Chapter Nineteen: To Propose or Not to Propose? – Part I
Nathan had been waiting with Hendrix and Essie, not knowing whether to dress to go out for their big Dinner or wait.
The couple had reservations at half-past seven.
But, it was almost six when Albert pulled up into the driveway with Millicent.
Nathan rushed out to greet her, and it took only one look to know she was exhausted.
"Babe, I'm so sorry!"
"Baby, I'm the one who's sorry. I know we'll have to dress quickly, but I can do it. I don't want to miss our Dinner Reservations and ruin that too!"
"We can cancel, if you'd rather, Love, and I could cook you something here at home!"
He was holding her, and she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Just that you would offer means everything! I've missed you so much today! It's been a really rough one."
He lowered his lips to hers, and in seconds all was right in their world again!
He could feel her body fall and relax against him.
It was a wonderful feeling to know that was even possible, that just by being there, he was able to calm her, relax her.
"We'll have to really hurry though…" he reminded her.
They walked into Millicent's Townhouse and Nathan walked her to her staircase and kissed her there.
"Are you sure, Love? I don't mind at all to reschedule."
"Yes, I've looked forward to this since you made the reservations!"
"Don't worry about what to wear. You'll look beautiful no matter what you put on!"
She had stepped up a couple of steps away from him but turned and literally jumped down onto him.
"Woah…."
But before he could chastise her for taking the risk of jumping off the stairs to him, he now had her in his arms and their mouths were conjoined in a most urgent kiss.
"I love you, Nathan, so very much!"
"I'm so glad you do, because just when I think I can't possibly love you any more than I already do," and his eyes were searching hers. "I do."
They sealed their declarations of love with one last kiss before leaving each other to hurriedly dress.
"I promise to be as quick as I can!" declared Millicent as she ran up the steps.
Estella walked up from behind Nathan and heartily swatted her boy.
"Off you go, we've got work to do! And I've already sent Hendrix up to help you! Get a move on, now, and be quick about it!"
"Yes, Ma'am!"
Nathan grinned at Millicent, who was trying so hard not to laugh from the top of the stairs, but he figured it would probably be wisest to do exactly as Miss Essie had ordered!
If childhood had taught him anything, it was that Miss Essie's wrath was something you never wanted to incur, and he was pretty sure that applied at any age!
The Au Pied de Cochon was beyond amazing.
Nathan could clearly see why Victoria had so heavily endorsed it, and why it was Millicent's favorite.
The entire Restaurant was a cut above anything he had seen before.
He had Millicent's Engagement Ring securely in the pocket of his jacket but was still not at all sure if this was going to be the right time.
They had eaten their Five Star Meal with only Dessert still to come, in their own plush private dining room, filled with the most elegant candle light!
But, now that the music was changing to a beautiful love song, Nathan stood and gallantly reached out his hand.
"May I have this dance, Miss Bradford?"
"Yes, you may, Constable Grant!"
"Millicent, you are absolutely and positively breathtaking tonight!"
Simply being in her presence was enough to shake his core.
He couldn't help but marvel, that he, Nathan Grant, was the Man who this gorgeous Woman loved.
And as he took her arm, he reached to kiss her, admiring her beauty, and her essence.
To feel her touch was indescribable.
And although she seemed oblivious to it, her immense power over him was mind-boggling, as he had never experienced anything like it before.
It was as though there was a physical cord between them, tying them together as one.
And she was definitely his better half!
Without even realizing it, she emboldened him, strengthened him, calmed him, and evened him, all at the same time.
She gave him purpose.
She made him feel joyfully alive in every way! And it had been a very long time since that had been the case.
He was wearing his tux looking more handsome and happy than he had ever looked!
She was in a simple slim-fitting Grecian Styled Evening Gown in white and metallic gold.
The white silk Gown had an empire waist with thin golden cords wrapped around in the traditional Greek style that accented her bosom and extended up her bodice to form thin straps, showing off her slender arms and shoulders to perfection.
Unlike the silken front, which was only slightly and softly gathered, there was a separate attached panel in the back, also of gathered silk, but stiffer and much fuller, that stylishly extended below the regular long hem of her Gown, into a most elegant demi-train.
When Nathan had met her at the bottom of her staircase, she had already put her long white fur coat on and was carrying her matching muff in her gloved hands, in an effort to save time.
So, it wasn't until they arrived at the restaurant, that he got to see the gorgeous treasure that was under that white fur coat.
And it had been more than worth the wait!
As he led her to their own private Dance Floor, he realized that although they had danced many, many times together, this was the first time they were dancing as a couple in love, as lovers.
And because of that, there was pure magic in the air, both realizing this was new and so very different.
He took her into his arms in the perfect hold, but when he drew her close, the touch of their bodies sent an electrical charge pulsating through both of them like never before.
They danced together beautifully as always, but this time as a real couple in love, song after song, unable to stop, as they literally floated across the floor as one in body, mind, and spirit.
Barely saying a word, but relishing each other's touch.
All they needed was each other.
This was a night they'd never forget, as they were celebrating their coupling with their dancing, something they had both always loved doing together.
But now, dancing with each other was indescribably intimate!
For the first time, they were putting all of themselves onto the dance floor, their very hearts, and souls, even their love.
Perhaps, especially their love…
It was clear to both, they had found a lifelong passion together, one that they had always loved, but was now, because of their love for each other, much more dear to them than ever before.
Yet surprisingly, Nathan had never once reached for the ring!
Had he gotten so caught up in her beauty that he had forgotten?
Had he lost his courage?
Or was he still waiting for that perfect moment?
As the music changed tempo, the couple kissed intimately and passionately, knowing they belonged solely to each other.
He thought about dropping to one knee right there, ending their dances by beginning their promise of marriage, but instead, he took her arm and walked her to their Dining Table, where they sat together in the candlelight and the most romantic of settings with the City Lights shining through the darkness round about them.
"The lights are mesmerizing but not as enchanting as you! Darling, are you truly happy?"
She touched his face tenderly with her hand and looked him directly in the eye.
"I have never known this kind of happiness in my life. And yes, I am so deliciously and deliriously happy that it scares me! Don't you dare disappear on me!"
He already had his arm about her, but he leaned into her, gathering her even closer to him, bringing his lips to hers, kissing her with a passion he didn't know he had.
When they could catch their breath again, they left their foreheads together but separated just enough for him to whisper to her.
"It's exactly the same for me. I'm afraid you're going to disappear, and then my world ceases to exist. I no longer can survive without you, Mil."
She had tears in her eyes and his eyes were also glistening.
"I will always be here, right by your loving side where I belong. You are my world," she vowed.
"Millicent, I know it's a lot to ask. And I know it's terribly difficult to love a man of the Law, but I give you my word, I will always do my level best to come back to you and Allie no matter the circumstance."
"I do worry, I can't say that I don't, but God will help me stay strong. I'm depending on that. And I know I have to stay strong for Allie, too."
"Are you going to be okay?"
She nodded through her tears.
"Yes. I have to be. We have to both be okay. God will see that we are. I fully believe He will protect you, and He will give Allie and me the strength to get through whatever we have to when we need it most!"
Millicent's faith and strength were two of the things he loved most about her. She was like her Father in many ways, especially the business side, but she was also her Mother's Daughter and she was as strong as they came. Even ferociously strong when need be, a well-known Cree trait.
"We're both meant to be by each other's side, aren't we?" he asked.
Her face broke into a huge smile.
"Completely meant to be! Mother says it was written in the stars, long ago!"
And at that exact moment he knew, the perfect time and place for his proposal.
They looked up, as the Maitre D made a grand entrance with their Dessert.
He removed the silver-domed lid with a flourish, to reveal a platter of the most exquisite assortment of Miniature Desserts.
First, there was a stunning Mille-feuille with Roasted Berries & Marscarpone to share that looked as beautiful as it was delicious!
Next was a delectable Pistachio Soufflé also for two, risen high above its ramekin.
Third was a Chocolate Creme Brûlée, with a golden crust, intended for sharing.
Fourth was a single Cherry and Rose Meringue with a dollop of Cherry Cream, topped with a miniature edible Rose, that was so airy and light, it looked like it might disappear when touched.
And last, but not least, was a small plate of tiny Lime Sugared Madeleines with Coconut Icing for Dipping, that added a most tropical flair!
They fed each other their Desserts, although had anyone been counting, there were as many sweet kisses as bites of Dessert.
But as perfect as the Desserts were, there was no contest as to what was sweetest…
As Albert drove them home, it didn't take long for an exhausted Millicent to fall asleep against Nathan's chest.
Albert noticed through his rear view mirror that the Constable held her to him like a cherished Baby, gently caressing her, as she slept.
Smiling, Albert had no doubt that she was indeed cherished by this Young Man, who was, thankfully, so very different from the others.
When they reached their Townhouses, Millicent was still sound asleep, and didn't even wake at all as Nathan laid her back against the back seat of the limousine, and got out so he could help her out of the car.
Albert looked at him, questioning if they should wake her, but the Constable simply lifted the sleeping Millicent out of the car into his strong arms.
She nestled into him and placed her own arms around his neck, without even realizing where she was, other than Dreamland.
Albert watched as the Constable entered the Townhouse, effortlessly carrying her through the hallway, and up the grand staircase to her bedroom, with Estella following closely behind.
Suddenly, Albert knew this Couple had everything they needed and more to succeed in a love-filled union.
And that made him very happy.
For both of them.
For he adored his Miss Millicent and he had already grown to love this young Constable in the very short time he had known him.
And he could clearly see they were a perfect match.
Despite Albert's previous doubts, his Miss Millicent was going to have her Happily Ever After, after all!
Up in Millicent's bedroom, Essie first helped a sleeping Miss Millicent out of her white fur coat, while Nathan was still holding her, which required quite a bit of maneuvering.
Estella then moved to turn back Miss Millicent's covers and fluff her pillows.
Then Nathan laid Millicent down, still dressed in her beautiful Evening Gown, onto her own elegant bed.
She looked like a Greek Goddess laying there.
He bent and tenderly kissed her forehead, then gently pulled the covers up around her.
As he did so, Estella smiled behind him, for she could see the shape of a ring box outlined in his Tux's Suit-coat, and that made her very happy indeed!
She watched as her Master Nathan, now the all-grown-up Constable, smiled when his glance caught the silver-framed photo of Allie and him, sitting in its place of honor on Millicent's dressing table.
She could see his heart was full.
For this was his Family: the precious girl in the photo and the beautiful woman lying asleep in her bed.
This was the way things were meant to be.
And Miss Essie had known it for the longest time…
"Please tell me I didn't fall asleep," she begged as she came down her staircase to meet Nathan, the next morning.
"You didn't fall asleep at the restaurant," he grinned.
"Well, that's at least something to be grateful for! I can't believe I fell asleep on our date!"
He grabbed her and nuzzled her neck.
"I think you're beautiful when you're sleeping…"
"I'm mortified! Who goes to sleep on a perfect date?"
"Apparently you, my Darling! Are you going to tell me why you were so exhausted?"
"The case was just so mentally draining. Thankfully, it turned out okay, but the poor man almost went to prison for something he didn't do, on a mere technicality!"
"You saved him!"
"Just barely, Nathan! I came within a hair of losing that case. I wouldn't have been able to live with myself if I had failed him...and his poor wife and his children. It was such a horrible roller coaster of emotions all day long. Most of them not good! I guess I was just emotionally drained by the time I got home."
"All the reason I love you more. That, my Love, means you also are a hero…"
"No, it was just my job. And I came terribly close to failing my client. That's totally failing in my book!"
"You saved a man from unjustly going to prison. You will always be a hero to him, his wife, each of his children, and to me…"
"I don't deserve you…you just somehow always make every situation better, no matter how bad it is!"
He laughed, "Afraid you're stuck with me! Sleepy date and all!"
"Can we not tell anyone about me falling asleep?"
"And why not? It's so adorable. Besides Albert, Estella, and Hendrix already know!"
She moaned.
"It's just so embarrassing! Can we just slip out without them seeing us?"
He laughed again, kissing her fears away.
"Today is our day. But first, we get through breakfast! Anything special you want to do?"
"I don't care as long as I'm with you."
"And awake," he impishly interjected.
She playfully swatted his chest.
"You're never going to let me live this down!"
"Well, as I said it was pretty adorable! And you were perfect casting for Sleeping Beauty! 'Sweet Princess, if through this wicked witch's trick, a spindle should your finger prick. A ray of hope there still may be in this, the gift I give to thee.' 'And from this slumber you shall wake, when true love's kiss, the spell shall break." (*5)
She tried to show him disdain, but broke into a giggle, instead!
"Allie's favorite," he whispered. "I can practically quote the entire Fairy Tale!"
She reached up to kiss his cheek.
"You're such a good Father!"
They walked arm-in-arm to the Dining Room.
"Good morning, Estella, Hendrix!"
"Good morning, Miss. Good Morning, Sir! Breakfast is ready."
Both Hendrix and Estella were trying their best to be professional, and show no emotive remnants or even memories of last night, but Nathan noticed there was the slightest upward turn at the left side of Hendrix's mouth, so as he walked by, the Men cheekily pretended to slap hands, behind the Ladies' backs.
Serious faced again, although fighting a grin, and with sparkling eyes, Nathan seated Millicent and their breakfast was served.
After their prayer, Millicent deftly steered the conversation back to the day at hand, trying to make sure yesterday's faux pas was no longer mentioned.
"What are our plans for the day, Love?" she asked.
"I've got Tonight covered."
"Oh, do I get hints?"
"Only most formal dress required and we leave sharply at 6 P.M. Also rest up for a particularly long night," he winked. "A man could really get his feelings hurt if his date fell asleep two nights in a row!"
"We'll do our best to return home today by four, so said date can squeeze in a nap," she retorted dripping with sarcasm, reaching to swat him once more.
"What is it with the women in this house? Between you and Estella, seems I'm constantly getting swatted!"
"Perhaps because you deserve it, my Darling, although Essie does it best," she laughed remembering yesterday's particularly forceful swat at the bottom of the staircase.
Then she added, "I couldn't decide whether to burst into laughter or tears! It was like you were ten years old again! Maybe she could give me swatting lessons!"
"You stay away from her! No swatting lessons needed," and there was that lopsided grin.
She reached and traced his grin with her hand.
"Asleep or not, I love you so much!" she declared.
He took her soft hand in his.
"Mil, my heart's starting to hurt, I love you so much!"
"I know what you mean. I think I'm going to burst with excitement!"
He brushed his lips against hers.
"Uhm! How was Allie last night, Darling?"
"She's doing great. I think she's so busy with school and work that she doesn't have a lot of free time to miss me too badly. Of course, I had to tell her I tucked someone else in besides her last night…"
"You did not!"
He loved being able to get a rise from her so easily, but he also knew it was time to come clean…
"No, Babe! I did not! Remember our agreement. Besides, I didn't tuck you in till after our date and I called Allie before!"
"You are having entirely too much fun with this, Constable!"
"As I said, it was pretty adorable. Definitely one of my top favorite "fairy tale" moments of all time!"
She tried to glare at him but started laughing instead
"About today, I've got the evening and night covered. But, what do you want to do all day long, Miss Bradford? What is your heart's desire?"
"I want to at least explore the wharf since we can't go boating."
"Agree! Would have loved to go sailing. But we will in the summer months. I do know a great little dive there."
"You do?"
"Yes, your Mother took me to lunch there yesterday. It's one of her favorite spots."
"Oh, thank goodness for Mother! I'm so glad you didn't have to spend the day alone."
And she reached to give him a quick kiss.
"Let's see. Oh, there's a French shoppe that I need to stop by which I think you'll enjoy. It's straight from Paris, small and pricey, but they have wonderful leather goods of all kinds; the entire place is all things equestrian!"
"Equestrian? Count me in!"
"I also have several other surprises up my sleeve. No telling where we'll end up today!"
"This is going to be the perfect day - you and me together wherever we end up! I love it!"
"Are you finished eating your breakfast? We've got to go find you an extra warm scarf or two. The wind gets really cold down by the wharf! Which reminds me, I need to chase down Hendrix's hat for you, too!"
"Albert, first is Saint Joseph's Oratory, the side entrance. They're expecting us!"
Albert smiled, although she was Protestant, he knew exactly how much Miss Millicent loved that little Votive Chapel!
He had driven her there many times to pray before a particularly difficult case, or just during a time of overwhelming sadness in her grief over Miss Colleen.
The Chapel had been her safe haven, and he was glad she was sharing it with the Constable.
As they exited the car, Nathan noted the guards, one in front and one behind, but decided to focus instead on enjoying Millicent and their time together for the day, and just let the Security Team do their job.
This was their day, his and Millicent's.
As they walked up the side steps to the Cathedral, the Priest was waiting there to greet them.
"Father, thank you for allowing us to visit!" exclaimed Millicent.
"Always pleased to have you visit, my Child! And this is…"
"Oh, Father, this is the love of my life, Constable Nathan Grant. We've known each other since our childhood together!"
Nathan reached out his hand and shook the Father's hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Father!"
"The pleasure is all mine. You take good care of this beautiful Young Lady - she is a most dear friend. She has a rare spirit that matches her outward beauty. And she deserves all the love in the world!"
"Yes, Father, she does, and I give you my word, she has it!"
The Father smiled in his wisdom and knew the young Man's words were true.
And although not normally done for a Protestant Couple, he placed his own hands on their joined hands, saying a few formal words in Latin, blessing their union, and then he turned to lead them, himself, into the famous Votive Chapel of Ten-Thousand Candles.
As they reached the Chapel, Nathan and Millicent stood silently together.
Nathan was dumbfounded at the sight, taking it all in.
He had never seen anything like it.
A large room with shuttered stain glass windows, held literally thousands, ten- thousand to be exact, lit votive candles in little glass holders filling the entire Chapel.
The only spot without candles was the Altar directly in front of them, and that was where Millicent was leading him to.
Knowing Miss Bradford's security issues, the Father had seen to it that the Chapel was empty, and he now stepped back to give the young Couple their privacy.
Nathan and Millicent knelt beside each other at the altar, and taking her hand, Nathan prayed for blessings on their life together, on this most appropriate day, although unknown to Millicent, the day they would officially be promised to each other forever.
When they were finished praying, Nathan helped Millicent rise from the kneeling bench, and then raised her hand to his lips and tenderly kissed it.
They smiled softly at each other, knowing that their faith, singularly and together, was in God.
And it was God to Whom they both had just now given any fears of their unknown future together…
"Albert, let's drive by Square St. Louis, next, so Nathan can see all the colorful Victorian Houses that line the square!"
"On the way, Miss!"
She sat back by Nathan and smiled up at him with pure joy!
"How am I doing so far?"
"Well, you're still awake…that's got to count for something!" he said tongue in cheek, unable to keep the wide smile off his face.
"Nathan Grant, for that I may just fall asleep all over again, and you'll miss your entire tour narration," she threatened.
"You come here. Asleep or awake, I'll take you any way I can get you! But please don't suspend my tour narration!"
And he kissed her, laughing, but so sensually, he could tease all he wanted and she no longer even cared.
This was everything she needed.
He was everything she needed.
She sighed deeply and moved her hand along first his arm, then his leg, knowing exactly where his untouchable spot was too!
Albert couldn't help but laugh, at Nathan's not so silent, moaning reaction.
"That is so unfair! Albert, can she sit up front with you?"
"Do you really want that, Darling?"
She asked it so flirtatiously, he thought he just might die right there in the back seat of the Limo, and quite frankly whether it was from the tickling or the flirting, it really didn't matter.
Because in his mind, everything was about her.
She was everything.
His everything.
He playfully pulled her to him and whispered, "You do know as a man, I'm stronger than you, right?"
"Yes, my Darling, but I'm a woman!"
"Which makes us even, right?"
"I wouldn't say 'even'…" she teased.
He laughed. He had been trumped.
And he didn't even care!
"Look, Love! All the beautiful, colorful homes for as far as you can see. All Victorian! In the summer, this Square is full of artists painting and writers writing the newest great novel! It's such a delightful thing to see!"
He thought of all the things he had secretly written over the years and put away.
"Which is your favorite house," she asked.
"I think the big blue one at the end!"
"Nathan, that's my favorite, too! I've always loved it so. Imagine what it would be like to live inside!"
He smiled down at her, trying to imagine living there, but all he could imagine was living anywhere with her.
"The simplest things make you happy! Darling, this is a very simple house compared to what you have…"
"I suppose so," she mused. "But it's beautiful, and I love to imagine what other people's lives are like!"
He acquiesced.
If her imaginings gave her joy, they would him, too!
"The house is very beautiful, and now we know we love the same old Victorian house, so we can imagine about the same family's lives! That is pretty remarkable when you think about it!"
He kissed her forehead.
"You know you always make me feel so cherished!" she whispered.
"Good, because you are cherished, as much as it's possible to be cherished!" he whispered back.
She traced his lips lightly with her index finger, causing him to feel the tingle her lightest touch brought and he had to kiss her right then and there.
And so, he did, in a kiss that wrote an entire love letter to her from him…
(*5) An Old Fairy Tale, The Sleeping Beauty, Written by J.R. Planche, and Illustrated by Richard Doyle, 1868
