Chapter Thirty: A Night In – Part II
After they finished their meal and cleared their dessert plates, they retired to the living room, where Hendrix had left a roaring fire.
"Babe, where are Hendrix and Essie? I just realized they haven't been around since we started Dinner!"
"Hendrix took Essie down to the theatre for her rehearsal tonight for tomorrow's matinee!"
"Aha! Told you there's something there! And that dance proved it!"
"You win! I think you might just be right! And honestly, I'm thrilled!"
"Oh, me, too! I think they're perfect for each other! Wonder what they thought about the new place?"
"You know, I haven't really gotten to talk to them, but they seemed happy enough taking inventory. But who knows after tonight? Maybe that was just because they were happy to be together! We'll have to chat with them when they come back home tonight! Ready to compare lists, Darling?"
"The dreaded lists?"
"Let's do it!"
"My first item was an engagement ring - check!"
"And what a check that is!" As she fell into him, kissing him ardently, wrapping her arms around his neck, with sheer joy emanating around her.
"And here I was dreading going through our lists! I think I might just like this!" and he pulled her onto his lap.
"You, pay attention," she warned. "Next item, please!"
"You are so cruel! Lists can be so boring! I think we need at least a little play to break up the boredom!"
She laughed and pointed to his list, grabbing hers in hand.
"Yet lists can be so productive, too, Constable!"
"You're such a spoilsport! My second item was our Wedding Date - check! Wow! I'm really on a roll, checking them off!"
"Yes, you are, Love! You get another kiss for setting the date!"
She ran her fingers through the nape of his hair and tilted her head in order to manage pressing her own soft lips against his, both attentively kissing each other with all the fire they had in them.
He wrapped his arms around her, holding her as if she were the most precious thing in the world, because she was, deepening his kiss, a kiss that told her he simply couldn't live without her. And one that told him, just as intently, that she couldn't live without him!
They finally collected themselves, breathing short rapid breaths, grinning from ear to ear, resting a moment together before either could recover to even look at their lists!
Millicent eventually and feebly pointed to his list, and he had to agree, if they didn't seriously get back on track, these lists would never get done…
And as laborious as they were, these lists were their future.
So, back to them!
"My third item was The Holidays, which we'll be happily spending in Montreal - check!"
"Mine too! And, they are going to be spectacular! I promise. Nothing better than Christmas in Montreal! Our first Family Christmas and then our Wedding to start out the New Year! I get chills thinking about it all!"
"You go next!" he urged.
"A big one for me was for you to know our financials. I know how important it is and also how very overwhelming it can be! I also know as we've discussed before, it's extremely difficult for anyone to comprehend. But Nathan, what I have is truly yours, too, the moment we marry," and she smiled radiantly, "on the 31st of December, no less!"
She continued.
"Just remember the money is really just a lot of numbers on paper. It doesn't change who you are or who I am. It just changes our circumstances, in good ways and in not-so-good ways. And Nathan, I know it's not traditional, but you need to know, as a couple, we'll inherit a part of Father's fortune someday, equally with the other siblings, although I can't bear to think of that!"
"Your Father's already shared that with me, Love!"
"Oh, good, I'm glad you've had a chance for that to sink in. I know it's an awful lot. But when you see the vast amount of money we will have, know that it is simply insurance that we can keep all the particulars afloat of the various companies that will become our responsibility. And that is what in turn gives many, many people their livelihood. It helps me to know that at the end of the day, we're just stewards of it all. That's been particularly drilled into Richard and me since childhood, as well as William and Pippa to a lesser degree because they're younger."
"That's a pretty solid way to look at it. And that's exactly the way I'm trying to approach it, too. Our life together is about you and me, Mil, not the money. I will learn to be a steward of it along with you, but you'll have to teach me how!"
"I promise I will, Darling! To the best of my ability. And if it's alright with you, the Finance Team is going to stay late tomorrow after our meeting about the farm, to go over a summary of all the financials. So, can we check this one off?"
"For you, Mil, I think I'm ready to check that one off our list for good. Understand, though, I know it's still a process I have to work through. But, I want you to also know, it's a process I'm committed to."
She kissed him tenderly.
"I know it's not going to be easy, but your commitment means the world to me. I can't possibly expect you to feel comfortable overnight. It's taken me a lifetime, and honestly, there are still moments, I'm not so comfortable. I prayed about this not being a hindrance for us, and in my prayer, I gave it to you and God, and I have faith, as long as you're willing to try, it will all work out, Darling!"
"It is working out, and it will work out. I can't say it doesn't scare me, or I won't have moments of doubt, but there's a peace about it, too, and I'm going to cling to you and that peace. Don't worry about this, Love. We're in this together, just like we'll be in everything else, together. So, yes in process, and well on our way - check!"
"Short of our Children, that's the very best gift you could ever give me!"
He caressed her beautiful face.
"We'll eventually be okay, where this is concerned Mil. Promise me, you won't ever worry about this again. When it comes up as an issue, we'll just work through it. I promise."
"I promise, too, Darling! Whatever comes, instead of worry, we'll talk through it, and work it out as partners with open communication from both of us."
He kissed her tenderly, as a promise, that he would do exactly that, too.
"You know, Darling, I just thought of something that I had forgotten was on my list! You should set up a foundation of your own to give back in your own way, to something you're really passionate about. That, more than anything, will help you feel it's really yours to give and the difference you'll see that it makes, well, it just makes everything worthwhile!"
She was pensive, trying to find the right words.
"I know it sounds ironic, but by giving, it somehow helps make having the money more tolerable in a way you can't imagine. It helps you know you're doing something good with it, for something you're passionate about, something that needs to be improved! It's all about helping people and making a positive difference in their lives, if you allow it to be."
"You know that's actually not a bad idea, but I wouldn't have a clue how to start one. It's odd though, I can already think of a few causes I'd really like to help."
"Think about it, and I'll teach you, Love! And we, in turn, will teach Allie together!"
"That's perfect, Millicent. Only you would think to suggest that, and truthfully, I was concerned about her dealing with the money, too!"
He sighed, and shuffled his lists, realizing it was his turn.
"Next," she smiled.
"It's a big one: parenting – I think we have to do it as a team. I want you to feel we're equals in this, although I realize it will take you a while to feel comfortable. And because I've been the single parent up until now, just make sure I don't jump in when it should be you dealing with something. But, Mil, it's absolutely crucial, for you to always just be yourself! You have great instincts. Don't ever be afraid to speak your mind, both to me and to Allie. I want you to know, just as I am Allie's father, you are her mother, which means you have equal say, if not more, Darling, as the woman of the house. I will support how you handle any given situation. Always know that. We'll learn how to co-parent together. If something does come up, where either one of us differs, we'll discuss it behind closed doors and reach a consensus, there. Just know I love you, and I won't second guess you. We will provide a united front to Allie, and I will always support you, Darling."
"I know learning to be a mother and raising a child won't be easy, but am I naïve to think this will all work out?" she asked, laying her head on his chest.
"No, Darling, you're not naïve. There will be ups downs, and it won't always be easy, because that's how parenting is, but I have no doubt whatsoever, that this is all going to work out beautifully! We're going to be a complete, loving family, and that's been Allie's heart's desire for the longest time. For me, I can't tell you how wonderful it will be to have you as a partner in this! I trust your judgment implicitly, Mil. And quite frankly, I had no idea how I was going to make it through this next phase with Allie, alone. She needs a mother more than ever to navigate these teen years. But just not any mother. I know with all my heart, she needs you, Mil!"
He wasn't passing the torch to her, he was sharing the torch with her, instilling confidence, on this the most important thing they would do together.
That very fact, along with the immense confidence he had in her, filled her heart with a surge of love for him so strong, it almost took her breath away.
She wrapped her arms around him.
"You amaze me in what a wonderful father you've become. Allie already has the best dad in the world!"
She noticed tears in his eyes at her words.
"Although she doesn't know it yet, she's getting ready to have the best mother in the world! Thank you so much, Millicent for being willing to take this on, from the bottom of my heart. And I know you're doing it for me, because you love me, and for Allie, because you love her, but there's a part of me that knows you're also doing it for Colleen. And that fills my heart. I trust you parenting Allie, every bit as much as I trusted Colleen parenting her. And there's not another person in the world I could say that to. Everlasting gratitude, from me to you, my Darling!"
Nathan was openly crying, and she had never seen him do that before.
She wiped his tears, and tenderly kissed them all away, running her fingers through his hair, loving him, making him whole.
"You're not alone anymore, Darling!" and she kissed his cheek tenderly, gliding her hand over his now slightly stubbled cheek. "You'll never be alone again!"
It took him a while to recover, as he fully began to realize the fact he truly was no longer alone, not in parenting, not in anything.
She just held him, as the myriad of feelings he was experiencing washed over him, loving him through them, holding his head to her, caressing him, letting him cry on her shoulder, till he could smile at her again without the tears.
She couldn't imagine the weight he had carried alone all these years, from his loss of Colleen to learning to be a single parent, while holding down a most demanding job.
It was a monumental undertaking for a young single man, fresh out of the Academy, but he had done it, and he had done it willingly and splendidly.
She couldn't have been prouder of him, and she knew in her soul, she was ready to share his burdens, even lighten them, and remove some altogether.
She was ready to make both Nathan and Allie whole again…and by God's grace, she would do it!
"We need a break. Come to the kitchen and talk to me while I make us coffee?" she suggested.
"Can't think of anything better," and there was that crooked grin she loved.
She led him back to the kitchen, where he never left her side while she made their coffee, his strong and black, hers with lots of honey and a splash of cream.
He kissed her once more and carried both cups of coffee back into the living room for them.
"Your turn, Mil! And this is exactly how I like my coffee!"
She smiled and tenderly laid her hand on his thigh.
"Black coffee? You are way too easy!"
He pulled her to his lap, and they took turns drinking their cups of coffee there.
"My next one was where to live, and we've partially got that worked out. As you know, I felt certain, we would need to be in Hope Valley for Allie. But you know when I was showing everyone the house today, your mother was adamant that we put our marriage and our needs first in order to be the best for Allie. Everyone agreed, and they also told me to not forget children were adaptable. Mother reminded me had they not drug us all over Canada for Father's work, that you and I would have never even met. And she's right."
"That thought sends shivers down my spine. I can't imagine us not growing up together, Mil. But they both are right, Love. You can't just give up everything. I won't allow that. Summers, at the very least, are going to be in Montreal, so you can catch up with your work, and we can enjoy the farm as a family. That's a given. I'll work something out with headquarters."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely sure about our Summers. I've thought a lot about what you said, over these last few days. But honestly, Mil, I'm still not sure where it's best for us to be during the school year."
"Why don't we stay in Hope Valley this first year, as Allie adjusts to our marriage, and then if she feels she wants to stay there during the subsequent school years, that's what we'll do. But I do realize you're right, too. She has an opportunity to be exposed to our life in Montreal, as well. I want what's best for her, as do you. I'm just not sure what that is, either."
"But you do realize she's not always going to agree with our decisions, even when we make them with her welfare being most important, which we always will. It goes back to that parenting thing, Mil. It's just part of parenting. The hard part is, and it really is true, children have to have structure to feel loved. They don't always like it, but they need it. That was a very hard lesson for me to learn in parenting Allie. But I had to eventually learn that in a family, everyone gives and takes a bit."
"So, do we leave this as a wait and see?" she asked.
"I think so. And that's okay. Life isn't always yes or no. More often than not, it's complicated and a whole lot murkier."
"I agree. I know you're right. The most important thing is for Allie to know she's deeply loved and a most important part of all this love!"
"It won't be long before she knows that very thing!"
"And I can't wait!"
There was a knock on the door.
"Yes…" called Millicent.
"Just wanted to let you know we're home, Miss!"
"Oh, Hendrix, we're so glad! We were anxious to see what you thought about the farm!"
"Just a moment, Miss. I'll get Estella!"
The young couple snuck in one more kiss, as they waited.
Millicent regrettably scooted off Nathan's lap, as Nathan regretted it, even more, but with an understanding wink.
"I suppose we need to be semi- proper!" she laughed.
"Love, you're never been semi-anything!"
She couldn't resist a smug smile.
"You've got that right!"
Essie was so excited she came storming into the room, and couldn't wait to sit.
"I loved it, Miss. Finally, a proper home! And Hendrix does too!"
"But I thought you hated the North, Essie. Here I've been so worried."
"Not that spot, Miss. Why it's a little piece of Heaven in that awful Northern Wild! Besides, I'll have all that copper to cook with and a proper kitchen garden too!"
"Yes, you will! But, oh, that's such a relief, Essie! What did you think, Hendrix?"
"Well, we both absolutely loved the house, the grounds, and the living quarters. They're the nicest we've ever seen. Quite extraordinary, and a wonderful place to live, Miss!"
"I can't tell you what a relief this is! There was so much commotion going on with our families while we were there, and we got so excited about our Wedding Date when we got back here, we didn't get a chance to hear your thoughts," explained Nathan. "And they're very important to both of us!"
"We…we…"
"What is it, Hendrix? You know you can say anything to us," urged Nathan.
"We don't want this to be awkward, Sir, and we don't want to put any pressure on either of you as you start your new life together. But we do want you to know, both of us hope you're keeping us on…"
"Oh, Hendrix, Estella, of course, you'll be with us! And if not in Hope Valley, running things here for us. You'll always be part of our family. We actually just decided we'll be spending summers here at the farm. That way, we all will enjoy the farm together, and I'll be able to oversee my work, as well as my charity obligations. We feel like this first school year, Allie will need to stay in Hope Valley with her friends as she adjusts to our being a family. But we're not at all sure what Allie will want to do after that, or even what's best for her, so we're going to just play it by ear."
"That's a huge relief, Miss, Sir! For both of us!"
"We're so sorry we didn't make that clear from the very beginning! But know you're always a part of us! You're family. And there will always be a place for you!"
"Most understandable Miss. You both have had a lot to deal with this week! But we deeply appreciate reconfirming we're part of the new family, too. That's just such a huge relief for both of us."
"Both of you always know wherever we are, you're still our family," reconfirmed Nathan. "And always will be."
"Thank you, Sir! That means the world to us. It truly does. On another less serious note, but still a most important one, I should tell you, having caught snippets of tonight's rehearsal, I must say, you're both in for a real treat tomorrow with Miss Estella's play!"
"We can't wait! The whole family's coming Essie! And we simply can't wait to see your performance," exclaimed Millicent.
"Just don't anybody make me laugh, especially you boys! Oh, Miss, there are packages in the back entry from Burke's, Helmsley's and Renee's. What shall I do with them?"
"The package from Helmsley's is Allie's charm and should be packed with the books for Allie from Burke's to take with us to Hope Valley; they're the wrapped books from there. As well as the package from Renee's with the big Red Velvet Bow. That goes too. The rest from Renee's stay here for her to wear over the Christmas Holidays. As for the rest of the books (the unwrapped ones), those belong to Nathan and me. Can you please pack them in our individual carry-ons for us to read on the Train? Oh, as well as the the three Leather Volumes from the farm - they need to be packed for Nathan to take to Hope Valley, to read there!"
"Of course, Miss!"
"Oh, no. I just realized Allie will need a special dress for the Wedding!"
"Miss, the Bride will need a special gown for the Wedding, too!" suggested Essie, not quite so subtly. "As well as your attendants!"
"Oh, no! I didn't even think of attendants and dresses! And I'll have to find a Wedding Gown. I'll make a few calls tomorrow! Or talk Mother into making them on Monday! Nathan, can we really do all this?"
"Breathe, Babe! Yes, we can and we will. I'm not about to return home from the Holidays without you by my side. Besides I'd marry you in your Ranch Clothes and Boots! But seriously, whatever needs to be done, we'll see that it's done. Don't forget Formal Engagement pictures in the morning!"
"Don't worry about a thing, Hendrix and I will take care of your clothes, tonight!"
"Thank you both. The photographers will be here at half-past ten."
"We'll get everything ready, Miss," assured Hendrix.
The four said their goodnights with hugs and kisses all around, once more…
"Oh, and Essie, break a leg tomorrow!" called Nathan.
"Why Master Nathan, I mean Constable…oh dear! I mean Nathan, I do believe you're the first person to ever give me the official good wishes for an actor going to perform! That means more than you know, Sir! Now, I'm bound to knock my performance out of the park, for sure! You just wait and see!"
"We have no doubt, Essie! And we'll all be there cheering you on!" he smiled.
It was difficult to tell who was happier, the couple who had set their Wedding Date, or Miss Essie who was set to perform on stage tomorrow!
Of course, she was happy times three, as in addition to her acting role, and the wedding of her 'children' which also meant the world to her, Hendrix had actually danced with her tonight!
And Essie blushed at the very thought.
Something told both Nathan and Millicent, Miss Essie was going to have sweet dreams tonight…
As Hendrix and Estella left them to their privacy, the young couple sat back down to the business of reconciling their lists.
"One question, Mil, another list item. What kind of house do you want me to build in Hope Valley for our time there? I thought maybe a big two-story frame?"
"Where you are now is perfect!"
"But you're used to so much better, to say nothing of bigger! Look around you, Love! Our bedroom will be a closet in comparison! Why we could fit most of the rowhouse into this very room!"
"I know, but I love the rowhouse! It's cozy and perfect for the three of us. Besides, I don't want you spending time away from us building a house! I want you with us every moment you're not working!"
"Well, this may be another one of those things we need to wait and see. But Mil, I can build us something very nice on Bill's lot. I'll take you there. It's the most beautiful lot in all of Hope Valley. Lots of acreage, too! If the rowhouse gets too cramped, the offer still stands! I'll keep the land just in case."
"Nathan, I've had big houses all my life, grand houses. Sometimes simple is better. I've never even had my own home. At least it hasn't felt like I have, because you weren't here. The rowhouse will be home because the three of us will be there together…"
She reached up to kiss him, offering him clear proof he was her home.
"I don't need grand, Darling. I just need you!"
And she nestled into him, listening to the steady beat of his heart.
"You're really something! An heiress who just likes simple things…"
Not in a million years, had he ever expected that any woman who was about to be married would be totally content to live in a rowhouse, yet this particular heiress was!
"Millicent, you really are quite something. Not many women would choose the tiny rowhouse over a much bigger, nicer home. But then again, you're not many women. I love that as well as I know you, you're still always full of surprises!"
But then he couldn't resist adding...
"But what is there are little Grants? We have to have a place to put them..."
"You're incorrigible! They are wee tiny things, you know!"
"That grow," he laughed.
"Okay, you have a point!"
They laughed and cuddled, both dreaming of what it would really be like to give Allie her much desired brother or sister.
Nathan gazed at the dwindling fire in the fireplace before them, kissed her forehead, and got up to throw on another log, as she drew her legs under her and wrapped herself in an afghan that was close by, in total contentment.
"One more thing regarding Living Spaces, Darling. Do we need to change anything here in the Townhouse to make you feel more comfortable and make it your home, too? I mean I thought I'd let Allie re-do my room, so we can take the Master Suite. But is there anything else we need to change to make it feel more like your home too, and Allie's home?" she asked, not at all sure of his answer.
"Not a single thing, Mil. This already feels like home. I love it exactly as it is, and Allie will too!" he smiled back at her.
But as he stoked the flames of light into a blaze, adding on another log, he found himself lost in deep thought. He had purposely put this item off till last. He even hated mentioning what had to come next. But remembering the Bradfords' firstborn and the release of his kidnappers, he knew it was inevitable.
He walked back to Millicent slowly, grabbing clean glasses, and pouring fresh wine, while grasping for the right words to use.
He smiled as he handed her filled wineglass to her, then turned his face to look at the fire, not wanting to see the hurt in her beautiful face, that he knew was coming.
Oh, how he wished he could spare her this…
He took her hands, trying to gather his courage, praying he could help her understand, without it being a huge disappointment, yet deep inside, he knew it would be.
"Darling, I know when you visited Allie and me in Hope Valley, you had a real taste of freedom for the first time, possibly ever. I could see the excitement, the happiness, and even the contentment in your eyes. It meant the world to me that you could experience that freedom with us."
And then he faced her, and looked into her gorgeous eyes, seeing his own reflected in hers, but, for once, he had to look away.
"I was comfortable in the knowledge you'd be safe, because the Pinkertons, your escorts, had noticed nothing untoward, and I knew there were no strangers in Hope Valley or even in the vicinity."
She had cherished her time in Hope Valley, with no security, except Nathan of course. It had been the first time in her life she felt free. No one had known her background, except partially Elizabeth because of their similar upbringings. But then, again, Elizabeth wouldn't have been able to understood fully, as she hadn't had to put up with daily threats on her life, nor the constant security that went along with that.
The entire town had all just accepted Millicent for herself, with no knowledge of her very complicated, and sometimes difficult life.
It had been Heaven, her heart's wish, and although she loved Montreal, the introverted little girl in her, longed for the anonymity she had experienced while away.
It was drawing her back to Hope Valley, and it was possibly the reason she wanted everything to stay the same when she returned, even the little rowhouse she had stayed in.
And somehow, down deep, Nathan knew this.
She looked up at him with wide eyes, her heart starting to pound, her mind telling herself to stay calm, knowing there was a but…
One she wouldn't like.
One that was about to dash her dreams of obscurity.
He still held both her hands and now strengthened himself, to look once again straight into her beautiful, striking green eyes.
"I love you, Millicent Bradford, more than anything in this whole world. And as much as I want you to have that freedom again, and I do want that, very much so, I know it's simply not prudent. I've spoken with your father and I now understand just how necessary your security is. The bottom line is this: I can't risk losing you. I won't ever risk losing you. Not now. Not ever!"
He had barely been able to get the words out, and there were tears in his eyes once more, as his heart couldn't even bear the thought of losing her, much less of any harm coming to her.
In pain, he continued…
"But, Darling, when our Engagement is announced in Sunday's newspapers, the world will know you're with me, which is a beautiful, wonderful thing that makes me happier and prouder than a man should be allowed to be! But that announcement will also alert any and all unsavory characters, including the ones I've come in contact with who might be holding a grudge, exactly where you are. It's not hard to track down a Mountie, Millicent. Our stations are public knowledge."
Millicent moaned, it was barely audible, low, and visceral.
"Oh no, I'm putting you at even more risk! Nathan, I can't bear that…you have enough risk without me adding to it!"
"No, Millicent. We can't think of it that way. We just have to be very aware and very careful. You forget, Love, Mounties are highly trained to take the very best care of themselves where protection is concerned! I will be perfectly fine," but he could see the fear for him filling her eyes.
"Millicent, I would never brag, but you're going to be my wife and you have to know I'm not only highly trained, but I'm also the best-trained Mountie, in all categories, to ever graduate. Up until now, only my Commander and Commissioner know this, but by the grace of God, I aced every single aspect of training. I'm only saying this to help you understand, that I am extremely proficient at what I do. Although I'm well aware, none of that prevents bad things from happening. But given all that, you and I have got to be very vigilant, keeping security close by at all times for both you and Allie."
Millicent's face was crestfallen.
She had been so hopeful.
But all of a sudden, with the mention of Allie's name, every single maternal instinct she had, took over and replaced her disappointment.
For though she was unaware of it, Millicent was very maternal by nature, always taking care of those around her, especially when a child was involved.
"Of course, we have to protect Allie at all costs! If that means we have to have security, I've had to deal with it my entire life, I can deal with it in Hope Valley, too! But, Darling, can we at least do it discreetly? I don't want Allie to have to deal with all that any more than absolutely necessary! And I don't want the entire town to feel differently about me, about us, because of it and…"
She couldn't say it, but Nathan knew she meant because of her family's wealth.
He leaned back and pulled her to his chest, wrapping his long arms around her, making her feel secure.
"The people of Hope Valley aren't like that, my Love. They already adore you and nothing's going to change that. As for the other, I'm so very sorry, Mil. I wanted so badly for you to have your freedom from all the teams of security. But I honestly don't see any way around it. I've been observing your teams though, and I do see ways we can make them less obtrusive, particularly in Hope Valley, but somewhat here, as well."
He kissed the top of her head.
"We'll make things better, I promise!"
She nodded her head in understanding.
"They already are better, because you're with me!"
"You know, another item on my list that is part of this, is if we decide on staying in Hope Valley where does security stay? If you're serious about living in the rowhouse, I need to put dibs on the one next door, that's going to be coming available, to house security. If I'm gone, I want them close by at night for you and Allie!"
"I understand it's necessary. We can't allow Allie to be at any risk. Nathan, I'm so very sorry."
"For what, Babe?"
"I'm causing all these problems for both you and Allie just because of who I am. It just breaks my heart."
He cupped her chin and drew her eyes to his.
"You are not causing any problems, whatsoever. You are giving to us. This is our new life together, and we approach it as a family! Don't ever forget that."
"You mean that, don't you?" she asked softly, and incredulously.
Instead of answering her with words, he took his hands and placed them on each of her cheeks and kissed her in a way that could leave no doubt whatsoever, proving he meant it with all his heart, his being, leaving her breathlessly needing him.
"We are already a team, the two of us and the three of us…and although Allie doesn't know it yet, we are a family!"
"Nothing, my Love, will ever change that…"