Chapter Twenty-Three: Traveling North - Part I
"Eeeek Miss Millicent! Is that what I think it is?"
"Yes, Essie! It's my engagement ring!"
Essie's reaction of screams were heard throughout both townhouses!
"Glory be!" "It's finally happened!" "Oh, I'm so happy!" "This is so exciting!"
Then she calmed down enough to re-verify with Millicent!
"Has my Young Man really proposed?" she asked with a bit of trepidation, not sure she could trust this being real!
"Yes, Essie, he really did, and here's the ring to prove it!" and Millicent laughing, held out her hand so Essie could inspect more closely.
"Why this is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my life!"
"It all happened last night! And it was perfect! Absolutely perfect!"
Essie was supposed to be helping Millicent gather her casual clothes for this morning's jaunt up North, but after this bit of news, she was totally beside herself, not able to concentrate on anything at all!
"I knew he had a ring, Miss! I knew it! I knew it from the outline of the ring box in his tux pocket that night you fell asleep, and then there were a few questions here and there that made me wonder. But I had no idea when he planned to do it! I was so hoping and praying it was last night. And now my prayers are answered!"
She continued on, all in a dither.
"Why Hendrix and I purposely retired early, so you two would have some privacy on your return! But we didn't know for sure until now! And I'm over the moon, Miss! This is the best morning we've woken up to in forever! Congratulations, Baby Girl!" and she grabbed Millicent in a huge embrace full of love!
"I'm so happy, Essie. I still can't believe it. It was the most perfect, most romantic night of my life! We went on a huge Ferris Wheel and watched the sunset, just the two of us, then we went to the Observatory and saw the moon and the stars like we've never seen them before. They were so close, it felt like you could reach out and touch them! It was just pure magic! Then we had the most wonderful dinner there with all of my favorites, and then we danced, and Nathan knelt down on one knee and asked me. I was shocked! I just wasn't expecting a proposal, but everything was so beautiful! And when we left, he had a carriage with a Mountie Guard waiting for me to bring me home, all the way from the island through Old Montreal and the new part of the city too. It was like a fairy tale! A real live fairy tale!"
"Sounds exactly like a fairy tale, Miss. Mrs. Grant has taught her Son very well, indeed!"
"Yes, she has. He's the most romantic man I know! Nathan would never admit it, but I honestly think he gets a lot of it from his Dad, too! That Gaelic charm and all! I just love him so!"
"Of course, you do Child. And he loves you every bit as much! The whole thing just makes me so happy, because it's meant to be. And it's been meant to be for the longest time. That's all there is to it!"
In the Guest Townhouse, Nathan was going through a similar experience with Hendrix, who was just as excited as Essie, although a bit more reserved in showing it!
"Sir, the very best of wishes! Essie and I are just elated for you and Miss Millicent. We always knew the two of you belonged together, and it's just wonderful to see it being made official!"
"Thank you, Hendrix. That means a lot!"
And the two men embraced.
"If I may say, you look happier than I've ever seen you, Sir! And perhaps more contented?"
"That's because I am happier and more contented than I've ever been! Hendrix, why didn't I do this years ago?"
"Timing is a funny thing, Sir. But, for whatever reason, I think things tend to work out when they're supposed to work out!"
"I suppose you're right. But I will admit it's hard to understand. I look at Millicent, and think, how have I lived without her all this time? How have Allie and I lived without her all this time? And why?"
"Well, thankfully, that's something you won't have to ponder much longer, Sir! The two of you are finally together, and now officially going to be a family with Miss Allie! Now, you just have to determine when Sir!"
"And how," smiled Nathan.
"Yes, that too, Sir! Life is never simple, is it?"
"No, Hendrix, it doesn't seem so! I know Allie is going to be over the moon with elation! In fact, Millicent's going back to Hope Valley with me for a week to be with Allie. So, I should be grateful for that. But truthfully, between us, I'm already dreading Millicent's return to Montreal without us!"
"I'm sure you are grateful, Sir! But where there is love, there is longing. It's normal to miss her when you're gone, and even to be a little terrified about parting from each other…"
Nathan noticed a far-away look in Hendrix's eyes, and just decided to go for it!
"Hendrix, you do know Estella missed you like crazy when you were visiting England, don't you?"
"You think so, Sir?"
"I know so. I could tell by her look when we were talking about your trip. Why she thinks the world of you, Hendrix!"
Hendrix looked shocked.
"All I'm saying, Hendrix, if there's anything there, don't do what I did and let so much time pass by, that it's wasted."
Hendrix nodded, not quite sure what to say.
After gathering his thoughts, he was finally able to at least acknowledge Nathan's comment.
"Sir, I think that's very good advice!" and then he quickly changed the subject. "Is there anything else I can do for you, Sir, before we go to Breakfast?"
"No, thank you, Hendrix. Our talk was just what I needed!"
Nathan walked out behind Hendrix, with his hand on Hendrix's shoulder.
"Perhaps, it was what I needed as well, Sir…"
"Good morning, Beautiful Fiancee!" and Nathan reached to kiss Millicent, with his arms around her shoulders, as she was already sitting at the table, beaming up at him!
"Good morning, Love! Essie and I got everything ready for breakfast, since Albert is chomping at the bit for us to get on the road! We've said Grace, but I'll say it again with you, Darling!"
He sat down at the head of the table, in the spot she had reserved for him.
"Just a silent prayer…" he held her hand as he prayed, then lifted his face to her with a smile and a contentment, she was overjoyed to see!
Her Nathan was coming back to her. He was slowly healing and becoming whole again from the tragic loss of his twin, and she was so very thankful! She could see it and she now knew he would someday be whole again, while still missing Colleen, as it should be.
Now, she just had to steer him back to his music, because Colleen would want him playing and singing again.
And writing again, doing all the things he used to love to do.
But she knew that was going to take time, and in this, she would be patient, helping him in every way she could.
She gave herself no credit for his transformation, but truthfully, it was her love that was healing him.
He smiled conspiratorially at her, then took her hand and kissed her ring, which brought a look of love between them that both Essie and Hendrix were thrilled to see.
Hendrix cleared his throat and began serving the Eggs with Toast Points, while Essie served a Stack of Hot Blueberry Pancakes along with her famous Hot Blueberry Syrup, to go with the Meats, Fruits, and Juices already set on the table!
"Hendrix, you and Essie are eating with us this morning. There's your place by Essie," instructed Millicent cheerily.
Hendrix looked slightly rattled for a second or two, but quickly recovered, and held Essie's chair for her, while he found his own spot.
The four sat pleasurably together, but excitedly, with more talk about the engagement along with a few specific questions, the couple happily answered.
Finally between the two of them, Nathan and Millicent had given a satisfactory account of all the details of their engagement, so that Hendrix and Estella felt fully included!
Nathan noticed that once Hendrix had gotten over the shock of sitting by Essie in the main Dining Room, he had relaxed and was thoroughly engaged in conversation with her.
Millicent was smiling, noticing the same thing!
"Well, the one thing I don't understand, Miss Millicent is why you're so taken with the place up North, of all places!"
"Oh, Essie, it's beautiful countryside, and it's large enough to be safe and even have privacy! I think you'd love it if you actually saw it! It reminds me of the Grant's Ranch, beyond Swan Hills!"
"Well, you two just be careful up there. You never know what you're going to run into. Give me the city any day!"
"It's not the wilderness, Estella," interjected Hendrix calmly.
"Wilderness or not, it's still not the city!" she quickly retorted, but with a huge smile.
They all laughed, as Essie returned to the kitchen to retrieve more Hot Pancakes!
"Miss, I've already given my best wishes to our Nathan, but my heartiest congratulations to you on your engagement! Just so very happy for your both!"
"Thank you so much, Hendrix! I've never been this happy in my entire life!" and she couldn't help but gaze at Nathan as she spoke.
"It shows, Miss! On both your faces. And it's a beautiful thing to see!"
"Who's up for more Pancakes?" asked Essie, coming back into the room from the kitchen with a new steaming hot stack of Blueberry Pancakes.
"They're Blueberry, Essie! Do you even have to ask? I could eat the whole stack!" complimented Nathan.
Essie beamed that her Nathan couldn't get enough of her Pancakes!
"Hendrix, would you like a couple?"
"Yes, Estella, please. Thank you! They are quite delicious! But not tell I fix us a round of Celebratory Breakfast Mimosas. I'll be right back!"
Millicent didn't miss that Essie was beaming from his compliment! She also noticed Essie placed Hendrix's pancakes under the warmer, so they wouldn't get cold! Something that Nathan also immediately noticed and was grinning at Millicent about.
Maybe Nathan was right. Maybe there really was something there! Millicent sure did hope so.
'Hmm, maybe Nathan and I can even nudge it along!' thought Millicent with glee.
After the rest of their breakfast, along with their celebratory Breakfast Mimosas compliments of Hendrix, came another round of very excited congratulations and best wishes on the new engagement, including even more excited exclamations of joy from Essie along with tears, embraces, and kisses galore!
Essie had also insisted on packing a huge picnic basket to go, for lunch and snacks, with enough to last the entire day!
"Just in case you need Lunch out there in that Northern wild!"
Apparently Hendrix was right - anything north of the city to Essie truly was the wilderness!
They had laughed and thanked her with kisses, and Hendrix with a kiss from Millicent and a hug from Nathan.
Hendrix and Estella watched and waved at the back door, proudly thrilled for the couple they thought of as their 'children,' while Nathan walked Millicent to the Limo, where Albert was anxiously waiting to start their day's journey!
"Miss Millicent, I hear congratulations are in order," offered Albert as he reached to kiss her cheek!
"Thank you, Albert," Millicent beamed.
"Best wishes, Sir! So very happy for you both!"
"Thank you, Albert. We appreciate that! And thank you for your assistance!" and the two men heartily shook hands!
"It was a pleasure, Sir!"
Nathan helped Millicent into the back of the Limo, as Albert held the door for them.
"I think Estella and Hendrix were as excited as us, Love!"
Nathan chuckled.
"I think you're right!"
"I still can't believe last night actually happened!"
He lifted her left hand to his lips.
"This, my Darling, proves it did happen and you said yes. No backing out now!" he teased.
"Not in a million years, Love! Afraid you're stuck with me forever!"
"I can't think of any person in the world I'd rather be stuck with forever!" smiled Nathan. "Or anyone else I'd even want to be stuck with period!"
He kissed her nose, which brought giggles.
"There goes that Grant charm again! I must say, it does serve you quite well, Constable!"
He smiled and held her closer, as they snuggled in together.
The couple was on their way to visit the French Farm up North, actually The Toussant Estate, which Millicent had fallen in love with as a possible Country Home in case they ever needed it!
A place to stable their horses and ride, a place for them alone to enjoy on weekends and/or summers away from big city life whenever they were in Montreal, and in Millicent's mind, a place to raise a family without all the security concerns within the city!
And although she hadn't said it to Nathan, not wanting him to feel pressure, she loved it so much, she would even be happy to buy it just as an investment, as she knew, without doubt, it was a very good one!
That way, at least, they would have it, if they ever did want to make it into a home.
It was that perfect of a place, and she truly loved it that much, but she didn't want it at all, unless Nathan truly fell in love with it, too.
"You'd better get ready for tonight. With both sets of our parents together, they will be beside themselves with excitement, Mil!"
"I can't wait to see your parents and then tell all four of them our news together! You're right. They'll all be positively elated!"
"You know, I didn't want to tell you till after we'd made it official, but yesterday, Allie told me all she wanted for Christmas was a family! You are going to make one beautiful little girl happier than she has ever been in her whole life, Millicent!"
"Oh, Nathan, the poor child! She's just been through so much. Let's give her the best Christmas ever!"
"You're already doing that! You're the mother she's always wanted! I think in her mind that will make us a real family."
He watched her closely for any sign of fear or overwhelm, as Nathan knew those emotions would have been normal for most women to feel.
But with Millicent, there was none.
"I love her, Nathan. It's strange, but I already feel like she's my daughter. The whole family will all be here in Montreal for Christmas. Do you think there's any way you could bring Allie here, so we can celebrate the Holidays together, and introduce her to her new family, with all her new cousins?"
"I don't see why not!"
"That's family too! I know it's not the brother or sister she talked about wanting in Hope Valley, but cousins are also important! Jackson is exactly her age and little Margaret, our Maggie, is just two years younger. Of course, the two little ones always keep things hopping! Jacques is three and little Margeaux, our Margie, is two. Plus, she'll have a new grandfather and grandmother, two new uncles in Richard and William, and two new aunties in Margaret and Pippa. It's a start!"
He reached to kiss her.
"It's much more than just a start! It's a great one! Here, I had just thought about her finally getting a mother, but you're right! She will be getting a whole new, wonderful Bradford Family, too! Of course, we'll come for Christmas here. She'll be elated! You've just filled her Christmas wish in one fell swoop!"
"Darling, do you think your parents would come to celebrate the Holidays with us, too? Mother and Father would love to have them and it would be so wonderful for Allie and us to all be together!"
"Sounds perfect! But for that, I'll have to let you work your magic. If anyone can convince my parents to come for Christmas, it's going to be you, Love!"
"Challenge accepted! Oh, my goodness, I almost forgot! There's Albert, Estella, and Hendrix! They're definitely honorary auntie and uncles, too!"
"Absolutely! You know it's amazing, thinking about them with a second-generation, well really a third-generation, of children! Are you up for that," he asked with sparkly eyes.
"You better believe it! As many as God will bless us with! And as quickly as possible," she responded with the most excited look on her face!
He reverently kissed her, this woman who would be his wife and bear his children.
"What about you," she whispered.
"Exactly the same! As many and as quickly as God blesses us with!"
"That makes me so very happy!"
"Millicent, we haven't even talked about where to live. I know it's going to be a lot easier for me to relocate than you. So, why don't we make Montreal our home?"
"Darling, I love that you would be willing to do that for me, but I was thinking the opposite. I think we need to be in Hope Valley, at least for the school year. I don't want to take Allie away from her friends! I think I can get Richard to spare someone from his firm to manage my practice, and perhaps I could manage some of the charities from Hope Valley. Maybe, if Allie agreed, we could spend summers here so I could catch up with work, and lay out a plan for the coming work year. Then maybe after Allie graduates from school and goes to college, we could make Montreal our base if you'd like."
"Millicent, you truly do amaze me! I hadn't even thought of it that way. I just know Allie will be so elated to have a mother! And I can easily transfer. I mean…I honestly don't think it's quite fair of us to uproot you from all your work and responsibilities.
"But you wouldn't be uprooting me, Darling. I'll be happy wherever you and Allie are! It will just take some ingenuity to restructure work and the charities. But I'm sure it can be done!"
"You really mean that, don't you?" he asked incredulously.
"Absolutely! Okay, at least now we know we aren't going to have a problem deciding where to live. Whatever we decide as a family will be perfect," she smiled.
"A family! Do you know how wonderful that sounds? But we will be an instant family of three! Does that cause any anxiety at all, Mil?"
"Not at all, Darling! Perhaps it should, but it just feels like the most natural thing in the world. Actually, it makes me excited, not anxious! Although you and Allie both will have to teach me things, I'm sure! We'll find our way with lots of love, and we'll be The Grant Family of Three! That's just so amazing! I can't tell you how very much I've wanted a family! Forever, really. And I can't imagine being a part of one with anyone but you and Allie! But whatever we decide to do as to where we live, I would like to keep the Townhouse as our Montreal base for whenever we need it, if that's okay with you, as it doesn't make sense to get rid of one townhouse and keep only the other for corporate, since they're connected. It's such a lovely place, too. And of course, it would be wonderful to have this Farm as a country escape from the city whenever we're here. I hope you love it as much as I do, but if you don't, that's okay too. No pressure. Just say so. This just sort of fell into my lap, really. I was working with the Toussants on their contributions to a local orphanage, going back and forth, meeting with them, helping them decide how to set their trust up to maximize their money to meet the needs of the children there. That's how I fell in love with the place and discovered they really wanted to sell!"
"You want space where you can be freer to move on your own land without security within, don't you?"
He lifted her chin with his fingers and continued, looking directly into her beautiful green eyes.
"I can tell by your eyes. That's exactly why it's so important to you!"
"Yes, you know me well. That's exactly it," she admitted. "I was thinking security could be spread out more, so they wouldn't be so underfoot, and I'd love to have Serena and Cookie with me, and have the freedom to ride!"
"I've heard all about Cookie! I think my mother is in love with that little foal! Of course, you want your horses with you! Darling, I want what makes you happy! That's why we're visiting today. I couldn't possibly not see the place you love so much! If you love it, I'm sure it's perfect! But I am pretty excited to see it for myself, too!"
She kissed his cheek.
"I hope you love it, but I'll know if you really do or if you're just humoring me!"
Nathan chuckled.
"You know me too well, Love!"
She laid her head on his shoulder, listening to the rhythm of his heartbeat and it wasn't long before the two of them had fallen asleep together, Nathan with his chin resting on the top of her golden blonde hair, holding Millicent in his arms.
Albert smiled, looking back at them, proud to have played a part in helping the Constable pull off his special Engagement Night. He was so happy that these two had made it official and in such a memorable, romantic way!
You see, Albert was old enough to know just how important romance was in a couple's lives!
Romantic memories to last a lifetime, that would only grow more precious with age.
And it was even more important to start out that way.
They had laid a strong foundation of love, based on an enduring friendship, but now in-depth romance had been added in, ensuring these two were made for each other, without a doubt!
And that filled Albert's soul with happiness.
In order to let them sleep as long as possible, Albert waited till the very last spot he could to refuel.
But when he actually stopped, the lack of motion caused them both to awaken.
"There you go! Falling asleep on me again!" teased Nathan.
"But you fell asleep too! I know you did! So, it doesn't count! Yes, your breathing was very slow and rhythmic, so you were definitely asleep! Not sure where I learned that!"
"Surely not!" he teased.
"Umhm! Come, let's stretch our legs! I want to show you something…"
Nathan helped Millicent out of the Limo, into the chilly air, but neither minded.
She took his hand and excitedly pulled him up a knoll, where they stood on the very top, both in their ranch clothes, Nathan with his hat on, Millicent's tied at her neck and hanging at her back.
Albert glanced up and noticed what a striking couple they made standing there, even in casual clothes!
Millicent pointed from one end to the other, revealing a tall stone fence that seemed to go as far as the eye could take in.
"That stone fence marks the entire perimeter of the acreage we're about to see, and it's a lot of acreages!"
"It's the most beautiful dry-stone fence I've ever seen. Each rock looks like it's been shaped into a perfect oblong. Or is it dry-stone?"
"Monsieur Toussant says it is actually cemented in the way of his village in France where all
that is hidden. He insists it will stand forever because by being hidden, the cement isn't exposed to nature!"
"It's quite stunning and massive too! I've never seen one so high, yet so perfectly straight."
"Wait till you see the main entrance! And all the other entrances are identical, just on a smaller scale."
He was now standing behind her holding her around her waist, both looking outward.
And although he didn't understand it, a feeling of home came over him like never before.
Was this their home?
Could this really be their home together?
"I love you, Millicent Bradford, and since I won't be able to say it when we're apart, I'm saying it now every single chance I get!"
"Oh, Baby, don't even say the word apart. I don't know how I'll ever leave you and Allie when I have to leave Hope Valley alone!"
He kissed her fears away, although the same ones were eating away at him.
"I don't want to think about that either, but think of it this way, each day just brings us closer to being together! And right now, we've got a farm to look at!"
"Yes, we do! But I should explain, I call it a farm, but Monsieur Toussant calls it his estate, so we mustn't offend him by calling it a farm, which it technically is!"
"That, Babe, means it's a very large farm! Don't worry, 'estate' it is!"
She laughed.
"I don't care what it's called! I see a home, with a riding paddock for our children and stables for our horses!"
"Our children! That sounds wonderful!"
"Well, Allie did say she wants brothers and sisters!"
But when Millicent realized what she had said, she blushed, and he reached to kiss her again with all the tenderness in the world!
"And our horses, too?" he quipped. "You do know you're my kind of woman! I think you love the horses as much as I do!"
"You, my Love, are positively incorrigible! Yes, our horses, too!"
"And you love it!"
She tried her best to give him an exasperated look but ended up giggling like a schoolgirl, instead, because truthfully, she loved his teasing very much.
They finally turned and walked back toward the Limo arm in arm, determined to make the most of every moment they had, happily waving to Albert who was standing there waiting for them.
"Albert, we're almost there!"
"Just down the road, Miss!"
Albert held their door as they jumped in the back seat.
As they pulled out of the small Mercantile/Refueling Station, Nathan was amazed by the lack of homes they had passed.
In fact, it seemed they had passed farm after farm, without actually seeing their houses or similar manmade structures, except barely, in a distance, which left a feeling of being at one with nature which he loved.
And now they were passing mile after mile of identical stone fencing, until suddenly in a clove of tall shade trees, Albert started to turn, driving them under the trees till they reached an almost hidden, but massive wrought iron gate with a very large initial 'T' on each side in gold, sitting between two very large stone columns.
Suddenly, a man appeared from a tiny guardhouse behind the trees, and the gates swung open wide.
They continued on down a long drive edged with identical tall White Oaks on both sides, creating a beautiful overhang above them.
Nathan was beginning to get the idea this land Millicent was in love with was not only a farm but much more!
But then again Millicent was used to all this; he was not.
This was quite a bit more than what he was expecting. A lot more to be exact. Quite stunning, but a lot for him to take in…
"Look, Darling! There's the Caretaker's house! Isn't it beautiful?"
"Mil, I could live there and die a happy man!"
"Truly, I could be happy there, too! The main house is out of stone, covered with slate, and has turquoise shutters just like this one, but it is much larger, with lots of architectural detail. There is a surprise I'm saving for you, though, that I think you'll love. I know it's a lot, but at least let's try to keep an open mind!"
"I promise I will. It's just…all of this is a bit out of my league."
"Darling, if this is too much, we don't have to do this at all. Really we don't."
She was caressing his arm, searching his eyes, and he knew she meant what she said.
She always did.
There were no games, no wishy-washiness with her.
He always knew exactly where she stood and that comforted him.
It was so different from what he had experienced with the other couple of women he had known in his life.
It was one of many things he adored about her.
"Mil, I'm so sorry. Of course, we'll see everything today. But Darling…is this really something you can afford?"
"It's really something WE can afford. I've had Father look at the numbers and photos of the main structures. And I've also had an independent appraiser to thoroughly assess everything."
"And what did they think?"
"That it's beautiful and historic, plus a very sound investment. Both are sure if it is put on the open market, that it will bring much, much more than the price they've given me. The farm, or estate I suppose I should say, has multiple businesses that are already established and are huge sources of income. In fact, more than enough to pay us back annually, over a period of five years, what we would be spending for the property. Of course, there are expenses in managing those businesses, but nothing we can't handle. The income more than offsets the expenses incurred. The appraiser deemed them all to be sound ventures that could be taken over without much of a wrinkle."
"I should have known you would have thoroughly checked everything out. But Darling, I'm working blind here, so I'm deferring to your judgment!"
At that exact moment, Albert pulled up in front of the most elegant, but comfortable and homey 'farmhouse' he had ever seen.
All stone, with light turquoise, shuttered windows everywhere, that ran the length of the house, all trimmed in a dark wood, with a slate shingled roof, just like in France.
"It's huge, but it's definitely a happy home," whispered Nathan to Millicent as they got out of the Limo.
"Wait till you see inside!"
Monsieur Toussant met them at the door.
"Bonjour! Welcome to our humble home, ma belle Mademoiselle!"
The elderly man kissed Millicent on both cheeks as was his custom, and then thrust out his hand to welcome Nathan.
"Monsieur Toussant, this is my Fiancé, Constable Nathan Grant! Nathan, this is my dear friend, Monsieur Toussant who owns this beautiful estate!"
"Une grand plaisir de vous rencontrer, Constable!"
"It's a great pleasure to meet you as well, Sir. You have a very lovely estate!"
"Merci beaucoup! It's all due to my wife. She decorated our home and has put her golden touch throughout the estate. Marnie is visiting her sister today in Old Montreal, who's been quite ill, or she would give you the tour herself! And I have a horse to shoe! Millicent knows her way around, so you two just make yourself at home and tour the place. When you're through, meet me at the stables, and I'll let you choose your rides! Prander plaisir! Enjoy!"
And with a smile, Monsieur Toussant was headed out the front door, but he turned and called back to them.
"Oh, Marnie left you a kettle of tea on the stove and her homemade biscuits on the table! Just help yourself! Might even be warm enough to sit outside on the back terrace, for a bit!"
And with another smile and wave, the owner of the estate was gone…
Millicent placed her arm around Nathan's waist.
"What do you feel?" she asked.
"I feel I love you more than I ever thought possible and I already can see why you love this place! It's quite something!"
She reached up to kiss him, making him smile all the way up to his eyes.
"You're the one who's really quite something and I love you more than I dreamt possible! What are we going to do, Darling?"
"Get married much sooner rather than later…"
And before he could finish his words, his lips hungrily found hers which were longing for his, and perhaps without them realizing it, they were truly home, in more ways than one.
When they finally tore themselves apart, both were completely breathless.
"Although I'd much rather be standing here, kissing you, we'll never get this tour done, if we don't start, my Love! This is all very large you know. We literally have a lot of ground to cover!"
"I can see! Okay, you lead the way, Babe! I'll try really hard to concentrate," he winked.
They were standing in what looked to be the main, very wide hall, which was paneled in dark wood and decorated more as a massive collection of rooms.
"To the right is the living room and there's a similar-sized room on the left that serves as the dining room with lots of windows."
"Beyond this hall, there is a library, that you actually walk through to the massive kitchen and sunroom in the back of the house."
The library was very unique with its pass-through hall, and so far there had been fireplaces in every room, with two identical ones in the library!
The kitchen was old school, with copper pots hanging everywhere, quite earthy, homey, and very beautiful.
And yes, two more fireplaces, one to cook in, one for ambiance and warmth!
"This room just needs a lot of blue and yellow to brighten it up," suggested Millicent.
Nathan was awestruck. The kitchen was huge, yet still homey. But what caught his eyes were the majestic views he saw through the back windows, which were huge.
He was speechless.
"This is your surprise, Darling!"
And as they still had their coats on, she led him outside, where he could see past the perfectly wintered beds of kitchen gardens in what would be veggies and herbs mixed in with what he assumed to be flower beds in the right season!
He could only imagine how beautiful it would all be, come spring!
Then there was a beautiful expanse of what he knew would be a lush green yard in the spring, that fell all the way down to the banks of a magnificent lake with the bluest of water!
"Millicent, there's a lake and it looks huge!"
"It is huge! Not sure of the exact size in acreage, but I do know the Toussants have a beautiful old vintage boat they use to fish from, and they're letting the boat and everything else go with the house, even the furniture inside!"
"What can I say? This is heaven on earth…"