Chapter 82: Allie's First Dance
Upstairs in Allie's little bedroom, the women were practically on top of each other, but no one seemed to mind.
Rosemary, the fashion expert, was thrilled to be included in helping Allie get ready. She had even been willing to do it all alone in Millicent's absence. So, she had really been looking forward to helping, even going so far as to make a detailed list of everything that needed to be done.
Millicent had also invited Fiona to come and take photos because this was such a special night for Allie, and she wanted to make sure the entire family back in Montreal could share the event with her daughter, as well.
"I'm so glad that you two still included me. Allie, I wouldn't have missed this for the world!" enthused her Auntie Rosie. "There's just one thing off. Let me think! Why, it's this collar, here, let me tack this little edge down, and then we'll have perfection!"
"Oh, Rosemary, I'm glad you noticed that!"
"That's what a dressmaker does, Millicent! And this dress, by the way, is the most beautiful dress I've ever seen in your age bracket, Allie!"
Rosemary was right.
The dress was beautiful, and more importantly, it was perfect for Allie.
It was made of cashmere-lined silk in white with tiny pink 'winter' roses hidden here and there. Pink ribbons encircled the waist as a sash; they also traveled around the skirt's three separate tiers. Loose panels of fabric that were very loose 'ruffles,' made up the skirt, but not in the fussy traditional sense, and it was midi in length. The same 'non-ruffle' panel edged the three-quarter length sleeves, banded at the top by another band of pink ribbon with tiny roses. The top was as beautiful as the skirt and was what Allie loved most about the dress, as it had the wide collar that she loved. It draped beautifully over her shoulders, also ending in that same 'non-ruffle,' slightly 'ruffley' panel.
Overall, despite the flouncy fabric, the dress was much more tailored in its look than ruffley, especially compared to the other fancy party dresses in the selection she and her Momma had to choose from.
Allie had instantly been drawn to it, even though it was fancier than anything she had ever worn before.
"You look absolutely stunning, Angel!"
"Thanks, Momma!"
"Yes, she does," agreed Fiona, snapping candid shot after candid shot. "That is the most beautiful dress ever for our most beautiful girl ever! You're my favorite, Allie!"
"Thanks, Miss Fiona! I can't wait to see the pictures."
"I'll try to get them developed tonight, Sweetie. I won't be able to do all the Dance ones, but I think I can manage these for you to take to Montreal and share with your family."
"That would be wonderful, Fiona. We have grandparents chomping at the bit to see them," smiled Millicent.
"Momma, what's in the box? It's big!"
"This is your First Dance present, Allie, from your Dad and me."
"May I open it?"
"You most certainly can!"
Allie sat down on the edge of her bed with Fiona snapping away as she carefully opened the beautiful package.
"Momma! This is just perfect!"
"You were so disappointed we couldn't find a suitable cape in Union City, that I just had to find you the perfect one in Montreal. It's plain but still dressy, and I think very elegant. Besides, there will be lots of dressy occasions in Montreal and even Toronto. So, you'll still get a lot of good wear out of it!"
"It's beautiful and so soft! I feel so grown up now. See, Opal and Emily got new capes too. And I know Anna has several. Now, I won't look like the baby of the group in my coat. I really do love it! Thank you, Momma! I'll thank Dad too!"
"Your Dad sent me the money to pay for it, Allie. I just did the shopping. So, he really was a very big part of it. But, Sweetheart, this might be a bit hard on him seeing you look so grown-up, so why don't we keep the part about you 'feeling' so grown-up our little secret?"
"I know, we have to! He always looks so sad when I say I'm growing up. But Opal says her Dad does the same thing. So, I guess it's just a dad thing. Momma?"
"Yes, Allie?"
"I love that you and Dad got my present together."
"It's for you, our daughter, Angel. We'll always do that together!" and Millicent kissed Allie, who started sniffling.
"Don't cry, Sweetheart! What's wrong? This is a really happy occasion. No room for tears!"
"I've just never had so much love before!"
Millicent hugged her again and kissed the top of her head.
"You will always have our love, Allie. Always and forever. It's in your Dad's heart, it's in my heart, and it's in your heart sweet daughter, to stay."
By now, Rosemary and Fiona were sniffling too, wiping their tears.
After much ado, including hair, gloss, tights, shoes, and jewelry, not to mention Allie's beautiful new dress, the Ladies finally realized that their little star was ready, and it was time for her to go downstairs, so they quickly straightened their faces.
Rosemary and Fiona went down first to give Allie and Millicent a few moments alone.
"Are they okay?" asked a concerned father.
"They are more than okay! They're just having a little private mother-daughter time. That's all."
Upstairs, Millicent simply held her daughter as Allie finally stopped her tears.
"It's just that I never had this, Momma."
"But you do now, Allie! And you will always have my love for as long as I live, and even after. You will always, always be my daughter. And I'm so very grateful for that. I'm so very proud of you, too. If I could choose anyone in the world to be my daughter, it would be you every single time. Do you understand that?"
Allie nodded through her remaining tears.
"I love you, Momma. I've got the best Momma in the whole wide world!"
"That's because I've got the best daughter in the whole wide world! Now, about tonight. I want you to really relax and be yourself. I know this seems like a big deal, and you might even feel a little nervous, but don't be. It's just a nice party, that's a little fancier than most. It's really just a time to dress up and enjoy being with your friends. Promise me you'll just have fun!"
"I promise, Momma! And I will because you're here. I was worried about leaving Dad alone, but now you'll know what to do for him and say to him. I'm so happy that you're here with us."
"I am too, Angel. Are you ready to show your father how beautiful you are?"
Allie smiled her broadest smile, and Millicent smiled back with one just as big.
"I love you, Allie! And I couldn't be prouder of you!"
Allie kissed her Momma's cheek.
"And Allie, you look so very beautiful!"
Allie smiled. How did her Momma know to say exactly what she needed to hear? For an instant, she wondered if all Mommas did that, but she was pretty sure, hers was still the most special.
"Momma, I'm ready now…"
Millicent had her daughter go down the steps first, following her closely behind with Allie's cape folded over her arm.
Nathan had tears in his eyes when he saw them both.
How had they existed before without Millicent?
The three of them knew that they were now complete together.
Without a doubt, they were already a family.
And that was crystal clear for Rosemary and Fiona to see.
For a moment, Nathan struggled with his words, as his throat tightened.
"Allie…"
He swallowed, as he took her hands.
"You are beautiful. Amazingly beautiful, just like your Mother and your Momma."
He reached to hug her, while his dressed-up tomboy lunged for him and quickly threw her arms around her Dad.
"Oh, how I love you, Daughter!"
"Dad, you're the best Dad ever, and I love you to the moon and back, but please don't make me cry!"
"Just promise me you won't grow up too fast! I need you longer, Allie!"
"And I need you too, Dad. Always!"
"Always!" smiled Nathan.
"Oh, don't forget this!"
Millicent handed Nathan Allie's corsage. The ladies noticed his hands shaking as he placed the flowers on his daughter's wrist, but the smile on her face made him smile as well, and he reached to tenderly kiss her.
Millicent unfolded Allie's cape, and placed it around her shoulders, reaching to kiss her cheek.
"You two go enjoy your drive to the Dance!"
Allie kissed her Momma.
After, she kissed and thanked her Auntie Rosie and Miss Fiona.
Then our Couple exchanged a knowing look, with Millicent nudging Nathan to smile.
He then kissed Millicent, and then formally held out his arm to Allie, as Millicent scooted them off to the car...
Out on the porch, Millicent, Rosemary, and Fiona watched as Nathan held the car door open for Allie.
Turning around, he gave Millicent and the Ladies a look only a father could give (which Fiona brilliantly captured on camera), then with a nervous smile got into his car to drive his daughter to her first dance.
"Such a monumental occasion, but you two handled it beautifully. I only hope I do as well with Sophie and Sadie when their time comes."
"You will, Rosemary. Of all the mothers in the world, you will handle it perfectly!"
"Oh, my, I just thought of something. Lee will never make it!"
Millicent and Fiona laughed, as Rosemary continued.
"Seriously, I learned a lot from you tonight, dear friend! You said exactly what Allie needed to hear upstairs. You gave her the confidence to go have fun tonight. And that's what a good mother does, Millicent!"
"I can't believe you came all this way," added Fiona.
"I just had to be here, and I'm so glad that I am! How could I have ever missed seeing this? This is just so precious. And truly priceless!"
"Yes, it most certainly is!"
"Would you all like some Tea?"
"We would," admitted Rosemary. "But I think Nathan will need you more than us in a few moments!"
Millicent chuckled.
"You're probably right about that. This is one of those times where having a how-to-manual would come in awfully handy! Poor thing is really struggling with this."
The ladies laughed.
"He really is, but you've got to admit, it's adorable," interjected Fiona.
"He's the best dad ever! That's why he's struggling so much," explained Rosemary.
"I agree, and about that tea, I've got to go take pictures at the Dance!"
"Wait, just a second! Can you two come inside for just a bit?"
Both looked puzzled but happily said yes.
Millicent went to a small table where she had set two small gifts.
"I had planned to send you these had I not been able to come. But now, I get to give them to you in person. Thank you so much for being willing to take care of Allie in my absence, and for helping us tonight. Whether you realize it or not, you were my moral support!"
"Happy to do so! Tonight, was so fun and exciting!" and Rosemary meant it.
"Rosemary this is yours, and Fiona, this is yours. I hope you love them."
"Do we get to open them now?" asked Fiona expectantly.
"I would love that!"
The two were as excited as children as they tore open the packages, being careful to save the elegant ribbons.
"Oh, Millicent, how beautiful!" beamed Rosemary. "So very elegant. But then with you choosing them, how could they not be?"
"Just exquisite! Millicent, this is way too much!" agreed Fiona.
"No, they aren't enough. To have friends like you two who were willing to drop everything when I needed you most is appreciated more than you can know. Just enjoy wearing the earrings! They'll look beautiful on you."
"We most certainly will. I don't think I've ever seen any as lovely as these!" and Rosemary kissed Millicent's cheek.
"You need pampering, Rosemary! And I can't wait to see my god-children!"
"Wait till you see how they're dressed tomorrow, as well as their new ride!"
Fiona laughed, as she knew exactly what Rosemary was up to, then she reached to kiss Millicent too.
"And you need pampering too, young lady! You work much too hard, Fiona!"
"What's that saying about the pot calling the kettle black?"
"Okay, okay, you may have something there. Love you both! Huge thanks again!"
"The Coulter Family will see you at Church in the morning!" winked Rosemary. "Just wait till you see those gorgeous outfits!"
"And I better go take those pictures at the Dance, or my name will be mud throughout all of Hope Valley! And yes, Rosemary, I promise I won't forget to bring my camera to Church! Although I may have to hide it!"
"Oh, take lots tonight, Fiona! I can't wait to see them! And thank you two for tonight more than you'll ever know…"
After about twenty minutes, Millicent heard the car and threw a throw over her shoulder to run out to meet Nathan.
He was looking better than she expected, although still a little reflective.
She placed her arm around his waist.
"Mil, it's too cold for you to be out here like this, but I'm glad you're here."
He wrapped her in his arms to shield her from the cold and also to feel her warmth.
"I hope you looked a little bit happier when you dropped our daughter off," she teased.
"I actually did. I even forced an actual smile or two! Come to think of it, none of the dads looked overly happy, except maybe the boys' fathers. It would have been so hard to leave her there, Mil, but I could feel Colleen watching over her."
"Oh, Nathan, I don't doubt it for a second. Of course, she's watching over her daughter."
"It was odd, with all us Dads not quite knowing how we should feel."
"I can imagine, Darling! But think of it this way, fathers down through time have done this exact same thing and both the fathers and daughters have survived. She's still a little girl, Nathan, our little girl. And she will always, always be her Daddy's little girl."
"You sound like Colleen!"
"Good! I'll take that as the highest compliment!"
He helped lead her inside out of the cold, and when he kicked the door closed behind him, he drew her even closer and kissed her in a way that allowed her to calm him, and she did just that.
"I've never felt so confused where Allie's concerned."
"I think that's probably normal, Love. Tonight is her dance, but later, on this same night, she's going to want you to read her a story before she goes to sleep. Darling, she's as confused with all of this as we are," and she cupped his chin, drawing it down so he could look directly in her eyes. "We'll all get through this growing thing together. I promise!"
He nodded, almost believing her.
"You don't know how much I want to believe you."
"Then just do it! I promise all three of us are going to get through all these new stages, and we're going to do it together!"
"When you put it like that, I know you're right, but why is it still so melancholy?"
"Because it's life, Darling, and we are so lucky to experience it together and with Allie. All of it!"
He bent down and kissed each of her eyes.
"You see so much that's hard for me to see. Will you please keep showing me?"
"Always, Love, always. Hey, why don't we go to dinner at the Café, since Bill can't be here till later? It will take your mind off all this. And who knows, you might even have a lovely evening with your fiancée who adores you!"
"Is that a proposal, Millicent Bradford?"
"Maybe not a proposal, but it is a request for a hot date!"
"Then I accept," and he lifted her up and twirled her around. "Without question!"
"That's my Nathan!"
"And the hotter, the better!" he whispered in her ear, chuckling as Millicent giggled.
He then left a trio of kisses on her neck, and Millicent could tell by the look on his face, that he was truly back.
At least for now.
It might be hard when he picked Allie up, but it would all end up okay later tonight.
She was sure of it, and he was beginning to be too!
"Let's go, Love…"
The Café, unsurprisingly, was scattered with several sets of parents whose children were at the dance.
All of them welcomed Millicent, so excited to see her again, as Nathan led her to their table.
"How did our girl do?" asked Bill.
"She did fine, Bill. It's the father we might need to help a bit!" answered Millicent in a low voice.
"She looked so beautiful, Bill. It took me aback. She's looking more and more like Colleen, but she's more like Millicent in her coloring. It's a passage of time and it just struck me at my core."
"She's going to be a real beauty, Nathan! You're just gonna have to accept that. But she's still your little girl. And always will be. Why we'll take that girl fishin' this spring, and she'll say boys, who? Dancin' what?"
"She's her Daddy's girl, for sure!" winked Millicent. "Babe, she was worried about leaving you at home had I not been here."
"She said that?"
"Yes, she did! You are always first on her mind, Love. Always."
Nathan brightened.
"What do you have for dinner, Bill?"
"I've got Prime Rib and the trimmin's to die for!"
As always, he glanced at Millicent to discern her wishes, which he was sure to correctly interpret.
"Two Prime Ribs, Bill. One medium well for Millicent and one medium rare for me!"
"Coming right up! Clara will bring your drinks. If I get caught up, I might swing back by, but if not, I'll see you at the rowhouse when I finish here."
"Thanks for chaperoning, Bill. We appreciate it very much!" smiled Millicent.
"My pleasure! I'll bring a few desserts home later so we can help celebrate Allie's big night!"
And with that Bill went back to work.
"Oh, no, Allie's got all her clothes out in Bill's room," remembered Nathan.
"No worries. I'll pack them for her when we get home. It shouldn't take long."
"I'll help, but as many times as I've packed for her, she's never pleased with what I do."
"That's because packing takes a woman's touch. You'll see. Are you packed?"
"No, I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I am not."
"Then I'll help you too!"
"Is this a luxury that comes with marriage!"
"When you're marrying me, it is, you Lucky Guy!"
"You can say that about a million times and it will be true every single time. Thank you, Love, for being here tonight. I'll be honest. I was really dreading all this. Nothing would have gone so smoothly without you. And whatever you said in that mother-daughter talk, it was brilliant because your words, your presence caused Allie to glow. And she walked in there with all the confidence in the world. I've never seen her so happy!"
"That makes me so happy, Love!"
"You know this date you promised me?"
"Umhm?"
"It's already a winner."
"But we haven't even had our dinner yet!" she teased, feigning shock.
"I don't need to have dinner to know I don't know how Allie and I ever existed without you. I truly don't."
"You did more than exist, my Darling! You provided a loving home and family for a little girl who needed you. You were both father and mother to her. And that's quite remarkable. Just look at how endlessly you love her and how much she adores you. That's the proof. If I weren't already madly in love with you, which I think I have been all my life, I'd surely fall in love with you for that reason alone," she reached for his hands. "Just like I'm falling in love with you all over again right now this moment."
She could see his face flood with the love he had for her, as he looked at her with all seriousness, closely akin to reverence.
"I thank God for you in every single prayer I pray alone, my Love. Every single one."
Millicent smiled softly, inwardly at peace in a way she had never been before Nathan had confessed his love, with his present words warming her very soul. There would be another time, a perfect time to tell him that she had prayed for him in every single prayer, as well, and still did. And that had started long before they had gotten together as a couple.
She had even included Allie in those prayers from the day Colleen had died; because she had been impressed to do so.
And she had carried them both in her heart every moment since.
She had thought 'they' as a couple, a family, would never happen. So, she had never set out to make it so knowing it was too much to ask of anyone to join the Bradford Clan and also believing instead it was up to Nathan and her Heavenly Father to initiate.
But even when she had resigned herself that they would never be together in the way her heart longed for, still, she had prayed.
Hearing Nathan's profession of love, God above smiled along with Millicent, for He alone knew she thanked Him for both Nathan and Allie, every single time she prayed alone.
But for Nathan, that reveal would come later, according to plan, at a time when he needed to hear it most.
In addition to God's smile, He was well-pleased with His work and with these two children, who were now adults, whom he had made for each other. They were meant to be a little girl's family, a father, and a mother, as they would also be to several more who would be coming to stay…
The Dance was to be over sharply at 11:00 P.M.
Nathan had already left to pick up his daughter.
And the Grant household was full of expectancy as Bill and Millicent waited anxiously for Nathan and Allie to arrive.
Bill had brought an assortment of desserts from the Café as promised and Millicent had arranged them beautifully on their fanciest tray.
She had also made her famous Hot Cocoa with loads of Marshmallows, still hot on the stove.
"Yep! Allie's definitely your daughter. That child eats more Marshmallows in her Cocoa than the Cocoa itself."
"Definitely one thing we both have in common. I'm the worst. Bill, I was wondering. May I ask you a personal question?"
"You're one of the few people I would answer yes to that question, Millicent, in all honesty. So, yes."
"Good, and I hope I'm not being presumptuous. I'm only asking because I love you. Are you in love?"
Bill spluttered his coffee clear across the table they were sitting at, almost into the fireplace.
"What…what…what are you asking?"
"Is there someone from your past who you are still in love with or do I have cart blanche in finding you someone to love?"
"Well, I'll be. You go right for the jugular, Counselor!"
"What can I say? Neither you nor I beat around the bush. It wastes time and time is precious. And that's why I'm asking this question. I want you to be happy, Bill."
"I am happy."
"With a full life, which in your case, I think means a partner."
"Like I said, you're goin' straight for the jugular here!"
"Bill, you're blushing!"
"If you must know, yes! So there, now you have it!"
"Then why aren't you with her?"
"It's complicated, Millicent. Real complicated."
"Try me. It can't be a lot more complicated than what I've already seen. Not if she's alive."
"Well, you might not think that, if I tell you."
"So, tell me. It stays between you and me!"
"You can tell Nathan. The way you two lovebirds are, there's no way you can keep this from him. Just swear him to secrecy!"
"Done, and thank you, Bill."
"There is someone, just like you said. I loved her the moment I saw her, but things got messy. Real messy."
"Did she love you?"
A flushed and worn look passed over Bill as he reflected, but Millicent noticed his eyes softened.
"Yes," he answered honestly. "As desperately as I loved her. She's as feisty and as pretty as they come! She's my perfect match. Pretty much the male version of me in some ways, and in some ways, not so much. I felt like I could rule the world when I was with her."
"Bill, she's still living, right?"
"Of course, she is. The last I heard she lives with her mother just beyond Union City."
"Do you see her?"
"No, it's not like that. We parted. Well, to be perfectly truthful, somethin' parted us and we haven't seen each other since. For all I know, she's married."
"Bill, you have to go see her!"
"I can't Millicent. It's not that pretty and like I said, it's not simple. She did somethin' she shouldn't have."
"Bill, we all do things at times that we shouldn't have. Surely, you can't judge her for that."
"It wasn't just anything. If you must know, the somethin' she did was to break the Law! She served time for what she did. Prison separated us, Millicent. It wasn't us. It was Prison."
"Okay, you're right, I wasn't expecting that. But Bill whatever she did, she paid her time. Right? Do you still love her?"
"Of course, I do! But I can't love her. I'm a Judge!"
"Yes, you are, and a great one, too, from what I've heard and seen. But Bill, you are also human, Judge or not, you have a right to have a full life. Besides, you can't keep punishing the woman you love because she committed a crime. You, yourself, said she also paid for that crime. If society can forgive her, and she's paid her debt to the legal system, why can't you?"
"Because."
"That's not an answer. Do you have her file?"
"Yes, a copy. I tried to help. I couldn't."
Millicent took Bill's hand.
"Bill, do you trust me?"
"Completely."
"Then will you loan me the file to review?"
"There's no sense in it, but suit yourself!"
"Good, may I take it to Montreal with me in the morning?"
"If you insist! It's certainly not doin' me any good!"
"Bill, call her and invite her to come with you to our Wedding. That would be a start."
"That would be a heck more than a start, Millicent!"
"Then do it. If she agrees to come, you know there's something still there. If she says no, then that means you have to work a little harder."
"I can't just…" Bill stopped.
Right at that moment, Allie came bursting through the door with Nathan just behind her.
Allie was looking exuberant while Nathan was looking relieved that it was all over.
"Momma, I had so much fun! We all did. We danced and played games and ate refreshments!"
Nathan was hurrying to take Allie's cape because she was on a mission to get to her Momma!
Millicent ran to hug her daughter, as Allie was running to her.
"I'm thrilled Allie! I knew you would have fun! Look at how beautiful our girl looks, Bill!"
Nathan stepped over to give Millicent a quick kiss, then loosened his tie.
"That she does! As beautiful as a beauty can be!" bragged Bill.
"Uncle Bill, look, you didn't get to see my dress, and look at the corsage Dad gave me. It was the prettiest one! Look at the tiny pink roses hidden in all the white flowers! Everybody loved it, and it smells really good too!"
"I can see! Here, let's do a twirl!"
Allie giggled as her Uncle turned her around.
"Allie," reminded Nathan.
"Oh, sorry, Dad! Thanks, Uncle Bill about the beauty stuff. That's really nice! Do you like my dress? Robert sure did!"
"I bet he did," mumbled Nathan, under his breath.
Millicent cleared her throat to cover for him.
"Allie, your Uncle Bill brought an assortment of desserts for us to celebrate, and I made a pot of Hot Cocoa with loads of Marshmallows. Do you want us to change first?"
"Can we? I love this dress, but Momma, it's hard being a proper lady for so long. I think I want to get my pj's on. Would that be okay? But I've got lots of stories to tell!"
"That would be perfect. I'll come help you change, and get that fancy dress packed. Bill, will you watch the Cocoa? Allie, you can tell us all your stories when we're finished. We can't wait to hear!"
"I'll take care of the Cocoa, Millicent. We'll let Dad relax a bit too. Looks like he needs it," chuckled Bill.
"Bill! I'm fine," insisted Nathan, who looked at the moment anything but.
"We'll be right back down, Love," and Millicent kissed Nathan on the cheek. "You two behave while I'm gone and don't get into any arguments…"
Later, with a fire burning in the fireplace, the family gathered around the big table in the dining area of the main room.
A dessert tray sat in the center of the table, and the Hot Cocoa was already poured into individual mugs.
Allie was excited to begin holding Court.
"I danced with all the boys at least once. And I know I danced with Robert twice."
Nathan inhaled till he looked like he'd turn blue.
Her father wasn't at all sure he wanted to hear the details, but she was so happy, that he knew he had to listen too.
"But you know what? I loved dancing with Sammy Hammonds best of all!"
Nathan exhaled to the delight of Millicent and Bill, who were afraid he was about to stroke.
"Poor Robert, he tries. But he's real gawky, and I don't think he knows how to dance. Maybe I better teach him."
Nathan cleared his throat loudly.
"Or not!" added Allie, just in the nick of time.
Rethinking her strategy.
"Maybe, Mrs. Nelson can teach him, Dad. But boy, he needs help for sure! He stepped all over my toes. Just look at my shoes over there. They're practically ruined! I know Dad, maybe you could teach him!"
"I think Mrs. Nelson will know exactly how to help him, Allie," assured Nathan. "I'm sure she's much better than I would be as she's a certified teacher."
Millicent noticed as Bill just shook his head.
"Oh, and there were ten kinds of cupcakes. I'll have to talk to the girls and see if we can remember them all between us. They were delicious, though. We had every kind of icing too: chocolate, strawberry, pistachio, coconut, buttercream, and Momma they had lemon ones just like yours! And, we had little sandwiches that were real fancy, too. Robert called them double-deckers and triple-deckers because they had so many layers. I think Mr. Bouchard sent them, but I bet Gustav, I mean Mon-suer, that's not right."
"Monsieur, Allie," offered her Momma.
"Monsieur Gustav made them. Oh, and Antoinette came too! She looked beautiful, but I think she was pretty bored because only Robert and Sammy were old enough to dance with her, and you know, like I said, Robert can't dance. But she did seem to like Sammy. And boy, I'm here to tell you, Sammy was besotted with her. Anna was mad! That boy's in love! And he's a really good dancer, too! Antoinette didn't act too keen on Robert, though. She prefers a more mature boy, she said. And you know Robert likes to cut up. So, he's got a ways to go with that!"
Nathan shifted in his chair, which was impossible to not see since he was sitting at the head of the table, but Allie seemed oblivious, still prattling on.
"Anna had the most grown-up dress and Robert danced with her too. But only once, because the girls all watched them for me. And everyone loved my dress. Momma, the girls said it was their favorite one! But Angela's was really pretty too, and so was Emily's. Opal had the prettiest color. It was teal. Well, really everyone looked very nice, except Robert. He had trouble with his hair because his little sister got glue in it. It looked like an awful mess! But he still looked handsome, and he wore a really nice suit and spotted socks. They were the bomb! Oh, the girls all loved their necklaces, Momma, and they all said to thank you, but Antoinette said they should all write you formal thank you notes, instead. She said it was the proper thing to do, and she's really nice. I think she's staying here in Hope Valley for a while. She doesn't know if she's going to be tutored or come to school with us. But she's trying to talk her parents into coming with us. I think she's bored. Oh, and everybody liked my cape too! Robert liked my whole outfit, but he teased me about all the 'ruffles' on my dress. I told him they were elegant flounces, not ruffles. I can tell you he knows not to make that mistake again!"
"I bet he does! As he should," corrected Bill solemnly, trying his best to not crack a smile, but he couldn't help his chest from heaving with suppressed laughter.
'If I hear the name Robert one more time, I'm going target shooting in the dark with my rifle!' mused Nathan, knowing he would still sit there like a man and take it, no matter how tough it got.
Millicent slipped her hand to him, just to touch him, trying her best to calm him down.
"Dad, next time, Mrs. Nelson says we're going to have a Father/Daughter Dance, which means I'll have the best dancer in the whole town as my partner!" bragged Allie. "But we'll still have to practice because there will be a big old contest."
Nathan sat up a little straighter in his chair.
"Now, that sounds like fun, Allie! I'll be proud to have the prettiest girl in Hope Valley on my arm! And you better believe we'll practice!"
Bill and Millicent almost busted out at the reversal of opinions on Dances, but somehow held it in.
Millicent cleared her throat, so she could speak in her normal voice.
"Sounds absolutely lovely, you two! Something you both will really enjoy!"
"Did you have a Father/Daughter dance, Momma?"
"I did, and Father, your Grandpapa, loved it as much as I did. You two will have a grand time together! And you're right Allie, your Dad's pretty much the best dancer anywhere!"
"I can't wait! Momma, is it okay if I go to bed now? I'm really tired. I can tell you all more tomorrow on our trip!"
Nathan gave Millicent a pathetic look. If he knew Allie, they'd be listening to every detail of this Dance for every moment of the four and a half days it took them to reach Montreal.
They were going to have to think of something to keep Allie busy, or they'd both die of boredom before they even got married.
"Of course, it is," answered Millicent, realizing this was the first time her daughter had asked her, instead of her father.
Then Allie turned to Nathan.
"Dad, will you read to me? I already have it marked."
"I'd love to read to you, Allie!"
"You can come too, Uncle Bill!"
"I'd be honored Little Mountie Princess..."
About a half-hour later, in Allie's bedroom, one happy little girl was lying in her bed, and one tired little girl, too, all in one.
Millicent sat on one side of Allie's bed, with Nathan on the other.
Bill, although invited, was standing in the doorway.
But Allie wasn't having that!
"Here, Uncle Bill, sit in my chair!"
"Isn't it a little crowded in there?"
"No, we need our whole family!" insisted Allie, which brought tears to her Uncle Bill's eyes.
Both Nathan and Millicent motioned him in, and when everyone was settled, Allie pulled out her book for her Dad.
"Emerson?" he asked, surprised.
"Yes, Dad! It's 'The Mountain and The Squirrel!' Today, I had a mountain to climb, cause I was kind of nervous about the Dance, but I faced it just like Momma told me to, and just like that little squirrel did! And guess what! I had a lot of fun I would have missed out on if I hadn't gone." (*73)
"Your Uncle Bill, and your Momma and I are really proud of you, Allie. Very proud that you tried something new and had a good time. So, this sounds like you've made a really appropriate reading choice."
"Do it with expression, Dad!"
"Is there any other way?"
Nathan gave his daughter a look that only they understood.
And so, in a distinct and very animated voice, Nathan began after first explaining the poem to Bill.
"In this poem, Bill, the squirrel, and the mountain have a quarrel, because the mountain thinks it's more important since it's so huge. So where will the tiny squirrel live if the mountain won't let him stay there? He tries his best to convince the mountain that although he is small, he is mighty, and deserves to live in the forest too. The very forest that covers said mountain. So, here we go…"
Allie gave her Dad a huge smile; so far so good!
"The mountain and the squirrel
Had a quarrel,
And the former called the latter
"Little prig."
Bun replied,
"You are doubtless very big;
But all sorts of things and weather
Must be taken in together
To make up a year
And a sphere.
And I think it no disgrace
To occupy my place.
If I'm not so large as you,
You are not so small as I,
And not half so spry:
I'll not deny you make
A very pretty squirrel track.
Talents differ; all is well and wisely put;
If I cannot carry forests on my back,
Neither can you crack a nut." (*74)
Bill cackled.
"Why have I had to wait my whole life to hear this, and as a bedtime story to boot? I love this, Allie!"
"I do too, Uncle Bill! Maybe you can read it to me while we're in Montreal!"
"It's a deal, Pumpkin!"
"Hey, what am I, again? More Chopped Liver?"
"No, Dad, you're my go-to. Uncle Bill is by extra!"
"Hey!" scowled Bill. "Oh, alright! I suppose that's fair. Goodnight 'Dancing Beauty.'
"That's funny, Uncle Bill!"
"I'm makin' breakfast in the mornin' so you three can get ready to travel before Church. That way, you won't be so rushed after!"
"Thanks, Bill. That really helps a lot! I've still got a bit of packing to do for Nathan. Allie, you're done, except for the few things we have to add in tomorrow morning after you get ready for church!"
"Wow! Thanks, Momma!"
"You're very welcome. And a very special good-night, Angel!"
As Bill left, he couldn't help but feel all the love in that room. They were a family, no doubt. And he was so thankful to be a part of it.
Millicent bent to kiss Allie on her cheek, tucking her blanket up around her, with a smile only a mother could give.
"Thanks for helping me dress, Momma!"
"It was my honor, Allie! I couldn't have possibly been anywhere else!"
"Dad?"
Allie motioned for her Dad to bend low, with his book still in his hand.
"Am I still your Little Girl?" she asked in a low, secretive voice.
Millicent could see Nathan's blue eyes glisten as his throat worked trying to answer.
His voice was a little broken when he finally was able to get the words out, just proving they were full of love.
"Always, Allie! Always and forever!"
"I love you, Daddy!"
Then with tears in his eyes, Nathan kissed his beloved daughter goodnight, holding on to her for dear life, just as hard as she was holding on to him.
Millicent watched with happy tears in her eyes.
It had taken a while, but now, both father and daughter fully realized that although a lot of things had changed tonight, everything that really mattered was still exactly the same…
(*73-74) 'The Mountain and The Squirrel,' Poetry, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Written earlier, but quoted in 'An Argosy of Fables,' 1927, Public Domain