Chapter 72: Moving Closer

Estella came up the long curving staircase in a huff and on a mission!

She paused before she knocked on the door of Millicent's Bedroom, then sighed heavily.

Thrilled to have her charge home, yet worried, she put on a bright smile full of resolve, as she knocked on her door.

"Come in."

"In honor of your first evening home, Miss, here's your favorite Cinnamon Tea with an assortment of those tiny Sandwiches and Biscuits you love!"

"Thank you, Essie," smiled Millicent as she glanced up from her many letters, although wanly so. "But I'm afraid I'm not really hungry!"

Estella set the food tray down silently in front of her charge, not willing to take no for an answer, but realizing, in spite of her work, perhaps her Miss Millicent needed some good old companionship as well as food.

The kind only her Essie could give!

So, planting herself in the large chintz chair by Millicent's tufted velvet sofa in the sitting area of her bedroom, she settled in and intended to offer just that for her girl – as well as being a companionable sounding board if so needed.

But first, she had to set her charge straight!

"Miss Millicent, I have one thing to say!" she announced forcefully.

Although in reality, Essie had many things to say, she decided it best to start on a positive note, whether Miss Millicent saw that it was or not!

"Even though you're missing them terribly, your face is content, I believe for the very first time in your life."

"That's because I am content for the very first time in my life. So content, Essie! I've always loved him, although I never knew love could be like this! It's everything! He's everything, and Allie's a part of us! I know they're in my heart, but I just miss them so terribly."

"Hmph! I know you do! And no doubt, those two loves are missing you just as much as you're missing them! But most of YOU will be gone if you don't start eating! Not hungry, eh? Do tell me about that, Miss, will you, please? I'm the one who had to watch you eat practically nothing of that nice welcome home dinner I prepared, and after a very long Train ride too! Plus, it was your favorite Salmon, cooked just like you like it, all wrapped up in that awful parchment paper," Estella suddenly stopped, realizing her nagging wasn't helping at all.

So, changing her tone, she decided a little dark humor might be in order.

"Miss, there's no question it's hard to be separated from our Nathan and Allie, but if you don't eat something soon, you're going to fade away to nothing and look like an ethereal ghost floating down your own Wedding Aisle! That is if you'll be able to float! Poor Nathan may have to come carry you to the Altar! But far be it for me to interfere. I'll just send out notes for your Wedding Guests to dress all in black, so they'll fit right in with the macabre scene!"

"All right, Essie!" responded an exasperated Millicent as she held up her hand in surrender. "Point clearly taken. With all I have to do, I'm sure I'm going to need all the energy I can get over the next few weeks, so I promise I'll do better about eating! Can you just give me this one night, though? Please?"

"Yes, Miss, I can do that. IF you eat all of these Tea Sandwiches and Biscuits, along with your Tea! It's loaded with lots of honey, just like you like it! But I do mean every single Sandwich and every single Biscuit! I'll even help you with two or three!"

Millicent sighed and reached for a Sandwich, making that face reserved for her Essie alone when she was pushing just a tad too much but was loved in spite of it!

"I missed you and Hendrix, Essie! You know I love you both, and I wish the two of you could have been there with us."

"We missed you, too, Love! It's never the same when you're gone! Here we had just gotten used to having Master, I mean our Nathan being with us again, and we had to just wait back here all alone, missing you both terribly!"

"I'm sorry, Essie! I truly am. And I'm afraid my clothes are somewhat of a mess! You might want to just send them out. Oh, and Essie, could you please check to see if the stains can be taken out of my White Fur?"

Remembering the darkened deep red pools splashed all over, which she had seen when unpacking Millicent's coat, Essie sickened.

Suddenly, a cold chill crawled slowly up Estella's spine, which rapidly fused into fury at the very thought of her boy being harmed in any way whatsoever, much less to this awful degree!

"I'd like to get my hands on those scoundrels! That's our Nathan's blood," she growled emphatically, angry as Millicent had ever seen her.

"Yes, I'm afraid so, Essie."

Suddenly Millicent felt like crying all over again, but she refused, instantly rallying, knowing that wasn't going to do anyone any good, least of all her Nathan.

There was entirely too much to do, yet it was for Nathan and Allie that she was doing these things so they all could be together!

Instead, she placed her hand over her beloved Estella's shaking one.

"Yes, Essie, but thank God, he's alive! It could have been so much worse. And he's doing better every single day! He's regaining his strength through daily therapy with the doctor, and he's having fewer and fewer nightmares as time passes! He's going to be back to his old self. I promise if it's the last thing I do! You'll see!"

Millicent sighed heavily.

"I just long to be there with him to see for myself that he's taken care of properly!"

"Of course, you do, Miss! But you took care of our Nathan when he needed you the most, and that's what's important. Besides, whether that young man realizes it or not, we have a Wedding to plan for! And that takes work! I'll take care of your coat, tomorrow. Don't you give it another thought! Andersen's Furrier will make it as good as new! You'll see!"

"I appreciate that, Essie! Thank you! After I finish these letters, I thought I'd go down to my desk to glance over the briefs the Office sent over and put them in some semblance of order. Then I want to make my lists of everything that absolutely has to be done in the next forty days related to Allie, Nathan, the Business, the Foundation, the Ranch, our Christmas, the Wedding, the Honeymoon, and the move to Hope Valley. Oh, and then all my personal responsibilities, and family responsibilities. My, those are quite a few lists!"

"Eleven if I counted correctly, Miss. Way too many if you ask me! And I'm afraid you need to add an Engagement list! Why we still have stacks of Engagement Congratulations coming in daily, plus all the follow-up Invitations to respond to! Boxes and boxes of them, I'm afraid! My goodness, I forgot all about the Wedding Gifts! Just wait till all of them come rolling in, and yes, they've already begun! I haven't a clue where we're going to put them all! Miss, in case you haven't seen, the living room in our guest quarters is already overflowing with packages!"

"I know all this is a lot, but Essie, we can't let it overwhelm us, or we'll get nothing done! So, I'll add an Engagement List, that's twelve lists, right? Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something that came to my mind on the Train, but it would mean more work for both you and Hendrix, and I hate to put more on the two of you, especially now."

"If it will help you, Hendrix and I are all for it! What is it?"

Estella might be saying so, but Millicent knew that didn't mean Essie would be all in for someone else entering hers and Hendrix's domain.

And she most certainly wouldn't be happy for someone to come live with them, even on a temporary basis!

So, she proceeded with caution.

"There's a lady at work who subs for David, my Assistant. Her name is Anna Lavine, and she's really good at organization. She also knows my Work responsibilities and to a lesser degree, even my Foundation responsibilities. I was wondering if I had her come stay with us, that it might help streamline things, and at least give me a fighting chance to get all of this done. Basically, she'd keep me organized and follow me wherever I have to be when needed. That way she can take care of any emergencies that come up, while I'm doing whatever it is I have to do at the moment," she sighed. "But, Essie, I would need her to stay here at the house with us in order for this to work, if she's willing, that is."

"I suppose…we could manage that," agreed Essie, although hesitantly.

"Also, Essie, I'd really love to have the Ranch decorated before the Wedding as well."

"Hold on, Miss! That's entirely too much to take on, and you know it! When you mentioned the Ranch as a list, I thought that was for Hendrix and me! You forget about that Ranch right now, till after your Honeymoon!"

"But I'll be in Hope Valley then, and it will be almost impossible to finish it from there, to have ready for spring! Besides, I have to get Albert and Grace into their place by January 1st. And my plan is to really decorate both houses similarly. I think it's doable if I hire key people who know what they're doing. Mother has several great teams assembled and I'm sure she would be more than happy to share them with me. Basically, I need to set up separate teams for all the various functions. Then if I have Anna or someone like her to take care of my overall schedule, we should be able to accomplish it all!"

"Then I suppose you should talk to this woman tomorrow," agreed Essie, although Millicent could see, still reluctantly. "I suppose Hendrix and I are going to have to handle a lot of this Wedding hoopla anyway, so we can't possibly take care of your work, foundation, and social schedules too, while keeping the house in order and getting ready for guests at the same time! So, I suppose...it makes some sense."

"Good, I'll talk to her first thing Monday morning! But, Essie's there's one more thing you and I need to discuss that has to be kept a complete and total secret from everyone, especially Mother and Sophia…"

Bill, Edward, and Allie arrived back at the rowhouse, chilled to the bone from their brisk walk just as Nathan was finishing his earlier call with Millicent.

"Come in and get warmed up by the fire! You three look like you're frozen!" welcomed Nathan, still grinning from his call.

"Indeed, we are, but that's good! Keeps the blood circulating!" winked Edward.

"Hey, your soon-to-be Father-in-law is a fast walker, too, Nathan! Yep, just about the same speed as you with those long legs of his!" taunted Bill who was forever begging Nathan to slow down.

"What can I say, Bill?" chuckled Nathan, giving Edward a wink.

Edward was a tall man too, just a bit shorter than his soon-to-be son-in-law.

Truth be told, Nathan took a certain amount of Mountie pride in the fact that the Judge had to struggle a bit to keep up, so of course, he never slowed his stride down much at all when requested, if any!

Which frustrated Bill all the more.

Perhaps it fed into his and Bill's ever-competitive natures, but these two 'Men of the Law,' who were very close, definitely knew how to push each other's buttons without even trying, whether intentional or not!

It was almost like some twisted Mountie Code of Honor that was somehow required between them!

"I hadn't realized the pond was so close to the rowhouses," noted Edward, with worry on his face.

"Allie, why don't you go get ready for bed, then after, come down so you and your Grandpapa can catch up!"

"Okay, but I'll hurry! See you in just a few minutes, Grandpapa! Uncle Bill, will you still be here, too?"

"Just for a little while, Little Mountie!"

"I'll see you in a bit, Sweetheart! How about a good game of chess when you come down?" suggested Edward.

"Will you teach me? Dad beats me all the time! Uncle Tom is trying, but I'm still not very good!"

"That's because chess is a difficult game, with a lot of possible moves. It requires strategizing, Young Lady, and that takes a lot of patience to learn as well as a lot of practice! Why don't we take it easy and just play checkers for tonight, instead!"

"Please! I might even be able to win at that!"

Edward chuckled, loving his granddaughter's competitive spirit!

Happy with getting to spend time with her Grandpapa, whether chess or checkers, Allie gave them all quick kisses, and ran up the stairs!

"There's more Coffee in the pot, still hot on the stove," suggested Nathan. "Would you two care to have a cup to warm you up?"

"Yes, please, Son!" answered Edward, still chilling by the fire.

"Count me in too!" noted Bill.

As the two men sat down in the Living Area, Nathan went to the Kitchen to prepare a tray with their Coffee.

But even without trying, he could still hear bits and pieces of their conversation, and it sounded serious.

When he finished pouring the Coffee into a Serving Pot and gathered mugs along with napkins, he carried the tray back into the living area.

Both Edward and Bill looked up rather guiltily.

"Gentlemen, here's our Coffee! Can I offer you anything else?" asked Nathan, as he entered the room with a tray.

No one answered.

"Sounded like you two had a serious conversation going on," noted Nathan, catching the nervous look both men had given him.

Both men looked away.

"Okay! What's going on?"

"We're worried," offered Bill finally, but with no explanation.

"Well, that part's rather obvious!"

"More concerned, Son," admitted Edward. "It's that knoll. I know we can't do anything about the forest, and actually, the flat land in front of it offsets any danger, since it pretty much offers an open view. But with that knoll, anyone can be hidden, making the rowhouses still at risk."

"I agree, the knoll provides the perfect hiding place! We've realized it's been a problem for quite some time," agreed Nathan.

"Let's face it! That knoll was why you were shot, Nathan. They hid behind it, and when they came out, it was too late for Gabe and me to get to them!" explained Bill. "Believe me, we tried! That shooting has made me see it's not a good situation for any of the rowhouses. I can't for the life of me figure out why they were built here in the first place!"

"It does seem odd, like the rowhouses are sitting ducks, waiting to be taken over by someone, if so inclined," mused Edward. "Almost like it was intentional!"

Nathan was thunderstruck!

"You know, Bill, Edward's right! That just might have been the exact reason for their less than judicious placement!" interjected Nathan.

Bill's face contorted as his eyes grew wide, realizing what Nathan was implying.

"Well, I'll be! And I bet you're both right! Spurlock, who was here from the beginnin' was as evil a man as you could ever meet, meanin' he absolutely had to have somethin' to do with their placement. I bet the whole thing was absolutely intentional! Why that knoll, no doubt, allowed him and his crew to spy on every single person who lived in those rowhouses, day and night! What do you know, Edward! You and Nathan just solved our mystery!"

"We just don't have the manpower to get rid of it, though!" interjected Nathan.

"No, we don't! We've just sort of accepted that we're stuck with it."

"Gentleman, nothing is impossible, let's all three think about this, and if I can get a detailed map and you two are okay with it, I'll take it to my surveyors when I get home, and see what they can come up with. Those men are pretty sharp where difficult topography's concerned. I'll let you know what they say!"

"I'll get you a map in the mornin', Edward, just before you leave!"

"Thanks, Bill!"

"We appreciate any help you can give us, Edward!"

"It's my pleasure, Nathan!"

But Edward seemed troubled.

"You know, I'm grateful that your new land seems so secure. I truly am. But the truth is, Son, once you and Millicent are married, I'm afraid the two of you are fair game for all the inherent problems we Bradfords face! And with this Wedding, you and Millicent will definitely be the hot topic of the moment. Do you mind if we send our team of surveyors in to check for any areas of possible concern around the perimeters of your acreage, as well? If not, at least they can look at that knoll firsthand."

Nathan noticed Edward's use of 'we' and 'our' instead of 'I' and 'my,' and it struck him in a profound way.

The words told him yet again that the monstrous framework always appearing around his new family was superfluous to what the real substance of what they were all about. They were a team together, now including Allie and him, and that was Nathan's lifeline! This was about a family of eleven plus about to become thirteen plus, and their love, their relationships with each other. Not their money and all the issues that involved.

He would hold onto that while entering this new hectic world, which was about to completely envelop him and Allie, in a way perhaps neither could understand.

'The Bradfords are first and foremost a loving family; mine and Allie's new family, along with we Grants. We're going to be alright!'

"Of course, I don't mind, Edward. If you think it's necessary, I welcome it. You know that I want Millicent and Allie as safe as they possibly can be! So, whatever we need to do, let's do it! But Lee and his men can't possibly build our house till warmer weather, so we'd need to stay here in the rowhouse until the building can be completed."

"I realize that, and truthfully, that's my concern. I don't want a repeat of what you two have just gone through!"

"Obviously, we don't either!" agreed Nathan. "Although the shooting was due to criminal intent. Not at all due to anything Bradford related."

"No, Son, this time it wasn't! But it could have just as easily been," stated Edward solemnly. "I don't mean to scare you at all, but this Wedding of ours is going to bring unsavory people out of the woodwork like you've never seen before! There's no way we can keep all that goes on out of the newspapers! So, if we can't remedy the land situation and make it more secure, we'll have to send in more security. I hope the former, but I just don't see any way around it if there are any weak spots. And for that, I'm deeply sorry! Truthfully, I had to see for myself that my Son, Daughter, and Granddaughter will be as secure as humanly possible."

"I appreciate that! Security concerns me deeply, too, Edward. Though professionally adept at protection, I'm a novice as far as doing this sort of thing Bradford style, so I defer to your well-established protocols, and I'll not be afraid to add my input too. Whatever we need to do, we'll do together. You know I couldn't bear it if something happened to Millicent or Allie. I truly couldn't."

"You and I are going to see that doesn't happen," encouraged Edward, as he reached out to pat Nathan on his good shoulder.

"Count me in, too!" interjected Bill, firmly. "I'm not about to let anything happen to these three! Not on my watch!"

"We're most grateful for that, Bill. Nathan, I know you're as good a protector as they come, and never doubt that! My daughter being with you gives me more peace than anything, on every level. First, because I love you both and know you're meant to be. But secondly, because I know no one can possibly protect her better. You know, I trust you implicitly, because, in addition to being deliriously happy, I know Millicent will be safe with you. But we're a team in this, and I believe we're going to need help in this instance. One person can't possibly be responsible for all this alone, especially when you have another demanding full-time job as Chief Inspector! I know we have the team of four, but to be honest, it may come to more than that. We'll see. Don't either of you worry about any of this, for now, though. It's enough to just be aware. Whatever resources you need, Son, to make all this work, we'll see that you, Bill, and Hope Valley have them. I give you my word on that!"

Bill and Nathan both nodded in agreement, feeling a bit lighter, knowing Edward Bradford would move mountains if needed when it came to the protection of his family.

And for better or worse, that family now included Nathan and Allie…

Upstairs at Elizabeth's rowhouse, Charles reached down to kiss Little Jack, lovingly pulling the covers up about him.

He couldn't help thinking about Eliza Jade as he stood over Jack's bed, and how desperately he was missing his Little Girl, also wondering if she was missing him.

He blew her a goodnight kiss out the window, hoping she knew just how very loved she was.

'Oh, to have my family under one roof again!' he mused.

His family.

He thought about his beautiful wife, Liza, missing her desperately, yet somehow knowing she approved of Elizabeth and him being together.

Deep down, there was no doubt he and Elizabeth had her blessing.

He could even feel her contentment.

For each of them, as well as their children!

He, Elizabeth, Little Jack, and Eliza Jade were going to be a real family, now, and Charles was sure beyond doubt they were meant to be.

He wasn't sure where their future would take them, whether to Hamilton, Hope Valley, or a fusion of the two.

But it didn't matter at all.

He only knew they would be together, and he couldn't help but smile as he walked down the stairs, thinking how pleased both sets of their parents would be to finally see their love for each other shining through.

On both sides, their parents had been all for their marriage, as it had been socially suitable, but both sets seemed to know that something was missing.

Perhaps, they thought, everything was just a little too convenient.

Thankfully, there would no longer be any doubts!

For that 'something' was missing no longer, as their faces now glowed with love.

Since committing fully to each other, they could barely stand to be apart!

Elizabeth met him at the base of the staircase.

"What's that smile about, Mr. Kensington?"

He grinned, taking her in his arms.

"It's a secret, Mrs. Thornton, soon-to-be Mrs. Kensington, III!"

"Uhm! I think I like the sound of that!"

"You'd better like the sound of that," he teased as he swept her up into his arms to the tune of copious giggles.

He laid her down on her settee, where she was still giggling, trying to catch her breath.

But before she could, he knelt beside her and lowered his lips to capture hers completely.

She threw her arms around his neck and pulled him down closer to her.

"Whoa, Lilibet! You always did get me into trouble!"

She laughed, as they sat up together.

"That I did! Didn't I?"

"But I loved you anyway, just as I do now! Just as I always will!"

"Lilibet and Beth! You were the only person I ever allowed to call me that! Except of course Father when I was little. But even he got into trouble using the names as I grew into a teen!"

"Uhm," Charles murmured between kisses.

"Does that mean I've always loved you?" she teased.

"It absolutely means you've always loved me!"

Suddenly both turned serious.

"What are we going to do about our Wedding?" asked Charles.

"I suppose, first, it's what I'm going to do to make everything right! I'll start by sending a note to Millicent about the change in dates, with a most sincere apology for my terrible actions. But, Charles, I've been thinking."

"And?"

"I don't want us to get married at Father's and Mother's home. I do want us to keep it small, but I want us to do it up right! It should be in our Church. That's so important. What do you think?"

Charles was surprised, even unable to speak.

"Oh, Charles, I'm so sorry! You and Eliza married there!"

"Yes, we were. And it was a beautiful, huge ceremony! But…perhaps it will be fine. Yes! It WILL be fine. We will make it fine. I was thinking how proud I am of you, Beth, for wanting to join our lives in such a public way. Yes, our Wedding will be different, because it will be what you and I want together. What we are together."

"Are you sure? Absolutely sure?"

It took Charles a moment.

"Yes, yes, I'm sure! We should get married in the Church! Definitely. It's the right thing to do. It's setting the right example for our children."

"Perhaps we could do it a bit differently? Maybe I won't walk down the aisle."

"You absolutely will walk down the aisle! Different's okay, my Darling, but I can't imagine my beautiful Bride not walking down the aisle to meet me!"

Charles' face beamed with a smile so full of love, it left no doubt.

"You're certain, aren't you, Sweetheart?"

"I am very certain, Darling! The flowers you choose will be different. The gown you wear will be different. And the children coming down the aisle before you will be ours!"

The words brought tears to her eyes.

How had she been so cold to that precious child? Never again! She would love Eliza Jade and cherish her, just as she did Little Jack.

"Yes, Charles, those two darlings are already 'ours' in every possible way…"

"Hot Cocoa for everyone!" announced Bill as he and Allie brought in their tray from the Kitchen.

"Hot Cocoa? This looks like Marshmallows to me!"

"Lots of them, Grandpapa! So yummy!"

"Allie thinks it's supposed to be Marshmallows with a touch of Cocoa, Edward!" chuckled her Dad.

"Grandpapa, I was thinking upstairs, do you have an office at all of your businesses?"

Bill chuckled too, settling into Nathan's worn leather chair with a smile on his face, glad for once to not be the object of Allie's incessant questions.

"I actually do, although it's more like an office complex than a single room."

"What do you mean, Grandpapa?" asked Allie, excitedly.

"Well, there's my private office, then my two assistant's offices, my secretary's office, plus a conference room and waiting room at each place. As soon as we arrive at each business, we have quite of lot of work to do and have to roll up our sleeves and get busy! Afraid, it takes all of us and sometimes more, including managers, and their assistants to get everything done."

"Why do you have two assistants?"

"Well, actually there are many more than two, but the two are with me at all times, as is my secretary. One assistant takes care of all the routine administrative matters, and the other takes care of all the financial matters, the things that have to do with money. All three are at the Queen of Hearts as we speak!"

"Wow, that's amazing. Can I see some of your offices?"

"May, Allie! But I'm sure your Grandpapa is very busy! Much too busy to give tours on top of what he already does!"

"Well, that is true! But I might possibly be able to make an exception or two," responded Edward with a wink. "If your father's okay with it, I could probably take you to an office complex in Montreal, if that would interest you?"

"Oh, yes! Please, Dad! Please!" begged Allie.

"Edward, are you sure you'll have time?" asked Nathan.

"For my granddaughter, I'll make time!"

"That would be the absolute greatest, Grandpapa! I can't wait. That's like the best Christmas present ever! Oh, I forgot to show you my scrapbook! And I have to do one more thing before I do!"

"Don't be too long. Your Cocoa will get cold!" reminded her Uncle Bill.

"It won't matter, Bill! She only eats the Marshmallows anyway!" laughed Nathan.

"Isn't that the truth!"

As Allie skipped off upstairs, Nathan looked heavenward.

"I'm sorry, Edward. I don't know how she comes up with all these ideas!"

"Don't look at me! I haven't a clue," agreed Bill. "She asked so many questions I couldn't answer, I had second thoughts about being a Judge!"

All three men chuckled.

"But I can tell you, Edward, that you really rate for her to show you her scrapbook. That's her pride and joy! And she rarely shares!"

"I absolutely love that she does come up with all these questions! They're intelligent ones, and you know an inquiring mind is a true treasure! I'll be proud to take her to the Grainery Offices. They aren't far from the main city. Besides, I need to visit there this coming month anyway to distribute some Christmas Cheer. Perhaps she can help me! So, it's all good!"

"You're a Saint! I may have to come with you to keep her in line, but it's awfully nice of you to do!"

"You know, in all these years not one of my Grandchildren has ever asked to see my Offices. It amazes me that my new Grandchild's so interested! But I'm telling you, Nathan, that girl of yours is smart as a tack! Not everyone has such an inquisitive mind. And who are we to stunt that? It will actually serve her very well in life!"

Nathan moaned and ran his hand through his hair.

"Sometimes, I wonder if I'm going to survive her teen years!" he admitted with raised eyebrows and a look of despair on his face.

"Good luck with that!" chuckled Bill.

Edward couldn't help but chuckle too!

"Yep! Good Luck with that is right! It's certainly not an easy task, but you'll survive! I've gone through it now four times and I'm still kicking! And I must say your future wife was the easiest. I'll let you guess who was the worst!"

"Oh, without doubt, Richard!"

To which Edward nodded vociferously.

"What's your secret, Edward?"

"Victoria."

Then with another chuckle, he added to that.

"Yours will be Millicent! And she's her Mother's Daughter, so I'd say you'll be in pretty good hands, Son!"

The three men chuckled together, all knowing Edward was one hundred percent right.

"Dear God, give me patience! And Millicent, too! She's taking on a lot with us two."

"But lovingly and willingly so!" assured Edward with a tender smile. She adores you, Son!"

"I adore her, and she's an absolute angel for doing so!" winked Nathan.

Edward's eye twinkled.

"I've never seen her so happy, Nathan. You make my work-a-holic daughter happier than any of us ever thought possible. Oh, and those teen years? Prayer helps a lot too, Son! And in my book, lots and lots of it…"

After finishing their Cocoa with loads of Marshmallows, extra added per Allie, they all said Goodnight to Bill, who still had to lock up the Café!

"I'll fix a huge breakfast for you and your crew in the morning before you leave, Edward. Just send everyone to the Café at about 7 AM!"

"Thank you, Bill," smiled Edward. "They'll enjoy that, but we do need to get on the road no later than 8 AM if possible! I'd love to stay longer, but I have several meetings scheduled that can't be changed!"

"Thanks, Bill. I wish we had more space and could have had breakfast here, but there's no way we could fit everyone in!"

"Don't worry about it, Nathan! It's my pleasure to cook. You coming in the morning Little Mountie?"

"You couldn't keep me away, Uncle Bill! I'm not leaving Grandpapa till the last minute he has to leave!"

"Now, somehow that doesn't surprise your old Uncle Bill at all!"

By this time Bill, had dressed for the cold, and Allie reached on her tiptoes to kiss him good night, then with a wave to all, he was gone out into the dark!

When Nathan, Allie, and Edward sat back down in the living area, by the fire, they spent some time going over Allie's meticulous and voluminous scrapbook.

Edward oohed and aahed at all the right moments to Allie's delight, and finally, when they finished, Allie showed him the Wedding Countdown Calendar she had made for him.

"This will be the perfect thing for your Gramma and Grandmama to use as they work on the Wedding! I'll tell them it's from you!"

Allie smiled with pride as Edward then sat back and folded his hands in front of him, turning to face his Granddaughter.

"I'm ready to be at my Granddaughter's disposal. Ask me any question you want!"

"Well, we've already talked business, and I am anxious to meet my cousins! Will they like me, Grandpapa?"

"They will absolutely love you, Allie! And I have no doubt you'll love them!"

"I can't wait to meet them! Will they be in Montreal?"

"They're planning to come just a few days before Christmas so they won't interrupt all the Wedding Plans!"

"Can you tell me about them?"

"I most certainly can! You and Jackson are going to be especially great friends, as you are both the same age. Also, both of you are great in school from what I hear! He's bright but happy-go-lucky in nature, and like his father, he never meets a stranger. He's great with his siblings and constantly looks after them. But fair warning! You have to watch him, he's a bit of a prankster, too, just like his Dad, your Uncle Richard! Though, thankfully, not as accomplished!"

"Help us all!" laughed Nathan. "Two Richards?"

"Afraid so! Oh, and they both love to sail together!"

"Can he play chess, Grandpapa?"

"Not really! Your Uncle Richard and I have been trying to teach him, but he's got a way to go yet!"

"Ugh, sounds like we're both in the same boat!"

"Maybe we can teach you both together! That way, it will be a level playing field!" winked Edward.

"That's great! What about Cousin Margaret? Momma said you call her Maggie?"

"Yes, she's two years younger than Jackson and is the spitting image of her mother, your beautiful Auntie Margaret. She's very grown-up for her age, and don't say I said but maybe more mature than Jackson! She has the sweetest personality and the kindest heart just like her mother. She and Jackson got cameras last year for Christmas. So, she loves to take pictures too, and is already pretty good at framing shots! She loves to help in the kitchen and work with Cook! And she takes the best care of the little ones. You two are going to love spending time together!"

"I can't wait, Grandpapa!"

"Now those two little ones are quite the handful! So, get ready for them to tire you out! Jacques is a handsome little guy, but he's into everything! He has more energy than you can imagine! And your Grandmama has to hide everything that's down low where he can reach when he visits! He has a pretty expansive vocabulary for a three-year-old, and talks non-stop! So, you'll get to hear all of it! Little Margeaux, our Margie is just as lively as Jacques, but not quite as mobile or as talkative yet! Thank goodness! I'm afraid the two together are quite a lot to manage because what one doesn't think of, the other one does! But we wouldn't have it any other way! You'll adore them both, just as we do! But get ready to run after them! That's what we're all constantly doing!"

"I'm hoping Auntie Margaret will let me help babysit them!"

"She will be thrilled, Allie! Absolutely thrilled! The last time they were home, even with all our help, those two somehow got into the flour bin and covered the kitchen in flour! Cook was distraught! Said it was beyond her how two tiny munchkins could make such a huge mess. She insisted your Uncle Richard had something to do with it, and knowing my son, he probably did!"

Nathan laughed, knowing that wasn't far from the truth!

"Is Grandmama really an Indian Princess?"

"Indeed, she is! Beautiful, too, just like a Princess. Talk about wonderful stories! She's the best storyteller there is! She remembers you as a young thing, but she's really anxious to see you all grown up!"

"Will she tell me Cree stories?"

Edward looked surprised that Allie already knew her Grandmama's heritage.

"You've done your homework, haven't you, Young Lady?"

"Yes, Sir! I asked Momma and Dad! Dad says she taught him the Cree language!"

"That she did. I'm afraid, Nathan was the only one out of all the children patient enough to learn. It's a very difficult language, you see! I'm sure if you're interested in learning, she'll help you too! Your Grandmama still does loads and loads of charity work to help her people! As well, as others, of course!"

"Do you think she will help me learn how to do my charities?"

Edward looked puzzled.

"Allie has a blind friend, Angela, and she has decided she wants to set up a charity to help her and other blind children! And as she loves horses, she also wants to set up something to help them!" explained Nathan. "Millicent suggested it, and offered to help her with everything."

"That's wonderful! Allie, that means you're already a Bradford! Your Grandmama will be delighted to help you! Helping others is what we do. And you'll soon learn that our Foundations are taken as seriously as our Businesses!"

"I like that, Grandpapa! That means we care about others!"

"We absolutely do! Never forget those who are struggling, Allie. Helping them is what life's all about! Nathan, have you thought about what you'd like to do?"

"Yes, Sir! I have. In fact, I knew almost immediately. I want to help widows of Mounties, and include families of injured Mounties."

"That's a wonderful cause; all three of these ideas are so important, and currently our Foundations aren't addressing any of them. You two are a great addition to our family, in and of yourselves, but your ideas to help others are wonderful, too, and you can't have a better teacher than my Millicent!"

Nathan smiled, knowing Edward was right, as Millicent's work with children was her very essence, her reason for being.

And with their marriage, both he and Millicent were determined to keep Allie grounded, no matter what it took!

"Grandpapa can we play checkers?"

'So far, so good,' mused Nathan...

After lots of laughter and six games, three won by Edward, and three won by Allie, the two decided to leave it there, and play their tie game in Montreal.

"That way we both win, for now, Grandpapa!"

"I like that, but you, Young Lady, are challenged to a rematch as soon as you come to Montreal! And don't you forget it!"

"Yes, Sir!" yawned Allie.

"Allie, you'd better be getting to bed, it's getting awfully late, and we have to get up early to see your Grandpapa off!"

Allie had tears in her eyes, as she hugged Edward!

"I don't want you to leave!"

"Neither do I, but I have a very busy schedule, Ma Choupette! Besides your Grandmama is expecting me! And nobody wants to be late for her! Can I tell you a little secret? She's the real boss in this family!"

Edward touched the tip of Allie's nose, and she giggled.

"How about I tuck you in? That is if that's alright with you, Nathan?"

"Of course, Edward…"

After the story Edward read her, Allie soon fell asleep but kept holding tightly onto his hand.

He slipped his from hers gently, and kissed her lightly on the forehead, bringing the covers up to her chin, then doing his best, quietly slipped out the door and down the staircase.

"Edward, you got by easy! Allie must have been tuckered out! Usually, she insists on two chapters!"

"Yes, it only took a chapter of the book she was reading, and she was out like a light! She's something special, Nathan! Has a way of wiggling into your heart in a way, you'll never let go."

"She sure is and does! That gown she's been insisting on wearing is Millicent's. She left it for Allie, and I actually had to snatch it up while she was at school in order to wash it! She was afraid it would take her scent away. But Millicent left me a bottle of her perfume, so I washed the gown, sprayed it with the perfume, then tucked it back into Allie's drawer, so she wouldn't know!"

"That's so sweet of you, Nathan!"

"No, it was sweet of your daughter! We're missing her so much, Edward!"

"I know you both are, and that's another reason I came. But she is undoubtedly missing you two every bit as much! However, this will soon pass, and the three of you will be together just like you're supposed to be!"

"I know. Hearing her voice twice today was everything! The first time since she left! See, I didn't want her to risk deboarding the Train while she was traveling. Especially since there was a gang of reporters and photographers who met her at the Train Station here when she was departing!"

"I'm so sorry, Nathan. I'm afraid, you'll soon see that's an ongoing part of our lives. But Nathan, I do need to get you to realize how heightened the Press interest is going to be around the Wedding. I'm afraid everything's going to be at a fever pitch!"

"I suppose deep down, I've known that! Especially after the episode at Church."

"Just keep remembering that all this too will soon pass. Well, at least it will lessen!"

"Edward, do you mind answering a question for me?"

"Of course, not, Son! Anything!"

"It just dawned on me today that there will be Security on our Honeymoon. Just how will all that work?"

"I will personally see that the entire Team is very discrete, but also very thorough! Not only do I want Millicent and you to have a beautiful time on your Honeymoon, I want to be sure you both are protected as much as possible, without interference to your privacy. There is no doubt, that the Press will try to follow you, Nathan. And having a large Security contingent is the only way I know to keep them at bay."

Nathan sighed heavily.

"I know this is part of it. I guess I'm still wrapping my head around all of it! It's just that I'm a simple man, and I can't imagine the press would be interested in anything about me or my life."

"I'm afraid they're interested in everything about you, now! A curse of being a Grant who is also now considered a Bradford as well. But back to the Honeymoon, you'll have our private Passenger Car on the Train to whisk you off to your destination. Onboard, Security will stand outside the entrance and exits at all times, but of course, not inside the Car, and you'll have a Guard to escort you back and forth to the Dining Car if so inclined, or a Private Butler to bring your meals to you. We'll see that it's all very discreet and manageable. Security will arrange for a limousine to pick you up as soon as you arrive at your destination. And they'll secure everything from the outside. But if you do venture out, make sure you have coverage with you at all times. Tom will always be with you to oversee everything. And he is very well versed in our protocols, as well as crowd management."

"I know that he is."

"He's our best, Son! You do feel comfortable with him, right?"

"Absolutely!"

"Good! Want some advice? Both you and Millicent need to just pretend the men aren't there; just concentrate on each other. As long as you communicate your schedule and concerns to Tom, then he'll take care of all the rest! Everything will be as it should be. Because when it comes right down to it, Nathan, no matter how much security is involved, your Honeymoon remains private between you and Millicent. Don't allow Security to be a focus, and don't let them take away from anything. They are only there to keep you safe, not to remove any privacy."

"Thank you, Edward. I'll take your advice, and do my best to remember that about the Team."

"Believe me, Son," chuckled Edward. "After your Wedding, neither of you is going to even notice they are there!"

"No, Sir! I'm sure you're right about that!"

Deep in his heart, Nathan knew that each day they were moving closer to their Wedding!

Nathan's very being quickened at the wonderful thought!

Soon, he would be wedded to Millicent. He would be Millicent's husband! And he couldn't wait!

Despite the trappings of wealth, she was everything he had ever wanted and so very much more!

The thought brought a candescent smile, which slowly spread across his face, instantly erasing all worries as concerns faded away…