Chapter 159: The Ball Ends

Under the moonlight, with the slight chill of the misty Sea air surrounding them, Elizabeth's eyes sparkled, and her hair glistened. Nathan thought she looked more gorgeous than he could ever remember seeing her. Totally natural, yet what he saw was much more than her physical attributes.

"Perhaps it's your new fearlessness, Lisbeth," he surmised, holding her close with his arms tightly around her waist. "But you look positively breathtaking!"

He bent to nuzzle her neck and soon moved up to her ear.

She could feel his warm breath on her chilled skin, and her slight gasp couldn't be contained.

She stretched her neck and closed her eyes, falling into the sheer love his kisses brought.

"My 'new' fearlessness?" she asked with twinkling eyes. "I'll have you know that once upon a time, the former me was truly always fearless. What happened to me, Nathan? Why has it taken me so long to get that back? Especially when it was always such a strong core part of me?"

"Life happened, Lisbeth, and it shook you," he spoke softly with such sincerity etched on his chiseled face. "But you are stronger, more fearless than you think. You are not only a survivor but a thriver, too. I've never known a woman more confident, more indomitable, or more powerful."

"My, but those are strong words. They don't intimidate you, Dear Husband?"

"Intimidate me? It was your courageous spirit, my Love, that made me fall in love with you! All those things are still within you. Just be yourself and let them shine!"

As Elizabeth stood on tiptoe to kiss her husband, Nathan gazed straight into her eyes as though he was seeing her very soul, wanting nothing more but this woman before him, as well as her happiness and well-being.

For it was her happiness and well-being that meant everything to him.

The Sea breezes blew her hair about her face, leaving Nathan knowing now, without doubt, that she had never looked more beautiful.

The sounds of the Sea's ebbing were foremost around them, splashing rhythmically, in all their harmonious gurgling, gushing, humming, and lapping.

But it was the two of them who commanded the space, as though everything around them had been created just for them in this moment of time.

Husband and wife enmeshed together under the silvery moonlight, sharing the most passionate of kisses until they had to part slightly in order to breathe.

It took them both a moment before Elizabeth could even put words together.

But when she finally did, she whispered wifely promises of what was to come on this very night, eliciting that crooked grin of his in anxious anticipation she loved so much, along with a manly blush here and there, that only endeared him more!

Elizabeth grinned triumphantly. She had her Husband's full attention and it was not lost on Nathan, that he now had all of her. Including her fears, they had just vanquished together.

Their eyes told each other everything they needed to know!

"I'm holding you to every single one of those promises, my Darling Lisbeth, just so you know," he emphasized with raised eyebrows and glittery blue eyes filled with a peace she hadn't seen before.

Both knew that finally, she wasn't holding anything back, and they kissed again as if to seal that promise away forever.

"You'd better hold me to them!" she giggled. "They're promises, meant to be fulfilled."

Suddenly Nathan glanced at his watch under the gaslight.

"Goodness! We have to go, now! Your mother will be furious if we don't make it back in time to tell everyone goodbye! Especially, since we're the Guests of Honor!"

"You're right! She'll be distraught. Not to mention Father!"

The couple joined hands and took off in a run, but Elizabeth was having trouble running in her heels with her cumbersome long gown.

Nathan first grabbed her long skirts up and tried to hold them for her, but that wasn't working, so instead, he simply scooped his wife up in his arms to her copious giggles at first, then resigned contentment as she lay her head on his shoulder luxuriating in his strength, as he hurriedly carried her back to the Thatcher Mansion.

The entire way back, they whispered like teenagers, laughing, chuckling, giggling, both exuberant with contentment, pure happiness, and that new singular profound peace, now shared by both.

"I love you, Nathan Alexander Grant, you know that, don't you?"

"I do know that, my Love, but I'll never ever tire of being told."

"Neither will I," then she grinned mischievously. "Or shown, as I will soon verify, Chief Inspector!"

"Why I do believe my wife is flirting with me! Confident, aren't we?" he teased.

She playfully hit his shoulder as she couldn't stop her giggles that kept bursting forth no matter how hard she tried to stop them.

Elizabeth was in love and she didn't care if the whole world heard or saw...

After a long walk back to her parents' home, Godfrey met the couple at the main back entrance on the Garden level, looking as though he had been on the verge of sending out a search party for them.

"Hurry, Sir, Madame is waiting for you in the Grand Entry."

Nathan carefully sat Elizabeth down, and the two helped straighten each other's windblown hair.

"Here, you're going to need a tortoise comb," instructed the ever-prepared Godfrey, pulling one from his pocket.

Godfrey, himself, even joined in, smoothing their clothes and studiously dusting them off to perfection!

Although they felt like children who had been found escaping, which was fairly accurate, Godfrey was finally pleased with the two wayward adults who stood before him.

"There, now you're both presentable. Let's hurry to the Grand Entry! Follow me, now, quickly!"

Godfrey took them the fastest route to Grace, and thankfully the Grant and Thatcher Families were just arriving in the area, preparing to take their positions to say goodnight to their departing Guests, who had thankfully not yet arrived for their departure from the Grand Ballroom.

"Oh! There you are! Thank goodness," but Grace was humorously taken aback when she saw the young couple, although in the best of ways.

Something had changed. It was written all over their faces. And her mother's intuition could tell that whatever had happened was indeed a very good thing.

Her daughter was radiant, and her new son was oozing happiness, both with the tell-tale sign of being flushed.

Madelyne instantly noticed too, and the two women exchanged a tongue-in-cheek smile and wink, both thrilled about whatever it had been that had happened.

"Son, you and Elizabeth come stand by Grace and me, with Madelyne and Arch on your other side. Anthony, you, and Viola stand on the other side of Madelyne and Arch. Julie, you stand by Anthony. Are we all sorted?" asked William tersely, not satisfied until everything was perfect.

"Got it, Father," answered Viola as she took Anthony's hand, flirting in the process, and moving him to the desired position by her sister.

"Julie, you stand on Anthony's far side. I'll stand between Archeford and Anthony," directed Viola.

Archie reached to kiss Viola's cheek, which caused her to smile broadly.

Nathan noticed that Viola seemed to be as happy to stand by Archie as anyone, patting his hand. The two, although quite the unlikely pair, had inexplicably carved a friendship. Viola could talk with Archie without fearing her own father's judgment, while Archie treated Viola with charm, offering the same fatherly advice he would have given Colleen, both filling a void for the other.

"Perfect, thank you, Viola! Now smiles everyone! Leave our Guests feeling delighted they spent the evening with us," instructed William, finally relieved the family was all positioned.

As their Guests slowly progressed into the Grand Entry from the Grand Ballroom, the Under Butlers saw that each of them first received their parting gifts to each person's delight. Although normally immune to the token party gifts they received, William and Grace had seen to it that these gifts would be treasured, offering them personalized books from both Nathan and Elizabeth, which had been placed in monogrammed leather satchels with engraved luggage tags attached for easy identification.

Needless to say, their Guests were honored, and not likely to ever forget this special night, having original autographed books from the authors themselves, one already quite well-known, which would become a permanent part of their libraries.

The Guests then formed a single line, slowly moving through the Receiving Line made up of the entire family, including the Thatchers and the Grants.

And this is where William's request to make their Guests feel extra special was fully respected as his Family did exactly what was requested, each putting in the extra effort to make their guests feel particularly honored.

Compliments were rampant, especially when the Guests got to Nathan, a man who was rather resistant to flowery words, at least when they were about him, but tonight he was doing his best to be gracious and fulfill a role for his new in-laws.

"Congratulations on your marriage. So wonderful to meet you in person, but to find you're the man who is my favorite author, well, that's just remarkable and memorable. So young, too. Thank you so much for the lovely experience. We've put Hamilton on the literary map thanks to you!"

"Extraordinary, Son! Just extraordinary. To meet you has been a dream since I read your first book! And I must say I was impressed as soon as I read your first chapter. Just such an honor! Keep writing, although I don't see how you find time with all you do!"

"What a marvelous talent, Chief Inspector! Don't ever stop writing. I can't wait for your next book! And Elizabeth, follow your husband's great footsteps. I always knew you'd be famous someday. Keep at it! Never forsake your passions! The two of you make the perfect pair. So striking together! The Authors' Grant!"

"William, you and Grace have totally outdone yourselves tonight. I tell you, two distinguished Sons-in-law! What a coup! And to have these autographed volumes is just priceless! Forever grateful. N.A. Grant! Such an honor to meet you! And Elizabeth, all the Ladies in my house can't wait to read your new book!"

Sincere compliments were effusively being thrown right and left to everyone in line, but still, mostly to Nathan, who was getting antsy and quite embarrassed at being the center of attention, but it was as though no one wanted to leave, and he had been the highlight of their night!

Whether it was the Baldwins, the Dudleys, the Duponts, the Fords, the Goldmans, the Huffingtons, the Kensingtons, the Oppenheimers, the Phipps, the Reichmans, the Schroders, the Van Busens, or one of many other Hamilton VIPs, they were all happy, relaxed, and honored to have met the until now unknown phantom author of their favorite books.

And to have had the reveal right here in Hamilton, allowing them to be a part of it all, filled them with elation and pride.

When the last person had finally gone through the line, an hour plus later, the family was thrilled with the response of their guests but also truly exhausted!

"Grace, Darling, you've outdone yourself!" complimented William, giving his wife a huge embrace.

"I must admit, William, Madelyne helped a lot with the planning! Thank you from my heart, Maddie!"

"Pfft, I only did what you asked and made a few suggestions here and there! But I must say it was more fun than I've ever had!"

But when Madelyne turned and caught a glimpse of Nathan's face, her motherly instincts took over. She knew that look. And her Son needed some redirecting as his patience with all the compliments and being the center of attention was beginning to wear him down.

Nathan, reaching for his mother, had never before been so relieved to have something over.

Madelyne, who hadn't missed any of this, placed her hand on Nathan's cheek, wrapping him in her embrace with her free arm.

"You did beautifully, Son, and I'm so proud! We all are, but now, relax, this is all over!"

"Mom, I thought I would crawl out of my skin if those books were mentioned one more time," he sighed as he reached to kiss his mother's cheek. "Those books aren't my life! Elizabeth and the children are!"

"You're right about that, but I have something I want to mention that is about your life, my Dear," then as tall as she was, she still stretched a bit to whisper lovingly, if not a bit bluntly as only Madelyne could do, in her son's ear, causing him to blush a bright red while reaching to loosen his tie.

"Mother, you're incorrigible!"

But his eyes instantly went to his beautiful wife, and that told his dear mother everything she needed to know.

"I only want your happiness, Son! No one deserves it more than you!"

Nathan touched his mother's cheek, "Have I ever told you, you're the best mother a son could have?"

"Once or twice, but you can never tell your old mother that too many times!"

"To think, here I am a Chief Inspector, and it obviously still takes my Mother to make everything better!"

Madelyne laughed heartily.

"It's a Mother's magic, Son! And you're never too old for that! And don't you ever think it either! I'll set you straight real fast!"

Nathan chuckled because he knew his Mother would do just that!

On the other side of the room, Grace was having a similar conversation with Elizabeth, of course, Viola and Julie were standing with them, as William and Archie were conversing with Anthony.

"I'm just so proud of you and Nathan with your books, Elizabeth. Tonight was a rousing success thanks to you two authors!"

"Thanks to Nathan you mean, Mother! As for me, I'm a total newbie. But I'm so proud of Nathan! He's so humble, I had no idea everyone knew his work."

"You'll get there too, I have no doubt!" assured Grace.

"Wait, is that what this beaming smile is about? No, it isn't about your books at all! Spill it, Sister, you look like the cat who swallowed the canary," declared Julie.

"Julie!" warned Grace.

"Well, she's not far off, Liz! You look happier than I've ever seen you. And that's hard to decipher as you're been over the moon since that glorious man came into your life," noted Viola, nodding toward a stretching Nathan talking with Godfrey. "What gives with this newfound joy?"

"Girls, your sister…" intervened Grace.

"No, Mother, it's okay. You're right Viola. I've been happier than a girl has a right to be with Nathan by my side. But the truth is, the last two days I've been miserable inside because I allowed myself to be pulled back into my past."

"Why ever would you do that, Sis, with that gorgeous man by your side?" asked Julie.

"I know! It's silly, but it dawned on me that Nathan and I had gone past the time Jack and I had been together, and crazy me just panicked, dreaming up all sorts of awful things going wrong and ruining it all. But this time, I completely shut Nathan out instead of talking it out with him. I felt lost and horrible about the whole thing. I can't believe I let my fears creep back in. But no more! Never allow fear to enter your relationships!"

"I'd have to have one first, Sister Dear," pouted Julie forlornly. "Which currently seems quite hopeless!"

"You're Prince will come Julie! Why you'll meet all sorts of handsome men in your new position at the Gallery!" encouraged Viola.

"You're right, Vi. I had nearly forgotten, that I am now a working career woman with all sorts of opportunities! Hey, do you think my hunky brother-in-law could introduce me to some of his colleagues at Mountie Headquarters first? I do love a man in uniform!"

The ladies laughed, but all were proud of Julie and she knew it.

"Jules, he's working on a huge case, I hardly think he has time for matchmaking!" smiled Elizabeth.

"Our sister's advice is actually good, Julie. I'm learning to really share with Anthony for the first time, and you know what? The man actually listens," bragged Viola. "How did I not know that about him?"

Grace patted Viola's hand.

"Another good lesson to learn my Dear! Men will generally listen if you only let them."

Viola smiled, both at her mother and her husband, finally feeling like she was on the mend instead of feeling scattered into a million pieces. Was she finding love with her husband? She certainly hoped she would.

Little did Viola know the look on her face screamed she had already fallen, and quite a bit.

"Hey, but that doesn't explain…ah! You made up," giggled Julie. "And from the looks of things, I bet it was really good! Why his face is as radiant as yours!"

"Julie," warned Grace.

"It was perfect," Elizabeth admitted. "Needless to say, I'll never leave Nathan out of the loop again. We're a team, and it wasn't fair of me, although he was wonderful about it all. But still, it was very wrong of me to do that to him!"

No one could miss the loving gaze between the Grants, but Anthony and Viola had their own loving gaze going on at the same time.

Those gazes thrilled Grace's heart, who was one very relieved mother! Two of her daughters now being happily married.

"Now if only Julie will soon find her love. And please Dear God, make him suitable, meaning that he adores her, and is marvelous to her! That's what my mother's heart wishes for my youngest daughter, a good man, a good husband," voiced Grace aloud. "One who adores her, fills her heart, and colors her life with love and adventure! Because I know, you of all people, Julie, need adventure. Just make sure it's not dangerous so your Mother doesn't have to worry!"

"Mother, that's actually beautiful," remarked a teary-eyed Julie, who reached to kiss her mother's cheek.

"Godfrey, let's open a bottle of champagne to celebrate our successful evening, but let's just do it here in the Entry, as I believe we all will be moving upstairs for our beds just after we toast," instructed William.

"Already here, Sir! I've selected a Dom Perignon Brut, 1899, a very good year!"

"Perfect, Godfrey. Will you please do the honors, Nathan," asked William.

"Of course, Sir!"

Nathan twisted the cork till there was a delightful pop followed by his crooked grin, with the family all clapping!

Everyone laughed as Godfrey rushed to catch the Bubbly with the Champagne Flutes he had sitting nearby, while both he and Nathan were doing acrobatics to make sure all the bubbles hit the Flutes.

The laughter only increased till Allie, Arabella, and Jack walked to the top of the stairs to see what was going on!

"Daddy!" called Jack.

"Apparently, I no longer count!" teased Elizabeth.

"It's a Father-Son thing, Dear," explained Madelyne.

Anthony stepped in for him covering the Champagne duties, as Nathan rushed to the top of the stairs to escort Allie, Arabella, and Jack downstairs to be with the family, knowing there was no way the children were going to sleep with all the commotion going on.

He lifted Jack up, and had Allie on one side with Arabella on the other, with Allie holding onto his arm, and Arabella holding on to her Uncle's free hand.

Nathan continued to hold Jack as Allie went to her Mama, and stood between her and Madelyne, and Arabella went and stood between Viola and Grace.

Godfrey immediately had an Under Butler to bring three glasses of milk, but in Champagne Flutes for the girls, which thoroughly delighted Allie and Arabella, making them feel so grown-up.

Bertie had followed Nathan downstairs with the children, and both Nathan and Elizabeth noticed she was proudly looking on, impressed at Godfrey's prowess of keeping everything running smoothly no matter the unexpected while making it all look so easy!

Godfrey hadn't realized she was there until he had made sure all the adults in the family had Champagne, but as he offered her a glass, his face lit up, happy that she was there, as did hers upon seeing him smile at her.

'Hm, now I'm more sure than ever what our discussion is going to be about tomorrow morning,' mused Nathan, very pleased with what he saw, grinning in spite of himself.

A still somewhat distracted Godfrey passed the last champagne flute to Nathan for Jack, forgetting that he meant to hand him the non-stemmed tumbler.

But before that could be corrected, Jack immediately reached out and almost tipped the flute.

"Here, Jack, let me help hold your milk!" quickly offered his father.

With perfect reflexes, Nathan caught the glass just in time, preventing a spill of milk onto the beautiful Oriental Rug in the Entry.

Elizabeth gasped, then shot her husband a look of gratitude, but Grace seemed unphased by the almost mishap, smiling at her Grandson, instead.

"To Nathan and Elizabeth – what a wonderful night of celebration for all of Hamilton! You have given me bragging rights in front of all those I hold dear for tonight and forever! This has been such an honor and a highlight of my life. Arch to say our Son wrote our favorite books just makes me prouder than a man could hope for! And to say Elizabeth has completed her first book, a wonderful novel perhaps partly true to life," William teasingly cleared his throat. "Well, it all just makes a couple of fathers overwhelmed with pride!"

Elizabeth blushed and grinned at Nathan when her Father mentioned the 'partly true to life part!' Because no matter how hard she tried to deny it, the story she had written was all about Nathan and Allie and she and Little Jack, as well as their two families coming together into one beautiful, loving family that would stand the test of time. Her written words were oozing with their love for each other, her love for Nathan, his love for her, and their love collectively for their beloved children.

It was very clear to see what and who her 'novel's' inspiration had been!

She blushed again as her hand automatically moved to her tummy, and she realized her story had ended before the conception of their new babies. Although mentally, she knew it was too early to be so sure, which Dr. Jenkins had also warned her of, she was still positive with a fierceness only a mother knows. She also believed with all her heart their precious little ones, and yes, she was sure there were two, were conceived on their wedding night, but most definitely early in the honeymoon.

"Cookie, Daddy!"

"Why don't we wait till tomorrow, Jack? Perhaps your Grandfathers will have cookies and milk with you?"

"It's a date, Jack," promised Archie and William, one after the other. "Tomorrow, at Lunch!'

"Okay!" smiled Jack, perfectly content.

Everyone smiled to see Nathan dissuade his obstinate son so easily.

"Darling, I'm afraid I must make a call. If you'll be so kind as to let me use your secure phone, William?"

"Of course, Son, use it anytime you like!"

"Thank you, Sir, I shouldn't be long. Lisbeth, why don't you take the children to bed, and I'll be up as quickly as I can to finish tucking them in? Goodnight, for now, Jack!" and Nathan kissed Jack's cheek and tousled his hair.

Allie walked over for her kiss, offering her father a huge hug.

"You look handsome, Dad!"

"And you look beautiful! Good time at your party?"

"It was great, I can't wait to tell you about it!"

Nathan kissed Allie good goodnight for now, as Anthony drew Arabella close, giving her a kiss.

"I'll be right up Allie Bean! Oh, and Anthony," noted Nathan in all sincerity. "I can't tell you how much I appreciated your assistance and support tonight. You've been a real brother, the first I've ever had, and it means the world to me!"

"No problem, Old Chap, delighted to help! It's what brothers do."

"I'm honored to finally have one. And delighted that it's you, Anthony."

"As am I, Nathan!"

Nathan bent to give Arabella a kiss too, causing the little girl to giggle.

"I get three good night kisses tonight! One from Papa, one from Mama, and one from Uncle Nathan!"

"A Dad, a Mom, and an Uncle kiss!" laughed Nathan as he reached to tickle her, but it ended up with his still giggling niece hugging him.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, tonight was magical and much appreciated by Elizabeth and me. More than you can know! But I'm afraid there is work that must be done prior to tomorrow. Will you please excuse me as duty calls…"