Chapter 71: A Special Evening with Edward
Nathan sat at the ringing Switchboard, ignoring the two calls coming in as he had no clue what to do.
But he still sat there, trance-like, because he didn't want to move, to break the magic moment that had just happened.
Instead, he wanted to hold onto Millicent's voice, her sweet words.
And so Nathan sat there running his hands through his hair, with his head leaning back, and his eyes closed, replaying every single one of her words over again in his mind.
Somehow, although he had no idea how, he was going to make it through dinner till he could hear her beautiful voice again! Till he could breathe again. Till he could feel whole again.
But as he got up from his chair, he was surprised to feel an even more profound need to be alone.
Then he realized it was just that their moments were too intimate to share.
He wanted, even needed, to keep their call private, safe in their hearts for them alone, but as he came through the Mercantile door, and saw Allie's expectant face, he knew that wasn't going to be possible.
He had to share with his Daughter that her Momma had called!
And so, he did, with both her and the others, not realizing everyone would have known even without his excited explanation, for his face was full of love and something Edward recognized as completeness, exactly the same as it was for Victoria and him.
Thrilled, Edward was so thankful his own daughter had found the same all-encompassing love with this most honorable man, who was already a son to him!
"Allie, it was your Momma! She's home and wants us to take your Grandpapa out to eat, then we'll call her after our meal! Here's a kiss from her, Sweetheart!"
Nathan bent down and deposited a sweet kiss on Allie's cheek.
"Is Momma alright?" she asked anxiously.
"She's fine! She misses us, but she just made it home. Said to tell you your painting is on her desk and your Countdown Calendar is in her entry!"
"Countdown Calendar? Would that be for this wonderful wedding we're about to have?" asked Edward.
"Yes, Grandpapa! I'll make you and Grandmama one too!"
Edward chuckled.
"As this wedding is now her sole focus, nothing would make your Grandmama happier…"
When the Grant Party arrived at the Café, Bill was shocked to see the crowd that was already there!
Not only had Hope Valley turned out, but several of Edward's Colleagues had also chosen to eat at the Cafe as well! And naturally, Kyle and Lance were behind them, ready to serve in their role as protectors. But also to enjoy a good hearty meal!
"My, I'd better get my apron on! The girls are gonna have my head! Here let's find our Guest of Honor a proper table."
Once Bill seated them, Nathan couldn't help but smile as Allie chose the chair next to Edward. She wasn't letting him out of her sight, jabbering away non-stop, while Edward gave her his full attention. It was lost on no one that the two were getting along famously!
Nathan glanced up to scan the restaurant, a habit long ingrained in him as a Mountie to be aware of his surroundings and everything that was going on.
He too was surprised at the crowd, but it was a Friday night, and to be honest, everyone in town was curious about Edward and his entourage.
So in a way, the crowd should have probably been expected by both Bill and him!
As his eyes scanned to the right-hand corner, he was relieved to see Charles and Elizabeth dining there together, feeling hope that perhaps they had finally tunneled through their pasts.
They both looked up, smiled, and gave a little wave, to which he smiled back and nodded in understanding.
Bill soon came out of the kitchen, dressed in his long white apron.
"Bill, all you need is the Chef's hat!" teased Nathan. "And then you'll make it official!"
Giving him a half-hearted scowl and then basically ignoring the jab, Bill started right in with the menu.
"I'm happy to report tonight's special is Minnie's famous Southern Fried Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Cole Slaw, along with some of her delicious Gravy over my Biscuits, once I get them in the oven, that is! They've also made some of my Corn Pudding, along with Green Beans topped with Bacon Bits. Looks mighty good, if I do say so myself!"
"Edward?" asked Nathan.
"Sounds perfect to me!" smiled Edward, anxious to have a good down-home meal. "What about my Girl?"
"Yes, the same, please! But Uncle Bill, can I have two legs?"
"Two legs comin' right up!" laughed Bill "Although I don't know how in the world you expect our chickens to ever walk again! Always eatin' all their legs!"
"Very funny, Uncle Bill! Dad, will you be alright while I introduce everyone to Grandpapa?"
"Allie, you're going to wear your Grandfather out!"
"I'm fine," winked Edward. "Besides, I want to meet all your friends! And introduce my Girl to mine!"
"Well with Allie, you'll know everything about all the Hope Valley diners in about ten minutes," laughed Nathan. "You two have fun, I'll be fine!"
To be honest, Nathan was glad for the moment of privacy and quiet, to relive his call with Millicent one more time.
From the moment he made his monumental decision, deciding to truly follow his heart, there had never been the slightest doubt.
Millicent had always been in his heart, and no matter what he would have to do as far as fitting into her lifestyle, or more so her family's lifestyle, he knew he would do so and somehow adapt however it was needed.
He loved her that much! So much so, that everything else became inconsequential, because they would be dealing with the issues of the family wealth, soon to be their wealth, and the many problems that were bound to incur, together.
And together, they would make it through!
It was funny, but since he had openly given her his heart and worked through his many initial concerns, money complications, and even lifestyle complications had barely been given a thought.
Except, of course, as there had to be, which had involved getting used to having constant protection. But as ominous as Security had first been, more for Allie's sake than his, it had proven to not be that difficult, at least in Hope Valley! And for that Nathan was very grateful.
My, it just dawned on him that Security would be traveling along with them on their Honeymoon! A thought he quickly forced out of his mind. Except to make a mental note of detailed rules for the Team maintaining their distance, as close as he had gotten to them notwithstanding!
Above all else, he knew that he and Millicent were meant to be, and somehow, he knew that the adventure awaiting them together was going to be bigger and greater than either one of them had ever imagined!
How had he not seen their love earlier?
Oh, how he still berated himself for that lack of judgment!
Why hadn't he thrown away the outward issues of society and money, and focused only on them, their inner beings?
Perhaps the debacle of the last three years wouldn't have happened.
Although perhaps, it had been meant to happen just as it had for all concerned.
It still haunted him that he had eliminated himself all those years from their love, by thinking he couldn't possibly measure up, couldn't possibly be enough when she had never once implied that, or as he knew, had never even thought it!
That realization haunted him even more so now that he was physically separated from her.
'Why do we box ourselves in and deny ourselves life's greatest blessings?' he mused.
'Because she is my greatest blessing, and still, that's exactly what I did!'
'And now, I can't begin to imagine my life without her!'
A serious life lesson to be learned.
But a most difficult one, and at such a cost!
His hand automatically went to his pocket, as he reached in for her soothing bracelet and placed it in his hand, thinking with both a smile and sparkling eyes, as he ran the tiny dazzling stones soothingly under his thumb, thinking only about her.
Forty more lonely days apart, then they would be together forever.
A small price when you looked at it that way, although a painful one still.
He had to somehow figure out a way to start building their house! Millicent might not think it important now, but he wanted to give her the best he could! He needed to make sure she was as comfortable as she could be while in Hope Valley, as comfortable and as safe as she possibly could be.
And yes, that was more important to him than her.
Deep in his thoughts, a woman's voice startled him, coming out of nowhere.
"Nathan, looks like they've left you alone!"
"What? Yes! Actually, I've been enjoying the quiet, Elizabeth."
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt. And certainly not to startle you! I just wanted to say…thank you, from the bottom of my heart!"
"No need. We help each other out. That's what friends do."
"But you and I both know you went above and beyond, and it's deeply appreciated, Nathan. More than you know!"
"Are you happy, Elizabeth?"
"Deliriously so!"
"Then that's all that matters! Love him, Elizabeth. Love him well! He deserves that. And let him love you well. You deserve that, too."
Elizabeth smiled, but Nathan saw the tears that started to form in her eyes.
"I wasted so much time! You are absolutely right, and I promise to do just that. Nathan, I know I owe a lot to you. I hope you can see that all your care hasn't been in vain, and that you once again will be able to see the strong Elizabeth, the one you once knew, again."
"I'm sure I will. I can tell tonight, that you're already on your way!"
Both smiled, and Elizabeth gently touched his arm, then turned with a brilliant smile to go back to Charles, as Nathan scrambled to regain his thoughts.
But instead, he was suddenly impressed to bow his head.
'Thank You for guiding all of us and seeing all of us through.'
And with that short prayer, a weight Nathan hadn't even known he was carrying, lifted, and he suddenly felt truly free, knowing this was exactly where everyone was supposed to be…
As Allie dragged her Grandpapa back to their table, Nathan couldn't help but chuckle.
"Has she worn you out yet, Edward?"
"Not at all, but the child knows everyone in town!"
"That she does!"
And she was quite adept at meeting all my friends, as well!" added Edward with a proud wink directed toward his new granddaughter.
"It's Hope Valley, Grandpapa. There aren't a lot of people!" explained Allie. "So it's a lot of fun to meet new friends!"
"Indeed it is, Sweetheart! But the people of Hope Valley certainly all seem to love you!" pronounced the very proud Grandpapa.
"Our Allie is apparently Hope Valley's official social butterfly, knowing everything about every single citizen," laughed Nathan. "Though, I'm afraid everyone's pretty much an open book here, Edward. Good or bad, Hope Valley is not normally a town of secrets! Although we have had our moments!"
"I like this place, Nathan! Very much. People helping people! I now know why Millicent loves this place so."
As soon as the two sat down, Bill came to serve their dinner.
"Well, this looks wonderful," complimented Edward, as the smell of delectable crispy Fried Chicken, filled the air.
"This is on the house, Edward. My humble gift to the Bradford-Grant Family!"
"Why thank you, Judge! Can you join and have your meal with us?"
"I'd like that. But awfully busy, still! Maybe for dessert. Cause I sure don't want to miss that! We've got Chocolate Cake with Homemade Banana and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. But let's see how much cooking I can get done by then!"
"Good luck, Bill," grinned Nathan. "Now, who wants to say Grace?"
"Can I, Dad?"
"Yes, you may, Allie!"
"Oops! Sorry!"
Edward couldn't help but smile, having gone through the same correction with his own children many, many times over the years!
The three gathered hands and bowed their heads.
"Dear Father, thank You for bringing Grandpapa to us here in Hope Valley. We were so sad with Momma gone, but this helps us to feel better, so much! Because it's almost like we have her here with us! So, we want to thank You for Uncle Bill's delicious food, but we want to thank you most of all for Grandpapa! We love him lots and lots already! Thank you and Amen!"
"Amen," answered both men as they shared an understanding smile, realizing how important this visit was to Allie.
"Allie, that was a beautiful prayer, and I must add that I'm already in love with my beautiful granddaughter, too!"
Allie smiled from ear to ear.
Edward seemed to have that effect on her.
"I love you, too, Grandpapa!"
As the three started to eat, Nathan soon found it was hard for him to get a word in edgewise, as his daughter threw out question after question to her new Grandfather.
The part that astounded Nathan, was that surprisingly Allie was talking all business when he had expected her to ask a million questions about her new Aunties, Uncles, and Cousins!
Surprisingly, Allie had a million questions about Edward's many businesses instead.
"What made you want to have all these businesses, Grandpapa?"
"I love to make things. Especially things people need! It's one of the best feelings in the world to find a need and then fill it. To see a product come together, and then see people enjoying the product after it's made!"
"But how did you decide what to make? And how did you decide what to make first?"
"Two very simple, but complex questions, mon Ange!"
"Is that French? Dad and Momma are teaching me, but I don't know that word. Do you, Dad?"
"I do," smiled Nathan, unwilling to interfere with Edward's words.
"But isn't anyone going to tell me?" she asked, looking from one to the other!
Edward laughed.
"It means my Angel!"
Allie's face brightened with excitement.
"That's exactly what Momma calls me!" she said excitedly.
"Then I have a very wise daughter and a very smart granddaughter! I may have to find my own private name, though you'll still be my Angel, too!"
"What would it be, Grandpapa?"
"Mon Chou comes to mind. It means little cabbage or Sweetie! A French term of endearment grandparents sometimes use for their grandchildren!"
Allie's grin couldn't have been bigger.
But little did Edward know, 'mon chou' was going to eventually be more 'mon chouchou,' otherwise, 'my favorite.'
No, Edward Bradford didn't have favorites among his children or his grandchildren, never had! Never would!
But just as out of all his children, his daughter Millicent was most like him, he was beginning to realize that out of all of his grandchildren, his new granddaughter was most like him as well!
Although Edward was mostly British, he had a lot of French in him too, from his mother's side, the Rothchilds, which made for a most interesting combination.
"Since you, mon Chou will be a part-time resident of Montreal, we must remember to honor our family's French heritage as well!"
"I like that. Grandpapa, I was thinking, in your businesses, how do you know ahead of people what they need?"
"Truthfully, I think it's because I have an enquiring mind. I would dare say, much like yours, Allie!"
That opened up another string of questions, one right after the other!
Nathan was amazed Edward answered each one of them so patiently as though Allie was an adult, though he was still careful to use words she could understand as a child.
On the other hand, Allie sat mesmerized, attentively listening to anything and everything Edward patiently explained, and yes, his explanations only prompted more endless questions from Allie!
In fact, Nathan wasn't sure he had ever seen Allie so raptly interested in something before as much as she appeared to be in Edward's many businesses, and the child was only twelve…
After the Grant Family's Dinner out, with Allie's lengthy introductions to all the Café Diners and Employees, followed by what seemed to be thousands of inquisitive questions to her Grandpapa, as well as a delicious dessert with Uncle Bill, a jovial and relaxed Edward drove Allie and Nathan back home.
"You know, Son, I'm going to miss driving this beautiful car when I go!"
"That just means you'll have to come back and visit us again!"
"Could you teach me, Grandpapa?"
"Allie!" warned her Dad, knowing what his daughter was angling for.
"To drive? Someday, maybe I can help your Dad and Momma teach you! How about that?"
"That means I'll have to wait forever!" sighed Allie, pouting, her hopes of working around her father dashed.
Nathan chuckled as he got out and opened the door for poor Allie.
"Grandpapa, may I ask you another question?" she asked as they made their way to the front door of the Grant rowhouse.
"Allie, you've asked an inordinate number of questions through dinner tonight. I think we're already at about a thousand two hundred and fifty! If not more! Perhaps, your Grandpapa might like to just relax a little."
"That's okay, Nathan! Afraid, I never tire of talking about my businesses. But believe me, very few people show interest, that is unless they want something! So, I'm positively delighted to converse with someone who simply wants to learn. You, Young Lady, may ask me anything!"
"Well, Grandpapa, I know you're a pretty famous Businessman, but I was wondering. How many businesses do you have exactly? I mean we talked about an awful lot of different ones, tonight."
Inside, Edward was helping Allie out of her coat, relieved she hadn't asked that particular question at the restaurant, because coffee would have splayed everywhere.
Although try as he might, he couldn't stifle his resultant chuckle!
He exchanged a questioning look with Nathan.
"Allie, that may not be a question you should be asking," prompted her Father.
"No, Nathan, it's not that at all! It's actually a very legitimate question. The truth is, I'm just embarrassed to admit it, but Allie's stumped me. I honestly don't know! Afraid I just run them, mon Chou! I don't count them!"
"Well, Grandpapa, that's just not good at all! But don't worry. That's something I can help you do!" replied Allie in a very adult, business-like tone. "I'm very good at math! Actually, I think we better count them together before our wedding. It's really important that we know exactly what we're dealing with here!"
It was now Nathan's turn for an exaggerated eyeroll! At this rate, Edward would never come back for a visit!
Here at his feet, was a precocious twelve-year-old, who was probably already planning to restructure the man's entire multi-billion-dollar empire in her tiny young head!
Thank goodness Edward was a patient man and seemed to love Allie very much!
"Yes, I have no doubt at all that you could help, Young Lady! We'll just put that on our to-do list when you come to Montreal!"
Nathan, anxious to call Millicent, but also wanting to give Edward a well-deserved break, spoke up.
"For now, the three of us need to call your Momma! How about you go first Allie, then you pass the phone to your Grandpapa and I'll go last."
"Actually, Bill is going to come by in a bit so he and Allie can take me on a moon-lit stroll to the pond," offered Edward with a wink.
Nathan smiled.
"Thank you, Edward," he mouthed.
His father-in-law had figured out a way to give him privacy for his call with Millicent! And that was greatly appreciated.
"Here's your Momma's phone information, Allie, do you want to place the call?"
"Really, Dad?"
"Really!"
"After you finish, I'll catch up with my Daughter for a little bit, and then why don't you and I, mon Chou, go on our walk with your Uncle Bill? How does that sound?" suggested Edward.
"Pretty perfect!" grinned Allie as she sat herself down by the phone, excited to be first. "I need to ask you about my new family, too!"
"I'll tell you everything you want to know!" winked Edward, conspiratorially, ready to stay up half the night if that was what Allie needed.
'Probably relieved for the change of subject,' mused Nathan, silently.
"Dad, do you mind, though, if I have some privacy while I call Momma?"
"Of course not, Sweetheart! Edward, I think that means Coffee in the kitchen for us men!"
"Agreed. Sounds like these two girls need to have some girl talk to me!"
The two men walked into the kitchen and considerately closed the door behind them, where Edward attentively watched Nathan as he made the coffee. He was intrigued because he had never really observed the entire process in detail before. It seemed there had always been a Butler, or Assistant to bring him his! Although, sometimes Victoria brought it herself, preferring to be with her husband alone, in private!
Those were the times, Edward enjoyed the most, reveling in their closeness together, without interruption.
Although those treasured times seemed few and far between, due not at all to any fault of Victoria's, but more to his brutal work schedule.
Allie waited, then got up from her chair, walked to the closed kitchen door, and leaned her ear against it to make sure her Father and Grandfather were busy chatting.
When confident their minds were occupied elsewhere, she then returned to Nathan's huge leather chair to make the call they had so anxiously awaited.
It took a while to make the connection, causing Allie to grow impatient, but as soon as she heard her Momma's voice, the wait was worth it!
However, the young girl unexpectedly and surprisingly started crying.
"Momma!"
"Angel, what's wrong? Are those tears I hear?"
"Sorry, Momma," sniffed Allie. "I just miss you so much! So does Dad. I mean a real lot!"
"I miss you, too, Sweetheart. Both of you, terribly. But, don't cry! I want to hear smiles through the phone. Tell me about everything that's happened since I've been gone!"
"Everything's been pretty much the same. Except, Grandpapa is here and he's wonderful! I already love him so much! It's a little like having a piece of you here with us!"
"I'm so glad, Sweetheart! You and your Dad are very special to Father for him to take time out of his busy schedule and visit you! I'm so pleased you are all there together!"
"I wish he could just stay with us here, but I know he has to go home, too! Momma, Serena and Cookie miss you a lot. I showed them to Grandpapa on our way home from the Café. Serena acted like she remembered him! Cookie just gave him kisses because he took her carrots! Oh, Dad and Uncle Bill are helping me ride better, too! They couldn't believe I could mount Serena so well. I did it in the Livery just like you taught me!"
"I'm so proud of you! That's wonderful, Allie. Are you walking or trotting?"
"Ugh! Just walking for now. But Dad promises me I can trot soon."
"Well, walking is very important if you're going to be a good equestrian. It's best if you can master that skill first. That, more than anything, will show your Dad that you're ready to trot."
"But should it take this long? I thought I should already be able to trot by now!"
"Oh, Sweetie, it took me almost ten weeks of practicing every single day before I mastered trotting. So, you're way ahead of me. I know it's hard, but just be patient. Remember you want to stay safe, but you also want Serena to stay safe! Going slow is the only way to do that!"
"Well then, that makes me feel better that I'm not being too slow."
"You're not being slow at all, Allie. Think of it like this. No one can be a champion rider unless they master the basics. Most of your time will be spent doing just what you're doing right now. Because everything you will do in riding in the future is based on basic walking. That goes for trotting, cantering, and even galloping. So, you want to be sure to get the walking down pat. Besides you're doing this in winter weather, which slows everything down quite a bit."
"Okay, that makes sense. I'll try to be more patient, then!"
"How's school, Sweetie?"
"Lessons are good. I made a 98 on my Geography test. It was the highest in the class. And you know me and geography! I love Mrs. Nelson, though! But, I just can't figure out Robert, Momma. He acts like he likes me and then he ignores me."
"First, congratulations on the Geography test! That's amazing! Second, as for Robert, he just might have his mind on other things. Doesn't he graduate soon?"
"Yes, Ma'am, but shouldn't he still have time for me?"
"That depends on how much time he is having to study. Why don't you ask him if you can help him? Maybe offer to make flashcards for him or something like that?"
"That's a great idea! Cause I'm way better in most of our subjects than he is. Thanks, Momma! That's what I'll do!"
"Allie, are you feeling okay?"
"Yes, Ma'am. Auntie Rosie has already talked to me about all that. She's going to keep a close check on me. Oh, and I've helped babysit Oliver, and even gotten to hold the girls while Auntie Rosie cooks."
"That's wonderful! Are you saving your money for Christmas shopping?"
"Yes, Ma'am! I sure am."
"Good, we'll do lots of shopping together when you come to Montreal!"
"Yay! We're going to have lots of presents to buy, for sure! Momma, can I ask you another question?"
"Yes, you may! You can ask me anything, Allie. Anything, whatsoever! Always!"
"Dad wants me to forgive Mrs. Thornton, just like you do. But I don't really know how to do it. She seemed happy tonight at the Cafe with Mr. Kensington, but I still don't really want to be around her."
"Well, forgiving someone is totally different than being around them all the time. You know, Allie, when you're ready to forgive her, that doesn't necessarily mean you have to stay around her lots."
"It doesn't?"
"No, it doesn't. Forgiving her for her mistakes, though, will not only make her feel better, it will make you feel better most of all. It will give both of you a chance to start over again. And hopefully, perhaps allow you both to become friends again. Do you think you're ready to forgive her?"
"I want to. I just don't know exactly how."
"Allie, just tell her you still love her. That's what she needs to hear! Do you need your Dad to go with you?"
"That would help. I just really don't want to be around her, especially alone! She hurt us really bad, Momma! What if she does it again?"
"I know she did, Angel, but I also know she didn't mean to, and she's very sorry! I don't believe she's ever going to hurt you or your Dad again. I'd go with you myself if I were there. But since I'm here, let me talk to your Dad. I'm sure he would be more than happy to go with you."
"You don't think it would hurt him if I ask him?"
"No, Angel, I don't. I think he'll just be so happy and proud of you for forgiving her. That's all that will matter!"
"Then will you talk to him?"
"I'll do it tonight, first thing! Allie, don't worry, everything is going to be just fine. I know, deep inside, Mrs. Thornton wants you to forgive her, and I even think she might want to apologize to you, too."
"I love you, Momma. I want to keep talking, but Grandpapa wants to talk with you too, so I guess I'd better get him! Can we talk tomorrow though?"
"Each and every night, Sweetheart. Even in between if you need me! You just call. If I'm at work, which I probably will be, they'll either interrupt me or get a message to me if I'm in Court."
"Thank you! I love you, Momma! To the moon!"
"I love you to the moon, too, Angel! And even back again and again…"
After Millicent finished speaking with Edward, Bill arrived and chatted a bit on the phone with her, catching up, letting her know how much the entire town missed her, especially one certain Judge!
After he passed the phone to Nathan with a wide grin and slap on the back, Bill, Edward, and Allie began bundling up to head out for their walk.
Little did Nathan know, that Edward had specifically asked Bill to take him to the pond, because he wanted to see where the shooting had occurred. Edward wanted to know all the details, both good and bad. For he considered Nathan already his Son, too.
As the trio bundled up, said their goodbyes, and closed his front door, it was finally quiet, and Nathan was so thankful as he had been holding the phone, anxiously waiting to speak to the love of his life!
He happily brought the earpiece to his ear.
"Millie! Finally, privacy! Let me hear your voice, Darling!"
"I love you so much, Baby, and can't wait to just catch up! But I do need to talk to you a moment about Allie, first. She wants desperately to forgive Elizabeth, but she needs you to go with her. I would have done it when I was there, had she been ready."
"But she hasn't asked. I didn't think she was ready at all!"
"I think it's recent, Love! She's just afraid to go alone, and she doesn't want to have to spend a lot of time with her, which I assured her she won't have to do."
"Thanks, Babe! I'll take care of it. Oh, I should tell you, Charles left with Eliza Jade and their Governess on the train to return to Hamilton. But I got him to come back, and he and Elizabeth actually seem to be very happy!"
"That's wonderful news! I'm thrilled for them! Both of them!"
"It's funny, but is it awful of me, that I feel somewhat relieved?"
"No, Darling, not at all! You want Elizabeth to be happy, as you should! I do too. I truly do. It will be wonderful to see her happy and in love!"
"I love you, Mil! I don't believe any other woman would have been so patient and understanding. I really appreciate that more than you know!"
"I love you, Darling! Of course, I understand Elizabeth, Nathan. In spite of all the pain, I know she loves you too! How could she not?"
"You're something else, Millicent! You have the biggest heart!"
"Well, my heart is completely yours, my Love! Oh, and I urged Allie to be patient and show you she's mastered walking before she starts to trot."
"Thanks for that! She's been super antsy! She's also asked your Dad a million questions about his businesses, tonight! I couldn't believe she wasn't asking about her cousins, instead! But she was mesmerized! And he was so good with her, patiently answering each and every one of her incessant questions!"
"I'm so glad he's there! Allie's sharp, though. And in case you haven't noticed, very analytically minded. So her talking business doesn't really surprise me at all. But how are YOU truly doing, Darling?"
"Missing you like crazy! You do know if you were here, I wouldn't let you out of my arms."
"That would be heavenly! Along with a hundred sweet kisses! Oh, Nathan, Hendrix has boxes and boxes of cards for us congratulating us on our Engagement! I've started going through the first box since our call earlier, and they are just so sweet! Of course, everyone is in love with you! They all say you look like a Prince, and that's even without your uniform! They can't wait to meet you!"
"Not hardly a Prince, my Love. Except maybe only for you!"
"No maybe about it, Love!"
"Mil, are you rested from the Train? Did you get to rest any while traveling?"
"I did. Honestly, I didn't have much of an appetite, so I took my meals in the Suite. Of course, it wasn't like having you with me! But I managed. Poor Tom, had to eat mostly alone! Are you getting enough rest? And are you keeping up with your re-hab for your shoulder?"
"Yes, Darling, I am. Lots of rest and I haven't missed a single session with Faith! I also visited the dock to try to come to terms with the shooting. Believe it or not, all I could think about though was you, and us!"
"I went back over that night as well, on the Train. And I remembered the good things as well. Do you think that means we're finally coming to terms with it all?"
"I think so. Time has a way of healing things too!"
"That it does! Nathan, are you still trying to nap some during the day? It's important you know."
"That or getting to bed earlier. Millicent Bradford, I'm not slacking! I promise you! I will do whatever it takes to get back to being my absolute best for you before our Wedding!"
She giggled.
"You never know, about slackers though! Can't blame a girl for checking! I just want you well, Darling! Completely and totally well! Which brings me to your nightmares."
"Fewer and further between. I promise!"
"Thank God! I'm so glad, Nate!"
"I'm thankful, too, Darling!"
"You know, I was thinking about when you and Allie come to Montreal. Which of course, I can't wait for! I'm going to give Allie my room because I want it to be hers permanently since it's the nicest and looks out over the park along with the Master Suite. I'll take the main Guest Room for myself but I was wondering if you would feel okay if I put you in the Master Suite next to her? It doesn't seem right to put you in with our guests, especially with the children there too! I don't want you to be distracted or lose any sleep! As I need a well-rested Groom! Besides, Essie and Hendrix will be with us on the same floor. So, it's not like we wouldn't be properly chaperoned. Also," she paused, a bit unsure whether or not to continue.
Her voice softened, and he smiled while she spoke, as he could feel her blush through the phone.
"That way, you can get settled into what will be our room for when we return from our Honeymoon, and not have to change rooms again after."
"Our room! Do you have any idea how wonderful that sounds? Seems you've thought of everything! Sounds very thorough, indeed. And most appropriate. All very perfect too!" his own voice lowered and became husky at the thought. "This is really, truly happening, isn't it, my Darling? You and I are going to be Husband and Wife, together forever! We get to spend the rest of our lives together, Mil, and I literally cannot wait!"
"I'm counting the days!"
"I'm counting the hours!"
She laughed that low visceral laugh of hers.
"Why, Nathan Grant, I think you just might finally after all these years of ignoring me, be a bit besotted with me?"
"Ouch! A bit? Try head over heels, Millicent Alexandria Bradford!"
"Sure did take you long enough!" she teased.
"Ugh! I deserve that, Love! But please, don't remind me! Since you've been gone, I've been beating myself up over that very thing! You do know it wasn't ever you, don't you? It was always me! You were and are this bright shining star! I simply didn't think I was ever enough to pursue you."
"Nathan, don't ever, ever even think like that! You are everything any woman in this world could want! It hurts me for you to even have ever thought that."
"I know better, now!"
"Good!"
"I also know you and I have barely begun to imagine the wonderful life that awaits us. I adore you, Millicent, and I can't wait for you to be my Wife!"
"I was reading your book of poetry on the Train, and I have to tell you, every single poem of love made me cry, because they reminded me perfectly of us, of you. Not that anything wonderful wouldn't remind me of you!"
"Now that you were reminded of me is a very nice thing to hear! But you must know you're all I've been able to think about!"
"Uhm! I hope all good thoughts!"
"All exquisite thoughts! Babe, remember that time you met me in the stables after your long trip away with Colleen and your Family?"
"I could never forget that, my Darling! That was our first kiss!"
He laughed and raised a brow, as though she could see him sitting there.
"Does a cheek kiss even count?" he teased.
"Oh, from you? It totally counts!" she laughed.
"I was so nervous!" he chuckled.
"You weren't the only one! If your father had walked in, I would have been mortified!"
She joined in his laughter, still blushing while remembering the soft, innocent, touch of his stolen kiss.
She could still sense the feel of his warm lips on her blushing cheek, which had inadvertently caused her entire young body to tingle, a feeling she had never yet experienced, butterflies and all!
They both had been on the precipice of something huge that day, and they both had known it, but they had also just been too young to label it for what it really was.
Back then, it was just a sweet, tender moment in time that belonged to the two of them alone, and always would!
The moment had felt so real, so right, so scary and so stolen, but sacred and exhilarating, all at once. A moment that somehow stood out as being monumentally important to them both. Even back then!
And still was, beautifully, to this day.
"I remember now, how terribly I missed you at home while you and Colleen were on that trip! When I looked up in the Stables and saw you standing there right in front of me, my heart lurched from my chest. And somehow, even at that young age, I knew you were my everything, my future! Then as young boys do, I shut it all away. I shut you away, except as my very dear best friend. You were home and all was right in our world again. And that was all that mattered. But make no mistake, Millicent Bradford, I had already fallen in love with you, long before that sweet day! Completely, permanently, and irrevocably in love with you. And only you!"
"Nathan?" she asked softly, and the simple thrill of her just saying his name flowed over him with pure joy.
Her words were soft and earnest and true, as she continued, coming through clearly but tenderly in a total musical cadence to his ears. They spoke through the silence of the many miles they were parted. And they reached the innermost depths of his very soul.
"I carry your heart with me (I carry it in my heart)
I am never without it (anywhere I go you go, my dear; and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling)
I fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet)
I want no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
And it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
And whatever a sun will always sing is you
Here is the deepest secret nobody knows (here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows higher than soul or mind can hide)
And this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
I carry your heart (I carry it in my heart)." (*61)
With a deep, profound love in their hearts that had always been there between them from the very beginning, but now had been brought to life, fully nurtured, traveling over the many, many long miles between them, their tears of both sorrow and perfect joy mingled lovingly together as one…
(*61) "I Carry Your Heart with Me (I Carry it In), E. , 1904-1962, Public Domain