Chapter 83: Morning Has Broken
"Allie, I put your books downstairs in your satchel. But don't forget your sketching pad and charcoal so you can draw on the Train! You might even want to bring your paints. We'll pass by lots of lovely winter scenery on our way."
"Yes Ma'am! Thanks, I won't forget. But, Momma, do you have our camera?"
"Yes, it's packed in its case by the door with the rest of our luggage and sitting right on top. I left it out separately so when you need it, you can get to it easily."
"Will we change our clothes after Church?"
"I doubt, we'll have time, Sweetheart. Not if we grab a quick lunch before we leave. Uncle Bill is going to have everything ready for us at the Café so we can go there just after Service for Lunch, then on to the Train Station, from there. But we'll be able to change into something more comfortable after we board."
"We will? Yuck, those bathrooms are pretty tiny!"
Millicent chuckled.
"Well, that won't be a problem, because you are going to share a bedroom with me, and we'll have our own bath to share as well. So I assure you it will be a bit bigger and a lot more private."
"Wow! What about Dad?"
"He'll have his own bedroom and his own bath. Then the three of us will share a sitting area during the day. Your Uncle Tom and the boys will be chaperoning right across from us in a second Suite."
"Nice. Can I go see them too? I mean, may I?"
"We'll see what your Dad says," smiled Millicent.
"Momma, when we get married, does that mean I get a room of my own on the Train when we come back to Hope Valley?"
Millicent blushed.
"Yes, Sweetheart, you'll have a whole bedroom to yourself, as well as your own bathroom! Won't that be nice?"
"Yes, Ma'am, but I'll miss you too!"
"But I'll always, always be there for you, Allie! Any and every single time you need me."
"I know. And that feels pretty great!"
Millicent smiled, thinking now might be a good time to change the subject before Allie thought of any more questions.
"Speaking of your Dad, while you get your art supplies, I've got to go make sure he doesn't forget to take his guitar to Church."
"Will he take it to Montreal, too? That way we can sing on the Train!"
Millicent winked at her daughter.
"Now, that sounds like a fun idea! And I'm pretty sure his two girls can make that happen!"
Allie beamed.
"Momma, you always make me feel so loved!"
"That, my Angel, is because you are so very loved, and don't you ever forget it…"
Across the hall, Nathan was stooped over his dresser doing one final check through his drawers.
"Nate, did I overlook anything?"
"Not a thing, Mil,' he smiled while closing the last drawer. "I can't tell you how nice it feels to have my clothes properly packed for once. You folded everything perfectly with Military precision. Are you sure you're not a Mountie?"
Millicent chuckled.
"I'm afraid you're the one and only Mountie in this family! But you can thank my Mother for my packing skills, as she always insisted we children help Nanny from as early as I can remember. So, even though Essie does most of my packing now since I've been so busy, I have done my fair share over the years!"
"Obviously, because you're a pro!"
"Nathan, you said to remind you to not forget your guitar for Service. Does that mean we get to hear a solo?"
"Thanks, but I actually remembered. It's downstairs with our luggage. Now, when we walk out the door is another matter entirely!"
"Then that's when I'll remind you."
"Thanks! And yes, there will be a solo! Although I'd rather it be a duet, Miss Bradford. You and I are going to have to start working on that!"
"And mess up your beautiful solo? Not a chance!"
"Sure, like that would happen! Everyone would be listening to your beautiful voice and not even notice I'm there, which sounds kind of nice, come to think of it!"
Millicent laughed.
"No worries, there, my Love! I might be able to hold my own at Church, but not sure about an actual duet for other people! At least not with your stunning voice!"
"Well, I'm sure enough for both of us. You know, it's pretty phenomenal to have you around!" he was serious, but then he got that teasing glint in his eyes. "I've never had a personal packer before, Miss Bradford. Why I think I could get used to this!"
"You'd better get used to this and fairly quickly too, as you have about fifteen days before you're stuck with me forever!"
"Such a dastardly fate," he teased. "How will I ever survive? Come here, you! The problem is, I already am desperate for you, Mil. Constantly. It was barren around here without your laugh, your smile, your attention to detail, and most of all the love you just radiate from being you. You, Millicent Bradford, have already turned the Grant Household into a real home for both me and Allie. And for that, we are most grateful!"
Nathan grabbed and kissed his fiancée, who was taken unawares as she had been preoccupied doing a final check of his wardrobe, but she quickly wrapped her arms around his waist, as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer.
"You know, Mil, part of me still can't believe you're actually here in Hope Valley with us!"
"Part of me still can't believe I'm actually here, either! But I am, live in the flesh and happier than I've ever been! Are you sure you haven't forgotten anything else, Love?"
"Oops, my Bible. I keep forgetting we're going to be gone for quite a while, which means I need to take the big one," grinned Nathan raising his eyebrows, thinking about their upcoming honeymoon.
"Yes, we are going to be gone quite a while, and deliciously so! Because I have this most wonderful fiancé who's taking me on one very long Honeymoon to Niagara Falls! And, I for one, can't wait!"
"Neither can I," he whispered between kisses.
"Oh, Nate, that reminds me! Did you remember to get Allie's lesson plans for the Tutors to use?"
"I did. But the folder's still on my desk downstairs, which is another thing you need to remind me not to forget! This is all your fault, you know. My lack of memory, that is. You're quite the distraction!"
"No more than you, my Love! You get your Bible for Church; I'll slip it in your satchel after. But right now, I'll get Allie's file and put it in one of my bags."
"Thanks, Mil! Be right behind you."
"What am I thinking, Nathan? Allie and I have to change into our Sunday clothes. Can you get the file and just make sure it gets in one of our bags?"
"Of course, but if you're leaving me, that means I get another kiss?"
"And whose rule is that?" she asked attempting to be stern, but failing miserably, with her face aglow.
"Mine and it's non-negotiable, Miss Bradford…"
After dressing, Millicent and Allie came down the stairs, looking absolutely gorgeous, dressed in their Sunday attire.
"Well, will you look at that?" whistled Bill.
"Mil, Allie, you both look so beautiful!" agreed Nathan.
Nathan, noticing that Millicent had beautifully French Braided Allie's hair, caused his breath to catch, as he helped Allie, then Millicent down the rest of the stairs.
Millicent seemed to think of everything where Allie was concerned.
"Thank you, Mil," he whispered, as he kissed her cheek. "Allie's hair is beautiful!"
"My pleasure," she whispered back.
"Love the hats, Girls! You've started a trend Millicent, every woman in Hope Valley now wears a hat to Sunday Service. And I for one think it looks great," added Bill.
"Oh, I'm so glad to hear that! Thank you both for the lovely compliments, Gentlemen!"
"Thanks, Dad, thanks, Uncle Bill!" added Allie, sheepishly, as part of her was becoming a young lady, but the biggest part still just wanted to go fishing.
'If only spring would hurry up and get here!' she mused wistfully.
But with Millicent in their lives, Allie was beginning to understand she could do all the tomboyish things she loved like horseback riding, fishing, and hiking, and still be ladylike too.
Her Momma, who was a master at fly-fishing and an expert equestrian, loved all those things too, but she was as ladylike as they came, and Allie was sure her Momma would gently show her the way to balance it all.
'Boy, it's not easy being a girl,' thought Allie wistfully, but now, thanks to her Momma, she had survived her first dance, and even had a lot of fun.
But more importantly, she now had someone to go to with all of her many questions, to do fun girlish things with, who she loved with all of her heart and totally trusted.
She finally had her own Momma!
And she was the best too, in Allie's mind.
Even all the other girls thought so as well!
"Bill and I thought we'd just walk to Church since the weather's fairly clear, cold but clear. This means we have to bundle up, but that way after Church, he and Tom will escort you two to the Café. Then Matt, Kyle, and Lance will come back here to help load our luggage and their luggage in Lee's and Henry's cars to take to the Train Station. Then I'll meet you at the Café with the boys. But you might want to go on and order us something, so we won't be so rushed."
"We'll be glad to order for all of you, Love."
Nathan grabbed Millicent's white fur coat, the one she had been wearing when he was shot, and for an instant Bill noticed the Chief's face go pale as he held it and closed his eyes.
He then paused behind Millicent and Bill instantly knew Nathan was flashing back to the shooting.
Though thankfully, Nathan quickly recovered, but not before Millicent had felt his lapse, as well.
She simply turned and touched his face without saying anything so as to not upset Allie.
Although Nathan smiled in response, it was a weak one. And Millicent couldn't help but be concerned.
'Maybe it's time to gift this coat, especially if there are going to be bad memories attached for Nathan every time he sees it,' she noted to herself.
Bill cleared his throat loudly, as though he were chasing away any bad thoughts remaining in the room, and helped Allie put on her new red wool coat with velvet-trimmed collar and bows down the front, which also had a matching beret hat.
"My, this coat's a sharp one!"
"Thanks, Uncle Bill! It's the bomb! Do you like the hat too?"
"Love the hat! Now that's the real bomb!"
"Uncle Bill, are you making fun of me?"
"Now, would I ever do a thing like that?" asked Bill, acting seriously offended.
Allie scrunched up her face and narrowed her eyes, trying to surmise her Uncle's authenticity, then decided to accept him at his word, although there was a sparkle to his eyes.
She wrapped her new velvet scarf around her neck and put the warm velvet gloves on that Millicent had perfectly matched with the coat, then capped it all off with her darling beret.
"Well, Momma helped me pick it out when we went to Union City, remember!"
"Well, your Momma has good taste, Young Lady!"
"She sure does! I wish you were coming to Montreal with us today, Uncle Bill."
"I do too, Little Mountie, but I have a case that has to be finished first! I'll be there before you know it, and goodness knows, I'll be bringin' most of the town with me just after Christmas!"
"I know! I'm so excited! Opal and Emily can't wait. They're coming too. Oh, and Anna too. But Robert can't, he has to work!"
'Well, thank goodness for work! That's a nice Wedding gift,' thought her Dad, suddenly feeling a tremendous amount of relief. 'At least I won't have to be worrying who Allie's with the entire time!'
Even so, Nathan was still totally expecting to hear 'Robert this' and 'Robert that,' along with Allie's dance recap, all the way to Montreal, not quite sure he was going to survive the journey.
'Maybe I can slip across the hall to check on Tom and the boys fairly often!' he mused.
'No, I can't do that to Millicent!'
Besides, he had no right to complain whatsoever.
The love of his life was right here with him, ready for four and a half more days of departure travel, after having just traversed the same number of days on her arrival trip just to be with him and his daughter for two very important events.
No, no complaints at all; this was a priceless gift of time and presence, one he would not at all take for granted.
Hopefully, the two of them together might even be able to distract their daughter in her new surroundings!
At least there was the hope of that with Millicent there…
The Grant Family, including Bill, reached the Church as Lee and Hickam were lifting the most beautiful wooden Twin Stroller up the stairs that anyone had ever seen, empty of course, as the Infants and their brother were already inside out of the cold air, lovingly encased in willing arms of friends.
"Nathan, is this the stroller you made?" asked Millicent.
Nathan blushed.
"You better believe he did! Rosie cried when Nathan delivered it to us and Sadie and Sophie love it just as much. Oh, and Ollie loves it too. He helps me push his sisters round and round the house. Of course, when they're awake, it has to be moving, but when they sleep, Oliver and I get a rest!
"Lee, you love it and you know it," chuckled Ben.
"He's got you there, Lee," laughed Nathan. "This Dad role suits you to a tee!"
"Got him till he doesn't know whether he's comin' or goin' if you ask me! Lee, you owe Nathan a debt of gratitude for craftin' that thing-a-ma-jig for those babies, and for you too," chided Bill.
"Well, I'm not gonna disagree with that Bill. This thing has been a total lifesaver for the Coulter Family!"
"'This thing' is a Stroller Gentlemen and it's the most beautiful one I've ever seen! Leave it to you, Darling, to solve a problem, then craft this piece of art! It's extraordinary," complimented Millicent.
Nathan had told her about making it for their godchildren, but this was the first time for her to see the actual product, and she was bursting with pride.
By this time, several couples had come by, all stopping to greet Millicent, thrilled but surprised to see her there.
"People, I hate to break this up, but there's the last bell. Time for Church Service," growled Bill.
"Let's get a move on..."
But Pastor Canfield, who was standing at the front of the Church ready to start the service and had already had his daughter start playing the music, had to wait a little longer out of necessity.
As Nathan, Millicent, and Allie walked into the Church, everyone was smiling and waving at Millicent, most not even knowing she had arrived in Hope Valley!
The Pastor smiled, realizing most of his congregation were just now seeing her for the first time. Service could wait a few more moments, as the friends welcomed their guest.
After all, it was the Christian thing to do!
Rosemary jumped up from sitting in the front row where there would be enough floor space for the new double Stroller and ran to embrace Millicent with an excited exchange of words, leaving poor Oliver sitting alone, by Florence and Mollie, who were contentedly holding Sadie and Sophie.
But Oliver soon scurried around the first row and placed his little hand in his Mama's bigger one. And when Rosemary saw his little cherubic face staring up at her, she beamed as though she still couldn't believe he belonged to her and Lee. Something she knew she would never take for granted.
Pastor Canfield finally cleared his throat, signaling for everyone to be seated.
Rosemary returned with Oliver to their seats, while Nathan led Allie and Millicent into their own seats behind the Coulters, then nodded his apology to the Pastor, leaving him finally able to start their Sunday Morning Service, commotion free.
The Pastor first led in an Opening Prayer as everyone stood.
"Please rise for our Opening Prayer."
"This morning, Dear Heavenly Father, your people come to You with open hearts ready and willing to understand the many new beginnings each and every morning brings us. We ask that You search these hearts of ours, and lay them open so that we can better our understanding of your most precious Will for our lives. And we ask that along with our open hearts, You also give us humility so we are able to sort our shortcomings objectively, and become aware of your Great Plan for each of us. For it is God's Plan alone that is always, always, always infinitely better than our own. In full awareness that You alone can hone our Spirit, and with infinite gratitude for doing so, In your most Holy Name, Amen."
"And all of God's People said, 'Amen!'"
A hearty "Amen," resounded throughout the little Church.
"Please remain standing."
"Our Scripture for today consists of two short verses."
"First, Psalm 5:3"
"My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up." (*75)
"Second, Lamentations 3:22-24"
"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." (*76)
"Please be seated. Parishioners, I take full responsibility for what is coming next, when I asked our Chief Inspector to sing this morning's hymn, his reaction was 'but isn't that a song for spring?'"
"He's absolutely right! This hymn most definitely is considered to be a song for spring. But this morning I want you to think spring, I want you to feel a rebirth via the warmth of spring, even with this chill all around us, the rebirth of knowing God as our Saviour. But I also ask that you focus on the many, many, opportunities He gives us each day for different types of rebirth, that all work together to make us grow closer to Him, as well as to each other!"
"So, since our Chief Inspector is humoring me, I ask that you humor me as well. It will be most appreciated, I promise!" offered the Pastor.
Then with a smile to the congregation, the Pastor nodded to Nathan, who quietly got up and touched Angela's shoulder who was still sitting at the piano, whispering he was ready.
Angela softly started playing as Nathan lifted his guitar up from where Bill had placed it against the wall, then took his position on a stool close to the piano.
Nathan knew his guitar was tuned, but he still wanted to play the chords once again, to be certain they matched the piano perfectly.
Once that was done, he melded the chords into a hymn that blended perfectly with Angela's playing of the piano, as well as the Pastor's theme of 'Morning.'
'Morning Has Broken' was an old family favorite, a song his grandmother had taught him and Colleen when they became old enough to remember the words.
Although, as children, confusingly, they had heard the song first at a funeral. But their grandmother had insisted it was really a children's song about joy.
When Nathan was ready, Angela quickened her intro into a crescendo, then softened her music once more as Nathan began to sing in his rich tenor voice, while still playing his guitar.
"Morning has broken like the first morning
Blackbird has spoken like the first bird
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning
Praise for them springing fresh from the world
Sweet the rains new fall, sunlit from Heaven
Like the first dewfall on the first grass
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden
Sprung in completeness where His feet pass.
Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning
Born of the one light, Eden saw play
Praise with elation, praise every morning
God's recreation of the new day.
Morning has broken like the first morning
Blackbird has spoken like the first bird
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning
Praise for them springing fresh from the world." (*77)
There was a hush in the little church, as the full beauty of what they had just heard came to fruition in their hearts and minds.
Then after Nathan gently set his guitar aside and carefully helped Angela to her seat, he moved to sit proudly by Millicent.
The jubilant smile she gave him, as she reached for his hand, filled his very soul. He placed his arm around her while still holding his fiancee's hand with his other hand.
Allie happily noticed, smiling over at her Dad, who grinned back at her.
As they listened intently to Pastor Canfield's sermon, Nathan, Millicent, and Allie were relishing the still novel opportunity of being able to worship together as a family.
The importance of that, along with the sheer joy it brought, was not lost on any of the three of them, nor was it lost on the congregation who were so thankful for this newfound family of three beautiful and beloved souls...
"As we bring this Sunday's Morning Service to a close, I ask that each of you bow on your knees and pray each morning of the coming week, if only for five minutes. Take the time to truly listen to God's plans for your day, while placing aside your own as secondary plans. Let his plans take precedence in your heart, and in your life. You can't imagine the difference that's going to make!"
"But before we close, I would be remiss not to mention we are grateful and privileged to have Miss Millicent Bradford worshipping with us today. But I'm afraid this will be her last Sunday as a guest and as Miss Bradford because Nathan and Allie Grant will be leaving with her on this afternoon's first Train to travel to Montreal, where we will all join them post-Christmas for their Wedding. Then she will officially become Mrs. Nathan Grant as well as one of us. May God be with the three of you, grant you traveling mercies, and keep you safe. Till we meet again in Montreal!"
The Pastor smiled, thrilled that he had already been asked to take part in the officiating of the Ceremony, there.
"Let us please bow our heads: May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace!" (*78)
As was their custom, Nathan and Millicent made the sign of the cross, as did Allie and many others, which Pastor Canfield was thrilled to see.
"And all of God's people said: Amen!"
"Amen!"
Then Angela played the Recessional, as the congregation rose to first mingle, then leave to their various homes...
Instantly, everyone converged upon Millicent, with the Ladies looking beautiful in their Sunday Hats, all thrilled to see her, as evident from their chatter!
Nathan smiled and excused himself from the row, so the Ladies could reach her more easily.
That was when Oliver ran up to Nathan, who immediately picked him up while Bill and Lee made their way to him.
"Hey here's you Guitar. I put it in your case!"
"Thanks, Bill!"
"Happy to do it!"
"Get used to this, Nathan. When these women get together, we don't even count," laughed Lee.
Nathan smiled a bit but knew better in his case. Although Millicent was very friendly to all the women of Hope Valley, and truly loved them, she would never allow Nathan to feel ignored. And vice versa.
That thought warmed Nathan's already joyful heart.
"Millicent, I just thought of something last night. We'll be sleeping in our seats on the Train, right?" asked Florence, while holding a sleeping Sadie. "Because that will change what clothes we take to rest in."
"Oh, no! We would never ask you to do that! There will be sleeping cars for everyone. Father has already seen to it! But Florence we do need an exact headcount to turn in soon, so we can be sure there are enough seats and sleepers for everyone. Would you be able to get a tally for us?"
"Oh, my Sleeper Cars! How wonderful! But I already have the list. And it's a mighty big one too! Although there are still three families trying to work out coverage for their farms. I'll stop by the Mercantile on our way to the Café, and get the list for you."
"No, that's too much trouble. You can just call me after we reach Montreal! You have our numbers!"
"I always forget that! And that's because Ned says I have to try hard not to bother you! But that's even better! I'll get to make sure you're all safe in Montreal and get the word out to everyone!"
Rosemary winked at Millicent because if there was one thing everyone in Hope Valley could be sure of, it was that Florence Yost would always 'get the word out to everyone, whatever that word might be!'
Molly had already handed a happy Sophie over to Millicent, who were both cooing at each other, as though what they were 'saying' one to the other was the most important conversation in the world.
"The children look so precious, Rosemary! And I can tell all three have grown! They're looking more and more like you too!"
"It's those fashionable outfits you sent, which are the most adorable things ever! Thanks so much, Millicent. I was so excited when I opened the box!"
"That's just a perk of being godparents! It's our privilege, Rosemary! But, where is Elizabeth? We saw her and Charles at the Ball in Union City, but not after."
"They left on the train for Hamilton last night with Little Jack! She said to be sure and give her well wishes to you for your Wedding, and they will all meet us in Montreal!"
"Oh, that's nice," Millicent smiled, albeit a bit uncertainly, which Rosemary understood.
"I think she really, really means it this time! She really seems happy with Charles, and he's positively over the moon! Oh, I almost forgot! Laura has decided she's coming with us after all, so don't worry about getting additional help. She will be happy to cover for the children whenever we need her."
"Will she accompany you on to Hamilton for Elizabeth's and Charles' Wedding?"
"Yes, which is great, as I was a little worried about what I'd do without Florence and Molly!"
"That's great news! I'm very happy for them both. But tell Laura, we'll make sure she gets to attend the Wedding and the Party after!"
"She'll be so excited! I'll be sure and make her something really pretty to wear!"
"That's lovely, Rosemary! There will be lots of single gentlemen there. My younger brother included!"
"Darling, I hate to interrupt this, but if we don't get moving, we're never going to make our train," reminded Nathan.
"Sorry, Love! You're so right! But that means I have to give this precious little Sophie back to Molly or her Mama!"
"If you don't mind taking her Molly, I'll be in charge of bundling both girls up!" offered Rosemary.
"Mind? I'm not about to let this Little One out of my hands, now that Millicent has gotten to hold her!" insisted Molly. "You come back to your Auntie Molly!"
Millicent kissed Sophie and reluctantly handed her back to Molly. Then she kissed Sadie in Florence's arms. And lastly bent down to hug and kiss Oliver who had left Nathan's arms for Allie.
"Auntie Milwe!"
The Little Guy was thrilled to see his 'Auntie Milwe,' as he called her since he was having a bit of trouble with his double l's!
"Allie, we'd better go, Sweetheart! Hurry and say goodbye to Oliver, then Angela and Cooper," instructed Nathan.
"I will Dad! Momma, Miss Minnie has decided Angela and Cooper get to come to our Wedding, too!"
"That's great news, Allie! That means you'll have quite a few friends coming to Montreal to spend time with you," smiled Millicent.
"Lee, do you need help getting the Stroller down the steps?"
"Yes, I do, Nathan! Thank you very much!"
After helping Lee carry the Stroller and deposit it on the ground in front of the Church, Nathan bounded back up the stairs to escort his girls.
But before that, he turned to speak to those who were still left inside.
"Excuse us, all! We'll meet you all at the Train Depot in Montreal when you arrive," waved Nathan.
But Rosemary had other ideas!
"Oh, you'll see us before then! Now, scoot and get ready to travel to your Wedding…"
Arm in arm the soon-to-be-official Grant Family walked quickly from the Church toward Nathan's rowhouse, with Nathan's arm around Millicent in the middle, and Allie on the arm of her Momma.
They were a picture-perfect family, and it was impossible to miss the love emanating from the three of them.
Bill, not often known to be the most sensitive chaperone, as far as privacy goes, realized as they got closer to the rowhouse, that this couple he loved just might need some alone time before they started their long journey with their daughter.
Even though that had not been Nathan's plan, he was longing for just that. He had something he wanted to say to Millicent.
There was something else too, and he felt it was very important for him to do it here in Hope Valley before they boarded their Train.
Thankfully, initial plans are sometimes meant to be broken, and perhaps this Sunday's plans were one of those.
As it turned out in this case, a divergence from plans was something Nathan was very grateful for, which would turn into what he hoped would be a beautiful moment between Millicent and him.
"Hey, Nathan, Tom looks like he's busy with Cat," surmised Bill.
Nathan and Millicent glanced in front of them, and Bill was right.
"Is Uncle Tom sweet on Miss Cat?" asked Allie excitedly.
"Young Lady, that is between your Uncle Tom and Miss Cat. Don't you go bothering them," instructed Nathan.
"No, Sir. I won't," but her smile kept getting wider and wider.
Tom was standing on Cat's porch, deep in conversation, both smiling from ear to ear.
And Millicent couldn't help but notice the flush on Cat's cheeks.
Nathan and Millicent gave each other an excited and grateful knowing look.
"If it's all right, I'll take Little Mountie to the Café while you two do a final check through the house. While I oversee a few things, Allie can choose our lunch and visit with the kids one last time. How does that sound Allie?" offered the Judge.
"Sure, Uncle Bill! That would be great! Is it okay, Dad?"
"Of course, Sweetheart! You're Momma and I will be along soon!"
"Chief, I'll help unload too since Tom seems rather busy. Lance, why don't you go with them and order our lunches?" suggested Kyle. "I'll stay and help here."
"Will do, Kyle. See you all at the Café!"
"Allie, stay close by your Uncle Bill and Uncle Lance. Looks like your Uncle Matt and Uncle Kyle are going to help me load the cars."
"I won't let her out of my sight, Nathan," assured Bill.
"Neither will I," saluted Lance.
Nathan nodded and mouthed 'Thanks," and called after Allie.
"Allie, behave and mind your Uncle Bill and Uncle Lance!"
"Yes, Sir!"
Allie was chomping at the bit to go, but not before she hugged her Dad and kissed her Momma.
She was still so excited that her Momma was actually here with her!
"We'll be right there, Sweetie!" smiled Millicent. "I'll check your room and make sure we didn't forget anything."
"Thanks, Momma! Oh, can you find my blue ribbons? I think I left them out!"
"I'll definitely find them!"
Everyone waved as the three turned to walk on into town, with a realization excitedly dawning on all.
They were all really leaving for Montreal in just a short time.
And thrillingly for Nathan, Millicent, and Allie, that meant the official start of their new life together was almost here…
(*75) Psalm 5:3, The Holy Bible, King James Version, Public Domain
(*76) Lamentations 3:22-24, The Holy Bible, King James Version, Public Domain
(*77) Morning Has Broken, Eleanor Farieon, Lyrics, First Published in 1931, Melody is based on Bunessan, a 19th Century Highland Tune & Christmas Hymn for Scottish Children, Unknown Composer, Public Domain
(*78) Adaptation of Numbers 6:24-26, The Holy Bible, King James Version, Public Domain