Chapter One Hundred Thirty-Two: Honeymoon Day Seven: Revelation

Webster's Dictionary tells us that a Revelation is "a surprising and previously unknown fact, especially one that is made known in a dramatic way." (*104)

It is also said to be "the divine or supernatural disclosure to humans of something relating to human existence or the world." (*104)

May it be said in this instance, both hold true…

"Lisbeth, you fixed Breakfast?"

Nathan wiped his hand across his eyes, squinting, while he propped himself up on his other arm, unable to believe the spread his Wife had just sat before him.

"I fixed Breakfast in Bed for my handsome Husband!"

"But how did you get up…without waking me?"

"Did you just add that last part on? I'll admit, my Darling, early rising isn't my forte, but I can rise to the occasion when I set my mind to it!"

"Chocolate Chunk Pancakes? What did I do to deserve this," he asked, sitting all the way up and stretching to kiss his beautiful Lisbeth.

"Yes! And I made an omelet, too, just in case you want that instead!"

"Lisbeth, this is not an either-or situation. Wow Fresh Orange Juice, too! This is an all-in breakfast. I'm talking serious business here, and I'm eating every last bite of both the pancakes and omelet!"

"You are?"

"Yes, Ma'am! A man takes his breakfast very seriously. And when there are Chocolate Chunk Pancakes added to the equation, well, that's like having my favorite Chocolate Chunk Cookies for Breakfast! Come here. If you lay beside me, I might share a bite or two."

"So that's what I'm worth, a shared bite or two…"

He kissed her words away.

"Or three…"

Then she kissed his words so completely away, he was dizzy with love.

And suddenly breakfast was eaten very, very quickly indeed…

"We'll make it a short ride. Just lunch, I promise! Esmerelda has everything under control!"

"Nathan, can we go northwest again? I loved the mountains and grass fields!"

"We can…unless you want to see something special you haven't seen yet!"

"Oh no, now you're just enticing me, and you know I can't say no to a new adventure!"

"Then, follow me, Ma'am!" winked Nathan tipping his hat, and nudging Newton into a gallop.

"Hey, wait for me!"

They rode effortlessly.

It was as though Newton and Sargent loved the land so much, with just a gentle touch, they were off and running, free in the wind!

Their manes flew out behind them, as did Elizabeth's golden-brown hair.

Nathan stopped to look back and watch this perfect picture of beauty coming toward him.

"Darling, we haven't been this way at all!"

"That's the idea! I told you it was a surprise! A good one, too, Love!"

Nathan pressed on, slightly ahead of Elizabeth, to lead the way through some thickets.

"Nathan, I hear water! And we're not close to the Lake!"

Nathan just smiled.

"Let's stop here for our picnic!"

Just beyond the thickets was a wide expanse of flat rock, an odd place for a picnic, or so Elizabeth thought.

But Nathan dismounted Newton in one-fluid movement, then helped lift her down from Sargent, while taking her hand.

"Close your eyes, and I'll lead you the rest of the way!"

He led her most carefully to the rocky plateau.

"I can feel the wind against my face. And the water sound is stronger."

"What else do you hear?"

"I hear…a bleating sound. No, I hear two different bleating sounds. That can't be possible, can it?"

"Mrs. Grant, you are very, very good! You'd make a good Inspector! Are you ready for your surprise?"

"I am. May I open my eyes?"

He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind her and she leaned back into him.

"Now?"

"Now!"

Elizabeth placed her hands at her waist on top of her Husband's and gasped.

The scene before her was breathtaking.

Green meadow below them on the right and the left, divided only by a series of waterfalls and a pool of water in between. Not as tall as the waterfall in their special place at home. Shorter falls in length, but greater in number.

And they were stunning!

"There are at least five waterfalls?"

"Six, if you count the smaller one to the right!"

"And what are the herds? They appear to be two different herds, one in each pasture."

"Wild sheep to the left and wild goats to the right!"

"Nathan, this is amazing! How can they be here?"

"Nathaniel says they've been here as long as he has. Living separately, but together. This is their home. Our home, now, Lisbeth!"

"This is just amazing! You know this land…there is just so much life all around us! I'm speechless!"

He was nuzzling her neck with a myriad of light kisses, till she could stand it no more, and they laid down on the rock plateau together, relishing in the magic of the scenery and each other.

"Have you enjoyed your Honeymoon, Mrs. Grant?" he asked coyly.

"Immensely, Chief Inspector. In fact, I do believe this has been the best Honeymoon a girl has ever had!"

"Only the best? Let's make it better!"

And with much love, they did…

With their deepest of loves beautifully and magically fulfilled, Nathan led his Lisbeth down the rocky incline, carrying their picnic basket in one hand and holding his Wife's hand in the other.

At the base of the falls, they laid out their picnic along the water's edge, and with a blanket, they both laid down, side by side.

"This is magical!"

"It is, isn't it?" asked Nathan, perusing his Wife. "You are magical, Lisbeth!"

"And you are everything I've ever dreamt of in my entire life. Why did we wait so long?"

"I don't know. But it almost doesn't matter. Because it feels like we've been together forever. And I mean that in the very best of ways."

"I know exactly what you mean. You are truly my Soul Mate, Nathan!"

"And you are mine, Lisbeth. Always have been. Always will be!"

The hot noon sun splayed down about them, warming them from the chill of the water, making the temperature perfect, the place perfect, searing the memory into their minds to never be forgotten.

Another wonderful Honeymoon Day!

"This is truly perfection! A safe haven, if you will. You know, the only thing bad about our Book Tour is that we won't get to spend the summer here," noted Elizabeth, with a sad note to her voice.

"But, my Love, we'll have many summers to come to explore our land and make new discoveries. And think of all the excitement New York City will bring!"

"I know you're right, but I'm already homesick for this place. It eats into your being and makes you want to stay forever."

"That's because it's truly our home, Love. Our home away from home. Our safe haven away from home."

She smiled and brought out the Fried Chicken, as Nathan got out the Corn on the Cob and Potato Salad.

"This is quite the spread. I don't even think we'll need Dinner, after a Lunch like this."

"Especially after that delicious Breakfast, you made me!"

"Lead us in prayer, Nathan?"

"Dear Father, we thank You for your bountiful blessings of each other and of this most majestic land. Help us to be caretakers, pleasing unto You. Caretakers of our marriage, and each other, as well as caretakers of this great, great gift You and Nathaniel, have given us. We thank You from the depths of our hearts. As we also thank You for this delicious meal. Use it to nourish our bodies, and help us be pleasing unto You in every way. Amen!"

"Amen! You pray beautiful prayers, Nathan!"

"Just from my heart!" he smiled and stretched to kiss the tip of her nose.

They fed each other their food, stealing intermittent glances at the six waterfalls in front of them, as well as the two wild herds on either side.

"You know, the word idyllic comes to mind..." mused Elizabeth.

"It does, doesn't it?"

Suddenly Elizabeth discovered a set of twin lambs close to the water's edge, so she quickly set her food down long enough to frame a few shots of them, and then went back to shooting the falls, and then the herds, getting the sun just right, which was a tricky thing to do this time of day.

Nathan watched as his Wife, so seriously framed her shots. It was a joy to watch her so relaxed, yet so intent. And so content…all at the same time.

It dawned on him he had never seen her so happy, and the thought filled his very heart.

The two ate till they could eat no more, and then laid on their blanket in each others' arms, saving dessert for later.

They had both almost drifted off to sleep when suddenly there was a strange sound…

Elizabeth sat up with a start.

"Nathan! What was that noise?"

He got up quietly and the Mountie in him took over.

He heard the rustling, and it wasn't from the animals. As he stood, he smelled the aroma coming from a spitfire.

And as he looked at the ground, he saw, tracks, soft leather tracks.

And then he knew.

He cupped his hands around his mouth and called with all his might over the falling rivers of water!

"George! George! It's Nathan! We're in front of the Falls!"

A whistle rang shrilly through the air, and a smile grew on Nathan's face.

After several calls back and forth, there he was, hesitant to greet his landowners, as they were on their Honeymoon, after all!

"What are you doing here, George? We thought you were still at Nathaniel's!"

"He had to go to Union City. Something about a case. It didn't feel right to stay without him there, so I thought I'd camp out, here. As this is my favorite spot for that! I never dreamed you'd be here or I wouldn't have…"

"It's okay! It's great to see you, George! We're just relieved it's you!"

"I truly didn't mean to interrupt!"

"You're not interrupting at all! We're glad you're here. Afraid we should warn you. We have a new addition to our Lodge Family!"

"Mrs. Grant!"

"George! So good to see you!" and Elizabeth jumped up and ran to kiss him. "And although I love my new name, it's Elizabeth, remember?"

"What addition?"

"Cats. Lots of them. How does Rip do with Cats?"

"Afraid I don't know! We shall soon see. How many?"

"A whole Solar System. It appears we've been birthing Kittens on our Honeymoon, George!" explained Nathan.

And with that George laughed so hard, he couldn't stop.

Leaving Nathan and Elizabeth having to join in, without fully understanding why.

"You know there is an old Indian tale. Birth a Kitten on your Honeymoon, and Fertility will not be an issue. Birth a litter of Kittens on your Honeymoon, and well, let's just say legend has it, you will be greatly blessed…"

"With what?" asked Elizabeth a bit apprehensively.

"Your own litter of Babies, of course!"

"Nine?"

Now, only the men were laughing.

But a very new, yet now wise husband, realized laughter was probably not going to help in this instance.

So he instead moved to his Wife, and held her in his still healing scratched arms from the Storm.

"Not nine, Darling. Just as many as you feel comfortable having! Right, George?"

"Oh, yes, Sir! Right, Sir!"

But not believing it for a minute.

The legend clearly said…

And George was definitely sticking to the old tales of his heritage; his beliefs of nature were unwavering…

George retrieved his fish from the spit he had made, and the trio shared the rest of their food with George.

"Ah, this fish is delicious. And here I thought I couldn't eat another bite!"

"Never miss fish fried outdoors, Darling! It's the absolute best!"

After all the fish had been devoured, Elizabeth sat out their dessert, an assortment of Wedding leftovers.

George was obviously hungry, as he couldn't stop eating.

"Left early this morning. Didn't stop to eat till now."

"Just enjoy it! Less to carry Home!"

As Elizabeth was worried about Esmerelda and her Kittens, they got ready to leave as soon as George finished his meal.

Nathan and Elizabeth both insisted George and Rip return to their Cabin, as the Almanac predicted another rainstorm tonight.

"You can't possibly camp out tonight. There's going to be a downpour. And we've already had one bad storm! Come back to the Lake and your Home, George!" urged Nathan.

"Only if you're sure..."

When they reached Lake Granda and George saw the boat, he was absolutely mesmerized.

"She's a real beauty, Sir!"

"You tour it on your own, George, and maybe later you can help me take it out one last time. Perhaps to that cove you were telling me about!"

"I'll have to look at the dimensions and do depth comparisons. Should not be a problem. But what will we do in the winter?"

"Not at all sure, George, unless my Father-in-Law has something planned we don't yet know about!"

"I'm sure he's already figured all that out, Gentlemen. My Father is nothing, if not thorough! Especially when he has invested money!"

"You might want to add in 'Over-the-Top,' to that 'Thorough!'" teased Nathan.

"Well, that too!" laughed Elizabeth.

"We'll have to remember to ask. She most certainly can't spend winter in the water!" noted Nathan. "Maybe a ramp?"

"She? Oh yes, I keep forgetting. Boats and ships are 'shes'!" giggled Elizabeth.

"Either way. No worry. There are ways. Indian ways. That work. Perhaps not on something that big. But premise should be same."

"Check her out and see what you think!"

"But, Sir. Should I not meet our Cat and Litter of Kittens first?"

"Whichever you think is best…"

George slipped into the Lodge behind Nathan and Elizabeth, walking softly to Esmerelda and her Babies.

Elizabeth stayed back, hoping Esmerelda would link George to Nathan and quickly build trust.

She needn't have worried, because the connection was instant.

George obviously had a way with animals, and yes Cats were thankfully included!

"Now, for the big test. I get Rip."

Elizabeth held her breath, as George re-entered the Living Room, with Rip at his heels.

As soon as Rip caught sight of the litter of Kittens, he laid down beside them, without making a sound, until the litter started whimpering in tandem, and then he did the same!

It was as though Esmerelda felt protected with Rip there, and much to Nathan's and Elizabeth's amazement, it wasn't long until she fell fast asleep, leaving watch to Rip.

"Why do I get the feeling Esmerelda and Rip just negotiated a Care Contract?"

"Because apparently, they just did, Darling!" laughed Elizabeth. "Well, that's a worry completely derailed! We now know the Kittens are safe with Rip!"

"Amazing!"

"I take them to Cabin with me, with Rip, so you may continue Honeymoon!"

Nathan glanced at Elizabeth and noticed her sad eyes.

"Would you rather they stay, Darling?"

"Yes, though I know it's not wise. They need to adjust. But George, you need to build your fire first and let the Cabin warm for them."

"Yes, Ma'am! Will do now! Come, Rip, let's prepare our Home for our Guests..."

"We are alone again! And I plan to make the most of every moment, Mrs. Grant!"

Nathan threw a couple more logs on the fire, then pulled Elizabeth to sit with him on the Sofa, where he covered her with a quilt, wrapped her in his arms, then in kisses, and in no time, the two fell contentedly fast asleep together.

The ride had both invigorated them and worn them out, as it had been a three-way race returning home.

They didn't even hear the knock on the door, or George removing Esmerelda and her Kittens.

When they finally awoke, they cuddled on their huge Sofa.

Unknown to them, George had even added more wood to the fireplace, as the fire was crackling, despite their sleep!

"This, Love, is the best piece of furniture in the whole Lodge!"

"It is, isn't it? Except for maybe our Bed. It's pretty comfortable, too! Nathan! The Kitties are gone!"

"Are you okay, Darling?"

"I must admit I've grown terribly attached. But I suppose this allows me to focus on other things."

"Such as…"

"Such as my gorgeous husband, who loves me terribly, and would do anything for me…"

She was smothering him with kisses, and at this very moment, she was right on all of the above.

He would do absolutely anything for her!

With no questions asked.

"Oh, Lisbeth…"

He ran his hands from her shoulders down to her waist, where he traced circles around it.

Then he slumped and buried his head onto her chest and they laid there together, breathing in perfect synchrony.

"We don't even need words."

"No words…"

He raised his head just enough to look into her beautiful eyes, touching her with reverence, his eyes never leaving hers, as he worshipped his Wife and made her feel like the only woman on earth.

She ran her fingers through his hair, relishing his touch, and suddenly she knew.

There was no rationale.

None whatsoever.

And she couldn't tell him.

It wouldn't be right.

The twin lambs!

She didn't know when it had happened.

But it had.

Without any doubt, she knew, and her free hand instinctively moved to her abdomen, as she touched their Babies for the very first time…

(*104) Webster Dictionary, Merriam- Webster, 1913, Public Domain