Chapter One Hundred Twenty: Pre-Wedding Chaos
"Oh, no! Jack! What are you doing?" shrieked a horrified Elizabeth.
There was his Mountie Jacket, his Wedding Mountie Jacket, covered in a new bottle of ink, lying proudly on his bedroom floor!
"Mama, I color it!"
"Yes, Son you did color it. Give me the bottle Jack. You do know we don't pour ink on our clothes. This is a very serious no-no! Do you understand, Jack?"
"Unnerstan'" he pouted as his lower lip entirely covered his upper one.
"Promise me you'll never do this again. Never."
"Nev..or," promised Jack, not knowing exactly what he had done wrong, but knowing whatever it was, it was very bad.
Elizabeth grabbed the coat, soaked with ink, as well as her Son.
"Down the stairs we go, Jack!"
Elizabeth marched her Son straight to the Kitchen where Nathan was sitting with Archie and William in front of the fireplace of their Keeping Room.
As soon as Nathan saw Elizabeth's devastated face and the now Blue Junior Red Serge, he jumped into action.
"Here, let me put this in the sink."
"It's useless. There's no way it can be fixed, and our Wedding is in three and a half daaaaays!" she cried.
He could see she was in no condition to straighten this out with Jack, who was looking up at his sobbing Mother with growing alarm.
"Darling, I'll take care of the Jacket. As for you, young man, we need to have a little talk about ink. How about man to man in the library?" he winked at Jack, who was gladly ready to escape his crying Mama!
It was impossible for Nathan to be stern over a matter such as this, for Jack didn't know not to do it. He was just playing. But he did realize Master Jack needed to be schooled in the serious matters of ink sooner rather than later, so to the Library it was, just the two 'men'.
Relieved Nathan was willing to handle it, Elizabeth followed quietly behind, but kept to the side of the door, wondering how in the world he was going to get her young Son to understand something she was quite sure to be beyond his comprehension.
Something she had no patience to even try to discuss with her toddler at this moment, much less expend the futile energy to make him see the error of his ways.
"Big Guy, why don't you sit in my Chair?"
Well, Jack was beyond thrilled, and Elizabeth failed to see how this tact was going to improve matters at all. Why Jack was being rewarded! And he was loving it…
"Okay, Son. Let's get out paper and a cartridge pen. Also, the dreaded ink!" Nathan changed his voice, shook his head, and made a scary face when he mentioned the ink.
Jack laughed but was mesmerized watching Nathan, pulling everything out they needed and placing it on the desk in front of him.
Nathan pulled a chair up close to Jack, and took his small hand, showing him how to dip the pen.
"Can you do it alone, Jack? Go reeeeally easy."
"I do it!" and he very carefully, just like Nathan, barely dipped his pen in the ink.
"Very good! Now Jack, draw me a cat!"
Jack scribbled and scribbled with his grownup pen till he was happy with his 'cat.'
"I draw cat!" he announced proudly.
"Yes, you did draw a cat. A nice one, too with big ears! Is that the tail?"
Jack nodded up and down.
"You know, that's what you use ink for. You draw with ink, but only on paper. Not on clothes," Nathan motioned over his clothes as well as Jack's as he shook his head no. "Ink doesn't ever go on clothes."
Jack did the same, wiping his little hand over Nathan's shirt and down his own, all the while shaking his head no.
"No ink," he said proudly.
"That's it! No ink on clothes. Where does the ink go, Jack?"
"Pap-ur," he answered. "No kwoes!"
"Let's make a deal, Jack. When you want to use ink and draw on paper, you come and tell me and we'll come into the library together and you can sit in my chair at my desk, where we'll always keep the ink, and draw as much as you want. Deal?"
"Deal!" shouted a jubilant Jack.
"Where does the ink stay?"
"Daddy's deks!"
"Yes, Daddy's desk – that's where the ink stays!" reiterated Nathan. "It can't go anywhere else. But whenever you want it, you ask me, okay?"
"'O-Kay!" with emphasis on both syllables.
At that point, Nathan scooped up Jack, gave him a kiss, and whispered something in his ear.
But as they reached the door, the two totally caught Elizabeth snooping on them, who blushed profusely.
"Jack, what do you have to say to your Mama?" asked Nathan.
"Sorry, Mama! No ink on kwoes," and he swooped his little hand over Nathan's shirt and then his own.
"No ink," he repeated.
Elizabeth was shocked and wasn't sure who she was prouder of, Jack or Nathan.
So, she smothered both with kisses.
"Lisbeth, I'm sure Harold can bring me a new Junior Serge. No worries, there. I'll call in just a bit."
She nodded, "Thank you, Love!"
Jack scrambled down, calling "Wex! Weggie!" running to the kitchen to play with his Grandpas and his dogs, which allowed Nathan to use his free hands to encircle his Bride.
"How did you do that?" she asked amazed.
"Dad experience. Allie ruined her best Sunday dress when she was four with an entire gigantic bottle of black ink! It went everywhere! All over the dress and the bedroom floor! Even leaked all the way downstairs. And our house was a rental!"
"That's awful!"
"It took a good week to clean up and there was some painting involved late into the night! But we survived."
"I'm so blessed, Nathan Grant. Jack is so blessed. He's got the best Father ever! I thought there was no way to make him understand, but he does! Thanks to you."
"Lisabeth, I'm truly sorry this happened, but it's really just a little thing that can be easily fixed. You know, there are bound to be things that come up in the next couple of days, I mean we are under a time crunch. But we'll fix them together. Just relax and know everything is going to be beautiful. It has to be, why I'm marrying the most beautiful Bride a Man ever had. I just need that Bride to be stress-free," his eyes sparkled and he raised his eyebrows for emphasis, "and shall we say well-rested?"
"Do I detect a bit of selfish desire there?"
"Maybe just a tiny bit…but my concern is mostly, at least 99% for you."
"Um-hmm," she voiced, still unconvinced, yet loving the thought.
They laughed together, and rubbed noses, ending in a quick kiss.
Nathan was right, and she was going to do as he suggested. They had done the planning and the work. Now was their time to relax, enjoy, and let everything come to fruition.
They were going to be Husband and Wife, and form a beautiful Family together.
That was all that mattered.
"You're right, Darling. Let's just enjoy this week and all the things leading up to our special day, even if there are a few unwanted surprises along the way. But, Nathan, I do hope there aren't very many more surprises!"
"Well, whatever comes, our guests are certainly going to have a wonderful time!" he reminded her.
She smiled at the thought.
"Oh, they will, that's a given with what we've got planned!" she said excitedly, and he bent to kiss her forehead. "I can't believe no one's figured out why they're coming so early!"
"Besides, the bottom line, you and I will be married and we all will be a real Family. That's all that matters."
She was amazed, as Nathan had just repeated her very own thoughts.
She touched his cheek softly with her right hand.
"Yes, that's all that matters!"
Then he started teasing her, "By the way, were you listening in our very private conversation in the Library?"
"Me?" she answered innocently.
"Yes, you, Miss Innocence! We guys, Jack and I, we have our act together!"
"That's what I'm afraid of!" she laughed. "I can see I'm going to be totally left out of these man-to-man discussions!"
"Oh, sometimes we allow Ladies, too!" he assured her.
"I'll absolutely hold you to that. Although, I must admit it's nice to share parenting! You can't possibly know how nice that is!"
He gave her a nonplussed look, with eyebrows raised beyond.
She quickly recanted.
"Oh, no! Of course, you understand. How crazy of me!" she gasped. "You understand better than me! After all, you've been at this parenting thing longer!"
"Yes, but I'm coming up on the teen years. Of which, I'd be absolutely terrified without you!"
She stretched up to kiss him.
"We'll wing it together. You parented beautifully with Jack, by the way! Besides, I was a girl once. How hard can it be?"
He smiled, "One crisis down, and a million times two to go, given both Allie and Jack!"
"Or maybe a million times 3, 4, 5, or 6!" she teased.
"Now, I kind of like that idea…" he grinned that crooked smile, and she swooned.
"It's not at all fair that you do that to me you know! Not at all…" she half-heartedly complained, for it was one of her favorite features.
Before they could finish walking arm-in-arm through the entry back into the kitchen, there was a single loud knock at their front door, followed by a commanding entrance! Needless to say, it was Rosemary, throwing said door wide open, literally slamming it behind her, and throwing both arms up in the air!
"We have a problem!" she breathlessly warned. "Well, actually several."
Elizabeth looked sick.
Nathan led both Ladies into the Living Room, sat them on the Sofa, and pulled up a chair.
"How bad is it?" he pointedly asked Rosemary.
"It's bad. The special after event we planned. Well, they didn't place the correct order, and what we now have is a mini version of the stellar version we planned!"
"Can they correct it?" asked Nathan; Elizabeth was just sitting numb.
"Only if we pay an extra very hefty fee for them to pay a driver to do the pickup."
"How much?" asked Nathan and Rosemary handed him the invoice.
"Do it. Bill it to me."
"Well, that was easy," she said in a shocked tone as Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief.
"Is there anything else?" asked Nathan.
"Actually, there is.
"The Florists can't come till early Saturday Morning."
"But I think that might be better. Everything will seem fresher. Does that give them enough time to do what Elizabeth's planned?" he asked.
"They think so, but I personally what them there no later than 6 AM and they're thinking 8 AM. We're pushing it with anything later than 6. There's just going to be so much commotion going on with all the services coming in at the same time. And don't forget guests start arriving promptly at 2 PM."
"I think 6 AM should give them plenty of time. But, don't forget we want everything to look natural," reminded Elizabeth.
"Hmm…"
Now, she was certain Rosemary was pulling rank and fancying everything up, so she reiterated her reminder again, now clearly resorting to begging.
"That's it, Rosemary! I do NOT want fancy, I want simple and natural. Please, please Rosemary, just this once go with what we want. It's our Wedding, not yours. Besides, we'll love you forever."
"You already love me forever, but I'll try my best. That's all I can promise."
Which was Rosemary's way of saying she was going to do everything exactly the way she thought best.
"Rosemary!" Nathan pointedly stared her in the eyes, and that was all the chiding Nathan had to do.
"Alright, I promise!"
"Thank you. And tell Constance and her Mother that Elizabeth and I will take them out to Dinner the first time we're in Buxton, to help make up for their early morning call. Now, what are the other problems?"
"Well, for one, your two Ministers can't seem to work out who does what!"
"Rosemary, they are grown adults. Tell them we don't care who does what, we just want it done! Have THEM work it out!" exasperated, Nathan meant it. "Good grief, as Men of God, have them pray. And if they won't do that, let them duke it out!"
Elizabeth giggled, "You tell them, Love!"
"Point well taken, I should have thought of that!" agreed Rosemary. "But, it is kind of funny! The officiants at odds! I've never had to boss a Man of God before. Well, come to think of it, yes I have…"
They all laughed at the picture that conjured up, because both Nathan and Elizabeth knew full well Rosemary had bossed several Men of the Cloth, on multiple different occasions.
"Oh, and add First Corinthians, Chapter 13 to the readings," instructed Elizabeth, as she reached for Nathan's hand.
"Are you sure?" asked a puzzled Rosemary as her dear Friend had previously instructed her to use anything but!
"We're absolutely sure," smiled Elizabeth.
"Are we all caught up?" asked Nathan.
"I think so, yes," as Rosemary perused her list. "I think we are. The other things I can take care of. And I promise not to bother you again unless I need money!"
"Thank Heavens!" breathed Elizabeth.
"Actually, Rosemary, you know your name is on the special account at the Bank, as long as it's reasonable, just use your judgment. I trust you."
"Why, thank you, Nathan. That will make things much easier!"
"Oh, Elizabeth, can you come into the Shoppe for one last fitting?" she added.
"I thought we were finished," moaned Elizabeth.
"I just need to check that hem again, I think we measured with you in the wrong shoes! Is there any way you could come now and bring your Wedding shoes?" begged Rosemary.
Elizabeth glanced at Nathan.
"That works for me, Love. Your Dad wants me to meet Nathaniel with him in a few minutes, although I have no idea why. But I'm sure my Dad will gladly babysit Jack!"
"Oh good, we can all go into town together."
But just at that moment, Grace and Madelyne came rushing down the stairs.
"Grace, Madelyne, I need you both to come with me!" ordered Rosemary before the two Mothers could even say hello. "And where's Allie?"
"She's helping out at the Mercantile," explained Madelyne.
"Well, we need to get her, too. I noticed her at Church last Sunday; she's either gotten taller or thinner! And either way, I have to make adjustments, whether taking it in or dropping the hem." announced Rosemary who noticed absolutely everything and never missed anything.
William Thatcher and Nathan Grant were buried in deep discussion, sitting in the Judge's Office, with Nathaniel acting as a go-between, explaining some of the more formal legal terms that were bring thrown about.
"Excuse me, Gentlemen, with that, I think we've covered everything, and I've got some work in the Conference Room," announced Nathaniel. "You two need some privacy to fully discuss this alone."
"Thank you, Nathaniel," offered William.
Nathan looked at William incredulously.
"Sir, with all due respect, I don't think you've thought this through."
"Son, you will soon learn, I always think things through. As to the first matter, Jack is my Grandson and Allie is my Granddaughter, and as far as Grace and I are concerned. That is that."
"Sir, I totally understand you forming a trust fund for Jack, I really do, but Allie is not yours by blood."
"No, regretfully, she is not, but she is loved every bit as much as Jack. Neither Grace nor I can imagine one without the other. And I will have you know, this is all or none. I will not form one trust fund without forming two trust funds. Well, actually three. Arabella's is included in this too! So, you hold hers in your hands as well," he insisted, putting all his negotiating acumen into full effect.
He knew there was no way Nathan would be the cause of Jack missing out on a Trust Fund, also Arabella. But he knew with Jack, he had hit Nathan's Achilles Heel.
"Sir, we Grants come from humble backgrounds…"
"And you think I didn't?" thundered a deeply offended William Thatcher.
Then he calmed down.
"Nathan, I know this is a lot that I'm asking of you. But this doesn't change anything. You are still Allie's Father in every way."
"But I can't possibly provide for her like that, and you know it."
"Not many Fathers can! Nathan, I am an old man with more money than I know what to do with. Sadly, I wasn't there for my Children growing up like I should have been. And I don't plan to make the same mistake with my Grandchildren! The money is inconsequential. It has to go somewhere. I hate to say this, but it actually helps me taxwise to establish these trust funds. However, the driving factor is that it gives me monumental pleasure to do so. It's important to me for my Grandchildren to be well taken care of. Can't you at least understand that?"
Nathan noticed the far-away look in William's eyes.
It was almost a haunting look.
Nathan sighed deeply.
"If I were to agree to the trust funds, and that's a big if, what are the parameters?"
"Anything you and I deem reasonable. You will be administrator and executor of all three trust funds, and I will see that you have a lot of latitude in overseeing them."
"William, I don't want to administrate or execute them, and I certainly would not want a lot of latitude. When would they come to fruition for the Children? And why in the world would you want me to administrate Arabella's, who's two continents away?" he implored.
"As far as fruition, I made a mistake and gave the Girls access way too early. I've learned from that mistake and they should not have any access till they are at least twenty-five, and then only in controlled, limited amounts. As to your second question, I have learned to like my British Son-in-Law in spite of his failures, and yes, I can even say I love him. But I know him. Where money is concerned, he is foolhardy. He has already gone through most of Viola's Trust Fund, well every bit he's been able to get his hands on. Thank goodness, I held most of it back! And I know he keeps my Daughter in high style, but it's her money helping to support that high style! If I give him access to Arabella's money, he will spend every dollar of it, or should I say pound of it, on trying to salvage that old rickety castle of his, and I simply won't have it! Surely, you can understand that. That place is the classic definition of a bottomless pit. And I'm not throwing my Daughter's and Granddaughter's trust funds and inheritance into it if I can help it!"
Nathan thought for a moment and relaxed a bit.
"I'm sorry! I didn't know."
"Nathan, bottom line, you are the only one I trust implicitly. If a problem comes up, and God forbid I weren't here, I know you will consider my opinions and do the right thing. It's as simple as that. I know this is a lot to ask, and perhaps I'll even need to ask more later, but can we at least resolve this issue of the trust funds?"
"Does the amount have to be so very large?"
"I need it to be for taxes, but more importantly I want it to be," he stated succinctly, placing heavy emphasis on the 'want.'
"Okay, I stand corrected. It does now sound like you've thought this thing through."
"I have and I've reviewed it with my team of Lawyers at home. They agree that since two of the three Children are yours, you are the logical Administrator for all three. Nathan, with all due respect, may I now ask you a question?"
"Of course."
"Do you and Elizabeth plan to treat Allie and Jack any differently?"
Nathan's eyes flashed as he was deeply offended at the very thought, and then he laughed sardonically.
"And when you and Elizabeth have Children, will you treat them any differently than Allie and Jack?" continued William.
"You just called Checkmate, didn't you?"
"Yes, Son, I did. You nor Elizabeth either one could ever treat one child less than the other. Please don't ask Grace and me to do the thing you and Elizabeth could never do if your very lives depended on it. How is Allie going to feel when Jack comes to her as an adult with questions about his trust fund, and she has none? It isn't right to deprive her Nathan, and deep down you know that," he pleaded.
"But how do I prepare her to handle something so monumental, that's going to monumentally change her life?"
"You just keep being her Father, loving her each and every day, right along with Jack. You are teaching them values, Nathan, and I have no doubt you will continue to do so. Because of your values, they will be much better prepared than my own daughters were. Please let me do this," he begged. "You know it makes sense."
Nathan stood up, taking a few paces, with his hand to his forehead. Then he turned back, facing William, who stood. Both men looked at each other eye to eye.
"On two conditions. First: The Children don't know about the Trust Funds till they are eligible to access them. Second: I discuss this with Elizabeth. She has to know everything. Every single thing. And she has to approve it completely."
"Of course, I knew you would do it no other way," and his eyes beamed with pride for the young man who was about to become his Son-in-Law. "That's one of the reasons I'm asking you."
Nathan let out a deep breath.
"I appreciate this, Son, more than you can know. It will take a weight off my shoulders!"
"And put that same weight directly on mine," frowned Nathan.
"That does come with the territory, I'm afraid. The territory of my Daughter, let's say!"
"But that's hardly fair, as you know for your Daughter, I would move Heaven and Earth."
"Yes, I do know that. With all my heart, I know that! But right now, we need to get these papers signed," said William in his firmest business tone. "Nathaniel's waiting."
As Nathan walked out on the Boardwalk and ran down the street to find Elizabeth and discuss the matter of this perplexing request privately with her, he felt more unsure than ever.
This was a very different world, the Thatcher world of money, one he would prefer not to be a part of. The money that is. He already loved his future Father-in-law and Mother-in-law.
They were already Family, and he would do anything for them.
But this, this was taking him completely out of his comfort zone.
This would mean he would be parenting Children, who at a very early age would be wealthier than him!
It wasn't at all that he was jealous; it was that he was concerned about how the money could impact their lives in negative ways.
He looked at his gold Cartier watch, his gift for serving as Lucas's Best Man, and found it ironic that money again was staring him in the face.
The time, however, thankfully, told him the woman he loved should still be there.
But when he got to the Dress Shoppe, the blinds were closed on both the windows and the door!
He knocked, hoping against hope someone was there.
"Who is it?" called Rosemary.
"It's Nathan."
"Nathan Grant, you are not allowed to even be in the vicinity of this Shoppe! And I'm dead serious. Go away!"
"Rosemary, I can't. I have to talk to Elizabeth."
"Then talk through the door!" she instructed tersely.
"Rosemary, I can't. It's private! And urgent!"
"What should we do?" whispered Elizabeth.
"What if we lead her to the back door and let them talk through that door. We can close the middle door and wait in here," suggested Grace. "At least that would give them a bit of privacy."
"That might work. Wait, Elizabeth, don't move. I still have your pinned!" hissed Rosemary.
"Nathan, they want you to go to the back door," instructed his Mother in a loud voice.
"There, now you may step down. And you're going to slip out of your Wedding Dress!" Rosemary demanded. "I do not trust the two of you together!"
"Rosemary, don't be silly! We're only going to talk through the closed door!" insisted Elizabeth, who was already at the back door. Now, scat!"
"You make sure you keep that door locked!" ordered the Seamstress, Shoppe Owner, AND Wedding Planner Extraordinaire, pointing her finger for added emphasis.
"Elizabeth?" called Nathan.
"Nathan! I'm here. Can you hear me okay?"
"Yes, Babe. I hear you."
"What's wrong?"
"Your Father has this hair-brained idea for me to be administrator/executor of the Children's trust funds. All of them, Elizabeth, even Arabella's." I just don't want to do anything that would cause friction in the family. Besides, Elizabeth, I know nothing about trust funds! And you're Father is insisting on including Allie."
"Of course, he is. I wouldn't have it any other way!"
"Well, he made a pretty strong point on that one. Saying we'd never treat Allie or Jack differently. How can we argue that?"
"We can't. I think it's the only right thing to do!"
"But what about Viola and Anthony? I mean we live two continents and an ocean away."
"Darling, I happen to know Viola wants any and all money from Father kept separately. She's not going to have a problem with it. We'll just let her deal with Anthony. Besides Father can't let someone in England take care of them. I think you should do it."
"Elizabeth…it's a lot."
"Yes, but who else would you have to guide the Children and protect their investments? There's no one else better than you, Love. I promise it will all work out! I'll help you with the paperwork if you need."
"You make it sound easy. I just need you. This is a huge decision."
"I need you, too," sighed a frustrated Elizabeth, quickly looking around for something to cover her gown.
"Just one kiss, please?" begged Nathan.
"That's a nice thought. Dangerous, but really nice…"
Then she spied it, a huge dress box.
"Wait a sec," and she dragged the box in front of her, then climbed in it through the side flap.
"Now, no wait," she noticed that he might be able to look over the edge of the box and see the material on her shoulders. "Wait…"
Right across from her was a bolt of bright red fabric. She grabbed it and wrapped it around her shoulders covering her entire neck, and even her hair, leaving only her face to see.
"Shh. Don't say anything," she whispered. "Rosemary will kill us."
And she very quietly opened the door just enough to peek her head out.
Nathan couldn't help but laugh because she was stooped down within a box. He had to practically get down on his knees in order to kiss her.
But he figured it out, and kiss her he did!
Elizabeth made little murmuring sounds of pure contentment, and that was a huge mistake.
Both widened their eyes and waited for it.
It wasn't long. Probably a matter of 2 seconds, 3 tops. And a very suspicious Rosemary came barreling through the door!
"Close that door this instant! And Nathan Grant, you get out of here and stay out of here! You, Sir, are NOT welcome!"
Yep, they had been caught like a couple of mischievous teenagers!
"Rosemary, this is ridiculous. He didn't see a thing!"
"No, because you're standing in MY dress box!"
"Well, excuse me!"
Rosemary was pulling the door closed, while at the same time Elizabeth was pushing it open and Nathan got a funny feeling, he'd better run.
Well, thank goodness he did, because to Rosemary's chagrin and Elizabeth's delight, the back door swung open wide!
"See, Rosemary, he still can't see anything!"
"No and that's because he's gone!" she shouted at the top of her lungs. "And thank goodness! That man is going to get a piece of my mind! And you! You know better!"
Elizabeth stepped out of her box and made faces behind Rosemary's back, but not before she stuck her head out the door one last time.
"I love you, Nathan!" she screamed, and she instantly got a far-away response.
"I love you, Lisabeth!" yelled Nathan so loud, that the whole town heard it too, which made Nathan blush crimson and Elizabeth smile and clasp her very happy heart!
Nathan couldn't believe his eyes…
"Bill Avery, what are you doing?"
"Practicing for Saturday," he answered like it was the most normal thing in the world.
"What are you, ten years old? Now, look at this mess you've got to clean up!"
"Well, actually Molly's got to clean it up," he explained.
"And she'll have your hide! Adeline too if she finds out about it. And I'd say Molly will be just mad enough to tell her!"
As soon as Nathan had opened the Judge's door, Bill had come out from behind and literally pelted him with a ton of rice.
"That stuff hurts! Can't you throw something else?"
"Like what?" Bill grumbled.
"I don't know. Something soft…think up something."
Which might not have been the wisest thing at all for Nathan to have suggested.
"If you two have finished your play, William and I have business to conduct!" admonished Nathaniel in a booming, very professional adult voice.
Sufficiently chastised, Bill and Nathan cleared their throats in unison, and Nathan sat down across from Nathaniel and next to William.
Bill nosily hung over Nathan's shoulder, trying to get a glimpse.
"What did she say?" asked William anxiously.
"Regrettably, she says yes."
"And do you say yes?"
"You're not really giving me much of a choice, William! How can I not when you're doing this wonderful thing for the Children and both you and Elizabeth want me to do it. But, I am going to need help getting started, and I'm counting on you to be there when I need you for advice or whatever! I warn you, this is totally out of my element."
"Son, I know I'm asking a lot. But I do plan to be around for a very long time, and I'll help you every step of the way. And so will Nathaniel. We've got it all set up. Let's get these signed."
Bill craned his neck trying to see the amounts, but Nathaniel had wisely hidden the astronomical figures behind the signature pages. He was also locking the copies in his own personal file, which no one else, including Bill, had access to!
Nathan and William signed three sets of papers, and Nathaniel immediately notarized them.
"Seriously, you've made me an extremely happy Man, Nathan. In more ways than one. Because of you, I can now rest assured the Grandchildren will be taken care of in the best way possible."
William shook Nathan's hand, then grabbed him into a huge bear hug.
"I say, let's go celebrate with a pint!" suggested Bill.
"Bill…" Nathan started to interject. "This is not actually something to celebrate."
"Ah, of course it is, Nathan!" replied a shocked Judge.
"Come on, I'm at least ready to celebrate Nathan's willingness to take this on. Besides, I need to meet up with Viola, and I can check in with her after that drink!" agreed William.
"So, Celebration it is!"
As soon as Nathan walked through the door of the Queen of Hearts, four different people came up to greet him with wrapped packages.
"This is too much!"
"Not for our Mountie and Teacher!"
"You take these home and open them with Elizabeth."
"We'll see you at the Wedding!"
"Hope you love them!"
And as quickly as they had walked up to him, they turned and sat down leaving him standing among packages.
Bill, Nathaniel, and William laughed, and each picked up a couple to carry to the table.
"Gettin' mighty popular, Nathan!" teased Bill.
Nathan blushed.
"There are just a lot of nice people in Hope Valley, Bill. This is awfully nice of them. Packages are stacked at the house, too," remembered Nathan.
"Well, have you opened them?"
"No."
"Don't you think it's about time you do? I mean, the Wedding IS Saturday. Speaking of which Harold has decided to come in the night before, along with all the Superintendents. So, it's going to be Mountie Central around here!"
Nathan was getting a panicked look on his face because the last thing he wanted to do on the eve of his Wedding was to hang out with Mounties.
William laughed.
"Don't you worry, Nathan. I'll handle them. I'll stay in town late Friday night," assured Nathaniel.
Nathan breathed a heavy sigh of relief.
After the day he had had, he was ready for some alone time with Elizabeth.
"Good grief, I'll get the beer ordered, so you can get back to your Bride! Are you two gonna be joined at the hip?" taunted Bill, which brought a laugh from both Nathaniel and William as well as several others at surrounding tables.
Nathan blushed crimson.
"Bill, can you just mind your own business? Please?" begged Nathan.
But the Judge just shook his head and let out the most raucous laugh you ever heard. And William and Nathaniel couldn't help but join in!
"You just wait, it gets worse the closer you get to Saturday! Yep, joined at the hip!"
After their drink, Nathan walked to the Mercantile to check on Allie, and on his way ran into Aaron.
"Aaron, does this get better or worse the closer you get?"
"To the Wedding? Oh, definitely worse," Aaron assured.
"Gee, thanks!"
"Sorry, Bro. It's the truth. Felicity's family drove me crazy, especially her Brothers. Why I thought they were gonna take me out and mangle me!"
"Aaron!"
"No, seriously. Felicity got real nervous, and I was even afraid they had talked her out of marrying me. It was awful. And don't get me started on her Dad, trying to talk me into the Family Business every few minutes!"
"Well, thanks. I guess I don't have it so bad after all!"
"Then what's the problem?"
"Truthfully, I'm just so anxious to be with Elizabeth in our home. I know it's silly, but everyone else is there except me. I'm the one left out and it feels awful."
Aaron laughed, "Of course, it feels awful. My advice is to spend every minute you can with her up until the Wedding. Stay until she's sick of you. Make her chase you away. Because once the Wedding happens, well your actual Wedding Day, you'll barely see each other."
"What?"
"Sorry, with Guests and Family, plus you have Children. It's a lot."
"Aaron, I feel so much better," Nathan retorted in the most sarcastic of tones.
"Glad to help!" and with that Aaron slapped him on the back and turned to go back to the Mountie Office.
Nathan opened the door to the Mercantile, evidently not looking so good.
At least William and Nathaniel had taken the packages home for him.
But he was already feeling odd, and Aaron certainly hadn't helped.
This was a lot.
"Nathan, you look like you saw a Ghost!"
"I'm fine, Ned."
"You don't look fine. It does get better, you know!"
"When?" asked Nathan desperately as he placed his arms on the counter and bent to face Ned eye to eye.
"Why, after the Wedding," Ned whispered.
"Thanks a lot, Ned," and Nathan turned to check on Allie, with a bigger frown than before.
"A lot better!" yelled Ned after him with a smile.
"Allie Bean!"
"Hi, Dad! What are you doing here?"
"Just checking in with my Daughter. Allie, do you think Ned could spare you for a few minutes?"
"Why?"
"Let's go get an ice cream cone!"
Her eyes lit up!
"Sure, my break is in ten minutes. I'll just take it early! Mr. Yost is that okay?"
"Of course, Allie, take your time!"
Ned knew Family dynamics were rapidly changing and this Family of two needed some alone time together before they grew into four at their big event.
As they walked out the door, Allie bumped into Robert.
"Oh, sorry, Robert!"
"That's alright. Can you go get a ginger ale?"
Allie lit up, then glanced up at her Dad, who looked profoundly disappointed.
"Robert, can I have a raincheck? Dad and I have a date."
"Sure. Well, see you later," he said nervously. "Good day, Chief Inspector."
"Dad, are you okay?"
"Sure, I just want to spend some time with my beautiful Daughter!"
Allie made a face. She was confused. And she was seldom wrong when it came to her Dad.
He looked sad, or something Allie couldn't put her finger on.
So, she took his hand, which caused him to smile, and they walked to get their cones.
"What kind, Sweetheart? Your regular?"
"No thanks! I think I'll try something different. Like Mint Chocolate Chip."
"Two Mint Chocolate Chip Cones, please."
They took their cones and found a bench close by, which was sitting off to itself.
"Dad, our Wedding is almost here. I can't wait till Saturday!" she said excitedly.
"Allie, everything changes after Saturday. Do you have any concerns or questions?"
"Dad, everything changes in the best way! You get to come live with us in our new house and I get a Brother and a Mother. It's going to be great. And we're going to New York City. Everyone's so jealous!"
"No questions? No concerns?"
"No, Sir! I can't think of anything! Not a single thing."
"Allie, I know we've talked about this before, but you know I will always love you as much as I do right now. In fact, my love for you will only grow more and more, because that's what love does. Never less, because there are more people involved. Only more."
"I know that Dad. And I know you'll love Jack the same. Jack deserves that, because, just like I've been without my Mom, he's been without his Dad."
Nathan smiled and reached down to kiss Allie on the cheek.
How was she always the adult?
"Allie Bean, you are the absolute best! And somehow you knew just what I needed! Will you promise me something?"
She nodded.
"Always speak up and say what's on your mind, to me and to Elizabeth. That's the only way we'll know how to help you be happy. And Allie, your happiness, and Jack's happiness mean the world to us."
"I know Dad! I love you, too!"
There were tears in Nathan's eyes as she hugged him.
With her arms still around his neck, she became the adult again.
"Now, Dad, have we covered everything? Because I really need to get back to work…"
The entire extended Family was gathered in the Grant's Living Room, anxiously watching Nathan and Elizabeth start to open the mounds of presents that had collected.
Allie and Jack were helping with the paper and the ribbons.
"You know, Allie, you're supposed to keep the ribbons and tie them all together to use as a practice Bridal Bouquet," winked Elizabeth.
"Really? That's cool!"
"Yes, and why don't you make a second smaller one for you to practice with?"
"I love that idea!"
"As long as you're only practicing for your Parent's Rehearsal, Young Lady. My Baby Girl better not be getting any Wedding ideas of her own. That's a looong way off!"
"Dad!" shouted an exasperated Allie. "I'm just a Girl!"
And then she went to kiss his very concerned face.
"Don't worry, Dad. I'm still your Baby Girl!"
The others laughed because they could see the horror in Nathan's face. He wasn't going to be able to give up his Baby Girl for a very long time to come.
Maybe never!
But the Grandparents also smiled knowingly, for they knew the day would eventually come when he'd have no choice. This beautiful little Girl would become an even more beautiful Young Lady and someday, she would fall completely and totally in love, hitting this loving Father like a ton of bricks! But he would buck up as Fathers had had to do since the beginning of time, fussing the whole way!
"Darling, I promise Allie has lots of adventures ahead of her before she comes close to the big one!" assured Elizabeth. "Why, look at my poor Dad sitting there! You'll survive."
She reached and lightly kissed Nathan's cheek, amazed at the depth of his love for Allie, Jack, and her. She was truly blessed. They all were.
Nathan grinned, with a completely new understanding of what William was now going through, giving him an empathetic look that made William wink back at his almost Son-in-Law.
"Here, let's open more gifts!" urged Elizabeth, dispelling Nathan's momentary thoughts of losing his Daughter and getting the happy evening back on track.
There were several stunning homemade quilts.
"They're all in our colors, too!" cried Elizabeth.
"I've never seen such an intricate pattern as this one. It's just amazing," complimented Madelyne.
"Look, Nathan, books for our Library! And these are ones we don't have."
Nathan looked at the titles, "Felicity has had to help with the selection of these!"
"No doubt," agreed Elizabeth.
Next, were several sets of sheets, a couple of blankets, too many towel sets to count, and more kitchen gadgets than anyone would ever need.
"Wonder what this is?" mused Elizabeth.
The box was big, narrow, and flat.
"Any guesses?"
"Art," suggested Grace.
Nathan finished unwrapping it and Elizabeth opened the box to oohs and aahs.
"This is the most beautiful hooked rug I've ever seen!"
"Who made that, Darling?" asked Nathan.
"Old Mrs. Jenkins. She doesn't get out much now. And I miss her."
"I know, her children don't get in to see her much, so I try to check on her every few days. Poor thing is mostly just lonely. She's fascinating to converse with though – she's as well-read as anyone I know," explained Nathan.
"That's so nice of you, Nathan. Maybe we could bring her to see the house when we get back home."
"She would love that."
Next came a Sterling Pie Server and Cake Server Set. Then an earthen jug in Blue. That was followed by a matching Bowl and Pitcher set, as well as a set of fancy Dessert Plates. Someone had even sent a box of ivory candles in all sizes of tapers. Another sent a variety of fancy soaps, along with a beautiful crystal soap dish.
"Oops, I forgot, there's another one someone delivered to the back door today. I'll go get it."
The box was large and heavy.
The couple was thrilled to see that it was a decorative Boot Scraper, as they only had a makeshift one used previously by the Construction Crew. This one was made of solid brass. It was sturdy as well as elegant, much needed, and would fit perfectly by the Kitchen door for everyday use.
A very practical gift.
Several more gifts were opened, too many things to mention, but all loved by the happy couple.
Everyone began to view the opened presents, and read the cards with all their beautiful personalized messages of congratulations and well wishes for a wonderful life together.
"Allie, Jack, way past time for bed. Goodnight kisses?" prompted Elizabeth.
Both kissed Elizabeth and Nathan, as well as their Grandparents and even Godfrey, who blushed at being included but loved every second of it.
"Come Children, Granda and I will put you to bed!" offered Madelyne.
"Oh, Dad, Jack and I call Grandma Grandmum now! Mostly because Jack can say it!" explained Allie.
"Mother, are you alright with that?"
Her smile was his answer, "Of course, Son! They can call me anything they want to!"
A round of goodnights ensued.
"Goodnight All!"
"Goodnight Loves!"
And with that the Adults and both Children traipsed up the Stairs, leaving the Bridal Couple with some privacy.
"Mrs. Thornton, how about curling up in the Keeping Room with your Husband-to-Be? That way, we can get closer to the fire. And that sofa is so comfy!"
Elizabeth handed him her hand, as he pulled her to him.
"I can't think of anything better."
As they sat on the overstuffed sofa, both sank down into the thick pillows, holding on to each other.
"I adore you, Babe. Absolutely adore you. And I find myself missing you more and more, even when I'm right here with you!"
And he kissed her to prove it.
She caressed his neck and looked at him eye to eye.
"Darling, are you nervous?" she asked, a little timidly.
"No, just anxious. I want us married already," he whispered.
"Me too. It should have happened a long time ago," she sighed, feeling guilty that she had been the one to hold out for a June Wedding.
"It 'should be happening' exactly when it's going to happen. Every single thing is as it should be. Although, it is getting more difficult counting the hours. I'm actually down to minutes."
She laid her head on his shoulder and laughed.
"Minutes? Are you serious?"
"I most certainly am!"
But then he noticed she was very still.
"Are you okay, Lisabeth?"
"Yes."
"Maybe no."
"What's wrong?" he asked, full of concern.
"I…I…"
"Elizabeth, you know you can tell me anything. Anything whatsoever."
"Love, I've had a child. I don't look like I did before Jack. It isn't fair to you."
He tenderly placed his hand to her stomach, with his long fingers splayed out across her.
"Darling, I love you, which includes your having Jack. You are the most beautiful woman I know. What could possibly not be fair to me?"
"What if you're disappointed?"
This was something she had never spoken about to anyone. It had torn at her psyche the closer they got to their Wedding. But she had kept her insecurities inside.
He cupped her chin and raised it so that her eyes were bonded with his, and he dared her to look away.
"I could never be disappointed. Not ever! I love you completely. And when we're old and gray, I'll love every single wrinkle. Don't you know that?"
She drew in her breath, "Do you really mean that, Nathan?"
"Every single wrinkle. Every single gray hair."
He still cupped her chin, "I really, really mean that with all my being. Elizabeth, if you had a scar all the way across your abdomen, I'd love that scar. You are perfect however you are, and I say that in reverence."
She laid her head back on his shoulder.
"I will revere your body. Whatever has happened to it, whatever will happen to it. You are my everything," he whispered in a low voice. "We're already part of each other."
As he held her so close, she could feel love emanating from him, a deep, deep love, that she had never known before, for it was an awe-inspiring love, a mature love, a weathered love that had been through many trials on both sides.
Miraculously somehow, they had come out of all those hardships and trials, alone and together, victoriously.
Finally, she believed him.
And she wanted him more than she had ever wanted anyone.
Nathan set her back on the plump-down pillows and scooted off the sofa to kneel before her.
"Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton, are you ready to marry me? In three days, 18 and ½ hours?"
His face was radiating adoration and love.
But so was hers.
She wrapped her hands around his solid neck and drew him to her, placing her lips on his, giving him the only answer he craved.
"Yes, my Darling, I'm so ready to marry you! But only if you can tell me in minutes," she teased.
They kissed each other lovingly, and then in a low voice, he whispered, "It's actually 5,430 minutes."
"Oh, no, I guess I'll have to marry you now!"
They both laughed through their many kisses.
"You bet you will! There's no backing out now, Love! Not a chance," pulling her to the floor with him.
She was literally in Heaven at the very thought of their imminent Wedding and this Man who she couldn't get enough of, her stomach filling with butterflies of excitement.
Especially since her only anxious thought left was now simply gone.
Dissipated into thin air…