Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Four: Never Ending Surprises
"As delightful as it was being at the Lodge, and it was perfection, there's still something to be said for being in our own bedroom, our own bed, in our Hope Valley home, Love! We're home!"
"Ah! You've got that right, Lisbeth! We're finally home."
He was holding her close under the blankets as they were lying in bed for the first time in the bedroom of their home, together.
"You know, it was really hard before our Wedding, not being able to be here with you and the Children. I can't tell you how much I dreamt about what this would be like."
"Is it everything you dreamed?"
"That and much more…"
He smiled as he bent to give her a tender kiss.
"I know it had to have been difficult when you were alone, Darling. It was terribly hard for us not to have you here, too."
Their faces were inches apart, as her eyes melted into his, along with her explanation.
"It didn't really feel like our home. But now, with you finally, here, it feels like home and so much more. This truly is our home! I'm so happy. The Children are so happy. Is it possible to just keep getting happier with each new day?"
"Very much possible, Lisbeth," and he bent to kiss her bare shoulder to prove it.
She snuggled into him, contented and happy, yet burning for his love.
His kisses were random, leaving her not knowing where the next one would be, till he reached her North Star Necklace, moving it ever so slightly, making his kiss fall at that most sensitive point of her clavicle, causing her entire body to shiver.
"You know, you've looked different the last few days…" he mused.
"Different, how?" she asked innocently.
"You're positively radiant, Mrs. Grant. Even more so than our Wedding…"
'Did he know? Could he possibly know?' she panicked.
Then he chuckled, deep and low.
"I take it that's the sign of a contented Wife?"
"A most contented Wife, my Dear Husband. What about you?"
"As contented as a Husband can be!"
And then he showed her just how contented he was…
Until suddenly their door opened without warning, causing both to rise slightly from their bed, squinting their eyes at the flash of light from the hallway.
As they were able to focus, there in the center of their doorframe, stood Jack carrying his Bear and dragging his Blankie behind him.
"Mama, Daddy, bad dweam…"
Nathan grabbed his robe, jumped out of bed in an instant, and lifted Jack to him, both reassuring him, and giving Elizabeth time to grab her own robe.
"You're okay, Buddy. Daddy's got you!"
He glanced back at his wife to make sure she was presentable, and then he brought Jack to their bed, and placed him in the middle between them, lying back down, as his Wife further comforted their Son, placing his hand over his eyes, trying his best to regroup…
It took a full two hours for Jack to finally fall soundly asleep again.
He had been in a rather talkative mood, chatting away in the middle of the night, loving being the center of attention of both his Mama and his new Daddy at the same time.
Finally, after a prolonged silence and a perfunctory poke on the shoulder from Elizabeth, Nathan sat up and found his slippers, while she was trying her best not to giggle.
He gave her a 'You just wait till I get my hands on you, look' and very quietly lifted Jack from their bed, carrying him back to his own room and bed...
As soon as he was sure the boy was sound asleep, and wouldn't wake from moving him, he pulled the blanket up around Jack and lightly kissed his forehead, tiptoeing from his room out into the hallway, suddenly trying to get his bearings.
He had planned and built this house, but it was the middle of the night, after all, and he was a bit disoriented, not quite yet used to living here.
After stumbling down the hall in his fog from no sleep, he found Allie's door and peeked in, to make sure she was alright. She was sound asleep, so he blew her a kiss from the door, as not to wake her, then tiptoed past his parents' room, then his in-laws' room, back to his waiting Wife.
"I'm so sorry, Darling," giggled Elizabeth.
"It's those giggles that are going to cost you, Love! Now, let's see where were we? It's been so long, I'm not sure I remember…"
"Oh, I remember. I'm pretty sure it was here…" and she proceeded to do to him what he had been doing to her when they had been so unexpectedly interrupted.
"I think I'm going to love being married to a teacher. They seem to catch on so quickly, with memories like hawks…"
"They? It better be one teacher, and that teacher better be me, Dear Husband!"
Then the couple made up for lost time, chuckling, giggling, and laughing through the rest of the night, feeling thoroughly at home, in this their new bed…
Dawn had barely broken, but, as usual, Nathan was the first one up.
Yet even he was surprised to find Godfrey in his kitchen putting on the Coffee and Tea Kettles while prepping the baking tasks for breakfast.
"Godfrey, good morning! You're up early!"
"Good morning, Sir! Lots to do!" smiled Godfrey. "What may I get you?"
"Just Coffee, thank you!"
Godfrey couldn't help but smile, as the Master of the House happened to have his slippers on the wrong feet, with his hair quite tousled.
"Sir, your slippers?"
"Hm? Oh!" and Nathan quickly remedied the slipper situation with a red face to boot!
But in Nathan's defense, he wasn't expecting a bonafide Butler to be on duty in his kitchen and he wasn't about to explain that he and Elizabeth had been up a large chunk of the night with Jack, so the two men decided to just go with the flow.
However, it wasn't long till they heard in the distance the pitter-patter of tiny feet on the staircase, followed by a mad run into the kitchen by said tiny feet, with the grand appearance of none other than the Son of the house, Master Jack Thornton Grant, again appearing with Bear, and dragging Blankie.
This time making a beeline for his Daddy!
"Daddy, Daddy!"
"Good morning, Son! Come here to your Daddy," and Nathan held out his arms for Jack, who quickly climbed up into his lap.
"Jack, shouldn't you still be asleep in your bed?"
"Need Daddy!"
"Well, Daddy's here, Son. Will you excuse us, Godfrey? Perhaps if we sit by the fire, that will help Jack get back to Dreamland."
Nathan carried his Little Boy, along with Bear and Blankie, and humming a song, sat down with his 'Big Guy' on the sofa in front of the huge Keeping Room Fireplace, where Jack quickly fell asleep against his Father's chest, wrapped in his arms.
But by the time Godfrey had the Coffee ready and brought Nathan a cup, Nathan too was fast asleep with his Little Boy.
Godfrey smiled, and took the Coffee back into the Kitchen, quietly busying himself with his baking prep, allowing the two men of the house to catch back up on their sleep…
A couple of hours later after Nathan had gotten up, Elizabeth walked into their Keeping Room with Allie in tow.
And with one quick look, the two Ladies decided to join Nathan and Jack, by piling on the huge sofa, pulling quilts from the large basket nearby, to cover round about them.
The family snuggled together, adorable still in their nightclothes and robes, causing Godfrey to simply wish he had a camera to commemorate the adorable scene!
Soon, both sets of In-Laws came down to the kitchen for their Breakfast, since a casual spread over the Kitchen Table was their custom. But this morning, Godfrey quickly directed them to the Dining Room, where he had set everything up more formally. As he was determined to allow the new Family of the House to spend some precious alone time together.
He had no knowledge that this was a replay of last night, nor that Nathan and Elizabeth had had virtually no sleep.
But given he was a very experienced Butler, he had a pretty good idea, even before Little Jack came bursting in…
"Mama, me hungry!"
"Mama," called Little Jack louder, shaking his Mama.
"Jack, shh!" whispered Allie. "Mama's sleeping. Here, I'll go get you something!"
As Allie took Little Jack into the kitchen, Nathan and Elizabeth closed the gap and sleepily found each other, snuggling close in front of the fire.
Godfrey walked back into the kitchen, smiling when he realized what was going on.
"Sh! Miss Allie, Master Jack. Follow me…"
And with one child at each side, he directed them into Breakfast!
"There are my beautiful Grandchildren! Good morning you two!" and Grace held out her arms for hugs and kisses.
"It's my turn now," smiled Madelyne. "Come sit with Grandma, Jack! Good morning, my beautiful Allie!"
Madelyne was instantly in Mother mode, lifting Jack up, placing him into his chair with a pillow, and wrapping him in a huge white napkin!
"Good morning, Grandma and Granda. And to my Grandpas, too!" smiled Allie.
"Good morning, Princess!" smiled a duo of Grandfathers in return, with William saying the words.
"Allie, Dear, we've already said Grace. Would you and your brother like to bow your heads for a silent prayer?" asked Madelyne.
"I pay Gramma!"
"Okay, Jack will pray. Gentlemen, let's all bow our heads again," ordered Madelyne.
"God good. God great. God food. AMEN!"
"Amen!"
"That was a wonderful prayer, Son!" complimented Archie, who was still rubbing his ear from the loudness of the 'Amen.'
William covered his mouth, trying to hide his laughter.
"Jack, we've gotta work on your prayers a little more!" nudged Allie.
"They good pwaers, Awee!"
"Yes, Jack, they are good prayers. It's the Amen that needs to be just a tiny bit softer, maybe?"
Allie was looking around the table for reinforcements to her suggestion.
"Well, I do believe there's something to be said for loud 'Amens!' But then again, Allie's right, as there's also something to be said for softer 'Amens!' Perhaps we should just follow our feelings for each Amen, and everything will be just right! Right, Jack?"
"Wight, Gramma!"
And there was Allie's famous eyeroll.
"Can't say I didn't try!"
"And a valiant try, it was, my little Leprechaun!" agreed Archie.
Grace reached and patted Allie's hand.
"Awee, I sweep with Daddy and Mama!" announced Jack loudly and very proudly to his Sister.
The looks around the table were rather curious, to say the least, and each person was doing everything possible not to burst out laughing, as obviously the Honeymooners had been brought back to real life with a thud!
William and Archie couldn't resist laughing, so much so that Godfrey had to step in.
"Sirs, I'm afraid the Master and Mistress of the House are in the Keeping Room, sleeping as we speak. We must be quieter or we will surely awaken them."
"Oh, sorry, Old Chap. We'd better tone it down, Archie!"
"Yes, indeed you had," admonished Grace. "Jack, did you sleep with your Mama and Daddy for a very long time?"
The little boy nodded yes up and down so swiftly, he looked like a tiny little Bobblehead, which brought another round of laughter, that was quickly subdued with an admonishing look from Godfrey.
"I sweep wif Daddy awone too!"
"Ah!" grinned Archie. "This gets better and better!"
"Archie Grant, behave!" warned Madelyne, sternly.
"Yes, Dear! But you must admit our Couple has had quite the welcome home!"
"Indeed," feigned Grace, the master of understatement as much as her newly minted Son-in-Law.
Poor Godfrey had tried his best to maintain some decorum through this seemingly rowdy breakfast. Although it didn't seem meant to be. Oh, well, at least everyone seemed to be enjoying it!
Till Jack burst forth with more information, that definitely was more than anyone wanted to know.
"Mama and Daddy sweep with wobes!"
And with the peals of laughter that ensued, the Grandfathers were hurriedly banished from the Dining Room to the Stables, with a required exit through the front door…
"Lisbeth, Darling, wake up!"
But Elizabeth was out for the count.
Nathan thought a moment, not wanting them to be found in their robes, asleep in the kitchen, so he instantly swooped his wife up in his arms to carry her to bed.
Unfortunately, he was coming into the Hallway carrying his sleeping wife at the exact same time, the laughing William and Archie were banished from the Dining Room.
The eyes of all three met, with Archie and William laughing louder and louder, and Nathan turning brilliant red, not understanding his Father and Father-in-Law had much more to laugh about than seeing him in his robe carrying his sleeping Wife!
This was just getting better and better!
Archie and William stammered over a couple of weak apologies, hurriedly excusing themselves, while Nathan took off for the Master Bedroom at record speed, considering he was carrying another adult.
When Sleeping Beauty and her own Prince Charming (not the kitten!) finally reached their room, he kicked the door closed with his foot, not quite sure what to do next, while still holding his sleeping Wife, who obviously was impervious to anything and everything where sleep was concerned!
Not wanting to wake her, he laid her down gently on her side of the bed, covering her tenderly with their blanket.
But he was so distraught, he simply laid down beside her, covering his eyes for the second time in one sleep cycle!
And then he simply gave up and moaned…
After some time resting in their Bedroom, Nathan realized it was hopeless trying to rouse his sleep-deprived Wife, which to be honest, was not entirely Jack's fault.
So, he got up, and quietly bathed, shaved, and dressed, deciding to slip out the back door and escape to his Stables and Workshop.
"Yes, a good ride on Newton, with some wind at my back! That should restart this odd day!"
But as he slipped through the Hallway and into the Keeping Room, through their closed-in Porch, then out onto the open Back Porch, and down the steps into the Stables, Newton and Sargent were nowhere to be seen.
At first, Nathan panicked.
His Stables were empty! Where in the world could the Horses be?
Breathing heavily, and feeling rather sick inside, he ran outside to peer across his land, trying to figure out what to do.
He called out "Newton!" "Sargent!" as loudly as he could.
But no Horses anywhere.
Wait, the Stream that fed into the Lake…
Newton especially loved to drink from it.
He took off at breakneck speed, running as fast as his legs would carry him.
And there in the distance stood not only Newton but Sargent as well, along with his Dad and his new Father-in-Law.
"Oops, William, I think we might be in a wee bit of trouble!" warned Archie, as his Son came barreling toward him.
"Hello, Son!"
"Good morning, Nathan!"
"What are you two doing?" called Nathan, as he reached the Stream.
"We're exercising your Horses!"
"You're riding Newton and Sargent? Dad, William isn't experienced enough to…"
But Nathan stopped in his tracks, as William just smiled.
"Son, I'm nowhere near as good as your Father, or you, but I'm getting there. Back in the day, I did my share of Equestrian events! Was quite good too, if I do say so myself! Just lost track of riding, with work and all. But I won't let that happen again. Those Stables of mine are going to be put to use! Riding is now going to be part of my every day, even when we get back to Hamilton!"
"You don't say…that's wonderful!"
"He's not a bad rider, Nathan. Not bad at all! Bill's been riding with us each morning. He's already gone back to his Office."
"But what have you been riding all week?"
"Bill hooked us up with two horses at the Livery. Mighty fine specimens, too. We're sorry, Son, we thought it would help if we exercised Newton and Sargent this morning. I knew William could handle it. And you looked like you were otherwise occupied," teased Archie.
Nathan blushed as red as his Serge, had he had it on.
"Dad! I should have known you two wouldn't be reckless with our Horses. I'm sorry for thinking the worst. Just pretty protective of them. But they're obviously doing fine! It was really more that I thought they were missing!"
"Really sorry, Nathan," offered William.
"No problem. Glad you're enjoying them. Elizabeth is still sleeping. I'm afraid we didn't get a lot of sleep last night."
"So, we heard, Son!" laughed his Father.
"How?"
"Afraid our Grandson announced that and a few other gems at the Breakfast Table!" laughed William.
Nathan moaned, then laughed.
"So that's why you two were laughing in the Hallway! Do I get to hear Jack's version?"
The three men sat on a few big boulders by the stream to talk.
"Well, let's see the Little Tyke first announced he had "swept with Daddy and Mama," then "for a really long time," and then let me think."
"I've got it," interjected William. "It was something like 'Mama and Daddy sweep with Wobes!'"
"Yes!" laughed Archie. "And then the clincher, was 'I sweep wif Daddy awone!' Why William and I laughed so hard, we were banished from the Dining Room and the entire house! So, truly, Son, we had nothing else to do, but ride these gorgeous Horses!"
"No wonder you two were laughing so hard! Got to admit, that's pretty funny!"
"It's just that we realized your welcome back from your Honeymoon began with a giant thud. We're sorry, Son!" smiled William. "You just had to be there, your Son has quite a way with his delivery!"
"What are we going to do? You two are the experts. I hate to admit it, but I get the feeling the precedent has been set!"
"Don't ask me! I suppose that's one of the perks of having help. They ran interference, so Grace and I only got the Girls when they were sick, which thank the Good Lord up above, was rarely. Elizabeth kicked like a mule! Viola had nightmares, and Julie chatted all night! It was like pick your poison!"
Despite the 'universal problem,' the three men laughed together.
"Well, Son, honestly, it's sort of payback. We had you twins. Let's just say you and Colleen took turns, except when we got you both! We had at least one child between us for a solid two years. Most times two! And you know something, looking back, we wouldn't have had it any other way. Now, don't ask me about back then! Madelyne and I were ready to farm both of you out to your Grandmothers, permanently! But the point is we lived through it. You will too!"
"Well, Dad, I don't exactly see how I'm supposed to be encouraged by that!"
"Should I tell him my surprise, Arch?"
Archie rubbed his chin, deep in thought.
"Well, my Boy's probably going to be mad, but one thing's for sure, we men have to stick together! Plus I hate to see that sad look on my Son's face for the rest of our stay, especially post his Honeymoon. I say now is a perfect time!"
"What surprise are you two talking about? That Sailboat is the surprise to end all surprises! Way overboard, no pun intended! That was way, way too much!"
"But did you enjoy it?" asked William.
"We loved it more than we ever imagined we could love any material thing. Christened her the 'Arielle' Dad, your pet name for Colleen!"
"You did that, Son?"
"Yes, officially christened her with a bottle of Champagne across her bow! She's such a beauty, just like Colleen. It meant the world to us because the two people we wanted to honor at the Lake were Granda and Colleen. Now, thanks to you two, we were able to do just that with Lake Granda and the Arielle! You all have richly blessed us and we are forever grateful. And the Children will be beside themselves when they get to sail on it!"
Nathan hugged both of his Fathers.
And though Archie and William seldom cried, Nathan couldn't help but see the tears in their eyes.
"You all just enjoy it!" smiled William. "It was our pleasure to gift it!"
"Ah and your Humidor, William. Such an exquisite gift, too! Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
"My pleasure, Nathan! But, it's 'Father,' Son! I know you're not much on cigars, but occasionally, a Humidor is a nice thing to have around. If nothing else, but for your guests. Your Dad and I will use it when we visit. And Bill is ecstatic about it! Was mad at me because I didn't give it to you before our fishing trip! But I'll have you know, I had to sneak behind Grace's back to pull that whole thing off. The one in the Library too! So, the less said, Son, the better! The truth was I didn't have it then; it had been ordered long ago to my specifications, but they hadn't scheduled delivery till after our fishing trip!"
"Got it! Not a word. Our secret, Father! But surely all that's way more than enough. There can't possibly be anything else!"
"Well, Son, let me tell you when you've worked your whole life, and you get a few years on you, you do a lot of re-evaluating. Suddenly, bank accounts and investments aren't as important as they once were. And I've personally come to realize, finally, that it's family that is important. So, you might say my money philosophy has changed a bit. You want to tell them the first part, Archie?"
"Thanks to William and Grace, they've talked us into coming to Hamilton and New York with them to help take care of Allie and Little Jack, so you and Elizabeth can continue having a proper Honeymoon! That is if you'll have us?"
"Have you? Dad, that's the most wonderful news. I knew you two were talking about it, but I didn't think you'd actually come! Mother and you have seldom gotten to travel, and it's about time that happens. To have you both with us means everything! Nothing would make us happier! The children too! But what about the Ranch?"
"Corey's going to take care of things. Cost me an arm and a leg to talk him into it, but he finally agreed. You and I both know he'll do as good a job as if your Mother and I were there. We just never had a reason before, Son. But you're the best reason there is, you and your new Family. If we can't celebrate that, we can't celebrate anything! Your Mother and I are really looking forward to this. It's the first big trip we've had since you and Colleen were what, about ten when we went to Nova Scotia and spent some time with your Auntie Blythe and Uncle Patrick?"
Nathan nodded.
"Our trip to Prince Edward Island. That was the greatest trip! I'll never forget it Dad! It's one of my best memories growing up. Was Colleen's too!"
"Which brings me to my big surprise. I got to thinking if we were all going, why not do it in style for the whole family, Archie and Madelyne included! So, and don't get mad, Nathan, I know this sounds extravagant, but it just makes sense in my book. It was the big reason I was in Union City and not here to welcome you back from your Honeymoon. Had to work out all the details. And quite frankly, Son, Little Jack just proved me right."
"I'm lost. How did Little Jack just prove you right? And about what?"
"We know Elizabeth and you want to spend time with the Children on the New York Trip, but it's also part of your Honeymoon. As we discussed, we Grandparents are going to be there to do most of the heavy lifting as far as the Children are concerned, to give you and Elizabeth some degree of privacy. I'm trying to explain, but can we at least keep this a surprise for Elizabeth?"
"It's your surprise. Should I wait too?"
"Not after last night. You need some hope, Son! And here it is: I rented an entire Railway Car that will meet us here in Hope Valley when we board, and travel with us all the way to Hamilton, then again all the way to New York City and back."
"What?"
"I know it's a lot, but when you figure what it would cost three couples, plus Godrey, and another suite for the Children, well, using my Corporate Rate, it turns out I got the whole car for about the same cost we would have paid anyway. Want to see the layout?"
Nathan was dumbfounded, as William pulled out a rendering of the entire rail car.
This was just entirely too much.
"It has a Dining Area, which also doubles as a Passenger Area, four smaller Suites toward the back, one for Grace and me, one for Archie and Madelyne, one for the Children, and one for Godfrey. Then there's a large private suite up front that's for you and Elizabeth."
"I've never seen anything like this! But it's just so…so extravagant!"
"Son, it has an extra-large bed, which you need!" reminded Archie.
Nathan let out a deep breath, overwhelmed.
"Well, I can't argue bed length. That's actually wonderful. But…"
"Nathan, we give a lot of money to charity, many wonderful causes. This is an investment in our Family, nothing more, nothing less. It will allow us to all be together, yet still offer privacy when we need it! Please be okay with this. We just all want this to be a very special trip for you and your new Family, and well, selfishly for all of us! We want the Children's memories of this to be just as great as the memories of your Childhood trip!"
"And you're sure the numbers work out about the same? I mean, that's really hard to believe!"
"Sure am! Here they are," and William took out another piece of paper full of his scribbling with accompanying figures.
Nathan studied it at length.
"I can't believe this."
"Told you so! I was surprised too. I might be extravagant where my Family is concerned, but I'll have you know, I don't throw money away either. You'll learn that about me, Nathan. You see, my Company's Corporate Discount is very significant. Which it should be. Thatcher and Company have given the Railway a lot of business over the years. And this is a nice way for them to thank us."
"I most certainly can't argue with those numbers. A larger bed sounds wonderful, and time alone with Elizabeth sounds even more wonderful. How can I argue this?"
"You can't Son. Just be gracious and thank your Father-in-Law! It's a very generous and thoughtful thing to do. It was all his idea!"
"Thank you, William, I mean Father! This is a magnificent gift, as all your gifts seem to be. I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but I'm afraid we Grants just aren't used to grand things like this."
"If this gives you and Elizabeth private time together, that alone more than justifies it. Grace and Madelyne will be much more comfortable and happier too, as will Allie and Jack. The accommodations are much roomier and nicer overall, and the Children can run around without any of us having to worry about them getting away from us, or someone harming them. Again, it allows us all to be together as a Family as much as we want! The more I think about this, it's the best money I've ever spent!"
"I actually think Elizabeth is going to be thrilled, at least once she gets over the initial shock. But William, can you and Grace tell her today? I just hate to keep anything from her. Even something as wonderful as this. I just hate to start out our marriage that way."
"Spoken like a very caring and smart Husband. We'll run it by her as soon as we get home! But, I can tell you right now, my Daughter's not going to say no!"
"Or tell her as soon as she gets up; she's exhausted from missing her sleep last night!"
"My Daughter, 'Sleeper Extraordinaire.' She is not a morning person, Son. I guess you've figured that out by now!"
"Yes, Sir, that I most certainly have…"
Both the Grant and Thatcher Families were sitting with Nathan, Elizabeth, and the Children in the Living Room, enjoying the late morning together.
Not to be left out, Rex and Reggie were at Nathan and Elizabeth's feet, trying to make up for the time they missed while the Couple had been on Honeymoon, which meant effusive licks for their Master and Mistress whenever the two dogs got the chance!
But true to their word, Allie and Jack, spent every single moment they could on the back porch playing with their darling new kittens, Cinderella and Prince Charming, as well as the kittens' Mother, Fairy, without ever asking once to bring them inside!
At least not yet!
"May I have everyone's attention for a moment?" asked William, as he took Grace's hand.
The Children suddenly quieted, and gave their Grandpa Thatcher their full attention, as did the Adults in the room.
"Since now it's official that Archie and Madelyne are making the trip with us to Hamilton and on to New York City, I wanted things to be as nice as they could be without blowing the bank, so…"
"Wait, Father, Archie and Madelyne, are you really coming with us?" asked Elizabeth, excitedly.
"We just decided to go for it! That is if you and Nathan will have us, Dear!"
"Oh, that's the most wonderful news ever!"
And Elizabeth got up to hug her new Mother and Father, thrilled they were joining them!
"That's the best, Grandma and Grandpa! Just the best!" cried Allie, and Little Jack started clapping his hands!
"Now that we've got that joyfully settled, I have more news. I apologize for missing your homecoming, Elizabeth and Nathan, but I was otherwise detained doing some work, not for work, but for us, our Family! The morning we ALL leave for Hamilton, there will be a shiny new Railway Car that will pull in behind the regular Passenger Car, and it will in effect, be our home all the way to Hamilton, where it will be spiffed up all over again, and made ready for our trip on to New York City!"
"Father!"
"There's more. There's a Dining Area that doubles as a Passenger Area, four Suites across the back, one for Grace and me, one for Archie and Madelyne, one for a Miss Allie and Master Jack Grant, and of course, one for Godfrey. The Children will have room to run and play safely. Grace and Madelyne will be comfortable. But, Elizabeth the most special surprise of all is that there is a Main Suite at the front of the Car with privacy and a bed big enough to fit your Husband! Happy Honeymoon Trip, Darling!"
"Father, I don't know what to say. This may be the nicest thing you've ever done for me!" and she flung her arms around her Father's neck, then ran to her Husband and did the same.
Nathan whispered something in her ear that made her smile grow even broader, then she kissed him summarily, with a kiss that caused the Children to clap and their Parents to smile radiantly!
When Elizabeth finally tore herself away from her smiling Husband, she ran and embraced her Children.
"We are going on the most special Honeymoon ever, my Loves! You'll have room to play games and have fun. It's going to be so wonderful!"
"You know something," noted Grace as she first glanced at the clock, then nervously glanced at Madelyne. "I think we Grandparents could use some private time to get all the final plans for our trip together, so we'll all actually be ready for this wonderful surprise, and Madelyne and I were thinking the four of you deserve a Lunch Outing to celebrate. How about Lunch at the Café for the Grant Family?"
"Really?" asked Allie, with widened eyes.
She had been dying to show off her new Parents!
"What a nice idea! That sounds wonderful, Mother! Nathan, are you in?" asked Elizabeth, excitedly.
"Lunch out with my Family? Absolutely!"
"Let's do it! Allie, why don't you go change into something really pretty? And I will too. But, since we're making this our first Family Outing together, which is a very special occasion, I'm afraid your Father and Brother are going to have to spiff up a bit, too!"
"Grace and I will see to Jack and Allie. You and your Husband go get dressed for your Family Lunch. I think it's a wonderful idea, because everyone in town has been dying to see you, especially Bill!" nudged Madelyne.
"Thanks, Mother!" and Elizabeth kissed her cheek.
Madelyne touched her own cheek in the very spot her new Daughter had kissed her and called her 'Mother.'
Nathan, of all people, knew just how important that kiss from his Bride had been to his Mother, along with Elizabeth's new title for her, and he went to kiss her in the exact same spot.
His Mother finally had a Daughter again!
"I love you, Mother!"
Then he bent and kissed Grace on the cheek.
"I love you, too, Mother!"
Which happened to be the first time he had called Grace Mother since their Honeymoon.
She was beaming.
"Son, you are already so very much loved!"
"As are you! But, it looks like the Grant Family needs to be excused to prepare for this spontaneous Family Outing! You all make yourselves at home, even if that means an afternoon ride or whatever else you can come up with along with your trip planning. Oh, and don't worry, we'll be back early, Godfrey. Just in time for Dinner with all our Family…"
Allie came down the staircase in her Sunday best, all smiles, holding Jack's hand with her proud Grandmothers behind them, and her Parents, Grandfathers, and Godfrey waiting at the bottom of the stairs.
"Allie, you look beautiful. And Jack you look so handsome!" cried their proud Mama.
Grace had tied a long blue ribbon in Allie's hair to match the blue dress Madelyne had chosen for her.
Nathan whistled.
"Now that's a pretty picture. You both look wonderful. Are you two ready for an adventure?"
"Yes, Daddy, yes!"
"I can't wait, Dad!"
"And you look beautiful, too, Mrs. Grant!"
Elizabeth reached up and kissed his cheek.
"Not to mention my debonaire Husband! Shall we start our walk into town?"
"I think we're all ready…let's head out!"
Nathan picked up his Son and Elizabeth took her Daughter's hand.
"Have fun!" offered Grace.
"Just enjoy your time together!" smiled Madelyne. "The Children have been waiting for this for a long time!"
"Goodbye, All!" waved William. "We'll tell you all about our plans when you get back!"
"We'll see you soon. Have a great Lunch!" called Archie...
This brand-new unsuspecting Family of four walked out on their porch, and down their walkway together, starting their long trek into town, just thrilled to be spending time alone together!
Leaving their Parents and Grandparents watching from the front porch with such pride and love, the Grant Family waved and happily made their way along the road in front of their home, holding hands, with Nathan sometimes carrying Jack on his shoulders, sometimes letting him walk along the water's edge.
There he showed his family the art of skipping stones, which everyone took a stab at, even Little Jack, to his delight.
As evidenced by his shrill shouts and jumping up and down as soon as his pebble hit the water!
Allie turned out to be the Champion, with Elizabeth close behind.
Well, the Champion, if you didn't count Nathan's throws.
But it was Allie, the one who had the advantage of having done this many times before with her Father, who hugged her Little Brother and offered encouragement.
"You're still little, Jack, but just keep trying! That's what I had to do. Then someday you'll beat me!" promised Allie.
Which was more than enough for Jack, who insisted on filling his pockets with pebbles!
The Girls were caught giggling from time to time, while the Boys were heard chuckling, with Little Jack doing his best to mimic Nathan's chuckle.
And all of them couldn't help but laugh at Nathan's sporadic jokes, along the way.
Several got eye-rolls, not only from Allie but Elizabeth, too!
Occasionally, Nathan and Elizabeth were even able to slip in a kiss or a handhold, as the Children ran a bit ahead.
"I've never been so happy, Nathan. The four of us together is Heaven. We are finally a real family."
"A real family of four!"
"Would you mind if there are more, soon?"
"I would love it if there are more soon! I'm ready now, Lisbeth!" and he bent to kiss his beautiful wife. "Truthfully, I've been ready from the beginning."
He smiled down at his Wife, marveling again at her glow.
"In fact, I think we should work on that very thing, and not waste any time at all," he whispered into her ear, while wrapping his arm around her shoulder.
"You won't get an argument from me, Love!"
Above everything else, each and every one of the Grants was fulfilled and happy, and so excited and proud to be together, visiting their little town as an official Family.
This was the town that held the people they loved so very much.
The people who knew their story, supported them through good times and bad, loved them, and would do anything for them.
Hope Valley was the place that defined them, and in many ways, made them who they were.
The same place over the years, that had given so very many hope for the future, the Grants included.
It was the place that was a part of their very soul.
The place that was truly their home.
Little did the Grant Family realize the 'welcome home' they were about to receive…