Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Eight: The Family Honeymoon Begins!
Departure Day had finally arrived!
Early Breakfast at the Grants was a Come and Go Affair, served with Coffee and Tea for the Adults, Milk, and Juice for the Children, as well as a delectable assortment of Pastries and Scones for all!
The morning might have been hectic had it not been for Godfrey's calm and supreme organizational skills.
Thanks to him, everything was running just like clockwork!
Most of the luggage, all except the Grants, that is, had already been loaded into the cars, with the exception of a few carry-ons and two briefcases, in case something needed to be added before they left!
For now, Godfrey was off helping both sets of Parents with their last-minute things, as Elizabeth appeared to have everything under control where the Children were concerned.
The Grants' luggage was already by the door, except for one last case still open in the Master Bedroom.
Nathan, Elizabeth, Allie, and Jack were already gathered around the kitchen table, having their Pre-Breakfast.
"Yummy!" smiled Jack as he fully approved of the sweets. "Mama, cereal too!"
"No, Sweetheart, that comes later on the train! We'll have our full breakfast there just after we board!"
"Bor red?" making the word two syllables.
"After we get on the train, Son!" smiled Nathan, from behind his paper.
"Go wif you, Daddy!"
"Yes, Jack, we'll all board together! Are you ready, Allie?"
"Yes, Sir. I can't wait!"
"I'll come and check what you packed as soon as we finish here," offered Nathan automatically, as that was what he had always done.
"Mama already did that, Dad!" said Allie as she rolled her eyes.
A smile flitted across his face, one of wonder, that they were now sharing their parenting roles, that gradually turned into flirting.
"Ah! That was nice of Mama! Wonder if she checked mine, too?" he reached for his Wife's hand teasingly.
"You better believe I did! We can't have the patriarch of the Grant Family wearing just any old thing, now, can we?"
"Oh, I don't think you have to worry. You, my Love, seem to have eliminated or hidden everything I own that's comfortable!"
"Not eliminated, Darling! And not really hidden. Just moved to permanent 'storage' in the back of our closet!"
"So that's where I have to look to get dressed!"
"Absolutely not! I said storage for a reason, meaning not to be disturbed storage!"
"You know a guy could get the feeling his fashion sense might be a bit under-appreciated in this house!"
Elizabeth cleared her throat and raised her eyebrows.
Allie laughed.
"Not you, Dad!" she said facetiously.
"Hey, I go for comfort. That's why I'm taking my old jacket! That thing's been with me through thick and thin!"
"I'll say!" grinned Allie. "More 'thin' if you ask me!"
"Well, it's not going to New York!" declared Elizabeth.
"What? Of course, it is! I put that jacket in the suitcase myself!"
"And I took it out! Myself!" insisted Elizabeth, emphatically.
"You what?" asked Nathan with a thunderstruck look on his face.
"Darling, that jacket is stained and torn. You do not need to take that old thing on our trip! We'll get you a new one in Hamilton."
"But I don't need a new one, Elizabeth! That jacket isn't stained. It's worn and loved. I don't want a new jacket. My old one is more than adequate," pouted Nathan, definitively. "Besides, it's comfortable, like an Old Friend!"
His new Wife squinted her eyes as she could see she had hit a nerve.
But the determined look in those eyes let her Husband know her mind was not about to be changed.
It was firmly made up, and would not be dissuaded!
So, being the intelligent Mountie he was, he retracted the now moot comment he was just about to make and decided, instead, to re-strategize.
He'd have to go about this in an entirely different manner.
Because he was not about to leave Hope Valley without his favorite jacket!
"Hm. Two can play that game!" he mumbled.
"What did you say, Love?"
"Nothing important, Darling!" and up went the paper in front of his face again.
But oh, how his eyes danced behind it!
It might have been a little thing, but Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton Grant may have just met her match…
"Elizabeth, Little Jack won't put on his sweater," called Grace from the front hallway. "He's dancing quite the jig!"
"I'll get it, Mother! Just a few more minutes."
Elizabeth was doing one last perusal of the Children's bedrooms with Allie.
"Allie, did you remember your Father's Birthday Gift?"
"Yes, Ma'am. It's already packed with the other special stuff for our surprise party! Grandpa William and Grandpa Archie took everything to the train depot last night, so Dad wouldn't see!"
"Good. We have to keep it all a top-secret! Are you sure you've taken all the books you'll need for the Train ride?"
"Yes, Ma'am. Grandpa said there would be games on the train. And I took some of my art supplies too! But Dad said I could buy some new books in Hamilton."
"Oh, that's a good idea, Allie. We'll go shopping, there. You'll love it! I know all the good shoppes. Especially the bookstores! Also, you might want to read some of the books I had when I was your age. And since you'll be staying in my old room when we get to Hamilton, just take whatever you'd like to bring with us."
"That's great Mama! Thanks!"
"Now, let's go check Jack's room!"
As they started out of the room, Elizabeth noticed something oddly left behind.
"But, Allie, what about Mr. Tatters?"
Her Daughter blushed.
"I thought maybe I was too old to take him with me," she answered, looking down.
"Well, I know you're most definitely growing up! But the way I see it, Mr. Tatters is going to be awfully lonely here in your room with the doors closed! What do you say, we take pity on him and let him come too?"
"Really?"
"Really!" winked Elizabeth. "I think it's best!"
Allie beamed and swooped Mr. Tatters up under her arm.
They walked across the hall, and together, they quickly made up Little Jack's junior bed, shaking out his crumpled quilt, and spreading it out over the entire bed.
Then they fluffed his pillows.
"That looks nice," bragged Allie.
"We make a good team, Allie! I suppose we should go through Jack's toys one last time, just in case we missed one that he can't live without!" sighed Elizabeth.
"Mama, we better slip this one in. He cries for Duckie sometimes in the middle of the night!"
"I didn't know that. Does he wake you, Allie?"
"It's okay. I get Duckie for him and then he follows me back to my bed, and goes right to sleep."
"But are you able to go back to sleep?"
"Yes, Ma'am. It's okay. That's what Sisters do!"
"And I must say you are the best Sister ever! Thank you, Allie, for being so good with him. He adores you, you know!"
"I adore him, Momma! He's the brother I never had."
Elizabeth hugged her daughter as she saw a flash of sadness in her eyes, but then all was immediately well again.
Could Allie possibly know somehow that her Mother had lost a son? She made a mental note to speak with Nathan about it. And, although Jack demanded the most attention due to his age and more demanding personality, she was going to have to be more dialed into what her Daughter was feeling, as well.
"Allie, are you excited about traveling today?"
"So excited, Momma! Do I look alright?"
"You look beautiful! And your hair's perfect!" smiled Elizabeth. "But here, let me fix your ribbon!"
Allie turned so Elizabeth could re-tie the bow she had previously tried to tie but somehow missed.
"There! Perfect!"
"Thanks, Mama!"
"You are very welcome! Now, what do you say, we go downstairs and get your Brother dressed! That, in itself, may take a miracle…
"Jack, hold still," Elizabeth said in her best Teacher's voice. "No wonder your Grandmother couldn't get you dressed! You're quite the little wiggle worm today!"
"Wigwoorm," laughed Jack.
When the job was finally done and Elizabeth was thoroughly worn out, Jack, as energetic as ever, ran into the living room where Allie was playing with Rex and Reggie.
"Come on, Jack! Let's go say Goodbye to Cinderella and Prince Charming!" called Allie.
"Fairy Godmother's out there, too, Miss," reminded Godfrey with a wink. "Don't forget her!"
"Oh, no, Sir! We won't!"
As the Children scampered off, followed by Rex and Reggie, Elizabeth realized Nathan was nowhere to be seen.
"Where's Nathan?"
"Out in the stables saying goodbye to Newton and Sargent, I think, Dear," called her Father, from behind his paper.
"And where's the luggage that was in our room?"
"I got it, Miss. Already in the car!" smiled Godfrey. "In fact, everything's loaded, included the bags we'll board with!"
"My, Godfrey, you are a treasure!"
"Treasure? I broke my back helping him!" cried Archie, stretching and rubbing his back.
"Poor Father," soothed Elizabeth, as she laughed and gave Archie a hug.
"Would you like some Tea, Miss? The rest of the Parents are having Tea in the Dining Room."
"Which is exactly where I'm headed!" grinned Archie. "I'm surprised Madelyne didn't come after me!"
"Enjoy your tea, Dad! But, no thanks, Godfrey. I think I'll just relax for a moment and say goodbye to all the pets, too!"
"Just hurry, Miss. We depart for the Train Station in exactly twenty minutes!"
Elizabeth nodded.
"I'll be ready!"
But instead of walking straight to the sunporch and stables, she took a slow walk through the first floor of her home, taking it all in.
As she opened the door to their Bedroom, a wide smile came over her face as she realized just how wonderful her life had become. She had never been so happy as she had been since their Wedding Day! And this room was rapidly becoming her favorite haven, hers and Nathan's haven together. A place where they could shut out the world and just enjoy each other!
No one could deny their first two weeks of marriage had been heavenly and much more perfect than either had even expected.
'Only one and a half little snafus, well that's pretty remarkable!' she thought with a coy smile, remembering their one disagreement at the Lodge, and now this whatever it was over his favorite Jacket.
But above all else, no matter the issue, they had been real with each other, pretty much discussing everything openly and honestly.
The two had been together as often as possible, filling their days and nights in a delightful easy rhythm full of pleasant and tender surprises: emotionally, intellectually, physically, and spiritually. There were romantic surprises too, even here in their crowded and hectic home, with Family as guests and the Children running throughout!
Little day-to-day things that meant the world to her, and made her feel cherished.
Nathan had even brought her favorite Tea to her bath! He had hidden little notes all over the house, too. She had found one in her shoe and another in her apron pocket!
One evening he had left a love note on her dressing table, that she read while he was taking his bath.
She blushed at the memory of how that had ended up!
It had been the sweetest thing ever and oh, so very romantic.
Elizabeth had always thought of herself as a strong person, yet she had already learned her Husband was emotionally stronger, calmer, and even unshakeable. But, instead of being her normal competitive self about it, she found herself relying on his strength to slow down, and better center herself before reacting. She had even seen it firsthand in his interactions with the Children, and with their Parents.
She loved his steadfast presence.
The irony was the more time Nathan and Elizabeth spent together, the more they wanted to spend even more and more time alone with each other.
Although neither had thought it was possible, they just kept falling more and more in love with each other, marveling at the little new discoveries that each new day brought!
In the Library, she realized, Godfrey had not yet retrieved their briefcases for their Book Tours, so after adding the most recent sheets of their schedules, she carried them to the front door and sat them there, along with Mr. Tatters and Duckie, ensuring they wouldn't be forgotten.
As she walked through the rest of the house, she was overwhelmed with the many tangible and intangible gifts that Nathan had given her.
He had built all of this with his own hands, for her and for Allie and for Jack.
Because of that, she felt more connected to this home than any other place she had ever lived.
She melted at the thought of all the work he had lovingly done to make it everything his Family both needed and wanted, and she loved him all the more for it!
By the time she made her way through the Sunroom, into the Keeping Room and Kitchen, she was actually melancholy about leaving her home, even feeling a bit homesick already!
But stepping out onto the Back Porch was like stepping into a cavern of love.
She smiled watching the Children loving and playing with all their animals and doing their best to prepare them for their absence.
It was the sweetest scene, although a little sad too, as she could see a few tears already forming in their eyes...
Making her way down the stairs and out into the stables, she stood back, watching her handsome Husband, with one hand petting Newton and the other petting Sargent.
He was talking to their Horses in a low, calm, loving voice, but the mood was melancholy and very emotional.
"We'll be back before you know it. You two be good for Bill and Adeline! And don't grieve for us! You eat and stay healthy! Enjoy your new home, too! No more Livery for the both of you! You belong here and this is where you'll stay from now on!"
And then he wrapped both his arms around Newton's neck.
"I'll miss you so much, Buddy! More than you know!"
She slipped up beside him, and noticed the unshed tears in his eyes, realizing she was about to shed a few for Sargent, too!
And if she wasn't imagining it, Newton's eyes looked rather glassy, as well!
Nathan wrapped his arms around her and deposited a loving kiss on her lips, then nodded and stood back to give her a few minutes alone with their Horses…
"Yoohoo! Everybody ready for our trip into town?" called Rosemary through the Grants' front door.
"Good morning, Mrs. Coulter, Mrs. Grant is in the Stables with Mr. Grant," announced Godfrey, as he greeted them in the hall.
Godfrey had long gotten used to the fact that Rosemary just automatically let herself in, before ever giving him a chance to get the door for her.
"Oh, I love the sound of that, Godfrey! Our Couple is finally married and settled. But now they're leaving me for an entire Summer! Whatever will I do?"
"Knowing you, Mrs. Coulter, I am sure you will be very busy overseeing the town of Hope Valley, as well as raising this beautiful Family of yours! Where's Master Frederic?"
"He's outside with the Kids. But how very right you are, Godfrey! Although, I will miss my Best Friend, and I must say I'll miss you, too! We all will!"
"Likewise, Ma'am! Good morning, Mr. Coulter! Do come in!"
At the very least, he could direct this lovely Couple he had grown to admire, into the Dining Room and formally announce them there.
"May I present Mr. and Mrs. Coulter and Miss Violet! Master Frederic is with Miss Allie and Master Jack!"
"Ah, you two sit down and have some tea with us," smiled Madelyne warmly. "Now let me hold that Sweet Baby!"
Rosemary handed Violet to Madelyne, who snuggled right in without making a single peep, while Godfrey busied himself getting fresh Teacups and pouring the Tea, knowing exactly how each one preferred theirs!
"Good morning, Rosemary, Lee," smiled Grace, warmly. "How lovely of you to come so early and help get us to the Train Station!"
"Good morning, but it's entirely our pleasure! Isn't it Lee?"
"Yes, Dear! It most certainly is!" answered Lee with a devious smile. "How else are we going to get rid of our awful neighbors?"
"Lee Coulter!"
"Joking, Sweetheart, just joking!" declared Lee, putting up an open hand.
Everyone laughed, but as much at Rosemary's horror as Lee's joke.
Lee obviously liked to keep Rosemary on her toes!
Rosemary sat down with the Ladies, as Lee gravitated toward the men, immediately starting to talk shop, while the Ladies talked about their travel plans...
"Frederic! Good to see you!" welcomed Nathan. "How about hugs?"
Frederic happily obliged his Uncle Nathan and Auntie Beth, but immediately went back to petting the animals with Allie and Jack.
All three were so absorbed playing with the dogs and kittens, they were totally oblivious of the adults making their way around them to go inside.
By seeing Frederic, of course, Nathan and Elizabeth knew Rosemary and Lee had arrived!
But Nathan was longing for a moment of privacy with his Wife before the chaos of their Departure ensued!
So, as they walked into the Kitchen, instead of immediately going to the Dining Room and greeting the Coulters, Nathan put his finger to his mouth shushing his Wife, silently pulling her toward their Bedroom.
Elizabeth giggled as he shut their Bedroom door behind them.
But somehow, she quickly maneuvered herself against the closed door after he shut it, allowing her Husband to take full advantage, placing his hands on the door above her while leaning in for one glorious and most intimate kiss that left her totally weak in her knees!
"I'm sure glad...I didn't...miss that!" whispered Elizabeth, in a very weak voice.
Nathan's eyes were twinkling.
"It just didn't seem right somehow to not have one last kiss with my Wife in our special place," he whispered.
"Nathan Grant, you are such a Romantic! But if you kiss me again, we're going to miss our Train!" she whispered back.
"You promise?"
She playfully swatted at her husband.
"Now, be good and come greet our Guests!"
"I can't believe my new Wife chooses Guests over this."
But she was wavering.
Big time wavering.
And since he basically had just checkmated her emotionally with that kiss, she pulled him to her, one last time, needing more.
Yes, the second phase of the Grant Honeymoon was just beginning…
After Tea was finished, the Thatchers, the Senior Grants, and the Coulters all made their way to their cars, already loaded with their luggage, while the younger Grant Family said one last Goodbye to their house along with Rex and Reggie.
"Adeline and Bill will be here just after our train leaves, so you two won't be alone for long. Rex and Reggie, you be good boys for Adeline!" ordered Elizabeth, who had knelt down beside them, hugging them both.
"Are you ready for our Honeymoon, Part II, Mrs. Grant?"
Nathan helped his Wife up from the floor, as she smiled brilliantly at him, reaching to kiss his cheek.
"I am, Chief Inspector Grant!"
"And are you Children ready for our Family Honeymoon?"
"So ready, Dad!"
"Weady, Daddy!"
"Then, I say one last goodbye and we're off on our new adventure!"
Allie and Jack kissed and hugged Rex and Reggie one last time, then Jack raised his arms for Nathan to take him, and the Family picked up Mr. Tatters and Duckie, as well as their briefcases, and made their way to the driveway with Elizabeth's arm around Allie.
Jack's Teddy Bear, 'Mountie Bear,' was already securely packed inside the car, and would soon be joined by Mr. Tatters for their amazing new trip!
"Sweetheart, let me have Duckie and I'll put him in our luggage," suggested Elizabeth to Allie, who was carrying both Mr. Tatters and Duckie.
"No worries. I'll do it, Love!" offered Nathan.
He wasn't about to let Elizabeth open their suitcase until after they were long gone on the Train!
Once Duckie was packed away in the trunk, the fully loaded cars pulled out from the drive, with Rex and Reggie running after them and the Children waving and shouting from the car.
"Goodbye, we'll miss you! We love you, Rex! We love you, Reggie!" with comparable words in Jack's equivalent, being shouted out the windows at the same time, the Childrens' final farewell to their beloved dogs.
Nathan reached for Elizabeth's hand and bent to kiss her.
"We're on your First Official Book Tour, Love!" he whispered.
"We're on OUR First Official Book Tour, together, Love!" smiled Elizabeth…
When the caravan drove through Hope Valley, the little town inexplicably looked like it was still asleep.
"I'll miss this little place!" mused Elizabeth.
"Me too. 'Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home!'" agreed Nathan, which caused the group to break out in song, with everyone singing the well-known first verse. (*107)
"Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam
Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home
A charm from the skies seems to hallow us there
Which seek thro' the world, in ne'er met elsewhere
Home! Home!
Sweet, sweet home!
There's no place like home
There's no place like home!" (*107)
But it was only Nathan and his Father who knew the words to the second verse, with their Baritone and Tenor voices ringing out beautifully in a harmonious duet.
"An exile from home splendor dazzles in vain
Oh give me my lowly thatched cottage again
The birds singing gaily that came at my call
And gave me the peace of mind dearer than all
Home, home, sweet, sweet home
There's no place like home, there's no place like home!" (*108)
"That was beautiful, you two! I wasn't sure I'd ever hear you sing together again!" bragged Madelyne, with tears in her eyes.
Archie turned to glance at his Son.
"I think we did quite well! Oh, how I've missed that, Son!"
"Me too, Dad! Me too!"
"Well, you two are going to make up for it on the Train. With two beautiful voices like that, we are definitely going to be serenaded!" declared Elizabeth. "But now I'm already getting homesick!"
"Goodness, I'm even going to miss work! Unlike you, Love, I'm not used to leisurely summers!" mused Nathan.
"Hey, I work hard during the summers too!" she laughed. "At all the things I love!"
"Well, this is my first summer off since Childhood!"
"Nathan, that's awful!"
"No, just part of the job, Darling!"
As they turned on the road that led to the Train Station, there was quite a commotion, with lots of noise that kept getting louder as they moved forward.
"Wonder what's going on?" asked Madelyne, who was still holding Violet. "And look at all the wagons!"
"I don't know, Mom. But I sure hope Aaron's there to control whatever this is!" frowned Nathan. "Lisbeth, we did put my Uniform in, didn't we?"
"Yes, Darling. And your guitar! Uniform's all packed, but I can't understand why you have to bring it on a personal vacation!"
"Sorry, Love, those are the rules! It's just a precaution in case something happens or some meeting is called," he reassured her. "I'll probably never have to use it!"
"But do you have your weapon?"
"Always, Love!"
"Look at this precious Baby Violet!" cooed Madelyne.
"Mom, are you hinting," chided her Son.
"Well, all I'm saying is I hate to leave this little one behind. An unbelievable joy, she is! You two might want to just keep that in mind! That's all I'm suggesting!"
Nathan grinned at Elizabeth and squeezed her hand, reaching to kiss her cheek.
"If she only knew," he whispered into her ear.
Elizabeth blushed.
As the cars pulled up in front of the Train Station, they couldn't believe what they saw.
"Well, now we know why the Town looked asleep," noted Nathan drily. "Looks like the entire town is here at the Train Station!"
"Allie, why don't we put Mr. Tatters in my bag here?" winked Elizabeth, knowing Allie would be mortified for the kids to see her with her Teddy Bear.
As their Teacher, Elizabeth knew that only Opal got away with that; the others would tease Allie mercilessly.
And she was not about to let that happen!
Not to her Daughter!
"Thanks, Mom," grinned Allie as she handed Mr. Tatters to her Mama, and reached to kiss her cheek.
Hickam's Brass Band started playing as soon as the Travelers got out of their cars, and made their way to the Platform.
Nathaniel and George walked to the car to greet them and help them out, with Bill and Adeline close behind.
There was Aaron and Felicity, Lucas and Sophie, with huge smiles, holding an even bigger banner!
Gabe had even come in with Lillian, making the trip all the way from Brookfield.
It was no exaggeration to say that the entire town had turned out!
Hope Valley was ready to make this departure a celebration for this new Grant Family they loved so much!
"I've never seen anything like this town in my life, Elizabeth!" commented her Father. "You and Nathan are very blessed!"
"Yes, Father we are, indeed!"
Florence rushed up.
"Elizabeth, these came in on an earlier train this morning! Socks in Little Jack's size!" she winked.
Elizabeth threw her arms around Florence!
"Thanks so very much, Florence. This is perfect! I owe you one. Just put this on our bill!"
"Nathan, I got you all something in San Francisco I thought would come in handy for your trip. Don't bother to open it now. Just open it, when you have time before you get to Hamilton. You'll see why!" instructed Nathaniel.
He handed the box to Nathan, who embraced him.
"We'll miss you, Nathaniel. And I've got those phone numbers you wanted us to call. We'll call and let you know as soon as we get your messages delivered!"
"Thanks for that, Son. We'll miss you back here, but just relax and enjoy the Big City! There's nothing like it. And don't forget those restaurants I told you about. Just tell them I sent you and they'll treat you right!"
"Will do, Nathaniel! Can't thank you enough for everything. The Wedding and Honeymoon at the Lodge were perfect, and it's all thanks to you. Why don't you two take out the new Sailboat our Parents gave us, and enjoy it while we're gone!"
"I might just take you up on that. Sounds like a dream! What do you say, George?"
"I'll take you on board, Sir!" offered George. "And even be the first mate!"
"Perfect! How are the kittens doing!" asked Nathan.
"Healthy. Testing little lungs!" admitted George. "I bring pictures for Allie and Jack!"
"Oh, no! So sorry, George. But thanks for tending the whole litter, and making the pictures! The kids will love them! We've got three more at home, now. We'll have to tell you all about how that happened when we get back!"
"I made safe travel charm too! Keep with you."
Nathan was aware of the custom and deeply touched, as he reached out and hugged George, so grateful he had come into their lives.
"We know the ranch is in good hands with you, George! We're most grateful for that!
"Elizabeth, I have a shoppe I'd love you to visit if you get time," called Sophie. "Here's the address. We had one in San Francisco just like it and it was wonderful. The most beautiful clothing you'll ever see, besides Rosemary's, of course!"
"You'd better clarify that, Sophie Bouchard!"
"Thank you, Sophie! I'll do my best! You and Felicity take care of yourselves and don't overdo things! You can tell those husbands of yours I said so!"
"Gabe, I can't believe you and Lillian came all this way to see us off! That's so wonderful of you!" exclaimed Nathan, thrilled to see his Brother in Arms.
"Wouldn't have missed it! In fact, Bill and Adeline are giving us a tour of your house and grounds after you leave!" chuckled Gabe.
"Glad to hear it! Wish we could have done it ourselves. But you two are coming to Dinner when we get back!" winked Nathan.
"It's a date! After we finish at your place, Lillian and I are going to have a nice romantic dinner tonight here in town, before we head back to Brookfield. So we're making a whole day of this! Looks like you need to travel more often!" laughed Gabe.
"Thanks, Gabe!" chuckled Nathan, drily. "Glad we could be of help!"
"Well, there is this, too. Use it to take Elizabeth out to some fancy eating place in New York City! Take it. Lillian and I aren't taking no for an answer," he said pushing the bills into Nathan's hand.
"Thank you both, Gabe and Lillian! You two are good Souls!"
"Such a lovely gift! Sounds like you've planned a perfect day, Gabe, for you two and a perfect Dinner for us! So glad to see you get a day off from the Orphanage, Lillian!" cried Elizabeth, hugging the red-haired beauty. "You two look so happy!"
"And so do you two," laughed Lillian. "If Gabe and I look half as happy as you two after two weeks of marriage, we'll be doing great!"
"Allie, will you really send us postcards from everywhere you go?" asked Emily.
"And we mean everywhere because we want a whole collection!" begged Opal.
"Of course, I will! I'll send at least one to each of you and then you all share them!"
"Okay, it's a deal! Have fun, Allie. We're really gonna miss you," said Anna.
"I'll miss you all too! Wish you all could come with us!" said Allie, wistfully.
"I do too, Allie," mumbled Robert. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do!"
"Robert, do you even know what you're saying," responded Allie a bit tartly, watching him through slitted eyes, causing all her friends to laugh, and Robert to blush.
But that was exactly why he liked Allie; he liked her spunk.
Nathan happened to look over just as Robert took Allie's hand, and said Father couldn't help but tense up with widened eyes, ready to pounce.
Without thinking, he started to head in their direction, till Elizabeth gently reminded him everything was okay by taking his arm.
Thankfully, whatever was said between the two young friends, Robert soon took his hand away, while still laughing and talking with Allie and the rest of the girls.
Nathan breathed a sigh of relief and reluctantly rejoined the conversation of those around him!
Elizabeth squeezed her Husband's hand.
Crisis averted.
Although she wasn't really sure how long that was going to be the case!
Perhaps it was good for Allie to put some distance this summer between Robert and her until both were just a little older.
"Elizabeth, I brought you this hairpin set. When I got them in, they just looked like you, and I thought they'd be perfect for your trip!"
"Oh, Fiona, Butterflies! These are so lovely. How very sweet of you! I'll wear them as soon as we get to Hamilton. Thank you so much!"
As the train pulled up to the Station, Nathan picked up Little Jack to make sure he was safe.
"Twain, Daddy! Twain!"
"Yes, Son! That's the Train we're going to ride on!"
Little Jack clapped his hands, and hugged his Dad with all his might!
As the train stopped, two Railroad Dignitaries deboarded and walked straight to Mr. Thatcher.
"Good morning, Sir! I'm Bartholomew Jensson, Vice President of Public Relations."
William had a worried look on his face, and was concerned that their Custom Passenger Car might not have been completed in time, but as it turned out that wasn't the case at all.
"There was a spatial problem with the original architectural drawing, which made it impossible to fit everything into one single Passenger Car. At our President's direction, new plans were drawn up, and you and your party now have two Passenger Cars that are linked together by a middle hallway. This way, your suites are much larger and there will be much more communal living space for your Family to enjoy as you travel. Would you please board so that we can ensure everything meets your satisfaction, Sir?"
"Of course! Archie, why don't you come with me and we'll check out our accommodations together?"
"Of course. Be happy to!"
The two men boarded together, and after quite some time, their Wives breathed a sigh of relief, because both William and Archie wore broad smiles, as they deboarded the Train.
"Grace, you and Madelyne are absolutely going to love this!" assured William. "Just wait till the Children see!"
"It's phenomenal! I might just move onboard permanently," laughed Archie, halfway serious.
"Godfrey, will you please take this telegram into the Station and leave it with the desk there?"
"Of course, Sir!"
"It's a personal thank you to Ambrose, the Railway's President. Tell them I'd like it to be sent immediately, if at all possible. That it's very important!"
"Yes, Sir!"
"And Godfrey, hurry back. You don't want to miss this!" winked William.
"Father, is everything alright?"
William bent to kiss his Daughter.
"My Darling, Elizabeth, everything is perfect! Just wait till you see!"
"This looks positively grand! Oh, Elizabeth, I wish we were going with you!" cried Rosemary.
"Me too, Rosemary! We'd have a ball together, and so would our Families. Maybe someday we will! We should just plan to do it!"
"We will, but before you go, Godfrey helped me with a little something," and Rosemary motioned to one of the men who brought a small cart loaded with red roses!
"Grace, these are yours," and Rosemary handed her a huge bouquet of red roses.
"Rosemary, these are simply lovely!" answered Grace, with total surprise and delight. "So thoughtful!"
"Madelyne, these are yours!" and Rosemary handed her an identical, beautiful bouquet.
Madelyne hugged Rosemary with tears in her eyes.
"I'm going to miss you, you sweet thing! And your beautiful Children, too! This is just so kind and so beautiful! Thank you, my Dear!"
"Oh, we're going to miss you both so much! And Elizabeth, last but not least, these are yours!"
"Rosemary!"
"All three bouquets are from the entire town of Hope Valley. We've just enjoyed you two being here with us so much! And Elizabeth, we'll miss you terribly. Please call me occasionally so I can keep everyone updated."
"We'll call as soon as we reach Hamilton, I promise!"
"And these are for the Men of the Party," smiled Lee, as he handed a plaque to Archie, and one to William. "It turns out we don't yet have a key to our fair city yet, because if we did, that's what I'd be giving you two now! But until that day arrives, Hope Valley has made you both Honorary Citizens, along with Godfrey! The entire town has loved having you both with us, as well as your beautiful Ladies!"
"Thank you, Lee, for making us feel so welcome!" smiled Archie, as he shook Lee's hand and pulled him in for a bear hug.
"It's been our pleasure, Lee! We'll miss you all!" thanked William, with a firm handshake. "Thank everyone for us! This is going to hang in my Office!"
Meanwhile, a few steps away, Lucas approached Nathan, who was holding Little Jack.
"Nathan, I wanted to say I wish you a wonderful trip, and Elizabeth a superb book tour! Will you please tell her I said so?"
"Thank you, Lucas. I will. She'll appreciate that very much. Congratulations again on the new Baby! You look like you're taking it all in stride!"
"Well, that's all a façade, I'm afraid! I'm actually a nervous wreck inside!"
"I'd say that's a most normal reaction. But, you'll make a wonderful Father, Lucas!"
"Really?"
"Yes, really! And Sophie will make a wonderful Mother. This little one is very blessed. Don't you forget that! And just remember, you don't have to know everything starting out. You just have to love them and everything falls into place!"
"Thank you for that, Nathan. Coming from you, that means a lot! Oh, I almost forgot, I brought you a box of Cigars to have on the Train!"
"That's very nice of you, Lucas. Thank you! I know my Father-in-Law really appreciates a good cigar! So, these will be put to good use, I'm sure! I'll tell him they're from you!"
As Lucas found Sophie, Bill and Adeline walked over to Nathan.
Elizabeth noticed and left the Mothers so she could give a final thank you to Adeline and Bill, who were now standing by Nathan.
"Let me hold my precious boy, Nathan," and Adeline held out her arms for Jack, who willingly went to his Auntie AJ.
"Those are beautiful flowers, Love!" complimented Nathan as he eyed Elizabeth's Roses.
"Rosemary just gave them to all of us women, from the whole town. Oh, look Nathan she has a smaller bouquet for Allie!"
"Yes, and the Fathers have been made Honorary Citizens of Hope Valley, as will Godfrey when I can find him, that is! Now, Little Jack gets this Train to take with him!"
"My Twain?"
"Yes, Little Buddy. It's all yours! For you to play with on your trip! And Nathan, as for you, we sort of all noticed your wallet's falling apart, so you get a nice new leather wallet to remember us by. You can open it when you board! Even has your initials on it!"
"Much needed, Lee. Thank you! That will make it much easier to keep track of our currency! Be sure to thank everyone for me!" and Nathan wrapped Lee in a hug. "Thanks too, for helping Bill to look out for things!"
"Nathan, Aaron and I are…gonna…miss you… around here!" blustered Bill, but he got it out.
"Where is Aaron?"
"He's tryin' to make his way over here to say Goodbye, but the poor guy looks like he has his hands full with all these people!" explained Bill.
With those words, Nathan caught Aaron's attention with a wave!
Aaron waved back with a grin and a shrug, apologizing for not being able to get to them.
"Have fun!" he yelled above the crowd.
"You stay safe!" yelled Nathan with a lop-sided grin. "See you soon, Brother!"
Felicity, however, did make it over.
"Aaron and I wanted to give you some books to read on the trip. There's even one in there for Allie and one for Little Jack! I hope they enjoy them! As well as you two!"
"Felicity, this is perfect, and just so kind of you! Thanks so very much! We're going to have a lot of time on our hands, and I'm sure these will come in very handy! We'll miss you and Aaron. Can't wait to tell you about everything when we return and have you out for a proper Dinner!"
"It's a date! We'd love that, Elizabeth!"
"Bill, enjoy the house and the horses while we're gone," smiled Nathan. "We really appreciate you and Adeline moving in and taking care of things."
"The hard part, Son, is gonna be gettin' us out! We may just move in permanently!" declared Bill.
"That might just work!" laughed Nathan. "Seriously, will you make sure Newton and Sargent are kept busy? I don't want them grieving for us."
"Consider it done! I will do my level best!"
"Adeline, the cats stay on the Back Porch, but the dogs have free reign of the house. I wrote everything about their feedings out just in case you forget. But we love you for taking this on! Just enjoy everything like it's your own, promise?" begged Elizabeth.
"Promise! Why Bill doesn't know it yet, but this is going to be one long extended Honeymoon for us too!"
"What did you say, Addie?" mumbled Bill.
The Women laughed, Felicity included!
"I'm also going to use this stay over in a new house as an opportunity to talk this Husband of mine into building a proper house!" whispered Adeline.
"Smart move, Adeline," winked Elizabeth. "Make him buy that lot close to us! I'd love us to all be neighbors!"
"Hey, Nathan! You mind if we plant a late garden?" asked Bill, deciding a change of subject just might be in order.
"Mind, Bill? Have at it! Sounds great!"
Godfrey came out of the Depot with success written all over his face, and Lee ran to catch up with him.
"Godfrey, Hope Valley has made you an Honorary Citizen! We're all going to miss you, Sir! You brought order and grace to our fair town! And I might add, a bit of class! I personally am going to miss you a lot! You come back, soon, you hear?"
Just as Lee finished hugging a shocked, but most pleased Godfrey, the first call to board rang out.
Which prompted a flurry of hugs and kisses for the Thatchers, the Senior Grants, and all of the Grant Family with the various townspeople of Hope Valley.
Resulting in sweet and total pandemonium!
Nathan reached out his arms for his Son, then called for Allie.
"Allie, time to go, Sweetheart!"
"Coming Dad!"
Suddenly the chatter lessened as Bill spoke up for everyone to hear.
"All of Hope Valley has come out to wish, you, the Grants the best of luck and to see you off! First and foremost, safe travels! We're gonna miss all of you somethin' terrible," Bill announced as the crowd further quietened to hear him. "And that goes for the Thatchers and Senior Grants, too! You came for a Wedding and just fit right in. And what a Wedding you gave us! For that and being here with us, we are most grateful. Promise you'll come back soon, at least for your Grandchildren, and maybe for some new Grandchildren, too!"
The crowd laughed at Bill's not-so-subtle hint, but he continued on.
"Because you're most welcome anytime you can make it! To our own Nathan and Elizabeth, have a wonderful continued Honeymoon, and Elizabeth, make us proud! You knock them dead on that Book Tour! Sell lots of books and put Hope Valley on the map! We'll celebrate when you all come home. Allie, learn lots of new stuff and be sure to have fun! You too, Jack! Because we want to hear all about your adventures when you get back home! Now, don't forget us! And know that you're takin' a piece of us with you in your hearts! We love you all!"
No one knew, not even Bill, that Nathan was also doing a Book Tour, which was exactly the way he liked it.
Deep down, he was hoping and praying he could keep it that way!
"We'll miss you all terribly! You all are our home. Leaving our love and prayers with you, as well as wishes for a wonderful summer here in Hope Valley!" shouted Nathan, as Elizabeth wiped tears. "You all take care of the Constable and our Judge! The Grant Family will see you soon!"
Everyone applauded this Good Man of Few Words and stood watching as he and his lovely Family turned to board the Train, all feeling a little sad at their departure from Hope Valley.
But Love is always more powerful than sadness any day of the week, and right now, it was love that was overflowing this morning in Hope Valley.
And everyone felt it, reveling in it!
As the train began to pull out from the Station, Nathan, Elizabeth, and the Children waved from the platform of the first car, while William, Grace, Archie, Madelyne, and Godfrey waved from the platform of the second car.
Of course, Nathan was holding Little Jack, who was much too small to understand all of what was going on about him, but he figured things out quickly enough to wave excitedly along with his Sister, at the gentle urging of his proud Dad, finally understanding at least some of it!
"Daddy, we go bye-bye!"
"Yes, Son, great job! You, your Mama, Sister, and I are going bye-bye!" chuckled Nathan. "Together! Grandparents too!"
And of course, the entire town was exuberantly waving back, until the Train was out of sight when normal life would begin to resume again, at full force speed, in Hope Valley.
But on the tiny Train Platform, Nathan lovingly embraced his entire Family, drawing his Girls to him, too, in this one moment of total privacy, with a broad, proud smile on his face.
This was his Family. His beloved Family. His world!
As long as they were together, no matter where, everything was perfect.
"And so, Grant Family, our exciting adventure begins..."
(*107) "Home Sweet Home, Verse I," also known as "A Sicilian Air," Song from the Opera, "Clari, or the Maid of Milan," Melody by Sir Henry Bishop, Lyrics by John Howard Payne, 1823, Public Domain
(*108) "Home Sweet Home, Verse II," also known as "A Sicilian Air," Song from the Opera, "Clari, or the Maid of Milan," Melody by Sir Henry Bishop, Lyrics by John Howard Payne, 1823, Public Domain