Chapter Sixty
The long-awaited Friday morning finally came.
Elizabeth had decided the four of them should have one last breakfast together before their trip, so while she was cooking breakfast, Nathan had carried Allie's things from his house to the Coulters and returned to Elizabeth's to gather Jack's things and deliver them there as well.
With that task done, he was back at Elizabeth's, playing with Allie and Jack before he made his way into the kitchen to see how he could help Elizabeth. She had stayed in her bathrobe as she wanted to wait to dress for their trip.
Nathan slipped up behind her kissing her lightly on the back of her neck.
"Uhm, wonder who that could be?"
"You have exactly three guesses, Mrs. Thornton and the first two don't count…"
"It's so difficult to be sure I'm getting it right, with only one guess…let me think…" and she placed her index finger to her chin while she looked out her kitchen window.
"Oh, I totally understand…" sympathized Nathan, breathing dangerously close to the side of her neck. "Why, just yesterday in Benson Hills, I reached out and kissed this beautiful woman, thinking it was you of course!" Nathan's tone was both sly and innocent at once.
That got her attention. Elizabeth immediately turned around with eyes flashing…
"You WHAT?! Nathan Alexander Grant…"
"See you did remember! Gotcha! You're so beautiful when you're mad! Gullible, but beautiful!"
It took Nathan all of three tiny kisses to get her laughing again, as they made their own private little joke together, although he did get swatted with Elizabeth's dish towel before he had a chance to start with the kisses!
But as any good Mountie would do, Nathan used that as an opportunity and made a note to self: next time hold the hand that held the dishtowel and start the kisses at the same time. A tactical plan very solid in theory! A Mountie had to always be prepared!
"What may I do to help my beautiful Lady?"
"Coffee, please, Darling! I've made your favorite Quiche, although after that little joke I don't know why, and there are Blueberry Scones in the oven, too."
"Yum! Both smell delicious! Can't think of a better way to start the day. How'd you know Blueberry's my favorite?"
"Perhaps a little bird mentioned it…"
"Yes, Little Allie Bird!"
"I'm not revealing my sources. But they are full of great information…" she grinned.
"Uhm hm, you know that's not really fair! My little comrade isn't talking that much yet, while your little comrade talks nonstop! It will be a true miracle if you still want to marry me by the time our Little Allie Bird is finished telling you all my secrets!"
Elizabeth just laughed, "Women, Advantage One!"
"More like Women, Advantage One to One Hundred!"
"You Men will just have to step up your game!"
"That's just it, I don't think Little Jack and I have any game!"
She turned and wrapped her floury hands around him, "That's because I like my Men authentic!"
"Oh, we do authentic quite well! What you see is what you get with us!"
"That's good to know…" and they kissed each other knowing they couldn't love each other more.
"Coffee's done. Anything else?"
"Mind setting out the butter for the scones and the milk for the children?"
"Consider it done!"
"I think we're ready in five minutes!"
"Just enough time for me to tell you how adorable you look in that robe!"
"That's because you've only seen me in my ratty robe before. And I'll have you know, I was so mortified that you saw me in it, I threw it away!"
"I do like this one better…" he laughed remembering her mortification. But it hadn't mattered. He loved her whatever she was in. "Wait a minute, our first kiss was in that ratty robe and you threw it away?"
"You remembered! Well, I threw it away into a box of old clothes. I just couldn't bring myself to put it into the trash!"
"Good call, Mrs. Thornton. I hope to see that robe again someday!"
She giggled like a schoolgirl, "Oh, I promise, you will, Constable. I promise! The rattier the robe, the more loved the robe! But all that comes after the honeymoon phase, after I've convinced you I'm perfect, of course!"
"Oh, you've already convinced me of that…"
And if it were possible for a kiss to be so important you could recreate it exactly as it had previously happened, that's exactly what they did standing there in the kitchen, both of them remembering every single detail of their first kiss together: the surprise, the urgency, the need, the electricity, the exhilaration, all of it was there again. And all of this while waiting for the Quiche and Scones to be ready.
"I love that kiss…" sighed Elizabeth.
"Children, Breakfast is ready!" she called.
Elizabeth removed the Quiche and Scones from the oven, while Nathan placed Jack in his high chair next to Allie. And the Grants and Thorntons sat down to enjoy their going away breakfast together.
"Allie, would you like to lead our prayer?" asked Elizabeth.
"Yes, Ma'am" and everyone grabbed a hand.
"Dear Father, we thank You for eating breakfast together. And we thank You for the food we're about to eat, especially the Blueberry Scones with Sugar and Butter. We ask You to help Dad and Mrs. Thornton have a fun trip but don't let them forget to come back to us. We love you, Amen."
"P.S. Keep them safe. Amen!"
"P.S.P.S. Help them have lots of time so they can shop and help them remember to bring home lots of packages from Union City!
"Amen!" "Men!"
"Great job, Allie, except maybe that somewhat self-serving last part!" Nathan tried to look stern but failed miserably and Allie could only giggle. "Jack, your Amens are getting stronger every day! Great job, too!" bragged Nathan, and Jack beamed.
Elizabeth was trying so hard not to giggle right along with Allie! It was a darling prayer, spoken from the heart of a child! But, oh so adorable!
'Who's ready for Quiche first, then I'll serve the Scones…"
Elizabeth served Allie first, then Jack, then Nathan and herself. Then she repeated the process for the Scones.
The children dived into the Scones first but not till they had both buttered and sugared them, then the Quiche. Surprisingly, they loved both and ate heartily. They had added so much Butter and Sugar to the Scones, they were more like a Breakfast Dessert! But, they looked so good that way, with each bite followed by Milk, Elizabeth and Nathan joined in, adding Butter and Sugar to theirs as well! And they were definitely extra tasty!
"I hear Auntie Rosie has all sorts of activities planned for you this weekend!" inquired Elizabeth mischievously.
"Yes, but they're top secret! She said we can't tell you till you get back," cautioned Allie.
"I know, she told me the same thing. But, you can't blame a girl for trying, can you?"
"Just be sure you both behave! Auntie Rosie is not feeling the best, so try to make it as easy as possible on her, okay?" directed Nathan.
"Yes, Dad, we promise to be good! Both of us!" and Little Jack nodded his head along with Allie's.
"Frederic's so excited that we're having a sleepover. Uncle Lee said he's going to make us a tent tonight, so we can all sleep downstairs! It's going to be so much fun! And Auntie Rosie's going to make Taffy Apples for the Tent Sleep Over. But that's all we can tell you!"
"Sounds pretty exciting! And loads of fun! Make sure you read to the Boys, Allie. You do such a good job reading!"
"I will Mrs. Thornton. Frederic has a book he wants me to read to him. When will you go to the Ball?"
"Tonight!" answered Elizabeth excitedly.
"Promptly at 8PM, Allie Bean! That's when Mrs. Thornton will turn into a Princess!" announced Nathan with a wink to Elizabeth.
"Will you tell us everything about it? We can't wait to hear. It's going to be so much fun! Will you dance all night?"
"Yes, Allie, we will tell you all about it! And yes, it's going to be so much fun! And yes, we probably will dance most of the night! That's what a Ball is for, you know. So, get ready for lots of stories!"
"Will you tell us all about your dress?"
"I most certainly will tell you all about my dress! I'll even show it to you when we get back. But, you know, it's actually called a Ballgown."
"Why is it called a Ballgown?" asked Allie. "Because you go to the Ball in it?"
"Exactly! And also, because it's much fancier than a regular dress. Just like your Dad's uniform will be his fancy dress uniform," she looked at Nathan and smiled.
"Wow, that's the one with all the gold! I love that one. And I have to tell you, Mrs. Thornton, Dad looks more handsome in it than any of the other Mounties I've seen. So, get ready…"
"Allie…" by this time Nathan was blushing close to the color of that dress uniform.
"But it's just the truth, Dad!"
"Well, thank you, Allie. I'll try my best to live up to that for you. But you do know Daughters always think their own Dad looks the most handsome."
"No, it's true. You forget, Dad, I've been on the Base and I've pretty much seen all the men. You're the most handsome, especially in that dress uniform. You're just gonna have to accept it! You're the most handsome Dad ever!"
Elizabeth giggled, "Allie, I agree, if you and I think your Dad's the most handsome, then he definitely is the most handsome. I'll let you know, after the Ball, if I agree when we get back."
Elizabeth winked at Allie and Allie winked back at her.
"Oh, Jack, we've got to work on your vocabulary. I'm feeling all alone here!"
"Dat!" and Little Jack pointed straight to Nathan!
"Yes, Jack! I'm going to be your Dad, soon. And I already love you Son, just like your Dad!"
Nathan lifted Jack from his high chair and brought him close to his face giving him kisses and Little Jack put his arms around his 'Na'tan's,' his soon-to-be 'Dat's' neck.
Elizabeth couldn't believe what she had just seen. Her Son just said Dad and he had said it and pointed to Nathan without any suggestion or urging. First his own name and now this! She didn't know what to do, except to take Allie's hand and let them all be in the moment together. They were becoming a Family a bit ahead of schedule, and it all felt perfectly right.
Nathan had done exactly what she would have wanted him to do, to just accept it as it was, without correcting it, without making it a super big deal (although it was), but with reassurance it was okay whatever Little Jack called him, and most importantly Nathan had let Little Jack know he loved him completely.
A tear fell from Elizabeth's face. She couldn't have choreographed any of this any better had she tried. And in that moment, she loved Nathan, Allie and her Son more than she ever thought was possible.
With that, their meal was finished, and Elizabeth got up to clear the table before she found herself crying another tear!
"Allie, do you mind to take Jack upstairs to his room and make sure we didn't forget any of his favorite toys, while your Dad and I clean up?"
"Awee!"and Little Jack jabbered all the way up the stairs in their own little language that only Allie understood.
Elizabeth took Nathan's hands and brought them both to her lips, "I adore you, Darling! I never knew my heart had so much love in it, but it does for you and for the children. The three of you are my everything!"
He wrapped her completely in his arms and held her, kissing the top of her head, counting his many blessings, all starting with her and the two children in this house, who meant the world to him!
"Elizabeth, we've got to get these dishes washed so we can travel! I'll wash, you dry," and he bribed her with a kiss.
"I'm so happy!"
"So am I, Darling! So very happy. You are packed, aren't you?"
"Oh, ye of little faith. Of course, I'm packed. But I did have to pack two suitcases. Is that terrible? The gown takes up so much room. Rosemary insisted I pack it with tissue everywhere. She says it won't wrinkle that way, although I highly doubt that!"
"Don't worry about that! The Le Havre has its own Laundry. They'll be happy to take care of any wrinkles. In fact, I've reserved a spot for you just after we get there. They'll come to your suite and take your gown to get it ready in plenty of time for the Ball."
"Do you always think of absolutely everything?"
"I try, especially where you're concerned, Darling! And you might as well know one of your surprises. I have a salon owner who's coming to your room to help you with your hair, makeup and even with dressing if you need."
"Nathan! How did you ever think of that?"
"I knew you had planned for Rosemary to be there with you, and since that couldn't happen, I thought it would be nice for you to have a substitute, that's all," he winked.
"That's heavenly! Thank you, Darling, so very much! You're spoiling me! But, oh, that takes so many worries away."
"That's the whole idea, my Darling Elizabeth. Get ready to be spoiled the entire trip! I have all sorts of wonderful things planned! You just set back and enjoy!"
"And you're not going to tell me?"
"No, they wouldn't be surprises…"
"Phooey! But, I do love surprises!" as her pout turned into pure delight in a matter of seconds.
"Last dish, time for us to get dressed. Do you want me to take the children to the Coulters' on the way to my house to change? Then we can both go see them after we dress to say Goodbye."
"Do you mind to take Jack and let Allie stay to help me get dressed?"
"She'd love that, Elizabeth. I'll take Jack to play with Frederic! And go home to change, then I'll hurry back! I love you, Darling! I'm so excited to spend the weekend with you!"
"Uhm, me too! It sounds too good to be true!"
But their kiss told them it was very true and their excitement was just growing in leaps and bounds. In less than an hour, they would be leaving together for Union City!
"Allie Bean, can you bring Jack down, please?" asked Nathan.
"One last kiss, quick!" demanded Elizabeth, to which he obliged.
And down the stairs Allie and Jack came!
Nathan took Jack with one of his forgotten toys, and Allie started to take Nathan's other hand, but Elizabeth put her hand on her shoulder.
"Allie, would you mind staying with me and helping me dress?"
"Oh, Mrs. Thornton, I would love it!"
"Let's go upstairs! We'll see you Men in a little bit!" called Elizabeth as she blew Nathan and Little Jack kisses.
"Don't you Ladies have too much fun!" and the Men were off to the Coulters.
"Lee, I have a Gentleman here, who is very excited to see Frederic!"
"Hey, Nathan! Are you two about ready to go?"
"Just have to get dressed. Allie's helping Elizabeth. And after I finish dressing, I'll go back, pick them up and bring them here for our Goodbyes. The gas is full. Oil checked. I think the car's ready."
"I know the car's ready! I've never seen it look so sharp. Rosie will expect me to keep it up to that standard all the time now! Just enjoy it. You've got this Nathan! You and Elizabeth just have fun."
"Appreciate that Lee! Better go get dressed!"
Nathan kissed Little Jack, and at about the same time Frederic came running up, calling, "Uncle Nathan, Uncle Nathan!"
So, Nathan grabbed him up and kissed him, too.
"You boys, be good! See you in a little bit!"
"See you, Nathan! Better hurry, because you know how long it's going to take Elizabeth to say Goodbye!"
"You're right about that, Lee! But, thanks to your previous advice, I've allowed plenty of extra time for Goodbyes. So, we should be okay."
After dressing at his house, Nathan brought his luggage and loaded it into the car in front of Lee's and then walked on to Elizabeth's and knocked at the door.
He smiled as he heard, "Come on in! We'll be down soon!"
Nathan knew by now, that could mean anywhere from five minutes to ten minutes to longer!
But it didn't matter, he was happy to wait. They had plenty of time.
He sat in the big chair where he could see Elizabeth and Allie coming down the stairs.
When Nathan saw his girls reach the top of the stairs, he stood and walked to the bottom of them…
"Allie, I do believe you've done a wonderful job as dresser! Elizabeth, you look stunning, so very beautiful," and he kissed her as he grabbed her hands.
Then he bent to kiss his Allie Bean, who was smiling from ear to ear that she had gotten to help her Teacher and soon to be Mom get ready for her trip.
"Did you two plan to wear the same color?" Allie asked suspiciously.
They both shook their heads no. Nathan was in his blue three-piece suit with a crisp striped shirt and patterned tie, and Elizabeth was wearing her best blue day dress with jacket. Even their shades of blue coordinated!
"Sure looks like it! Anyway, you both look very nice, and you make a smashing Couple!" pronounced Allie.
Nathan and Elizabeth looked at each other, neither sure exactly what that meant, but deciding to interpret it as a good thing!
They all three quickly put their coats, scarves, and gloves on.
"I'll run on over to Uncle Lee's and Auntie Rosie's to check on Jack," offered Allie enthusiastically, and she ran ahead to complete her task.
"I'll get your luggage, Madame!" Nathan smiled at Elizabeth, who turned to lock her door.
They walked down the steps together and as Nathan opened the boot of Lee's car, he and Elizabeth looked at each other and started to laugh…
"Great minds think alike?" asked Nathan.
There were two wicker hampers of winter picnic snacks to eat in the car on their way to Union City, that Lee had just snuck in.
One Hamper was Nathan's and one Hamper was Elizabeth's.
Both had had the same idea, and unknown to the other, each had asked Rosemary for advice. But she had insisted she would take care of everything, and apparently she had, times two!
They couldn't help but laugh!
"How about I put these in the back seat, where we can access them easily? We're definitely not going to go hungry! Then, let's go see everyone, so they can send us off, Darling!" suggested Nathan as he finished loading the car.
They walked up the steps to the Coulters hand in hand, with smiles on their faces.
Rosemary met them at the door, "You two look splendid together! A matching pair! Come in, I've made us Coffee and Tea with Sweet Biscuits!"
They sat down with Lee and Rosemary as the children were already busy playing. Allie was leading them in some activity that they were completely engrossed in.
"Do you need any help with the luggage?" asked Lee.
"Thanks, Lee, but everything's packed! Including two beautiful hampers. Thank you, both for that!" offered Nathan.
Rosemary smiled slyly, "Both hampers are packed full. Eat what you want out of each, then when you get to your hotel, take one of the hampers to each of your rooms, so you'll have something to snack on while you're there. The perishable sandwiches and veggies are on the top layer of each hamper, and you can't miss the cold drinks, so be sure to eat and drink those on the way. But, nothing else will spoil, I promise. Just enjoy from Lee and me!"
"Rosemary, that's so sweet of you! Thank you ever so much! So thoughtful and I'm sure we'll enjoy it!" said Elizabeth.
"Can you believe it? You'll barely get there and eat Dinner, when you'll have to get ready for the Ball. I want to hear every single detail, you promise?"
"I promise!"
Rosemary, knowing how much Elizabeth wanted to hold Little Jack, called all the children to the table for Cookies and Milk, giving Elizabeth a chance to grab her Son and play with him for a bit before the Couple had to leave.
"Elizabeth, Nathan, now this is only a weekend, and the children are going to have a blast! So, I don't want either of you to worry about any of us back here. We are perfectly fine. We'll miss you, but you're going to make up for all of that when you get back. So, promise me, not a thought of us till you get back on Sunday!" urged Rosemary.
Elizabeth and Nathan looked at each other, and Nathan spoke, "We'll do our best, Rosemary. But that doesn't mean we won't miss you. We were hoping both you and Lee could come with us as our chaperones. But we're very grateful you're taking care of the children. It makes it a little easier leaving them, knowing they are with Family. But Allie and Jack, make sure you behave and do everything Uncle Lee and Auntie Rosie ask you to do and do your best to help them in any way you can. Promise?"
"We promise, Dad. You and Mrs. Thornton just have fun. Can we do our Advent Sunday when you get back!"
"Absolutely, Allie! We most definitely will!" Nathan promised with a smile. "And we'll catch up on your Advent House, as well."
The adults finished their Coffee, Tea and Sweet Biscuits, while the children finished their Milk and Sweet Biscuits, and everyone headed to the front porch to see the Couple off.
"I love you, Allie! I love you, Jack!" and Elizabeth showered them both with kisses and hugs!
Nathan did the same, then Elizabeth started on her second round.
Little Frederic decided he also wanted to get in on the hugs and kisses, so both Elizabeth and Nathan included him too!
"You two better go, or you're going to be late for the Ball!" cautioned Rosemary.
Nathan and Elizabeth both kissed Rosemary. Nathan shook hands with Lee and gave him a warm thank you for the driving lessons and the use of the car, and the two men ended up hugging. Elizabeth then gave Lee a kiss and knelt once more to kiss all three children.
She then took Nathan's hand and nodded she was ready!
He led her down the steps hand in hand, held the car door open for her, and went around to the driver's side to start the car. Elizabeth was a little teary as the children waved along with the Coulters' but she was excited too, for the adventure that was about to unfold!
And away they went, with Elizabeth waving to everyone for as long as she could see them.
As they drove through town, the townspeople who were out, waved and shouted good wishes for a fun trip. By now, most all of them knew Nathan and Elizabeth were on their way to the Mountie Ball in Union City, and truthfully, they were almost as excited for the Couple as the Couple themselves!
"Are you okay, Darling?" asked Nathan.
"I'm more than okay, my Love! I'm more excited than I've ever been. This is perfect!" and she rested her hand on his leg, as his hands were busy driving them on out of Hope Valley toward Union City and their private chaperoned weekend away!
And what a weekend it was going to be...