Chapter 74: Packages & More: Part I

Soon after Edward's departure, Nathan and Allie fell back into their regular routine, with the days slowly and sometimes painfully passing by for both.

But as much as they missed Millicent, due to her urging on her calls and in her letters, they were trying to make the best of their days apart, although it was often difficult.

Instead of being sad, they were doing their best to focus on their soon-to-be future, which was more wonderful than either had ever dreamed, now that Millicent would soon be a part of it!

Nathan longed for her, simply needing her presence, feeling half a being without her.

Allie desperately missed having the mother she had so long wished and prayed for, anxious to tell her everything, get her advice, and have her close by!

Today, on this particular Wednesday, due to an important series of business phone calls from various Inspectors across the country, Nathan had changed his morning session with Dr. Carter to the afternoon…

In the Infirmary, tired from her already somewhat tedious day, Faith finished examining the Chief Inspector and sighed heavily.

"Nathan, the good news is, your range and mobility are completely back. Much earlier than I expected, too! But we've got to work on gaining more strength in that shoulder. When you push back, I can still feel a difference between the two. Not significantly, but the difference is definitely there, and I know you want to be 100%. I think it's time you start working with the heavier weights, which you can pretty much do now on your own at home."

"Are you saying I'm free from your torture?" teased Nathan, although ecstatic nonetheless.

"Pretty much! But wipe that grin off your face! You're still under my care. And I expect full compliance, Chief Inspector!"

"Well, full compliance you shall have, Doctor! But wait! I don't have weights at home. Do I need to order some?" asked Nathan, as he buttoned up his Serge.

"No, that's why I'm swinging by your house later to drop the ones here off for you to use! None of my patients need them currently, so it's no problem at all, and this will make things much easier for you! When you're back to your full strength, I'll come to pick them up!"

"No need. I walked into town this morning for the exercise, but I can go get the car and take care of both trips!"

"Not necessary at all! I have to come to the rowhouses tonight anyway to check on Mrs. Weiss's fall. Carry the weights out to my wagon now and then look for me about 5:30, and carry them into your rowhouse for me. That, Nathan, will be your workout for today!"

"Are you sure that's not too much?" asked Nathan, dubiously.

"Well, I'll help with the heaviest ones! But look Nathan, this is the most important part."

"What do you mean, the most important part?"

"The mental part. Your body has already healed. You just have to believe it! Now it's just a matter of getting your full strength back. Be confident, not overly, because I know how you push, but more than what you are now! You're ready for this! Your body's ready for this."

"Alright! That's great news, Faith. Much better than what I was expecting. Thank you for being so patient with me through this ordeal! I know it hasn't been easy."

"Well, Millicent's fastidious care and your determination did almost as much as I did! But, Nathan, I want you to do a full session with the weights at least twice daily, till there is equal strength on both sides. Once in the morning, and once in the evening. Here's the instruction sheet for the exercises. I want you to follow them exactly as they're written! Start with the weights low at whatever number you feel comfortable with, but gradually increase the amount each day!"

"You've got it, Doctor! I'll follow these exactly. You have my word! After all, I do have a Wedding to get in shape for, and that's quite a bit of incentive!"

Faith chuckled.

"That you do, Chief Inspector! That you do! And don't forget: there is that little thing about carrying the Bride over the threshold…"

Bundled up, Elizabeth and Charles were lazily walking hand in hand into town to eat a late lunch at the Café, when suddenly, she slowed and gently touched his arm, prompting him to also stop.

"What is it, Beth?"

But then looking ahead, Charles immediately understood, as he saw Lucas nervously standing with his father, and his new half-sister, waiting on the Stagecoach that had just come into sight.

Within minutes, the creaky wheels of the Coach came to a screeching halt, in front of the distinguished party.

A stunning woman with dark raven hair pulled back into a very elegant knotted chignon, and the most radiant smile on her face suddenly appeared before them!

There could be no doubt of her beauty or grace, as she regally descended the steps.

And straight into her husband's arms, to his extreme delight, as he lifted her up into the air, kissing her the entire time.

Their daughter was practically dancing a jig waiting for her turn!

A fact not at all missed by Antoinette's father, so John Henry gently sat his wife down, to allow mother and daughter to joyfully embrace, as well.

The woman was dressed in a royal blue travel suit generously trimmed in the most exquisitely embroidered fine white lace, which was undoubtedly hand-tatted.

She wore a white silk blouse with an identically laced cravat, which appeared quite voluminous around her slender neck.

Over her outfit, she wore a matching coat, trimmed at the neck, broad lapels, and cuffs in a deep rich velvet, along with similar panels of velvet that encircled her coat, which swept all the way down the length of it, almost to the floor.

All this was topped by an enormous brimmed hat, also in royal blue velvet, trimmed in the same elegant lace as well as an assortment of gathered peacock feather tips. She wore matching kid-skinned gloves and heels and carried a very artsy peacock feathered handbag, that left no doubt it was handmade and one of a kind.

"My, she's wearing the latest Parisienne styles," whispered Elizabeth from a distance. "Totally couture! And she looks like a model!"

Even, the pieces of luggage that followed were as memorable as her outfit, no doubt also from Paris and just as costly!

Although no one knew, Madame Juliette Bouchard happened to be Paris's highest-ranked model and was known throughout Europe.

She was immediately and lovingly enveloped back into the arms of both her husband and daughter, at the same time, all three tearing up to finally be reunited.

"Mama!"

"Oh, my Nettie! My sweet, brave, precious Nettie! How I've missed you, ma jolie fille!"

Her beautiful daughter beamed with pure excitement and love, with tears flowing down her face at the mere sight of the mother she had missed so terribly!

Immediately, mother and child embraced again, so tightly this time, they appeared to be one!

The mother wiped her daughter's tears and tweaked her chin in an effort to cheer her up

"Juliette, my Darling! You're finally here! And we couldn't be happier! How we have missed you!"

"Oh, John Henry, how I have longed for you, too, my Darling! I missed you both so terribly!"

"Were your travels satisfactory, ma Cherie?"

"Oui, mon Cheri! Très satisfaisant!

Lucas stood behind, shocked at the exchange he was observing. He hadn't known what to expect, exactly, but certainly not someone so young and so beautiful! And to see his father kiss her like that, well he hadn't begun to prepare himself for the obvious passion between the two.

Why he had never seen that with his own mother!

Or was it he had never seen his mother respond to his father's passionate and loving nature? In all truth, his father had never changed. Why hadn't his mother loved him?

A twinge of jealousy coursed through Lucas's veins, as he looked away.

Which to him made it even more obvious, that he really didn't belong here at all!

Unfortunately, his father had made it crystal clear that his entire family would be there to greet his young wife, and so there had been no choice.

He watched as Juliette bent down again to smother her daughter with kisses.

The Saloon Owner shifted his feet and swallowed with nervousness, but he couldn't help staring as his father kissed his wife yet again.

Lucas raised his eyebrows.

It was quite obvious in their intimate public kisses that his father completely adored his second wife, and she adored him.

His father was clearly besotted, and apparently so was his wife!

Or was this just what true love looked like?

Lucas turned again, unable to watch, as a literal pain shot through his heart at the thought.

But as soon as their kiss ended, Juliette turned to her stepson, calling him back.

"You must be Lucas! It's so wonderful to meet the rest of my family! I can't tell you how I've longed for this day!"

Lucas held out his hand to her, although rather coldly, but she chose to ignore his ill manners and instead, embraced him just as she had her husband and daughter.

He was so befuddled, especially since even his own mother had never hugged him like that. He was searching for words, but none came. And he couldn't begin to know how he felt about it!

Spitefully in his mind, he was not at all part of this woman's 'family!' But oddly enough, in spite of his many reservations, somehow this beautiful, elegant lady was beginning to make him feel that he was.

"And so handsome too, just like your Father! Such a strong resemblance, Lucas! I would have known you anywhere!"

Without a response, sudden silence ensued.

"Lucas."

His father's soft voice was a gentle reminder to Lucas that he had said nothing of import to his wife, and was also being less than gracious in not responding to Juliette's compliment.

"Delighted to meet you, Madame Bouchard," although Lucas was choking on the words, he raised her hand to his and kissed it.

"Juliette! Or whatever you feel comfortable calling me," she smiled. "But indeed, not Madame Bouchard! That's much too formal! I'm so glad John Henry and Antoinette have gotten to spend this time with you! I hope you have enjoyed them as much as they've enjoyed being with you. Your father's missed you terribly over the years. And somehow even without personally knowing you, I've truly missed you as well."

She looked at her family standing around her.

"Finally, we're a complete family! This makes me so very happy!"

Her smile was jubilant, and even Lucas could see this was very important to her.

He felt like coughing or violently disagreeing, but somehow seeing her earnest eyes and how happy she was, he simply couldn't.

It also helped that his father was obviously not amused by Lucas's poor social form, shown clearly in the solemn look on his face.

And yes, the look was clearly directed at his Son.

Instead of continuing to follow his instincts of abhorrence or even just disdain, Lucas gallantly offered his arm, although it was clearly without a smile.

"Allow me to take you to your accommodations, Madame," still unable to say her name.

"That would be lovely! Merci beaucoup, Lucas!"

Elizabeth and Charles watched as the four turned toward The Queen of Hearts. Lucas led the way with the beautiful lady on his arm, while John Henry and Antoinette happily followed.

"Sweetheart, you look concerned," whispered Charles.

"I'm happy for Lucas to have his family with him. I truly am. But, Charles, and please don't take this the wrong way…"

"Take what the wrong way?"

"I just still have this awful feeling that Lucas is somehow involved in Nathan's shooting."

"What makes you think that, Sweetheart?"

"I just somehow know it! You can depend on that!"

Charles chuckled.

"Believe me, I would never question your 'feelings!' If I recollect correctly, you're seldom wrong! But Elizabeth, what good will it be to rustle all that back up? It can't be good for Nathan, nor Millicent for that matter."

"No, but it's also not right that Lucas once again gets by with nefarious activity, without any consequences. Especially when it's against Nathan! Why he could have been killed!"

"Elizabeth, perhaps Lucas hasn't gotten by this time, especially for something this serious."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, the penalty for shooting a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is quite serious. And even more so for a high-ranking Officer, such as Nathan! There will definitely be consequences for all involved. We don't know that there already haven't been, or even if Lucas is in fact, involved! From what I know of Nathan, and Millicent for that matter, they don't strike me as the type of people to air their business in public. But have no doubt, Nathan first and foremost abides by the law. And he appears to be very good at what he does. If Lucas was involved, I'm sure Nathan knows. We don't know what's going on behind the scenes. Why don't we let the Chief Inspector handle whatever this is? He's more than capable, Elizabeth!"

"I suppose you're right. But I can't let it go, Charles. I just can't!"

Charles lifted her face to his, cupping her chin.

"And I won't!" she reiterated, looking straight into his eyes.

"Lord help, us! But believe it or not, I do completely understand, given the circumstances."

"Thank you, Charles! That you understand means everything to me! Thank you!"

She then reached up and kissed his cheek in reassurance.

Then the couple contentedly walked arm-in-arm on toward the café…

After having loaded his weights on Faith's wagon, Nathan started his walk home from the Infirmary, realizing dinner was going to be later than usual, so he swung by the Café, to see what was available for takeout.

But as he entered the Café, there sat Charles and Elizabeth, apparently having a very late lunch.

"Good afternoon, Elizabeth, Charles!"

"Nice to see you, Nathan," smiled Charles.

"How are you doing, Nathan?" asked Elizabeth.

"Missing Millicent terribly, but the shoulder's doing okay, so thankful for that!" he smiled.

"Oh, I wanted to tell you, we received our VIP tickets to the Mountie Ball, thanks to you!" smiled Elizabeth. "Charles and I are planning to travel to Union City a few days early so we can enjoy the city!"

"Good. I hope you enjoy both the Ball and Union City!"

"Nathan, have you found out more about the men involved in the shooting?" asked Elizabeth, not at all beating around the bush.

"Everything's being done as it's supposed to be," smiled Nathan, although wanly. "These things just take time. But I for one am ready to get all my strength back and put this behind me. I'd better go order dinner, now, if you two will excuse me."

"Nathan, I don't mean to keep you, but I was wondering if you could show me the proper way to cut wood? Lee's so busy with the children, I hated to ask him. And I'm afraid I've never even watched it being done before!"

"Of course, Charles. Although I can only instruct you, as I'm still not up to physically performing the job, myself. Perhaps it would be better to have Bill show you, as he can actually demonstrate the process?"

"So sorry, Nathan! I wasn't thinking! Of course, I'll ask Bill!"

"He's a master! So, you'll be a pro before you know it! When I'm better, maybe we'll cut a few cords together Charles. You two have a good day!"

But before Nathan could get away, Florence entered the Café and immediately flagged him down, running straight toward him.

"How are you doing, Nathan?"

"Allie and I are trudging through," he answered with a broad smile.

But Florence could clearly see in his brilliant blue eyes that he was missing Millicent, dreadfully.

"Mr. Yost and I were trying to figure out a good night to go to Buxton. How does this Saturday sound?"

Nathan's face brightened, as he desperately needed something to look forward to, and he had promised the Yosts a car ride and dinner in Buxton!

"Sounds perfect to me. Faith just cleared me to drive! Let me check and make sure Allie doesn't have anything on her calendar, which by the way is a lot fuller than mine!"

"She's a little social butterfly, that one! You'll let me know?"

"I most certainly will, Florence! As soon as I speak with Allie!"

"Looking forward to it! Well, then, good day, Chief Inspector!" and with that, a very excited Florence turned and left the Café, without even grabbing a Coffee!

Smiling, Nathan waved her off and walked on through to the kitchen.

He didn't even notice Elizabeth's shocked look.

"Beth, what's wrong?" asked a concerned Charles.

"I suppose I just have never thought about Nathan socializing."

Charles chuckled.

"Elizabeth, do you even know the man?"

"Apparently not," she grinned worriedly, suddenly realizing she had never tried to really get to know him.

She suddenly realized that all this time, she had locked him into the very restrictive way she thought him to be, with her own impression bolstered by the pointed pieces of misinformation strategically given her by Lucas.

Charles was right; she didn't really know Nathan! She had been too engrossed in running away. Never once even giving him a reason for her strange behavior!

Selfishly, everything had been about her.

She had been so wrong on so many levels!

"Charles, I give you my word I'll never be selfish again or judgmental!" she declared as she reached for his hand.

"Elizabeth, my Love, let's just call that period of time 'a sorting of grief.' I'm here, now, and in the last few days, I haven't seen a single selfish or judgmental thing from you! I've only seen you, your beauty, your love, and your kindness! I wouldn't be here otherwise."

Elizabeth knew Charles meant what he said. He could never love someone like she had been during that period. He deserved much, much better!

And so had Nathan!

"I love you, Charles, so very much! Thank you for being so patient with me!"

Back in the kitchen, Nathan was waiting, trying not to startle Minnie while she held hot pans in her mitted hands.

Finally, she had set everything down when she looked up and saw him.

"Nathan! How long have you been waiting?"

"Minnie, hello! Not long! But I was wondering if you could please take pity on a man without a plan for dinner? Do you happen to have anything I could use?"

"I most certainly do! Just made Chicken Pot Pies, and they're sitting in the icebox ready to go into the oven. Want two to take home to bake there?"

"You've saved the day, Minnie! If I get home quickly, perhaps Allie will never know!"

"Why don't I throw in two salads and two pieces of Chocolate Cake as well? Then you've got a full meal! The Cake's mighty good, if I do say so myself!"

"Sounds perfect, Minnie!"

Minnie hummed as she got the food together, and handed the beribboned box to Nathan with a smile.

"Enjoy, Nathan! Hate to rain on your parade, but our Allie Girl just might recognize the Chicken Pot Pies as mine when she tastes them. I made them for the kids as a taste test last week using the same recipe, when she was visiting."

"No worries, Minnie," chuckled Nathan.

"Believe me, I was only teasing! Whether or not she'd had them before, Allie would know with her first bite, that I hadn't made them! My culinary skills are nowhere close to yours. Besides, there's no tricking that girl with anything! Believe me…"

An hour later, the winter sun was beginning to set. It had beautifully filtered down in full force, all day long, brightening the entire town of Hope Valley. There was no doubt, that its setting was going to be just as lovely!

Despite the cold, the bright rays had made the entire town feel lighter and even more upbeat, helping to beat their winter doldrums away!

Having finished her hour at the Mercantile's Switchboard, Allie ran down the steps with the biggest box she had ever received!

She was beyond excited, as it was from Montreal!

And that could only mean one thing!

At the bottom of the steps, she paused to glance over the box, checking to see if her path was clear.

Then like lightning, she took off in a running leap, down Main Street and through Hope Valley, carrying her big box, flying right past her former schoolteacher, without even seeing her.

"Allie!" Elizabeth called in her strictest teacher's voice.

Breathless, the girl turned around with a broad smile but kept moving backward.

"Sorry, Mrs. Thornton. Hi, Mr. Kensington! Couldn't see where I was going! I have to go find Dad!"

And off she went like a flash!

"Hmph! I suppose she wasn't exactly rude," grumbled Elizabeth, smoothing her skirt where Allie's box had grazed.

Rosemary, who had been in the mercantile for more diapers and formula, laughed as she saw the brush-by, then called to Elizabeth and Charles to wait up, as she wanted to walk home with them.

"Yoo-hoo! Wait up for me!" she yelled in her normal cheery voice.

But Elizabeth paid no mind, as she was still watching Allie.

Charles walked to meet her.

"Here, Rosemary, allow me to take your packages!"

"Thank you, Charles! This little walk is the treat of my day! But I'm not complaining one little bit. I don't want to miss a single moment with those children of mine, Oliver, or the girls! Little Sadie and Sophie are both teething and I'm afraid Mama's not enjoying seeing them suffer at all! But I still wouldn't miss being there with the little munchkins for the world!"

"Children are, without a doubt, little miracles, Rosemary! Both the good and the bad," chuckled Charles. "It's all worth it. They're such huge blessings!"

"Yes, they are indeed!" she beamed, so very thankful to finally have her own.

Without even realizing it, whenever her children were mentioned, she raised her head to the heavens with thanks.

She might not have noticed, but others did, and were touched at her gratitude, and perhaps newfound humility.

Normally those were traits not often exhibited by Rosemary. At least the humility part! But her children had changed her, softened her, and even humbled her.

She glanced over at her best friend, who still hadn't realized she was there!

Elizabeth was simply ignoring them both, still seeming miffed, staring after Allie.

"Elizabeth, I do believe that you're just upset you and Allie are no longer as close as you once were," mused Rosemary, following her friends gaze. "You know, you should do something to remedy that. Then you wouldn't feel so awkward every time you run into her! Afterall, the child does deserve an apology!"

"Oh, Rosemary, don't remind me! I know she does. A big one, too! Though I'm afraid I've been putting it off because I dread it so terribly! But still, I've never seen her be so rude before!"

"Allie was not rude, Elizabeth!" declared Rosemary softly. "I saw the whole thing!"

"Why, the child's on a mission, Sweetheart. I'd say the word is excited!" smiled Charles, grinning after Allie, whose spunk he really admired. "Very excited!"

Charles smiled at his fiancée. Unable to physically comfort her while holding Rosemary's many packages, he winked instead and nodded toward Allie, who was about to reach her rowhouse.

"Oh, to have her energy! That will be Oliver, Little Jack, and Eliza Jade before we know it!"

"Oh, please don't say that," insisted Rosemary with tears in her eyes, looking like she was about to wail.

Charles wasn't at all sure why Rosemary was upset, but then she explained.

"Oliver, Sadie, and Sophie just came to us, and we can't bear to think of them growing up just yet! We're just doing our best to enjoy every single moment with them right now..."

Allie kept running as fast as she could straight toward her home, till she was almost out of breath by the time she reached there.

She set the box down on the porch to open the door, then huffing, picked it back up again.

"Dad, look! It's a package from Momma!" called Allie excitedly.

"Hey, slow down Kiddo! You're out of breath, Allie!" urged her Dad, coming from the kitchen.

"I was so excited when it arrived, but I still had a half-hour to work, so I had to wait!"

"My, it is big!" mused Nathan, as he dried his hands and threw the dishtowel over his shoulder to lighten his daughter's burden and take the box.

"You should have called and I would have come and gotten it for you! We do have a car, now, you know," he teased.

"Can you believe it? I always forget!" admitted Allie with a scrunched-up face. "See, Dad, that's why we need to use it more!"

"But we also need to get our exercise! You'll be riding in plenty of cars in Montreal, Young Lady!"

"And I can't wait!"

Nathan walked over to set the box down on the table in front of their settee.

"Can I open it, Dad, please?"

"Yes, Sweetheart, you may open it!"

Nathan was trying his best not to show it, but he was just as excited as Allie to see what the box contained, as he sat down on the settee to watch her open it.

"What's this?" asked Allie, puzzled as she sorted through the box. "There are two smaller packages and several other packages underneath, too."

Nathan sat down beside his daughter, who was beyond excited!

"Probably the school dresses your Momma promised! Remember? You've outgrown practically everything you have!"

Nathan regretted the words as soon as they came out of his mouth, as he didn't like to think about Allie growing up at all.

Although Allie grinned, taking the words as a high compliment!

"Let's open these two smaller ones and see what's in them first," suggested her Dad.'

"Oh, look, Momma wrote us notes! This one says 'Angel, (that's me!) this is for you to share with your friends!' And this one says 'Darling' -oops! This one's for you, Dad!"

"It most certainly is, Sweetheart," and a smile came over Nathan's flushed face as he took the envelope, that he couldn't possibly hide.

"You open this one, Dad, and I'll open the one for me and my friends!"

Allie ripped into her package first.

"Look! What are these shiny silver things, Dad? There's a million of them!"

"Wait, Allie, I'm reading your Momma's note. They are called Hershey Kisses, or Chocolates and they're from Derry, Pennsylvania. She had them on her last visit to the States, and now, apparently, there's a shop in Montreal that stocks them! She says since she can't give us 'Kisses' in person, these chocolate ones will have to do!" (*62)

He didn't read the part aloud about the promise of a thousand kisses, as those words were meant only for him, causing him to blush an even deeper red.

How in the world could Millicent make him blush when she was almost two thousand miles away?

But she was accomplishing just that!

"Dad, Momma's giving you Chocolates and Kisses," taunted Allie, with a huge grin.

"And I'll take each and every single one of them! No sharing with you, Young Lady!" teased Nathan, though still flushed.

"Dad, Momma gave me my own. May I taste one?"

"As soon as we finish dinner!"

"Dad! Do I have to wait? Please, just one?"

"Okay, just one! But only one, Allie. You'll ruin your dinner!"

Allie's eyes shone as she excitedly tore into the silver foil-wrapped kiss, full of pure delectable chocolate.

"Dad, look at this little point! It's so cute!"

For her very first taste of this particular candy, she allowed the piece to slowly melt in her mouth.

"Oh, my! This is positively blissful, Dad!"

"Blissful? I haven't heard you use that word before!"

"It's because that's what I am now," she answered innocently, enacting her words, and spreading her arms wide. "It means I'm extremely happy and full of joy!"

He smiled, reaching to hold his daughter.

"So am I, Sweetheart!" answered Nathan, overcome with love for both Allie and Millicent.

"We're really a whole family now! I mean, not that we weren't a family before!" Allie quickly added, not wanting to hurt her father. "But you know what I mean!"

He kissed the top of her head.

"I know exactly what you mean, Princess. We're now a complete family! Somehow, Millicent was the missing piece all along. And now, we'll all be together soon!"

"I can't wait, Dad! This is just taking way too long! Even my calendar's slow!"

Allie had counted the days diligently, checking each one off daily, anxiously waiting to go to Montreal.

"Well, I can't wait either! Why don't you open the rest of your boxes?" urged Nathan, trying his best to keep Allie from being sadder. "I've got Chicken Pot Pies in the oven and they're going to take some time till they're ready! Let's see your new dresses!"

Allie opened the boxes one by one.

"Dad, this is just beautiful!"

It was a gorgeous mint green wool shift dress, trimmed in a simple cream embroidered border, that flowed around the flounced neck and sleeves. Beautifully detailed but not at all too girly.

It was perfectly suited to Allie, simple in its cut too and not too fussy.

"How does Momma know exactly what I like?"

"I don't know Sweetheart, but your Momma has very good taste!"

"I'll say!"

Allie opened the next one.

"Look, Dad! This one's perfect, too! I love the plaid!"

It was a stunning wool tartan jumper with a crisp white cotton blouse, and Nathan noticed Millicent had also included an assortment of matching tights as well with both dresses, along with undergarments.

"Allie, I feel bad. I'm afraid we men just don't know how to pick out pretty clothes for girls! Not like this. It seems I've failed you in regards to fashion!"

"No, Daddy, don't feel bad! We've done great, you and me! But Momma just knows what we need, I guess. Is that just a thing Mommas do?"

"I think so, but I can only speak for my own mother and your mother, as well as your Momma, Allie. We are very, very blessed because we have the very best!"

Allie curled up beside her Dad.

"I just need Momma, Dad, right now! You do too!"

"Isn't that the truth? You know, when you love someone, you do need them there with you. Allie, are you ready for all the changes the three of us being together is going to bring?"

"Dad, if it takes changes for us to be with Momma, then changes are good!"

Nathan chuckled.

"How did you get to be so wise?"

Allie grinned.

"Life's pretty simple, Dad when you come right down to it!" she acknowledged knowingly.

"If you can say that after our Wedding, Allie, with all the many changes we're both going to encounter, then your father is going to be a very happy man, indeed!"

"Just think of the changes like adventures, Dad! Exciting adventures! That's what I do!"

Nathan raised his eyebrows, as his daughter was right. Had his life been so difficult that it made him hesitant to approach new things, especially good things? He needed to watch for that and try to adopt more of Allie's philosophy!

Because she was right!

And with that, a thrilled Allie opened her third box.

This one was a high-waisted wool dress with a gathered skirt, in the prettiest cornflower blue Nathan had ever seen. The dress was trimmed at its high neck and long sleeves with a heavy cream-colored crocheted lace, so it didn't look too frilly, something he knew Allie wouldn't have liked.

"Your Momma's done a great job, Allie."

"I'll say!" and she stood up, happily pirouetting around the floor, holding her new dresses in front of her, one by one.

"Don't forget to write her a thank-you, Allie!"

"But, Dad, I'll thank her tonight when we talk!"

"As you should! But you also need to surprise her with a note. You know Allie, your Momma's working very hard so we can all be together. And we should encourage her every chance we get."

"Okay, I'll try to remember! But Dad, I wish she could come for my Dance."

"I do too, Allie. I'll tell you a little secret…"

"What's that?"

"I wish she could come for my dance too, the Mountie Ball."

"You should ask her! Momma would come for sure!"

"We talked about it, but Allie, I didn't want her to feel pressured. We're not in Montreal helping her. She's restructuring her offices and her charities. And she's dealing with all the Wedding issues, which involve hundreds of details. I know she's changing rooms around in her townhouse to accommodate us and preparing for our Wedding Guests at the same time. I wouldn't even be surprised if she's getting our Ranch house fixed so it will be ready for us to use by spring."

"We need to be in Montreal, Dad, to help her!"

"Yes, we do, and we will be, Sweetheart. Just not in time to help that much. Hey, I smell Chicken Pot Pies! You go wash up and I'll set the table!"

Alone, Nathan looked around the room, which felt empty with Allie no longer in it.

But since Allie was returning within minutes; there was something else on his mind.

The only thing truly missing tonight was Millicent!

And maybe the flowers she loved so very much.

But her family, with love in their hearts, was right here, waiting for her...

(*62) Hershey Kiss Chocolates, Manufactured in 1907, by the Hershey Chocolate Company, Derry, Pennsylvania, Public Domain.