Chapter One Hundred Twenty-Seven: Honeymoon Day Two – Honeymoon Surprise
Nathan leaned over his Bride, who was still sleeping soundly, with a Cup of Hot Coffee's strong aroma wafting over her from the Nightstand, hoping the familiar scent would help him to gently waken her.
He had already groomed and dressed a full hour earlier, in addition to having fed, brushed, and saddled Newton and Sargent.
He smiled and bent to kiss her.
"Who could this possibly be?" she murmured.
"Your Husband," and he kissed her longingly to prove it.
She wrapped her arms around his neck.
But with widened eyes, suddenly gasped, "My Wedding Pearls. We never found them!"
"Oh, yes we did. Although it took me a good half-hour crawling on the floor! One earring was under the bed, and the other was stuck in my pillowcase! Don't even ask where I found the Necklace or the separated Diamond Cross Pendant! Our only Pearls still missing in action are the ones that make up your Bracelet. I've looked everywhere, and I know they're here somewhere, but where I'm not sure. Definitely not on the floor or behind or under the furniture!"
"Well, I'm sure it's here, somewhere. It's not as though the Bracelet could walk away," she giggled.
"Have no fear, your very own Chief Inspector is on the case. The Pearls shall be located. No ransom needed!"
She laughed and kissed him a proper Good Morning.
"Your Horse awaits, Madame!"
"Oh, we're supposed to be riding! Why did you let me sleep?"
"Because we still have plenty of time. Not to eat Breakfast here, but I've packed us something to eat as we watch the sunrise."
"How romantic! Do you always think of everything?"
"When you have a Wife as beautiful as I have, it's pretty easy to think of romantic things!"
He playfully lifted her from the Bed and helped her into her Slippers.
She gave him one last kiss, then went to prepare for the day, as he continued on his mission of finding the missing Pearls!
"Okay, I've looked all over the floor, on and around the furniture…I have to look up!"
And when he did that, his eyes immediately went to the four huge posters.
And there on the bottom right-hand Poster, his side of the Bed was the Bracelet hanging from the very top, hidden in the draped netting!
"Pearls all accounted for, Darling!" he called.
"Where were they?" she asked through the closed door.
He tapped lightly on the door.
"Come in, Love!"
He walked up behind her and snuggled into her, holding the infamous Pearls out before her!
"At the top of the bottom Bedpost on my side, completely hidden in the netting!"
She grabbed his arms that were already around her.
"Wow, that's quite impressive. We did good!"
"We did very good!" he confirmed, nuzzling into her neck.
"You do know if you don't go, I'm never going to get ready, and we're going to be viewing our sunrise from our Front Porch!" she chastised.
"Point taken. I'll bring the Horses out front!"
She smiled not wanting him to leave her for a second, but they both had been looking forward to this, and she was already making them late!
Excitedly, Nathan and Elizabeth took off through the mists of Lake Granda, headed north, where Nathan said the view of the morning sun was simply glorious.
Both Newton and Sargent were fully let loose, anxious to furiously gallop full speed ahead!
The Horses were thoroughly contented with their country pastures, and with being stabled side by side to each other, but both were anxious to cover the new land around them, and let off all their pent-up steam from not being ridden yesterday!
They rode at one with their Masters, giving them everything they had for a good twenty minutes.
"We're almost there! The path narrows and gets a little steep, but Newton knows the way! Just follow, and be careful!" he warned. "Keep holding Sargent back a bit! He'll want to pull ahead. Don't let him!"
She did exactly as Nathan told her, appreciating the fact her Husband was staying close to her, as it was still difficult to see her surroundings.
Barely seeing her Husband ahead of her, she longed all the more for his touch, but he was happy and smiling, significantly unaware of her desires and longing.
He finally turned, motioning for them to stop, and quickly dismounted.
He was by her side immediately, grabbing her tiny waist, and lifting her down from Sargent, straight into his arms.
Darkness still surrounded them, but the warmth of his lips on hers erased all her longing away.
She only felt warmth and strength and light and love…
Her intense urgency transferred to him, as she was insatiable, her breath melded with his, allowing him to solely breathe for them both.
Somehow their hands enveloped each other, caressing what bare skin they could find in the pre-dawn night, clenching each other, drawing them closer and closer to the other.
They were soon floating together in the Morning Mist, oblivious to all things around them.
And as their very souls opened to each other, both knew the only aphrodisiac they would ever need was the human being standing before them.
All they would ever need was that Person each had wed less than 32 hours ago.
In an instant, it was as though their very love colored the skies and earth around them…
There on the distant horizon, the rising sun appeared, beginning its daily journey.
Nathan quickly grabbed his blanket and spread it across a large flat stone precipice, where he drew his Wife first up to him, and then snuggled her back into his chest, enveloping her in his strong arms, perfectly positioned with their heads together to watch the miracle of sunrise that was about to unfold.
They watched the vibrant colors caused by the sun's golden petals magically stretching as far as they could into the darkness of the sky, lighting it as far as their eyes could see, in shades of the most majestic golds, oranges, blues, and purples, brilliantly stretching across the vast skies!
And just as with every single day, God again called the Sun to rise, but instead of being only ordinary, it was as though God was commanding this Sunrise to be something more spectacular than it had ever been before, miraculously lighting a flame both throughout the Skies and within the Soul.
Nathan and Elizabeth were silent, as they clung to each other, for there were no words adequate enough to describe the magnificence they were viewing.
But as majestic as it was, the feelings they were feeling for each other were even more so.
To experience this together, as Husband and Wife, was everything, a memory that would never, ever be forgotten.
Nathan left Elizabeth just long enough to get the Hamper he had attached to Newton, and brought it back to Elizabeth, spreading their Breakfast out in front of them.
A thermos of strong Black Coffee with Honey and Cream for her; another thermos of Black Coffee for him.
Slices of Buttered Toast with a jar of Homemade Cherry Preserves, her favorite, served with a couple of Scrambled Eggs and Slices of Bacon.
Given the way Nathan had wrapped them, they were still warm to the touch.
He opened the third thermos, and grabbed two stemmed glasses, then poured two perfectly chilled Mimosas.
"To my Beautiful Wife," he toasted.
"To my Handsome Husband," she toasted.
"To us," they toasted together.
"Why does everything taste so much more wonderful out here?"
Nathan laughed, "Just something about Nature. Nothing compares, does it?"
Then his eyes got that twinkle she so loved.
"Or maybe, it's just because we're together…" he suggested, flirting with his Wife, but meaning every word.
He took her chin tenderly in his hand drawing her closer, meeting her lips, just briefly, but intently enough to show her just how much she meant to him.
It was a kiss that assured her he cherished her, and she was overwhelmed with his love, wondering how she had ever deserved this Man, her Husband, and how she had ever possibly lived without him.
He drew away, maintaining eye contact between his bites of food, as though he couldn't tear his eyes off of his beautiful Wife!
They ate their food thoughtfully, watching each other, communicating private snippets of love with only their eyes, and perhaps a smile or two!
When they had finished their food and drink, Elizabeth cleared things away and placed them back into the hamper, then moved to her Husband's lap, placing her arms around his neck.
"You are the rising sun in my life, bringing me more beautiful colors than I could have ever imagined existed. Thank you, Nathan, for the many things you are, the many things you do. Thank you for loving me so magnificently!"
She ran her fingers through his dark hair and kissed him deliberately, as though she were breathing her own life into his, goading him to feel the depth of her love.
He took her into his arms completely, caressing her tenderly, then more urgently.
She slowly began unbuttoning his shirt with the gentlest of care…
Her eyes never leaving his.
And as the morning sun rose higher into the sky, its splendid colors touched their very souls.
Much later, they rode over the northern portion of their Land, as Elizabeth hadn't been up that far before.
Nathan was so excited to share its splendor leading into the grandeur of the Mountains, with his beautiful Wife, for the very first time.
Elizabeth was amazed at the green Plain Lands forming a uniformed carpet of flowing tall grass before them, as they led Newton and Sargent straight into them.
The lengthy green blades swayed with the breezes and led right up to the many beautiful rock formations spread out before them, radiating varied hues and tones from gray to blue to purple in color!
It was those same multi-colored rock formations that then led up into the ever-rockier inclines, the very start of the gigantic Mountain Range rising dramatically and majestically in front of them!
It was a sight to behold, up, up, and up, into the spectacular soaring Mountains above them for as far as their eyes could see, some with tips touching and even piercing the clouds above them.
"Look, Lisabeth! A herd of wild Goats!"
Elizabeth grabbed her camera from Sargent's bag and started excitedly shooting.
"This is extraordinary, Darling!"
"It's ours, Elizabeth. As far as you can see, this is all ours!"
Elizabeth looked around her in amazement and was trying to take in the totality of nature surrounding her.
You could see the impressive Mountain Range from the Lodge, but Elizabeth had never been this close, and she found herself overwhelmed with its breathtaking beauty.
"I've never seen anything so exquisite in my entire life. I can't even comprehend it is ours!"
Nathan rode to her, brought Newton up to Sargent's side, and reached over to kiss his gorgeous Wife, who looked like she was part of a Western Painting in her tan Cowboy Hat and Boots, and her tan Leather Goucho Pants, that Madelyne had brought her from the Ranch.
She had her long hair tied back in a colorful paisley silk Scarf that matched the white and blue-toned colors of her Blouse, leaving her beautiful face bare, shadowed only by the brim of her Hat.
"You look exquisite, Love!" he said amazed at her beauty.
"And you look like the handsome Squire!"
She took a few more shots, now mostly of her handsome Husband, in his own Cowboy Hat, Boots, and Chaps, on his Steed.
"You ready to race back?" asked Nathan.
"You betcha!"
In a flash, they both turned on a dime, heading back in the general direction of the Lodge, and starting to feel the heat from the morning sun above them, galloping along side by side without a single care, both allowing Newton and Sargent to pace themselves as only two highly trained Steeds can do!
As they neared the Lake and diligently galloped around it, heading home, it was hard to say who had enjoyed their ride more, the Bride and Groom, or their Horses!
The morning had been totally spectacular and was a Honeymoon memory to be treasured.
They had rounded the far west side of Lake Granda and had totally missed the Lake's Dock, as they came up around the Cabin and Lodge, heading straight for the Barn, located behind, to feed and stable the Horses.
By the time they reached the Lodge's side door, the only thing either of them wanted was a long bath and each other.
They started with drawing water for their baths, luxuriating in the bubbles and cool water, from the hot morning sun.
After helping dry each other off, they both laughingly raced to their bed, where they snuggled in for a good two or three hours, with the golden sun streaming through their windows.
"The cold water felt so good!"
"I know, why don't we go swimming? After all, we do have a gigantic Lake out there just waiting for us!"
"I didn't bring a bathing suit!"
"Neither did I," he whispered.
She laughed, "Are you meaning what I think you're meaning?"
"Well, it is our Lake, and there's not another human around for miles and miles!"
His eyes were sparkling, daring her…
She got up, going to their wardrobe, grabbing the Tartan robes that Viola had gotten for both of them, wrapping herself in hers, and tossing Nathan's to him.
"This, my Darling, is the Grant Family Tartan in the form of Bath Robes for the Lodge, that Viola and Anthony got for us, authentically from Scotland!"
"Now that's quite the present. I love these and they match!"
"Matching Slippers, too!"
He put his Robe on, as he jumped out of the bed, finishing the job standing up, finding his new Tartan Slippers, easily slipping into them.
With twinkling eyes, he looked up, "Dance with me, Love!"
And just like that, both in Robes and Slippers, he took his Wife in his arms and waltzed her out to their Living Area, and then out on their Front Porch, where they danced across the length of it!
"Race you to the dock!" taunted Elizabeth.
But as soon as they took off, with Tartan Robes flying, both stopped dead in their tracks.
"Are we imagining that?" asked an incredulous Nathan.
"We must be…" agreed Elizabeth.
"Where did that come from? It can't possibly be real!"
He grabbed her hand, and they ran till they were both out of breath.
When they reached the Dock, they still couldn't believe what they saw.
All the Sailboats were gone, as they had expected, along with the Wedding Tent and Dance Floor, but in their place…
"Elizabeth, she's a real beauty. At least 45 foot!"
"I can't believe all that gorgeous wood."
"And those massive Sailcloths. Why they're ticked in wide pinstripes. I've never seen anything like that before! But, where in the world did this come from?"
As they got close to the majestic Sailboat/Yacht, both were stopped short again when they saw the name painted in large white cursive letters across the black hull, but Nathan, especially so.
"Arielle…"
"That's Colleen's name," he whispered, awe-struck. "Her middle name my Father gave her. He used it more often than her given name."
Elizabeth took his hand, clearly seeing the pain in his eyes at the memory, neither understanding how this Sailboat was even here, and most certainly not understanding why Colleen's name was painted beautifully on the side, as though she herself were visiting them.
Nathan jumped on board first, then held out his hands to help Elizabeth onboard, neither able to believe what they were seeing, although they were now standing on its sleek wooden deck.
"It's a thing of real beauty, but, Elizabeth, we can't…"
"I know…"
"Anyone here?" Nathan called out loudly.
Silence.
There was a Cabin to go below that had a glass roof, and looking down through the glass, they could see no one was inside.
As Nathan opened the Door and turned to lead Elizabeth into the Cabin, he immediately saw a Ship's Log and sat down, opening the front leather cover.
Inside was a lengthy letter from all four Parents, which Nathan read aloud to Elizabeth, ending with this:
"But when all is said and done, Happy Wedding! We've all gone together to get what we think is the perfect Wedding Gift, and before you say it's too extravagant, hear us out! You've honored Granda in naming the Lake after her, but how can you really enjoy the Lake without a real boat to maximize the water in every way? And what better way to travel in style, but with a Sailboat named after and honoring Colleen? Please don't be upset with us. Please accept and enjoy, knowing that we, too will get the pleasure of sailing in her someday soon, too! Here are the specs and your Ship's Log. We know you've sailed before Nathan, but just in case, there are detailed instructions to review, and the company assures us the gentle waters of Lake Granda should pose no problems, whatsoever. Just enjoy this addition to your Home Away from Home, with our Best Wishes for a Most Wonderful Life Together, Beyond Your Dreams and Imagination!
Signed: Mother, Father, Mother, Dad.
Each in their own signature.
"Well, this is beyond both our dreams and imagination," sighed Elizabeth.
"Way beyond…oh, and look at this additional note," laughed Nathan. "They think they're sealing the deal!"
"Let me see: 'And just in case you're wondering, it's at least twenty years of bad luck to turn your back on or return a Boat! Especially one that's made for you. Besides Little Jack is playing with an exact replica!'"
Nathan grabbed his Wife, both half crying, half laughing.
"Well, at least they're thorough!" he laughed. "They've pulled out all the stops! But we're going to have to set those four down and have a very long talk with them! This is simply way too much."
"As if it would do any good! You forget I've dealt with this all my Life!"
"But they keep this up, there will be nothing left for me to get my Wife," complained her Husband.
"Oh, there's more than enough for you, my Husband, to get your Wife," and she kissed him to let him know exactly what she meant.
"I don't need things, I need only you, Love," she assured softly.
"Elizabeth, my Parents don't have the money to pay for half of this. And even if they did, I could never let them do that! They aren't, shall we say as comfortable, as yours, financially."
"Oh, Baby, Father would never let them pay half. Of that, I'm certain. I'm sure he approached them as adding in whatever they were originally going to pay on a Gift for us, and left it at that! He just wanted it to be a Gift from all of them, and it is in every way!"
"Are you okay with this?" he asked, very seriously.
"It's just a Boat, Darling. I have you! What more could I possibly want?"
"And I have you! Maybe we're making it into too much. It's a Gift that the entire Family will enjoy," he reasoned. "But, Love, this is more like a Yacht! I'm just not used to having my every dream fulfilled. Especially one, I didn't even know I had! Why I was thrilled with a Rowboat!"
She reached for his face, "You'd better get used to having your every dream fulfilled and I'm not talking about some Rowboat, Boat, or Yacht, whichever the case may be!"
He laughed, "Oh, you, my Darling, do that and more! You fill my every dream, Lisabeth! I thought I'd burst with pride watching you ride out in that Prairie Grass this morning, shooting picture after picture! I love you, Elizabeth Grant. With all my heart I love you. Only you."
"And I love you with all my heart, too. Nothing else matters, Darling! Anyway, whatever this is, the entire Family will love it, including the Children, and our Parents when they visit!"
"Twenty years of bad luck? That's a low blow."
"That's insurance, Love!"
"Are we agreed?" he asked, searching her eyes, trying to get a feel for her innermost reaction.
She laughed, "I'm not sure we have a choice, but yes, I think we're agreed."
"In that case, come explore our new Yacht, Mrs. Grant!"
And so, they did, in their blue and green Tartan Robes and Slippers!
"Look at this Nathan, there's a bed with portholes all around!"
"I know where we're sleeping tonight!" he grinned.
She laughed lyrically, "Yes, Love, we're getting lots of sleep!"
He grinned his crooked grin back, and she melted to smithereens.
"That grin is not allowed on this Boat. I have to have one place where I can maintain a little control!"
Which only widened his crooked grin, clear across his face!
There was a cooking galley too, along with a living area, but neither really paid much attention, as Nathan pulled her through, back out onto the perfectly glistening wood deck!
"You ready to swim?"
She felt like a child again, "So ready!"
And he had never seen her so full of unabated expectation and joy!
They threw off their robes, and he took his Wife's hand.
"One, two, three…Geronimo!"
And just like that, they were in the cool water together, warmed by the Afternoon Sun, splashing and playing, swimming around and to each other, neither even noticing their monstrosity of a Gift that was close by, for they only had eyes for each other!
They swam for what seemed like an hour, or more, but when they were finally exhausted and had resorted to mostly floating, they realized they'd better find that ladder on their new Sailboat because their Robes were on its deck!
'Here we go," called Nathan, as he reached for his Wife, helping her up the rungs.
He quickly followed, and they toweled each other off with the towels they had carried from the Lodge, quickly finding their Robes.
"I'm starved!" he proclaimed.
"Me too! But I'm too tired to race you to the Lodge!"
"How about I carry you?"
"That's too much, Darling! How about I lean on you for support?"
She did, laughingly, with him practically holding her, but the closer they got to the Lodge, he swooped his laughing and very grateful Wife up into his arms, and happily carried her the rest of the way, through their Front Door and many Presents!
"We've got to start on these! This is Day Two and we can't put it off any longer!" she admitted.
"I tell you what, you get our Thank You Notes and a Pen. I'll move some of the Presents to the Sofa, then make us Sandwiches and maybe grab a few Salads. Sound good?"
"Sounds perfect! Thank you, Nathan! I'll help move the smaller ones!"
And so, they did!
Nathan fixed them a couple of huge Roast Beef Sandwiches with the leftover Beef and Horseradish Sauce, along with his secret ingredient, cut them on the diagonal, and fixed a plate of Salads for them to share.
He then made a Pitcher of Orange Flavored Iced Tea, the way his Mother always made it, cut slices of an Orange to decorate the edge of the glass, dropping one inside the glass, and then chipped a block of Ice to add the Ice Chips into their Glasses, as well.
He took some of their Wedding Flowers from the closest larger Bouquet and put them in a small vase of water and sat it on the Tray of Food.
"Oops, forgot the Napkins and Forks!"
He rummaged around till he found those and then looked over everything, making sure it was perfect, and carried the Tray to his Bride.
"This looks wonderful! Thank you, Darling! Shall we eat first? I really am starved!"
"Absolutely, would you like to say Grace?"
She smiled yes.
"Dear Father, our Hearts are overflowing with Gratitude and Love for each other and for You and Your Infinite Blessings. Thank You for this Food prepared by my loving Husband. May it nourish us and may we always stay in the very center of Your Will! Amen!"
"Amen!"
He touched her cheek lightly, smiling at his beautiful Wife.
"This is so very good, Nathan! Swimming definitely works up an appetite! But I'm so glad we went swimming together. It was wonderful, magical. Now the Lake really feels like a part of us! Like it's really ours at last!"
"It does! I think we've officially Christened Lake Granda!"
"Speaking of Christening. We need to take a bottle of Champagne and officially Christen 'Arielle' this evening!"
"That's a lovely idea. Colleen would love that! We'll have to do it while you can still take a picture of it!"
"What did you do to make this Sandwich so wonderful? I truly can't figure it out!"
He grinned, "There's a very super thin layer of honey added in under the Horseradish Sauce!"
"Are you serious? It's wonderful. I would never have thought of that. And this Tea is perfection! So refreshing! I've never had an Orange Slice in my Tea before! But I love it!"
"Mother always fixes it that way! I added a bit of Orange Spice Tea in the mix as well, out of habit. She always does that, too! Colleen was allergic to Lemons, so Mother came up with the orange idea, so she wouldn't feel left out!"
"That makes it even more special, Love. But, honestly, I much prefer the Orange over Lemon. It's now our new way of making Iced Tea in the younger Grant household too! You'll have to show me exactly how! You know, we have so many exciting things to learn about each other, and so many new exciting traditions to start!"
"That we do, Love! Oh, I have a plate of petit fours for Dessert. Just let me know when you're ready!"
"Not till I eat every single bite of my delicious Sandwich! You may have to be in charge of Sandwiches from now on. Or at least give me lessons!"
"That can be arranged," he grinned.
Nathan finished his Sandwich, along with as much Salad as he wanted, and spent the rest of his time feeding his Wife random bites of the various Salads.
"You are so spoiling me!"
"It's my new job! So, you'd better just get used to it, Love!" and he meant it.
Nothing gave him more pleasure than to look after her and pamper her.
"That's just it! I'm getting very used to it!" kissing him to prove it.
When she had finished, he removed the Tray along with their Plates and got their Platter of tiny Desserts.
He fed her one and she fed one to him in turn.
"Okay, where should we start?" he asked.
"You unwrap and I'll write the Thank You Notes as we go!"
"I can do that. This one first?"
She nodded, watching her Husband as he unwrapped the beautiful Gift in front of them.
"It's a Sterling Silver Photo Frame. Perfect for our favorite Wedding Photo, but I don't recognize the name."
He handed the card to his Wife.
"Oh, this is a neighbor from back in Hamilton, Mrs. Greensboro. She's really quite lovely. You'll meet her at our Party! And the frame is exquisite, Darling, just like her!"
They continued on, opening Present after Present!
Each one seemed more unique than the last, and all were given with love.
From Classic Books to pieces of Silver, China, and Crystal, to decorative Needlepoint Pillows and Rugs, to pieces of Sculpture, and even Framed Paintings, it was a Treasure Trove to cherish, as they saw both their Homes come alive before their very eyes.
They opened about thirty Gifts or so until neither could stand to continue.
For although they were completing this task together, they needed their attention on each other.
"I think it's time to take a break!" suggested Nathan, kissing Elizabeth, ensuring she would readily agree!
She moved over to his lap, "This is exhausting, Baby! But I do have thirty Thank You's written! So, at least, it's a start!"
He smiled and kissed her exhaustion away.
"You know, Babe, we have to pack up Dinner to take with us to the Boat if we're spending the night there. And we have to lock up your Jewelry, just to be on the safe side!"
But her mind was elsewhere, showering her Husband with kisses, all over his face and neck, some gentle, some not so much.
He was growing accustomed to his Wife's myriad expressions of passion, and he loved each and every one of them, although, somehow, he knew she would always surprise him, charm him, and draw him in, in ways he had never imagined.
It was their world, theirs alone!
And it was a world of intimacy, neither could have dreamed nor even comprehended!
It was truly miraculous.
They had been married less than forty-eight hours, yet they were one in every single way.
One Body, one Heart, one Mind, one Soul, so intermingled neither could survive alone.
The two were already one, happily functioning in complete tandem, one with the other.
"I'll get our Food and the Champagne! You pack our Clothes and don't forget the Camera!" she whispered.
They kissed once more, melding into each other, with promises of a glorious night together on the water…
Nathan went to their Bedroom, collected a Satchel, found his Underwear, Pajamas, and Toiletry Kit, then started on adding Elizabeth's things, but not at all sure where to begin!
"Okay, she'll need underwear and something to sleep in, too, although not actually necessary," he smiled remembering their now two nights together. He wasn't at all sure of what he was grabbing, so he decided to select his favorites, hoping she would also be pleased."
And there she was standing at their Door.
She smiled cunningly, "I thought you might need a little help."
"Do I ever! This is what I have so far. Basically, all my favorites!"
She looked over his selection, "Very nice, Husband! But I bet you wouldn't be able to begin to sort through that mess on my vanity. So, allow me…"
"Thank you, Love. I didn't even know where to start," he admitted.
Within minutes she had grabbed this and grabbed that, throwing it all into a case, which she in turn handed to her Husband.
"Thank you," and he touched her lips with his index finger, as he turned and completed filling their Satchel.
"We'll just wear our Robes back to the Lodge in the morning and change here for our Morning Ride?" she asked hopefully.
"That's perfect, and that's exactly what we'll do. I was hoping you'd want to ride out and see more of our Land."
"Every single Morning we're here, Darling. Just like the Lake, I want the Land to be a part of us together, too!"
He pulled her down into their Bed, "I might just miss this, you know!"
"Me too! But as long as you're there, I don't care where we are! Although this particular Bed, our Wedding Bed, is beyond comfortable. Why we may have to permanently live at the Lodge!"
He laughed.
"Might not be a bad idea!"
They cuddled and kissed and cuddled some more.
"I suppose we'd better go if we're going to get that picture!" noted Nathan, regrettably.
"Let's do it! I have our Food ready, along with the two bottles of Champagne!"
"Perfect! Is this all your Jewelry?"
"Yes, love and my Charm Bracelet, but I'm going to wear that!"
Being extra careful, he locked her Jewelry up in a hidden safe, and then grabbed her hand and their Satchel with the other.
"Oh, Nathan, do we have room to take my Easel and Paints?"
"Sure, I can make a second trip, if you'd like, while you put the food away. Just put everything you need together, so I won't miss anything."
They made their first trip with both of them loaded down. At least they wouldn't be bringing the food back!
"There's still plenty of sun left for me to make the second trip. Be right back, Darling!"
When he made it back to the Lodge, he gathered her Art Supplies, deciding at the last moment to retrieve her favorite book – the Poems of Emerson, he had given her on their First Date; he had noticed it on their Bedside Stand, under their Wedding Flowers.
He also grabbed a couple of light fiction novels for them to read, after the sun went down!
As well as his Gun.
As for the Gun, he was a Mountie in the West, and he had learned a long time ago, you always kept one within reach.
He also locked the Front Door, knowing it wasn't really necessary to do so, but it just gave him an extra layer of confidence, in case they decided to sail away from the Lodge being in view.
On his walk, he remembered they needed a branch of green leaves to symbolize safe returns for the Christening, so he stopped and cut the fullest, greenest branch he could find, from one of their fruit trees.
By the time he reached their Sailboat, the Couple was more than ready to be together again, and Elizabeth met him port side, reaching for her Art Supplies to free his hands, and help him board their Sailboat.
They embraced each other as though it had been hours instead of mere minutes.
"You know, Love, I have no idea whether we need to be on Board or on the Dock to Christen her!" admitted Nathan.
"I think back on Dock, as it seems we need to get as close to her Bow as we can! And I only say that because that's where Colleen's name is painted! Let me get the Champagne and my Camera," suggested Elizabeth.
"We leave the Branch with the Green Leaves on Board for the Christening, close to the Bow, and they stay there for our first maiden voyage to ensure a safe return now and for all of her voyages!" Nathan explained.
"How lovely!"
He helped her off the Boat and back onto their Dock.
As both Nathan and Elizabeth had suspected from their first view of her, their Sailboat was a brand-new Boat, custom made just for them. Not a scratch in sight, everything reeked of shiny newness and perfection. It was beyond exciting!
Even the Leather Log had made Nathan suspicion that very thing before he had read their parents' added note.
From the Dock, Nathan scanned the cleats and then eyed one closest to the Bow.
"That's where we'll break the bottle, so it won't mar the Boat's finish!"
Elizabeth nodded.
Then Nathan recited a Sailing poem…
"Strange flight, the body
Held at a threshold
And never quite freed
Or quite revealed –
One wing taut with wind,
One wing concealed
Until the wind grows calm
And it shimmers in a shadow world,
The shape of a sail, yet softer –
The drifting boat
A bird half in air,
Half in water." (*81)
"Darling that's so beautiful. Where did you learn it?" asked a mesmerized Elizabeth.
He smiled at his Wife.
"My grandmother taught it to me when I was about six years old. It's called the 'Sailboat.' Never imagined I'd ever use it!"
Then Nathan continued speaking from his heart.
"For thousands of years we've gone to sea, but today we bring this beautiful and very special vessel to the Waters, asking God's blessing of Protection and Safekeeping upon her. May she stand strong, and sail hard, bringing joy to all those who board her!"
"Colleen, we wish you could physically be with us although we'd never willingly take you from the joys of Heaven. You are always in our hearts, Dearest Colleen. Your love is with us as we build our young Family, that you are so very much a part of. It is with much joy, we honor you, Colleen, and Christen this beautiful vessel in your Beloved Memory. She already shares your Beauty and Grace, but may she also know your excitement, your joy, your love, your passion, your zest for life, as we hold both you and her dear."
Both Nathan and Elizabeth had tears streaming down their faces, as Nathan took Elizabeth's hands in his, holding the Champagne Bottle, smashing it together against the Cleat nearest the Bow.
And then bashing it once more alone, so that Elizabeth could snap a Photo!
"In your loving memory, Colleen Arielle, we Christen you 'Arielle!'"
Elizabeth reached up and tenderly kissed her Husband, holding his hand in hers.
They smiled and rushed back on Board, popping their own bottle of Champagne at the Bow, and lifting their glasses to the Heavens!
"To you Colleen Arielle and to our newly Christened Vessel 'Arielle!'"
"Ready for our Maiden Voyage, Darling?" asked Nathan with a smile.
She nodded, not knowing at all what to expect next, but before she realized it, he was climbing halfway up the mast, unfurling the sails!
"Nathan, be careful!"
He waved, hanging on with one arm, "I'm okay!"
As he continued to do his work, she shot photo after photo of her handsome Husband high above her!
Before either realized it, the sails had caught the wind, and they were off, with Nathan giving a shout of victory!
"Hurry down! I have no idea how to steer this thing!" she called in utter fear.
"It's okay. I'm on my way!" he called back down to her.
He finally got close enough to jump the rest of the way down!
"Your Helmsman is here, Love! Let's go to the Tiller and get this thing headed in the right direction!"
"We're moving, Nathan, look the Dock is getting smaller and smaller!"
"That's the idea, Darling! We're sailing!"
Both were so excited, it was indescribable!
The gentle flow of the water, lapping furiously at the hull of the Boat, creating a cushion of water responding to the wind and propelling the Boat forward at a wondrous speed.
"Nathan, I've never sailed before. This is glorious!"
"Nothing like it!" he smiled back.
"Where did you learn?"
"We lived near a lake! Our closest neighbors had a Sailboat and taught me everything they knew! Lots of great hours on that Boat. It was named 'Imaginative Musings,' and boy did we imagine and muse!"
"I love that," she looped her arm in his as they stood at the helm together, watching her Husband completely control the Tiller and direction of the Vessel.
"Is there nothing you can't do?"
"I'm sure there's plenty I don't know how to do. But I sure am game to try just about anything new!" he winked. "Love to learn new things, Darling!"
"I'd never be brave enough to take this on!"
"Of course, you would. I'll teach you! The Tiller is connected to the Rudder, which is completely under the water, at the very back of the Boat. That's what allows me to control the direction somewhat, although we're still relying on the wind caught in the sales to a large degree."
"My very first lesson."
"Your very first lesson! I'll have you as a First-Class Sailing Mate in no time!"
"I can't believe how large this Lake is. You don't really realize it at all, till you're out in the middle of it!"
"I know. That's why I wanted to lock up everything! It really is huge. There are lots of hidden coves I've noticed, when scouting around the edges, and George told me of one hidden place, that's exquisite, but suggested we not go there till he showed us, as entry is tricky. Also, I'm going to have to stay pretty central, until I can study the Lake's water depth as we go out from the center, closer to the shores. You know, this is a perfect place to watch the sunset. Why don't we anchor here, and let you start your painting? You aren't going to believe the colors against the Mountains, and I know you're going to want to capture them!"
"Yes, let's do!" she agreed excitedly.
Nathan dropped the anchor, and Elizabeth could almost immediately feel the change to a gentle up and down motion, versus the rolling motion they had just experienced.
"Need help getting set up?" asked Nathan.
"Would love the help!"
He first set up her wooden Easel, as she opened her box of Brushes and Paints.
He then set her Canvas on the Easel, being careful to secure it at the back with a clip there for that exact purpose.
Nathan had done this very thing many times before for his Sister, who had painted professionally.
But Nathan suddenly realized that topic had never come up before with Elizabeth.
There had been no reason for the subject to come up, as Nathan still had all his Sister's Canvases packed, even one unfinished one, as he just couldn't bear to view them.
He sat on the Deck and watched as his ravishing Wife, played with the colors on her Palette, checking the sun for just the right angle.
And he remembered the many, many times Colleen had done the exact same thing, even on a Sailboat, when they had gone sailing on the 'Imaginative Musings.'
He marveled that this process was being brought back into his Life, but without the pain this time, just the glorious memories.
He sat silently, in wonder at Life's full circle, and in awe of his Wife, who had no way of knowing the splendid Gift she was giving him.
And then the Show began, God's Show of one of His illustrious Sunsets, one of the millions before it.
Eventide was here in all its glory, as could only be shown to its full capacity and extent out in the middle of God's own nature, with nothing around to disturb it!
As Elizabeth painted the view about her, God painted the skies above her, spilling colors more magnificent and fluid than any man could manufacture into pigment.
He began by splashing the skies with iridescent golden hues bringing liquid metal to life, accenting His flames of varying reds in all their turbulence, touched with a myriad of royal purples in their depths of majesty, edged with the hottest of pinks, hot in their passionate heat, and finally, the most magnificent of corals in their cool tropical meanderings, blending them and melding them all together across the skies into His Own Original Masterpiece as had never been seen before.
Both Nathan and Elizabeth watched speechless, till Elizabeth finally laid down her brush, and sat down by her Husband, who just wrapped her in his arms, as they both looked toward the Heavens, watching amazed at what was unfolding there.
She wrapped her hands around his arms over her chest, silently watching the magic in front of them together.
They watched, both mesmerized, and when the Sunset was finally completed, Nathan began whispering words of love from their favorite author, Emerson, to his wife…
"Give all to love;
Obey thy heart;
Friends, kindred, days,
Estate, good-fame,
Plans, credit and the Muse,—
Nothing refuse.
'T is a brave master;
Let it have scope:
Follow it utterly,
Hope beyond hope:
High and more high
It dives into noon,
With wing unspent,
Untold intent:
But it is a god,
Knows its own path
And the outlets of the sky.
It was never for the mean;
It requireth courage stout.
Souls above doubt,
Valor unbending,
It will reward,—
They shall return
More than they were,
And ever ascending.
Leave all for love;
Yet, hear me, yet,
One word more thy heart behoved,
One pulse more of firm endeavor,—
Keep thee to-day,
To-morrow, forever,
Free as an Arab
Of thy beloved.
Cling with life to the maid;
But when the surprise,
First vague shadow of surmise
Flits across her bosom young,
Of a joy apart from thee,
Free be she, fancy-free;
Nor thou detain her vesture's hem,
Nor the palest rose she flung
From her summer diadem.
Though thou loved her as thyself,
As a self of purer clay,
Though her parting dims the day,
Stealing grace from all alive;
Heartily know,
When half-gods go,
The gods arrive." (*82)
He played absent-mindedly with the Charms on his Wife's Charm Bracelet, all symbols of their young love together.
"You know, I think, Darling, Emerson was telling us that from the entirety of existence, everything we've known and everything we've done, that it's love that is the most powerful thing of all, defining us, controlling our choices. We would be but cowards to resist its pull. I'm so grateful to God, Lisabeth, we didn't resist our Love, but bravely walked into it, together."
Her lips heatedly found his, knowing their love was meant to be beyond existence, that this, loving him, would be the very best thing she would ever do in her entire life…
"Are you hungry?" she asked softly.
He nodded, "I could eat a bite or two."
"Come with me!"
She led him into the Living Area, where they sat in a booth-like area that had a round table in front of the curved bench.
She had earlier defrosted a couple of the frozen filets that had been leftover from their Wedding Reception and had reverse-seared them under the Broiler, finishing them off on her new mariner stovetop.
"I have no idea if I worked everything properly or not, but it doesn't look half bad!"
"It looks wonderful. Filet, Baked Potato, and Salad. What could be better?"
She handed him a bottle of one of their favorite Red Wines.
"Do you mind, Darling?"
"Of course not," and he effortlessly unscrewed the cork, pouring them both a glass of the delectable nectar.
"You know, he continued, it's quite appropriate we have Red Wine with Dinner."
"Oh?" she questioned.
"Sailors generally had Red Wine onboard their Mariner Vessels, so that was the drink of choice for toasts."
"Well, I certainly can't take credit for that! How did you know that?"
He shrugged, "See, I must have paid attention with my lessons, after all!"
She winked, and scooted in beside him, having placed their full plates in front of both their spots.
"Will you bless our first Meal on our Sailboat, Love?"
"Of course," he smiled.
"Dear Father, how can we begin to thank You for our many Blessings? We pray that You keep us both humble, focusing only on You, our love, and each other. We pray that You keep us safe and always centrally to where You want us to be. Bless this delicious Food that Elizabeth has prepared for us to the nourishment of our bodies. And again, we ask your Blessings of Protection and Safekeeping over this Sailboat and those who Sail on her. In Your Blessed Name, we pray! Amen!"
"Amen!"
"Your painting is off to a great start! I don't know how you captured those colors, but you did! As best as humanly possible, I think!"
"That's a high compliment. Thank you, Love! You know, I haven't painted in the longest time. Since I was single, and in Hamilton, actually. I don't know what made me want to try again."
But when she looked in his eyes, she did know…
"No, that's not correct. I do know, now. It's you, Darling. It's our love! Thank you for that!"
"Lisabeth, I have to tell you something."
"Yes, Love?"
"Colleen was an artist. A very, very good artist. She sold professionally."
"But you've never said so before. Why haven't I seen her work?"
And then she knew…
"I'm so sorry, Nathan. Of course, that was too painful for you."
He nodded.
"It was just too painful to even look at them, so I hid them away, saving them for when Allie got older. And truthfully, I think saving them for a time, when they simply wouldn't hurt so much."
"Oh, no, and I've brought all that back. I'm so very sorry, Nathan!"
He put his index finger to her mouth.
"Shh! No, Love! You brought everything full circle, but without the pain. I now realize I can unpack Colleen's Paintings and they won't hurt any longer, but they'll instead give the joy she intended them to give. That's because of you, Elizabeth. So, I'm the one who should be thanking you. You've helped fill a void, I thought was always going to be there. To not be able to love my Sister's art was a betrayal to her, even though I didn't at all mean it to be. When we go home, I want to unpack them all and let you see them. They'll help you know her better. And you can choose the ones you'd like to hang if you wish."
She tenderly caressed his neck.
"I would love that very much."
They finished their meal without a lot of words, yet still with a lot of tenderness, occasionally feeding bites of food to the other, offering encouraging smiles, and touching each other, showing their love in the sweetest of ways.
"More Wine?"
"Just a little. The gentle lull of the water is already making me sleepy!" she admitted.
He bent to kiss her forehead, "How about splitting a glass?"
"Perfect."
He offered her the first sip, then took one himself, setting the rounded Wineglass down before them.
"We are so very blessed, Elizabeth!"
"Yes, we are. Infinitely so!"
Their eyes told each other everything they needed to know.
Both got up and even in the tight space, Nathan swept Elizabeth up into his arms and carried her to their new Bed.
The love between them was intense and urgent.
And after much passion, finally fulfilled.
Neither could let go of the other, and they laid there together locked tightly in each other's embrace, allowing the soft rolling current of the Lake to gently rock them both to sleep.
(*81) 'Sailboat,' from "Leaving a Shadow," Heather Allen, No Date Given, featured in How to Write a Poem, Public Domain.
(*82) 'Give All to Love,' from "The Complete Works, Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1904, Public Domain.