Chapter One Hundred Eight: Adoptions & Debut
"Lisbeth, don't forget our appointment with Bill after School. Would you like me to pick you up here?"
"No, Darling, no need. I'll just meet you at your Office to save you the time. But, I really do dread this. Bill and Jack were awfully close, and I don't want Bill to think…"
"Bill is going to understand our reasoning. We just have to make him understand, for Little Jack's sake. I promise you it's all going to be okay. And Bill will support us. I'm certain of it! But you know, we can't keep putting this off. Not if we want everything done before our Wedding."
"You're right, and I know we're doing the right thing. I also know Jack would agree with it."
"That's the most important thing, Darling. I know if the situation were reversed, I'd agree as well. I just don't want you worried about all this!"
"Sorry, had an emergency from the Buxton Judge I had to help with. Would you all like some Coffee before we get started?"
"That would be great, Bill," agreed Nathan, looking around the Judge's chambers.
"Hey, Bill, why do you still come after my desk, when you've got this luxurious one here?" asked Nathan, absentmindedly.
"If you must know, this one's not broken in yet!"
"Because you won't break it in! I'll trade you."
"No thanks, I'm workin' on it! Besides I like your new desk even better than I liked your old one!"
"That's just great, Bill!"
"Okay, Boys! Let's play nice!" teased Elizabeth, but it was still clear she was nervous, as Bill poured three cups of very strong Coffee, that would definitely keep anyone on high alert!
Both Nathan and Elizabeth took one look at the slurry in their cups and quickly sat them down on the tables beside them, whereas Bill, well, he downed his!
"Now, that's the way to serve Coffee!" pronounced a very gratified Judge.
Nathan and Elizabeth just glanced at each other, in a 'You've got to be kidding me' sort of way!
"Bill, seriously, we're here to make sure the Children are cared for properly, given any untoward event, that might occur to either of us after our marriage," Nathan explained.
"Good, I'm glad to hear it! Parents need to think about those things! Sadly, you'd be surprised how many don't. And it often ends up tragically for their Children. So, you two are smart to get ahead of this."
"Nathan and I have thought about this long and hard, Bill. And we've discussed this at length. This wasn't an easy decision. I want you to know we've both tried to take Jack's feelings into consideration equally, based upon what we thought they would be."
"Elizabeth, Jack would be happy with whatever the two of you decide. You know that."
"Thank you for saying that, Bill. This has been so hard, but I know we're making the right decision. And I do believe if Jack were here, he'd agree."
"We want to accomplish two things, Bill. First, that the Children are a part of our Wedding Ceremony. In fact, we want it to be both our Wedding and Family Ceremony. So, if you can help us figure out some way to include these adoptions as part of it, we'll be so grateful. Secondly, and most importantly, we want to be sure that if something happens to one of us, that the Children stay together with the remaining Parent," explained Nathan.
"We love both of our Parents, but we want to make sure that the Children are not separated. We just don't want Allie and Jack split up under any circumstance, and we prefer they continue to be raised here in Hope Valley if that's possible."
"That's wonderful news. So, I take it you are here to start the formal adoption processes for both Children?"
Nathan glanced at Elizabeth, who smiled back at him and nodded.
"Yes, we are," declared Nathan.
"So that would be Elizabeth adopting Allie and you, Nathan adopting Jack."
"Yes, Bill, and I do have a concern, actually a question really," stated Elizabeth, nervously. "But, first I want you to understand that both Nathan and I will do everything in our power for Little Jack to know and honor his Father. Nathan will teach him everything Jack would have, and he'll teach him about Jack, the Mountie, why Jack loved being a Mountie so much, and all their traditions. And I'll teach him about Jack, the Man, his Father."
"Elizabeth, I know that both you and Nathan will do that. I'll even help the two of you do that myself. But you're like a Daughter to me. Why in the blazes are you this nervous talking about this to me, of all people?"
"Because of this. I want Jack to always have the Thornton name. But I also want him to have the Grant name. It's not at all important to Nathan. In fact, he suggested we just keep it Thornton. But I pointed out, that that's not really fair to Little Jack. Bill, Little Jack will never know Jack as his Father, except for pictures and what he's told. He will only ever physically know Nathan as his Dad. And though we'll do our best to keep Jack's memory alive for him, we are now forming the Grant Family and I don't want my Son to feel left out of that in any way, even if it's only his last name being different than ours. It just wouldn't be fair to him!"
"Are you asking me how to keep the Thornton name legally and add the Grant name as well to Little Jack's surname?"
"Is that even possible? If so, that's exactly what I'm asking you."
Bill thought a moment, then pulled out a legal reference to look up something.
He thumbed through several pages.
"First of all, as part of your Family, I want to say, I think this is exactly the right thing to do, especially for my Godson, Jack Thornton, Jr."
"Bill, I appreciate that! I just didn't want you to think we were slighting Jack in any way."
"Elizabeth, look at me. How long have I known you? A long time and I've known Nathan now for over two years and the two of us have already been through more than two people should go through in a lifetime! And Jack and I went through the same during our time together. Hmph! In my book, that earns me the right to speak my mind here! What I'm trying to say, is I want both of you to just put away any fears and guilt right this minute, because no one, anywhere, is going to think you are trying to slight Jack Thornton, Sr. or his memory, by adding Grant to Little Jack's last name!"
Bill continued, a little more subdued, but still emphatically, "You're absolutely right, though. How's Jack going to feel when he gets older and realizes Allie's a Grant, but he's not? Or you have Children and he realizes they're Grants, but he's not. Or, very soon, he realizes he doesn't have the name that his 'Dat' has, who he already idolizes. Or he asks you Elizabeth, "Mama, why is your name Grant and my name is Thornton?" None of those things are good! Not for my Godson! You better believe we are all going to keep those things from ever happening to him! And as Jack's closest friend, I'm here to tell you Jack Thornton would be the first person to figure that out and say he absolutely agreed with what we're doing for his son!"
Bill paused, and then something came to him. He then got up and walked around his desk, leaning against it directly in front of Nathan and Elizabeth.
Now, Bill was the nervous one.
"Confession time. This just hit me and it may apply here. I honestly don't know how you're going to take this, except just be madder at me. But I've been there before, so here we go because you both need to know this. I'm going to let you know exactly how I know Jack would approve. And I do know it! Jack Thornton, your husband, Elizabeth, was actually Jack Thornton, Jr."
"What? What are you talking about, Bill?" asked an incredulous Elizabeth. "He never used Jr."
"Your husband was named after his Dad, but he hated the Jr. part and refused to use it. It came out one night when we were out riding, because I remembered meeting his Dad, Jack Thornton, Sr. So, I just point-blank asked him, "Aren't you his Jr? And he admitted I was correct, that he was technically a Jr., but he hated having that tacked on to his name and refused to use it as soon as he got old enough to do so. He forbade even me to ever use it. Even teasingly. "Off-limits, he said!" For some reason, he was super touchy about it and I knew never to mention it again. Elizabeth, when you wanted to name Little Jack, after his Daddy and call him Jack Thornton, Jr., well, I couldn't say anything, because I didn't want to hurt you, and technically you were correct because Jack never used the Jr. But legally, well, Little Jack is legally Jack Thornton, III."
"Bill! You never told me?" asked a shocked Elizabeth. "You didn't think that was important for me to know?"
"No, by that time, Jack had already passed. It was a moot point, Elizabeth. It wasn't important. I just wanted you to be able to name Little Jack exactly as you wanted to. You were going through so much. I just couldn't interfere with you naming your son!"
Elizabeth was nonplussed, "Bill, you mean I've been worried for months over something that isn't even real? If Jack hated the Jr. for himself, he most certainly wouldn't have named his Son that! And yet I'm the one who did! This is almost comical, given how much I've worried and worried over this. Was I doing the right thing by Jack? Was I doing the right thing by Little Jack? And Jack hated Jr. all along?"
"Well, it would appear so, and for that, I'm sorry, Darlin'. Maybe I should have told you. But I just loved you too much. Forgiven?"
"Of course, you're forgiven, but this is still just such a shock! I've called my Son Jack Thornton, Jr. since he's been born! And now, I find out my husband despised Jr. so much he refused to use it! Oh, this is a mess! What do we do, Nathan?"
"Just try to relax, Darling, and we'll listen while Bill gives us our options!"
And the look Nathan gave Bill, clearly meant 'Fix this now!'
"Well, this is what I suggest as a Judge. Based upon our current Law, we have two options. We leave the Thornton, take off the Jr., and replace it with Grant. Or we leave the Thornton, Jr. legally and just add a second surname Grant. The only problem with the second option, the Jr. may cause confusion as well as legal issues, and actually supersede or take precedence over the Grant addition. In my legal opinion, the first option is best for Jack, preventing any confusion as to the use of dual names. Jack can still use the Jr. in every way but legally if you wish. Then as he grows up, he will use Jack Thornton Grant as his legal signature. No one can ever question that, whereas they could question Jack Thornton Jr Grant, because technically that would legally be seen as Jack Thornton Grant, Jr."
"No matter where we place the Jr.?" asked Nathan in disbelief.
"That is correct, the Law sees it as coming after the surname, and referencing said surname, no matter where you place it."
"What do think, Elizabeth? And Darling, I'm so sorry you're even having to have this discussion. It honestly breaks my heart. And no, Bill, I don't find this funny. But Lisbeth, you should not feel bad that you named your Son, Jack, Jr. after his Father when you had no idea Jack didn't care for the Jr. part. You were honoring your husband, Elizabeth."
"You're right. I did do it to honor him. But I would never have done it if I had known he himself was actually Jack, Jr. and hated it!"
"Of course, you wouldn't have. I feel like this mess has come on us all because of me, and I'm so sorry, Love!"
Elizabeth reached over to Nathan with tears in her eyes and took his hand, "But, Nathan for the first time, Little Jack and I won't be alone. I'm okay as long as you're with me. I really am. It's…it's just such a shock!"
Nathan bent to kiss her hand and tried to smile, but she still saw his glistening eyes.
"Little Jack is still the same precious little boy we love, Darling, no matter how you state his name…"
Elizabeth nodded and swallowed hard.
"I believe we should go with the first option, Bill. And thank you for explaining it to us."
"Are you sure, Elizabeth?" asked Nathan.
"I am very sure. My Son is now Jack Thornton in honor of his Father, and when Nathan and I marry, he will be Jack Thornton Grant. I feel like a weight has just been lifted from my shoulders! It's the right thing to do by Jack and it's the right thing to do by Little Jack! It's also the right thing to do by you, as you'll be his Father, too."
Nathan got up and drew her to him and held her.
"Jack will always have two Fathers, Lisbeth. Always!"
"Thank you, Bill!" he mouthed to Bill.
Elizabeth finished her tears, and the Couple sat back down, but when she sat down, instead of continuing to cry, she almost burst out laughing hysterically.
"I'm sorry, but Jack would think this is hysterical. I just know he's laughing at me right now. Nathan, this is our Wedding Present from Jack! Don't ever doubt you belong with both of us Nathan, because Jack has just given his full approval, yet again!"
"Elizabeth's right, Nathan. I know she is, and I know Jack approves, just like I do, and everyone else who loves you! Yep, Jack's laughing over this one! And probably mad at me for telling you!"
"I'm sure he'll forgive you, Bill, just like all of us always do! But, thank you both for the reassurance. It means a lot for me to think Jack would approve! Especially coming from the two who knew him best. Bill, can all this be completed legally before our Wedding?"
"I will absolutely see that it's all done before your Wedding!" assured the Judge.
"And how can we actually tie the adoptions in with the Wedding Ceremony?" asked Nathan.
"I think we should keep it simple. How about, let's have a signing Ceremony after you say your Vows. We can have a table set up behind the Pastor, and use it to sign both your Wedding Certificate and the Adoption Papers at the same time. I'll pre-sign the adoption papers as soon as they're legal, so that will already be done! And then, rather than me saying anything, why not just have the Pastor to present the Grant Family, Chief Inspector and Mrs. Nathan Grant, Miss Allie Grant, and Master Jack Thornton Grant. Of course, Allie will sign her documents and just let Jack mark something on his so it looks official and he feels included! Oh, and don't worry, this is all between us. No one will ever know till it's announced at your Wedding!"
"Bill, that's absolutely perfect!" shouted Elizabeth and she ran to kiss the Judge, her second Father. "I can't believe I've worried so much about this. And now to find out Jack was a Jr. and refused to use it! You've got to admit, It's a little more than ironic! And Jack is definitely getting the last laugh at us all!"
Bill laughed, "I don't doubt that one bit! Elizabeth, I know this is ironic, and I hate that it's been difficult for both of you. For that I'm sorry. But don't you ever do that to me again, young lady!"
"Do what? I'm the one who should be mad at you!"
"Pfft, that's all settled! The worrying, without coming straight to me first! Will you just please come talk to me before you start worrying! You promise me?"
"I promise, and I'm so very sorry, Bill. I should have known you'd understand! And I should have known you'd know what to do. Thank you, a million times over! And especially thanks for sharing that conversation with Jack. It really does help me, now that I've let it all sink in. It really is pretty comical, especially since I was practically beside myself with worry! Now, Nathan, I can relax and just enjoy preparing for our Wedding!"
Nathan hugged Elizabeth, "You all better, Darling?"
"Yes, thanks for being so patient with me, Nathan. I'm sorry if any of this was painful for you."
"Never!" and he kissed her cheek. "You were the one I was worried about!"
Then he shook Bill's hand, but it ended in a hug, "It's perfect! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Bill!"
Bill hugged him back, then pulled away and winked.
Nathan picked up Elizabeth and swung her around, then kissed her.
She was smiling from ear to ear, "We really are going to be the Grant Family, Darling, all four of us!"
"Hope Valley, watch out. The Grants will have officially arrived come the first Friday of June!"
"Aww! Shucks! You two cut that out! You do know you're standin' in the middle of the Judge's Chambers. Why I might just have to marry you right now!"
Nathan and Elizabeth just kissed each other again, totally ignoring Judge Avery.
Then they all three just burst out laughing…
"Wouldn't be such a bad thing, Bill. Not bad at all!" winked Nathan.
Finally, the weekend for the Coulters and soon to be Grants much-anticipated trek to Union City was almost here.
Pierre from the Le Havre had given Nathan the name of the Luxury Furniture & Furnishings Dealer he used for the Hotel. They were a large conglomerate, that also included antiques and art, with headquarters based in Toronto, but they also had a substantial branch in Union City.
Nathan was concerned that everything would be prohibitively priced, but Pierre assured him there were bargains to be had. He also went to the extra trouble of getting the company to approve a very hefty discount, equivalent to his own, in fact, along with free delivery of whatever was chosen.
He had stressed the fact that his dear friend, the new Chief Inspector would be coming with his entourage, all the way from Hope Valley, to furnish not one but two rather large homes!
"Pierre, you do have a way with words! But, thank you so much, dear friend! Looking forward to seeing you that last weekend of March! Yes, the Coulters will be in one suite, Elizabeth in the other, and just a room will be fine for me…looking forward to seeing you! Oh, yes, that! It was quite the surprise, but something I find I'm actually enjoying…Merci beaucoup, Pierre!
À bientôt!" Nathan hung up the phone shaking his head.
'They don't come any better than Pierre!'
But now the reservations were made and their trip would allow them to check one more, huge task off their very long lists.
And as much as Lee and Nathan hated to be away from the Construction sites, this was definitely the best weekend to be gone, as the two Construction Supervisors needed the extra Saturday to fix some unexpected issues that had arisen at both sites.
This would allow everyone to start out next month right on schedule, as planned!
On the Wednesday before their Union City trip, Rosemary was at the Dress Shoppe, when she suddenly realized she had an appointment with Carson.
"Oh, shoot, Taleisha! I'm got a Dr's appointment I completely forgot about and I'm going to have to run. Can you call please Lee and have him meet me there?"
"Yes, but Sweetie, you're expecting and you aren't about to do any running. Now, that's a fact. If you're late, you're late and you can just tell the Good Doctor Taleisha said so!"
Rosemary hugged Taleisha, "You're the very best, Taleisha. Sometimes I don't think I could make it through the day without you!"
Rosemary grabbed her bag and bounded out the door, a little too quickly for Taleisha's taste.
"Hmph! Probably couldn't! Make it through the day, that is. Well, at least, I slowed the woman down from a full-on run!"
Taleisha just shook her head…
"Rosemary, can you please stay still. I promise this will hurt a lot less!"
"I'm trying! But, Carson, can you please hurry it up! Oh no, is everything okay?"
"Everything looks fine! But, Rosemary have you experienced any changes, whatsoever?"
Carson completed his exam, removed his gloves, and sat down beside his patient to explain his rather simple question to his always seemingly confused patient.
"Like what changes?"
"Like feeling more pressure down here, like backaches, more heartburn than usual, shortness of breath, more frequent urination? You know things people normally tell their Doctor."
Rosemary frowned.
"Not really. I'm just tired all the time. And you know me. I always have to go…well, you know! You're my Doctor!"
Carson somehow refrained from rolling his eyes at this one.
"And she does means tired all the time, at least as soon as she gets home. I don't think she should be working at the Shoppe at all!" added a very concerned Lee.
"You know, Lee. I think you're right. Your Shoppe Days are over, Rosemary, and that's Doctor's orders!"
"Why now? I have plenty more time before Violet gets here!"
"Well, whatever time you have is going to be spent in your home, resting!"
"I'm sorry Carson, but that's just not going to work!"
"And why won't it?" garnering every ounce of patience he had.
"Well, for one, Lee and I are going to Union City with Nathan and Elizabeth this weekend to pick out our furniture and furnishings for our new homes!"
"Rosemary, are you sure you feel up to that?" asked Lee.
"Absolutely!"
"Rosemary, you absolutely will not be traveling anywhere alone, not this far along. And since I'm your Doctor and Little Violet's or Little Victor's, I have the final say!"
"Little Victor! Well, that's not happening! Carson, this is my body, and I will take it anywhere I please!" pronounced Rosemary very succinctly as she stared into her Doctor's weary eyes.
"Rosie, you are expecting our Baby. You and our Baby are under Carson's care. Since you are the only one of the two of you who can now make a decision, and since you are NOT making the right one, I will make the decision for you both! You will absolutely do as Carson says, taking your Body and our Baby's only where he says you can take it! And that's that!"
"Well, I never Lee Coulter!" and Rosemary literally rose from Carson's exam table with her hands on her hips, although Lee did have to help her all the way up!
"Well, you are now, Rosemary LeVeaux Coulter! You're either staying home or Carson goes!"
"Hmph!" snorted Rosemary, as she turned dramatically and marched off from the two men she currently detested the most in her life, at least at this particular point.
She literally marched straight on through the Infirmary's door, got into Lee's car, starting it with furious abandon, and drove off in a huff, leaving Carson tending a distraught Lee instead of his feisty original patient!
Yes, Lee had finally put his foot down.
Both feet to be exact.
But it was going to cost him…
In fact, it cost him quite a bit of stress, a couple of sleepless, and we might even say loveless nights!
Yes, it was rather cold in the Coulter household. Even more frigid than the cold outdoors!
Thank goodness for little Frederic, or Lee would have been frozen out altogether!
In the end, in order to preserve his marriage, Lee talked Carson into coming down on the train and meeting them in Union City, while at the same time giving his approval for Rosemary to accompany him, along with Nathan and Elizabeth, in their car, as they were planning to drive down earlier in the day.
Carson wasn't happy about it, but Lee had even gone so far as to gift him with a first-class train ticket and assured him he could bunk with Nathan.
So finally, all was well again.
Bill and Adeline had come to stay at Elizabeth's for the weekend, with all three of the Children and all three Pups!
But Elizabeth and Rosemary, especially Elizabeth, this time because of how very sick Allie had been, were having a very difficult time leaving their Children.
Poor Adeline had a list a mile long!
Nathan and Lee had already said their goodbyes, packed the car and were now patiently waiting there…
"Welcome to Parenthood, Lee. Maternal Goodbyes are long!"
"Oh, I'm beginning to understand that, with this twelve-month pregnancy and all!"
Nathan couldn't help but laugh, but he also understood!
"Seriously, Lee, it hasn't even been seven months, has it?"
"At this point, I don't even know how to answer that. But, I get the impression Carson's not so sure about anything where Rosie's concerned. He says she's the worst record keeper he's ever seen. And he's said a lot of other things, too, to me privately. At one point, I thought he was going to ship us off to that new Doctor in Buxton! I mean it's practically a blood bath between him and Rosemary at every visit! It's like I'm just there as the referee, not the expectant Father!"
"Chin up, Lee! This too shall pass," smiled Nathan.
"Even the hormones?"
"Yes, even the hormones. Eventually!" answered Nathan.
Although on second thought, with Rosemary, he wasn't as sure of that answer…
But he wasn't about to tell Lee that!
Rosemary had been amazingly and concernedly quiet in the car on their drive to Union City, but as they got closer to the city limits, she became very excited and even animated, which was a relief to everyone else accompanying her, especially her husband!
Finally, a normal Rosemary! Or at least a semi-normal one…
Nathan had taken over the driving at their last stop since Lee wasn't sure he knew how to get to their Hotel. As he pulled up to Le Havre, Rosemary was positively mesmerized!
"THIS is where we're staying? This is marvelous! Lee, why have we never stayed here? This is positively fabulous!"
Of course, there was immediate First-Class Service. Car doors were immediately opened, and their Luggage was swooped away before they could even say anything!
Pierre, himself, met them at the Entrance to the Le Havre, and personally showed them all to their accommodations.
"I trust you find everything is suitable, just ask your Butler or Maids if you need anything whatsoever. They are here to fill your every whim."
"This is more than accommodating! This is perfection, Monsieur Le Havre, stellar perfection! I've never seen such a beautiful Suite! Not even in New York City!" which was grand praise indeed coming from Rosemary.
"Monsieur and Madame Coulter, what a wonderful compliment. Merci, beaucoup! If you will pardon us, we will take our leave and show Madame Thornton and my dear friend, the Chief Inspector, to their Suites. But do remember, anything you need at all, we are here to see you have it! Au revoir!"
"Let's meet at eleven for an early Lunch before shopping. Sound good?" asked Nathan.
Everyone agreed and Nathan led Elizabeth out the door with Pierre.
"Elizabeth, I put you in the same suite you were in last time, as you loved it so much! And the Chief Inspector is just next door! I hope that is satisfactory."
"Perfect, Pierre. It's just so lovely! And I love having Nathan close by. Thank you for that!"
Nathan lifted Elizabeth's hand and brought it to his lips.
But it was the smile between them that Pierre couldn't miss…
"Entre deux cœurs qui s'aiment, pas besoin de mots…" he smiled as he unlocked both suites. (*58)
"And on that note, I believe it is time for me to take my leave. Welcome, dear friends, and make yourself completely at home!" and he turned to leave with one last rather discreet looking smile.
"Nathan, what did he say in French?"
Nathan led her into her suite, "I believe it was: Between two hearts that love each other, no need for words…"
But before he had finished answering Elizabeth, Nathan took her in his arms and proved Pierre's words to be true…
The Couples were amazed on entering the very well-connected and luxurious establishment of Luxe Furniture & Furnishings. They had gone back to Le Havre after their lunch and Pierre had a Driver to drive them all there in one of the Hotel's limos.
Pierre had been insistent that he needed to accompany them and make the necessary introductions, which Nathan later realized guaranteed top service. He even stayed with them long enough to show them some of his Buyers favorite departments and designers, before he had to return back to Le Havre.
There were two teams assigned to each Couple, and they started at opposite ends of the huge building.
Both Couples had access to a plethora of styles, as well as some of the best Design Services in the Province.
Of course, Rosemary was attracted to the more formal pieces, and Lee happily followed, while Nathan and Elizabeth were attracted to the more comfortable, family relatable pieces.
Elizabeth was so pleased with the selections. The quality was superb and the fabric selection was endless.
She found herself still leaning toward the same shades of blue she had envisioned and the occasional piece that reminded her of her trip to France as a teenager.
She was very happy that Nathan seemed drawn to her selections as well.
It was nice to know, that just like the Lodge, they were totally in sync as far as what they wanted for their home.
Elizabeth had made a list of every single item she thought they'd need, room by room.
And Nathan had the copy of their house plans with them for dimensions and placement.
One of the team assigned to them was an actual designer, which was a very helpful bonus, that Elizabeth hadn't even expected.
But Nathan was proud of Elizabeth, that she seemed very assured as to what it was she wanted for them, without having to rely very much on the extra help at all!
After hours of walking through the various displays, at least Elizabeth and Nathan had checked numerous items off their list. And the few furniture pieces that were remaining, their team insisted they'd have in their vast array of catalogs.
From the images, and wood and leather samples they were given, they selected the perfect Partner's Desk for their Library, along with matching Leather Chairs, but as these were custom pieces, they were concerned that it might not arrive before their Parents had moved in.
But their team assured them it wasn't a problem and they personally would oversee production and delivery.
Now that all their furnishings were ordered, they started looking at artwork and accessories.
This was where their Design Team was most helpful, assessing each room, according to their plan and chosen furniture, then pulling together several possible solutions for each room, that they knew would work perfectly.
Nathan and Elizabeth laughed a bit as on this front, as there was quite a bit of give and take between them, although Nathan preferred to defer to Elizabeth's vision.
The whole process had taken them the entire afternoon and had lasted into the evening.
Then Elizabeth remembered her rugs! The ones she loved in her suite. When she described them to their Team, they knew exactly which rugs she was talking about, and exactly where to locate them. So off, everyone went.
But when they reached the area with the rugs, the design team was a bit unsure how to proceed.
"Madame, what rooms were you wanting to use these rugs in?" asked the Head Designer.
"The Living Room, Dining Room, and Library, if there are enough coordinating patterns in these colors," explained Elizabeth. "And you don't think it would be too much!"
"Oh, no Ma'am. They are perfect for what we've chosen, and we do have the three different patterns. Even a fourth if you'd like it for your entry, but…I believe all of these have already been taken care of."
"Pierre and his wife!" surmised Nathan.
"Darling, it has to be them! Pierre was the only one who knew. But this is much too much!"
"I know it is, Darling. But try telling Pierre that!"
Nathan called the Hotel and they immediately sent the Limo back to pick them up from their long, but very productive day's work.
"Lee, can we just go back to the Hotel and eat there, instead of going to the Restaurant?"
"Sure, Sweetheart, are you feeling okay?"
"Of course, I'm feeling fine. Just dealt with those crazy fake contractions all day! And its worn me out!"
"You mean the Braxton Hicks contractions?" asked Elizabeth.
"Yes, those! I'm fine now, so don't make a fuss."
When they reached Le Havre and entered the vast Lobby, they saw Carson at the Front Desk.
Little did they know he was checking on their whereabouts.
"Dr. Shepherd, I believe your party has arrived," and he pointed in the direction of their group.
"Carson, how was your trip?" asked Lee.
"Nice, I actually was glad to get the rest! How's my patient feeling?"
"Just really tired. We had a very long day, fun, but a little stressful too, trying to get everything done. And I had those crazy contractions all day long!"
"Will you all excuse my Patient and me for just a bit?"
Carson led his patient aside.
"Rosemary, has your water broke?"
"Are you crazy? Of course, not! Carson, I would know if my water broke!" and she took both hands and emphatically pointed at herself. "Come now, let's go eat Dinner!"
For some odd reason, call it Doctor's sixth sense, but Carson wasn't at all sure about this particular patient. But he smiled politely and carried on.
Dinner was divine! It started with an elegant Shrimp/Crab Cocktail, then featured a beautiful Salt-Encrusted Rib Roast as the main course, served with Crispy, Creamy Potato Puffs, and an Asparagus Gratin, as well as a Fruit Salad with a delicious and refreshing Citrus-Mint Dressing.
Every kind of French Bread imaginable was also placed on their table for all to select their favorites from.
There was also a selection of Pierre's best French Wines to accompany the meal.
"Carson, I hope you didn't have to wait on us for too long," smiled Nathan.
"Actually, no. Apparently, I arrived not long after you all left to look at the furniture. Went to my room to unpack my Bag, but it was already done for me by the time I got there! An extraordinary establishment, Nathan! I took a long nap, which was much needed. Now, I'm ready for anything!"
Their perfect meal was topped off with a delectable Mille-feuille with Roasted Strawberries and Mascarpone for Dessert.
"This was superb! Simply superb!" remarked Lee.
And everyone agreed.
"Rosemary, do you feel up to a Carriage ride?" asked Elizabeth. "It's just so beautiful at night!"
"I'd love to, Elizabeth. But I'm just so very tired. Perhaps I should go back up to our Suite. But you and Nathan go on and enjoy!"
"No, that's fine. I was really offering for you to see it! But, Nathan, Darling, if you don't mind, we could rush out and select a few gifts for all three children."
"That would be such a relief to me. You know we can't go home empty-handed!"
"Consider it done, Rosemary," promised Nathan.
Then the Couple said their goodbyes and headed to Union City's largest Toy Store, the one they were most familiar with.
Lee and Carson escorted Rosemary to the Coulter Suite.
"Carson, there is something I've been wanting to ask you. Frederic slept with Lee and me last night, and I woke up in the middle of the night and the poor thing had…well…he had wet all over the bed. He's never done that before. Not once. Do you think it was just because we were leaving and he was stressed? That, that's what caused him to have the accident?"
"Apprehension and stress can cause that. I wouldn't be too worried."
"But it was all over the whole bed. I just couldn't understand how it could be so much!"
"How much are we talking about, Rosemary?"
"All the bedclothes from the middle down were pretty much drenched…"
"Drenched?"
"Yeah, drenched!" agreed Lee. "Really soaked!"
"Rosemary, let's go on to your Suite right now. I need to check something…"
"Just as I thought. Frederic didn't wet the bed, Rosemary. Your water broke!"
"Well, that's just impossible!"
"Rosemary, listen to me we need to go to the Hospital now!"
"I will not! I am not due for at least another month!"
"Rosemary, I've told you all along, the date you thought was tenuous at best. I've always thought you were further along, and I'm right!"
But then a contraction hit and Rosemary was doubled over in pain.
"It's too late, Lee. We're stuck here…call the Staff and tell them we need assistance. We're about to have a Baby, Lee. Your Baby! And have someone go after Nathan and Elizabeth. I'm going to need them here!"
Nathan and Elizabeth came running up the Grand Staircase with their purchases, and into the Elevator, hand in hand, with Nathan helping Elizabeth along.
When they arrived at the Coulter Suite, it was a hub of activity, with an entire staff of Butlers and Maids standing by, just waiting for further direction.
Lee came and grabbed both Nathan and Elizabeth.
"Carson needs you Elizabeth and I need YOU, Nathan!"
Elizabeth was amazed, the Le Havre staff had already placed a bassinette by Rosemary, that was truly fit for a Prince or Princess, all draped in white lace and organza. There were stacks of thick sterile white towels, along with pitchers of boiling hot water and basins.
"Rosemary, we're having a Baby!" she shrieked. "Why didn't you tell us?"
"I didn't know," cried Rosemary, grabbing Elizabeth's hands. "It wasn't Frederic! It was meeeee….."
"Her water broke in bed last night!" explained Carson.
"Ohhh…" and Elizabeth's eyes got wide.
"She's been in labor all day! Thinking it was Braxton Hicks. She's fully dilated and her contractions are about three minutes apart."
Rosemary was screaming! And with each scream, Lee looked stricken!
"Rosemary, you listen to me. Remember when you coached me with Baby Jack in the cabin. We made it through without even a Doctor! You've got this. I'm here and we're going to have a Baby! Carson is here and he has everything he needs. Now, you have to be strong, you hear me?"
Rosemary nodded, but that was it, as another pain started at the top of her uterus, causing her to literally writhe as the contraction traveled down through her uterus.
"Take a deep breath, Rosemary," instructed Carson. "No, no, no deep breath! And hold it! Now, tighten your abdominal muscles and push down hard. Push, Rosemary, push!"
"Now, take a quick breath; now push again! We want to get in three pushes with each contraction! You can do this, Rosemary!"
Finally, the contraction was over, and poor Rosemary was truly spent.
Elizabeth wiped her forehead with a damp cloth, "You're doing great, Rosemary!"
Then another contraction hit and there came the scream!
It was deafening.
"Deep breath...push down hard, Rosemary!"
"Breathe...push again! And once more! Breathe...push again!"
"Okay, Rosemary, we're almost there. I can see Baby's head. I want you to stop pushing. Just relax…"
"Relax?!" Rosemary screamed at the top of her lungs.
"Yes, relax. Baby's coming…"
"Now, Rosemary, gather your strength. I want you to do one final push as soon as I say."
"Wait, wait…breathe. Deep breath...now, push with everything you have!"
And everyone heard it! First, the most ear-piercing scream a Mother had ever made, but then the most beautiful tiniest cry…
Carson had to pray yet again before he could even look to check the sex…
"Please Dear God, let this be a little girl! Please!"
Then he peeked…smiled, wrapped her in a sterile towel, and whispered, "Thank You, God!"
"Rosemary, Lee meet your beautiful daughter Violet Elyse Coulter!"
Yes, Baby Violet's middle name had changed many times, but as Violet was Lee's Mother's name and Elyse was Rosemary's Mother's name, this is what the Couple had finally settled on.
And just like that, little Violet Elyse instinctively chose to make her debut, in a very ritzy hotel and a very cosmopolitan city.
She looked exactly like a tiny Rosemary, with big eyes and blond hair, a real-life Princess.
And her parents couldn't take their eyes off her, cuddling her, telling her about her Brother, letting her know how very much they loved her.
Carson, Nathan, and Elizabeth slipped out to the Suite's Drawing Room to give the new parents some alone time with their new Daughter.
As they entered the room, Carson announced the news, "A healthy little Baby Girl, named Violet Elyse Coulter! And Mother's doing fine, too!"
Then he laughed and added, "Father will be fine, soon, as well. You might say he's presently in a stupor of love!"
The Staff was thrilled, and congratulated the Good Doctor as well as Nathan and Elizabeth, then discreetly left as their most difficult job was done.
But they still had to go buy Luxurious Baby Blankets and Clothes for their newest guest, as she had none.
And that simply wouldn't do at Le Havre!
Beautiful Little Violet Elyse was definitely starting out with a whole lot of love and the very best of everything…
(*58) Quote from Marceline Desbordes-Valmore, 1786-1859, Public Domain