Chapter Sixty-Five
"Good morning, Darling! I come bearing Mountie gifts…"
Elizabeth stretched up to give him a kiss, anxious to see what he was carrying.
"Oh, Nathan, what a lovely memento! It's stunning…"
The ornament was of shiny gold and it was sculpted in three-dimensional form with their names and date beautifully engraved on the front surface.
"What else are you holding, Love?
"Nothing to get too excited about. You know those posters on the wall behind the Dais? Here's mine, but I'm only giving it to you on one condition: that you stash it away somewhere where nobody will ever find it!"
"Give me that…Darling, so handsome! I love it! And I'm most certainly not stashing it away. Wait a minute, they said they took these pictures at last year's Ball. I didn't even know you attended! You didn't ask me to come with you, Nathan Grant…" and Elizabeth was in full pouty face mode.
"That's because you, my Darling weren't ready. I could tell you I came with some fabulous date, but the truth is, I came alone, just to put in an appearance. It was sort of mandated!"
"Did you dance?" as she felt that pang of jealousy she knew shouldn't rationally be there.
"I did. But it was with Mrs. Blake and the Secretaries from Headquarters, only. And, no offense to those Ladies, but each one is about a hundred, so I don't think you have anything to worry about!"
"About a hundred? Well, I guess somebody had to do it, but you, Constable Grant have done your due. And there are no longer any other Women in your Mountie Ball Continuum, I don't care how old they are!"
"There aren't?" he asked mischievously. "Mrs. Stumps is quite the Dancer!"
"No, I've penciled myself in from here to eternity, just so you know!"
"You're adorable when you're jealous. Come here," and he drew her as close as he possibly could, laughing through their many kisses.
"Elizabeth, we have to go now or we're going to be late!"
"It's my fault. I just couldn't drag myself out of that luscious bath! You've totally spoiled me you know!"
"No worries, let's go!"
They ran to the Lift and scampered down the Grand Staircase like teenagers, ready to take on the world.
"The Restaurant's two blocks away, do we take a car or run for it?" asked Nathan.
"Run for it!"
And they did...
They were breathless when they finally arrived at the Restaurant, and the three other couples couldn't resist making quite a few love jokes at their expense. And both blushed as deep as the red part of the traditional red and green of the Restaurant's Holiday décor that surrounded them!
Neither could tell them it was all because of Elizabeth's lengthy bubble bath!
"How did you know about this place, Nathan?" asked Bill curiously.
"Used to eat Breakfast here all the time. All the Mounties did!"
"Well, remind me to always let you pick the Restaurants. Talk about a Homestyle Delight! Why this even beats my Café! These Biscuits are as light as air….wonder what they use…"
Nathan just shook his head. He knew where this was heading.
"Judge, this Sausage Casserole is the best I've had!" exclaimed Felicity, who was too new to know you never egged the Judge on where food was concerned.
"Pass that over here…why that's not sausage, that's chorizo with a little bit of cumin thrown in! And Pepper Jack Cheese. Why we can do that! Easy peasy! Let me write that down right now!" and Bill pulled out his little Black Book and jotted the ingredients down.
"Judge, I need my plate back…"
Everybody laughed.
Adeline reached over Bill's arm and passed the plate back to Felicity, "Sorry, Sweetie! Remember what we were talking about last night!"
That was the Ladies' clue to giggle nonstop, especially, when they saw the face Adeline made at Bill, who was totally oblivious!
Elizabeth already loved her, but Felicity and Lillian weren't far behind! These girls were looking forward to having a lot of fun together. Adeline was just old enough to have the experience they lacked, and she seemed to have a level head on her shoulders as well as a great sense of humor.
Plus, finally, someone to control Bill, bless her heart! Because nobody wanted that job!
Adeline was going to have her hands full, but if anyone could handle the Judge, she was definitely the one to do it!
Hope Valley was looking brighter and brighter.
"Aaron, let me taste some of that pastry…"
But Bill took one look at Adeline, "Well, maybe I better not…"
It was all Bill's Boys could do to not burst out laughing, but their regard for AJ was growing by leaps and bounds!
"Is everyone spending the day?" asked Nathan.
"Felicity and I have the 3 PM train to catch. She's got some work to do for her Father when we get home," answered Aaron.
"We're coming with you Aaron, Lillian needs to get back by tonight, too," offered Gabe.
"I'd love to stay, but Grace isn't back yet, and Mrs. Winters, our Cook, is probably pulling her hair out right about now!" explained Lillian.
They all laughed at that picture, surmising Lillian probably wasn't far off the mark!
"What about you, Bill? Do you and Adeline need a ride back?"
"No, but thanks, Nathan. We're staying till tomorrow and catching the 9 AM train. We've got to take back all of AJ's stuff. The Movers are supposed to meet us at the Station at 8 AM, right Darlin'? Hate to move on the Sabbath, but that was the only way they could work us in, so please forgive us, Lord!"
Adeline nodded.
"I can store the furniture and things, that I'm not worried about. But I am going to have to find a place to live. Do you all have any ideas?" asked Adeline.
"Well, there's always the Saloon," offered Elizabeth.
"I just hate being around all that noise."
"Why don't you stay with me," offered Felicity.
"Oh, Sweetie, that's so lovely of you to offer, but you and Aaron need to keep what little privacy you already have. No, thank you, I just can't do that to a young couple! If worse comes to worst, I can always go stay at Tess's Ranch for a while. She's already offered. I just prefer to be in Hope Valley, closer to Bill, if we can figure out a way!"
"Let us think about it, Adeline. Rosemary may know of something… Wait! I just thought of the answer! Lee has an apartment over his office. It's not fancy, but it's plenty nice enough. I'm sure they'd be happy for you to use it!" suggested Elizabeth, excitedly.
"Elizabeth, that's perfect! I should have thought of that myself! Darlin', I'll call Lee when we leave here and get it all settled!" and Bill reached over to kiss Adeline right there in front of everyone!
Both Bill and Adeline looked so relaxed and oh so happy!
Everyone around the table loved seeing it. And the young people could tell that whatever the two of them had, it was solid, and that was a very good thing!
"What are you two doing today?" asked Gabe.
Elizabeth looked at Nathan, who grinned and answered, "Checking out the Holiday Decorations, maybe some Christmas Shopping, a couple of special Meals, basically a play day! And I may have a surprise or two up my sleeve!"
Elizabeth beamed, "He's spoiling me rotten, not that I'm complaining!"
"See Boys, now this is a teachable moment, always keep them surprised and wanting more!"
Adeline just stared at him, "Keep them surprised and wanting more? Well, hmph, I guess I'm still waiting!"
The Boys could hold it no longer. All three literally cackled on this one!
"Adeline, we knew there was a reason we already love you!" cracked Gabe.
"Darling, a very Christmasy Union City is ours to conquer! What would you like to do first?"
"Why don't we just walk and take in all the Holiday Spirit!" asked Elizabeth.
"Perfect!" and Nathan took her arm, walking on the outside, next to the Street, just as his Mother had always insisted.
"Isn't everything beautiful? As big as Union City is, last night looking down from the Terrace, it looked like a perfect little Christmas Village," mused Elizabeth.
"It did, didn't it?"
"You might as well know. I love to window shop, especially at Christmas! If I hadn't been a Teacher, I would have been a Window Dresser for sure!"
"Now, that's a career I wouldn't have thought of for you. But, I bet you'd make a fabulous Window Dresser!"
"Oh, look Nathan!"
She tugged for him to come with her.
They were in front of a very swanky Jewelry Shoppe.
"I wonder if I could find Rosemary's Christmas present here. I'm clueless about what to get her this year. You most certainly can't buy the Dressmaker, clothes, especially not with the pregnancy. And last year I got her something for the house. So, this year, it needs to be personal."
"Do you see anything she might like? I need to get her something, too. If you'd like we could do it together," offered Nathan.
"That's the problem, I see several things she would love! And if you really don't mind going in with me, maybe we could actually afford one of these items. I heard her mention she needed a pair of Cufflinks for a Frenched-Cuff Blouse she has, and look at that pave Ruby pair…"
"They would match the Necklace and Earrings Lee got her in Buxton, too!"
"Oh, look Darling! There's a Gold Charm Bracelet! It's beautiful…"
"Elizabeth, don't you already have a Charm Bracelet? I mean you yourself said you were the Hamilton Princess. I thought all Princesses had Charm Bracelets."
"No! I wanted one so badly, but Father wouldn't let any of us Girls have one. He said they were too noisy. So, I never got one…that's why I was so intrigued by Allie's. I just thought that was the loveliest idea!"
"Darling, we are going to rectify that right now! All the Grant Women have had Charm Bracelets, from my Great-Grandmother to my Grandmother, to my Mother, to Colleen, to Allie, and now, it's your turn! It's a Grant tradition!"
"Oh no, Nathan I didn't mean for you to…"
"Darling, I just assumed you would have one. That's the only reason I didn't plan to get you one for Christmas. Let's go buy a Charm Bracelet!"
"You're sure?"
"I'm positive! Nothing would make me happier! We'll pick up the Cufflinks for Rosemary, and you know, it might not be a bad idea for us to find a pair for Lee. He always wears a French Cuff," noted Nathan.
"I can't believe you've noticed that! Oh, that is part of your job, isn't it?" she asked sheepishly.
"You could say that!"
"It's actually a great idea! I think Lee would much prefer that over the Sweater I usually get him! Let's do it!"
They entered the Shoppe, which was decorated inside for the Holidays as elegantly as it was outside, all in Gold and Silver.
A lovely young Salesclerk walked toward them, "May I help you? I'm Miss Benson."
"Yes, thank you, Miss Benson! We're interested in finding your most beautiful Gold Bracelet for Charms, and we'd also like to see the Pave Ruby Cufflinks in the Window. Then we need to select a pair of Cufflinks for a Male Friend of ours as well," answered Nathan.
"Yes, Sir. Shall we start with the Cufflinks first?"
"Perfect!" answered Elizabeth.
The Salesclerk brought the Pave Ruby Cufflinks to them, telling them a little about the style, carat weight, and gold.
"Darling, I honestly think these are perfect for Rosemary. What do you think?" and Nathan handed them to Elizabeth so she could look at them more closely.
"They are, but we want to stay within our budget. Can you tell us the price?" asked Elizabeth, a bit afraid they'd be much too expensive!
"Just one moment…"
"This is our retail price, but if you are planning to buy the other items as well, we'll be happy to offer a significant discount."
"That sounds reasonable. What do you think, Darling?" asked Nathan.
"I think she'll love them! And believe me, it's hard to find something unique for Rosemary!"
"Perfect! Why don't we look at the Men's Cufflinks next?" suggested Nathan.
"We have an even bigger selection for the Gentlemen," as the Salesclerk directed them to a long counter toward the back of the Shoppe.
"Oh, my Goodness, they're absolutely beautiful!" exclaimed Elizabeth.
"This pair looks like Lee, and this pair looks just like Nathaniel! But would it be terrible to get them both Cufflinks?" wondered Nathan.
"Not if they're not the same! And you're right, Nathan. This pair looks exactly like Lee and this pair does look just like Nathaniel. How did you do that?"
"I guess it goes back to that observation thing…" he laughed.
"And very good taste," smiled the Salesclerk.
"Now, for the fun part! Let's find you the most beautiful Gold Bracelet for all the Charms you're going to be getting!"
The Salesclerk smiled, wishing she had someone to treat her like this handsome Gentleman was treating his Lady.
"Please be seated, and I'll bring you our best selection."
It took her a few minutes, but when they saw what she had brought, they agreed that this had to be the very best of their best.
Elizabeth was amazed at the selection, "There are so many choices!"
"And all beautiful, Darling! Which one stands out to you as the most beautiful?" asked Nathan.
"This one, without a doubt. It's the most beautiful one I've ever seen!"
"It's my favorite, too! We'll take it. But you know, Darling, you're going to need at least a couple of Charms, if not more to start."
"May I see the Charms, please?" asked Elizabeth.
"I'll bring you the very best ones…" she smiled.
When she returned, Elizabeth was as excited as a child, and it pleased Nathan to see her so excited and happy.
"Darling, these are all beautiful. But, I want you to surprise me with the Charms," pouted Elizabeth.
"There are some Basic Charms that can be engraved with anything that is special to you. They would be your Starter Charm or Charms, and then your Husband could select the rest! That's usually how it's done."
"Actually…," explained Nathan, well he was trying to explain.
"That sounds lovely, can you show me those?"
Elizabeth looked up at Nathan and smiled mischievously.
The Salesclerk returned with a tray of Engravable Blank Charms in various shapes, sizes, and thicknesses.
"I know what I want. I love this thick Oval with the tiny rope design edge! Reminds me of an old ring my Granda had. Do you have two of them, please?"
Unknown to Elizabeth, Nathan knew she was referring to her Granda's ring, the ring she loved…
"Yes Ma'am, we do, and that is our most elegant Engravable Charm. It's the heaviest weight as well. You also have very good taste," she smiled. "Now, how would you like them engraved? We do it on-site and can have them ready by the end of the day!"
"Oh, that would be perfect! Yes, I know exactly what I want on each one. On the first, I want AGR and her birthdate, which I'll write here, and on the second, I want JTE and his birthdate, which is here. The last name initial does go in the middle, right?"
"Yes, Ma'am, it's first initial, last initial, middle initial."
"I would love a flowy Cursive Script with the last name's initial largest. May we leave the other items here while we shop and then pick up everything together?"
"Absolutely! And it's normal to put the initials on the front side and the date on the back. Is that suitable?"
"Yes, I love that! Thank you."
"Let me pay, while you keep looking, Darling," and Nathan followed the Salesclerk as she added his receipt.
"You know, we would be happy to deliver these packages to you, all wrapped and ready!"
"Perfect, Constable Nathan Grant, the Le Havre."
"Sir, your total meets our criteria for a 30% discount. Is this final price acceptable?"
"Yes, very generous of you. Thank you!"
"Sir, do you mind if I tell you your wife is beautiful and so lovely. You make such a handsome Couple, and she is very lucky to have you!"
"That's very nice of you to say. But I'm the lucky one as Elizabeth is extraordinary! Thank you very much, Miss Benson!"
He turned to check on Elizabeth, "Darling, have you found anything else you like?"
"Yes, and I'm so sorry. But look at this Tie Stick. It matches the Cufflinks we got Nathaniel and he does wear them."
"Can you tell us the price?"
"Yes, Sir," and she handed him the retail price. "And of course, it will be 30% off as well."
"Can you add this to our others, and if you don't mind, I'd like to go on and pay now."
Nathan finished paying for the purchases.
Elizabeth came up to him just after and proudly took his arm, while he was waiting for the change.
"I was telling your Husband, Ma'am, that you both make such a handsome Couple. It's been a delight to assist you!"
"Thank you, that's lovely!" beamed Elizabeth.
The Couple left arm in arm, but upon exiting the Shoppe, Nathan asked her, "And why did we not correct that poor young Lady?"
"Because, we practically are, and I loved hearing 'your Husband.'"
"In that case," and Nathan pulled her into the shadows between two shops, and with the snow falling around about them, he kissed her longingly.
The Salesclerk was watching from inside with a smile on her face.
"That's the kind of love I want," she whispered to herself.
As they started to walk on, Nathan remembered, "Elizabeth, whatever we get for the Children today, Allie will be most thrilled with your Charm. Thank you so much, my Darling, for always including her."
"No thanks ever needed, Love! I love her, too, Nathan. She's already in my heart! Besides, Darling, we can only do this one way! Both Children are in our hearts, as they should be. We can only love them equally."
He drew her to him, wrapping his arm around her, as they walked on to their next adventure...
The bustling crowds shopping for gifts, the street lamp posts trimmed with evergreen boughs, the wreaths trimmed in bright red bows on every door, the children playing in the snow, the Roasted Chestnuts being sold on the corner, beautifully decorated Christmas Trees everywhere you looked, Carols wafting through the air, the scents of Christmas, and even the smiles on people's faces: all these things pointed to one thing, Christmas, the Glorious Celebration of our Saviour's Birth.
And it reminded Nathan of something. He redirected their path till suddenly right before them was the most strikingly beautiful Church Elizabeth had ever seen, and Nathan was leading her up the broad Staircase.
"I want you to see something, Elizabeth."
"This is the Church Allie and I attended when I was here in Union City. But my favorite times to come, were when no one else was here. I would just come and sit by myself. Thinking and Praying. Mostly for wisdom on how to raise Allie, but without knowing it, I was also praying for you, Elizabeth. I needed you, and yet I couldn't find you. But I never lost faith that you would one day be there. I'm so very thankful I found you."
He squeezed her hands and led her through the massive doors into a stunning Sanctuary all in white, with the only colors being the reflections from the Stained Glass Windows as the Sun's Rays passed through them, splaying the many rich jewel-toned colors throughout the entire space.
It was a spectacular sight to see and they both could feel God's presence.
He led her to the same Kneeling Bench he had used many times before, and they held hands and knelt together, thanking God for the many blessings of each other. Their prayers were not lengthy ones, but they were earnest ones, and they both had asked the same thing silently without the other knowing.
Each had simply asked for God's Blessing on them as a Couple together and the children they had already been given to raise.
As they stood Nathan said softly, "You know, we'll be traveling tomorrow. Do you think this might suffice as our Sunday Service?"
"I think so, Darling. In fact, I know so. Thank you for bringing me here. I wouldn't have missed it for anything. You've given me a part of your past and that means the world to me."
They smiled at each other, walked quietly out through those massive doors they had entered, and they both felt deeply renewed as they continued their day together.
Their entire visit had taken all of ten minutes, yet God was smiling down on them...
They continued on down the busy street, looking in every direction, trying to take it all in.
The next shop they came to was an expensive Luggage Shop.
"Elizabeth, I was thinking about getting Bill an attache case. Of course, he'll hate it, but the one he has is literally falling apart. I've had to fix the latches twice. What do you think?"
"I think it's perfect if you'll let us buy it and give it to him together. You know Bill, he acts gruff, but he'll love it."
They went in and the rich, buttery leather scent of the shop quickly enveloped them.
They looked at several briefcases and finally decided on a rich brown one that the Clerk offered to engrave in gold.
"It's Judge William Spencer Avery and if you'll check exactly how that should be written, I'd greatly appreciate it. And could you have that delivered by tonight to the Le Havre for Constable Nathan Grant?"
"We'll take care of it, our pleasure, Sir..."
The next Shoppe was a luxury Children's Clothier.
"Oh, Nathan, let's get the children their Christmas outfits!"
Elizabeth was in her element and ended up with Christmas outfits for both Allie and Jack, as well, as two more darling dresses for Allie, two adorable little outfits for Jack, and two dashing outfits for Frederic.
But on their way out she saw some handknitted sweaters which caused her also to notice the handknitted hats, scarfs, and mittens!
"How did I miss these?" and she very expediently selected the best of everything and handed them to the Saleslady.
Nathan paid and asked them to send everything to Mrs. Elizabeth Thornton at the Le Havre, thinking she would want to sort through everything before taking it all home...
"What's next, Darling?"
"You're what's next, Love! See that elegant Haberdashery across the street? That's our next stop!"
"But, Elizabeth, I don't need anything..."
"Of course, you don't, that's why you have me here!"
He could see there was going to be no debate.
Elizabeth was shopping for her man for the very first time, and she was positively delighted to be doing so.
"Just try on one more, please!" she begged.
"One more…"
He returned from the Dressing Room, looking quite extraordinary in his Navy Sweater with the pinstripe shirt, paisley tie, and navy slacks!
"I love it! Now, see how easy that was! But we need a jacket…"
The clerk returned with several and she closely perused each one, finally deciding on a navy tweed blazer, with the tiniest of gold flecks.
Nathan could only shake his head at her endless shopping energy.
Despite Nathan's many objections, the stash of packages from the Haberdashery going to the Le Havre was quite substantial! And it included new blazers, shirts, sweaters, ties, socks and even a new belt!
And Elizabeth was delighted!
He wouldn't need another piece of clothing for years to come...
"Oh, I'm getting hungry as a bear!" complained Elizabeth.
"That, we can fix! Just don't forget that after Lunch, it's all about you! What are you in the mood for, Italian, Greek, Homestyle, Chinese, Thai…?"
"Italian sounds perfect! I'm ravenous."
"I know just the spot and it's not very far away! The best Meatballs in town..."
Luigi's wasn't a fancy Restaurant by any means but the smells from the food were to die for!
And the menu was endless.
"Darling, help me. Where do we start?"
"The Meatballs are a must, and I like them with the Cavatini best. But the Alfredo is to die for. Why don't we get two orders and share both?"
"Sounds wonderful, as long as I get Tiramisu for Dessert, I'm happy!"
"You and your sweet tooth!"
Nathan ordered, and although Luigi's wasn't fancy, it was rather dark for lunchtime and was lit mostly with twinkly Christmas lights and candles.
Besides, Nathan had gotten them the booth in the back corner for privacy, and they were taking full advantage of being snuggled up together.
"This is perfection, Love!"
He bent to kiss her, as he had wanted to do so since their stolen kiss in the passageway.
But he couldn't just break away and instead his lips fell to her neck and she was struggling to not just jump in his lap and throw her arms completely around him. Thankfully, the booth and decorum prevented her from doing that!
"You do know you're a bad influence, don't you?" he whispered.
"I can be, Constable. But, I'm afraid you're totally stuck with me!"
Their food arrived, and it was everything Nathan had said it would be. Definitely, the best Italian food she had ever eaten.
"Now, I'll never be able to cook Italian again!"
"I'll get the recipes for you from Luigi. He's offered them to me before, but somehow they got misplaced in the move."
They fed each other off of their shared plates, which made the meal even more delicious and romantic!
And both were very hungry...
"Now my Darling, it's your turn. Let's find the swankiest Dress Shop in Union City!"
And so they did.
The Shop was quite elegant and the Holiday decorations were exquisite in just Pink and White.
Elizabeth was surprised that Nathan was actually looking through the dresses with her, instead of taking the typical male way out of sitting in the comfy chairs that had been provided for just that purpose!
He patiently listened to her assessment of each item and gave his own opinion when asked.
"But, Darling you do know I think you look beautiful in everything, so no, I can't say that's awful. Perhaps it's just not as perfect as some of these others.."
"I love you so much! You do know that was the perfect thing to say, and just at the perfect time!"
After Elizabeth had gone to the Dressing Room, along with three Sales Ladies who were loaded down with her selections, Nathan finally sat down in one of those comfortable chairs and waited patiently for his Elizabeth to model her favorites.
There were outfits of every pastel color and they all looked wonderful on her!
And truthfully as she came out, Nathan thought 'This just might be the best part of the day!'
She modeled outfit after outfit and Nathan was not a lot of help in narrowing things down, because he loved her in everything.
She ended up buying just about everything, realizing it would be quite a while before she would have this opportunity again.
Nathan was just happy to see her so happy, but he was beginning to wonder if they were going to be able to get everything in Lee's car for their return trip home...
Their next stop was a very Colorful, very Christmasy Toy Store, where they wanted to find gifts from the trip for the children.
The entire place was like a Children's Christmas Wonderland!
Nathan found a Train Conductor's outfit for Frederic which was adorable with the hat, and a Mountie's outfit for Jack which was just as adorable and also included Jack's favorite miniature Stetson!
"Are they too much?" he asked.
"Are you kidding? They'll go crazy! I'm still not sure about Allie's. Can you help me decide?"
"It's between these three things…"
"Definitely the Science Kit. That Girl is always creating some sort of experiment! The kitchen looks more like a laboratory most days!"
"Good, that's what I thought, too. And I want to get her a book to go with it to give her additional ideas she can work on. Why don't we try to find a train book for Frederic and a Mountie book for Jack?"
They found the books, and picked up a few Christmas presents for the three as well!
The Store was going to wrap everything and send the packages to the Le Havre later on in the evening...
"Anything else, Darling?"
"I'd love to find a bookstore for us. It will be a while before Felicity is up and running."
"I love that idea, too. Actually, there are a few references I need to pick up for my writing. Let me think, which store is best?"
When they arrived at the Bookstore Nathan had selected, which was decorated to the hilt, they were amazed at its size.
The Store had expanded since either had been there, and their inventory was truly endless!
The Couple took a solid hour browsing and making their selections, remembering to pick up two books that Rosemary and Lee had mentioned they wanted to read.
Being authors, this was definitely their happy place and both of them would have been elated to spend the day there!
But they still had so much to do...
So they tore themselves away and regrouped as to what they should do next.
"Our Dinner Reservations are at 6 PM sharp, Mrs. Thornton, and a Gown is required! Perhaps we better head back to the Le Havre, rest a bit, and get ready for our night out on the town! Especially if you want to squeeze one more of your famous Baths in!"
She laughed, "Let's go!"
He had told her to bring two gowns and she had, but she had to admit she was puzzled as to what they were doing that required a second gown...
She had dressed in her Teal Gown that she had worn for their first Date, but now she had the jewelry to go with it. And she had styled her hair much in the same way Natalie had for the Ball, only a bit lower on her neck.
She couldn't latch her Bracelet, so she decided to leave that for Nathan to do.
But other than that, she was excited and ready for their night on the town, whatever that entailed.
She would never tell Nathan, but secretly she loved his element of surprise.
Finally, the firm knock she was expecting.
She quickly opened the door, and there was a moment neither could speak…
Nathan was standing in his Tux, the same one he had worn on their first date, and he looked so handsome that it literally took her breath completely away.
"Darling, you look breathtaking!"
And he bent to kiss her passionately! They had enough time she could go back in and touch up her lipstick, and this couldn't wait.
"Darling, you look more handsome than a man should be allowed! I'm in Heaven, you know!" and she grazed her hand against his cheek. "But, do you mind fastening my Bracelet?"
He did, but not before he kissed her wrist, and when he had secured it, he turned it around on her arm, in awe that all this was happening and they were really a couple together.
"Let me fix the lipstick and we're ready to go…"
Nathan had a Car waiting for them but still wouldn't tell her where they were going.
But when she saw it in the distance, she knew...
It was the Maison Blanche, and how Nathan had managed to get a reservation here, she'd never know. It was considered to be the very best Restaurant in all of Union City.
The Maitre D met them at the Door and took them to the Private Dining Room, but she noticed as they passed through the Restaurant, there was an elegant Dance Floor in the center.
Nathan had already seen to ordering their meal, and every single detail was perfect.
They ate quietly in the Candlelight relishing this, their time alone together.
Their menu, with an appetizer or Amuse Bouche of Deviled Eggs with Crab, was extraordinary.
This was followed by the First Course: Lentil Salad with Wild Mushrooms and Pork Shavings which was divine.
The Second Course that followed was a delectable Steak Diane, which was very theatrically set aflame tableside.
The Last Course was a Dessert that was truly heavenly: Meringues Floating in Crème Anglaise, otherwise known as 'Ile Flottante.' The only difference in their particular Dessert from the Menu Version was the Cherry Shavings that Nathan had requested to be added when he had made the Reservations and selected the Menu.
The meal was truly divine, and one of the best ones either could remember eating.
"May I have this Dance, Darling?"
Elizabeth beamed, and Nathan led them through their Private Doorway and out onto the Dance Floor.
The Waltz was formal and such a lovely surprise because she had thought they had already danced their last Dance of the trip, but she had been wrong.
How she loved being in his arms, and she didn't want the music to stop…
"We need to go, Darling, there's another surprise..."
When they stepped out of the Maison Blanche, their Car was waiting, but Elizabeth had no idea where they were going.
The Driver took them a few blocks, and when she saw the Theater, she let out a little squeal!
"Darling, we're seeing 'The Nutcracker!'" announced Nathan.
"I can't believe it, Darling! This is the best surprise ever!" and she kissed him showing him her profound love for him, and her profound gratitude to him.
Just pure happiness, that he would do this for her...
Their seats were center front about eight rows back, even with the Stage. It was a perfect view, thanks to Nathan.
The Theatre was grand and glorious, and the Ballet was perfection.
"Darling, can we bring the children someday?"
Elizabeth had tears in her eyes.
"Absolutely! But, there's one more Surprise! Are you ready, Love?"
"I can't even imagine..."
He led her outside under the huge Canopy, but this time there was no Car waiting, only a Carriage with two magnificent white horses!
"Your Carriage awaits, Ma'am!"
As he nodded to the Driver, he lifted her into the Carriage, tenderly covering her with her own Fur and the lap Fur that had been provided.
Nathan got in beside her and put his arm around her as she snuggled in and they toured the entire town together, seeing all the lights and drinking their Champagne.
Elizabeth was amazed, and she just kept snuggling closer to him till they looked as though they were one.
And they were, as each of their hearts already belonged to the other.
What a glorious, most romantic way to end their perfect weekend together…