Chapter Twenty-Nine: A Night In – Part I

On the way back from their new home up North to Millicent's Townhouse, the couple stopped by Helmsley's Jewelry Shoppe to order Allie's charm.

Mr. Helmsley met them at the door, and rolled out his red- carpet welcome, as his assistant had seen their Limousine pull up!

"Miss Bradford, lovely to see you, as always," and he took Millicent's hands, kissing her on both cheeks.

"Constable Grant a pleasure to see you as well!" he smiled, heartily shaking Nathan's hand.

"Oh, my! This exquisite Engagement Ring is even more beautiful on your hand, Miss Bradford! I told Constable Grant this is the most beautiful piece of jewelry Helmsley's has ever sold, and I stand by that! I don't believe it's a title that will never be deposed. This piece is utter perfection in every way!"

"It is truly perfect Henri! I couldn't even have dreamt of something so exquisite. You have the happiest Bride-to-Be ever! But, of course, more so because of this wonderful man who gave it to me!"

"Indeed, the most important part, Miss! You definitely have chosen a sterling Gentleman. What can I do this evening, to help you both?"

"My daughter asked for a travel charm from an important place I've visited, so we're wanting a Sterling Silver charm of Montreal engraved with 'Love, Dad' and the dates of my visit."

"Let me show you our selection, Sir!"

"Have a seat here. Make yourself comfortable, and I'll bring them to you both."

They sat at Mr. Helmsley's desk and waited for him.

"You know this is the very spot I purchased your ring less than three short days ago!" smiled Nathan.

Millicent smiled brilliantly, radiating love and wonder that it had really happened, wanting desperately to kiss him.

"I still can't believe a ring this beautiful even exists," she sighed. "Much less on my finger. And I love it. I love you so very much, my Darling!"

He took her hand, holding her ring finger up for both of them to see.

"This, Millicent, is the best decision of my entire life!"

And then he bent to tenderly kiss her left hand, with his eyes sparkling, still marveling all this was really happening!

Mr. Helmsley discreetly cleared his throat, as he brought the tray of Sterling Silver Charms, not wanting to interrupt the newly engaged couple's private moment.

"Oh, goodness! I didn't know there would be so many!" exclaimed Millicent.

"May I suggest this one. It's our very best design, and historically accurate!"

"It's beautiful! What do you think, Darling?"

"I think she'll love it. Here are the dates for the engraving."

Nathan glanced at Millicent with a look full of love.

"We'll graduate to a gold charm bracelet, like her Mother's, as soon as Allie's old enough. But I'm afraid she's quite the tomboy right now. I can't tell you how many times we've lost the silver one, and in places, you can't imagine!"

Mr. Helmsley laughed.

"Sounds like quite the adventuresome Young Lady!"

"Oh, she's that and more!" assured the Constable. "I promise you, there's never a dull moment with Allie around!"

But it was Millicent who was beaming.

This was the very first time Nathan had referred to Millicent as Allie's Mother in public, as Millicent knew Colleen's charm bracelet had been Sterling Silver, too. Colleen had preferred silver or platinum with her dark hair, just as Millicent generally preferred gold to go with her blonde hair.

The one exception being that Millicent had secretly always wanted platinum for her Engagement Ring and Wedding Band, and Nathan had gotten that right without her ever saying so!

"Darling, I just realized, Allie's coloring is right in the middle between Colleen's dark hair and my blonde!"

"Hadn't thought of that, but it is…isn't it?"

"That just means she's going to look good in either silver or gold!"

"Ah, the Young Lady must have brown hair! Good catch, Miss Bradford! You're absolutely right. A jeweler knows these things!"

"Well, you two are the pros where all that's concerned. Afraid, I'll gladly defer to the two of you," smiled Nathan.

"Sir, we'll get this engraving done immediately, wrap it, and deliver it to you later this evening. Hope Miss Allie enjoys it!"

"Thank you so much, Henri. I'm sure she will!"

Mr. Helmsley insisted on walking the couple to the Entrance, and the three stood there, chatting a while longer.

"My apologies, I'm keeping you two from your evening. But do stop back in to see us soon. And I would love to meet Miss Allie!"

"You'll love her, Henri. She's a delight! Thanks for your help and so good to see you, again!"

"Yes, thank you so much for everything, especially your immense help with the ring. Forever grateful!" And Nathan gripped Henri's hand with gratitude.

"It was your excellent taste, Sir! I only had the good fortune to procure it for viewing! You selected it before I could even give an opinion!" he smiled.


As they exited Helmsley's Jewelry Shoppe arm-in-arm, Millicent glanced over to see a beautiful red velvet dress with a wide satin bow wrapped around its high waist, in Renee's Dress Shoppe window next door.

"Darling, this is perfect for Allie to wear on Christmas Day! What do you think?"

"I think she'd love it!"

But, as they started into the shoppe, the lead Agent from her Security Team stopped them.

"Miss Bradford, Renee's doesn't have their own security. And as you know, that's against our rules. Therefore, we don't feel it's safe for you to enter. However, we'd be happy to circle back and get anything you'd like."

Millicent's face was crestfallen.

She had dealt with this her entire life. And she hated it.

"I don't see what harm…"

"Leo, Miss Bradford's with me," interjected Nathan, calmly yet firmly. "I give you my word, I personally won't let any harm come to her, and yes, I am armed. One of you can follow us in if you like, with the rest stationed at the entrance and the exit. That way, we'll have everything covered!"

"Yes, Sir! Of course, Constable!" admitted Leo, very embarrassed he hadn't thought of that himself.

With that, one guard went to find the exit, two stationed themselves at the front entrance, and Leo discreetly followed them in, realizing the Constable had found a secure way to make the visit happen.

"Thank you, Love. I'm just so tired of all this! It's been this way my whole life. When you and I were in Hope Valley, I felt so free! And that day in Buxton was everything, actually being alone with you and getting to go into shoppes like normal human beings doing their shopping. I'll never forget that day!"

Nathan felt almost sad that such a simple thing as a few hours of shopping, in rather ordinary shoppes compared to the ones here in Montreal, would stand out in Millicent's mind as being such a special day.

Especially when she was used to the extraordinary.

But Millicent had always been drawn to the simple things, the things she cherished in her heart. The things that were really important to her. The same simple things that were often taken for granted or even overlooked by others.

Truthfully, she preferred making a difference and doing things, rather than just acquiring things.

And understandably, she was independent enough to want to do those things herself.

She had been the same, even as a child.

It was her nature.

And although she had never told anyone, as it sounded ungrateful, there were times she truly felt imprisoned.

A very nervous Sales Manager who recognized THE Miss Bradford from the newspapers, came up to greet them.

"Welcome, Miss Bradford, how may I be of assistance to you?"

"This is Constable Grant and we'd like the Red Velvet Dress in the window in a girl's size ten. And if you could, please show us what else you have in that size that would be appropriate for the Holidays?"

"My pleasure, Miss Bradford, Constable. You have an excellent eye, as you've selected our most stunning Christmas dress. But there are several more that are designed specifically for the Holidays that are just as beautiful in their own way, that I think you will like! Please come with me!"

She quickly procured an assistant, instructing them to retrieve the dress from the window, which happened to be their only size ten.

"Wrap it perfectly in the shiny white paper and a huge red velvet bow for Miss Bradford and the Constable. Will that be suitable, Miss Bradford?"

Millicent smiled and nodded her approval.

The Sales Manager then led them to sit on the shoppe's plush settee in front of their full-length mirrors, while she had a rack of specially pulled Holiday Frocks brought to them.

Yet all Millicent really wanted, was to go through the racks herself, as normal people did.

But she was used to this special treatment, and rather than voice her displeasure by making a fuss, she simply smiled and went along with it.

"Nathan, I'd prefer Allie to select these dresses with us, but if we wait until we're all together during the Holidays, there will be nothing left."

"I'm sure she'll love what you choose," he encouraged.

Millicent selected a Green Satin Frock, a White Lace Midi Frock, a Purple Silk Frock, and a simpler, more tailored Cream Knit Frock with a Knotted Sashed Empire Waist.

"What do you think? Do you think Allie will like these?"

"She'll love these! They're all beautiful and they look like they're made for the dress-up side of our tomboy! She'll feel very grown-up. You have a really good eye, Darling!"

"We'll wrap these and be happy to deliver them all to your home this evening," offered the Sales Manager.

"We appreciate that. Thanks so much! Here's my address," smiled Millicent as she attempted to hand her a card.

But the Sales Manager just smiled back, "We have your address on file, Miss Bradford."

"Oh!" exclaimed Millicent taken aback. "Can you please see that the other dresses are wrapped differently from the red one, so we can keep them separate?"

"Of course, Miss Bradford! It has been a pleasure having you in our Shoppe, and we do hope you come again, really soon, and perhaps bring the Young Lady?"

"I'm sure we will, thank you!"

As they left Renee's, with Security in tow, Nathan took Millicent's arm.

"Where would you like to go for the books?"

"Burke's is by far the best, Love. But I'm not sure security will go along with that!"

"Let me talk with them a moment," he winked as he helped her into the car.

"Leo, Miss Bradford would like to go to Burke's. What do we need to do to make that happen?"

The team could tell the Constable meant business.

He wasn't going to take no for an answer, which meant they weren't going to be able to nix this idea at all, no matter how much in their eyes, they needed to and/or wanted to!

So, instead, they conferred with the Constable directing them and came up with a suitable plan that all could agree on.

Nathan got back into the car.

"To Burke's Booksellers, Albert!" he said with a smile.

"Well done, Sir," grinned Albert.

Nathan winked at Albert, then kissed Millicent's excited face, tenderly cupping her cheek.

"Ready to go shopping for books, Love?"

"So ready! Thanks for making this happen. And I know it was all you because they've only let me go after hours up until now! And let me tell you, it's no fun at all standing in a big empty shoppe by yourself!"

Nathan smiled.

"My pleasure, Darling! There isn't any reason this can't be done with the five of us here. I just want to see you happy! You deserve that, Millicent. And if this gives you joy, that's all that matters!


When Albert, pulled in front of Burke's Booksellers, Nathan couldn't believe how excited Millicent was about going inside!

But it was a wonderful thing to see!

He loved seeing her so full of expectation and happiness, which to her was just feeling normal, doing normal things like everyone else!

Nathan helped her out of the car and she proudly took his arm, as he led her through the huge revolving door.

An assistant greeted them and quickly directed them to the youth section.

As they made their way there, a second assistant met them at the end of the section's aisles to assist them through the vast treasure trove of books there.

"My twelve-year-old daughter is very well read and has pretty much read everything, excluding what's been most recently published. Can you help us with those new suggestions?"

"The first brand new book we have that I'd recommend for her age is 'The Magic Pudding.' It's written and illustrated by an Australian named Norman Lindsay. It's a comic fantasy and I wouldn't be at all surprised if it becomes a classic! It comes very highly recommended!" (*8)

"Let's definitely take that one!" suggested Millicent.

"The next is 'Snugglepot and Cuddlepie' which of course, chronicles the eponymous Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, who are essentially homunculi. They go on their adventures and encounter troubles with the villains of the story called the 'Banksia Men.' I believe it's going to be a series of books and its author is May Gibbs, who is also Australian. It's getting very good reviews, as well!" (*9)

Millicent looked to Nathan for his opinion.

"I think she'd enjoy it! We'll take that too."

"The next one is 'The Tale of Johnny Town-Mouse' written and illustrated by Beatrix Potter. It was just published this week. And we're very fortunate to have an autographed copy! The tale is based on an Aesop's Fable, 'The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse!' The Country and City Mouse visit each other in their respective homes and try each other's way of life, only to find they prefer their very own lifestyle they had all along!" (*10)

"Allie loves Beatrix Potter, so although it might be a bit young for her, she'll still enjoy it. Especially since it just came out! And she'll go crazy over having Miss Potter's autograph."

"And last, but definitely not least, is the twelfth Land of Oz Book written by L. Frank Baum. This one has the longest title ever - 'The Tin Woodman of Oz: a Faithful Story of the Astonishing Adventure Undertaken by the Tin Woodman, assisted by Woot the Wanderer, the Scarecrow of Oz, and Polychrome, the Rainbow's Daughter.' And that's only the title! In this story, the Tin Woodman is reunited with his Munchkin sweetheart, Nimmie Amee, from when he was flesh and blood." (*11)

"That sounds wonderful. I may have to read that myself!" laughed Millicent.

"Would you like me to check to see if we have autographed copies of the other books as well?"

"Allie would love that," agreed Nathan. "She's really into learning as much as possible about the writers. Could you wrap the four books individually please?" asked Nathan.

"Of course, Sir. While I have our wrapper do that, may I show you something the two of you might enjoy?"

"We'd love that!"

Nathan and Millicent perused the recent releases in the section for adults, with ever-watchful Leo and a second guard nearby.

They both found several books they were interested in.

Nathan found his selections first and then glanced over to find Millicent deep in thought, thoroughly enjoying her freedom to just peruse the shelves.

My, how he loved her!

And it hit him so very hard.

How could he ever be apart from her again?

Most certainly not for a month and a half from Christmas to Valentine's Day!

Especially after they would have already been apart a month before the Holidays!

Suddenly, he knew exactly what they should do.

He snuck up behind her and put his arms around her waist, nestling into her lock of blonde hair.

And there, in the middle of an aisle between rows and rows of books, he whispered into her ear, so that only she could hear.

His voice was low and raspy…

"Marry me this New Year's Eve, Darling!"

Her eyes widened.

"Are you serious, Love? Our Mothers will go crazy!"

But then she looked into his eyes and she knew he meant it!

"Let's do it!" she excitedly agreed. "New Year's Eve, it is!"

And right there in the middle of Burke's Booksellers, Nathan and Millicent set their Wedding Date and sealed it with the most romantic kiss, as they were unable to wait.

Suddenly, people who seemed to appear out of nowhere gathered and couldn't resist watching the beautiful young couple as they shared their special moment.

Then when Nathan explained with a beaming smile, "We're getting married," they heartily began applauding!

Slightly embarrassed, but with the presence of mind to kindly acknowledge the gracious strangers' support, the two began to leave, with Nathan thinking they were going to pay for their selections, and both feeling the happiest two people could possibly feel!

But as Nathan was soon to discover, with a nod of the Clerk's head, and a wish for a wonderful evening, the books had automatically been placed on the Bradford's account by the assistant who had waited on them!

Millicent looped her arm through Nathan's, and Nathan reached his hand over, covering hers.

The Couple was floating as one, on air together, and happier than they had thought it was possible to be!

"Albert, we're getting married this New Year's Eve!"

"The very best of wishes, Miss! Hearty congratulations, Constable! I couldn't be happier for the both of you!"

Albert kissed and embraced his Miss Millicent and then embraced the Constable, thrilled for the both of them!

"Here, let's get you two inside…"


As soon as the couple reached Millicent's Townhouse, and shared their news with an over-the-moon Hendrix and Estella, they called their mothers.

"Mother, is Sophia close by?"

"Yes, Darling! She's right here with me! We both loved the Estate…Millicent? Is anything wrong?" asked Victoria, as she was beginning to get worried.

"Oh, no, Mother, everything is wonderful! We just have some news that might create a little havoc!"

"Millicent, my Darling, there is no such thing as a 'little havoc!' What are we talking about here?"

"Mother, Nathan and I don't want to wait till Valentine's Day to get married. We want to get married on New Year's Eve!"

There was a gasp, then dead silence on the phone.

"This is Sophia, your mother just went pale and is positively speechless! Just what did you two do to make her almost faint?"

"So sorry! We want to get married over the Christmas Holidays, Sophia, on New Year's Eve!"

Sophia couldn't hide her quick reflexive gasp either.

"Oh, Children! No wonder Tori's speechless. What you're asking is a virtual impossibility!"

But Sophia being Sophia, who truthfully loved a challenge, quickly recovered enough to realize, although it was a near impossibility if anyone could pull it off, it was Victoria and her together, so she turned to both convince and encourage, as well as soothe, her best friend.

Millicent and Nathan could hear her helpful words in the distance.

"Tori, I really think we can make this work. I'll go home and get Archie settled in to take care of the Ranch, then I'll come straight back to help! We've got a Wedding to plan and I'm not about to leave you alone to do it! We'll get this done between the two of us!"

Nathan smiled at Millicent.

He knew his mother was never one to flinch at a challenge! Why she could even be somewhat of a take-charge drill Sargent when needed! A great person to have in your corner when there was a difficult or timely job to be done!

Yes, together, Sophia and Victoria were formidable, and Nathan had no doubt, he and Millicent would have the most beautiful wedding ever!

"Millicent, do you have any idea what you're asking of us, Darling? Sophie's right. It's a near impossibility," sighed Victoria. "But I do think we can manage with the two of us working on it. I just panicked a moment thinking of all the Holiday activities I'm already committed to overseeing! But this is much more important!"

"Oh, Mother! I'm so sorry! I didn't even think about all your Holiday commitments!"

"No, don't be sorry. As I said you and Nathan are much more important than all of that! I'll just have to recruit some help and delegate more! Sophie and I will work together and create the most beautiful Wedding you two have ever seen, and if it's at all humanly possible, it will be on New Year's Eve! But Millicent, this has to be the Wedding of your's and Nathan's Dreams, not ours. So, you absolutely have to get his input and you, my Darling Daughter must return home as soon as your week is over in Hope Valley. There are a million decisions to be made, and there is simply no other way to pull this off unless you're here with us to make them!"

"I know you're right, Mother. I promise I'll return at the week's end to help with every detail. With you two helping us, we know it will be perfect! And we love you both for being willing to take it on!"

"But Millicent, this means we have to get your Engagement Announcement in this Sunday's paper. And that means pictures in the morning! Can you and Nathan be dressed formally and ready by half-past ten? I'll have the photographers come to your house, and we parents will write the announcement tonight!"

"That's perfect, Mother! I promise we'll be ready!"

"My Darlings, now that the shock is over, all four of us are really excited and yes, your fathers are here with us! They are saying it will be the perfect ending to the Holidays and the perfect beginning to the New Year! Which it will, but then again they're men and have no idea what a monumental challenge we are taking on here!"

Millicent and Nathan both laughed along with their fathers in the background, although they noticed both their mothers were refusing to join in on the levity at all!

The young couple responded in tandem…

"We're sorry to cause such a rush!"

"And we're forever grateful!"

"But neither of us can stand the thought of being separated again!"

"We're just so ready to be a couple and a family!"

"We know you both are. We all can clearly see it, Darling. And we're in complete agreement. It does seem silly to wait! No sense in torturing yourselves, or sweet Allie! We'll make this happen and it's going to be the Wedding of your Dreams and more!"

"Mother, don't go overboard!"

"You're our Children! We absolutely will go overboard. That's what Weddings are for! Especially one to celebrate a love as wondrous as yours!"

"We love you, Victoria and Mother for doing this. And we love you Edward and Father for your support! We know we're in the best of hands!" and all four knew Nathan really meant it.

As they hung up, it fully hit Nathan and Millicent that they were actually getting married this coming New Year's Eve and they couldn't have been more ecstatic!

Nathan scooped up Millicent in his arms and twirled her around and around the living room, till neither could stand another turn without their lips touching fervently and joyfully with total excitement from one to the other!

He ran one hand along her back and used the other to caress her gorgeous face, finding both hands slipping to and through her beautiful silky hair.

His very soul was full and his heart was overflowing with a love he had never known before.

He just had not been able to bear the thought of being separated from Millicent till February.

"Can you make this work for work, too?" he asked anxiously.

"It will be a lot, especially with the Wedding Planning and the Holidays but with Richard's help, I can!"

He looked concerned.

"This is too much on you, Millicent!"

"I can handle it! Besides it will keep me so busy while we're apart, I won't have as much time to miss you, and I'm going to miss you so terribly!"

He drew her to him and held her.

"I will call you every single night and we'll talk as long as you want. I love you, Millicent Bradford and I will love you just as much in Hope Valley as I do here right now. You can count on that. I know! We'll have a countdown to our special day, that will help the time fly by!"

She looked a bit doubtful, but hopeful, too!

"We will count off those days as fast as they come!"

"That's my Girl!" he smiled and bent to kiss her beautiful lips.

And somehow all their problems faded away.

"We're getting married, and don't you dare forget it!" he grinned.

She couldn't help but laugh.

"As if I could!

Hendrix and Estella were already beside themselves, and as soon as they heard the couple celebrating after their phone call, Hendrix brought in a very expensive bottle of champagne and Estella sat down a very fancy tray of piping hot Hors d'oeuvres!

Nathan popped the Champagne cork and let it fly, with pure jubilation, as after all, they were celebrating their Wedding!

He then poured four glasses and offered the toast.

"To a glorious Wedding Day, New Year's Eve, Tuesday, the 31st of December, 1918 and ringing in the 1st of January, 1919 with a glorious Life Together!"

"To a glorious Wedding Day and glorious Life Together!" everyone enthusiastically responded.

Hendrix and Estella were just as elated as Nathan and Millicent, as they had waited a long time for this much-anticipated event between the two now grown-ups, they still considered their children!

They drank their Champagne and nibbled on Estella's bites of delectable food, forgetting all decorum, with all of them sitting together, as one big happy family.

There was music playing from the hallway.

Nathan stood and formally held out his hand to Millicent.

"May I have this dance, Miss Bradford?"

"You most certainly may Constable!"

He bowed formally, then swept her into his arms.

They danced, first following the lively music from one living room, across the hall, into the other, and back again!

But in doing so, they missed seeing Hendrix nervously stand and offer his hand to Estella.

"Miss Estella, will you do me the honor of this dance?"

She was first flustered, and inside almost panicked, but she quickly recovered.

"Why, I'd be delighted, Hendrix!"

Nathan and Millicent turned just moments after, and were absolutely thrilled to see Hendrix leading Estella around their makeshift dance floor, too.

There was lots of laughter and pure joy for both couples celebrating this most special Wedding together!

Then the music slowed, and each couple drew closer, moving slowly together as one, along the length of the Main Hall and back again, till Nathan realized the music was about to stop.

"You two keep dancing, but please excuse us for a moment!"

He needn't have bothered, as Hendrix and Estella didn't even hear!

They were too blissfully lost in their own romantic dance.

Nathan waltzed Millicent down the hall and into the kitchen where they were going to prepare dinner together, and there, in total privacy, dipped her low, with laughter, followed by a flurry of kisses.

"You know, we might just be too happy to cook!" he teased.

She laughed.

"I hate to break this up, but you need to go call our daughter, and I'll get everything started!"

"Are you trying to get rid of me?"

"No, actually I'm being very selfish, so I can have you all to myself the rest of the night! Don't forget, we've got those dreaded lists to go through, my Darling!"

"Oh no, the 'dreaded lists!'" groaned Nathan in mock horror.

He had never let go, but grabbed her tighter, dropping his lips to her neck and slowly traveling up to her mouth, where he completely took her breath away and gave her his own breath instead.

Then he grinned that dastardly lop-sided grin of his and winking, left her melting into a puddle in the middle of her kitchen floor.

She steadied herself, reaching for the back of the nearest kitchen chair, weak as a kitten, wondering how she had ever existed without him loving her. Well, not loving her. He had always loved her. She knew that, but now she couldn't imagine her life without him being in love with her!

His touch, even his look exhilarated her and she knew she was totally lost in him.

And it was the most wonderful feeling in the entire world!

She wasn't even at all sure she could wait till New Year's Eve to marry him. And somehow, she was still going to have to leave him in Hope Valley one more time. Did she have the strength in her to do that again?

She frowned deep in thought, but then slowly smiled.

At this point, she didn't even know, but she had the man of her dreams here with her tonight and she was going to fix the most wonderful meal for him, pampering him, and showing him how very much she loved him.

That she could do!

Millicent had planned to fix Nathan's favorite Filet Mignon, but he had already had it so often this week, including just last night at their Family Engagement Dinner. So since he had teased Millicent so much about making her pay for Lobster, she chose that instead. She knew he wouldn't expect it and that he would be thrilled!

She had twenty minutes to prepare her Butter Garlic Herb Broiled Lobster Tails, and it would be just enough time!

She first turned her oven up as high as it would go, with her cast iron pan inside.

Then she prepared the Lobster Tails by using her kitchen shears to cut down the center and butterfly them. This would make them look elegant on their plates. It also would make them much easier to eat.

Then she lightly salted and heavily peppered the meat and set them aside, in order to whisk together the Garlic Herb Butter, consisting of butter, garlic, paprika, thyme, rosemary, and fresh parsley.

Essie had already placed the Asparagus, the Tiny Sage & Honey Cornbread Muffins, and Potatoes Dauphinoise into their larger oven to roast and bake.

Millicent had prepared all three side dishes early this morning before leaving for their trip North, insisting to Essie she wanted to do it all alone!

She had carefully timed all the sides to coincide with the completion of her Lobster main course.

Millicent had also prepared most of Nathan's favorite salad so that it also would be ready with minimal work.

The Romaine Lettuce had been prepped and filled with Arugula as her salad base.

She now topped that with the red onion rings she had already sliced, then she cut Nathan's favorite figs and arranged them on top.

Next, she tore shreds of Proscuitto, and crumbled Sophia's Fresh Goat Cheese, adding them over everything else.

She then quickly toasted some Hazelnut Halves and sprinkled the warm nuts over top of the Salad.

She then removed the cold Balsamic, Orange, Honey, and Dijon Vinaigrette from the icebox, she also had made this morning and drizzled it over the entire Salad, so it would help blend all the flavors.

She loved to cook, and to be able to do it for Nathan, meant everything to her!

In fact, if truth be known, he was the reason she had been determined to learn to cook.

She wanted this meal to be perfect for him.

The table was set beautifully in the dining room, and she lit the long tapered candles, creating a romantic glow, making everything look perfect!

She smiled as she looked at Nathan's massive bouquet of flowers in its rightful place of honor at the very center of the table.

She rearranged a wayward flower so that it could be seen in its best beauty as God intended, still amazed at this beautiful first gift, as a couple.

This was a bouquet she would never forget, and remarkably it was still as beautiful as when he had given it to her!

After she finished making sure the dining room was perfect, she went back to the kitchen to collect everything from the oven, checking to see that each dish was perfect, and carried them in one by one, keeping them on the buffet warmer.

The aromas filling the air were simply delectable.

Next, she brought out the Salads, setting them at each place setting, then returned to the kitchen to complete her main course, the final dish!

She lifted her steaming cast iron pan out of the smaller oven and placed it on a top burner of the stove.

As she took the prepared Lobster Tails, placed them first in the hot pan, then in the hot oven, she quickly closed the oven door, just as Nathan came through the kitchen doorway and slipped up behind her, ever so lightly kissing her neck.

She moaned with sheer contentment and fell back on him.

How could she miss him so, for just those few moments they had been apart?

"You know, someday you're going to come up behind me like that and I'm going to literally collapse and faint away," she playfully chastised.

"Then that means I'm doing my job properly! This food smells divine! But, hey, I thought I was the sous chef! And here I don't even know what we're having!"

"You got demoted," she teased "No, Love, I got up early and prepped most all of this before we went to the farm. I just wanted to pamper you."

"You did that for me?"

She nodded and turned, then he kissed her properly.

"I love you, Millicent Alexandria Bradford," he said arranging her hair about her shoulders. "And I am going to marry you so very soon!"

She giggled.

"I'm going to marry you, too, Nathan Alexander Grant!" and she tiptoed to kiss his forehead.

"But not till you eat your new favorite meal, we're not!"

"I am sort of hungry!" he admitted pitifully.

She lovingly touched his face and grabbed his hands.

He laughed.

"Wait, my new favorite meal? Whatever it is, I'm ready!"

"You'll love it! This is my night to pamper you, Darling! How was Allie?"

"Excited that I'll be home soon. Millicent she will be beyond excited with our news. And the fact that you'll be there, with us, is literally going to send her over the moon! May I at least do something to help, Darling?"

"It's all done, Love! I will let you help me move the hot dishes from the buffet to the table!"

She led him into the dining room and handed him the dining mitts to transfer the hot dishes over.

While he did that, she returned to the kitchen to retrieve the Lobster Tails, placing them on a silver domed platter to surprise him.

He took the covered platter from her and set it down on the table, in front of them.

"Thank you, Darling!" she smiled.

Then she motioned for him to sit at the head and he pulled her chair out for her to sit down beside him, kissing her gently on the side of her neck, before sitting down.

"Everything looks wonderful and smells heavenly, Love!"

"I hope you love it! Do you mind to say our Prayer?"

They joined hands.

"Dear Father, Millicent and I come before You with the most grateful of overflowing hearts. First for the perfect love we have for each other. Second for answering Allie's prayer for a family. Third for the immense love and support of our parents. Fourth for our wonderful new home, You and our parents have given us. And last, but most certainly not least, I want to thank You for creating and giving me my beautiful Millicent. I can't possibly deserve her, but I promise I'll spend the rest of my life making sure I'm the very best man that I can be, for her. Help me love her well and always put her first in all things. Bless her hands that prepared this meal for us tonight and we pray that You bless this food to the nourishment of our bodies. May we live our lives together for Your glory! Amen!"

"Amen!"

Nathan uncorked and poured the White Wine, smiling as he noticed it was his favorite.

Millicent never overlooked any detail where he was concerned, and he loved that she cared that much to notice the tiniest things, always remembering them to surprise him later.

"Nathan your prayer was so very beautiful! Your words are deeply humbling and again, just so very beautiful! But Darling, you deserve everything wonderful that comes your way. Never, ever think otherwise. You're the best man I know, and to honor you tonight, this is my version of the favorite meal you may not have known you had!" she smiled.

"Everything looks positively scrumptious, Mil!"

But then she removed the dome from the platter.

His face was all smiles, trying his best not to laugh, knowing in the most subtle of ways this was his payback for teasing her.

"You fixed Lobster? Oh Mil, this looks incredible! Why it's dripping in butter!"

"I thought you needed a change from Filet, and you did seem to have a taste for Lobster all week long!"

He laughed.

"That I did! You are something else!"

"Here, I'll feed you your first bite of Lobster!"

"Oh, my…" he moaned. "This is seriously the best I've ever had, Darling! It literally melts in your mouth. Where did you learn to cook like this?"

"Well the Lobster actually came fresh from Mother's favorite dive on the wharf, so top quality, as fresh as they come! But I did read up on all the different ways to cook Lobster Tails, then experimented and came up with this! Do you really like it?"

"I love it! You couldn't have fixed me anything better. This is delectable, Love. Absolutely delectable! The Garlic and Herbs make all the difference!"

He fed her a bite of hers to prove it to her, then tasted the Salad and Sides.

"Millicent, every single thing is positively delicious. The Roasted Asparagus, the Potatoes, and my favorite Black Fig Salad. I love it all. It's superb, Darling! Thank you for pampering me. I don't know as I've ever been pampered before…"

She reached to kiss him.

"You'd better get used to it, Darling. Because I plan to pamper you constantly!"

He took her hand, not really able to say all the things he wanted to say, but she saw each and every one of them in his eyes.

After a few more bites, they lightened the mood with giggles and laughter, chatting nonstop, mostly whispering words of love in the candlelight, and sharing intimate kisses between their bites of food, both contented and so full of joy as they now had not only a Home but an actual Wedding Date that was coming soon!

They had accomplished a lot this week.

And neither had a single doubt.

As close as they had been their entire lives, in one week's time, they had now surpassed that closeness into a level of intimacy, that neither had known really existed, and they had done it as though it had been the most natural thing in the world!

But they did know it existed now.

And that new intimacy strengthened them and enveloped them with a love neither of them could have ever comprehended.

They both somehow knew deep inside, theirs was an all-powerful love that would only grow stronger with each passing day.

Archie was right.

Theirs was an Anam Cara type of love. A Soul Mate love where two souls entwine and become one. Accepting each other, faults and all, just as they are, building on their strengths and becoming whole, together.

Better, stronger, and wiser as one.

"Ready for Dessert, Love?"

"Only if you'll let me help clear!"

She smiled and her mere smile set him on fire.

"Of course, Darling!"

Nathan cleared their dishes, as she placed their desserts on a silver tray and carried them to the table.

"Oh, Mil. My favorite fancy dessert, too?"

"Absolutely, Love!"

"I can't believe you made Chocolate Creme Brûlée!"

"With Strawberries, my favorite, too!" she added knowing he liked the two together just the way she had fixed them.

He looked like a little boy who had just had a dream come true and was about to have his biggest dream come true!

And truthfully, in so many ways, he was that little boy!

She cherished that look and planned to make sure she saw it often.

As had become their custom, they playfully fed each other their dessert!"

"Yum! Do I get this every night?"

"Only if you're a very good boy!" she teased. "And stay out of trouble!"

"Oh, that's easy!"

"It is?"

"You'll see," he teased back. "I can be so good, you'll think I'm positively boring!"

"Uhm hmm!" as she narrowed her eyes skeptically. "We'll see about that! If you're right, I guess that means I'm going to be making a lot of Crème Brûlée!"

He reached to tenderly kiss her, grazing his own lips across hers.

"Absolutely tons," he whispered in her ear, making her diamond drop earring dangle on his breath.

(*8) "The Magic Pudding," Norman Lindsay, 1918, Public Domain

(*9) "Snugglepot and Cuddlepie," May Gibbs, 1918, Public Domain

(*10) "The Tale of Johnny Town-Mouse," Beatrix Potter, 1918, Public Domain

(*11) "The Tin Woodman of Oz," the Twelfth Land of Oz Book: a Faithful Story of the Astonishing Adventure Undertaken by the Tin Woodman, assisted by Woot the Wanderer, the Scarecrow of Oz, and Polychrome, the Rainbow's Daughter," L. Frank Baum, May 13, 1918, Public Domain.