Chapter 143: A Cherished Gift

Late into the evening, after everyone had gone to their Suites for a nap, Archie, William, and Godfrey gathered in the sitting area of the main Passenger Car.

They sat comfortably while waiting for the Train's next stop, drinking their coffee while telling manly tales each one more shocking than the next!

In the little town of Hubrick, they along with the Stewards would complete their mission, seeing that all of Nathan's gifts were put back into the Freight Car, where they had been stored before their last stop when they had been slipped into the second Car for his Birthday Celebration.

The secure area there had been designated just for the Thornton-Grant Group, so their belongings could be kept separate from all the other passengers.

"My, this Car's pretty crowded, but it was so worth it. My Son was truly surprised!"

"Yes, he most certainly was, Archie! You could tell by his eyes! I think he liked it all, don't you?" asked William.

"Absolutely. I think knowing what had happened on that old case was perhaps the biggest gift of all," surmised Archie. "Resolution of an unknown is always a good thing! But then those gifts are something else too!

"I believe you're right, Sir!" agreed Godfrey. "That trip you two Gentlemen took with Miss Allie, was more than worth the effort."

"Sure was, Godfrey, and we had fun on that trip, too, getting to know our granddaughter better!" grinned William. "She's something else, Archie, that's for sure!"

"That she is; a carbon copy of her mother, that one! Single-handedly got them to take us right to Mr. Lawrence, himself!" laughed Archie. "That's my girl! Oh, are Elizabeth's gifts in the Dining Car?"

"Yes, Sir! Delivered them myself. They're safe and sound in the Chef's private quarters! He's going to see that they're brought out with their dessert!"

"Perfect," smiled William. "Looks like we've reached our stop, Gentlemen. Ready to help load…"

While Elizabeth was still reading her book, Nathan decided to visit Allie and Jack in their Suite, before he dressed for Dinner.

The children were so excited that Nathan had barely gotten a word in edgewise between the two, as they proudly showed their Dad every detail of their new living space.

"This is a pretty great Cabin! You two look like you're well settled in!"

"We are, Dad! It's just perfect!" agreed Allie. "And it's fun to be by ourselves, too! Not that we don't miss you and Mama!"

"You'd better miss us a little! You know, you two gave me the best Birthday ever!" as Nathan gathered Allie and Jack to him, smothering them with kisses.

"Daddy, lif me up to Awee's bed!"

"Is that okay, Allie?"

"Yes, if he won't drop my pillows on the floor!"

"Jack?" asked Nathan very seriously.

"No fro piwwows, Daddy!"

"Then up you go, Son!" laughed Nathan lifting him in one swoop up to the second bunk!

"I see u, Daddy!"

Of course, Nathan was clearly visible, but to Jack he was now an equal, at least in height, meeting his Dad eye to eye from the bunk.

"Jack, here's your wooden Mountie and Horse to play with," smiled Nathan, leaning down to grab them.

"Yippee!" shrieked Jack, happily reaching for his favorite toys!

And just like that Jack was thoroughly occupied, completely in his own little world!

"Now, Allie, sit down here, and tell me how you're doing!"

"I'm having so much fun, Dad! But I can't wait till we get to Hamilton. I want to go riding!"

"You and me, both! Sounds like your grandfather has quite the Stables, so we should be able to find you the perfect mount, easily enough!"

"Dad?"

"Yes?"

"I love our Family!"

"I do, too, Allie! I do, too! You've waited a long time for this, haven't you?"

"It seems like forever! Do you think we'll have our little brother or little sister soon?"

"Ah! We'll have to wait and see, Sweet Girl! You and Jack seem pretty happy with each other."

"We are. But we both want a baby. Well, Jack wants a baby sister, but I want a baby brother!"

He pulled Allie's head toward his chest.

"You've already proven you're the best big sister ever! I think you'll eventually get your baby brother or Jack's baby sister, but we have to be patient, you know!"

"But Dad, we've waited so long already!"

"Your Mama and I've only been married a short time. These things take time, Allie!"

"Well, Jack and I added it to our prayers, and we're not giving up!"

Nathan chuckled.

"My children, the perseverers!" chuckled Nathan. "We Grants don't give up now, do we?"

"No, we don't!" agreed Allie, who was suddenly all smiles again. "Dad, do you think Robert will miss me?"

"Robert…?" coughed Nathan.

"Yes, you know! He won't have anyone to go fishing with! None of the other girls will touch the worms!"

"Ah! The dreaded worms!" relieved it was just fishing on his daughter's mind. "Yes, I suppose he will miss his fishing partner. Perhaps a few of the boys will go fishing with him instead."

"Dad! It's not the same thing!" explained Allie, as she rolled her eyes for emphasis.

"It's not?" asked her Dad, innocently.

"No, Dad! Robert and I talk about things."

"What sort of things," he asked hesitantly, and with considerable trepidation.

"You know, things!"

Nathan cleared his throat, not sure he wanted to press further.

"Well, guys talk about things too, Allie."

Allie sighed heavily.

"I suppose so, but…we talk about crawdads and stuff, and boys just fish."

Nathan sighed deeply in relief.

Crawdads he could handle! Boy-girl stuff, he could not!

Deciding to change the subject, Nathan tweaked her nose.

"Kiddo, best birthday present ever!"

Allie brightened.

"It was really hard to keep the surprise, Dad! Especially when we moved!"

"Oh, I bet so! But you were stellar! Thank you, Allie, from the bottom of my heart. I'll keep my Woodworker's Pouch always and love it. It's in my Cabin now! But Allie, you know it's you that's in my heart and always will be. It's you, I truly love!"

"I know Dad. Just like you'll always be in my heart! I suppose I'll always have to be your Little Girl!"

"Suppose? That's a given Young Lady! Always my Little Girl! Even when you're a hundred years old!"

Allie rolled her eyes again but felt so much love.

"Daddy?" called Jack. "Down!"

"Come to me, Son!" and Nathan rose to grab the toddler, lifting him up even higher to touch the ceiling, with a chuckle.

Then he set Jack down by Allie and wrapped his arms around both his children, feeling more fulfilled than he had ever imagined possible.

There was no doubt, whatsoever!

Nathan Grant was made to be a father…

When Nathan arrived back at their Suite, he raised his eyebrows, as his wife had laid out his tux across their bed.

"My, are we going to be formal tonight?" he called through the door.

After a hot bubble bath, Elizabeth was checking her hair and lipstick one last time in the bathroom mirror.

She smiled at the sound of his voice.

"We most certainly are! I'm almost through in here!"

She sprayed her perfume at her neck and wrists, then stood back, pleased with her look, although still in her robe.

As she quietly turned the knob, she suddenly felt nervous. Everything had to go off perfectly. This was important: her private birthday celebration for her new husband.

As she appeared, Nathan whistled but was positively speechless as her beauty completely took him off guard.

It took a moment, but finally, the words came out.

"Lisbeth, you look positively stunning!"

"In this robe? Wait till you see the dress! But thank you, Love. All for you! The bath is all yours now, steaming away!"

"Forget the bath!" and he took her into his arms, marveling at the feel of her soft skin against him, along with the silkiness of her robe, as his hand rubbed gently across his wife's back.

He tenderly touched her silken hair wanting nothing more than to loosen the clips and cause her low chignon to fall loose, so he could run his fingers through her hair.

But he knew better, as this was not the time, so he focused on her beautiful lips instead. And her scent. That delectable scent that always made him feel transported to heavenly oblivion!

She needed him as much as he needed her, but there were surprises waiting, and if they didn't stop this now, they'd end up never leaving their Suite!

"Your bath is already drawn, my Love! We shouldn't let it get cold!"

"I suppose we shouldn't!" he grinned.

She began unbuttoning his shirt, reaching to grab his robe while he finished removing his pants.

"I added bubbles!"

"You know, you, Elizabeth Grant, are going to ruin my Mountie reputation if Bill Avery or Gabe Kinslow ever gets wind of those bubbles!" he chuckled.

"It's our secret," she laughed. "I promise!"

She helped him get in the tub, kissed his forehead, and left him moaning after her as she left to get dressed!

She had kept her special gown in the closet, not wanting him to see it till he was through bathing.

It was the brand-new fancy one her Mother had given her, a Wedding Gift as part of her trousseau. She had saved it for tonight, wanting to make Nathan's first birthday with her as special as she could. There was a special negligee too, for later, that he had never seen.

Elizabeth smiled as she reached for the gown.

"This is exquisite," she whispered.

And it truly was.

The soft organza fell out from the gown's silken slim body in an ethereal flurry of the palest blue, that brought out her blue eyes beautifully, causing them to shine like tiny pieces of starlight in the heavens!

She dressed slowly, languishing in the feel of the silk on her skin, and liking the glorious reflection of herself she was seeing in the mirror.

She pirouetted round and round in the tight space, just like the ballerina she longed to be when she was younger.

But this, being Mrs. Nathan Grant was so much better than any childhood dream.

Ballerina or not!

She was so happy, that at times she felt overcome with joy!

Elizabeth was slowly learning to worry less.

She was even beginning to just accept these thrilling feelings that flowed through her at the thought of her handsome husband.

Tonight, though was his special night, and thus their special night together.

She had planned everything down to the last detail.

And she wanted it all to be perfect, as perfect as the special surprises she had waiting for him.

There were three surprises that she had wrapped beautifully herself in bigger boxes, although they had already been elegantly wrapped!

But there was another surprise that couldn't be wrapped, that was even better than all three presents put together!

Her hands automatically went to her stomach, where she tenderly touched both sides.

She now knew beyond doubt, and she was happier than she had ever been before in her life.

Deliriously so!

Radiant even, as she glanced back at the mirror.

She then stepped into her kidskin heels, turning her thin ankle that was so often clunkily hidden in her worn leather boot.

Somehow, she felt more feminine than she ever had, knowing now with certainty.

It wasn't just wishful thinking, and it was no longer just a feeling.

She took one last look in the full-length mirror, and was very pleased, indeed.

She glowed, and now she knew exactly why.

"Thank you, Dear God!"

She then sat down at their small table and started writing a love letter to her husband.

The words flowed easily.

It was in fact hard for her to limit them, but for this, she needed to keep them to one page.

She finished her few brief sentences that held more meaning than most chapters of novels.

She then sealed the envelope, and kissed it, writing 'My Husband' across it.

With a coy grin, she tucked the corner of it barely under his pillow.

Then she smiled with a look of pure love, as she heard him get out of his tub, and start with his toiletries…

As Nathan walked through their bathroom door, wrapped in his robe, her heart lurched. She hoped that feeling would never stop. And somehow deep inside she knew it wouldn't!

"You look heavenly, Lisbeth! Heavenly!"

She giggled as he stood there, as though in awe.

"All for you, my Love! Happy Birthday!"

She reached up and kissed his freshly shaved cheek.

"Uhm, nice and smooth!"

"Can't have five o'clock shadow for my wife when dressed in a tux!" he chuckled. "Even I know that!"

She giggled at her self-deprecating husband.

"Oh, yes, so very backward you are!"

"Well compared to all your Hamilton Beaus, I suppose I am!"

"I'll take you any day, Husband, over all those Hamilton Beaus put together!"

"That's because you know I'm stronger than all of them put together!" he teased.

"Well, that too, I suppose!"

"Without doubt, Mrs. Grant! No supposition!"

"Your tux, Husband!"

He grinned and dressed quickly, leaving his shirt undone for her to button up, something she loved to do, and something he loved her doing.

"Now for the dreaded bow tie!"

"Not too dreaded!" she laughed as she expertly tied it, and centered it at his gorgeous neck.

"There, all done! And I dare say, Nathan, you do look quite dashing!"

"Would you like me to escort you?" he asked, offering his arm.

"Although I have no idea where we're going!" he quickly added.

"The Dining Room, Silly! We're going dancing!"

"Dancing? I must say, Mrs. Grant, you are full of surprises!" and he bent to kiss her neck at the base of her right ear, quickly meandering to the left side too.

"And on a Train, too!" he whispered, intrigued. "How, I can't imagine!"

"Oh, the surprises have just begun, my Darling Chief Inspector. Just let your imagination run wild…"

After trying to read her grandchildren to sleep over the last half hour, Grace, as any grandmother would have at this point, finally gave up!

"Good night my Loves!"

"Good night, Granda! I love you!"

"I wuv you too, Ganda! Goo Night!"

She lovingly tucked both her Grandchildren in, even halfway climbing the Bunk Bed steps to make sure Allie was appropriately covered, blowing her yet another kiss.

Then she stooped and gave Jack one last sweet kiss before she turned to walk through their door.

Poor Grace! Having read two books for Jack and two chapters for Allie, she herself was about ready to be tucked in!

She smiled, as she turned out their lights, and softly closed the door behind her. Worn out or not, how she was enjoying this second chance! And she was determined that this time, she wouldn't get a bit of it wrong.

Although perhaps had she not been so tired from staying up most of last night tending to William's bad back and today's Birthday Festivities, she wouldn't have been fooled by her grandchildren's almost instantaneous fall to sleep with her kisses!

But her weary body was persistently calling her to her own bed, praying that William would finally get some rest tonight, so that they both might recover from their lack of sleep.

She might have had governesses and such to help raise her girls, as well as a slew of household help, but that hadn't meant she was oblivious to her children, although they often felt so.

It was just that her social responsibilities were always looming and had required so very much of her time.

But even so, there wasn't much she hadn't seen, good or bad.

It might have been second-hand, but she had kept up!

With her three inquisitive, precocious, and very opinionated daughters, one never knew what was coming next in the Thatcher household!

And there had been that matter of copious revolving Nannies, one right after the other, thanks mostly to her middle child, the now esteemed Mrs. Grant!

'My, what that Child didn't get into!' mused Grace, remembering one disaster after another, all pointing directly back to her middle daughter even when all three had been involved.

She might have been born the middle child, but without doubt, Elizabeth was her sisters' leader, and led she did!

Yes, if it had to do with mischief, even with Godfrey and governesses, Grace had pretty much seen it all…

As the Grants entered the Dining Car, everyone stopped eating to stare at the glamorous young couple in the doorway.

Although Nathan and Elizabeth, having eyes only for each other, were totally oblivious to the unwanted attention!

The Maitre D immediately appeared and led them to their very best and most private table, which Elizabeth had reserved just after they had boarded the Train.

As they were seated on the banquette, Nathan was stunned all over again at how beautiful his wife was.

Why she just seemed to totally belong in the Dining Car's most elegant surroundings.

"You look stunning, Elizabeth. Absolutely breathtaking! And you're positively glowing, too!"

"It's not every day, I get to celebrate my handsome husband's Birthday!"

She reached for his hand, raised it to her lips, and kissed it, lovingly.

"Happy Birthday, Love!"

He reached to kiss her cheek.

"It's been perfect, my Darling!"

"If I have my way, our celebration is just beginning!"

The Maitre D popped the cork of the Champagne she had ordered and poured them each a glass.

"To your First Birthday as a couple! To you, Nathan, the Love of my Life!"

They clinked their glasses, and then reached to kiss each other, both happier and more in love than they ever could have imagined.

His eyes twinkled, and so did hers.

Instead of ordering from menus, Nathan soon noticed there were none in sight!

Before he could question it, their first course arrived: Bruschetta with Ricotta Cheese and Sliced Strawberries.

"So simple, but so elegant!" declared Elizabeth.

"Simple, my Darling, is always best!" agreed Nathan. "Delicious too!"

Next came their soup, a chilled Mixed Fruit Gazpacho.

"This is wonderful! I don't think I've ever had Cold Soup before."

"I'm getting you prepared. Cook often serves a variation of such!" laughed Elizabeth. "Cantaloupe is my favorite. Or maybe Mango…"

Nathan chuckled.

"Don't remind me! If you must know, it feels a bit like I'm visiting the Queen! Except the Queen happens to be your mother, who I already adore!"

"Almost like that," chuckled Elizabeth. "Just be grateful Mother adores you too! She'll be right there by your side, and so will I!"

"Then how can I possibly go wrong with two beautiful women by my side?"

"You won't, now that we've left that horrid jacket at home!" smiled Elizabeth, which left a bemused look on her husband's face.

And even raised eyebrows, had his wife been paying attention to notice!

After they finished their Soup, came a Bacon Wrapped Scallop Appetizer drenched in Crème Fraiche.

"Well, this is a first! But very good! Bacon with Seafood, who would have thought?"

"Just wait till you taste my Seafood Stew! Loaded with Bacon!"

"Can we have it our first night home?" asked Nathan, eyes aglow. "I'll catch the fish!"

"You bet! It's a promise! If you clean the fish!" she teased.

"A good fisherman always cleans his fish, my Love!"

"I like that rule!" she giggled.

Next, their Server brought a Green Salad with Bits of Shredded Ham and Egg, served with a Honey Mustard Dressing.

"Now this, I've had before! Mother often fixed this for lunch on Saturday, but with a different dressing," he winked and took another bite. "Almost as good as hers!"

"I'll remember that!" promised Elizabeth. "The first Saturday we're home! But you'll have to show me how to make her dressing!"

"Well, you're not getting off that easy. She fixed toasted pimento cheese sandwiches too!"

"Now that, I've never made," admitted Elizabeth.

"What? No Pimento Cheese? How have you been so deprived?" he laughed. "Even I know how to make that! And it's a favorite, too!"

"Then you're on, Husband! Let the cooking classes begin!"

Next came their main course, Nathan's favorite Prime Rib and Fresh Grated Horseradish, served with a Mushroom Sauce to die for.

"This is absolutely delicious! Never had it with Mushrooms before."

"How do you normally eat it?"

"With Mashed Potatoes, of course!" he chuckled.

"Please don't remind me. You know my Mashed Potatoes always turn out gluey!"

"Gluey? Is that what I've been tasting?"

"Okay, you! Enough teasing. At least I try!"

"That you do, and it's a valiant effort at that, my Love!"

They talked over all the little things they'd been waiting to discuss with each other since the first phase of their Honeymoon, both getting lost in their conversation and each other.

With their Main Course finally finished, the Servers cleared their table, and Elizabeth moved closer to Nathan.

He took her hand in his and raised it to his lips.

"Thanks for my Birthday Dinner. It's perfect!"

"Oh, it's not over yet!" she insisted with a spark in her eyes.

Next came a huge Chocolate Souffle with candles around the plate.

"Make a wish and blow out the candles, Love!"

"I have everything I could possibly want! But this? This is going to be tricky! So many candles and they're not together!"

"Make a wish! You can do it!" urged Elizabeth.

Nathan did, and somehow he miraculously blew out all the candles by turning the plate around and around toward him!

Their Servers clapped along with Elizabeth and the entire Car of diners!

Then the Servers led in a course of "Happy Birthday!" with all the other Dining Passengers heartily joining in! (*116)

After, the Servers set out two dessert plates along with two spoons, but Elizabeth just laughed and waved them away.

Then placing her spoon into the center of the Souffle, she started feeding it to Nathan.

"Happy Birthday, Darling!"

"Oh, my goodness! This is absolutely delicious! Every bit as good as my Cake!"

"Which there is more of, waiting for us to eat later. That's why I thought dessert should be light!"

They ate the Souffle together feeding each other, both lost not in their dessert, but completely and totally in each other.

"You know, Love, as I suspected, there's no dance floor! And I seem to recall my wife promising me a dance or two!"

"Yes, I did, and you shall have those promised dances, my Darling! Just be patient a while longer!"

He bent to kiss her.

"As long as you're by my side, I can absolutely be patient for anything!"

As they parted from their kiss, there stood not one but three Servers before them, each bearing a beautifully wrapped package!

"Elizabeth! What's this? You've already given me a present!"

"These are additional presents. For you, Darling!"

Nathan looked shy, not used to receiving so many gifts and even less used to opening them in the presence of strangers.

Most of whom were contentedly watching the happy couple, which Nathan chose to ignore.

He chuckled and reached for the first package.

"Lisbeth!"

Just like the leather-bound copy of Emerson he gave her on their first official date, this was a leather-bound copy of Shakespeare's Love Sonnets, written in 1609. (*117)

"This is wonderful, Lisbeth. Thank you, Love!"

"Your copy was so ragged, I thought this was needed as a replacement, but more than that, the words are my words of love to you, my Darling!"

"I'll cherish this always!"

Nathan then opened the front cover and almost teared up at the words of love inscribed there.

'With my heart open only to you, my Darling, my love is spilling over and over, more than ready for our beautiful future together! My words of love, along with these from Shakespeare are completely yours, forever! Always your Lisbeth.'

"Perfect, Lisbeth. You make me so very happy!"

She kissed his cheek and handed him the next bigger package.

He fumbled with the box as he carefully unwrapped the paper, only to find another box inside, and then he knew.

Yet another piece made by the Lawrences!

But what, he didn't know.

Elizabeth held her breath as he lifted the top lid.

"Oh, Darling! This is beautiful! And so soft!"

He ran his hand over a handcrafted suede riding vest in a deep rich caramel color that was now his.

"This is exquisite, Lisbeth! Thank you, Love!"

"And now for the large package!"

He was as excited now, as she was for him to open it.

As he unwrapped the gift and lifted the lid, there was yet another package that came from the Lawrences.

He shook the box, but it didn't rattle, and it wasn't that heavy either.

But when he fully opened the package, his eyes were shining!

"Lisbeth! This is extraordinary!"

A gorgeous Stetson made out of the same rich Caramel Suede of his vest, with a braided suede band and tie around its brim, stared back at him!

Wanting desperately to try it on, given the formality around them, he decided to wait, holding it in his hands.

"There's one more thing that I'm afraid couldn't be made in time. It should be home when we return."

"More?"

"A one-of-a-kind riding jacket cut from the same suede!" she answered, all smiles, as though she had solved the world's biggest problem.

When perhaps this was a selfless gift that was solving a problem of her own, instead of the world's.

"Why Elizabeth Grant! Are you trying to get rid of my old jacket?" he teased, knowing he probably wasn't that far off the mark.

Having a jacket made by the Lawrences was everything and very much appreciated, but little did his wife know, even that, could not replace his old friend on occasion, the jacket he had worn most of his adult life.

There were just some things that were meant to remain the same.

But Nathan was wise enough to not say so right at this moment, waiting for his wife to figure that one out on her own at a much, much later date!

After many months of marriage, perhaps.

"Now, about that dance!" he chuckled.

"Follow me, Love!"

Knowing there was actually one more surprise, Elizabeth smiled coyly as she led her handsome husband out of the Dining Car.

Because that surprise could wait till they were alone together, dancing…

When the Couple reached their Private Passenger Car, the lights were dimmed, leaving the entire area mostly lit by candles.

Thanks to Godfrey, soft music played from a Gramophone in the corner as the Train moved slowly forward on its tracks.

Nathan suddenly realized this was their dance floor, the very best part of his Birthday, providing romantic time alone with his beloved wife.

No, Nathan couldn't say he had ever danced on a train before, but that's exactly what he was about to do!

The space was small and even tricky, but in order to dance, they would manage.

"May I have this dance, Love?"

"You most certainly may!"

He took her into his arms, and no there wasn't a lot of room, but they were about to make the most of the room they had, as Nathan led her throughout the entire car in his arms!

To say it was romantic was a huge understatement.

Candles, soft music, dancing in each other's arms alone, while also moving along the tracks on their journey, what could possibly be better…

"Shush Jack! They'll hear us!" whispered Allie.

They were crouched on the floor at the door between the two Private Cars, watching their parents dance.

With the music going, Nathan didn't hear them.

But ever the attentive Mountie, he did see the crack in the door, and in a minute or so figured out exactly what was happening.

So, he adroitly maneuvered his wife to the back of the Car, dancing all the while, and very quickly swiped the curtain all the way back to expose his two mischievous children.

"See Jack! I told you to be quiet! We just got busted!" declared a very frustrated Allie.

But instead of being mad, Nathan chuckled and lifted Jack up, then pulled Allie into their dance, which was quite the maneuver given their limited space.

But the family of four danced their night away with each other, laughing and singing till they could barely stand!

In fact, they were laughing so hard, they were soon heard by Godfrey, who had already found that the children were missing!

Having helped with Elizabeth's Birthday instructions, this hadn't been part of the plan, so he charged up the aisle like a man on a mission, and didn't even have to say a word.

He simply cleared his throat, with his most stern look, just like he had given his Miss Elizabeth when younger!

It was hard to say who was more terrified, the children or the parents!

"Miss Allie, Master Jack, shall we return to our beds?"

Allie tried hard not to giggle, but Elizabeth burst out in a sea of giggles, having heard that same stern voice after many of her own mischievous endeavors so many years ago, more times than she preferred to count!

Nathan chuckled too, as they kissed the children good night, and held each other as they watched their children's sad little retreat.

At the door, Allie turned with a grin! Then her father gave her and Jack the okay sign which elicited bigger grins from both of them!

And though trying to retain some degree of parental formality, because after all, their children were supposed to be in bed, both Nathan and Elizabeth burst out laughing!

It had been worth every minute – what fun the four had had together over the last few minutes!

"The very best part of my Birthday!"

"So fun, my Darling!"

Both were laughing, but suddenly Nathan's face so full of love turned serious.

"Mrs. Grant, shall we continue our dance?"

"Yes, please! Truth be told, I was much worse than those two! And it was me who constantly got Viola and Julie into trouble! Although I believe Julie outdid me after I went to college!"

"Bequeathed her your title of most rowdy?" he asked with a sly grin.

"Something like that! And proudly, too!" she laughed.

"Without a doubt. Listen, Love, that's our song!"

It was their favorite love song, and it wasn't long till the couple was back into their romantic trance of two, gently swaying back and forth to the sound of the music.

Elizabeth laid her head against Nathan's shoulder.

"I love you so!"

"Uhm."

He loved her so much, that he couldn't say the words, as they seemed to be stuck somewhere deep in his throat.

"Darling?" she asked.

"Mmhm…"

"We really are pregnant!"

"For sure?" he stopped dead in his tracks.

"Yes, for sure! I've never ever been late, and it's been a full week!"

He lifted her and spun her in the tiny area where they were standing between the sofas.

Feeling light-headed himself at the very thought.

"Will Allie get her little brother or will Jack get his little sister?" he grinned, eyes twinkling, but somehow needing to know.

"Both, my Love," she answered confidently, her own eyes sparkling. "Remember those twin lambs? The photos I took show one was male and the other female!"

Then with eyes that looked deep into her soul, his mouth captured hers, dizzy with love as he placed his hands on her stomach, knowing now, without doubt, his babies, his children, were there, just waiting to be born into this family so full of love.

"This is the best Birthday and best Birthday Present ever, Lisbeth!"

Completely fulfilled, she smiled and knew this happiness of theirs was only going to continue to grow and grow.

Just like their love had already grown by leaps and bounds to lovingly include these two little ones, who she now knew, without doubt, were being carried in her womb.

A son, who perhaps looked just like Nathan, and a daughter, who perhaps looked just like her.

Both so very loved and wanted.

Overcome, he lifted his glowing wife up into his strong arms and tenderly carried her to their Suite.

He laid her down so gently on their bed, as though she were a breakable treasure.

As he lovingly looked down at her lying there, no matter how hard he tried, no words could be conjured.

And even if they had been, he wouldn't have been able to speak them.

But mere words weren't needed.

The kiss that brought them passionately together said everything that needed to be said, causing husband and wife to hold on to each other for dear life.

They were expecting, both basking blissfully in the wonderful knowledge of new life, and each other.

With God's blessing, the two of them together had created this life within her.

And that was a miraculous gift that couldn't possibly be more extraordinary.

Or more cherished...

(*116) Happy Birthday to You, Mildred J. Hill Music, Patty Smith Hill Lyrics, June 27, 1859, Public Domain

(*117) Shakespeare's Sonnets, Renaissance Poetry, William Shakespeare, 1609, Public Domain.