Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Five: Full Circle
"Lisbeth, do you find it odd, we haven't run into a single person? Not even walking past the rowhouses?"
"Hadn't thought about it, but come to think of it, yes, it is odd. Very odd! Wonder where everyone is?"
"Haven't a clue, Darling! Unless something's going on in town we haven't heard about!"
"Nathan, do you hear music? I know this is odd, but didn't some kind of music just start playing?"
"I heard it, too, Mama. It sounds like a Fair!" shrieked Allie excitedly.
"Ffa – fa'er?" asked Jack.
"Yes, Jack. Where people get together and eat lots of fun food and just have fun! A Fair!" explained Allie.
"Well, I don't think we ought to get our hopes up, Sweetheart. I haven't heard of any Fair planned for our area, and I honestly can't recall Hope Valley ever having a real Fair, just Founder's Day," reminded Elizabeth.
The family continued on walking together, but the closer they got to town, the louder the music became, causing Elizabeth and Nathan to look at each other completely puzzled as to what could possibly be going on…
Unknown to them, Hope Valley was abuzz with excitement, as well as a most special celebration!
And everyone in town and the surrounding countryside had turned out on this particular day to do just that – celebrate!
It was as though this particular Monday had been declared a Holiday.
The shops had closed, all except the local eateries, The Queen of Hearts and The Café, both of which appeared to be bustling.
Bunting hung from the Boardwalk railing, and Banners were hung throughout the town, with Lighting, although unlit, strung in diagonals across the street.
Tables filled the street lined with – well, we'll leave that as a surprise…
A mood of unadulterated excitement was in the air, heightened by the presence of something most unusual taking center stage.
Everyone was dressed in their summer best!
And yes, the mood was both highly celebratory and expectant.
Truthfully, elation would probably be a more accurate term…
As the Grant Family cleared the corner and came face to face with Main Street, they were speechless, even dumbfounded, looking at each other in total amazement at what lay before them.
As soon as the crowd of people caught sight of them, they started clapping, which only grew louder and louder.
"Oh no, my Father!"
"Don't be too quick to judge, Love. I think your Father knows he's already crossed the opposite and extreme limit of his gift-giving to the Grant Family. I don't think he'd dare come up with something else! But I'll admit this is most certainly puzzling…"
None of the four could believe what they saw in front of them, but as people ran to greet the Grants, the Children ran to see the huge, stunning Golden Wonder that was sitting smack dab in the middle of where the Town Christmas Tree always stood.
"It's a Carousel, Jack! An honest-to-goodness Carousel! Look at the horses! They go round and round! They're so beautiful! And that's why we heard the music!"
"What is happening?" asked Nathan, truly perplexed.
"You'll see," laughed Bill. "Welcome home to the Grant Family!"
And he heartily embraced the Woman who was like a Daughter to him and the Man who was like a Son!
"Bill, you did all this for us?" asked Elizabeth.
"Well, the town sure did. We'll explain as you get further in. People are dying to see you! Hurry, come to the stand we have set up and we'll explain everything!"
"But a Carousel?" asked Nathan incredulously. "Bill, what's a Carousel doing in the center of our town?"
"Everything will be explained, but it looks mighty fine, doesn't it? Sure wish we could make it a permanent fixture!"
Nathan copied Allie's famous eye-roll, as did Elizabeth, as Lee and Rosemary ran up to embrace them with Little Frederic and Violet, but they were no more helpful than Bill in enlightening them as to what was going on!
"You two look wonderful. I take the Honeymoon was perfect!" quizzed Rosemary.
"It was, Rosemary. It truly was perfect! Couldn't have been better. But it's wonderful to see you all. Our Families are going to have so much fun at the Lake!"
"Nathan, good to see you, Man! You two have been missed. We've got a lot going on, here!"
"Obviously…" answered the Chief Inspector, always a man of few words.
Although usually always in the know, he was totally confounded and out of the loop on this particular day, trying his best to understand what was actually going on!
"Don't look at me! I'm as confused as you, Darling!" exclaimed Elizabeth. "Lee, aren't you and Rosemary going to explain this?"
"Nope, not until we get to the podium!"
Tables, draped in festive red-checked tablecloths, filled the street, and the boardwalk was lined with all the stands Bill had obtained for Little Jack's last Birthday, and more!
There was a Popcorn Stand, a Cotton Candy Stand, an Ice Cream Sunday Stand, a Pretzel Stand, and who knew what else!
Allie was right! It actually did look like an actual Fair was going on right here in Hope Valley!
"Why, there's Gabe and Lillian. And Chuck and Grace!" noted Nathan. "And all of Brookfield. What in the world is going on?"
The Couple's perplexity was growing in leaps and bounds.
This couldn't possibly be for them, but what was it?
"Lisbeth, what in the world is this?" he whispered.
She shrugged.
"I honestly have no idea, whatsoever, Love!"
Nathan saw Aaron out of the corner of his eye, and he turned with a questioning look, but Aaron, with his arm around Felicity, just smiled and waved.
Then Nathan caught a glimpse of Nathaniel with George, and they too, just smiled, laughing with each other, while waving to the happing couple!
While Frederic had gone off to play with Allie and Little Jack, Lee, escorting Rosemary holding Baby Violet, practically pulled Nathan and Elizabeth to the Podium with them, realizing it was hopeless to corral their three Children, who were now standing with all the Children of Hope Valley, mesmerized, by the Carousel!
As the two couples made their way to the makeshift podium set up in the middle of their town's Main Street, which Bill had positioned himself behind, the people all quietened and took seats at the many tables filling Main Street and even spreading beyond.
In all the time, even Elizabeth had been in Hope Valley, she and Nathan had never seen anything like the extravaganza that lay before them!
As the Grants and the Coulters actually reached the Podium, Bill scooted aside as Lee took his place as Mayor standing behind it to begin addressing the huge crowd.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, as Mayor of our Fair Town, it is my distinct pleasure to give all of you a hearty Hope Valley Welcome. Both to our own citizens and to the entire Town of our neighboring Sister, Brookfield. We are so proud to have you here with us to share this special day! Never let it be said Hope Valley misses an opportunity to party! And we'll explain all of that in a bit, but first, we want to welcome our Chief Inspector Nathan Grant and his wife, Elizabeth, back home from their Honeymoon, as well as acknowledge the entire Grant Family including their Children, Allie Grant and Jack Thornton Grant!"
"Kiss, kiss," the crowd chanted, causing their Chief Inspector to turn multiple shades of Serge Red, but as the chant was getting louder instead of subsiding, he thought of their Wedding Kiss that most all these people had already seen, which somehow made him lose his shyness, leaving him to quickly take his Wife in his arms, and kiss her soundly for all to see! But leaving both still feeling as confused as ever as to what was going on!
The crowd went wild, and as Nathan held Elizabeth close, he didn't even mind the laughter and joking at his expense!
Everyone clapped, including Lee, who then continued from behind the Podium.
"Now, I've got to tell you we racked our brain on how to welcome you back, and I think you'll agree, we've outdone ourselves. Though I must say we encountered a stroke of luck to help us embellish that welcome, which our local Judge will try to explain. But before I yield the floor to him, this is a dual celebration for a variety of reasons: first and foremost, our welcome home to the Grants, secondly, our welcome to our Sister Town, and thirdly, our welcome to a few new citizens. Lucas and Sophie Bouchard, Aaron and Felicity Latham will you please come to the podium!"
Lee gave both couples time to make it up front through the maze of people, and both Nathan and Elizabeth instantly knew something big was up by the look on all four of their faces.
"We citizens of Hope Valley are rather a small but mighty bunch, and we can't say how much these two couples, along with the Grants, have brought to this community and how grateful we are for them. But we're about to be a bigger and mightier bunch, because…"
Nathan was holding Elizabeth from behind, with his arms wrapped around her waist, and somehow Elizabeth instinctively knew the words that were coming, and she got a rather sick feeling along with a little guilt. But, what if she were wrong? Although, on the chance, she wasn't, was it wrong she hadn't shared her belief with Nathan? After all, he was her Husband and they had committed to sharing everything.
With a loud voice, Lee continued.
"Because we have two wonderful announcements! Hope Valley is growing by two, because these two wonderful Couples are about to have two beautiful Babies for Hope Valley to fuss over and love!" announced Lee. "And, selfishly, our Violet is getting two new playmates!"
Applause broke out, and the two couples instantly gravitated toward Nathan and Elizabeth, who hugged and genuinely congratulated both of them on their happy news!
Lucas and Aaron were beside themselves with pride and joy, and Sophie and Felicity were literally beaming with happiness!
Lucas took the mic for a moment.
"Aaron and I both have celebratory cigars, so don't dare miss out on yours!" and he threw a few out into the crowd, as did Aaron!
Nathan noticed wistfully that the cigars were banded in both pink and blue, as the men had decided to cover all their bases!
"Just so happy for you, Lucas, Aaron! Congratulations to you, both!" grinned Nathan as he hugged both men. "Couldn't be happier for you!"
At the same time, Elizabeth was hugging and kissing Sophie and Felicity again, thrilled for both of them!
"We couldn't wait to tell you Elizabeth, just didn't want to do it before your Wedding! I didn't want to worry you that we couldn't fill our end of the catering promise!" explained Sophie.
"And we just found out while you were on your Honeymoon! Aaron is over the moon!" explained Felicity, literally beaming.
"And so is Lucas, after the initial shock!" laughed Sophie, beaming every bit as much. "I'll have to tell you all about it! Funniest thing ever!"
"Can't wait to hear! This is just the most wonderful news! We're going to have so much fun getting ready for these Little Ones! And they'll grow up together with Violet, which is just perfect! This whole thing is just perfect. The best news ever! But what's going on here?" begged Elizabeth.
Both Ladies knew but just winked.
"You'll see," promised Felicity. "Bill's about to explain it all!"
"And with that," announced Lee. "I'll turn the podium over to our Judge Bill Avery!"
"Adeline, would you and Nathaniel come to the podium, along with Ned and Florence, and all the other Businessmen and Businesswomen in town?"
Everyone filed up front as Bill requested, where they proudly stood behind the Judge.
"I want to explain, as Lee said, yes, we are celebrating the return of the Grants from their Honeymoon, as well as their new Family. And we're also very happily celebrating Little Bouchard and Little Latham coming to town. But I know it's a bit unusual to see a huge, beautiful Carousel in the middle of Hope Valley. 'How did that happen?' I'm sure you are asking!"
Murmurs spread throughout those who truly didn't know, as the ones who did just happily smiled.
"Well, let me tell you, it wasn't exactly easy, but we got it done! As most of you know, my Buddy in Union City sells and rents Street Vending Carts. Well, all these festive little stands sprinkled throughout our main street today, are here compliments of him. We've got a Candied Apple, Corn Dog, Cotton Candy, Elephant Ear, Funnel Cake, Ice Cream Sunday, Popcorn, and Pretzel Cart right here, spread out, down Main Street, and as you might have noticed a great big, brand-new, never before used Carousel right in the middle of what is the closest to what we have as a Town Square. Well, now don't you worry, all of these carts you see are gonna' be open for business after our Lunch is served, compliments of Lucas, Sophie, and Gustav, as well as Adeline and yours truly. But how you might ask? Well, the Gentlemen and Ladies standin' up here with me, all the Businessmen and Businesswomen of our Fair Town have all banded together to provide to you, the Citizens of Hope Valley, free of charge access to all these amenities for the remainder of the day, so put your nickels and dimes back in your pockets, Folks! Everything's free today! These kind people are even payin' for the Carousel rides! Now, I know what you're thinkin'. How in the world did little old Hope Valley afford to buy a Carousel? Well, we can't and we didn't, but my buddy with the Vending Business is participatin' in the annual Union City Fair startin' tomorrow and runnin' through the rest of the week, and you all go, if you can make it! But anyway, my Buddy happened to know that this beautiful, brand-new Carousel was gonna be makin' its way through our fair town today, so with us all chippin' in a bit for rental, the owners agreed to unload it here for its inaugural test run! How about that Hope Valley?"
Everyone couldn't believe the news and clapped loudly with excitement, thrilled for the day ahead of them! And many who wouldn't have otherwise gotten to partake were so grateful this was here for everyone instead of just a select few! For times were hard, and not everyone had the means to enjoy such luxuries.
Thankfully all that had been heavily considered by both Bill and Lee.
The applause was long and thunderous!
Bill continued…
"Now, the men of our fair town, out of the goodness of their hearts, all got together and unloaded all this early this mornin' and we all spent the rest of the mornin' puttin' it all together for you – and we'll do the same late this evenin' when everything needs to be taken apart and loaded back on the evenin' train! So, by a stroke of luck and a little finagling by yours truly, Hope Valley's got itself a brand-new Carousel, with Snack Carts, to boot, for the rest of the Day!"
Elizabeth was so relieved and felt guilty she had blamed her Father! Nathan was just thrilled all the children were going to be able to partake equally, as he knew money was extremely tight for some of the farm children especially, and he was so proud of Bill and Lee for making sure no one was left out or made to feel like a charity case.
This was just grand. A real day of celebration for all of Hope Valley!
It was both unexpected and wonderful!
Bill continued his address to the crowd.
"Now, about that Lunch, many of you may know that Gustav and I don't always see eye to eye on menus!"
This brought raucous laughter from the crowd, as they most all knew the contentious back and forth that was ever ongoing between these two self-acclaimed and most competitive 'Chefs!'
"So, I'll just warn you upfront. You're gonna be able to tell who contributed what to this Lunch of ours without me havin' to tell you! Although I'll tell you anyway! Gustav, our fancy Chef, compliments of Lucas and Sophie, has provided all of our Cold Soups for the day. Yep, that's right, Cold Soups, I said. Now, I'll just say it right out, upfront, who in this world has ever heard of Cold Soups? But I suppose eatin' under this hot sun, they won't be half-bad. Gustav come on up here and introduce your Cold Soups!"
But Gustav was shy and demurred, leaving Lucas to come to Bill's side and commence with the honors.
"First on the menu is a Gazpacho! It's a Spanish Soup made of chilled tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers and it's delicious! Second is a Chilled Green Pea Soup that's out of this world – a must-try! Third is more of a dessert option: a Chilled Cantaloupe Soup with Chunks of Frozen Cantaloupe and it is scrumptious. You don't want to miss it! And last but not least, for those of you who don't care for Cantaloupe, there's a second dessert option and fourth choice, Chilled Strawberry Soup, my personal favorite. Thank you, Gustav, you outdid yourselves on these Soups. They'll be served with our compliments just outside the front door of The Queen of Hearts! Don't be shy! We've got enough Soup for everyone, along with an assortment of Summer Finger Foods! Please enjoy! I'll turn this over to Bill for the Sandwich portion!"
"Adeline, would you do the honors!"
"Sure! Hello everyone! Isn't it a great day?"
There were loud cheers of agreement in answer.
"For our portion, we have an assortment of Chicken Salad, Pimento Cheese, Roast Beef, and Club Sandwiches for you to choose from. Oh, and also for the kids we have some good old Peanut Butter and Homemade Jelly Sandwiches! There are tons of all of them, so enjoy and eat till every last one of them is gone, or Bill's going to be eating sandwiches for the next month!"
The crowd laughed heartily, and clapped for Lucas and Adeline!
Bill moved back to the microphone, after a quick kiss for Adeline.
"Proud of you, Honey! Great job. And she's serious. Please, please eat those Sandwiches! For my sake! I won't get a hot meal for a month if you don't!"
Which brought another round of hysterical laughter.
"Your Desserts are obviously to be found in the various Stands. And Florence, I hear you and Ned have the Drinks!"
"We've got Lemon-aide, Iced Tea, and both Iced Cold Cola and Ginger Ale. But you adults have to go to The Queen of Hearts for the Beer!"
"Oh, thank you, Florence! Afraid I forgot," laughed Lucas. "Beer's on me!"
And that brought a ferocious round of applause!
Lee took the podium one last time.
"We want to thank Bill for pulling this all together, from the bottom of our hearts! As well as all the other Businessmen and Businesswomen who have so kindly given of their own resources and time to make this day so special. It's much appreciated! We might be small, but we truly are mighty! And nothing is impossible when Hope Valley puts their minds, hands, and hearts together! Now, before we party the day away, I'd like to reiterate one last thing! We're thrilled to have come together on this special day to celebrate these three couples and their special events as well as Hope Valley's new Grant Family. We love you all and are so grateful you are a part of us! May this day be as special for all of you as you are to all of us! Everybody, what do you say? Let's celebrate! We've got a Top of the Line, Brand-new Carousel that's ours until 6 PM this evening! Let's make the most of it!"
Everyone applauded their new Mayor as well as their honorees and the Businessmen and Businesswomen who were making the unexpected joys of this special day possible for all…
By this time, the Senior Thatchers and Grants, along with Godfrey had made it into town as well, to enjoy the festivities.
"Mother, you knew!" smiled Nathan.
"Yes, we did! But it was top secret. We just had to get you here!" noted Grace.
"And a fine job you did! I really didn't suspect anything till no one was at the rowhouses!"
"Father, I owe you an apology!" cried Elizabeth.
"Perhaps you shouldn't apologize, Sweetheart! Truthfully, I wish I HAD thought of all this. I think it's just wonderful. What community spirit! I'm beginning to understand why you two love this little place so much!"
"It's our Home, Father. And this town and these people absolutely mean the world to us..."
The entire day was full of laughter, fun, jokes, eating till full, and drinking under the hot sun.
A perfect day, with news, celebrations, thrills, fun, food, and just plain old excitement for all.
But when finally, this most incredible, food and fun-filled day finally began to wind down, Bill came to the Honorees and offered them one last private celebratory ride on the Carousel.
"I'm afraid Sophie and Felicity are going to have to pass, Bill! They're a little queasy," explained Aaron. "We'll leave this last ride to the Grants, and take our girls on home!"
And so, Nathan and Elizabeth with Aaron and Felicity, and Lucas and Sophie ended the Festivities much as they had begun them, hugging and congratulating the two Couples who were very excitedly about to become new Parents!
Then the Newlyweds joined their own Parents, along with Godfrey and their Children for one last ride on this exquisite and brand-new Carousel which they were privileged to ride on as part of this day of celebration, honoring their return home as a newly married Couple, as well as a new Family.
The Grants and the Grant Family!
As the Calliope Music, otherwise known as 'Steam Whistle Music,' with its loud harsh, but joyful tones, started up one last time, and its volume increased, Nathan extended his hand to his beautiful Wife, whose eyes were dancing every bit as much as his, as he then gallantly helped her up to the platform.
"Pray tell, which steed is your choice, my Fair Maiden?"
She surveyed her choices, quickly settling on a particular pair, purely for selfish reasons.
She wanted her new Husband by her side.
"I think these two Steeds," she grinned flirtatiously.
She had chosen the two horses that pulled a highly embellished golden cart behind them, and as the music grew even louder, Nathan helped seat his Wife inside the cart, proudly placing his arm around her.
As the Carousel started on its journey around and around with Allie and Jack on their favorite horses, with Archie tending Little Jack, and William, Grace, Madelyne, and even Godfrey all laughing while sitting on their own personal selections, all was right in the Grant world.
But as the sun was beginning to set, Elizabeth looked up at her Husband with widened eyes, full of love, yet concern, and perhaps a bit of guilt!
"Nathan, I don't know..." she began, trying her best to explain something that was unexplainable.
He looked down at her tenderly, placing his broad free hand across her tiny stomach.
"Darling, I do know!" he whispered through the music, as he kissed her passionately, while, like her, he held their babies for the very first time.
"How did you know? Because I can't really be sure…"
"How could I not know, Darling? And for the record, I'm sure enough for both of us!" he winked.
And then there was that lopsided grin that did unexplainable things to her, and always would!
They had come full circle, in so many beautiful ways.
As both a newly married Couple, and a brand-new Family.
A Family that, somehow, they knew was already growing! And while snuggling together, without any other spoken words between them, both smiled as they remembered back to those twin lambs they observed drinking their Mother's milk on that perfect day at the Falls, one of all the perfect days of their Honeymoon, leaving no doubt, whatsoever, in their minds, their instincts were completely accurate.
Also, full circle, this doubtless wonder, this miracle, had just become their beautiful and most precious secret, to keep together.
At least for now…