Chapter Eighty-Nine: A Night of Questions
Nathan slipped the Velvet Ring Box inside his Dress Serge and tried his best to wipe the smile off his face.
He was ready to cross the Hall and see his Lisbeth.
He had no idea what he was going to say, except that he would be in the moment and surely the right Words would come…
But then he saw her as she opened the Door even before he could finish knocking, and he forgot the single last thought he had had in his mind.
He had never seen her look more beautiful, equally so at the Mountie Ball, but not more so than Tonight…
She was wearing the same Teal Gown she had worn for their First Date together. The only difference this time was that she was wearing the Jewelry Nathan had gifted her: the Teal Earrings and Matching Bracelet he had given her for the Mountie Ball, along with the Northern Star Necklace he had given her on Christmas Eve.
She looked radiant and there was an expectancy in her beautiful blue eyes he hadn't seen before.
"Darling, how did it go? I have a million Questions!" she hurriedly asked.
He tried hard to hide his smile.
And her face fell…
But his lips twitched and they couldn't help but fall into that crooked smile, while his eyes sparkled, and she knew that whatever had happened, it was good!
He picked her up and swung her around till she couldn't stop laughing, the whole time her grasping for his lips, him holding her to him, kissing her with everything he had, never wanting her to leave his arms, not letting her out of them.
"Oh, I love you… more than I even thought… it was possible… to love anyone…" he mumbled between their kisses.
"Same for me, Darling! But you, my Love…haven't….even told…me…a single thing…but…"
"Shh!" and he kissed her longingly, carrying her to…he wasn't sure where because he hadn't even seen the Room they were standing in.
Not surprisingly, it was just as Opulent as the Main Thatcher Suite, but perhaps a bit smaller. Massive Bouquets of Flowers seemed to be on every possible Surface around the Room and Candles were spread throughout, causing the Room to be swathed in a Golden Glow of Shimmery Light.
They both laughed when they realized he needed to get his bearings.
"You do know at some point, you're going to have to put me down!" she laughed.
"Not a chance!"
"Not even If I kiss you?"
"Well, maybe if you really kiss me...
"I think I can manage that…"
"Okay, you're released, but only because that was a very good kiss! Who sits in these things?" he asked as he realized the Chairs were more Throne-like than Chair-like. "Are we in a Palace?"
"Apparently, we are and apparently me, since you're placing me here…just call me Princess, like in "The Princess and the Pea," except my Bed is a very Plush Chair!" (*46)
Nathan laughed and placed Elizabeth in the Closest Cushiest Chair he could find, which was as extravagant as the next one, and reached to kiss her.
"Wait, you taste like Father's Cigars! He offered you a Cigar, didn't he?" and she let out a high-pitched shriek! "Nathan, he never does that unless he really, really likes you. He rations out those Cigars like they're gold! No one touches Father's Cigars and he rarely shares! Not even with his closest Friends!"
"Well, he shared tonight, and I got Cognac, too!" grinned Nathan.
"Ahh! Poor Baby, you don't even like the stuff…" she laughed.
"Anything for you, Love! Although it was quite the Sacrifice!"
"Hmph! Yes, I'm sure my Father's very expensive Cognac was such a monumental Sacrifice!"
"Well, yes, it was! But, surprisingly, not at all terrible! Actually, I drank the first glass, and left most of the second, except for our Toasts! I hope he's not offended. It's just not my taste!"
"Toasts, you toasted each other?"
"Yes, we did, as Favorite Son-in-Law and One and Only Favorite Father-in-Law!"
"Favorite? I'm extremely impressed! How did you manage that?" she asked skeptically.
"I think we may have connected over Fishing. Believe it or not, William really is going to come to visit and let me teach him to fish, along with my Dad!"
"Oh, I'm sure it was much more than that. But it's wonderful that you've gotten him to commit. Though, I'm in shock, really," then she giggled. "Wait, he asked you to call him William?"
"Yes, he did! In fact, he insisted on it."
"Well you really must have charmed him," mused Elizabeth. "Even Viola's Husband, Sir Lionel, calls him Mr. Thatcher! Say, I'm curious. Did you actually ask for my Hand?"
"I most certainly did, my Princess! I think your Father pretty much understood up front that was the purpose of the Meeting, although he was a little puzzled as to why I was bothering to ask him. I explained I had to, that he deserved that, and we wanted them as part of our lives, as well as the Children's, and we wanted to be part of theirs. That it was very important to us both."
"Did he agree?"
"He did. He even asked me to help him veer away from his Work long enough to spend time with us!"
"I don't believe it! Did he bombard you with Questions?"
"Not too many. He knew what his Concerns were and asked very pointed Questions to relieve those Concerns. Your Father's like me in that regard. He doesn't waste Words, when it isn't necessary. We definitely have that in common."
"Hmm. I hadn't thought about that, although you are right. But, Concerns? What Concerns?"
"Like how will I care for his very elegant Daughter, the one he says has rather Expensive Tastes…"
She laughed, "And how did you answer that one?"
"In detail, like an Accountant. I gave him a thorough Summary of my Income and assured him there's quite a bit saved and more coming in, whether it be through the Ranch or the Books. Come to think of it, maybe the Books were the real Connection. I couldn't believe it, but apparently, he owns all my Books and has even read them!"
"My Father has your Books?" asked Elizabeth almost in shock. "He doesn't even read that much!"
Nathan nodded, "Each and every one. Apparently, he reads my Genre, because he figured it out by remembering my Pen Name. So, of course, he then asked me my Middle Name and totally figured it out before I could finish telling him… I'm as surprised as you!"
What Elizabeth didn't know and wouldn't hear from Nathan was how impressed her Father was by those Writings, nor how well known the Love of her Life really was in the Literary World!
She really had no idea, and that was fine by Nathan. He wanted her focus to be totally on her own Book, for now. He wanted only her to be the Star. This was her turn to shine, and he wanted her to savor every single moment of her entire first publishing experience.
"Did Father know that you were slated to be stationed in Coal Valley?"
"Now, how did you know to ask that?"
"He's my Father, Darling! I know him well, and he's taught me to always be suspicious!"
"Yes, as a matter of fact, he did. It was at his request. He remembered my face from the Photo he had seen in my Personnel File. And yes, he admitted he was the one who had chosen me to go to Coal Valley all those years ago. He had been confused as to why I hadn't accepted the position, why I hadn't been the one to protect you. Poor Jack, may have been given some flack because of that."
"Yes, I think so, quite a bit of flack, actually. What else was Father concerned about?"
"Allie's biogenicity. And, truthfully, I understand that, as he only knew she was my Daughter, and of course, his Background Check showed I had never been married. The Conversation wasn't at all horrible, Darling! And frankly, I had expected him to check me out thoroughly in advance. Which he obviously did. But, honestly, I'd do the same if I were in his shoes and it was Allie!"
He laughed, then his voice softened.
"You know, Lisbeth, none of that matters now. I'll tell you every single detail if you want to hear it, but right now, Darling, I just want to be with you. It's been a packed day today, and it's going to be a long day tomorrow. Come Dance with me!"
"But there's no Music…"
"Oh, in this Mansionette, there has to be Music, somewhere…" surmised Nathan, and correctly so, but finding it was the problem.
Elizabeth laughed, and as he started looking all around, she simply reached to ring a bell.
Within seconds, Niles, Godfrey's Under-Butler appeared.
"Niles, we'd love some music to dance by, please."
"Anything, in particular, Ma'am."
"A Waltz or two, please, Niles! Any will do, thank you!"
And Niles was gone before Nathan could turn around.
"You didn't tell me you had Company. Should I be jealous? And do the Thatchers always require Attendants?"
But before she could answer, a beautiful Waltz wafted through the Room, and Nathan offered Elizabeth his hand to help her up, and then enveloped her in his arms, as they began to Dance closely together.
"He's the Under-Butler, Silly, and your question? The answer is never," she whispered.
"That's the perfect answer, Mrs. Thornton. And a very good thing to know!"
"You've got to be exhausted with the day you've had. Nathan, your Riding, I mean I knew you were good, but I've never ever seen anything like today! How did you get Newton to bow?"
"I'll teach you on Sargent, it's not difficult. In fact, there are several different ways to accomplish that, so lots of options! But, right now, think Romance, Love…"
"And that Pinwheel thing…that was amazing! How did you all keep the curved lines in perfect symmetry? Oh, my, I have so many Questions!"
He laughed, "I can see you do! Lisbeth, I am dancing with the Woman of my Dreams in my Arms and she wants to talk about Horses? I must really be losing my touch!"
"Oh, Darling, so sorry…" she laughed, and then she snuggled into him closer and forgot that Horses even existed! "And here, you've gone into the Lion's Den for me tonight, asking my Father for my Hand. A very noble thing to do kind Sir, and I will be forever grateful! Come to think of it meeting my Father is more like going in to slay a Dragon! Nathan, was it…"
He kissed her instead.
"So much better…" he said in a low voice.
And then it dawned on him, that he was about to do something he had never done before, and it was monumental, leading to the most important thing he would ever do in his Life. That the two of them would ever do in their Lives. What if he got it all wrong, what if he said the wrong things, what if…and three seconds of pure panic set in.
"Darling, where did you go off to? I'm here, but can I ask you one more teeny little Question now?" begged Elizabeth.
"Of course. So sorry, Lisbeth, yes! Yes, you are here, and I'm so very happy about that!"
He reached and kissed her as they slow Danced, and it calmed him.
This was Elizabeth, the Woman he loved more than Life itself. This is what they both wanted more than anything in the World, to be Engaged, to be Married.
Everything would be alright and however the Words ended up coming out of his mouth, it was all going to be perfect! Because it was all about the two of them together. And he knew beyond any doubt, they were absolutely meant to be.
He took a deep breath, smiled at her, and then was able to relax again.
But this well of happiness inside him was something different than anything he'd ever experienced before. And it felt like a million butterflies tumbling through his stomach all at once. 'I'm a Mountie for Heaven's Sake! I can do this!'
This was really happening, and they were going to leave this Suite tonight an Engaged Couple if he could only get Elizabeth off track from all her Questions!
Elizabeth again asked, "Love, did you not hear my Question? Nathan, Darling, I was wondering, did Commissioner Blake tell…."
And Nathan couldn't have told you another word she said or what even the Question had to do with. This was going to be harder than he thought…
Her mind was reeling with Questions…and his mind was reeling from Questions, when all he wanted to do was hold her and garner the courage to ask her the most important Question of their Lives!
'How in the World does a Man propose Marriage when the Woman you love is asking a million Questions? Romantic Setting, check! But all these Questions! Please, please, please, later, Darling…' but of course he couldn't actually say that out loud.
And although the two were alone together, and Romance was always there in that circumstance, tonight, too many Questions were spoiling the mood, entirely, especially since Nathan was a Man on a very important Mission!
But to be fair to Elizabeth, so much had happened from the Surprises to the Parents' Meeting, to the Drill Exhibition, to the Ballroom Dinner, to the Conversation with Mr. Thatcher…well, and even a Surprise Elizabeth didn't know about, it was a lot to take in, and they had not even had the chance to really speak alone at length till now.
The Waltz was ending, and a second one starting.
Nathan used that as his opportunity, and he determined then and there, that somehow, this Dance was going to be about just the two of them.
"Nathan, did Commissioner Blake..."
Nathan looked deep into her blue eyes and placed two fingers across her lips.
It took her a Minute, but then she smiled and got the Message.
He held her a moment, and finally, her mind relaxed from being in overdrive till she was fully in the moment, and could think of nothing else but being in his arms.
He bent to kiss the top of her head and then they started Dancing again, slowly together.
"Now, this is perfect, Love! Remember our First Date?" he asked.
"Every single glorious detail!" she smiled. "I was so surprised you quoted Emerson to me and was amazed that "My Wish for You" was your favorite Poem, too!"
"You know, when I read Emerson's Poem now, I still think of Allie, and now Little Jack, too. But I also can't read or even think of it since our Evening together, without also thinking of you and our Love. There's no other way to say it, Lisbeth. Just as Emerson wrote so many years ago, each and every word is my Wish for you always, my Darling. My Wish for us, together."
"Whisper it to me, Nathan, please!"
But instead of him quoting it word for word, which he could have done perfectly, he kept the main thrust of the Poem and personalized it just for them.
So, as they danced, he whispered Emerson's Words to her, mixed with his own special Words of Love, and she melted into him as she listened...
"Let's see there's 'Comfort on difficult days,' but for us, every day, whenever it's needed.
Always 'Smiles when sadness intrudes,' but surely in happy times too! There are going to be so many, many happy times, my Love.
Of course, we'll have beautiful 'Rainbows to follow' each and every cloud we encounter.
Always lots of 'Laughter to kiss' our 'lips,' especially those oh so beautiful, kissable lips of yours, my Darling, and millions and millions of kisses, too.
Then there are the Sunsets, the oh, so many stunning 'Sunsets' we'll watch together to 'warm' our 'hearts,' from our Wrap-Around Porch, just like your Grandmother Thatcher's, and our Cabin at the Lake.
As well as millions and millions of 'Hugs when spirits sag,' of course, but when spirits soar, as well! We can't ever have any shortage of Kisses or Hugs!
We'll relish 'Everything Beautiful' together, all 'Beauty for our eyes to truly see,' and enjoy, my Love. Whether it be a Painting, a Rose, or just a First Snow…
Many, many 'Friendships to brighten our being,' both individually and together.
Always 'Faith so that' we 'can believe,' a Faith that deepens daily for each of us, and binds us together even more tightly.
For every single day, 'Confidence for when' we 'doubt,' but even when we don't. I love your Self-Assurance, by the way!
'Courage to know' ourselves, always, no matter the circumstance. And that you have in spades, my Love.
'Patience to accept the truth,' but, also to readily recognize our truths, for both of us, with each other, and with the Children.
Last, but not Least, and Forever and Always, my Darling, an Everlasting 'Love to complete' our Lives, and Allie's and Little Jack's Lives." (*47)
He kissed her then as their 2nd Waltz was ending, and though the Music continued to play softly in the Background, he led her to the huge Sofa in front of the massive Stone Fireplace, which had an ornately carved French Provincial Mantelpiece laden with Flowers, stretching the entire width of it.
It all was quite Elegant, and provided a beautiful Setting that couldn't have been more Romantic for what Nathan wanted so badly to accomplish.
The Fire was blazing, the Candlelight was Glistening with soft dancing, shimmery Lights of Gold, and a heady scent of Flowers filled the Room.
But most importantly, his beautiful Elizabeth was no longer distracted with Questions. Everything was now back to just the two of them.
"What's wrong, Love, you look so serious," she said in a very concerned voice. "Almost distant."
"Oh, no, Darling! Well, yes, Darling…I suppose there's no better way to do this except to just do this."
"Do what, Nathan?"
"Elizabeth, let's just talk a moment, shall we?"
"Of course!" she said feeling more and more perplexed. "Is there anything wrong?"
"No, my Love, everything is right. Everything is perfectly right!" and he smiled down at her and reached to kiss her forehead.
Then at that moment, garnering his Courage, the Handsome Mountie, attired in his Red Dress Uniform with all the Golden Trim, looking every inch, a Prince, took another deep breath, then his Princess's hands, and knelt on one knee directly in front of her with the Roaring Fire behind him.
And finally, Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton was stunned into total silence, with not a single question left to be asked.
Nathan was clearly selecting his words carefully, but now, he had his Love's full attention.
"Darling, I've adored you from the moment I met you. You are my everything. I can't imagine even living without you beside me. You give me breath and make me breathless at the same time. I only know, just the sight of you brings me more Joy than any Man should ever be privy to. All my Dreams, I can only make come true with you. All my Desires are you."
"And I promise you, if you allow me, I will do everything possible to give you your every Dream and Desire, and even more. Lisbeth, Partner with me. Travel through Life side by side with me. Be my Best Friend, my Lover, my Wife. My Dearest Darling, will you please allow me the greatest Honor of my Life?"
Elizabeth gasped and her now free hand flew to cover her mouth as Nathan reached inside his Dress Serge and brought out a worn Velvet Box and opened it.
"Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton, will you Marry me?"
She was sobbing and screamed "Yes, yes, and yes!" through her tears.
She watched, blurrily, as Nathan removed the most beautiful Antique Ring from the Velvet Box and she thought her heart would literally stop when she saw it…
Nathan also had tears in his eyes by now, but flashed a smile that told her without words, that, yes, this was indeed her Granda's Ring.
As he slipped it on her Ring Finger, where it fit perfectly, as though it were made for her, he bent and kissed it.
She slid to the Floor with him and they held each other as they kissed for the very first time as an Engaged Couple.
Their kiss of passion brought more tears, but deliriously happy ones.
"It's official, isn't it, Darling?" asked Elizabeth, breathlessly.
"It's official, Darling!" assured Nathan.
"My heart is bursting with love for you, Nathan. My heart just can't hold it all. How did you…where did you? How could you even know?"
He drew her back to him, "Shh! None of that's important. Later, but not now, Darling." and they sat on the Floor together, in front of the crackling Fire, admiring Granda's gorgeous Victorian Ring that Nathan had just placed on her left hand, representing to them both a Sacred Promise of Marriage, a Sacred Promise of a Future together forever.
"It looks beautiful on you," he whispered and he held her hand up so they both could see it more clearly, and when he did so, the sparkle from all the Diamonds literally danced off of Elizabeth's hand.
He then drew her hand to his lips and kissed it, then kissed her Ring again, their Engagement Ring.
"Every single time those Diamonds glisten and flash, every single time you even glance at this Ring, I want you to know my Heart is overflowing with love for you, and many, many years from now, when we're Old and Gray, and sitting in front of a Fire like this, know that my love for you will have only grown exponentially through our Years together. I give you Everything I have, Lisbeth. Everything."
She nestled into him and put her head on his Chest, listening to the beating of his heart and she knew she had never been this happy in her entire life.
"Do you realize you have just given me the most beautiful Proposal of Marriage any woman has ever had?"
He reached to kiss her.
"You've also given me a Ring that I've cherished all my Life and thought was gone forever. How do you know my every Need, my every Desire? And you always fill them," she whispered.
"I love you, Darling. With all my heart, I love you!" and he bent to kiss her forehead.
He stroked her hair as he held her, and both felt a peace they had never known before.
At this particular moment, they were more together than they had ever been, and the feeling for both was indescribable.
They sat there without a word for at least a half-hour, if not more, perfectly alone together, till Elizabeth was startled…
"Nathan, the Children, we have to tell the Children! And our Parents!"
They kissed passionately one last time sitting on the Floor, in front of the Fireplace, yet there was even more Fire between them.
Then the dashing Prince, who had just proposed, helped his Princess up and walked her to the Suite's Entrance, where they snuck in a few more kisses as a Newly Engaged Couple. And just as there had been electricity in their touch, back those many Months ago in the Library, there was even more electricity in their kisses now. Both could feel it. It couldn't be denied.
"Tell me this, how can your kisses be so sweet and yet so fiery at the same time?" asked Nathan, softly.
"Oh, you just wait…" while flashing him a most flirtatious and coy smile. She then grabbed his hand pulling him through the Door and across the Hall, with both of them laughing, where they entered her Parents' massive Suite.
The Children were there with both Sets of Parents, waiting to surprise them…
A smiling Godfrey opened the Door for them and announced, "The Happy Couple has arrived!"
One of the Servants immediately handed Godfrey a Silver Tray, filled with Champagne Glasses almost bubbling over with very expensive Champagne.
Another Servant brought a smaller Silver Tray with Milk and Cookies for the Children.
For once Godfrey couldn't stop smiling, as he served the newly Engaged Couple and their Parents.
"Thank you, Dear Godfrey," said Elizabeth and she reached to kiss him on his cheek.
Godfrey smiled and nodded, clearing his throat, "Mr. Grant, your Champagne. Congratulations, Sir!"
"Thank you, Godfrey," smiled Nathan.
Both Nathan and Elizabeth were beaming and total excitement was in the air.
"Archie and I would like to make an Engagement Toast" announced William, and they raised their Crystal Glasses.
"To the Beautiful Couple, may you be Blessed on the Road to Marriage that lies before you, with Joy, Happiness, Health, and all of Life's Richest Blessings! But, don't forget to enjoy the Journey, have fun along the way, and always, always make it your own!" began Mr. Thatcher.
"And may you continue to love each other more and more on that Journey, for nothing else matters! Only love. To Elizabeth and Nathan, we love you and couldn't be happier for you or prouder of you together! Wishing you both the Best Life has to Offer!" finished Archie, along with the broadest of smiles.
But, then he quickly added, "You've given us two beautiful Grandchildren already with Allie and Jack, whom we love very much and are very grateful for! However, none of us, including the Children, will be averse to many more!"
Everyone clapped while Nathan and Elizabeth blushed profusely.
"To Elizabeth, my Fiancee!" toasted Nathan.
"To Nathan, my Fiance!" toasted Elizabeth.
Then the Couple kissed to loud applause!
But the Children could wait no longer! And Allie came running with Little Jack.
Godfrey took their Glasses for the moment, and Nathan and Elizabeth both knelt on the Floor, showering their attention first on Allie and Little Jack, practically smothering them with hugs and kisses.
"Does this mean we're really getting Married?" asked Allie, almost beside herself.
"Yes, Sweetheart, this means we're really getting Married!" answered a very excited Elizabeth.
"And we're going to be a real Family?"
"As real as they come, Allie Bean! As real as they come!" reassured her Dad.
Nathan and Elizabeth were standing now and Allie literally lept up in her Dad's arms, crying so hard, she couldn't stop.
"Allie, are you okay, Sweetheart?" asked Nathan, rubbing her back to soothe her.
Allie's tears were flowing into sobs now, "But we're really going to be a Family. A real Family."
"Yes, Sweetheart, a real Family! The Four of us."
"I'm just so…happy!" she cried through tears! "I just wanted a Family."
Elizabeth had Little Jack, but without saying a word, she and Nathan switched.
Nathan took Little Jack and Elizabeth led Allie over to a Chair in a more private area, where she and Allie could talk together. She hugged Elizabeth, and Elizabeth sat with her till she was sure she had reassured Allie adequately, and Allie had said everything she needed to say to her. Elizabeth held her there, gently rocking with her, and she finally started to calm down. By the time the two were finished talking, Allie was all smiles, radiant ones!
"I can't wait for Jack and me to tell Rex and Reggie! They're going to be so happy for all of us to be together!" she said excitedly.
"Yes, they will, Allie! It's going to make things a lot easier for all of us, including those two, with no more going back and forth!" smiled Elizabeth, as she glanced over at Nathan and his Parents. "Allie, you do know my home is your home, too, right?"
"Yes, Ma'am, I do! And now, I guess it's official. I really do have two homes!"
"Yes, you do!" and she hugged Allie tightly smiling down at her.
"Congratulations, Son! I've never been happier for you!" and Nathan's Mother hugged him so tightly he thought he'd burst. "We love her, too, Nathan! She's beautiful inside and out. Everything a Mother could ever Dream for her Son."
"So proud of you, Son. You couldn't have chosen anyone we love more! Congratulations!" and Nathan noticed even Archie had a tear in his eye. "Just so happy to be able to celebrate with you both!"
The Grants went to congratulate Elizabeth, as the Thatchers, who had held back to let their guests go first, went to congratulate Nathan.
"Couldn't be happier, Nathan. You're perfect for our Daughter. Just what she needs and we love you already!" Grace reached to kiss him, and then looked hesitantly at Little Jack.
"Do you think he might allow me to hold him?" she asked.
"Of course! Jack, this is your Mama's Mama, which makes her your Grandmother. Grace what do you prefer to be called?" asked Nathan.
"Nathan, I've never been asked that before. My English Grandchild, or Viola, I should say, chose her name for me, so I didn't have a say. But, I would love nothing more than to be Granda to Allie and Jack, just like my Mother was to Elizabeth!"
"Why, Grace, I think that's lovely! Jack this is your Granda, and she would love to hold you."
Nathan smiled as Grace hesitantly reached out her arms for Jack and he nudged Jack towards her, giving him confidence that this was someone who loved him. As Nathan moved him closer to Grace, Jack reached out his little arms to her, and you could literally see Grace melt.
'And all it took was a little nudge,' thought Nathan, so happy to be seeing Granda and Grandson together.
"Allie, come sit with us!" called Grace, and she protectively reached out her other arm to lead Allie. "I'm your new Granda! Allie, it's wonderful to have you as my new Granddaughter!"
"I love that! Thank you, Granda! Now, I have two Grandmas!"
Nathan and Elizabeth smiled, along with Mr. Thatcher who was standing with them.
"You'd better be thinking about what you want to be called, Father!"
"Yes, I hear Gramps is taken!"
"Yes, but a Child can never have too many Gramps, if you prefer that," smiled Nathan.
"You know, if Archie doesn't mind, I think I'll share Granddad with him!"
"I think that's perfect, William," offered Nathan, happy to know he was easing into his new role with the Children.
"Son, I'm thrilled for you both! Again, welcome and a hearty Congratulations!" Mr. Thatcher shook Nathan's hand again and reached to kiss his Daughter.
"Elizabeth, I like him. I like him a lot, and I'm proud he's part of the Family! Wish you both every happiness, and something tells me together, you're going to have it!" and he held his Daughter as Nathan looked on, realizing that he also was truly gaining a whole new Family, not just in name only.
And it warmed Nathan's heart, for that was really all he had been hoping.
Elizabeth watched as Madelyne helped her Mother learn how to play with Jack and be more comfortable with him and even Allie. It just all came so naturally to Madelyne, and although Grace was having to work at it, she was fully present and engaged with her two Grandchildren. Something Elizabeth had never even been able to imagine. To see her Mother trying so hard and reaching out to her Children was so touching, Elizabeth loved her Mother more than she could ever remember.
What a night! Two Mismatched Families brought together through a Couple who had fallen completely and totally in love. And now, that Couple was Engaged to be Married, making the Merger of the two Families official.
What a Happy Night!
Nathan stood with his arm around Elizabeth, gazing at her, unable to take his eyes off her for longer than seconds, as the Families celebrated together.
Elizabeth went back and forth gazing at the Man she loved, then gazing at this very special Ring on her finger, and she thought of her Granda, the Person who had worn it for so many Years, and had always promised it to her favorite Granddaughter as her Engagement Ring.
Lost, but now, by some Miraculous Set of Circumstances, it was now on Elizabeth's finger where Granda had intended it to be all along. Placed there by the Man who was her Prince in every way.
A tear fell down Elizabeth's cheek.
Nathan couldn't help but notice and gently wiped it away.
Looking down at her new Vintage Engagement Ring, her Granda's smallest, yet favorite Victorian Ring and the one Elizabeth had loved since she was a very small child, Elizabeth realized her Dream was coming true, and knowing Granda, somehow, she had played more than a small part in this.
Elizabeth whispered, "Thank you, Granda! I love you! And I know you're here with us."
Then looking up at Nathan, she whispered "Thank you, Darling! It's perfect. Everything is just perfect!"
Nathan smiled and promised himself to tell Elizabeth the entire "Granda" story very soon.
Then they kissed for no reason at all other than their need for each other, standing there with both their Families in the Room, and it was the most natural thing in the World to do so.
Mr. Thatcher smiled, and Mrs. Thatcher came over with the Children, "I think Allie is ready to help get Jack in bed. It seems my Grandson is fighting the Sleep Fairy. Is it okay if Laura comes to take them downstairs to bed?"
"Of course, Mother! Oh, no Jack should have been in Bed an hour ago. And Allie, Sweetheart, we're right at your Bedtime, too. Why don't your Father and I come and tuck you both in?"
"Please!" begged Allie.
"Absolutely! Let's go now! No need to call Laura, Mother. We'll take the Children down to her."
"Elizabeth," called Grace, "We still have Guests waiting for us in the Ballroom. Why don't Archie, Madelyne, your Father, and I go on down there now? That way, you and Nathan can come as soon as you're finished tucking the Children in. Would that be suitable?"
"That's perfect, Mother, thank you!" and Elizabeth kissed her Mother before turning to leave.
She then kissed Madelyne, Archie, and her Father.
As they were getting ready to leave, Nathan was holding Little Jack, who was already asleep on his shoulder, and Elizabeth had her arm around Allie.
But Nathan knew he needed to speak, and he wanted to do so…
"Before we leave, Elizabeth, Allie, Jack, and I just want to thank you for all you've done and are doing for us. Thank you more than we can say! Family is everything and we're so blessed to have all of you, both Families, and we love you! Elizabeth and I'll see all of you downstairs in a bit, as soon as we tuck these two in," smiled Nathan as he turned to lead his Family down to the Children's Suite.
"We'll see you soon, Son!" mused Mr. Thatcher.
And when they had left, he turned to Archie, "Archie, I hope you don't mind sharing your Son with me. I've only had Daughters, but this young Man, I think is going to teach me what having a Son is like. And for that, I'm most grateful to both of you."
"William, that's what Families do. We share. Our Colleen is still in our Hearts, and will always be, but she's in Heaven. To have a Daughter back in our Lives, well, that means the World to Madelyne and me. So, I think we're sharing equally. And for that, we are very grateful to both of you."
Grace and Madelyne watched as their Husbands embraced each other, something neither Wife could ever remember seeing them do with anyone before.
In fact, the Mothers were so touched, they found themselves reaching for each other, too…
And yes, a few tears were shed on both sides of the Family…as Colleen's beautiful smiling presence was felt by all.
(*46) C.A. Reitzel, Han Christian Andersen "The Princess and the Pea" from "Tales, Told for Children" May 8, 1935, Public Domain
(*47) Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882), "This Is My Wish for You" (written in the mid-1800s), Public Domain