Chapter One Hundred Thirty-Three: Honeymoon Day Eight: Home

"Nathan, are you sure about this? I can't even see anything ahead. In my world, no one should even be up and about at 4:00 AM!"

Elizabeth could feel his lop-sided grin and was absolutely sure it was plastered on his face. She loved him so and was trying with all her might to be a good sport. But the truth was, a morning person she simply was not!

Her Husband on the other hand seemed to thrive on the early hours! In fact, he seemed to thrive on the late hours too. She was beginning to wonder if he required any sleep at all!

"It's okay. I've got you, Babe! We're almost at the Dock!"

"How do you know? It's pitch black around us."

"I know."

"I'm trusting you blindly. Literally, my Love!"

"About a dozen more steps and we're there!"

"Twelve…eleven…ten…nine…eight…seven…six… five…four…three…two…one!" counted Elizabeth, carefully, with each step.

"Oh, ye of little faith! See, we've reached our destination with both feet firmly planted on the dock! I knew because when the Dock was being built, I traveled this path so many times, I think I have each step memorized. Just like this…" (*105)

He turned her to him and held her close in the chilly darkness, with him, his words, and his touch the only things existing in her world.

"She walks in beauty, like the night

Of cloudless climes and starry skies;

And all that's best of dark and bright

Meet in her aspect and her eyes;

Thus mellowed to that tender light

Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

One shade the more, one ray the less,

Had half impaired the nameless grace

Which waves in every raven tress,

Or softly lightens o'er her face;

Where thoughts serenely sweet express,

How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.

And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,

So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,

The smiles that win, the tints that glow,

But tell of days in goodness spent,

A mind at peace with all below,

A heart whose love is innocent!" (*106)

He kissed her in the black of the night, caressing her hair, simply loving her, quelling her fears.

"Nathan, that is so beautiful! You know Lord Byron! I think I have the most romantic husband in the world. Please don't ever change, you are everything I need and adore!"

"The same goes for you, you know! We're safe together, Lisbeth! Grab the rail right here, Love, and follow close behind me. There's so much more. But keep holding onto the rail whatever you do. I'll re-light the lantern as we get closer to the Boat."

"But isn't it too windy to take 'Arielle' out? I mean if the lantern blew out are you sure it's safe to sail her?"

"She's a Sailboat, Love. She's made to follow the wind! The more, the better!"

"It's just…I don't know. It's so dark. I can't even see the water."

"We have perfect sail winds. I promise. And George showed me exactly where we're going."

"And he's sure the cove is deep enough?"

"He's absolutely sure the cove is deep enough! He even checked with a line last evening. We're all good! This is our last Sail and what better purpose than to watch the last Sunrise of our Honeymoon? Besides every good sailor knows sailing at night is actually much calmer than sailing in the day!"

"Are you sure about that…"

"You were right! I was wrong. This has been the perfect sail. I just had never actually sailed in the middle of the night before. Remember, we were docked when we were on her before at night. But I must say, this has been a whole new wonderful adventure!"

"Get ready for many, many more! There will be light in just a few minutes. And it's going to be a glorious spectacle!"

"Are we actually in the cove already?"

"We are exactly in the middle of the cove. You'll see why we are here in just a bit. And I promise it's going to be so worth it!"

He was going on George's description and word, as well as his sailing knowledge, as he had saved this part of the lake to experience with his wife for the first time.

But he was confident.

Still skittish, she refused to let go of his arm, till after he had put down their anchor, and from that point on she clutched his hand.

As he had managed to light several of the ship's covered lanterns, with her in tow, there was now more than enough light to safely maneuver the deck.

The two walked hand-in-hand to the deck's two chaise lounges, where he helped her get comfortable, and covered her from the cold mists with a blanket.

"Are you ready for your surprise, Mrs. Grant?"

"Yes, please! Nathan, But I still can't even tell where we are."

"Granted, it's still dark, but that's because we haven't been here before. Just wait, Darling, it's going to be so worth it!"

He sat down beside her stretching out his long legs in his own chaise, just before she quickly got up and wiggled in beside him.

"So, you're abandoning your comfortable chaise?"

"Yes, Love, but I do have an extra blanket I'll share!"

"For one extra blanket, I might take pity on you," he teased.

"You, my Husband, better take pity on me. Remember, we are now one. What you have, I have. And at this very moment, I particularly want the chaise you have."

"You may have my chaise as long as I remain in it!"

"That, my Love, was the whole and only point!"

And that's all it took for the two to become so occupied in each other, enmeshing their lips in a deeply passionate kiss that seemed to last forever, while at the same time, creating a singular moment where nothing else existed in their world.

She could feel the tensing of his neck, as he gave her all within him and he could feel her drowning into him.

Their love was palpable.

In fact, they were so deeply entranced with their kiss and tender caresses of each other, they almost missed the entire reason they had come.

But as the first glowing stream of light enveloped them in a pearly glow, Nathan turned her around on his lap, still nuzzling her neck, allowing her to better see the spectacle that was about to burst forth.

She held onto his hands around her waist, and with widened eyes, took in the deepest of breaths, as she sat mesmerized in her Husband's lap, wrapping her hand around his neck, repositioning him the slightest bit, so he, too, could also see the magic array before them.

Golden glowing fingers of dawning sunlight swept across the land and the water before it, creating a magical spectacle of enchantment for the happy couple.

"This was worth every doubt…it's spectacular, and that knoll, it's like it was made as a stage for the sun to come out of hiding. Like a great curtain of light is opening for our view alone. And colors I didn't even know existed are appearing right before us, dancing across the waters. How can this even be?"

"Golds, violets, purples, pinks, and blues! With the mountains in the mists behind."

"All the same colors, but such different hues than those of the sunset. And even other sunrises."

"I do believe God ordered a most special sunrise for us, Lisbeth, to celebrate our Marriage."

"The end of our Honeymoon…" she began to pout.

He turned her crestfallen face to his and tilted it up so slightly, with the lightest of touches from his fingertips.

"Never. Perhaps the ending of this first part of our Wedding Honeymoon. But there's a magical second Wedding Honeymoon adventure to come, followed by what I like to call our forever Marriage Honeymoon," whispered Nathan above the lulling sounds of the water.

"Are you, my handsome Husband, saying our Marriage is going to be one long Honeymoon?"

"That is exactly what I'm saying, my Darling Wife. With you, how can it not be one marvelous adventure after another?"

"You're right! With you, it positively has to be one marvelous adventure after another!"

"I mean, don't get me wrong, I know life will happen. Nothing's ever all roses, but we'll never forget the magic of this week, nor the magic that will always be within us."

"The magic of our love. No matter what?"

"No matter what…"

She leaned her head against his chest.

Feeling more loved, more solid, more sure of the future than she had ever been in her life.

And then she realized, for the first time, she was embracing the future in anticipatory wonder, without the presence of any fear.

All because of this Man.

This Man she adored!

Since Jack had died, fear had never been far from her periphery, but that was all gone now.

Nathan's steadfastness calmed her, made her focus on her strength, not what horror might befall.

He made her think about life and all the things she wanted to do with it.

Unafraid.

Just because he was there.

"Are you happy, Nathan?"

"Deliriously so. And for a quiet, pragmatic Man such as myself, that's a word that prior to you, wasn't even part of my vocabulary. So, I'd say you have accomplished quite a lot in one week, Mrs. Grant!"

"You've made me feel invincible, happier than I knew I could be. It's like those mountains in the mist. We can only see the faint outline, yet we know they are there. Even when I'm apart from you, I will always know you are there. Because you're here, Nathan, filling my heart to overflowing. I love you so!"

His eyes searched hers, as their lips met urgently, both entwined in a love that neither had ever expected, but a love so forceful, so powerful, so pure, that anything around it paled in comparison. A love that drew them together as one in so many ways even before their Wedding Vows. A love that consumed them, fed them and propelled them.

In this one short week, they had shared their bodies, their hearts, their very souls, which was so far beyond what they already had shared!

Now, they were intimately one.

Truly one.

With that lop-sided grin she adored, he stood and lifted her to his chest, then carried her along with a myriad of kisses, inside their cabin and into their berth, where on their bed together, they welcomed the new day with love, passion, and a special wonder that belonged to them alone…

"George, you shouldn't have done all this. I was going to help!"

"It is my job. My Honeymooners do no work," he grinned.

"I can't tell you how wonderful it is to see all those gifts loaded on the wagon. I must admit, I was dreading that a bit!"

"You have many to still open, Sir!"

"That we do. We did our best! What can I say? There was so much to do…" and with a very red face, Nathan realized what he had just said, and all three burst out laughing, helplessly!

"It is a Honeymoon, after all, Sir!"

And then wisely changing the subject, George countered.

"Would you like to say Goodbye to Esmerelda and her Solar System now, or later, Miss?"

"Maybe both?" smiled Elizabeth.

"Follow me! She is well acclimated, with Rip patiently standing guard…"

"I can't believe what you've done with the place, George. This is just incredible! Your art, your treasures. It's like they all just belong here," mused Elizabeth.

"It's never looked so good, George! And Lisbeth, see what I mean about his photography?"

"It's stunning. You could sell these. Not that you'd want to. But you should seriously think about taking some to sell. My sister will be working in an Art Gallery in Hamilton, and I'm sure she could get top dollar for this quality! You have a real talent!"

"Which is why I can't wait to see our Wedding photos!"

"Will work on them just after you leave. Will bring them to you when done!"

"Thank you so much, George. They'll mean even more because you took them! I would love to see them before we leave for Hamilton."

"It will be done, Mrs. Grant."

"Remember, it's Elizabeth!"

"Elizabeth."

"Esmerelda does seem quite content," Elizabeth mused with mixed emotions. "I'm going to miss her and her Babies. We didn't even think Pluto was going to make it. He was the runt of the litter."

"But he has what we call grit. He will be a star. I have no doubt."

"Yes, he will! Thank you, George, for taking them in!" and Elizabeth threw her arms around George, as Nathan bent to pet Rip.

"And thank you, Rip for being their protector extraordinaire! You're the best, Rip!"

"Time for you to go and say Goodbye to Honeymoon. I give you time. Later, I saddle Newton and Sargent. Then I bring wagon to you in Hope Valley."

"Thank you, George. That means we get to ride home together! And what a gift that is. The perfect ending to our perfect week! We thank you! And Newton and Sargent definitely thank you…"

"Alone one last time…"

"Alone the first of many times. This is your home, Lisbeth, built especially for you! For us, for our Family, and our Friends!"

"I love it, Nathan! You built this just for me. It really does feel like home now. It's a part of me, a part of us. And I must admit, there's a part of me that could stay here forever, just like we are right now. But there's another part of me that knows we need our Children. Is it terrible that I miss them so?"

"No, because I do, too! Can't wait to see them again! To hug them! You know they are going to be so excited to start their part of the Honeymoon!"

"And that's exactly what they're calling it. Florence said Allie was telling Ned and her all about her Honeymoon to Hamilton and New York City!"

"Let's hope that's all she thinks a Honeymoon is for a very long time!" winked Nathan, as Elizabeth began giggling uncontrollably.

He laughed and drew her even closer, placing his hand along her back, causing her spine to tingle in ways she had never known possible before.

"You wish! Afraid that's the false dream of every Father. Mine included! But, the good news is, you've got a very long way to go, Darling!"

They were standing in front of the huge fireplace in their Lodge's living room, melded together, with their arms wrapped around each other.

Suddenly he lifted her from the floor and twirled her round and round, just like he had so long ago on the Boardwalk.

Had it been a year?

They had come full circle.

Their love had come full circle.

"Come with me, Husband…" and she led him into their haven, one last time, their Wedding Bed, where they spent the rest of their Honeymoon privately, alone together, holding each other, reminiscing over their spectacular Wedding, their Family, laughing and cherishing all their special memories and moments as a Couple throughout this most perfect Honeymoon Week, and loving each other completely with an all-consuming passion that would just keep growing and growing!

"Ah, my beautiful Wife. You are my everything..."

When Nathan and Elizabeth had made one last tour of their new home, Nathan swooped her up in his arms and carried her back over their threshold, out onto their Lawn. And just as George had promised, he was waiting there, holding the reins of a saddled and very excited Newton and Sargent.

"George, thanks to you, I think we have everything loaded up!" as he shook hands with George, and Elizabeth hugged him.

"We'll see you at our house when you get there. Plan to have Dinner with us, too, George!"

"Thank you! Be safe."

And with those words Nathan helped his Lisbeth mount Sargent, kissing her once more, then in one fluid motion, he mounted Newton, and with beaming faces, the two waved Goodbye to George, Esmerelda, and the Kittens they'd seen one last time, and to Rip, heading home to the Children they adored and the town that they both loved…

"I think you'll hear the horses as your Parents arrive, even from the Living Room!" laughed Madelyne.

"But Grandma, we can't miss Mama and Dad! If we stay right here at the front door, we can run out and greet them and follow them to the Stables!"

"It's a perfect plan! I just don't want you two to wear yourselves out, standing there! I suppose I could bring another round of Cookies and Milk!"

"Yes, please! Your Chocolate Chunk Cookies are the best I've ever had!"

"Yummy, Gramma!"

She patted Little Jack's head, and he reached up to hug her, which she happily obliged. Then she kissed Allie on her forehead.

"I must say you two have the fortitude and patience of Job!"

Archie came down the steps, and saluted his two Grandchildren!

"These two are on a Mission, Honey! They aren't to be disturbed!" and he wrapped them both in his arms. "I'd better go help your Grandma! You two, man the fort! Your Parents should arrive anytime now!"

"Jack, will they ever get here?"

"They coming, Awee!"

She patted her Brother on his back and pulled him closer to her.

"I wuv u, Awee!"

"I love you, too, Jack! But don't step on our sign! We have to hold it up so Mama and Dad can see it!"

Another hour passed.

Grace and Madelyne were in the Living Room, watching over Allie and Jack in the Entry, and both could tell their Little Guy was getting very sleepy.

The two Grandmothers exchanged a knowing look.

It was way past time for his nap, but what was a Grandmother to do? There was positively no way this Little Guy was going to sleep. His eyes were peeled for his Daddy and his Mama!

"Where did Archie go, Madelyne?"

"He went out to the Stables. Wanted to make sure they were in tiptop shape! Do you think William will make it back from Union City in time to greet our Happy Couple?"

"When he called, he was having to take a later train, since they canceled the earlier run. So, it's probably going to be later tonight. Godfrey is going to pick him up as soon as he arrives."

"I can't wait to show Nathan and Elizabeth their Pounding! Hope Valley sure knows how to celebrate! It's just such a lovely thing to do for a newly married couple."

"I've never even seen such a thing before. But it's just truly lovely, and you could tell their hearts were in the right place, so giving and happy for them!"

"And to keep it a surprise too! It's just such a wonderful welcome home!"

"Oh, is that the horses I hear?" asked Grace, excitedly.

Then the Grandmothers heard the shrieks from Allie and Jack, who had carried their sign out on the porch, but quickly dropped it as they ran to greet their Dad and Mama.

Nathan dismounted Newton, and quickly lifted Elizabeth down, as they gathered both children up in their arms, smothering them with kisses.

"Oh, I love you both so very much! Your Dad and I missed you terribly!"

Allie and Jack were talking a mile a minute, while Elizabeth was crying, and by this time Grace and Madelyne had run to the front porch, watching the sweet reunion.

Nathan lifted Jack, and Elizabeth gathered Allie to her, and they both moved toward their Mothers.

Nathan kissed both Grace and Madelyne, as Elizabeth did the same, but in reverse order.

"You both are positively radiant!" exclaimed Madelyne. "I take it the Honeymoon was all you hoped and more!"

"Much more, Mother!"

"It was absolutely perfect. But we missed you all! And it's good to be back home!"

"Oh, we missed you too, Darling!" smiled Grace. "Both of you!"

"Mama, Jack and I have a surprise for you and Dad! And Grandma has a surprise too. And then there's another surprise!"

"Oh, my! That's a lot of surprises!" laughed Elizabeth. "But, I know your surprise already, the sign is beautiful!"

"No, it's something else! We'll show you as soon as you get Newton and Sargent groomed! May we help?"

"Yes, you may!" winked her Father. "You and Jack, both!"

"We'll go inside, Dear, and meet you out back at the Stables!" suggested Grace.

"Did I just hear my Mother say she'd meet us at the Stables?" asked a shocked Elizabeth.

"Yes, Mama, Granda helps us gather the Chicken Eggs every morning, and we sort them in the Stables."

Elizabeth was so shocked, she was speechless.

"Wonders never cease, Darling!" whispered Nathan.

But she was still trying her best to picture her Mother gathering hen eggs!

Nathan carried Jack on his shoulders, and Allie led Newton, as Elizabeth led Sargent around the house to the Stables.

All four could tell the horses knew they were home and were very glad to be back!

As soon as the pair saw Archie, there were hugs all around.

"You two look fitter than an Irish Jig! Stop that, I'm the designated Groomer today. You two go on into your new Home!" insisted Archie.

"Thanks, Grandpa! Jack and I have surprises to show Mama and Dad!"

"Oh, they'll be surprised all right!" grinned Archie.

"I'm not sure I like the sound of that. Just how surprised are we going to be, Allie?"

"Really surprised!"

Nathan looked at Elizabeth with a bit of concern!

Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders, trying her best to withhold a giggle, not at all sure what to expect.

But neither could have expected what was waiting for them in a million years, for as they walked up onto the back porch, there was a lidded basket, that Allie and Jack ran straight to, quickly lifting out two very cute kittens!

"Dad, Mama, can we keep them? Please! This is Cinderella, and this is Prince Charming! Jack named them. Their Mother lives in the field and she comes and feeds them. Her name is Fairy Godmother. Fairy for short! Can we please, please, please keep them? We've taken care of them all week and they love us and we love them and…"

Allie and Jack's parents were standing speechless, with widened eyes, and even Madelyne and Grace didn't know how to interpret their reactions or lack thereof, nor how this was all going to end up.

Nathan and Elizabeth stared at each other, and after a few very nervous moments, both started laughing hysterically.

"Whatever is wrong? I mean the kittens just appeared and we really couldn't turn them away," explained Grace. "We've kept them on the back porch, and well, in the Sunroom at night! But in their baskets!"

At least she was trying to explain.

Allie and Jack just looked pitiful, each holding a kitten.

And Madelyne was standing to the side with her hand over her face, rooting for her grandkids!

Surprisingly, Rex and Reggie were smothering Nathan and Elizabeth with kisses, seemingly unperturbed by the presence of the kittens!

"It's just that we now have thirteen cats?"

"What are you talking about, Son?" asked Madelyne. "There are just three cats! The mother and two kittens!"

"It's a long story, Mother. There was a storm at the Lodge, and I rescued a cat who happened to birth nine kittens in our Living Room there. We've nursed them the rest of our Honeymoon. George is taking on their care in our absence. Your Mama took photos to show you! The Mother is Esmerelda and her kittens are named after the planets!"

"Yes, Darling, if you agree, I'm afraid this now means we have not ten, but thirteen cats!" confirmed Elizabeth.

"Thirteen cats. That's the best news ever!" screamed Allie. "That's lots of cats, Jack!"

"Oh my goodness! Thirteen cats! Isn't there something terribly unlucky about that?" asked Nathan, scrambling for any excuse he could come up with.

"No, Darling, it's Nine Lives, but in our case apparently, that's expanded to Thirteen!" laughed Elizabeth.

"Pretty please, please," begged Allie.

"Petty pease, pease," begged Jack with downcast eyes.

"Elizabeth, I think this is a joint decision," begging his wife for some hint of resolution.

Then he realized she was totally on the side of the Children.

"I give up. You may keep them. But, they stay outside! Understood?"

"Understood," agreed Allie.

"They're fine outside during the summer, and later, we'll fix a warm place in the Stables where they can stay with the Horses during the winter!"

"Unnerstood," nodded Jack, who didn't understand at all, until Allie started hugging her Mama and her Dad.

Then Jack did the same!

"I'm not sure I can take any more surprises. How many more did you say we had?" asked Nathan, with not a little dread.

Elizabeth giggled in spite of herself, and the Mothers led them into the Kitchen, where Godfrey stood at the huge wooden table, which was literally laden with every kind of home-canned good that could be imagined!

Beautiful jar after jar!

"It's a Hope Valley Pounding!" exclaimed Elizabeth. "Godfrey, wonderful to see you!"

She hugged her Godfrey, as Nathan heartily shook his hand.

"Yes, Godfrey, great to see you again, Man! But, a what did you say?" asked Nathan, still confused.

"The entire town brings their best home-canned goods along with their good wishes for a Happy Marriage! This is wonderful, Nathan!"

"People have been coming after Church and all afternoon long! They're so excited for the two of you. It's been really lovely to see!" explained Madelyne.

"I've kept a list, Miss, or I should say Mrs!"

Elizabeth beamed.

"A very happy Mrs! Either is fine, Godfrey!"

"Gramma, show Dad!" urged Jack.

"Yes, Grandma, show Dad your surprise!" chimed in Allie.

"Well mine doesn't have legs, but it's your favorite, Son. Chocolate Chunk Cookies!"

"This is the best, Mom!" and Nathan reached down to kiss his Mother on the forehead. "And I must say, no legs is quite the relief!"

Then he opened the can and started passing his treasured cookies around to one and all!

"Kittens or not, it's so good to be Home!" he admitted.

"It certainly is!" smiled Elizabeth.

And that's when he kissed his wife in front of all to see.

"And that, Children, is love!" smiled Grace.

"Oh, your Dad and I have surprises too, for you, Allie, and for Jack! They're coming with George later this afternoon when he brings the wagon full of Wedding Gifts!"

Well, that created almost as much excitement as the kittens, and clearly called for another encampment by the front door, as their parents were attempted to be fed by their Mothers and Godfrey!

"I've never seen so much food!"

"I'll get it all sorted, but now it's time you eat! An early Dinner is served in the Dining Room."

"Oh, Godfrey, this looks positively wonderful! But where's my Father?"

"He had to make a quick Business Trip to Union City. He'll be back later this evening. Godfrey will pick him up at the Train Station as soon as he arrives!" explained Grace.

"Leave it to Father, to find Business on his vacation."

"Well, don't tell him I said, but I think it has to do with a Honeymoon Surprise, Darling!"

"Oh, my! All of you have outdone yourself already. The Boat is extraordinary!"

"We'll give proper thanks as soon as we have you all together! If one can give proper thanks for such an extravagant gift! We christened her "The Arielle," after Colleen," smiled Nathan.

"That's perfect, Son! Just perfect," and Nathan hugged his Mother as she wiped a tear from her eye.

"How about let's get seated? Will you two join us? And Father?" asked Nathan.

"Let me go get Archie. He should be hungry again!"

But as Madelyne turned to fetch Archie, the children shrieked as they sited George and their wagon with Wedding Presents galore coming up the road.

Somewhere, they knew, two very special presents with their names on them were hiding in that wagon, and they couldn't wait!

"He's coming, he's coming. Mr. George is coming!" called Allie, all, of course, reiterated by Little Jack.

The Children ran out to the front lawn, waving and calling to their 'Mr. George!'

Nathan, Elizabeth, the Mothers, and Godfrey all followed, waving as George pulled the wagon up into their long driveway.

He stopped across from the front porch, and jumped out, bowing to the group that had gathered, and raising his hand in typical salutation according to his customs.

The Children ran to George with hugs and kisses.

He was taken aback, but clearly loved their show of affection, offering warm hugs right back to them.

"Wagon has two very special gifts. Let's find."

With a child in each hand, and Nathan behind them, he walked each Child to the large wagon, where he had secretly placed his most precious cargo, their gifts, under his seat.

Nathan helped get Allie's down first, handing the Bookends to Elizabeth to hand to their Daughter.

Then he lifted Jack's wagon down, and the Little Guy literally exploded with joy!

As Allie excitedly unwrapped her present, she looked at her Dad, then her Mama.

"Bookends! This is exactly what I wanted! What I needed for my room. You made this for me?"

"We did. Your Father carved the wood, and I painted them!"

"They're perfect. And so special because they're my Honeymoon Gift!"

"Look Awee! It's a wagon! Push me! Push me!"

"Jump in and I'll pull you! See, I can't push you away. I have to pull it toward me!"

"It's red! I wuv it! I wuv it!" exclaimed Jack, while jumping up and down.

"Here, Big Guy, let's see if you fit!" and Nathan lifted him up into his first Wagon. "Look, your Mama painted your name, Jack, and some Mountie Horses, too!"

"I wuv it, Daddy! Go, go!"

Needless to say, Little Jack's excitement was contagious!

The adults watched as Allie pulled her Brother along the walkway.

It was impossible to tell who was giggling and laughing more.

"Sir, allow me to help transport your Wedding Presents. I have the Sunroom ready with tables!"

"Perfect, Godfrey! Thank you! But only if I get to help too!"

"And don't forget me!" called Archie from the front door.

"Nathan," called Elizabeth, as she walked to her Husband and snuggled into him.

"Stand with me just a moment to watch the Children. They're so happy! And it's all because of your thoughtfulness, Darling!"

He wrapped his arms around her.

"All because of us, Love! It was your painting that took everything over the top! You know, Lisbeth, I don't think it gets any better than this!"

Then he reached down and kissed his beautiful Wife with all the passion their Honeymoon Week together had wrought between them, right in the middle of all the chaos around them, standing in their own front yard, watching their Children play, while so full of joy!

They were finally, one in every way.

They were the Grant Family!

Legal Co-parents to their very own Children.

This was their beautiful dream.

Their Family!

This was the very thing that meant the world to them.

All four of them...

(*105) King James Bible, Matthew 8:26, Public Domain

(*106) "She Walks in Beauty," George Gordon Byron, Written June 12, 1814, Published in Hebrew Melodies, 1815, Public Domain