Chapter 41: Home in Hope Valley

"Darling, we need to take Allie home, first!"

"Guys, do you mind waiting here while we take Allie home? I'll be right back to pick you up!"

"No problem," agreed Tom for the entire Team.

"Bill, why don't you come with us, so there will be more room for the guys when I return?"

"Sure. Meet you guys at the house! We've got work to do! But, Nathan, you better get your uniforms now, so they don't get lost on the truck. I know I've got mine. I'm not letting this thing out of my sight!"

Nathan smiled and glanced around for the uniforms, as a Porter was coming with a stack of boxes he recognized.

Nathan threw up his hand, "Right here!"

The Porter quickly arrived and helped lift the boxes into the trunk.

"Beautiful car, Sir! The nicest I've ever seen!"

"Thank you," said Nathan, tipping him, but anxious to get Allie home.

His little girl didn't look so well.

Millicent sat in the back with Allie, while Bill, pleased as punch, rode up front!

"Too bad, it's dark!" quipped Bill.

"Bill, this is a vehicle, not a jealousy machine!"

Bill cackled.

"Actually, I think you hit the nail on the head if you leave out the 'not!'"

"Very funny!"

Nathan started his new car for the first time since leaving the lot, cautiously pulling it out of the Train Depot.

The ride was as smooth as silk.

"Nice ride!" exclaimed Bill. "And I don't even like cars!"

"Bill, I'm afraid the automobile is here to stay, and as it's not going away anytime soon, I think you're just going to have to adjust!"

"Naw! Give me Fireball any old day! And I'm a happy camper! Can't wait to hear all the details of your meetin though!"

"Well, Millicent gets all the details first, then I'll share," chuckled Nathan. "It's a lot, Bill! An awful lot! And truthfully, I'm anxious to discuss them with you. Need your opinion on some things! But right now, we've got a sick little girl!"

They made it to the rowhouse in what seemed to be record time.

And right about now was the time Nathan would have been very excited about pulling his brand-new car up to his rowhouse, had Allie not been feeling so poorly!

But tonight, his mind was all on Allie.

He helped both Millicent and Allie out from the back seat, and both offered to help Allie up the porch steps.

"I'm okay. I can do it," insisted Allie.

But having just gotten off the train, she was still a bit dizzy.

"Nathan, will you help Allie upstairs? I'm going to put on some tea," offered Millicent.

"Of course..."

Nathan did, but was more puzzled than ever, especially since Allie didn't have a fever, and she wasn't sharing much.

"Here's your gown Sweetheart, you get ready for bed, and I'll be right back up to tuck you in!"

Worried, Nathan flew down the steps two at a time, and into the kitchen.

"Mil, what's going on with Allie? She's not saying much of anything..."

"Darling...Allie's going to be fine! This is just a…just a really important day for our girl."

And suddenly Nathan began to understand...

"Milli, are you telling me what I think you're telling me?"

Nathan's eyes were wide, and Millicent thought she detected a bit of sadness, and even shock.

He was definitely not ready for this to be happening, and she hated to have to tell him, but she was determined to help him accept this and make it as easy as possible for him, and for Allie.

She placed her hand on his cheek.

"Darling, this is a very natural part of life. And yes, it means our little girl is growing up, but ever so slowly. She's still your little girl, Nathan, and will always be your little girl!"

His hand flew to his forehead.

"Oh, Millicent, thank God you were here! I wouldn't have known where to begin," he looked up. "How did you know?"

"I'm a woman, Darling. And I'm afraid this is one area, where that does give me an edge," she smiled tenderly. "Allie looked pale this morning, and progressively paler throughout the day. I also noticed her face seemed a little bloated."

"Does…does she…have everything…she needs?"

"Yes, Darling. I made a trip to the Pharmacy with Bill and got everything there. I didn't say anything to him, although he's probably figured it all out by now. The Pharmacist gathered everything for me, so at least that was private. Allie has everything she needs, and she is handling this like a trooper. We just have to make her feel extremely loved and secure!"

"I love you so much, Mil," his arms were already wrapped around her, and he drew her closer. "Thank you! With all of my heart, thank you! I just wasn't ready for this. I didn't know what I was going to do. I kept putting it off…I…"

Millicent saw the dread in his eyes, and the helplessness he was feeling.

He was literally collapsing against her, lowering his head, feeling totally out of his league.

She ran her fingers through his dark hair and tenderly drew him to her shoulder, soothing him as though he were a child.

"Shh! Everything's okay, Love!"

When he seemed better, she lifted his chin.

"You are the best father a girl can have. This is not your job, Darling. It's mine. So don't you dare feel bad."

He nodded.

"You always know what to say, Mil. Thank you for that. It's just that what would I have done?"

"You would have managed, Love. And beautifully. I'm just thankful you didn't have to. Allie will hopefully feel better tomorrow. But do you think I should take her by the Doctor's Office, just to check?"

"Not sure. Did Victoria take you?"

"I don't think so; it seems like we discussed it with the doctor at my regular exam."

"Then why don't we wait and see how she does tomorrow. But, I promised to tuck her in. Will you come with me?"

"Of course, I will. And Nathan, she's still the same little girl you've loved since birth. Nothing will ever change that! Most certainly not this!"

He touched her cheek.

"I honestly don't know what I would have done without you, Mil! I truly don't..."

They walked up the steps with Millicent carrying the tray of Tea and Biscuits for their daughter.

"Allie, how are you feeling?"

"It's just my tummy, Momma. It still hurts so bad."

"Here, drink this. It's chamomile, and I added lots of honey! Try to eat a biscuit, too. That will help soothe your tummy, Baby!"

"Daddy…"

"Yes, Princess…" Nathan sat down on the side of the bed opposite Millicent.

"I'm sorry I got sick on our special day."

"Allison Grant, don't you dare say that! There's absolutely nothing to be sorry about. I'm just…I'm just happy your Momma was here, Allie, when you needed her most! I love you. You'll always be my Baby Girl, Sweetheart. Always!"

He bent to kiss her, trying his best to stop the tears that were starting to well in his eyes.

He turned to clear his throat and turned back to face his Girls.

"If you two are okay, I'll go help the guys, so I can hurry back to you, Allie. You, Young Lady, have new books from Montreal to open! We forgot last night. If you feel like it that is!"

Allie smiled at her Dad.

"I love you, Dad!"

"To the moon and back, Allie! Forever and a day."

"Daddy, kiss Momma, too!"

Both Nathan and Millicent blushed, as they were in Allie's bedroom, but Nathan reached down and kissed Millicent's cheek, just like he had Allie's.

"I love you to the moon and back, too, Millicent Bradford!" and his eyes told her beyond doubt his words were meant profoundly.

Allie giggled, breaking the moment, and her Dad playfully frowned and pointed at her, which made Millicent laugh and Allie giggle all the more…

"Bill, you have to read the instructions, first! We're going to be here all night!" chastised Nathan, putting his hands over his face in frustration.

"Here, Judge! Give me those directions!"

After Tom took over reading the directions to Nathan, the men got the new beds put together in record time, as there was a new way to snap in the wooden board rails, that Bill just couldn't seem to get right.

For now, they had left the fourth bed, which Tom volunteered to take, in the far corner of the living room.

When the men finished putting all four beds together, Lance gathered a sheet set, along with pillows, and placed it on the end of each bed.

"Each man for himself!" he proclaimed.

The men moved downstairs and started their task by first uncrating everything.

"Come on, Bill. Don't bail on us, now. This is the easy part! Everything's already put together!" encouraged Nathan.

Each of the men took a crate and unloaded the furniture inside, then moved on to the next crate.

In no time, they had all the pieces out, ready to arrange everything according to Millicent's diagrams.

Thankfully, with six strong men, the job was done in record time.

"Now, it's time for the drapes!" ordered Bill.

"Can't that wait?" asked Kyle.

"Not if you don't want to see Mr. Codgers peering into your window at 2 A.M."

"Please don't tell me that's the old coot, I mean drunk, in the saloon," begged Matt.

"You got it!" grinned Bill."

"Okay, the drapes go up now! Tom, you'd better show us how to do this…"

"Haven't you boys ever hung drapery rods before?" asked Tom incredulously.

"Nope, afraid not!"

"Hey, Tom. We forgot about kitchen stuff and there aren't any groceries. Can you guys eat Breakfast at the Café, and then we'll get you sorted at the Mercantile. There's an account there already set up in your name."

"Thanks, Nathan. That will make everything nice and easy. Breakfast at the Café it is, Judge!"

"I might even join you!"

"Hey, Bill's got a new Hide-Away-Bed to sleep on! He'll be raring to go at the crack of dawn!" warned Nathan.

"Sorry Bill, these young guys tend to sleep in! Something about needing their beauty sleep, I think," teased Tom.

When they finished with the drapes, Nathan tossed the tapestry pillows Millicent had selected around on the furniture, and they all stood back, quite pleased with themselves!

They were looking at an honest-to-goodness home, and the men were elated.

"Now, this is a sofa, Nathan. You need one of these!" insisted Bill, trying out the new piece.

"It is pretty comfy. I'll give you that!" agreed Nathan wistfully, from the other end.

"Should have bought another one while we were there!"

"Bill, I think we bought quite enough for the day! I guess I'd better start making rounds to the Queen of Hearts to get all your luggage," suggested Nathan.

"No, thanks! We don't want to mess up that pretty new car of yours with all that old stuff. Boys let's just walk. The night air will do us good, after being cooped up on the train," insisted Tom.

At first, Matt, Kyle, and Lance fussed back.

"Listen you guys, Allie's sick and needs her Dad!" clarified Tom, as the real reason for their walk.

That changed Allie's Uncles' tune, and suddenly all were willing to walk and get their luggage!

"Yeah, you better get back to her and make sure she's doing okay," suggested Kyle. "A walk will do us good!"

As Nathan and Bill walked over to Nathan's rowhouse, where they had already delivered Bill's Hide-Away-Bed, Bill couldn't help but ask.

"Nathan, my Niece is going to be okay, isn't she?"

"Yes, Bill! Her tummy's bothering her. Thank goodness Millicent realized she wasn't feeling well. Sometimes I think I must be dense. Didn't even pick up on the fact that she felt bad!"

"Now, you stop that right now. I don't know exactly what's goin on, but I've got a pretty good idea, it's gonna be a reoccurrin thing. Our Girl's gonna be fine, Nathan. You're not supposed to know everything. I believe that's one of the many reasons Millicent was meant to be here this very week!"

"I think you may be right, Bill. Are you going to be all right in that cramped bedroom upstairs? We don't mind at all for you to spread out with more room downstairs."

"Naw, no sense in messin the living room up, now that I've got a bed."

"I can't believe we actually cleared enough space to get it in there! I've got to clean that junk room out and fix it into another bedroom. Really sorry about the mess, Bill."

"No worries at all! I'll have a door and everything! And that in itself is somethin!'"

"If you can close the door, that is!"

The men had just walked inside Nathan's rowhouse, and were taking off their coats, when Millicent came down the stairs, holding her finger to her mouth.

"I just got Allie, down," she whispered. "I'm hoping she gets a bit of sleep."

Nathan kissed her lightly, grabbing her hand at the bottom of the stairs, directing her to the settee.

"Come sit with me, Love!"

"I think I'll go next door, and check in on Lee and Rosemary!"

"Bill, you can't do that. It's midnight! Just give me a few minutes with Millicent out on the back stoop and we'll be back in to talk! Here, Darling, let me get your coat!"

"But I'm pushin you out of your own home!"

"Don't be silly. I just want to run this by Mil first!"

Nathan put his coat back on and grabbed Millicent's to help her into it.

Then he led Millicent through the kitchen and out to sit on the back stoop, while Bill poured himself a cup of coffee that Millicent had already made, and retired back into the living room, with his book.

"Darling, I can't wait a single second longer. What happened today at your meeting? I'm dying to know all the details," begged Millicent.

"Let's start at the end and move backward. The Foundation and Charity are approved, and both will be kept anonymous! So, I am very, very pleased about that! As for the job, you already know the title. It's a brand-new position, Mil, that they started creating for me after I turned down the Inspector's position in Union City. They finalized everything three months ago and used the last three months to get funding approval."

"I'm so very thankful this was all done before our Engagement because I know you, and you wouldn't have accepted if it had been after."

"You know me too well! But you don't seem surprised about the offer, Mil."

"I'm not at all surprised! Nathan, I've prayed every single night since you turned down that Inspector's job, that something even better would come along. I also had complete faith that it would."

"You did that for me?"

Before she could answer, he smothered her lips with his kisses, trembling at her touch in the cold, fully realizing the breadth and the depth of this woman's love for him.

As they tore their lips apart, Millicent leaned into him, fitting into that perfect spot that was hers alone.

"Tell me all about the job," she whispered.

"If you agree to this, and yes, I did tell the Commissioner, I had to talk with you before I gave a final yes, I will be Chief Inspector of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The idea is for me to first review all important outstanding cases and get them resolved if at all possible. I'll have an Assistant, and a Team of Inspectors on an as-needed basis till the job is completed. After that, the goal is for me to be over the Inspector's Division with all the Inspectors reporting to me. I will be responsible for overseeing training curriculum for the new recruits, which I've done before, and even retraining for the entire team, as well as the overall direction of the department."

"Nathan that's wonderful! I'm so proud of you! You are absolutely perfect for that job! It was made for you for a reason, Love!"

"I even told him of our plans to spend summers, in Montreal. And he was thrilled. They're going to set up two offices, both here and in Montreal. In fact, the Commissioner loved that Montreal is central to everything. I think he would have been even more thrilled if we were going to be there, full time. But he was amenable to us splitting our time, as well."

"Nathan that is so wonderful. Don't you see? God is working all this out for us! Even when we weren't sure we could."

"Yes, Love, He really is. Without a shadow of a doubt, He is!"

They simply held each other in the cold.

"The pay will start out at the rate of a Superintendent, and then it will increase from there, as the new job is considered to have much more responsibility than what the Superintendents have, as it will be nation-wide, and have a much larger number of people to oversee. I hope I haven't left out anything. But Millicent, there is more."

"More," she asked incredulously, her emerald eyes shining under the light of the moon.

"Much more, Darling!"

"Are you happy with it? The 'more' I mean."

"I don't know. I need to know how you feel, first. I'm deeply honored and humbled even, but I honestly don't know how I should feel."

"What is it, Darling?"

Nathan looked out into the darkness in front of them, as though he were wishing he could see through it into what his future was meant to be, career-wise.

"Mil, Commissioner Anderson wants to mentor me."

"That's wonder…" then she paused, letting the word die out because she realized there was much more coming.

"He wants to mentor me to someday become Commissioner."

Millicent was struck silent at the very thought.

"How do you feel, Darling? It's something I never once considered for myself. Not ever! And it's a job that would involve the both of us. Our entire family, even. Do I commit to being mentored? I feel if I do, that I'm also committing, at least potentially, to the job someday."

She was now the one to look out into the darkness, searching for what was the right response.

And then suddenly, she knew.

"Darling, none of us know what the future will bring. I only know you are extremely talented at what you do. I also don't believe God is pleased with us when we hide our talents. I think you have to use your talents and give your profession everything you've got, to be the best you can be no matter what the position is, just as you have done as a Constable. If that leads to you being Commissioner, someday, then so be it. If it doesn't, then so be it. I will always be by your side, my Darling, whatever position you are in, and wherever you are."

He nodded and sighed heavily.

"How did you get to be so wise, Millicent Bradford? That's exactly what I needed to hear."

He raised her hand to his lips and kissed it ever so reverently.

"God gave me you, my Darling. And I will forever be grateful for that."

Then his heavy-laden eyes lightened and began to sparkle.

"I have a surprise for you!"

"You do?"

"The Commissioner is bringing Gabe in tomorrow as the new Interim Mountie of Hope Valley, and I have the rest of the time off, while you are here!"

"Oh, Nathan! That's perfect! So perfect!"

And that's when he placed his hands on the sides of her beautiful face, and looked deeply into her eyes, communicating to her in a way that no words were needed.

Then he slowly moved closer, feeling her longing coupled with his, until he could fully taste the sweetness of her lips on his own.

They were growing emotionally stronger every day as a couple, beyond what they had known before, and working through their arising issues was forging them together even more closely, as now, they were truly building their future together.

The process molded them into the deepest of connections, edging them fully into the partnering soul mates, they had always been meant to be.

Their minds and their spirits were one.

Leaving only that which was left, to come with their marriage…

"Nathan, congratulations! This is the perfect job that was made for you! And don't worry about Gabe, I'll take him on rounds tomorrow! I'll even take the boys with us!"

"Thank you, Bill! I appreciate that."

"No problem. Glad to do it!"

"But, there's more Bill. And I want your honest opinion."

"Always, Son! I call it like I see it!"

"The Commissioner wants to mentor me, Bill."

"Nathan, that can only mean one thing!" and Bill jumped up from his seat, and started pacing, fully realizing the ramifications.

Nathan nodded.

"Yes, he even came out and said it, Bill, between us. Never in a million years did I imagine that! I think part of me is still in shock."

"Want the whole truth?"

"Always!"

"I did. Except I didn't imagine it, I knew it!"

"What do you mean, Bill?"

"It was at the stupid trial. It dawned on me if Hargraves wanted to get rid of you so bad, there was a much bigger reason afoot. Didn't take but a couple of phone calls to Winston to figure it out!"

"But, why didn't you say anything?"

"Would you have believed me?"

"Well, no, but…"

"Exactly! I rest my case!"

"But, Bill, I'm not Commissioner material. What does he see that I don't see?"

"Everything! Don't you see, Nathan, you're a different caliber than most Mounties. You're even a different caliber than most men! Nah! You don't see it. But that's precisely one of the million reasons you will make a stellar Commissioner, someday! I have no doubt, whatsoever! And neither does Winston!"

"But, Bill, I don't want people to say I'm getting this opportunity because of money, or my marriage."

"You listen to me and you listen to me, good! People are people and they're gonna say all kinds of things. But the truth is, it doesn't matter, Nathan. What matters is that you know the truth. You also know your heart. And Millicent knows the truth and her heart. And when you both lay down at night, apart or together, you're both gonna know the truth, and God already knows the truth, and that my dear friend is simply all that matters!"

Nathan knew his friend was right.

It shouldn't even matter what people thought.

"I need to say one other thing, too. If you'll just hear me out!"

"Of course, Bill."

"I've known Winston for longer than you've been alive. He doesn't make big mistakes as Commissioner. It's funny. He once told me he had to make sure his mistakes were small ones, as too many people were impacted, and often with their lives! He looks at his resources, in this case, personnel, and makes the absolute best possible decision he can from what he has. You're that best, Nathan. Trust his judgment. He saved my Serge! And wrote a handwritten apology, to boot!"

Nathan grinned, proud that his Commissioner had gone the extra step in Bill's debacle and written a personal apology to him.

"Nathan, you're the man who made it all happen. Don't you see, you two are more alike than different? You're his match, Nathan. Let him train you. It will be a journey you'll never forget!"

"He alluded to that very thing!"

"The journey of a lifetime, Son!"

Bill walked back to the Settee, where Nathan and Millicent were sitting.

And stood before Nathan, saluting him, who rose to return the salute.

"Maintien le Droit!" called out Bill in a subdued voice, so as not to awaken Allie.

"Maintien le Droit!" and Nathan did the same.

"Congratulations, Chief Inspector!" and Bill embraced his Son.

But as Bill headed toward the stairs, he turned and whispered.

"Congratulations on the Journey, Son! It will be a glorious arrival! I only hope I'm there to see it, Commissioner Grant! Because mark my word, someday that's exactly what your title will be!"

Nathan knew that's what Bill had been referring to, but to actually hear the title connected to him, and his name, out loud, was nothing short of shocking.

But yet a part of him nonetheless.

Piercing through him in a way he couldn't explain, much less understand.

At least not yet…

By noontime, Allie was feeling much better and wanted to get out of the house.

"Dad, can we take a ride in our new car? Please!"

"Are you sure you're up to that, Allie?"

"Yes, please, pretty please!"

Millicent was smiling as she watched their daughter twist her Dad around his little finger.

"How can I possibly say no?" he asked, shaking his head.

"You just want to drive that new car!" teased Millicent.

"Totally busted, Darling! Let's get our coats! Quickly…"

The winter weather was cold, but the sun was out, offering its rays of heat to temper the biting cold.

"Can we leave the top down, Dad?"

"Allie, I don't think that's wise. We'll all end up with pneumonia!"

"Just to town and back!"

"How about just to town. Then I'll pull up the top!"

And so, off they went…

They first passed Rosemary, who shrieked when she saw the new car and insisted on jumping in with them on their way to town!

"This is the most gorgeous vehicle I have ever seen. Just wait till Lee Coulter sees this! Allie, are you feeling okay, Dear? You look a little pale."

"I'm feeling better," Allie admitted.

"I'll make you some Hot Chicken Soup tonight and bring it over tonight!"

"That's lovely, Rosemary! We wish you could have gone to Union City with us yesterday!" smiled Millicent!

"I would have loved that, but Lee had meetings he insisted he couldn't change! I can't believe you found this beauty there. I've never seen anything like it!"

"A couple had ordered it to be shipped from Paris, then decided on a more expensive car. We were lucky, Rosemary. Just happened to call at the right time! And we got a great deal, too!"

"Well, you can't beat that! Millicent we girls will have to take this baby out on our own for our next shopping excursion!"

Millicent smiled, knowing that would be a while, at least until Nathan obtained cars for their Security Team.

Nathan smiled over at her, wanting to make sure she was okay with that.

She smiled back radiantly, just so happy to see her Fiance happily driving his very first car!

"Oh, Nathan, do you mind dropping me off at Lee's Office. Although I suppose I should say our Office. The poor man is gradually being scooted out, I'm afraid!"

"Rosemary, you won't do! Leave the poor man a smidge of space!" teased Nathan.

"Well, that's just about what he has!" laughed Rosemary.

"Here you go, Rosemary. Almost door-to-door service!"

"Love it, Nathan! See you later, Millicent! And, Allie, I won't forget that soup!"

"Come over and stay awhile this evening Rosemary, and bring Lee," suggested Millicent, glancing at Nathan to make sure it was okay.

"Yes, do come! We'd love to have you and get all caught up!" agreed Nathan.

"Alright, we'll come for a few minutes after dinner, but we won't stay long. I'm still bringing my Chicken Soup for Allie. It cures what ails!"

"Thank you, Auntie Rosie!"

"Feel better, Sweetie! See you all tonight for a few," and with a flash of a smile and a wave, Rosemary entered the Office that was rapidly becoming hers!

"I think Lee will be glad to become Mayor and have a new Office," laughed Nathan.

"She sure is a dynamo! I just love her!"

"She's an actress, Mil. Was in some pretty important Broadway plays before she met Lee if I understand correctly."

"That's just amazing, but not at all surprising! She and your mother would have a lot in common. And Essie would be thrilled to meet her, too!"

As Nathan drove his new family, down Main Street, they didn't notice that Lucas had stepped out of the Saloon, onto the boardwalk, stopping dead in his tracks when he saw them.

Well, as a point of clarification, when he saw their new splashy vehicle.

Had they seen the look on his face, they would have been a little better prepared for what was coming…

But oblivious to his stares, Nathan parked his new beauty of a car in front of the Café and helped Allie out first, then his gorgeous Fiancée.

Now if jealousy had not already reared its ugly head, it was outright inflamed by this point!

Nathan and Millicent were arm-in-arm, and Allie was on the other side of Millicent, who had her arm draped around her.

They all three were laughing, as they stepped up the stairs to the Boardwalk, and Nathan held the door for them to enter the Café.

It was then, Nathan observed that Lucas was watching, and he politely nodded.

It was also then that Mr. Bouchard's inflamed jealousy erupted into a full-fire inferno.

How dare that simple Mountie outdo him, not only in women but in a car, too.

First Elizabeth, and now Millicent.

And now, even a better car!

Nobody did that.

Not to the seething Lucas Bouchard.

Least of all Nathan Grant!

Nathan tipped his hat, which was acknowledged only by a cold stare, and then he turned to follow his Girls inside the Café, where Bill came out to greet them.

"Well, here are the two most beautiful Ladies in town! Saved the best table in the house, right there by the window."

Nathan seated both Millicent and Allie at Bill's select table.

"What can I get you for Lunch? We have two specials today. There's Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes with Corn Pudding! And there's my famous Brunswick Stew with Sweet Corn Muffins. What's your pleasure?"

"The Stew for me, Bill. I've been craving that from my last visit!" smiled Millicent.

"Stew for me, too, Uncle Bill!"

"It's unanimous, Bill!"

"Alright, three Stews coming right up!"

"Thank you, Bill," smiled Nathan.

"Dad, I love it that we have our own car! Now, you can take me to Emily's when I need!"

"Hold on Young Lady, I do still have a job, you know!"

"Yeah! A really big, important job, too!" bragged Allie.

"Allie, all jobs are important, and should be done well!"

"I know! But, Dad this sounds like a really big deal! And I'm just so proud of you!"

"Thank you, Allie! I appreciate that, Sweetheart!"

"And rightfully so, Allie. Your Father's worked hard to earn a position like this!"

"I'm just so happy, Momma. I think everything's better because you're here! But I don't know how Dad and I are gonna make it when you have to go back to Montreal."

A cloud fell over Nathan's face, and Millicent could see him quickly trying his best to dispel it.

"We're going to make it through, Allie. All of us together, because every single day brings us closer to being together forever! Isn't that right?" explained Millicent.

"That's absolutely right, Darling. Every single day brings us closer to our Wedding Day," agreed Nathan.

"Speaking of which, Dear Fiance, at some point you and I need to have a chat about that Wedding of ours!"

Both Nathan and Millicent smiled at each other so lovingly and so intently, that Allie got tickled.

"Boy, you two have it really bad!"

"Guilty, Allie," smiled her Dad, never once taking his eyes off Millicent.

"If I were the Mountie of Love, I'd have to arrest you both," laughed Allie.

Nathan and Millicent didn't even hear…

So, Allie repeated herself.

"…I'd have to arrest you both!"

"Yes, Allie, you would!"

"Would what, Dad?"

"Uh, sorry. What were you saying, Allie?"

"Good grief! You two are hopeless!" and Allie rolled her eyes to oblivion, shaking her head.

Bill walked back over at about that same time, wiping his hands on a towel, and stopping to glance out the front window.

"I'd say, if looks were stealing, your car would be gone back to Union City by now…"

"What?" then Nathan looked outside, where Lucas was scoping out every inch of his brand-new car, even leaning against the doors to get a better look inside.

"Excuse me, Ladies!" grinned Nathan as he got up from the table.

As Nathan walked through the door, Lucas was startled, realizing he had been found out.

But he soon recovered, straightening himself up to his full height.

"I see you're already spending Millicent's money," he said coolly.

"Why, Lucas, I do believe you have that all wrong. I actually bought that car for Millicent as a family present, and not that it's your business, paid cash for it, every single penny of it from my Union City account."

"Like I believe that. Remember, I'm the one who had to loan you a quick thousand as Allie's ransom!"

"Yes, and I will forever be grateful for that Lucas. Till my dying day. But I had the money, Lucas, just couldn't access it quickly enough. If you'll remember correctly, I didn't have the luxury of time that day."

Lucas looked at Nathan shocked.

All this time, he had thought Nathan was destitute.

It mattered not, that Nathan had paid him back in full, the very next day.

Lucas knew a Mountie's salary wasn't much.

"Well, how did this come about? It's quite something. Not anything I would have thought you'd be interested in, Nathan."

"Love the back-handed compliment, Lucas! Our Ranch might be in the middle of nowhere, but I can assure you, my Mother ensured a cultural upbringing."

"Cultural for what, Nathan, rural Canada, the way out in the 'sticks' part?"

"Try cosmopolitan, London, my Friend. My Mother's hometown. The place where she starred in hit plays and danced across the stage to thunderous applause…"

By this time, Lucas's mouth was gaping wide open.

"Oh, and she's a rather famous artist, too, just like my sister. Would you like a ride, Lucas? It's smooth as silk…you can even drive if you like."

Lucas wanted desperately to even ride in the fancy new car, much less drive it.

And here was his chance.

But his pride got the better of him.

"I think I'll pass. But nice car," and he turned to leave, clearly in a sullen mood.

"You know, Lucas, someday, and that day may be closer than you think, you're going to need a friend. And that friend, just like I needed you that day, just might be me."

"Is that a threat, Constable?"

"No. That's a promise."

Nathan watched as Lucas walked away, too proud and too terrified to look back…