Chapter 69: Unexpected Surprises
"Dad, please! Just one more story?"
"Just a real short one, Allie! We don't have a lot of time."
And so Nathan began yet again.
"It was a rainy spring day, and for some crazy reason, we all headed to our classroom with tadpoles in our pockets. I think it was your Uncle Richard's idea..."
At the start of breakfast this morning, Allie had insistently talked Nathan into telling her their childhood stories about 'The Four Musketeers' Colleen, Millicent, Richard, and him growing up.
Each story grew funnier and funnier, so that they both quickly lost track of time, as they started their morning happily laughing together.
Nathan could tell the stories made Allie feel closer to both of her mothers, and for that, he was very grateful.
Besides the stories had relaxed him.
Frankly, he felt bad that he had been unable to tell them to his daughter before now, as they were part of her heritage too.
But, it had just been too hard for him to talk about Colleen before Millicent had become his partner.
The hurt had been too much.
Thankfully, Millicent had made him see their memories honored Colleen, and helped keep her alive for Allie, while at the same time helping them all to heal.
She had made him see Colleen was still loved and still a part of them and their lives.
And she had been right.
Sharing their grief together and openly talking about her had somehow made it easier for him to remember his growing-up years with his sister without the searing pain of her loss.
And for the first time in a very long time, he was able to start openly talking about their close relationship and special memories together with Allie.
But with this last story, when Nathan happened to glance up at the clock and finally realize the time, he panicked!
"Allie, we are going to be so late! Hurry, grab your coat, hat, and gloves. I've got your books. We've got to run!"
Once ready, he hurriedly rushed Allie out their front door, and both of them practically ran to the schoolyard!
Fortunately, the Grants made it there in record time, although just barely!
With both breathless, they bent over and placed their hands on their knees at the bottom of the stairs to the school, trying their best to catch their breath!
"Allie, you're going to be the death of me yet! Boy, I must be out of shape! Study hard, Sweetheart! Here are your books!"
Allie placed her arms around her Dad's waist and hugged him tightly, then took her books.
"I will Dad! But I can't wait to talk to Momma, tonight!"
"Neither can I! It won't be long till it's time for our call!"
"I wish I didn't have school today!"
"Sh! You'd better not let Mrs. Nelson hear you say that! Scoot!"
"It's not that, Dad! I love Mrs. Nelson and she's a really great teacher, but..."
"But, you need to concentrate!" insisted Nathan, pushing her to the door, although, he wasn't at all sure how he was going to concentrate all day either, even as an adult. "Come straight home so you can finish your homework before our call!"
"Yes, Sir! I'll be there as soon as school ends. Oh no! I forgot! First I have to go to the Mercantile and work for an hour to give Mrs. Yost a break!"
"Good deal. Why don't you meet up with me when you're through there? Then we'll walk home together."
"Will do! Have a good day, Dad!"
And with a smile and a wave, an understanding Mrs. Nelson came to close the door between them.
The truth was, Nathan couldn't wait to hear Millicent's voice! Neither could Allie! And if that was the only thing that came out of today, it was going to be a wonderful day for the both of them.
The radiant smile on their faces, despite their flurry of getting here, proved that beyond any doubt!
Little did they know, that monumental phone call wasn't going to be the only big event of their day by any means…
As Nathan walked past the rowhouses, lost in his thoughts of Millicent while hoping to make it into town without interruption, Elizabeth came running out to catch him.
"Nathan, have you heard anything? Anything at all?"
"Elizabeth, I haven't even been to work yet! On my way now."
"Please check as soon as you get there! I couldn't sleep all night! What if you're right and Charles has left for good? What will I do?"
Her face was so panicked, he took pity on her, and softened his voice, although he made it a point not to reach out to comfort her.
He was determined that no mixed signals were going to be sent and knowing Elizabeth's present state of mind, he was now wary of her misinterpreting the slightest comment, the slightest touch.
"If that's the case, you're a resourceful woman! You'll deal with it, if and when the time comes," he emphasized. "You could always make a trip to Hamilton, you know!"
"My parents would be mortified for me to chase after Charles, Nathan!"
"Elizabeth, you're an adult. I'd suggest you start acting like one."
He could tell she was not at all happy with that comment, but as it wasn't at all his intent to hurt her, and only a suggestion, he wasn't about to take it back.
"Seriously, Elizabeth, does it matter what others think? This is between you and Charles. No one else!"
"You're right. I just hope he comes back!"
"Then give him something to come back to."
And that's when Elizabeth started crying.
"Elizabeth, instead of crying, why don't you go inside and pray instead. Who knows what the day will bring? It could turn out to be absolutely wonderful!"
She nodded, while drying her tears, with a hint of a smile, in spite of herself.
"Thanks, Nathan!"
"Try to have a good day!"
He tipped his hat as a goodbye, and hearing her sigh heavily as he turned, walked on into town moving his interrupted thoughts happily back onto Millicent…
"Gabe! How are things going?" asked Nathan, as he opened the door to the Mountie Office, and peeked his head inside.
"Nathan! Come on in! Missing this old place?"
"Well, that wasn't exactly why I stopped by, but now that you mention it…I suppose I do! Miss Rounds, too!"
"Well, you're welcome to join me any time!"
"Appreciate that, but there's not enough time for that, Gabe. I've got a ton of cases to review. And they keep sending me more before I can even get them filed! I worked on a stack at home till two AM last night!"
"Friend, you need help! No way I'd be doing paperwork in the middle of the night!"
"You're right. I suppose it's my fault! It's just that I hated to bring a full staff in knowing I'll be leaving for the Wedding and Honeymoon soon! But I guess I could have them send me a temporary crew, just to get things organized over the next few weeks! The Commissioner did offer."
"Good idea. Take him up on his offer! Hey, how are you doing?"
"Okay. I think," he answered with a serious look.
Gabe watched though as that look disappeared and was replaced by a slowly-forming smile.
"Millicent's arriving home today. Which means Allie and I get to talk to her tonight!"
"And I can tell, you're not at all excited or anything!"
"Very funny! Of course, I'm excited. Counting the minutes, to be honest! I love her so much, Gabe. It's like half of me is missing. With only the worst morose half left behind!"
"Boy, you've got it bad! But I can see why. She's something special! Real special. There's not a man anywhere in all of Canada, who wouldn't be thrilled to have her by their side! You're a very lucky guy, my Friend!"
Nathan blushed.
"Special she is! And lucky I am! Although I like to think of it as blessed! Hey, I came by to see if you've gotten any messages from the Train Station in Lewistown," reminded Nathan, as he absent-mindedly ran his hands through his hair, while hoping to jog Gabe's memory.
"Let me see. I still haven't gone through messages this morning."
"Why am I not surprised?" chuckled Nathan, glancing at the stack on Gabe's desk.
Nathan watched as his friend started shuffling through the papers, making an even bigger mess.
"Here, let me sort through that!"
Nathan took the stack and rifled through them in a much more orderly manner, even bothering to sort them, till he realized there was no reply to his call from last night.
Paperwork was not Gabriel Kinslow's strong suit!
"Well, it's not here! I best be going and get some of my work done," Nathan got up and headed to the door. "There are your papers filed!"
"How did you do that so fast?" asked Gabe incredulously.
"Guess I have the touch! Hey Gabe, want to grab lunch later?"
"Would love to. But can't today. Have to make a trip to Benson Hills. Raincheck?"
"Sure. And will you give me a call if you hear anything?"
"You've got it! Spend your day dreaming of that big phone call tonight!"
"You bet!" as if he already wasn't…
As Nathan arrived at Bill's Office, to go to his temporary quarters, Bill met him at the door, speaking in a low voice.
"Seems we have a visitor, or more precisely, you have a visitor," and Bill pointed to his desk.
"Hey, don't you leave," whispered Nathan.
"Sorry, it's not me he wants to talk to! I'll check in at the Café. The place is all yours! Gladly!"
"Bill, there will be payback for this!"
"Oh, I know! But not my fault. He specifically requested you!"
Bill turned and left, whistling a happy tune, thrilled to be gone, as Nathan just rolled his eyes, finding more and more that Allie's habit was rubbing off on him, whenever her Uncle Bill was part of the equation.
"Charles, welcome! Glad you got my message. What can I do for you?"
In Bill's private chambers, Charles rose, and spoke rather formally.
"Nathan, I know we haven't had the time to become real friends. But I need help, and quite frankly you are the only one I trust, not to mention the only one who will understand! Might I add, out of all the people I've met here in Hope Valley, you would be the one I would want to be friends with anyway if you were so inclined."
"I appreciate that, Charles. And the feeling is mutual. I do hope we become friends. Make yourself comfortable, and I'll get us some of Bill's famous Coffee, although it's perhaps famous for all the wrong reasons," chuckled Nathan.
"Sounds about like the Judge!" grinned Charles.
When Nathan returned with Bill's black mixture, Charles took one sip and raised his eyebrows.
"Boy, you weren't kidding. This stuff could walk!"
"Warned you!" laughed Nathan as he sat down in Bill's chair, not losing the irony in that at all. "Bill always says his Coffee makes you a man! And I always retort, 'if it doesn't kill you first!'"
Charles chuckled in spite of himself.
He liked the easy-going Mountie.
"What can I help you with, Charles?"
"First, thank you for the message! Honestly, at first, I wasn't at all sure what to do about it. This whole thing with Elizabeth has been very difficult, and highly irregular. In case you don't know, I asked Elizabeth to marry me all those years ago before she became engaged to Jack. And yes, she turned me down for him, but I still knew there was a part of her that loved me, and another part of her who was rebelling against me because of her Father, if that makes sense."
"Oh, I know very well how headstrong and opinionated she can be."
Charles nodded, appreciative of that fact.
"Then you'll understand why I know there is something still there between us."
"I do understand, Charles."
"Then Jack died, and Elizabeth fell in love with you," Charles watched Nathan closely for a reaction, but there was none.
"That's true," answered Nathan honestly, with a nod of his head. "But, I should also tell you Elizabeth and I never even dated."
"Which only further tells me how very much she loved you. It was evident, Nathan when she proposed to me as soon as she heard about your engagement to Millicent."
Nathan sighed.
"I'm sorry you had to go through that, Charles."
"Don't be. I would have preferred our proposal to have been under different circumstances with the offer being made by me, but I'm still glad it happened. The problem is, I simply can't subject myself to more of what you experienced with her. It's been very difficult and most unpleasant. Not only for me but my daughter, as well."
"I'll admit, Allie and I regrettably went through the same thing. And Allie was hurt deeply. She's still having a problem forgiving Elizabeth, although I do believe that will come in time. I'm sorry, Charles. I truly am sorry. Where is Eliza Jade? She's a beautiful child."
"Thank you, Nathan. She's her mother made over! Eliza Jade is actually still on the train with Miss Shay headed back to Hamilton. Quite frankly, I can't put my daughter through any more of this limbo. She's young, yet she feels the tension. If I'm to resolve things with Elizabeth, one way or the other, I need to at least know that Eliza Jade is okay, being loved and well cared for in a loving environment, and she will have all that back in Hamilton, with her Grandparents watching after her till I can return. They positively adore her!"
"I think that's wise, Charles. I'm glad Eliza has that kind of love and security. And I'm glad you can put your full attention toward resolving all this. I can't tell you at all what to do, and wouldn't presume to even if I knew what that was, but I will say, I believe Elizabeth has had somewhat of an epiphany."
"In what way?"
"I believe she realizes that she has to move forward, without staying stuck in the past. Quite frankly, I also believe she's figured out her feelings for you. I might have pointed out to her myself that she was running out of time where you were concerned."
Charles rose from his chair and started pacing.
"I appreciate you doing that, Nathan because quite frankly you are right. I can't live like this, and won't. I love Elizabeth and have pretty much my entire life, but I don't want a sham of a marriage. I won't have it, not even for her!"
"Good, Charles. You deserve so much more, and so does she, whether she knows it or not."
"That you can even say that means you're a better man than me because I'm at a point, where I'm done. Why does she relish living in the past? Was Jack really that perfect? I adored my wife and would give anything to have her back, but I don't have that option. I also know as perfect as she was to me, she was human. Why can't it be the same for Elizabeth? We only have what we have here, now."
Nathan nodded in agreement but declined to say anything, instead, listening patiently as Charles continued, still pacing.
He was also beginning to see Charles was indeed a man of substance and was not at all going to continue being the patsy for Elizabeth that some thought him to be.
"Truthfully, I don't know what to do. Do I just cut my losses, break off our engagement, and return to Hamilton without her? That seems the most painless option right now, and what I was well on my way to doing. Or do I wade right back into this quagmire? I do love her and I am in love with her. At least the Elizabeth I once knew. But how does one tell her that, when I'm not even sure she sees the hurt she is spewing to those who love her? I don't even know this Elizabeth. Nor do I like her!"
"I don't know what to say, Charles. I couldn't begin to advise you."
"But you could, Nathan, and can. You are the only one who understands what I'm going through with her because you went through the same thing. Part of me thinks I would be smarter to move on, either alone or with someone else. But when I think like that, I still see her. I see her beautiful face, and I see her brokenness. And all I want to do is make her whole again!"
Charles' face was full of anguish and uncertainty, making Nathan realize he had to at least give him the facts as he knew them, then leave it to Charles to make his better-informed decision.
But Nathan also didn't want to break a confidence, not even one in order to help Elizabeth.
"Can you please just tell me if you think she loves me or cares for me at all?" begged Charles.
Nathan searched his soul and then knew how to answer.
"I can tell you my thoughts. But just know, I don't feel Iike I can betray any confidences she may or may not have made to me."
"That's totally fair. What do you think? Do you think it's possible that she could love me?"
"Charles, sit down. Please!"
"Of course."
"I think she already does love you."
"Do you think she could possibly be in love with me?"
"I think she already in is love with you."
Charles breathed a heavy sigh of relief, as he understood the truth that lay between them.
"Then how do I proceed?" asked Charles, furtively, begging for a roadmap from the man who knew her best.
Nathan wasn't sure where it came from, but his answer was crystal clear.
"You start over."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean whether you stay with Elizabeth or not, you start over."
Charles stared at Nathan, with the light beginning to dawn.
"Whatever you don't like, Charles, change it. If it can be changed, that is, and even if it can't, perhaps you have your answer."
Charles nodded completely understanding Nathan's message.
"Thank you, Nathan. I'd say I can already count you as a friend. I hope someday to return the favor!"
Both men rose.
"We are already friends, Charles, and I might add I'm proud to be able to call you that! Elizabeth would be very fortunate to have you in her life. You're a good man!"
The two men shared a hearty handshake.
"How can you possibly know that?"
Nathan chuckled.
"That you're a good man? I've suspected it for some time. Actually, from the first time I met you, at the Stagecoach. But you just proved it to me! And Charles on that starting over thing…"
"Yes?"
"I wouldn't wait if I were you!"
"Got it! I owe you quite a lot, Nathan! And my sincerest and heartfelt thank you is only a small beginning!"
"Think nothing of it. That's what friends are for. Best of luck, Charles. I'll say a prayer!"
"Much appreciated. Want to know something funny? It's the Big Guy who hasn't seemed to release me from all this. Believe me, I've prayed!"
"Then I have no doubt whatsoever, you'll be fine..."
No sooner had Charles left, Nathan had another visitor, one who walked right in behind Bill!
"What is this? Grand Central Station?" murmured Bill, turning to glare at the man following him.
"Lucas! What can I do for you?" asked Nathan, doing his best to make Lucas feel welcome in spite of Bill's snarly comment.
"Well whatever business you two have, you're not doin' it at my desk! I need it!" insisted Bill with a scowl, scooting the two men out of his way.
"Ignore our snippy Judge, Lucas," teased Nathan. "Why don't we step into my temporary Office?"
As he shut the door, an odd thought ran through his head.
'Do I have to turn over my whole morning to Elizabeth's suitors?'
But he patiently sat down at his desk and offered his services.
"What can I do for you, Lucas?"
"Actually, I wanted to ask you to lunch."
"To lunch?"
Nathan was shocked.
"I know you're probably surprised, but…I just need a friend to talk to. And it seems I don't have many of those."
"I can do lunch, as long as it's a quick one. Want me to meet you at the Saloon? Say Noon?"
"That's perfect. I won't keep you. See you at Noon!"
Nathan nodded.
What an odd day this was turning out to be!
Two rather new 'friends' in one morning, both having been suitors of Elizabeth, and absolutely no work done…
At Noon, in the Queen of Hearts, Lucas seated Nathan at a private table in the far back corner, away from Gustav's prying eyes.
"What can I get you, Nathan? Gustav's made Spaghetti as the special."
"If there's some of Gustav's fresh French Bread that goes along with it, I'm in!"
"That and a Salad, too!" smiled Lucas.
When Lucas returned after having given their orders to Gustav, he seemed nervous as he seated himself across from Nathan.
"I know I've apologized, but that was in front of other people, not personally. I've been doing a lot of thinking, and I just can't get out of my head all the horrible things I've done at your expense. Things that I got so wrong. All those things that went down with Elizabeth, and now the shooting. I just am so angry that I allowed all that to happen, but especially the shooting, Nathan. That truly haunts me."
"Lucas, all that's been forgiven. Short of the re-hab, I'm still doing every day with my arm, as well as the occasional nightmare, I've put the shooting behind me too. Right now, my focus is getting back to a hundred percent strength before my Wedding."
"As it should be! I wondered if you and Millicent would need any of our services in Montreal for the Wedding Reception."
"I'm sure the Mothers already have all that covered. But thanks for the offer!"
"I just thought…" but Lucas seemed to be at a loss for words.
And then it suddenly dawned on Nathan.
"Lucas, are you asking me for an invitation to our Wedding?"
"Yes, I suppose I am! I'd like to be there, for both of you. I mean if it wouldn't be a horrible reminder of what all I've done."
"Quite frankly, it surprises me you'd want to come, although pleasantly so! Lucas, you're more than welcome to come. But, I would have to get special permission for you to travel. Is that what you're asking?" still not understanding what Lucas was getting at.
"Do you think you could?"
"I think so, but there would have to be an amount of money put down as collateral."
"That's not a problem. I'm sure Father will help me out with that. I guess what I'm really asking is…would I be in the way? Would you and Millicent even want me there?"
"Of course, Millicent and I would want you there! We're inviting all of Hope Valley, and don't worry, our invitations haven't even gone out yet. Millicent only arrives home today, so that will take a bit of time. But I do know her Father is taking care of all the expenses for anyone in Hope Valley who wants to come and that includes you, as well as Gustav."
"Thank you, Nathan. I'd be honored."
"But on one condition. You'll be coming as our guests. Not to work!"
"That sounds even better! You know, you've really been the only friend I've had here. And look at what I did to you!"
"Lessons learned. Plus, I've forgiven you, Lucas. Millicent has forgiven you. Perhaps it's you who needs to forgive yourself, so we can all put this matter behind us."
"I can't. I don't want this to ever happen again."
"Lucas, you have to forgive yourself in order to move forward. We can't keep having this conversation for the next ten years. You know you need to move forward, too."
"That's exactly what Joseph said."
"You've been talking to Joseph? That's great. He's right, you know!"
"I guess I needed to hear it from you."
"And now you have. Forgive yourself. What comes up with your trial, well, Millicent and I are braced for that. It's not going to come between us, Lucas. We'll be there to help you, not to be hurt all over again."
"You're a good man, Nathan Grant, and I must say Millicent is quite something. I'm most grateful for your support."
"Hey, how are your businesses going?"
"The Saloon has been a bit down. And quite frankly, the Oil Business is a mess! You know, there have been a lot of rumors. Both since the thing with Elizabeth, and now since the thing with your shooting."
"Lucas, we haven't said a single word, and won't."
"I know that, and I greatly appreciate it. I know Bill hasn't either. But for some reason, Elizabeth has seemed to be hyper-focused on your shooting. And I suppose I haven't been able to convince her I'm innocent, because you and I both know I'm not."
"Forgive yourself, Lucas."
"I'll work at it, Nathan. I promise. But don't let me ever make light of you again, not even in jest."
"Funny thing is, I don't think you will. Except the jest part could be kind of fun," Nathan threw his arms open in a shrug which caused Lucas to laugh. "But let's change the topic. How's your Family?"
"Father is great and so is Toni. They're just anxiously waiting for Juliette to come. She should arrive any day!"
"How do you feel about that?"
"Honestly, scared to death! My own Mother and I obviously don't have the best of relationships, and now here I am having to deal with a Step-mother I haven't even met!"
"It will all work out. Juliette might end up being a blessing. Look at John Henry. He seems to be a good judge of character. And from what I know she sounds lovely. Besides, she can't be all bad, having raised Antoinette!"
"You're right! I suppose I should be more open-minded. Just not sure what to expect."
"Want some advice? Don't expect anything. Just take time to get to know her and enjoy her visit."
"You make it sound simple."
Nathan shrugged, but just lightly this time.
"Most things are, you know."
"See, why can't I be more like you?" laughed Lucas. "I overcomplicate every single detail of my life!"
"Oh, trust me, you don't want that!" chuckled Nathan. "Just be yourself! And maybe simplify..."
As the two men finished their lunch, Lucas walked Nathan outside, where the two men stood on the boardwalk, still chatting while they looked out over Hope Valley.
Nathan noticed Lucas was finally seeming to relax, when both heard quite a few sounds coming from the distance, amid a low rumble.
"Hm. Sounds like several cars coming all at once," mused Nathan.
"Sure does. And I'd wager, big ones too!" agreed Lucas. "I'd say whatever that is, is a lot of power!"
As the sounds grew closer and more intense, both men were anxious as to what was coming.
Nathan from a standpoint of town safety, Lucas from just plain old curiosity.
Both men were literally nonplussed, as a most official-looking motorcade arrived in town and pulled up to the Boardwalk.
"Now that's something! Who in the world is that?" squinted Lucas. "Got to be someone famous! Definitely very important!"
But Nathan instantly recognized the Limousine, as well as the driver and the two cars before and after, and he couldn't help the smile that was forming on his face, as he rushed into the street to welcome them.
Barely turning to answer Lucas in an excited voice.
"My soon-to-be Father-in-Law…"
Lucas stood aghast as he watched Nathan interact with the Chauffeur, having welcomed him and addressed him personably as Lloyd.
Then Nathan helped this very important-looking man out from the back of the car, as the Chauffeur just stood there with a smile on his face, looking quite happy to be seeing the Town's Mountie.
By now, a crowd was gathering, as this type of motorcade had never before been seen in Hope Valley.
The Handsome, and very elegant, well-dressed man exited his expensive limo and literally broke into an all-out smile, as soon as he saw Nathan standing before him.
Lucas couldn't tear his eyes away from the distinguished man and watched along with half the town, as the Stranger wrapped his arms around their Mountie.
"What a wonderful surprise, Edward! Welcome to Hope Valley!"
"Happy to be here, Son! Is my Daughter still here?"
"Afraid not, Sir. We're missing her terribly, but she's arriving in Montreal today by Train! We get to speak to her on the phone later this evening!"
"Well, I'm sorry I missed her, as I was hoping we could travel home together. But I was determined to come whether or not, as I wanted to visit your town, and meet my new granddaughter!"
"Oh, Allie, will be thrilled, Sir! She's in school right now."
"Of course, she is. Is there a hotel here for my Staff?"
"Yes, Sir. In fact, we're standing right in front of it. There are hotel rooms on the second floor of The Queen of Hearts. And this is Mr. Lucas Bouchard, the Proprietor. Lucas, this is my soon-to-be Father-in-Law, Edward Bradford."
"A distinct pleasure, Sir! May I take your Staff and arrange their rooms?"
"That would be very kind of you. Just save the bill for me."
"Yes, Sir! Again, a delight to meet you!"
"Likewise."
With that, Lucas led Mr. Bradford's staff into The Queen of Hearts.
It was clear that Mr. Bradford had released his Staff from any formalities prior to their arrival, which Nathan appreciated, making it pretty much like any ordinary family visit, well except for the two additional cars loaded with Security.
So perhaps, as much as was possible, when you were THE Mr. Bradford, otherwise known as the Leading Business Entrepreneur Extraordinaire for all of Canada!
"You'll be staying with us, Edward. I wish I had room for everyone, but I'm afraid the rowhouse is quite small."
"Not a problem, Son! But are you sure I won't be an imposition?"
"Not at all! It's our pleasure. Besides, Allie wouldn't let me hear the end of it if you were to stay anywhere but with us! She's going to be one very happy Young Lady! But, I must warn you, she'll talk your arm and leg off!"
"Sounds like my kind of girl! Can't wait to meet her!"
"Here, let's get you to someplace more private. Oh, this is Judge Bill Avery. Bill, this is my soon-to-be Father-in-Law."
"Mr. Bradford, why this is a huge honor and delight! Welcome to Hope Valley!"
"Thank you, Judge Avery!"
"Nah! None of that stuff. It's just plain ole Bill!"
"Thank you, Bill. And likewise, the name is Edward. Happy to make your acquaintance. I've heard wonderful things about you!"
"As I have you! I should tell you upfront, though, we've all fallen in love with your Daughter!"
"I'm afraid that's a fairly common occurrence! Thank you too, for chaperoning our young Couple! It's much appreciated."
"Totally my pleasure. I must say we all had a great time, except of course for one small occurrence, we all could have done without!"
"Nathan, I'm so sorry! How is your arm? Healing nicely, I hope!"
"Yes, Sir! It is. Doing daily rehab and hoping to be back a hundred percent strength prior to the Wedding. Why don't we take you to the house, and get you settled? Then Bill and I'll give you a quick tour of Hope Valley, that is if you're available Bill?"
"Absolutely! Wouldn't be anywhere else. Do you need help with the luggage?"
"I don't have much. Unlike my Daughter, I travel light! Just one suitcase, a suiter, and a briefcase, I'm afraid. Nathan and I ought to be able to manage that just fine…"
At the rowhouse, having taken Edward's luggage to Nathan's room, the men returned downstairs, where Nathan prepared Coffee.
"You're right! This is quite cozy, but I like it, Nathan. Reminds me of our first apartment."
"Bill has given us an extraordinary parcel of land I'll take you to see, Edward. We plan to build there as soon as the weather allows. I just hope you'll be comfortable here with us."
"Listen, I can't tell you how lovely it is to be with Family. I'm afraid the constant subservience gets old rather fast! It's nice to just be able to relax and not have all those Business constraints!"
"I'm glad we can give that to you."
"I see you have Colleen's beautiful paintings hanging. They are so exquisite, Nathan. Just stunning! They must give you much joy."
"They do, Sir, now, thanks to your Daughter. I had kept them packed away, but Millicent made me see they were to be hung and appreciated. For which I'm very grateful!"
"I'm glad. You know, that beautiful sister of yours will always be a part of us! Now, that we're settled, let's sit a bit. Tell me about everything."
"Well, Sir! I will say having you here is the happiest I've been since Millicent left. Allie and I've missed her so much. The whole town has!"
"I can see it on your face. I'm truly sorry this separation is necessary. I remember how hard it was being separated from Victoria way back when we were yours and Millicent's age. I'll tell you a secret, though. All these years of marriage, and it's still hard. Maybe even harder, if I'm being perfectly honest! In fact, I hate being away from Victoria, period. Come to think of it, always have!"
"I don't doubt that at all. It's funny, having you here really is having a piece of Millicent with us. Thank you, Edward, for thinking of us and stopping by. I can't tell you what a wonderful surprise this is!"
"Wouldn't have missed it being this close by! And I'm sorry I couldn't call in advance, but I didn't know till the last minute if I could work it out or not."
"That's never a problem, Edward. You're always welcome with or without any advance notice!"
"Nathan, I'm hearing rumors that the Commissioner has chosen you to hand groom as his successor. However, I want you to know, Son, because I know this will be important to you, I heard those rumors long before you and Millicent became engaged."
"Thank you for that. That does seem to be the Commissioner's intent, although it's still difficult for me to comprehend. I've never aspired to a position remotely that prestigious, and truthfully, between us, I'm still not sure how I feel about it."
"That's okay. In fact, that just tells me you are humble and will know when the time comes if it's the right thing or not. Don't put pressure on yourself until the offer actually happens, although I have no doubt it will. Just let things evolve naturally. You'll figure it out along the way. Who knows where you'll want to end up? You know, I honestly think one of the reasons I've been so successful, is that I'm not at all afraid of change. Embrace change, Son, and who knows where it will take you and your family! The sky's the limit!"
"That's great advice, Edward! I appreciate that and promise to take it to heart."
As Nathan sat there comfortably, enjoying being with Edward, he counted it a great blessing that they already shared this solid relationship that went back to his childhood.
He dearly loved the man and had learned a lot of valuable information from him over the years.
Edward had been the one, along with his mother, to keep their family together during his own father's troubles.
And he had never once looked down on the Grants because of those troubles.
Nathan would always be grateful to Edward for that.
He was a good man, a great man!
He was someone Nathan deeply respected and greatly admired.
But it was more than that.
Somehow, the two of them had always managed to be friends, as well as extended family!
Nathan smiled, realizing pleasantly, that he was going to be learning a whole lot more from this man over the years, as well as enjoying a new closeness to him as his son...
After speaking with Nathan, Charles had taken a few hours to chart his course.
He was nervous as he approached Elizabeth's house, but he was now confident in his future, whatever way this turned out.
If Elizabeth was truly ready to move forward into a relationship with him, he would honor that.
But if there was the slightest hesitation on her part, he would politely leave and follow his daughter back to Hamilton, never to approach her ever again.
It was the healthiest decision for all concerned, and he was also considering Little Jack.
Elizabeth had seemed totally oblivious to it, but he had noticed a change in Little Jack, a change that as a Parent truly concerned him. It had concerned Miss Shay as well. And Charles, had to admit, although she tried to hide it due to her professional training, she also was concerned.
Deep down, Charles knew Miss Shay was not that impressed with Elizabeth's current state, nor her care as a mother, but she didn't have the history he had with her, having not known her at all prior to any of this!
Truthfully, he had been embarrassed about the whole matter, as this wasn't the Elizabeth he had known either. In fact, he knew even if he had asked her to return to Hope Valley with him, Miss Shay would have requested to return to Hamilton.
Nathan was right. It was best he was here alone. To resolve whatever this was with Elizabeth.
He knocked on the door firmly, and was surprised, although perhaps he shouldn't have been, to find Laura on the other side.
"Laura, good afternoon. Is Mrs. Thornton in?"
"Mr. Kensington! I thought you had gone to Hamilton! No, she's at the school, but she should be back in about fifteen minutes."
"Laura, could I trouble you to take Little Jack to the Coulters so that Mrs. Thornton and I might have some privacy."
"Of course, Mr. Kensington. I actually have a key in case no one's there, so I'm sure they won't mind. But if the children are there with their sitters, they will enjoy playing together! Is there anything I can get you?"
"Thank you, Laura, but that isn't necessary. Is Jack asleep?"
"No, Sir! He's in his room playing. Can I get him for you?"
"Why don't you let me help bring him down and get him ready to go next door?"
"Thank you, Sir. That would be lovely. He'll be so pleased to see you!"
"And I, him. Laura, one more question. I'm not sure how this is done in Hope Valley, but will it be okay for me to wait on Mrs. Thornton, here?"
"Oh, of course, Sir. Everyone knows you, Eliza Jade, and Miss Shay have been staying here, and really no one even knows you've been gone."
"Will it alarm Mrs. Thornton?"
"I'm sure not, Sir! She's been missing you very much. I'm sure she will be pleased for you to wait on her here."
"Thank you, Laura. You're very kind…"
As Elizabeth barged through her own door calling for Laura, Charles rose from the settee.
"Laura isn't here, Elizabeth."
"Charles!" shrieked Elizabeth, as she ran to him and threw her arms about him.
Charles didn't respond. He couldn't. There was much too much to talk about before anything like this could take place.
Elizabeth drew back, but the look on her face, although disappointed, seemed to understand.
"Please sit, Elizabeth."
She sat in the chair behind her, across from Charles on the Settee, knowing this was her own personal crisis point.
The words spoken between them would either leave them with a future together or they would go their separate ways, and she would lose Charles forever.
She was in for the fight of her life and she knew it.
She now feared loss, having lost Jack, having lost Nathan, and because of those losses, she was going to do everything in her power not to lose this love too!
"Charles, can I get you some tea?"
"That would be lovely, Elizabeth."
Truthfully, he wasn't ready for the onslaught.
Perhaps the tea would help keep things civil for both of them, at least he hoped so.
He sat in silence as Elizabeth prepared the tea, and he was relieved to find his resolve deepening instead of wavering.
Which gave him confirmation that he was doing the right thing for all four people involved.
Jack had been thrilled to see him, and that had warmed his heart. He already loved the Little Guy. How could he not?
But what he really wanted was for Jack to know him as his Father, not just some man his Mother seemed to control.
And he wanted Elizabeth to be a Mother, not only to Jack but to Eliza Jade.
To him, the Children's needs were just as important as his own, for if this worked, they would be a real Family together, and he wasn't about to settle for anything less.
"Here we go. I brought some Biscuits, too."
Charles looked up and was shocked to see a proper tea tray being served, with a vase of flowers in the center of the tray, and linen napkins.
Although it was a little thing, it showed she had taken care in preparing the service for him, and he was touched, as it was perhaps the first thoughtful thing she had done for him.
"Thank you, Elizabeth."
They sat in silence for a while, silently sipping their tea, when finally, Elizabeth spoke up.
"I know my actions have been unforgivable. And I know without changing those actions, my words are going to be meaningless to you. So, please know that everything I'm about to say to you will be backed up with appropriate action so that you can believe in me again."
Charles nodded.
"Actually, I won't accept anything less, Elizabeth."
His words were flat, devoid of emotion, but very firm.
This was a side of him she hadn't seen or had just not been aware of.
"And you shouldn't accept anything less. I've behaved abominably to you and what's worse, I've behaved abominably to Eliza Jade and even my own Son. I deeply regret that, Charles. Much more than I can say. Jack would be ashamed of me. My parents would be ashamed of me. I'm ashamed of myself. Even my friends, those I have left, are ashamed of me. And the irony is, I did it all in the name of grief. I need you to know I won't make those excuses again. I will always miss Jack and a part of me will always love him, but I won't be living in my grief anymore. I now know in order to live, I must love, and although I know it doesn't look like it, you are the one in my heart, the Man I love right now in the present, the Man I'm in love with right now in the present."
How long he had wanted to hear these words, but he had to let her continue.
He had to truly know she meant her words.
Because her past actions told him they were empty.
"It took your leaving, and some straight talking from both Jack and Nathan for me to realize how very wrong I've been. If you will allow me, I plan on loving you with all my heart, with all my soul, and with all my being. I plan on spending each day and each night showing you how very much I love you. And I plan on being the mother our children deserve. Charles, I know you loved your Wife with all your heart just like I loved Jack with all of mine, but you saw Eliza as human, and somehow over the last few years since Jack's death, I've built him up as perfect. He was a good man just like your wife was a good woman, but I know and everyone else knows that Jack wasn't perfect. He was just human like Eliza, and like us. It's funny, I've thought about that a lot since you left, and I see now what I did. No man could compete with the perfect image I demanded. It wasn't even fair to Jack or to me, or to Nathan, and most definitely not to you. We've had this connection all of our lives, even through our marriages, and now, if you'll have me, is our time to love and grow together, as Friends, as a Couple, as Lovers, as Spouses, and as a Family!"
He still stayed silent.
"If we can work through this mess I've created, and if you decide for us to continue our engagement, I want to change our Wedding Date to January 4th, so it won't be on the same night as Nathan and Millicent's Wedding. I did that out of spite, I proposed to you out of spite. And I am deeply sorry."
"Why do you want the date changed to the fourth?"
"Because I want a special day for us, and because there are four of us coming into this Wedding, and because it's your Birthday."
Charles could feel his resistance breaking into chards inside of him, yet he still didn't know how this was going to go.
So, he remained firm outwardly.
"Elizabeth, please hand me your engagement ring."
She took in her breath, as though she were unable to breathe, and devastated, she did as he asked and removed the beautiful large solitaire diamond.
It was all she could do.
As she slid the ring from her finger, she saw every dream she had slip away, and the pain was palpable, unbearably searing, but she was determined not to cry.
She didn't deserve to cry.
Charles had every right to break their engagement.
She would have done the same thing had she been in his shoes.
Charles reached out and took the ring, without looking into her hurt eyes.
"You need to know, I will no longer tolerate disrespect of any kind, Elizabeth, and I will not enter into a sham of a marriage, not even for you. You see, I want it all. I want so much love for us that when you marry, I want you to bring even better than what you and Jack had to the table. And when I marry, I want to bring even better to the table than what Eliza and I had. I happen to think that's exactly what Jack and Eliza would want for us, Elizabeth."
She was looking down to the floor, but she nodded knowing he was right, knowing his way was respecting their pasts and even their spouses more than she ever had.
"You see both of us have had the real thing, which means we know better than others how to cherish love, how to treasure it, as well as our respective spouses."
He continued.
"Having been through it before, we have a new understanding of what marriage truly is and what it can be. We also have precious children who need us more than they've ever needed us. But they also need mothers and fathers. Their needs are even more important than ours, or at least that's the way they should be. You see, Elizabeth, we should be greedy, we should want it all. We should want their needs filled, and we should want our needs filled. The best marriage, the best family, and the most love. We deserve that having been through what we've been through. But, Elizabeth, our pasts our passed. Over and done with. Our presents are only here for today, right now. It's our futures that a marriage builds. And we should want the best futures out there for us. The absolute best!"
It was only then that he left the plural behind and began to speak in the singular.
"I want adoration, I want abiding love, and I want passion and romance for both my wife and myself. I want the very best of love for my family. I want both a marriage and a family with an intense love where everyone builds each other up. I want all the joy that life has to offer."
Now, without hesitation, he rose from the settee and took those two necessary steps to face Elizabeth.
He cupped his hand under her cheek and lifted her tear-stained face toward his own.
"Do you want all of that, Elizabeth?"
"With all my heart, with all my being, Charles," choking on the words, knowing that she had lost it all. "That's exactly what I want!"
But it was then that Charles did the strangest thing.
He knelt on one knee.
And took both her hands into his.
Why was he doing this? Why was he saying goodbye like this? It was too painful.
How could she breathe?
How could she go on alone?
"Elizabeth Margaret Thatcher Thornton, will you give me your word that you will marry me and love me and our children just as we've agreed we want, forever?"
Elizabeth was shaking and sobbing at the same time, wrapping her arms around his neck, with her lips instantly pressed into his.
As he raised from the floor and lifted her with him, without ever having parted their kiss, he enfolded her completely in his arms.
And finally, Elizabeth Margaret Thatcher Thornton, soon-to-be Kensington was truly home…