Chapter Ninety-Two: The Parade
Elizabeth absent-mindedly poured Tea for her very Best Friend.
"Spill it, every single little detail…" demanded Rosemary.
"Rosemary, I haven't even had time to absorb it all yet! But I can say it was the most Romantic Proposal ever! And every Girl should be so lucky! Oh, Rosemary, I just love him more than I ever thought possible. It hasn't even sunk in yet! We're Engaged! We're really Engaged. We're going to be Married!"
"Tell me how it happened. Were you surprised? Did he get down on one knee? What happened? I'm about to die, not knowing!"
"Rosemary, I'm sorry, but my mind is on him right now. He's going through a lot today. His whole career is hanging in the balance. We know there's probably going to be a career change, but we have no idea what!"
"A change? What change? He's still going to be our Constable, right? He'll still be in Hope Valley, right? Oh, no, Elizabeth!"
"Don't worry. We know that whatever it is, it's in Hope Valley. But, Rosemary, we have no idea what he'll be doing. Bill says it's going to be different and that's all we know! And, honestly, I'm a bit worried. Nathan loves what he does, and I want him to be happy. I haven't said it to him, but I honestly don't know how he'll take it if he's not Hope Valley's Constable."
"I had no idea, Elizabeth. I just thought they were giving him Medals. Is that why they let Aaron stay?"
"Possibly. We really don't know."
"I'm so sorry. But, Elizabeth, back to this Proposal. Talking about it might really take your mind off things."
"Oh, Rosemary. You're not going to let me out of this, are you?"
"No, I'm absolutely not!"
"I was totally surprised. I was asking him a million questions, and the whole time, the poor thing was trying to create 'The Most Romantic Proposal in the World' and I was too stupid to see it!"
"No!"
"Yes! Finally, he just placed two fingers over my mouth and looked deeply into my eyes, and started Slow Dancing with me!"
"And?"
"Rosemary, he quoted our favorite Emerson Poem to me as we Danced, but he personalized it just for us. It was so romantic. It was everything!"
"What next?"
"When he walked me back to the Sofa in front of the Fireplace, I think I was still trying to ask him questions. But he was so patient and said for us to just talk a bit. And Rosemary, suddenly he got down on one knee in his Dress Uniform, no less, and he looked every inch a Prince and I just lost it. I was speechless, and it was 'The Most Romantic Proposal' ever! But do not ask me what he said, you know that's between the two of us. But it was perfect, more perfect than anything I could ever imagine. And yes, I will remember every single word for the rest of my God-given life."
Rosemary was already crying, "It just sounds so…so very romantic!"
"I remember screaming 'Yes, Yes, and Yes!' And when he pulled out that Velvet Ring Box, I was speechless, and when I finally realized it was Granda's ring, my heart practically stopped. I still don't know how he got it or how he even knew about it! I don't even know how it appeared, but it's a 'Dream Come True.' I've never ever been this happy and I thought all my happiness was over with Jack."
Elizabeth looked down at the ring on her finger, Granda's ring, now her 'Engagement Ring.'
She touched it tenderly.
"Oh, no, my Dear Elizabeth! Your happiness is just beginning, and it's such a beautiful thing to see!"
Rosemary hugged her and both women cried tears of joy!
"Rosemary, don't be hurt that I can't talk about everything. It's just so new and so very personal. The two of us haven't even gotten to talk alone yet, not really talk."
"Exactly why I want the Children to go back with us!"
"You're probably right. Thank you for that, Sweet Friend. Wait, you're not even asking when the Wedding's going to be!"
"Well, it's just…it's just that I'm so excited about the Proposal!"
"You know, don't you?"
Rosemary was not about to betray Nathan's confidence and she was thinking very quickly, indeed, in order to quickly sidestep her Friend!
"I might have a pretty good idea, that it's probably when School lets out, so that would mean June, I think!"
"You know me so well! June it is! But Nathan and I will have to figure out all the details. I think I want Formal Dress in a very, very Informal Outdoor Setting. Probably at the Lake. Is that crazy?"
"Absolutely not! I love it! I love an Outdoor Wedding, and from what I hear, this Lake is beyond beautiful and it belongs to you and Nathan! Besides Elizabeth, let's face it, after having met you're Mother, you are still a Thatcher! So, I would expect a bit of formality. Besides, this is your Wedding and there should be a bit of formality! But I love mixing the two: Formal and Informal! We are going to make this Wedding so special!"
"I know with you in charge, you will, Rosemary! And I love you for that!"
"It's going to be the Event of the Year! Have you thought about a Wedding Gown?"
"I've Dreamed about it! And it's all in my head, but I'm not like you. I don't know how to get that on paper!"
"Well, that's what you've got me for. Because I do know how to put your dreams on paper. You'll just have to describe it to me perfectly, and I'll see that you have it."
"I don't want a Veil and all that, just this elegant Gown I have in my head. And in my head, it's so beautiful, almost Golden Ivory. So different, Rosemary, than anything I've ever seen or worn. But somehow it's here in my head!"
"No Veil needed, and even the color sounds different and beautiful. I'm sure it will be perfect, Elizabeth. We'll make it so. Different is good! Oh, look at the time! As much as I hate to leave, I've got to go check on Lee and make sure he looks alright for the Parade. Meet in the Lobby at about 1:30? And don't you dare forget, this private conversation gets picked back up the next time we're alone together! Tell my Son, I'll meet him in the Lobby, too!"
Elizabeth walked her Best Friend to her Suite's door and hugged her Goodbye.
"Perfect, Rosemary. See you soon!"
As she turned and closed the door behind her, Elizabeth was finally alone, and the smile on her face said it all.
She walked to the Desk in her Suite's Living Room and pulled out some Paper with a Pen. But then she remembered she had the Gold Pen Nathan had given her in her Handbag and she decided that was the Pen she had to use to write these particular thoughts.
The Pen from her Fiance, the Man who would soon be her Husband.
The ink flowed as she furiously wrote each and every word of their Proposal in the perfect sequence they had been spoken.
Words she would treasure for the rest of her life.
Words that meant everything to her.
She folded the pages, sealed them, and kissed the seal.
Then she placed them in her Handbag, along with her treasured Gold Pen.
Elizabeth walked over and knocked on the Children's Door.
"Laura, does anyone need help getting dressed?"
"No, thank you! I think we're all good!"
"Here we are, how do we look?" asked Allie, as she took Little Jack's hand and lined him up beside Frederic for inspection.
"I think you look perfect! Great job, Laura. Now, who's ready to watch a Parade?"
"Me!" "Me!" and of course, Little Jack added his loud "ME!" too.
Elizabeth laughed, "Let's get your Coats, and Hats, and Scarfs, and Mittens!"
And the Children laughed too, full of excitement, running to help...
The Hotel had constructed a VIP Viewing Stand for their Prominent Guests from Hope Valley, so the Thatchers, Grants, and Women of Hope Valley only had to move outside the Door of the Lobby and off to the Side from the Main Entrance for their First, Second, and Third Row Seats of Honor to watch the Parade. They had even added an extra Row in the Front so that the Children could clearly see everything.
Plush Red Cushions covered each of the Rows.
All of this was covered by a large overhead Red Awning, emblazoned with the Hotel's Golden Crest, to help keep out the Wind.
"I hear Music!" announced Allie excitedly. "I think I hear the Band!"
Everyone looked to the right to catch a glimpse and sure enough, the Parade was officially starting.
Adeline, Felicity, and Rosemary were standing beside Elizabeth so they could all watch their Men together.
A row of Nine Drummers formally dressed in Red and Gold, perfectly spaced in a single row, appeared marching in perfect step, as the 'First to Show!'
"Look, Jack! It's started!" exclaimed Allie.
Next came a single row of Mounties riding on Horseback, each with a Banner.
The Riders sat erect in their Mounts and their Horses kept perfect pace with each other, in perfect Military Precision.
Just behind was the Commissioner on Horseback, along with Nathan on Newton, both in their Fancy-Dress Uniforms, riding side by side, also in perfect step, as Honorary Grand Marshalls of this Military Parade.
"Dat!" yelled Little Jack.
It literally pained Nathan to not be able to turn and wave to the Little Guy, and to Allie and Frederic.
Allie tried to explain to Little Jack, but he was having none of it and kept calling "Dat!" and pointing to his Nathan.
Elizabeth's heart swelled with love and gratitude. The Son she thought would never know the joys of having a Father, was now going to have the most wonderful Father, to step in for his Father who was now in Heaven and be everything Jack would want for his Son.
Just behind them was Bill leading the Regiment of Fourteen Mounties that had assisted Nathan in the capture of Packer Johnston's gang, each Mountie riding also in perfect step, holding Flags, that were flailing gloriously in the winds!
"There's Uncle Bill leading them! And Uncle Gabe and Uncle Aaron are in the First Row!" shouted Allie, looking back to make sure her Aunties knew.
They all smiled proudly back at her.
Behind the Regiment was a string of Black Open-top Military Vehicles adorned with Flags on each Front Side.
Lee, as Deputy, rode in the first Vehicle alone, and he was beaming, waving proudly to the people who had gathered on both sides of the Street.
He reserved an extra big wave and smile for Frederic, Allie, and Jack.
He was followed by the Townsmen who were riding Two per Vehicle behind him, each of them smiling broadly and proudly waving to the crowd that had gathered along the Parade Route.
Nathan and the Commissioner had insisted Nathaniel join them, as he also was a key piece to all this as Prosecuting Attorney.
Most of them had never even seen a Parade of this magnitude, but here they were, because of Nathan Grant, the Guests of Honor actually in one!
It was something they would remember and tell their Children and Grandchildren for years to come!
Behind the Vehicles came several Regiments on Horseback, along with their individual identifying Banners.
The Parade was huge and quite wonderful to see. Very Patriotic, leaving everyone with a feeling of Pride for their Mounties and their Country.
Nobody even minded the cold!
Suddenly, there was a full Band with lively Military Parade Music literally wafting through the air as far as one could hear.
Elizabeth stood there, surrounded by these Women she loved, and it finally hit her what an extraordinary thing Nathan had accomplished! And she found herself literally bursting with pride.
This Man, who she loved more than life itself, so selfless, so humble, and yet all about Family. But he had accomplished what no other Mountie or groups of Mounties had been able to do over the Years! And he had done it, protecting his Men, without a single Gunshot or wound of any kind to either side.
An impossible situation he had been thrown into, but he had handled it magnificently.
It really was a remarkable, very brave, accomplishment.
Without Nathan commandeering the Operation, Elizabeth shuddered to think what the result would have been for Hope Valley.
"Dad looked great out there on Newton, Mrs. Thornton!"
"Yes, he did, Allie! You know, I'm sure he wished he could have waved to you Kids!"
"But Papa did, Auntie Elizabeth!" chimed in Frederic. "He waved to us!"
"Yes, he did, Frederic. But you're Uncle Nathan is a Mountie, which means he can't break his training, even for the Children he loves more than anything! The same goes for Uncle Bill, Uncle Aaron, and Uncle Gabe!"
"Oh! They're like Soldiers?" asked Frederic.
"Yes, Frederic, that's it. Just like Soldiers!" answered Elizabeth proudly.
"Will Dad tell us what it was like to ride in the Parade?" asked Allie.
"He absolutely will, Allie. But he's got a long day ahead of him. He's with the Commissioner all Day, and after the Parade finishes their route, he has to get ready for the Awards Ceremony and Dinner later tonight!"
They could still hear the Band playing their Music, although the Band Members had already passed them by.
"This was the biggest Parade I ever saw!" exclaimed Allie. "I can still hear the Music! Does that mean there are still People watching them?"
"Yes, it does!"
"Well, I for one, am very proud of your Dads!" declared Madelyne, as she wrapped her arms around the Children.
"Grandma!" "Gamma!"
"Can you be my Grandma, too?" asked Frederic.
"Absolutely, yes! Come here for another hug! Elizabeth, do you think it's time we get these three in out of the cold?"
"Grandma's right. We've been out here far too long. Let's head in and we'll get some warm Cocoa!"
"With Marshmallows, please?" asked Allie.
"Always with Marshmallows! Is there any other way?"
The Children laughed and Madelyne helped gather them back into the Lobby with Archie and the Thatchers following close behind Elizabeth and her group of Hope Valley Lady Friends...
Once inside, the Group warmed themselves a bit by the huge Fireplace in the Lobby.
"That was quite the Parade, Elizabeth. Nathan didn't tell us it was in his Honor. But then again, he wouldn't have, would he?" asked William.
"No, Father, he's a very humble Man. And really doesn't like the Limelight at all, so I'm very sure he's glad to have this part over with. But I can tell you, tonight is the part he has really been dreading!"
"Why, Darling?" asked Grace.
"Because, he's going to be receiving a couple of Medals I think, Mother. But perhaps, I should go on and tell the four of you. Something is changing about his Job, but we don't know what. We only know we get to stay in Hope Valley."
"Well, Elizabeth, as much as you both love Hope Valley, I'd say that's a very good thing. Nathan's strong. He'll deal with any changes. Think of it this way, they have to be positive changes, don't they?" suggested Archie.
"Oh, Archie, I suppose you're right. I guess it's just the unknown. And Nathan loves being the Town's Constable."
"You know, Darling. Archie's right. Change is not always a bad thing. In my experience, change can be a very good thing," and her Father winked at her.
She nodded, "Thank you all for being here with me. I think I needed you here as much for me as for Nathan. It means a lot! And I know it means the world to him!"
"This is where we belong, Elizabeth, with you both. We've been distant far too long. And Madelyne, I can't imagine not having met you. It's just been so delightful getting to know you and Archie, and the two of us planning the Engagement Party together was so much fun. I feel like I've not only gained Family, but dear Friends as well!" said Grace.
"I feel the same way! Wouldn't have missed this for anything!" and Madelyne reached to hug Grace, who surprisingly to Elizabeth, gave her a huge hug back, not at all like the formal stiff ones Elizabeth had been used to seeing her Mother give all her life.
'Wonders truly never cease!' marveled Elizabeth.
"Why don't we all go for that Cocoa together?" asked Grace.
"Yes, please, Granda! That sounds wonderful!" answered her new Granddaughter enthusiastically.
Grace took Allie's hand, Madelyne reached for Frederic's hand, and Archie picked up Little Jack as the Families and Friends went to find Cocoa, with Marshmallows, of course, to warm them completely, from the outside cold...
Back on the Base, as Nathan showered, shaved, and changed back into his Dress Uniform for the Awards Ceremony and Dinner to follow, he couldn't help but think of Elizabeth.
If he could only tell her what he knew so far, he'd feel so much better about everything.
But he was sure she would agree that this was the best thing for both of them and the Children.
This was what she would want him to do for the longterm.
And although, it was presented to him as though he had a choice, Nathan knew deep down, this had already been determined to be his New Position, and it was his responsibility to accept.
There was a need, and he was the logical Person to fill that need, given his training and area of expertise.
Truthfully, he didn't like giving up his Title of Constable to Hope Valley, but that was just because he loved the People and they relied on him. With this New Position, there would be less of that, less Contact with them as far as helping solve their day-to-day problems.
He would truly miss that part.
"A Penny for Your Thoughts?"
"Bill, I sure would like a chance to speak with Elizabeth."
"It's hard, isn't it?" asked Bill, before he paused and started in again.
"Nathan, I know you don't like the attention, but I want to tell you something before we go into that Auditorium tonight. What you've done is truly phenomenal, so the Awards, and the Medals that are coming, are truly deserved. Do you hear me?"
"I do, Bill."
"Any Mountie I've ever known would give their eye teeth for a night like tonight. So, I want you to try hard to just sit back and enjoy it! I know that's not your nature, but the way I look at it. It's happening, and you might as well enjoy it, because you've earned it! And I want to say one more thing…I couldn't be prouder!"
"Thank you, Bill, that means the World. You know I respect your opinion more than anyone's. So, thank you for that! Bill, can I ask you a question?"
"Of course, anything!"
"Am I the right person for this new Project?"
"Well, as the Project was designed because of your Talents, I'd say that you're the only Person for the Job! And I say that knowing better than anyone how very much this Position is needed from Headquarter's point of view and from the Field's point of view. Harold won't leave you in a lurch. I've grilled him over that, and I want you to know, this is something that goes beyond his Leadership. It's ironclad for perpetuity if you accept. It's not going to go away, unless you decide you want it to go away. But I don't think you will. Truthfully, I think you're going to love it. It's just going to take us all adjusting a bit! Obviously, you, more so than the rest of us, but still if you commit, we're ready to commit with you. We won't leave you in this alone, Nathan."
"Bill, that means everything to me. I don't really have a choice, do I?"
"Not really. Duty calls, and all!" then Bill laughed.
"Bill, this is my life, and now, it's Elizabeth's life. It isn't a laughing matter."
"Sorry, no it's not a laughing matter at all! But, you've got to admit, who would have 'thunk' this! Ever? Hope Valley being a 'Center of Anything?' It's a 'Once in a Lifetime Opportunity,' Nathan. For you and Hope Valley!"
Nathan lifted his hand and pulled it through his hair, still incredulous as to what was about to happen.
"Nathan, pull it together. This is going to be alright. I know it is. And it's a very good thing!"
Nathan nodded, "It's just that it's the unknown, isn't it? I guess I'm going into a lot of unknown."
"We're talking about Elizabeth here, aren't we?"
"Yes. She's had a Husband, Bill. I've never been a Husband. How am I supposed to know I can be what she needs?"
"Because you're what she needs now. I've never seen her like this. She loved Jack with all her heart. I know that. But her heart has been broken, and you're the one who healed it. It's stronger, she's stronger and she knows how to love more deeply now. You are the one she loves completely and needs in order to exist happily. Nathan, she adores you. Everything will work out."
"But what if she compares me to Jack, and I don't measure up somehow?"
"Jack would give his eye teeth to be in your position tonight, yet he never was. Sure, he got Medals and Awards, but nothing like this. Nathan, do you honestly believe that when you kiss Elizabeth, she's thinking of anyone but you?"
"Well, no, not when you put it that way!"
"I am putting it that way. Jack and Elizabeth were together as a Married Couple for all of eleven days. Much of their short Marriage was spent apart. They barely had the chance to get to know each other as a Married Couple. You and Elizabeth have a Lifetime ahead of you for that. And I'll add this. It's been my experience, a Woman doesn't care about your experience or lack of experience; they only care about how you treat them. That's it! Just be yourself, Nathan. Don't you dare compare yourself to anyone. Just love her. Good Grief, you already do! When the time is right, it will all fall into place. You'll see that I'm right."
Nathan nodded, "I'm sorry, Bill."
"For what, every man has feelings like that! We're just all Human, Nathan. We're not perfect. Although you come pretty darn close!"
Bill started laughing and finally, all Nathan could do was the same, as he realized every newly Engaged Man probably had some of the same Feelings.
He also realized, this had never been a competition with Jack and never would be. He was secure in that, it was just that one little doubt of inexperience, and now even that, thanks to Bill, was put to rest.
"Are you ready to go into the Auditorium?" asked Bill.
"Do we have to?" countered Nathan.
"Not unless you want to be Court Marshalled!"
"Well, then I suppose, I'm as ready as ever!" laughed Nathan.
Bill winked at his Protege, "It's going to be huge, Nathan. Sit back and enjoy, do that for me. If not for me, for Elizabeth!"
And it was that comment from Bill, that made Nathan remember his vow to himself.
It was for Elizabeth…to find Joy in all areas of his life, so he in turn could give Joy to her.
Tonight, he'd put that to the Test, and do his level best to find Joy in this most unusual Night…