it, there were no doubts about the family he had loved most of his life, and not a single doubt about the woman he was about to propose to!
Suddenly Millicent sat up straight…
"I know where we're going! You're taking me to the Island!"
He smiled at her shock, for now, she was more perplexed than ever, which was exactly what he wanted.
"That's your hint! Now I get to blindfold you!"
"Blindfold?"
"Turn around…" and he took the creamy silk scarf that Essie had given him from the pocket on the side of the door, that perfectly matched her outfit.
He folded it quickly and placed it over her eyes, then tied it in a knot at the back of her head.
"Too tight?"
"No, if I have to be blindfolded, it's just right. Now, you've got me going crazy trying to figure out where we're going. You do know there's not much on the Island to see, especially at night!"
"We'll see about that!" he teased, realizing she really had no idea about what was to come, which made him very happy, indeed!
It wasn't long after that, Albert pulled up to their destination.
Le Observatoire Federal d'Astrophysique, otherwise known as the Astrophysical Observatory, had just been recently built on the darkest part of the Island by the Canadian government. It was also located very close to the Island's arboretum. And it had not yet been opened to visitors, but Edward had pulled some strings, as he had footed a large part of the funding.
Albert opened their door.
"Are you ready, Darling? I'll help you out as soon as I get out. It will just take me a minute."
Nathan glanced at the terrain and was dismayed a bit when he saw all the steps.
Millicent would never be able to maneuver all those steps blindfolded.
"Mil, change of plans! I'm going to have to carry you!" and as soon as he got her out of the Limo, he swooped her up in his arms and carried her up the steps and to the front double door of the Observatory.
With her arms around his neck, a little giggle escaped from beneath her blindfold.
"I like this!"
"I'm glad you do!" he grinned. "Because I sort of like it, too!"
"Sort of," she teased, feeling for his shoulder so she could playfully swat it!
He sat her down and opened the door, then took her arm and led her into the Main Entrance of the Observatory, through it, and into the elevator at the far end.
She could hear the chugging noise and could tell they were moving.
"We're in an elevator!" she exclaimed.
"We are!"
"But where?" she asked inquisitively.
"You'll soon see!"
But he couldn't resist one kiss in the darkened elevator while they were still alone, and with Millicent blindfolded, it was totally irresistible.
"Hmm, I like this, too!" she cooed. "Could that possibly be my Nate?"
"It better be your Nate! You're being awfully agreeable tonight!"
"Kiss me like that and I'll always be agreeable," she laughed. "Especially if you take me on Ferris Wheel rides more often!"
He laughed, "That's a pretty easy date. I think you've got a deal!"
The elevator reached its destination, and he led her out from it, into the most massive space.
"Darling, I love you and you love me, and that happens to be what we're celebrating tonight!"
He let go of her hand long enough to gently untie her blindfold.
As the silk scarf fell from her beautiful eyes, he enfolded her into his arms from behind, with his arms around her waist.
She first looked up and realized she was standing under a huge golden dome.
Her mouth dropped open.
It was like they were standing in another world!
Her eyes then moved to the room around her, trying her best to take it all in.
She noticed the Maitre D from the Five Star Au Pied de Cochon, her favorite restaurant, and a beautiful stunning dining table with a white linen cloth to the floor, with a metallic gold square cloth draped over it, her favorite white flowers, long tapered gold candles, and the most stunning golden table settings for two she had ever seen.
"Darling, this is absolutely stunning! But where are we?"
"We're at the new Observatory!"
"Why this hasn't even been opened to the public yet!"
He raised his eyebrows.
"No, but it's open to us, compliments of your Father."
She threw her arms around him and he swung her around, then kissed her, so very happy she was so thrilled!
He led her over to the huge piece of equipment in the massive room.
"We saw the Sun this evening so differently than we had ever seen it before, and now, we're about to see the Moon and the Stars as we've never seen them before, Darling!" explained Nathan "I wanted to bring you as close as possible to all three!"
"Oh, Love, this is positively magical!"
Nathan led Millicent to the huge piece of equipment, where the Observatory Attendant introduced himself and began explaining about the telescope they would be using.
"The glass mirror is 73 inches around and 12 inches thick! Alone, just the mirror weighs 4340 pounds. It was made in Belgium and shipped out only a week before the start of World War I. The lens was then ground in the United States in Pittsburgh. But the mirror had to be reground twice. The first time due to a mysterious scratch that suddenly appeared, and the second time, due to a flaw in the grinding which made us two years late in completing the telescope. The mirror came to us by train, followed by horse and wagon! You can imagine the size of that team of horses!" (*6)
"This is almost unbelievable, and beyond exciting," exclaimed Millicent.
And at that very moment, the Observatory Attendant caused the golden dome to split open to the heavens, right there before their very eyes.
Millicent was so captivated, she could barely contain herself.
"It looks like you can just reach out and touch the stars!" she exclaimed.
Nathan smiled lovingly and motioned for her to take the first look, as he held his hand against her back.
"There are no words! Come look, Darling!" she urged, fully enchanted.
He did and was not at all disappointed.
"It's so incredible, it's hard to believe, isn't it?"
The Attendant then had them take turns as he explained what they were seeing, and after he had shown them the main constellations and important landmarks of the sky, he prepared to excuse himself, so he could leave them to their private evening.
Nathan and Millicent watched as he masterfully closed the golden dome.
Then Nathan thanked him for his services, tipping him handsomely, and Millicent thanked him profusely as well.
"Do enjoy the rest of your evening. It's been my honor and pleasure to be your guide," he said as he turned to leave.
The music seemingly came from nowhere, as the gentleman took his leave via the elevator, and Nathan led Millicent to their dining table.
Nathan seated her and the Maitre D brought two Golden-Domed platters, placing them in front of the Couple.
First, he brought their bottle of Champagne for Nathan to approve, then opened it with the slash of a small saber, to their delight.
He then poured the rare Champagne into two Golden Flutes, one for each of them.
Then with a flourish, he started serving them, by lifting the Golden Domes in unison.
He then discreetly stepped aside to give them privacy.
Nathan raised his glass.
"To our love, Darling, and to us!"
"To our love, Darling, and to us!" repeated Millicent with a radiant smile.
They clinked their glasses and sipped their delicious, bubbly Champagne.
The meal had been planned in detail with only the Lady in mind.
There were 8 French Courses in the classically French manner, all Millicent's favorites.
The First Course or Starter was Smoked Salmon Canapés with a Dollop of Creamed Cheese and Herbs, topped with the tiniest Slivers of Smoked Salmon.
The Second Course was a special Cream of Wild Mushroom Soup, which was Millicent's favorite discounting her Mother's Bouillabaisse!
"This is delectable, Darling!"
The Third Course was Moules Marinieres or French Steamed Mussels in a White Wine Sauce and Herbed Creamed Broth, truly a delicious piece of France!
"The meal could end here, and I'd be totally happy!"
The Fourth Course, their Entree was a favorite of both Millicent and Nathan, Chateaubriand for Two, center-cut tenderloin flamed tableside, compliments of their Maitre D, and served with a White Wine Shallot Sauce.
"How elegant! This is simply magnificent!"
The Fifth Course was a delightful and refreshing Champagne Sorbet, as the perfect palette cleanser.
"Perfection, Love!"
The Sixth Course was a delectable Warm Mushroom Salad on Boston and Romaine Lettuce. Intentionally a repeat of mushrooms as that was what was typically served with their Chateaubriand. And it was beyond delicious!
"This may be the best Salad I've ever had!"
The Seventh Course was a Cheese Platter with an Assortment of the Best Cheeses and French Breads, surrounding a beautiful Hot Artichoke Cheese Soufflé in the center, that they both shared.
"My, the Cheeses are almost as good as your Mother's," exclaimed Millicent as she fed Nathan the softest Goat Cheese he had ever tasted, besides his Mother's that is.
They were in a gastronomic paradise.
The meal was extra special in every way, and the couple was thoroughly enjoying just talking and laughing together, about life, love, and everything else that came up.
Surprisingly, neither spoke a word about work, which was rare for both of them.
But tonight, wasn't at all about work.
Somehow, not surprisingly, the conversation ended up being mostly about love.
For it had been a most romantic meal, as well as a most romantic evening.
As they finished, Nathan stood and held out his hand.
"Dance with me, my Love!"
"And here I thought you'd never ask!" she teased.
They waltzed around the Observatory in perfect unity, under the Golden Dome, gliding, almost floating, from the day and evening they had had, and the night they were having.
Waltz after waltz, whispering words of love, in what was now their own personal language, into each other's ears, and always laughing at some tale being told to the other or some private joke that only the other would get.
It was pure romance between two people who understood each other completely and yet still held enough mystery to be completely intrigued.
Their love was growing more intense every day, and they both knew it.
They both could feel it.
"Are you ready for your dessert?"
"Only if I can stay in your arms."
He bent and kissed her with such passion, he was laying his very soul bare, and she responded equally.
When they finally tore themselves apart, he smiled apologetically for not being able to keep her in his arms, dancing the rest of the night.
But unknown to her he had a most important job to do!
So as the Maitre D was bringing their dessert, he walked her back to their table, arm-in-arm.
"You can always be in my arms, maybe for dessert just in a different way from dancing," he grinned. "How about we improvise!"
She grinned back.
"I love to improvise, especially if it's with you!"
The Eighth and Final Course was a spectacular and very unique Dessert: Chocolate Boxes of Creamed Coconut Mousse (Millicent's absolute favorite) with Sugared Strawberries (her favorite fruit). On the top of each dessert was a handmade White Chocolate Swan filled with fluffy Belgian Chocolate Mousse, matching the Chocolate Boxes with Slivers of more Sugared Berries.
"Oh, my goodness! This not only looks exquisite, it tastes divine!"
Nathan had scooted his chair over to hers and was feeding the dessert to her, improvising with one arm draped over her chair, one tiny bite at a time, squeezing in a kiss between bites as often as he could, wherever he could place them, finding new spots to do so.
She, in turn, was feeding him, and neither was sure they had ever had a more delectable dessert!
As soon as the Maitre D removed their empty dessert plates, Nathan scooted back his chair just a bit.
"This has been the most perfect night I've ever had," thanked Millicent. "Thank you, Darling!"
And that was when he knew she truly had no idea what was coming next, for unknown to her, in many ways, this perfect night was truly just beginning!
"Our night's been perfect only because you were in it, Millicent."
And then, with a certainty he had never known before, he gathered all his courage, and slowly dropped to one knee before her.
She truly gasped and covered her mouth with her hand.
She had no idea…
He simply spoke from his heart.
"Millicent Alexandria Bradford, you've been in my heart since we were ten years old. You've been my Sister's and Twin's, best friend, and my own best friend through good times and bad times for all these years."
"I still see you the same, and yet I see you so very differently."
"You are the most beautiful, wonderful creature God has ever created, both outwardly and inwardly, and somehow I now know He created us solely for each other. You for me and me for you."
"I cherish you, and every single thing about you. Your kindness, your generosity, your passion and so much more! I love all of you, yes, even your imperfections, Mil, and always have. I believe there's been a part of me who's been in love with you forever, but I know with most assured certainty that I am as in love with you right now, as much as a man can possibly be in love with a woman, and that won't ever change, except, I know to grow deeper through the years."
"You are my past, my present, and my future. You have my heart, my soul, completely."
"I don't have wealth, but I promise you days and nights filled with love, mindful attention to your every desire and need, as well as all the support I can possibly give you."
"We'll have sunlight during the day, moonlight at night, along with millions of stars to light our way!"
"I love you, Millicent, with everything that I am."
"You're the only woman in the world I desire, the woman I love, the woman I'm in love with, the woman I want by my side always, the woman to bear my children, the woman to share all things with, and the woman to dance through life with me as an equal partner."
"You make the most mundane parts of my life exhilarating, and I hope I do the same for you."
"Millicent, my Darling, will you do me the greatest honor of my life, and please marry me?"
Millicent, not normally a crier, had tears streaming down her face.
When she could finally speak, she spoke her words clearly, succinctly, and full of love, reaching to caress his face.
"You, Nathan Alexander Grant are wealthier than any man I know, in all the ways that count. In character, in commitment, in compassion, in courage, in faith, in fearlessness, in fortitude, in intellect, in loyalty, and in sheer goodness! Those are the things that are important to me."
She continued breathlessly…
"Those are the things that matter to me."
"You've given me the sun, the moon, and a million stars tonight in ways I've never seen them before!"
"And that, in itself, is priceless!"
"You, my Darling, are the only man I could ever marry, because yes, we were made for each other. Yes, yes, and yes! A million times over, yes I will marry you!"
She fell to the floor and brought her lips to his in an overpowering explosion of feelings, emotions, and immense love.
His eyes were still glistening with tears as he brought out the velvet box, and opened it, with both of them kneeling together on the floor.
She gasped again, and could barely breathe, not believing what she saw in front of her.
With her sobbing, he took her shaking hand, first kissed the elegant Emerald and Diamond ring, and then lovingly placed it on her left ring finger, bringing her hand to his lips and again kissing the ring he had just placed there.
Millicent's Engagement Ring.
Their Engagement Ring.
"This is the most exquisite thing I have ever seen!"
He rose and lifted her up to him and kissed her tenderly, then sensuously, then passionately.
She was his everything, and he was hers.
They were both in Heaven! This had to be Heaven, with a sea of romantic perfection swirling around about them.
Their hearts were as full as they thought they could possibly be.
And they were.
Little did Millicent realize, however, the evening wasn't at all over.
There was yet another huge surprise, something else she had always wanted to do, but couldn't, again, because of Security.
But, just as he had with the Ferris wheel and the Observatory, Nathan had found a way…
He was still holding her.
"Ready to go home?" he whispered.
"We're engaged, Nathan! I just can't believe we're engaged!"
"We are most definitely engaged, my Love! Every single time you doubt, just look at your hand and know that I love you completely and always, forever!"
"I have never seen anything more beautiful! This is just exquisite. Truly exquisite! More so than any ring I've ever seen. Just like our love, Darling, truly exquisite!"
Both their eyes were sparkling!
"Now I can introduce you as my Fiancé!"
"And I can introduce you as my Fiancée! You know if we're traveling north tomorrow, I'd better get you home."
"Oh, I forgot all about that! You're right. Somehow, I just hate to leave this wonderful place! This perfect place. The place where we got engaged! Oh, Nathan, I can't wait to show our Parents tomorrow night!"
"They're going to be over the moon, literally!"
"I guess we had better go! But, Darling, this has been the most perfect night, the most perfect proposal, and the most perfect ring a Girl's ever had!"
"For you, Millicent! All for you!"
They kissed once more, deeply, passionately, with all the excitement their new future together could hold.
"Do you need your blindfold?" he teased, holding her in his arms.
"Maybe…for the elevator?" she grinned coyly. "But on you, this time, my Darling!"
"Fair enough!" he laughed.
He bent down as she stretched to blindfold him. Then she led him into the elevator, where she kissed her new Fiancé most properly, or improperly, as the case might be.
Even blindfolded, or perhaps because he was blindfolded, he was consumed by her, completely, cosmically, infinitely!
Immersed in this most beautiful woman, now his Fiancée!
"We've reached the lobby," she nudged.
He bent his head down for her to untie the silk scarf, because her next reaction, he had to see for himself!
As they made their way down to the Main Entrance, with their arms wrapped tightly around each other, they were both walking on air.
Both jubilant, but Nathan also expectant, with sparkling eyes, for he knew what was coming next!
They weren't just getting in the Limo to go home…
And just as he expected, as they walked out the Front Door, she shrieked his name.
"Nathan!"
There was no Limo in sight.
In its place was the most elegant horse-drawn carriage, with a glorious team of beautiful matched white horses, waiting for them. The carriage had a half canopy, so they would be somewhat hidden inside, still able to see out.
And yes, her Security Team was out in full force, but thankfully completely hidden, for once.
You couldn't even tell they were still there!
Nathan wanted her to feel free of them, with Security applied in a more elegant, more fairy tale sort of way…
To accomplish that, her new Fiancé had taken a very different measure of safety and called in a favor with his Mountie friends.
The entire carriage was surrounded by an entourage of twelve Mounties: three in the front and the rear, and three on each side, in a triangle formation with two next to the carriage and one on the outside.
This allowed the two Mounties on the outside to break with the right going to the front and the left going to the rear when they reached the more narrowed streets of Old Montreal.
It was a formidable guard, but a most elegant one, with all the Mounties in their dress uniforms, ensuring safety for Nathan's brand-new Fiancée, while allowing her to do something she had always wanted to do.
"Welcome to your Carriage, soon to be Mrs. Grant!"
She gasped and threw her arms around him.
"You, Constable, are so wonderful! A Carriage Ride and getting to be the future Mrs. Nathan Grant, what could be better?"
They kissed each other tenderly, standing there in front of the Observatory, this special site of their engagement, under the moonlight and the many twinkling stars.
"You said the ring was exquisite, Mil, and it is. But not nearly as exquisite as you, my Darling! I love you, Millicent, with all my being, I love you! And I'm truly the luckiest and most blessed man in the entire world!"
He lifted her into the carriage and wrapped her in the fur blanket laying there, got in beside her, scooting under the blanket with her, and motioned for them to start their journey across the Island.
He had one arm around her as she nestled into him, full of excitement and joy! Their hands were entwined and they were one.
The Diamonds around her Emerald sparkled from the light of the carriage lanterns.
The clip-clop of the horses rang out rhythmically into the night full of brilliant stars above them.
"I'm so elated, I'm going to explode with happiness and joy!"
"Oh, Mil, me too! This is beyond anything I've ever imagined!"
They whispered words of love to each other as lovers do, especially newly engaged lovers, ignoring the people around them, having eyes only for each other.
The lighting was scarce on the Island, but as the carriage turned, the Observatory, where they had just been, was suddenly engulfed in light!
"Nathan, look! It's breathtaking! I can't believe that's where we just got engaged!"
"All for you, Darling! It's all very real."
The lights dimmed, and the moon and the stars shone brighter than ever in the dark sky.
As they made their way through the beautiful moonlit arboretum and across the Island, their carriage finally entered the long-bearing cobblestone streets of Old Montreal!
And it was magical.
Gas Streetlights lined both sides of the narrow streets and although after hours, storefronts were awash with golden light from the flickering flames of their decorative wall lanterns!
It was truly a fairy tale, riding in their beautiful carriage, escorted by a team of twelve Mounties all dressed in their red and gold dress uniforms, traveling over the ancient cobblestone roads.
Yes, a real-life fairy tale, where the Prince could joyfully observe just how jubilant his Princess was.
She was exhilarating, taking it all in, enthralled with every single second, and he was thrilled he had figured out a way to give her dream to her, especially on this most special of nights, their beautiful engagement night!
There were secret whispers, tiny kisses, and not so tiny kisses, lots of I love you's, laughter, hugs, giggles, constant touch along with sweet unexpected touches, and the epitome of romance.
This was their night and it couldn't possibly have been any more special!
As they moved out of Old Montreal, onto the wider roads, the setting and scenery changed somewhat to the newer, but was just as magnificent in its own way!
A different way, a new way, a modern way.
Nathan pointed out a few of the Buildings and Parks he remembered, and Millicent pointed out places she thought Nathan might not know.
"What a different perspective! To think I might not have ever seen Montreal this way! And with you! Thank you, Darling, with all my heart for doing this! There just are no words for this moonlit carriage ride that I've dreamed about for so long, and for everything else so very special on this, the most magical night I've ever had in my life!"
"I'm just happy you're enjoying it, Love! That means the world to me! And that I get to enjoy it with you is just an unbelievable added bonus!"
He reached to kiss her and they both felt the fire inside them, fueling their future, now full of hope and each other in the promise of marriage!
This was as real as it gets.
She touched her ring, still sparkling in the dark.
"Now I know you'll always be with me!"
He kissed her passionately.
"Always, my Love! Forever and a day!"
And they snuggled back in their carriage seat together, as elated, jubilant, and contented as two people could possibly be.
They passed Millicent's Office, and followed the Park Square in front of it, crossing the lit bridge over the River Tributary that ran through the elegant Park, finally winding their way to Millicent's Townhouse.
On their arrival, Nathan lifted his Fiancée from their carriage and stood at attention to formally give and receive the Mounties' salute prior to them riding away!
"What a sight, Darling!" exclaimed Millicent, as they both watched after the pageantry, with the Mounties and their mounts gradually receding into the night's darkness.
Nathan smiled and nodded.
"I know this technically comes later," he laughed, as he swiftly scooped her up and carried her through her front door. "But, there should be a similar tradition for engagements! So, if there's not already one, we'll just create it!"
"You are without a doubt the most romantic man I know!"
"And I plan to keep it that way, Love!"
"You'd better!" and she kissed her Prince, who was looking devastatingly handsome tonight in his Tux!
They somehow ended up on the living room sofa, in front of a roaring fire, neither of them able to retire.
So, instead, Millicent loosened Nathan's tie, untying it completely, letting it hang around his neck. Then she removed her wrap, then his coat, and found a bottle of Champagne to celebrate!
Nathan popped the cork to Millicent's giggles and poured the bubbly liquid into their two champagne flutes.
"To my future, most beautiful and wonderful Wife!"
"To my future, most handsome and wonderful Husband!"
They made themselves comfortable as they sipped their Champagne and watched the fire, in each other's arms.
"Could anything be more perfect, Darling?" mused Millicent.
"No, my Love, it could not! I love you to the sun, the moon, and the stars…" whispered Nathan.
"Tonight, you've given me them all! And so much more!"
They talked and kissed most of their magnificent night away till they finally fell asleep in each other's arms on the sofa.
Their lives now joyously and officially bound together forever, on this their most special night - their engagement night!
Trying their best, in their elation, to at least catch a bit of sleep for their journey North, which was by now only a few hours away…
(*6) Multiple Online Searches, Public Domain.