Chapter 70: Family Matters

"Another cup of coffee?"

"Yes, please! I must say it's awfully nice to just sit and chat, Nathan. It seems every time I initiate a conversation with anyone other than family, there's always an agenda!"

"I'm sorry. That's just not at all right."

"I suppose not, but it's pretty much a way of life by now. And I don't mean to complain at all. Just so happy to not have to be waiting for the other shoe to drop! I don't like the thought of it at all, but you'll get this too, to a degree, as part of the family. Why don't we change the subject to happier things? Tell me all about my granddaughter!"

"Edward, I'm afraid we have a conundrum. And I'm not really sure how we should handle this! Allie has a work commitment after school today, as she's supposed to relieve Mrs. Yost at the switchboard for an hour. But if she knows you're here, she'll never go!"

"No one knows better than me how important work is! Especially fulfilling a commitment at her age. I'm very impressed, Nathan! You've raised her well! As hard as it's going to be for me to wait to meet my granddaughter, why don't I make myself scarce when she comes home from school, so she can go on to work without any ambivalence? I have plenty of paperwork I can busy myself with. And then she and I can spend the rest of the afternoon and evening getting to know each other!"

"Are you certain, Edward? I mean I could call Mrs. Yost and…"

"Don't even think of it. I'm absolutely sure! Besides, if I set my paperwork aside, which to be totally honest, I'm very tempted to do," said Edward, with a sly smile. "That will give you and me at least another hour to chat and catch up!"

"Best idea yet! You, more than anyone, need a break from work! And we've got so much to talk about. You know, Allie's expecting me to be at work when she finishes, so why don't I take you to see our land and let you try out the new car while we're at it, instead? Then when we finish, we'll pick up Allie from work! That way you and I can talk the whole way out there and back catching up. I'm really anxious to see what you think about the land…"

With one toddler and two babies, it had been the usual chaotic hubbub at the Coulter rowhouse all day long, although neither Rosemary nor Lee would have had it any other way!

Finally, things were beginning to calm down somewhat by mid-afternoon, when Rosemary heard a knock at their front door.

"Oliver, would you help Mama, Sweetheart, and take these paci's to Sophie and Sadie?" called Rosemary. "But do be gentle when you put them in your sisters' mouths!"

"I do it, Mama!"

Rosemary smiled after her son, who was already skipping off to complete his task.

But as she opened her door, she couldn't help but be surprised, as her best friend's visits had been rather scarce of late.

"Elizabeth!"

"Rosemary, are the children asleep?"

"No," answered Rosemary a bit warily, realizing this was the very first time Elizabeth on her own had really considered the children since she and Lee had adopted them. "The girls are a little fussy down here in their bassinettes. I just asked Oliver to give them their paci's hoping they might go back to sleep, but we'll see!"

"I'll be very quiet," whispered Elizabeth. "But I owe you an apology."

"You don't have to whisper! When my girls are ready to sleep, they'll sleep through anything! But why an apology?"

"Yesterday, when I had Laura ask you to come and care for Jack. I feel so bad, Rosemary! I'm so used to you being there for Little Jack and me, I completely forgot that you were busy with your own three children. And now I understand that Laura came over again earlier with Jack today. Can you possibly forgive me?"

"There's nothing to forgive, Elizabeth. As it happened, yesterday the children were all napping, and Meg was here helping me with them anyway. And earlier today Oliver was thrilled to get to play with Jack while the girls slept. Honestly, I was glad to come to your house yesterday for a change of scenery. Getting to spend alone time with Jack was especially sweet. I got to actually relax a minute and reconnect with him. The last thing I want is for Jack to feel like his Auntie Rosie and Uncle Lee have abandoned him because we've given him three new cousins!"

"Rosemary, you're the absolute best auntie and mother in the world! Jack is very blessed and so are your children. They're all very lucky to have you. Still, it was most thoughtless of me, and I promise it won't happen again! I promise. I really do! In fact, Laura and I need to be giving you a break every few days! Think of all the times you've done it for me!"

"I appreciate that and I'll admit, a break would be nice now and then. Meg can't really give us that much time yet, although she is trying to ease out of her other job over the next few weeks. But I understand you've had a lot going on. Although I must say, now you seem different. Something's happened. Elizabeth, you're absolutely glowing! What is it?"

"Can you possibly come for tea, if Meg is with the children, I mean?"

"Now? Well, as a matter of fact, she and Lee are both here! Meg is doing laundry now, with Ollie's 'help,' so we'll see how that goes! But let me ask Lee to come and sit to watch the girls, then I'll grab my coat."

"Perfect, Rosemary! Thank you!"

"You know, the proud Papa came home early just because he missed us! But he can't fool me. It's his children he missed! We're just so happy, Elizabeth!"

"I'm thrilled for you both! You so deserve this, Rosemary. You both do!"

"Well, we've never been happier!"

Rosemary patted Elizabeth's hand, making Elizabeth suddenly realize the enormity of the fact that the Coulters were now a family!

A real family.

Something Elizabeth, herself, had always taken for granted. Yet Rosemary and Lee never had.

Even alone without Jack, Elizabeth and Little Jack were a family.

"Lee, Hon, can you watch the girls for a bit, while I run next door?" called Rosemary, from the foot of the stairs.

"Sure, Honey!" smiled Lee as he bounded down the steps with a sheaf of papers in his hand, and kissed his wife's cheek. "That's why I came home. To help!"

"The girls are awake, but they've quietened since Oliver's given them their paci's. Ollie ran into the kitchen with Meg. You shouldn't have any trouble at all with the girls. But if Sadie or Sophie starts to cry, just get Meg! She'll know what to do!"

"Everything will be fine, Rosie! I've got this! I'm not going to need Meg. I can take care of my two girls all by myself!"

Rosemary tweaked his cheek, full of love for her husband, who was embracing his new paternal role!

"Well, if you say so, Hon!"

Rosemary grabbed her coat as she headed for her daughters and called for Oliver.

"I'm ready Elizabeth, but let me kiss all my darling little munchkins first!"

Oliver ran for his Mama's kiss and Sophie and Sadie, still awake, gurgled at their Mama's funny faces before she bent to kiss them.

Elizabeth marveled at how wonderfully Rosemary was handling not one but three children, totally unflappably, with Lee at the ready!

Who would have thought one would have been so easy, much less three!

But what a sweet, sweet sight it was…

"Nathan, your Hispano-Suiza is magnificent! Where in the world did you find it?"

"The car dealer in Union City actually ordered it for himself from Europe. Paris, to be exact. But before it was delivered, he found another fancier car and purchased that one, instead, thereby putting this one up for sale. We had been communicating over the phone, and I saw one in a magazine and fell in love with it. So, he agreed to hold it for me to bring Millicent and Allie to see. Though I kept it a surprise from them. They had no idea we were going to look at a car to possibly buy, till we were on the train for Union City! As it turned out, I got a really great deal, and just didn't feel we could pass it up!"

"I'm sure that both Millicent and Allie love this! How could they not? Did my daughter get to drive it? I know she doesn't get much of a chance in Montreal. But she's a very good driver! Albert's a great teacher. Although, I wish I could have been the one to have taught her!"

"I'm sure she understands, Sir! Both Millicent and Allie fell in love with the car. You're right though, Millicent's an excellent driver. Of course, we didn't have a lot of time to use the car, with the…"

"The shooting and all! Of course, you didn't. Nathan, I'm so sorry the three of you had to go through that, and of course, especially you! How are you really doing with your recovery?"

"The nightmares are fewer and further between, for which I'm very grateful. But to be honest, they aren't yet completely gone. And I'm still not back at 100% strength. But, as I said, I'm doing rehab every day with Dr. Carter, and I've tried to come to terms with it all. Millicent has been the one to help me do that, Sir, even though it's still hard for her."

"Of course, it is. I think it's always harder to see someone you love hurting or injured."

"I suppose you're right. The nightmares are because I keep seeing Millicent being shot instead of me. Over and over again. Edward, if anything had happened to her, I would never have forgiven myself," Nathan's eyes were distant, as he stared straight ahead, reliving the awful moment in that very instant.

"Son, I'm afraid fear of injury or losing the one we love is part of loving. Thankfully, Millicent is not injured, and I'm very grateful for that. But am I greedy to wish that you hadn't been injured either? Because I do wish that with all my heart! I really do hate that the three of you have had to go through this."

"Thank you, Edward. That means a lot. Hey, would you like to take the wheel and drive us out to our land?"

"Like to? You better believe it! I'd love to! And Nathan, can it just be you and me with Security staying at home this time?"

"I think that's a marvelous idea!" and Nathan swung his arm around Edward's shoulders, as they walked out onto the front porch of Nathan's rowhouse.

"Lance, I've got Mr. Bradford covered. But please don't say anything at all to Allie. I want her Grandfather to get to surprise her later after work!"

"Of course, Sir. Mum's the word! But are you sure the two of you won't need me?"

"I'm positive, Lance. Mr. Bradford and I will be fine. The Judge is going with us, too!"

"That makes me feel better, Sir! Safety in numbers is a real thing. Just be careful. I'll wait here for Allie and Kyle."

"We'll be fine! See you later, Lance!"

With that, Nathan threw Edward his keys, who caught them without effort and with a huge smile!

Elated at the prospect of driving, Edward walked around to the Driver's side, looking as excited as a kid, while Nathan stepped in on the passenger side.

Edward started the engine.

"Nice hum! But Son, I should let you know, I haven't had the pleasure of driving in a very long time! So, I'm warning, I might be a bit rusty!"

"No better place than Hope Valley to brush up on your driving skills, as we have very little traffic here!"

"Then we're going to be fine!"

Nathan glanced at Edward and was happy to see the same excitement he himself had felt when he first drove his new car.

Edward Bradford was a man who had everything, yet loved the little things, and sadly, seldom got to experience them.

Nathan knew better than anyone that to Edward, the freedom of driving his car meant more than receiving a priceless gift.

Knowing, too, that their time together was helping Edward relax, pleased his soon-to-be son-in-law very much.

And having Millicent's Father with him, in turn, relaxed Nathan, releasing him somewhat from the total agony of missing her.

"Where do I go?" asked Edward, obviously ready for their adventure.

"Straight ahead! First stop, Bill's Office. I'll tell you when to stop…"

Sitting at Elizabeth's kitchen table, Rosemary knew that something had dramatically changed, so much so that she would even have gone so far as to say, something had miraculously changed!

At least whatever this was, seemed to be a positive thing!

But Rosemary was puzzled since she hadn't a clue as to what had changed.

'Her engagement ring from Charles is still on her finger. At least she hasn't taken it off. Or better, he hasn't asked for it back, yet!' mused Rosemary silently lost in her thoughts.

But Rosemary also hadn't heard as of yet, if Charles was still on his way to Hamilton, or if he was planning to return to Hope Valley, as Elizabeth was hoping he would.

So, what had changed? Because something sure had. Rosemary was certain of that!

"Where's Little Jack, Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth blushed.

"He's with Charles. They went to get a Hot Chocolate at the Soda Fountain!"

"Charles came back? Why didn't you tell me?"

"I'm tired of it always being about me, Rosemary. It's not that I didn't want to tell you. It's just that I've been such a poor friend! Everything's been about me forever. But I promise I'm going to make all that up to you! Although, if you'll humor me, I am dying to tell you our news!"

"Spill. I'm dying to hear your news! Because you look positively radiant!"

"Rosemary, I know I don't deserve this, but for the first time, Charles and I are finally really truly together! He loves me, but he took my ring back and I honestly thought everything was over, I really did. He looked so sad and everything felt so final. I was so empty. Still, he kept talking and we agreed that we both wanted a real marriage, a real family. Although the whole time he was talking, I still thought he was leaving me. But Rosemary, all of a sudden, he did the most romantic thing! When he was sure we were finally on the same page, that deep down we both wanted the same things, he knelt down beside me and this time he proposed to me! It was so beautiful. I really do love him, Rosemary. I'm in love with Charles! He made me see that if we love each other the best we can, that honors both Jack and Eliza, his wife. And he's right. I want him to be my husband, and I want Eliza Jade to be my daughter. I want to be a real mother to her, Rosemary. Charles and Eliza Jade are a package deal just like Little Jack and I are. Charles and Nathan and even Jack have made me understand so many things over the last couple of days. I know it's hard to believe, but I'm finally ready to move on!"

"That's wonderful, Elizabeth!"

Elizabeth's eyes clouded.

"But I treated Eliza Jade so horribly, by ignoring her."

"Elizabeth…"

"No, Rosemary, I did. I was horrible to her. You were a better mother than me even before you got Oliver, Sadie, and Sophie. You told me I needed to be Eliza Jade's mother, that I needed to love her, yet I didn't listen, I was too self-absorbed. And I'm so ashamed. I treated Eliza Jade just like I treated Allie," and Elizabeth broke down into tears.

Rosemary tried to soothe her, but she wouldn't be soothed.

"No! I don't get a pass for this. I'm a teacher, Rosemary, and I broke two little girls' hearts. I'll never forgive myself for that," but then Elizabeth brightened in spite of her tears. "But I am going to make it up to them both! I promise you that! You can mark my word!"

"Elizabeth," asked Rosemary. "I hate to ask this, but as your best friend, I have to know. Are you absolutely sure Charles is the one you want to spend your life with?"

"Completely sure."

"Do you love him truly?"

"Yes, Rosemary, I do!"

"And are you truly in love with him?

"Yes, Rosemary, I truly am. I never told anyone this. Not even you. But turning Charles down back all those years ago, wasn't as easy for me as I let on. I loved Jack, I truly did. You know that, but there was also a part of me that's always loved Charles too. He was my very best friend through grade school, high school, and even college. And although at the time of his proposal, I blamed him a bit for working with my father, I know now that was wrong of me. He's his own man, Rosemary. Always has been. That's why Father trusts him. He's not a yes man. He's the opposite! He tells it like it is and makes his own decisions. He sees things differently and has brilliant ideas that work!"

"Elizabeth, you don't have to convince me. I've liked Charles from the very beginning."

"I'm glad. As you like to say, Charles is my lifetime love, Rosemary. He truly is. I'm so glad I've finally realized it. After all this time, I'm finally free to love! And I'm so ready to make everything right, with Charles, Eliza Jade, and even my own Little Jack!"

Rosemary couldn't help but cry too!

It had been a very long, painful journey, but finally, happiness was peeking through.

As the two ladies cried happy tears together over their tea, Charles knocked lightly on the front door and carried a laughing Jack into the kitchen.

But when Little Jack saw his Auntie Rosie, he tried to wiggle out of Charles' arms, with Charles laughingly setting him down.

"Auntie Rosie!" and Rosemary opened her arms to Jack, who crawled up on her lap.

"Ladies, I hope we men aren't interrupting anything too important," as he wrapped his arm around Elizabeth's waist, and kissed his Fiancee right there in front of Rosemary, who was dumbfounded as Elizabeth happily kissed him back.

Rosemary even caught herself blushing, having never seen the Couple kiss before, while Little Jack was oblivious and full of glee!

"My, Charles is as radiant as you, Elizabeth!" cried Rosemary, not realizing she had actually said the words out loud.

Finally, after years of turmoil, Elizabeth, her best friend, and Jack's Mama, was well on her way to being whole again!

Rosemary couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, as this was the most beautiful thing she had seen in this house for a very long time…

The sun was shining through the cold, as Bill, Edward, and Nathan stepped out of Nathan's car, looking out over the expanse of land Bill had gifted the Grants.

Even covered with blotches of snow that still hadn't melted from the last storm, the place was pristinely striking, as though it were a painting of nature at its best!

"This is natural, rustic, and stunningly beautiful! My, look at that river! And the mountains behind! What a gift, Bill! My Son and Daughter are truly blessed to have family like you here in Hope Valley! And you are family, you know. I can tell that just being here a few hours!"

"Appreciate you sharin' your family with me, Edward! I already think the world of all three of them!"

"I can tell you do! How did you come by all this, Bill?" asked Edward, genuinely curious.

"Bought it right after I came to Hope Valley, along with a few other pieces of property. This one's much too large for me, but it's perfect for a family. Especially a family that needs to be protected. The river's so torturous, that along with the mountains, they form a natural protective barrier. I know all of Hope Valley, and this is by far the best-protected area that we have. The most beautiful, too!"

"There's no arguing its beauty, and I really appreciate you thinking of their protection, Bill," thanked Edward, as a solemn, almost wistful look came over his face. "Unfortunately, because of me, it seems that is a necessary part of our lives. Sometimes I feel guilty for creating a lifestyle that requires my own children to be protected around the clock. But I didn't mean it to be that way at all. Funny, I just wanted to build businesses. Businesses that were needed, businesses that made all of our lives better. Who would have thought my family would have to pay for something as simple as that?"

"Well, when you look at it that way, Edward, I suppose that's a pretty rotten deal, but when you look at it the way I do, our country's a better place for all the businesses you've built. Can you imagine Canada without steel? Can you imagine Canada without grain? I could go on and on, Edward. What you've done is nothin' short of a miracle. And I for one, out of millions, am grateful for what you've built!" insisted Bill.

"You're very kind to say so, Judge. But I admit I have moments of wondering if I've done the right thing by those I love."

"Edward, you can't think like that. You've made all of our lives infinitely better in our day-to-day living. The way I see this," offered Nathan, "the Bible tells each of us to use the gifts we've received to help others. You've done and are doing exactly that. You've been an exemplary steward. No one can question that. Sure, there are burdens that have been created from that service, but there are blessings too. The most important thing is that every single member of your family adores you. That's the mark of a great man, in my book! And you are about to meet a little girl who is already intrigued by what you've accomplished! And she only knows what Millicent and I have told her, which isn't a lot! Don't beat yourself up over things that are out of your control. You simply did what you were meant to do. And Bill's right. We should all be thankful for it."

"Well, I hope you hold the same high regard after having been with us this coming year as a full-fledged member of our family!" smiled Edward. "But you two sure know how to make a flawed man feel much better. So, I thank you both for that! Now, when do I get a tour of this beautiful land? Where are you thinking about building a house? I want to see exactly where it will set!"

The mood lightened as Bill led the two men over the land, with Nathan answering the questions as to what would go where, asking Edward for advice, when in doubt, which he was very pleased to give.

"We're thinking the house should set right over there, on that knoll with all the trees. A big comfortable farmhouse, a little casual for me, a little elegant for Millicent. There will be Stables behind, a guest house for company, and of course, housing for Security! Although I must tell you, Edward, this is more my dream than Millicent's. Honestly, she would be content if we just stayed in the rowhouse!"

"That's my Girl! But I do understand that! Victoria and I were so happy in our little place when we first married. It's funny, Nathan, when you have big, you want small!"

Nathan couldn't help but see the distinct and inevitable dark cloud that fell over his soon-to-be father-in-law, as thoughts of Edward's and Victoria's first apartment and inevitably, their lost firstborn, came flooding back into Edward's mind.

"Bill, will you excuse Edward and me for just a moment? There's a place I want to show him."

"Sure, you all go on! I'm gonna look at that brush area over there and see what it's gonna take for us men to get it cleared out!"

Nathan smiled, grateful that Bill understood he needed a few private moments with Edward.

"Let's head down toward the river, Edward. There's a special spot there, I want to show you."

The two men then walked down and over to the river's bank, where Nathan expertly guided their way over several smaller rocks till they reached the huge flat rock where he and Millicent had sat.

Nathan motioned for Edward to sit on the fallen log there.

As both men sat, the water rushed angrily round about them on three sides, yet it was strangely calming in an odd sort of way.

"This is wonderful!" exclaimed Edward. "A fisherman's paradise, no doubt!"

"Yes, it most certainly is! Edward, this is Millicent's and my spot. This is the exact spot I brought her to when she was here, and we had our most difficult conversation," Nathan looked over into Edward's eyes, wanting to be sure, he was following him, before he continued.

"It's where I told Millicent about your firstborn. And I do apologize if I overstepped, but Edward, I couldn't possibly marry your daughter while keeping a secret from her. I just couldn't. I had to trust that it would be better for her to know."

Edward looked out over the water.

"I actually admire that, Nathan. From you, I really didn't expect anything less! You see, I just couldn't tell her myself."

"I understand."

"And was it better? That you told her, I mean?"

"Yes, it was the right thing to do. I think she understood that you and Victoria kept the secret all those years to protect the children from pain. Although, I can't say there won't be some anger to deal with later on. She hated that you had gone through this pain alone. I did ask her to keep the information private between us till after the wedding. I explained that you and Victoria didn't want to rob her of any wedding joys. But, now, with you here, it seems meant for me to tell you about it, too. I will always be honest with your daughter and with you, Edward. I also wanted, needed, to tell you for another reason."

"What other reason is that Nathan?" asked Edward with a raised eyebrow, his interest piqued.

"I discussed your matter with Commissioner Anderson in order to get clearance to work on it as a case. Of course, he was already familiar with everything, so I wasn't betraying your confidence at all. But he does agree with me that this case has to be a number one priority till it is resolved. What I'm trying to say, Edward is that I give you my word, on this day, that I will not stop until I determine whether or not your firstborn Son is alive or dead. And if our investigation leads us to believe that he is indeed alive, I will not stop until he is located, and brought to you. This will be resolved, Edward for both you and Victoria, one way or another. You and Victoria deserve resolution. I intend to give it to you both."

Edward's eyes clouded over as he looked out over the river, leaving him unable to speak, his throat working.

Instead of words, he just watched the raging waters, unable to hide the war raging within him that Nathan could clearly see.

When this great distinguished man finally collected himself enough to speak, he first turned and reached for his new Son, enfolding him into a hearty embrace.

"Thank you, Nathan. With all my heart and soul, thank you! I wasn't going to mention it, as you have enough to deal with, but Victoria is having nightmares similar to those you are experiencing. She tried to keep them from me, but I knew she was restless. In her dreams, she sees our adult son in a huge dark mansion somewhere. He's in trouble, but it's black and she can't help him, because every time she gets close to him, he runs away."

Nathan looked startled.

"Edward, does Victoria feel that your son is alive?"

"At first she wasn't sure, but as the nightmares continued, she's convinced of it," he admitted.

"What do you think?"

"I truly don't know what to think, but it's been pure agony. For her and for me. To think our boy could actually be alive, without us being there to help him all this time, is almost unbearable. But I suppose it is possible as we never received real proof of his death. However, I don't want Victoria to get her hopes up. I don't even want to get my own hopes up. I'm not sure we could survive the disappointment, the devastation. It would be like grieving all over again!"

He paused before he was able to continue.

"But, as you know, I do believe fully in Victoria's instincts and premonitions. She's having the same dream every night, Nathan. Just like you said yours is the same over and over, hers is too. There has to be a reason."

"I'm so sorry, Edward. But I agree, there does have to be a reason. I know with my nightmares, my reason, my fear is losing Millicent. I felt so guilty that I had put her at risk that night. And I know that her being with me puts her in danger, something I have to come to terms with. Had I only known that night, what we were going to face!"

"Nathan, the shooting is not your fault. You know that, don't you? Nor is the fact that Millicent was there. She wanted to be with you! You couldn't possibly know she was going to be in danger when you set out that night!"

"No, but…"

"No buts! You aren't to blame. If we want to play the blame game, it's a fact that Millicent's already in danger just by being my daughter!"

"I know that intellectually, it's just hard to know it with my heart."

"That's because you're in love with my daughter, Nathan!"

"So very much. I can't even begin to tell you how very much, Sir!"

"I know, Son! Victoria and I both know."

"I'm glad!" smiled Nathan amazed that he and Millicent's father could be so open with each other about such personal matters.

Edward wrapped his arm around Nathan and gave him a fatherly pat on his back, being careful of his shoulder

"Edward, back to Victoria's dreams. I want you to know I already have all the original files related to your son's case here in Hope Valley. Copies were made of course to stay at headquarters just in case of fire or other tragedy. But I felt it was important for me to have the originals for some reason. I have them locked in Bill's safe for now. And no, he doesn't know. As soon as our Wedding and Honeymoon are over, those files will be my top priority. Along with my new investigative team, which will be comprised of our best men. And all that's with the Commissioner's blessing. I promise you and Victoria will have an answer, Edward. No matter how long it takes me."

"I can't tell you how grateful I am that you're willing to take this on, Son! It means the world to Victoria and me. Perhaps it will calm her nightmares just to know you're looking!"

"Be sure and tell her! I'll do my very best. I give you, my word."

"I have no doubt whatsoever, that you will, Son!"

Nathan smiled slightly as he got up, in turn, to courteously help Edward up, although the fit elder man didn't at all need the assistance.

Then the two men who loved Millicent most in the world stood there together, looking out over the river, watching its raucous flow, both feeling that someday soon, somehow, something was going to work out to resolve the Bradfords' greatest loss, one way or another, and Nathan was going to finally be able to move forward with Millicent without any thoughts of preconceived danger caused by his job.

Resolutions.

One resolution that would at long last allow two grieving parents to know what really happened to their precious infant son so many years ago, and another resolution that would allow a loving couple to enter their marriage without the lingering fears of the shooting they had both experienced together.

So for all, their searing internal turmoil could finally be soothed, and be replaced, at least partially, with the peace of knowing love truly prevails, even over immense loss and prospective danger.

Bringing a new beginning, with all nightmares fully banished...

As Edward drove Nathan and Bill back into town, a much lighter mood prevailed as Nathan turned to face Bill in the backseat.

"Bill, do you want us to drop you off by your office?"

"Hmph! And miss Allie meetin' her Grandpa? No way in this world!"

Edward, who insisted on driving back, chuckled his own anticipation building.

He had known and loved Allie's mother, Colleen, and he had even been introduced to Allie as a baby and toddler, but only as an extended family member and friend.

Why, he hadn't seen her since she had been four years old!

Today, however, he was meeting the toddler turned twelve-year-old as his own grandchild, and he could barely wait!

Edward had already heard stories of Allie's spunkiness, and was secretly impressed that such a young child could be so confident and full of life!

Although he shouldn't have been surprised, from what he had heard, she was Colleen made over!

Ironically, as much as he was looking forward to meeting his new grandchild, and he was very much indeed, this important accomplished man found himself feeling a bit nervous at the prospect, as well.

He didn't know why exactly unless it was his commitment to the Grants or maybe even his love for Colleen who had grown up with his own children and would always hold a tender spot in his heart, but Edward had an inner yearning to fill this child's life with love, every bit as much, and perhaps even more so, than the grandchildren he already had, whom he loved dearly.

The thing that touched him the most, was the difference between the children, as he knew his own grandchildren had not yet experienced pain.

Not like young Allie had.

She had already known great loss in her life, and at a very young age.

Now more than anything, it was important for him and his family to fill any gaps that might have been created because of those losses, by welcoming her into their large family and showing her great love. All he wanted to do was love her and be her granddad, too. In the exact same way that he already was to Allie's new cousins, she would soon meet.

Indeed, he hoped his coming to Hope Valley would pave the way for the child's trip to Montreal in December when meeting her cousins and their entire family for the very first time.

There was a part of Edward that felt like he was making up for lost time, although he wasn't really sure why he felt that way, except maybe it had something to do with the loss of his firstborn.

But all in all, he prayed that his family would fill all of Allie's desires and needs.

That they would provide a safe haven of refuge for her.

And now the time was finally here, as Nathan instructed him to pull up in front of the Mercantile.

"She gets off in exactly five minutes! How do we want to surprise her, Edward?" asked Nathan.

"I say we wait till she comes down the steps!" suggested Bill.

"It doesn't matter to me. I just want to meet my new Grandchild!"

"I should warn you, Edward, you never know what Allie is going to say or do next!" explained Nathan, gently trying to prepare Edward for the unexpected.

"Isn't that the truth," agreed the Judge. "But whatever happens Edward, you're in for a real treat, there's no doubt about that!"

"I don't even know if she'll know who I am!" laughed Edward, a bit nervously.

"Oh, she's got your photo by her beside!" assured Nathan. "She'll know!"

This lack of certainty on Edward's part didn't last long at all, because, at that very moment, Allie came running out through the Mercantile's front doors, stopping short at the top of the stairs as she viewed the three men standing before her.

There stood her Father, her Uncle Bill, and…could that be?

"Grandpapa!" she screamed as loudly as Nathan and Bill had ever heard.

Edward walked to the bottom step, and Allie raced down them, lunging into him with full-body force, wrapping her arms around her new Grandpapa.

Laughing, Nathan and Bill instinctively held their arms up to prevent Edward from falling backward.

But Edward stood firm, with both Nathan and Bill moving back, so he could step back and twirl his new Granddaughter around and around, both of them laughing.

"There's my Girl! Let me see your beautiful face!"

Allie stood back and smiled from ear to ear while still holding both of his hands!

Florence and Ned heard the commotion and immediately came out to see what the fuss was about.

Allie took one look and drug her Grandpapa up the steps, where she proudly introduced him to the Yosts.

"Grandpapa! These are my bosses Mr. and Mrs. Yost and they own the Mercantile! This is my Grandpapa, Momma's dad!"

"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Bradford," and Ned grabbed his free hand, pumping it hard. "Have heard so many wonderful things about you! From Millicent, Nathan, and Allie, of course! But if I'm being perfectly honest, the newspapers too!"

"Well, now whatever you do, don't believe those newspapers!" laughed Edward.

With this distinguished, elegant man standing right there in front of her, Florence wasn't about to be overlooked, as she gathered herself to her full height, smiled radiantly, and held out her hand as though she were a princess!

"Mr. Bradford, we love both your daughter and your granddaughter and this is an absolute delight!"

Edward immediately took Florence's hand and very gallantly kissed it, leaving Florence indeed smitten forever, dithering round about till she caught her breath again.

"How long are you staying, Mr. Bradford?" she asked, totally charmed.

"It's Edward. Just a day or two. Had to come see my new granddaughter! Couldn't possibly wait till the Wedding to meet her!"

"Well, I'm Florence! And Allie is a delight to us all! She's an absolute whiz on the switchboard. And I can always count on her to be here on time and ready to work!"

"Then Allie's definitely my granddaughter! We Bradfords, and Grants," he added with a wink, "have a strong work ethic if nothing else!"

The Yosts chatted and chatted with Hope Valley's most famous and honored visitor until Gabe sauntered by on the Boardwalk.

"Uncle Gabe, come meet my Grandpapa! Grandpapa, this is my Uncle Gabe! He's our new Mountie, but I've known him forever!"

"You have, have you? Well, a forever friend and uncle of my granddaughter's is a friend of mine, indeed! Very nice to meet you, Gabe!"

"Likewise, Mr….Mr. Bradford. I…I've heard a lot of gr…great…things…a…bout you!"

Gabe was a basket case, realizing that he was meeting the great Mr. Bradford.

"It's plain old Edward, Son! How long have you been in Hope Valley?"

"Oh, I'm…I'm…from…Brookville, and I'm the Mountie…there, or was until I mean…"

"Breathe, Gabe. Until I switched jobs, and we needed a Mountie here," explained Nathan. "Gabe was nice enough to take over for me for a while. He's a brother to me and will be standing up with me at the Wedding, along with Bill!"

"So, you'll be our guest, Gabe!"

Florence cleared her throat.

"As will the Yosts, Edward. They're also planning to come to our Wedding, along with Bill, and quite a few others here in town!" explained Nathan.

"That's absolutely delightful! You'll all be our guests! Don't worry about a single thing. Victoria and I will take care of everything. From the travel to the hotel to the food and transportation within our fair city! You'll have a wonderful time! We're just so happy you'll make the trip for our celebration!"

"That's just lovely! It's entirely our pleasure, Edward," smiled Florence. "We're so looking forward to being your guests! Aren't we, Ned?"

"Yes, indeed, Sweetheart!"

If Nathan didn't know better, he would have thought Florence had a new major crush, so he decided he'd better step in and save Ned, as well as his father-in-law-to-be, but was interrupted by Florence herself, throwing up her hands!

"Oh, there's the switchboard! Let me go get that. I'll be right back!"

Florence was gone only a moment, but when she returned, she had the oddest look on her face.

"Constable, I'm afraid you have a most important call," she announced summarily.

Nathan looked surprised but started up the stairs.

"Everything is properly connected. Just pick up the earpiece," she instructed, very authoritatively, giving Nathan a sideways glance.

"Excuse me. I won't be long."

"It sounded very urgent. Ned and I will just wait out here to give you privacy!" she added.

Nathan turned his head, thinking 'That's odd,' but he quickened his step thinking it must be the Commissioner.

As Nathan walked through the Mercantile to the switchboard, he noticed everything was eerily quiet.

Especially as compared to the celebration going on outside.

It seemed no one was in the Mercantile.

Nathan sat down at the Switchboard, trying to figure out what to do.

As he raised the earpiece, he hesitated, then announced his name.

"Chief Inspector Grant, may I help you?"

"You most certainly may, Chief Inspector!"

"Millicent! It's you! Darling, it's really you!"

Millicent laughed that deep-throated laugh, making Nathan feel as though he could fly.

"Mil, oh how I've missed you, my Darling! Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Darling. I just got here! Are you okay?"

"I'm perfect, now! You'll never guess who's here!"

"My Father? I'm afraid Auntie Luciana let it slip to Essie!"

"You know! Yes, and I must say it's like having a piece of you here with us. I can't tell you how excited we are! Allie just met him and won't let him go!"

"That makes me so very happy!"

"I love you and miss you so very much, Mil!"

"I love you, too Nathan Grant more than you can imagine! And I miss you horribly! I want you to know your Portrait Colleen painted is already hanging in the entry, well Hendrix is hanging it now, I should say. Essie's hung your Serge in my closet, although I can't promise I won't wrinkle it, because your Serge has already become my permanent blanket at night! And tell Allie her painting of us is on my desk in the living room, where I'll see it constantly while I work. Oh, how I miss you two!"

"We miss you terribly, Darling! We both do. I can't believe this is really you!"

"It's really me, Love! I just now arrived at the house. Believe me, Albert had his hands full, because I insisted on stopping at the office to call you from there, since I thought that would be quicker, but then he convinced me it was quicker to come here by the time everyone would have stopped to talk to me at the office! Oh, Essie, Hendrix, and Albert all send their love. They're all missing you, too!"

"Tell them I miss them! Millie, is this better? Talking, I mean?"

"Inordinately so, Darling! To hear your voice I love so much is everything. Is this better for you?"

"Yes, except I'm longing to touch you, to kiss you, Mil!"

"You'd better! It's the same for me, but hearing your beautiful voice makes it all worth the pain of not being able to do so! I have Allie's Countdown Calendar also in the entry, and you better believe, I'm marking off each and every single day!"

"I'm marking off the hours!"

"Nathan, how are you, truly? Are you still having your nightmares?"

"Not as often, Love. I'm doing therapy every day and getting stronger. I promise. Oh, Mil, I took your father to see our land and he loves it. I also told him that I told you their secret, but that you weren't going to mention it till after the wedding."

"I promise I won't. I'll let them go at their own pace, Love!"

"Millicent," Nathan found himself saying her full name because he just needed to hear it.

"Millicent, my gloves fit perfectly and your sparkly diamonds stay in my pocket next to my heart always. I'm also not at all ashamed to tell you I sleep with your silk scarf on my pillow with your lovely scent filling the room. And Allie refuses to wear any nightgown but yours! It seems we're addicted to you, my Love."

"All of that's so lovely to know," as a faint smile curled her lips. "I admit my scent may now be permanently mingled with yours! Leaving that for me made me so happy, Nathan. I can't believe we both thought of the same thing! But it makes me feel you're right here with me. I hope my perfume does the same, Love!"

"Yes, it very much does, my Darling!"

"Tonight, I'm reading your poetry. But not till after we talk again. I'm calling now because I couldn't wait a second longer. But also, because I want you, Allie, and Father to go to dinner without worrying about my call. Then whenever you're through, whenever it's convenient, you and Allie can call me!"

"That's perfect," sighed Nathan, thrilled they would be talking later.

"I'll be here, waiting! Nathan, is Allie there?"

"She's outside with your father. I'm afraid she won't let go of him!"

"Wish I could see! Tell her I love her and we'll speak right after dinner! She gets first dibs tonight. Tell her this was just a strategy call!"

"Just a strategy call? I like that, Miss Bradford!"

"Give Father a kiss, well, a hug for me," she laughed. "I simply had to hear your voice! I'm only half of me without you! I won't say the last few days have been easy, because they haven't been. I long for you, for your touch, for your kiss, just for you, my Darling! But I need you to promise me that you and Allie will be happy while I'm here. I can't bear the thought of you two being sad. I simply can't. Please promise me."

"I'll do my very best, but Mil, I'm not sure I can promise that for either of us. You are my happiness, pure and simple! And I long for you so terribly, that it hurts!"

"As I long for you!"

"Oh no! Millicent, there are two more calls coming in, and I don't know what to do…"

There was that laugh, yet again!

"I love you, Baby, call me after you eat! And give Allie a kiss for me! Hug Father!"

"I promise. The minute we get home, we'll call! I love you, Millicent Alexandria Bradford. With all my heart, I love you, Babe!"

Both hung up the phone, with their hands shaking while still holding their earpieces, their hearts still fluttering, and their beings still longing one for the other.

Both elated to have the delight of hearing each other's voices, and actually speaking to each other for the first time in days!

With both replaying each tender word over and over in their mind, to offset the utter devastation of having had to close their line, if only for a few hours…