Chapter Ninety: A Special Celebration
Walking down the Hotel's Grand Staircase with Elizabeth on his arm, Nathan and Elizabeth literally could not wipe the smiles off their faces.
The Couple might as well have been Dancing down the Grand Staircase if their Happiness had been taken into consideration because both felt like they were on Top of the World!
This was real.
It had finally happened.
They were now an officially Engaged Couple, and miraculously, thanks to Elizabeth, it was without a Trip to Hamilton!
When Nathan looked down at Elizabeth by his side, she was simply radiant, with a smile that was positively blissful.
She looked up at him, "I've never in my life been this happy, Nathan! We're really going to be Married. We're going to spend our entire lives together!"
"Yes, we are, Darling, and I can't imagine anything more wonderful!" as he reached to tenderly caress her cheek and then brushed back the lock of hair falling across her face.
Elizabeth had quickly twisted her hair into a chic low chignon after they had tucked the Children into bed, and it reminded him of how she wore it at the Mountie Ball.
"Uhm, I'm not quite sure I got that back where it's supposed to be. You may want to check just how badly I did…I can braid in a pinch, but other than that, hair is not my strong suit!"
She laughed, reached to kiss him on the cheek, and excused herself to the Ladies Powder Room off the Lobby, where Nathan stood guard waiting for her.
He paced a bit, trying to let it all sink in. They were so much closer to everything they were dreaming of together.
It was so overwhelming, in such a good way, that his heart was overflowing with Love, just as Elizabeth had said, but also something else, that he couldn't quite put his finger on…
But as he paced and searched his heart, it came to him in an instant.
It was one thing – immense Joy, that's what he was experiencing now with Elizabeth.
Nathan now realized how much he had changed over the years and how much had been missing in his young life.
This kind of Joy was such an alien feeling to him, as he really couldn't even remember having experienced it at all, not since he had been a Child, before the problems with his Father, and of course, long before the loss of Colleen.
When Colleen had been with him, they were a team, even as they grew older, and they bore the hardships their Father had placed on them together, which somehow made them lighter.
But if Nathan were completely honest with himself, through no fault of his Mother, he and Colleen had been robbed of much of the innocent Joy that Childhood should have brought them.
It was hard for him to admit that, but complete unfettered Joy had been missing, because of the pain they had all gone through as a Family. And now that he was experiencing it again, it almost felt foreign to him. Like he didn't know what to do with it.
A good feeling, yes, even a spectacular one, but an unfamiliar one, and he suddenly realized he had to change that.
Elizabeth deserved all the Joy the World had to offer, and he was now the one responsible for seeing that she got it.
He would have to learn to experience that kind of Joy in his own Life, again, and in all areas of his life, in order to be able to bring it fully into hers.
Nathan vowed right then and there, for Elizabeth's sake, he would change that and focus on stepping out of all that pain and living a life full of joy, not just a life of survival.
With that revelation, Nathan felt so much lighter, as though his entire world was suddenly brighter.
And for the first time, he felt truly worthy of Elizabeth's love.
She opened the Powder Room Door, and literally took his breath away, all over again.
"All better, Love?" she asked.
"Perfect, Darling," as he kissed her cheek and offered her his arm.
And it was.
Everything was truly perfect now…
As they reached the Doors, to the Ballroom, Godfrey was standing there to meet them.
"I wanted to give you my personal Congratulations, Sir, more privately, for all of us actually, if I may. We couldn't be happier. You're exactly what our Miss Elizabeth needs. She's very special to us all, but especially to me, and I know you'll take the best care of her. We hope you and the Children, won't be a Stranger to Hamilton! And Miss Elizabeth, our very Best of Best Wishes to you!"
Elizabeth reached to kiss Godfrey, "I love you so much!"
"Thank you, Godfrey! I will most certainly take the very best care of her, I promise you that! Perhaps you'll get to come to Hope Valley for our Wedding in June. We'd love to have you there."
"I would love nothing more, Sir! But right now, I need to lead you to your Party. And I should warn you, there's quite a bit of excitement inside this Ballroom, tonight, thanks to the two of you. These people obviously love you both. Are you ready?"
Nathan looked down to see if Elizabeth was ready.
She reached up to kiss him, "Now, I'm ready, Love!"
She took his arm, and Nathan nodded, We're ready, Godfrey! It's now or never!"
Godfrey smiled, then opened the doors wide.
Every single person was standing and applauding loud and long, interspersed with shouts of Congratulations and Best Wishes!
As beautiful as the Ballroom had been for Dinner, there were even more Flowers, now, as well as the Main Front Table that held a stunning Tiered Engagement Cake in the center with filled Champagne Flutes surrounding it!
What Nathan and Elizabeth hadn't expected was the Gold and Silver Confetti they were now being bombarded with as they walked toward the front of the Ballroom.
It was a beautiful, fun, and festive sight, with the people they loved matching the Couples' joy to celebrate with them.
Bill and Adeline were the first to come up to them.
"Congratulations, Nathan, what a surprise, and frankly, it's about time! You've made this old man a very happy one! Adeline and I wish both of you the very best in everything. Elizabeth, you know I love you like a Daughter and I'll just come out and admit it, I love this one like a Son. Just so happy for you both! Many, many blessed years together!"
"Elizabeth, let me see that gorgeous ring! Oh, my…it's just stunning! We just love you both so much. Wishing you every happiness in the World," and Adeline reached to kiss them both.
"Just wait till I get to tell you the story behind the ring, Adeline. You won't believe it!"
"Can't wait to hear, but we better move along. Rosemary's chomping at the bit to get to you!"
Bill kissed Elizabeth and hugged Nathan. Then Adeline hugged Elizabeth, and Nathan reached to kiss her on the cheek.
The Couple laughed as Bill and Adeline moved to get their Champagne and made way for Lee and Rosemary.
"I can't believe you two didn't even give me a hint but never mind! I'll seriously berate you both later. For now, just let me see that ring!"
"Rosemary, this is the one I was telling you about, Granda's ring. I don't even know how it was found. But I'm just so happy it was!"
"Elizabeth, it's as gorgeous as I imagined! And you're positively radiant!" exclaimed Rosemary.
"I've never been this happy, Rosemary! I'm just on Cloud Nine, and maybe beyond!"
"And you, Nathan, just how much kissing have you all been up to? I've never seen your eyes sparkle so much! And we all know what that means!"
"Rosemary!" and that wasn't even Lee.
It was instead an exasperated Nathan as he had learned by now, that sometimes you just had to rein Rosemary in!
"Nathan, excuse my Wife! Congratulations! It's about time. You two are meant to be! We couldn't be happier for you both!" and Lee meant it from the depths of his heart. "You know what this means? We start building our Houses!"
"Sounds perfect, Lee! I'm so ready for that!"
"But honestly, I think we should start on the Cabin and the Lodge and get those out of the way, first. Then we'll have warmer weather for the Houses! You know these Ladies. They'll probably be far more concerned with absolute Perfection for the Homes. I think we Men can handle the rustic stuff! At least with getting it all built."
"I'll defer to your judgment, Lee. It's pretty amazing that it all just got so real!" admitted Nathan.
"Hey, I can't wait. Your Lake is calling my name!"
"Only a man would think a Cabin was more important than the Home they were planning to live in! Really, Lee!" piped up Rosemary.
Nathaniel was behind them, and he spoke up to say, "Have to agree with Lee, Rosemary, that Lake is calling my name, too! It's a shame to let all that Natural Beauty sit there and go to waste when we're all chomping at the bit to enjoy it! Bill, Aaron, and I will all pitch in and help, you and Lee, Nathan. We'll get it all done in record time!"
"Sounds great, Nathaniel! Rosemary, we've got to move on a bit. There are a ton of people waiting for their turn, behind us!" nudged Lee. "And if I don't do something now, you and Elizabeth will stand here and talk all night!"
"Oh, Lee!" pouted Rosemary.
Lee kissed Elizabeth and grabbed Nathan in an unexpected Bear hug! Rosemary then kissed Elizabeth as well, and Nathan bent to kiss her.
"Thank you, Rosemary, for all your help! We'll tell you everything first chance we get to sit down together," promised Nathan, which brought a bright smile to Elizabeth's Best Friend's face.
"Son, Congratulations! Best of All Wishes, Elizabeth! I'm thrilled that you two have made it official! Just thrilled! And I bet my Grandkids are too!"
"Oh, Nathaniel, they're over the Moon, especially Allie. She's wanted a Family for so long!" replied Elizabeth as Nathaniel bent to kiss her.
"Elizabeth, your Ring is absolutely beautiful. Nathan, however, you managed this you did very well, Son!"
"Nathaniel, that's a Story Elizabeth doesn't even fully know, but one you definitely have to hear! Just so happy you're here with us! Elizabeth's Father has really enjoyed meeting you, too and I think he's ready for us to teach him to Fish!"
"A pleasure, Nathan, but the more I think about that Lodge, the bigger we need to make it!" winked Nathaniel.
Nathan laughed, "You're always thinking big, Nathaniel. But you're probably right on this one!"
"No doubt about it, Son. But between us, we'll make it work!"
Nathaniel kissed Elizabeth again, and hugged Nathan, then moved on to speak with the Parents.
"Oh, Felicity, we're engaged!" shrieked Elizabeth.
"I love that both of us are engaged together! This is perfect, Elizabeth! We'll have so much fun! Congratulations and Best Wishes from both of us! You're Ring is so stunning!"
"Nathan, Congrats! You surprised us all! Fantastic news! Now we can wade through this Engagement stuff, together, Pal! Especially since I don't know what I'm doing half the time," said Aaron, conspiratorially.
"You're doing fine, Sweetheart! Just fine, but Nathan you might want to help him with the finer points," teased Felicity.
"What finer points? There are finer points of an Engagement? I thought I just did the hard part!" exclaimed Nathan.
"Oh, Darling, you'll see. But, don't worry, I'll be here to help you with those," laughed Elizabeth, and Nathan bent to kiss her.
"Thank Heavens for that!" and he grinned that lop-sided grin, and predictably she melted, yet again, right there in front of their guests.
"Elizabeth, I'm so excited for you and Nathan! We could all tell he adored you from the first moment we saw you together!" exclaimed Clara while smothering Elizabeth with hugs.
"Hey, I'm standing right here!" reminded Nathan.
"Sorry, but true. Where Elizabeth is concerned, you, Constable, have no poker face whatsoever!"
He laughed, "Probably true, Clara!"
"Congratulations, Nathan. Married Life is going to suit you! It's the best!" offered Jesse.
"He has to say that! I'm standing right here, too!" laughed Clara. "But, seriously, so very happy for you two. You belong together!"
"Thank you, Clara! Thank you, Jessie. I may need advice, so get ready!" warned Nathan.
They both laughed and moved on so Molly, Florence, and Ned could move up.
"We're positively thrilled for you, both!" exclaimed Molly as she hugged Elizabeth and kissed Nathan on his cheek.
"Thank you, Molly! We're so very happy," smiled Elizabeth.
"Well, I for one knew this was going to happen from the first moment I met our new Constable! And that's a fact!" stated Florence, emphatically.
"How ever did you know, Florence?" asked Elizabeth, as she hugged her back.
"There was just something about his mannerisms and your mannerisms. And, of course, the fact that he's so drop-dead handsome didn't hurt either! I just immediately knew 'those two are a Couple that's meant to be!'"
"That's very sweet, Florence. Thank you!" and Nathan bent to kiss her cheek.
Well, that rattled her and she blushed fifty shades of pink, "Why, Constable, how very sweet of you!" and she emphasized the "you!"
"Elizabeth, I couldn't be happier. You have a really good Man, there, and don't you ever forget it! And you, Nathan, have the catch of Hope Valley. Be good to her. I know you will! A hearty Congratulations and Best Wishes for all Good Things in Life. If anyone deserves them, you two do!" offered Ned.
"Thank you, Ned. That means so much, coming from you! Really appreciate it!" said Nathan earnestly.
"Nathan, did you see that?" Elizabeth whispered, her eyes widened.
"What, Darling?"
And then by her look, Nathan knew exactly what his Lisbeth meant.
And there it was, proof! Ned had placed his hand on Florence's back, gently leading her to get their Flutes of Champagne, and their smiles said it all!
"Well, I'll be! Florence and Ned, who would have thought?" he muttered back, under his breath. "But, come to think of it, they do spend most of their Days at the Mercantile together!"
The line continued with each and every one of the remaining Guests coming forward with congratulatory remarks and well wishes for the happy Couple.
And when everyone had finally gotten through the impromptu Receiving Line, Elizabeth's Father and Nathan's Father came to the Front to stand with and toast their Daughter and Son.
By this time, Godfrey and his Servers had made sure everyone had a freshly poured Flute of very bubbly, very expensive Champagne, including the newly Engaged Couple of Honor.
"For those of us who might not know, I have the honor of being this beautiful Young Lady's Father. To see her standing here tonight by this man she Loves, ready to embark on a brand new life with him, fills her Mother's and my heart with so much Joy! We've already welcomed him to the Family privately, but I'd like to also do that publicly. Nathan Grant, Grace and I are so honored and impressed by your abilities, humility, and passion! We already know how you care for our Daughter and that you love her and our Grandson completely. Plus, you're giving us a beautiful Granddaughter, as well. We could never ask for more. Except, perhaps, as Archie has said previously, for more Grandchildren!"
Everybody roared with laughter and Nathan and Elizabeth both turned crimson.
"Nathan, it is our honor and privilege to formally welcome you to the Thatcher Family. And I know Grace would want me to say this: we love you already, just like the Son we never had. Congratulations to you both, on this, your Engagement Night. May life afford you all of its many Blessings, and most importantly, may you be truly happy together and love each other well!"
"I have the distinguished honor of being this handsome Young Man's Father. Madelyne and I are overjoyed that he has not only found true love and true happiness but that it is with our beautiful Elizabeth. We are so very blessed to have a Daughter again, and a handsome, young Grandson, both of whom we already adore. Elizabeth, you are truly beautiful inside and out, and Madelyne and I both know you're perfect for our Son, and perfect for our Family. Welcome, with all of our hearts! Now, I did make that remark that all of us, my Grandchildren included, would love to see a few more little ones to round out the soon-to-be Grant Family of Hope Valley. And I stand by that again, tonight! You need more Citizens, right?"
Everyone clapped in agreement and there were a few shouts, as well as more blushing from Nathan and Elizabeth!
"Make this journey you're about to embark on your very own. Make it unique and fill it with love and desire as only the two of you can do. Dream big and make them happen. William, Grace, Madelyne, and I are here to support you in every way possible. We're now Family and that's what Family does. May God reign his richest blessings down on you and yours!"
Everyone called, "Hear, hear!" and clinked their freshly filled Flutes of Champagne, to toast this beautiful Couple they all loved.
Then Grace and Madelyne led Nathan and Elizabeth to stand behind their Cake.
"Cut it together, Darling! Practice for the Big Event!" directed Grace.
But they both looked a bit lost.
"Use the long knife, Elizabeth, and Nathan place your hand on Elizabeth's so you can cut it together," Madelyne whispered.
Now they were ready, and just as they cut the first slice, Carson moved closer and started taking pictures of them.
The two barely noticed as Nathan and Elizabeth were completely lost in each other's eyes, laughing together.
After a few shots, Carson had no doubt he had the 'Keeper Photo of the Evening!'
And, when developed back in Hope Valley, he would soon be proven right, as it turned out to be the most beautiful Photo ever made of the Couple!
It was a Photo that could be felt, as well as seen…as the Newly Engaged Couple's happiness and joy leapt out from the image, literally escaping the Photo Paper that was holding them captive!
'A professional shot to be sure!' thought the Doctor, proudly, upon seeing it.
But back at the Engagement Party, Madelyne had to take over and finish cutting the Cake, as the honored Couple became rather useless in that job, seeming to have eyes only for each other and none for the Cake!
Instead, Nathan led Elizabeth to the Dance Floor to join the other Couples.
But instead of earlier formal Waltzes, they were all having fun with the Foxtrot, Quickstep, Cakewalk, Krakowiak, Mazurka, Racket, Redowa, and even Ragtime!
The Party continued until all the Cake was eaten, the Champagne Flutes were empty, and the Dancers were exhausted!
And thanks to Carson, there were pictures of everyone to remember the night by.
All had a fabulous time, just so happy to be celebrating their favorite Couple's news!
Also, everyone appreciated getting to know both sets of Parents, many for the first time, and they each thanked the Grants and Thatchers, for including them in such an elegant, yet fun Event.
It was a night that would be remembered by all for some time to come!
But, tomorrow was another day, a very busy and important Day, so reluctantly, at Midnight, the Guests dispersed to their Suites, leaving Elizabeth and Nathan with a myriad of Congratulations and Best Wishes...
As Nathan walked Elizabeth back to her Suite from their impromptu Engagement Party, neither spoke. They were so in tune with each other, there was simply no need for Words.
After their somewhat boisterous Party, they were just relishing the quietness together, as well as each other.
"Here, we are, Lisbeth!" and he cupped her cheeks with both his hands.
"You have made me the Happiest Man in the World! I love you soon to be Mrs. Grant!"
"Oh, Nathan, I love the sound of that. I'm really going to be, Mrs. Nathan Alexander Grant, your Wife!"
"Yes, you are. Which makes me your soon-to-be Husband!"
She reached up and kissed him with so much love that no other words mattered, and when they finally tore themselves away from each other, they kept holding hands as Nathan reluctantly started backing away.
Both of them, deliriously happy.
Neither of them knowing exactly what the Morrow would bring, realizing their Future, or at least Nathan's professional future was entirely in Commissioner Blake's hands.
But they were 'Officially Engaged' and they would face that tomorrow.
Together.
Tonight, they would simply dream of each other…