Chapter Nine: A New Beginning

Nathan had never been so excited.

There had been little sleep since saying Goodnight to Millicent, after their most important phone conversation last night.

Truthfully, both had been too elated to do anything but bask in the joy of what had just happened.

Nathan Alexander Grant was in love with Millicent Alexandria Bradford, and Millicent Alexandria Bradford was in love with him!

That was a fact, the Constable was ready to shout from the rooftops!

After knowing each other for most of their lives, being best friends, and even extended family, their relationship had just taken a new path, one that would bind the two together in the most intimate of ways for the rest of their lives.

His heart was blissfully overflowing and his mind was focused exclusively on Millicent.

From the moment she had left Hope Valley, he hadn't been sure he could cope with her not being there.

He hadn't known why, except that he was missing his Dearest Friend.

He just knew there was a deep longing for her, within him, he couldn't define.

But it wasn't till he kept going over and over the very questions Millicent had asked him to use to discern his true relationship with Elizabeth, that it had become crystal clear.

Millicent was the one who made his life extraordinary just by existing.

Millicent was the woman he would choose above all others to be the mother of his children.

Millicent was the one who made his heart soar like no other woman ever had.

It was Millicent.

It had always been Millicent.

Millicent had been and was his everything.

How had he not seen it?

Was it the fact that Colleen and Millicent had been best friends that had kept them apart all this time?

Had he been the ultimate fool in never having asked this beautiful woman out before?

They had spent every minute they could together for as long as he could remember, as children, as teenagers, and as young adults.

If truth be told, that was true even when Colleen had been nowhere in sight.

And when Nathan and Richard were into some big project, whether archery, riding, or shooting, somehow, it was always Nathan and Millicent who had ended up together, with Nathan patiently teaching her the finer points, and Richard getting bored and going off to find Colleen, who had usually been in one of the Stables or the Ranch House Sunroom, painting.

He had always adored Millicent.

How had he come so dangerously close to closing that door, without even realizing it was there?

And how had everything happened the way it did with Elizabeth to reveal this greatest of revelations?

Exactly how, he would never know.

But out of his worst agony, had risen this, his greatest joy, his lifeline, his one true love, his soul mate.

Without catechizing, he was only grateful to God, that it had!

Although he and Allie had seen another dream, a broken dream, Millicent, so many miles away, had been the dream God intended for them all along.

Nathan knew without a doubt how very much Allie loved her Auntie Millicent, and he knew there was no one better than Millicent to love Allie like her very own Daughter, for Colleen, in her stead.

Even in the exact same ways, Colleen herself would have done so, but with Millicent's inimitable love and style added in, always remaining true to herself.

Millicent and Colleen had been that connected.

Millicent would truly become Allie's mother in every way, loving her unconditionally, nurturing her with the greatest of compassion, and protecting her with a vengeance.

She would never fail or hurt Allie in any way.

Of that, Nathan was certain.

He hated not being able to tell Allie what was happening, but their wondrous surprise of telling her when all three could be together would make the wait well worth it!

He knew Allie would be beside herself with elation!

His Mother would be jubilant! She adored Millicent as her very own Daughter, and now it would be official.

His Father would also be ecstatic, for he had loved Millicent as Family from the first moment he met her, teasing her mercilessly, just as he had Colleen.

Had his Parents seen it all along?

Knowing his Mother's wisdom and his Father's passion for life, he was pretty sure that they had!

Very probably Millicent's Parents had seen it, too! And of course, Richard had definitely seen it! Richard had always teased him that his Sister was in love with only him!

And Nathan had taken it just as that, teasing.

But how very wrong he had been!

Whenever he and Millicent had been together at social events, generally one of her Parents' many Balls for Charity, even though as Friends, everyone had always mistaken them for a Couple, which Millicent had always loved, and sometimes even joyfully embellished, performing their newfound "Coupledom" to the hilt for her audience!

Richard would laugh and her Parents would always knowingly smile.

And of course, Nathan valiantly played along.

'Perhaps they all knew even back then!' thought Nathan with a smile.

Colleen.

And then it hit Nathan, Colleen had to have known!

Perhaps not when they were younger, when Colleen claimed Millicent as only HER own Best Friend, but definitely after their competitive sibling stage had ended!

In fact, knowing his astute Sister, and remembering her merciless teasing, she had to have known.

Then something she had said in passing, but was now so profound, came back to him.

"You know, as special as the bond is that we have, Baby Brother, someday you and Millicent will have an even closer bond..."

She had said it matter of factly, wistfully, and at the time he had no idea what she meant because they weren't even talking about anything like that.

He had passed it off, "No bond as special as ours, Sis!" thumping her on the head, with her chasing after him.

"Come on, you know you two are made for each other!" she teased, or so he had thought.

"Colleen knew all along! She meant we would end up together!"

Now, without doubt, Nathan knew his Sister knew and she'd be elated for the both of them, and that warmed Nathan's very soul.

Nathan reveled in the immense happiness all those he loved would soon be experiencing.

And yes, he liked to think that even in Heaven, Colleen would be celebrating along with them.

"But this is our time," Nathan whispered aloud. "And Millicent, I promise you, we are going to make the most of it! Just you and me, a week of togetherness and romance in one of the most romantic cities of all, your city of Montreal."

He was sitting in the back of the Train Car, in his plain clothes, casual clothes for traveling. He had brought dress clothes to change into as they drew closer to Montreal. And of course, all the dress clothes he had, for their fancier Montreal outings he knew would come throughout the week.

Thankfully, the conductor had recognized him and given him the most spacious and private seat and table enclave in the entire Passenger Car, located all the way in the back.

He appreciated being able to stretch out his long frame, without having people around him making mundane conversation.

Plus, it would be much more private for sleeping.

He looked out the window, as the scenery sped by, but all he could see was Millicent's beautiful face.

Although he didn't want to admit it, Robert had been right.

Hers was the most classically exquisite face he had ever seen!

She could have been the Greek Goddess, Aphrodite.

In fact, as children, the four had decided that was exactly the historical figure Millicent was thought to most closely resemble!

Even their tutors had agreed.

Those high cheekbones, from her Mother's side, perfectly accenting her large vivid emerald green eyes were indeed memorable, with darker brown brows and long lashes.

Her skin was alabaster, beautifully pale and translucent, but her cheeks were rosy with no added rouge necessary.

Her signature fair complexion was perfectly accented by her long thick blond hair that fell in rich golden curls that bounced when she was in a hurry.

Even when she wore her hair up, 'to look all professional' she teased, he loved that there were always tiny tendrils escaping.

Her luscious deep rosy pink mouth was full and perfectly shaped, with lips in the form of a lovely cupid's bow, showcasing her dazzling smile!

Her hands were long and slender like Nathan's, although of course, most feminine and delicate next to his much larger and rugged ones. But make no mistake, they were strong hands, always busy. Even when she was relaxing, they were either holding a book, needle-pointing, playing the piano or sketching.

They were caring hands, incessantly doing something for others, seeming to create a flurry of activity, but always within the calm her presence emanated.

Nathan had seen that in their visit with them.

Little things that she did to help brighten their day and make things easier on them.

Whether it was arranging flowers and placing them throughout the house, brushing and styling Allie's hair, making Cupcakes and Lemonaid for her friends, mending a torn shirt, setting an extra pretty table and lighting candles for dinner, sewing on a missing button, or even shining his boots, she had done all that and more, most of it without a word ever being said.

He had noticed, and so had Allie.

"Auntie Millient makes everybody feel loved!"

"Yes, she most certainly does, Sweetheart."

And now, he wanted more than anything to return the favor and make Millicent feel loved her whole life through, in big ways and small ways, and he intended to spend his whole life doing just that.

He could envision his ring sitting on her left ring finger, and the very thought made him smile with pure excitement!

Yes, she was indeed gorgeous.

But it was her unique flair that brought all of her natural attributes together in a way that couldn't be missed.

She was tall and slender, and as stylish as they came. No matter the occasion, whether formal, informal or even casual, she stood out. And it was effortless!

Whatever she threw on, was pure elegance, whether attending a Ball or simply standing in the mud fly-fishing!

She was oblivious to the stir she always caused, always focusing on others, but whenever she walked into a room, all eyes were riveted on her, and her alone, even in the best of circles.

She had a presence about her, and just seemed to light up the room, as there was an air of joie de vie and calm that surrounded her.

Add in her compassion, her intelligence, her kindness, her generosity, along with her wicked sense of humor, and she was every bit as gorgeous on the inside as she was on the outside.

The Couple's wicked humor was something that only they seemed to understand about the other, and it had always been that way.

Definitely a shared trait.

Together, they could laugh at the drop of a hat over the silliest of things!

That lyrical laugh of hers, that made Nathan smile every time he heard it, was lilting music to his ears.

Hers was a laugh he would never tire of.

With her many attributes, Nathan had always seen her inside, first and foremost, perhaps much more so than her outside.

In fact, that was one of the many reasons Millicent had always loved him, while others saw her outward appearance, her beauty, he seemed to only see her inner qualities.

He saw her, in a way no one else ever had.

And he valued her.

She saw him, in a way no one else ever had, as well.

And she valued him with her whole being.

"Sir, excuse me. Would you care for coffee?" asked the Conductor.

"Yes, thank you. Black is fine," Nathan smiled as he took the cup of coffee, setting it down in front of him.

The Conductor smiled and started to turn as Nathan interrupted.

"Sir, would it be possible to order a gorgeous bouquet of white hydrangeas, white cymbidium orchids, and white roses, all tied together with a wide white silk ribbon, to pick up tomorrow at the stop prior to Montreal?"

"Of course, Sir! We'll have them delivered here to the Train. How large of a bouquet?"

"Very!" he smiled. "They're her favorites."

"A pleasure, Sir!" said the beaming Conductor.

'Young love! What a wonderful thing!' he marveled as he turned away.

But then turned back as an idea hit him.

"Sir, you're going to need a place to keep the flowers, as well as a place to change your attire. Follow me, please. I'll have fresh coffee sent to you."

Nathan did as he was instructed, following the Conductor through a passage behind where he had been sitting, into another Car.

A much fancier Passenger Car, with separated Cabins. Luxury Cabins, that appeared to be empty. Yet they walked all the way to the very rear of the Car to what seemed to be the largest Private Cabin on a Train that Nathan had ever seen.

"Our Royal Suite, Sir. Enjoy! I'll have the Porter bring your luggage. I trust you'll find everything here comfortable for making yourself presentable to the Young Lady? As well as perhaps possibly getting some much-needed rest tonight?"

Nathan smiled incredulously.

"Yes, Colton, very much so. Thank you!" shaking his hand, Nathan thanked the man profusely.

"This is much more than adequate! And yes, the rest is much needed," he admitted.

"Your luggage is on its way, and I'll place your floral order now for the most beautiful, massive bouquet the Young Lady has ever seen, Sir! To be delivered tomorrow, of course."

"Again, thank you so very much, Colton. All of this is appreciated more than you can know!"

"Love is as private as it gets, Sir. And I think that when a man is on the precipice of something as great as new love, a private place to reflect and peruse, especially a royal one, would be most appropriate. Also, this way, you'll have a most tranquil night and be well-rested for your Young Lady! Is there anything else you need, Sir?"

"Perhaps a journal or some paper, when you get time. I have a pen. Although with as much writing as I have to do, I may need an extra pin with a bottle of ink!" laughed Nathan.

"Of course, Sir."

Colton gave a slight bow and backed out of the Cabin with a smile, but not before Nathan had given him a very handsome gratuity, along with endless gratitude.

"The gratitude is ours, Sir. For the many times you've helped us maintain order onboard, without hesitation, when we needed an Officer the most."

"Just doing my job, Colton, but, sincerely, thank you."

As Nathan sat down on the sumptuous sofa, he barely had time to glance at his plush surroundings, as his thoughts immediately reverted back to Millicent.

Although Nathan had only kissed her full lips as friends, he could recall their softness, along with each and every curve, and his heart started to race as he realized her lips were the ones his own lips would be touching intimately.

His stomach did a total somersault, realizing this both perfect and imperfect woman loved him and only him and always had.

He knew every single one of her imperfections, and perhaps he loved her most for each and every one of them. They made her uniquely her. And he loved all of her.

He looked at his timepiece, not sure he could wait the rest of the day and tomorrow for the Train to reach Montreal, but of course, knowing he would have to.

There was a slight knock on his door.

"Yes?"

"Your coffee, Sir!"

"Thank you!" as he took the steaming cup from the young Steward, who also left a tray of finger food, along with a basket of assorted pastries from his cart.

"Sir, will you be dining in our Dining Car for Lunch and Dinner? Or would you prefer to dine in your quarters?"

"Perhaps Lunch here and Dinner in the Dining Car, if I can be alone, that is."

"Yes, Sir. That can be arranged. I'll bring a Lunch menu shortly for your selection. As well as a Breakfast menu for in the morning, in case you prefer to sleep in."

"Thank you!" Nathan nodded, generously tipping the young Steward.

Nathan sat back down and drank his coffee, smiling as he remembered Millicent always took hers with a dollop of honey and a splash of cream. Only sugar in a pinch! And cinnamon tea was her tea of choice, also with honey and cream, much like her Coffee.

He loved that about her, never ashamed of her eccentric taste for honey!

And it was eccentric.

She put honey on everything!

There really wasn't much he didn't know about her, and very little she didn't know about him.

He even knew the custom-blended perfume she wore. It was a heady mix of white hydrangeas that bore the scent of jasmine, cymbidium orchids that bore the scent of white lilies, and white roses that bore the scent of violets. All three were her favorite flowers, and Nathan had always loved the three scents together. But perhaps, he loved them even more because combined, they were her unique signature scent.

He closed his eyes for a moment, and it was as though Millicent and her lovely scent were right there with him.

But even with knowing the detailed composition of her perfume, there was still more than enough mystery left to be discovered, for both of them, as well as a whole brand-new dimension to lovingly explore together.

He hadn't gotten to the millions of important details he probably should have already been thinking about and working through, because he was simply too excited, dreaming about his Millicent!

And there were many most important decisions to be made.

Protection being one of them. Millicent always had a team of bodyguards with her, as there had been real threats of kidnapping for all the Bradford siblings. Her time with Nathan in Hope Valley had been the first time she had been free of them, although a team of Pinkertons had escorted her for both her arrival and departure.

Another reason Nathan had stayed close by her side, but certainly, not at all the only reason!

Other decisions to be made included formulating the perfect proposal, selecting an engagement ring suited impeccably and uniquely to her, notifying families, planning a wedding, relocating one or the other, finding a place to live, adjusting their lives to each other's, and oh so many more.

And yes, she was an heiress, which would have intimidated him had he not known her so intimately, but that was just a term. It didn't define Millicent's essence at all. It was a blessing at times, and more of a nuisance at others.

She had learned to adapt.

And they would also learn to adapt as a couple, a family.

The list went on and on…

But Millicent had been right, love was an overall decision of the heart, not logic, although that would have worked, too, in this instance.

Once he dug deep and answered Millicent's own wise questions, he knew with implicit clarity what he had never known before: Millicent was the one.

She was his one true love, his soul mate love, his forever love.

And once he knew that, he also knew he would never ever let her go.

It was his heart yearning for her.

It was his heart that desired her.

And it was his heart that loved her completely, without him having realized it.

Not only had he loved her since the age of ten, he now knew he was deeply, desperately, and madly in love with her from now to eternity.

The thought warmed his very soul.

It was Millicent, quite simply, who was his other half, his better half.

He had believed that Elizabeth had been that, but it had never worked, no matter how hard they, mostly he, had tried.

Now, at last, he understood why.

With Millicent, everything was effortless.

He was literally happier than he had ever been, just thinking about her, and as she had said, them, together.

He got up and walked to the large window, looking out over the rolling fields.

She was indeed his other half, who understood him with just a look, not ever having to speak a word.

She had always just accepted him for who he was, never once wanting to change him.

And she had always built him up, making him feel as though he could do anything.

How had he never allowed himself to think of her in this way?

Whenever he had seen her his whole life through, there had been such excitement and joy and peace.

She was like a cool breeze blowing in, washing over him, making everything right and wonderful in his life.

And when she left, there had always been a vacuum, an empty space, a void, that he had never understood.

But now, even though physically apart, she filled him.

He was no longer alone, and would never be again.

Nathan smiled brilliantly, feeling pure joy to the depths of his being, and he realized he was feeling this particular wonderful emotion for the first time in his life.

This was true love.

How he longed to hold her!

"This is what joy feels like," he said aloud incredulously.

"Millicent is my joy…"