Chapter Thirty-Two: A Most Unusual Sunday
It was Sunday, a special day for Church and Family.
Albert drove Nathan and Millicent to Church earlier than usual, leaving them plenty of time to arrive for their morning church service, even allowing for heavy traffic.
The couple was particularly excited as this was the location where they would be exchanging their vows in less than two months' time, and Millicent was looking forward to showing Nathan around, getting him familiar with the entire sanctuary and grounds, so that he wouldn't feel like an outsider at his own Wedding.
Both were also looking forward to attending this morning's Service with both sets of parents present.
But no one could have foreseen what was waiting for them at the Bradfords' home Church - St. George's Anglican Church - located in the heart of downtown Montreal.
Not even Millicent's savvy media parents, Edward or Victoria, who were meeting the young couple there with the Grants.
Shockingly, there were crowds outside waiting for the newly engaged couple, very large in size and growing, filling the Church grounds, spilling over into the street.
In addition, there were Serge-coated Mounties everywhere on horseback trying their best to control the mass of people, but without much success.
"There they are!" shouted someone from their perch, high in one of the huge trees.
As Albert pulled up, getting as close as he could to the front entrance, people reached out to touch their Limo.
And there were Photographers lining the walkway, up the steps into the Church!
Even Millicent was frightened.
Though experienced with this sort of thing, this was worse than she had ever seen.
Nathan held her tighter, trying to calm her dread, as he sat up, on the edge of the car seat to evaluate the situation.
"Albert, this isn't going to work. I won't let Millicent out in this! It isn't safe. Is there a back entrance?"
"Yes, Sir. But I'll have to circle around and head toward the back from another direction."
"Do what you need to do. I don't want this crowd to keep us from Church!"
"Yes, Sir!"
"Albert, can you tell if our parents have already arrived?"
"Yes, Sir, their Limousine is parked just across the street, behind the fence. I recognize the top."
"Thanks, Albert!"
"Nathan, I'm so sorry! I'm so very sorry!"
She was tense and close to tears.
"Why does this have to happen? I'm so sorry!"
He cupped her chin in his strong hand, reaching for her clasped hands with his other hand.
"You have nothing to be sorry about whatsoever. Remember, we're a team!"
She swallowed hard and nodded weakly.
"This will pass. It's going to be okay, Love!" assured Nathan.
But deep inside, Nathan was nervous. He had seen this sort of thing many times before, and it seldom ended well. But he refused to show his concern.
The one positive was the Mountie Guard of five, he had noted in front of the main entrance, were only letting known parishioners into the Church.
Instead, he smiled at Millicent, telling her how radiant she looked.
And she did look radiant in a navy velvet day dress with matching 3/4 length velvet coat, hat, handbag, and gloves.
Her long blonde hair, up in a beautiful French twist, was the finishing touch of elegance, along with her pearl drop earrings and her pearl bracelet.
He was in navy too, although it was by accident, as he was wearing his navy pinstriped suit, and black topcoat with his black dress shoes and leather gloves.
They looked stunning together.
And although, it had been happenstance, it looked as though each detail had been carefully planned out!
But how they looked wasn't at all a concern of theirs, especially not now.
How had a simple Engagement Photo in the Society Page caused all this?
It made no sense.
Albert, knowing all the back ways, got them to the awning covered drive-through portico in record time.
"Don't get out Albert. You need to get away quickly before the car is recognized."
Nathan scooted to the side next to the church, jumped out, and quickly looked around.
"It's all clear, Darling, but hurry!"
He hovered over her, practically pushing her inside the Church's lower level, where an Elder, who was well aware of the crowds, met them and quickly led them up the stairs and to the front of the church, also the back of the congregation.
The initial Welcome and Silent Prayer at the start of the Liturgy, had already been completed.
"The Processional has been held in order for me to seat you," explained the Elder.
"We are so grateful, and so sorry to be late," acknowledged Nathan.
"No, Sir. None of this is your fault. We're just so pleased to have the happy couple join us for Morning Service!" smiled the Elder. "Besides, thanks to your engagement, we have a full house this morning with six hundred people in attendance, which is quite the record for a non-holiday Sunday!"
"I hardly think it's because of us! But it's our honor to be here. We appreciate your kindness and your understanding!" answered Nathan in a low voice.
The Elder smiled, feeling sorry that such a young, beautiful couple had to be put through something like this.
"Follow me…"
They entered the sanctuary, and to Nathan and Millicent's chagrin, instead of walking down one of the smaller side aisles, the Elder led them straight down the large center aisle, all the way to the front pew on the left where the Bradfords always sat, in front of the massive pipe organ.
There wasn't a single eye in the entire congregation that wasn't on them, but they held their heads high, looking straight ahead, and turned to smile at their parents as they sat down between them in the spot that had been saved for them.
Nathan held Millicent's hand, while his mother reached for his other hand and Millicent's mother reached for her free hand.
They smiled at their parents and each other, realizing the immense love and support they had both in each other and in their families, for which both were most grateful, especially so at a time like this.
As soon as they were seated, the pipe organ began playing louder, signaling the processional of the Ministers, ending with the Bishop, as they started down the center aisle.
The group was led by a large golden cross, symbolizing that Christians coming to Church are under the cross, and are willingly following Christ into the presence of God.
All rose for the morning's hymn: 'Blest Day of God, Most Calm, Most Bright,' which had obviously been selected prior to this morning's chaos.
"Blest day of God, most calm, most bright,
the first, the best of days;
the laborer's rest, the saint's delight,
the day of prayer and praise.
My Savior's face made thee to shine;
his rising thee did raise;
and made thee heavenly and divine
beyond all other days.
The first-fruits oft a blessing prove
to all the sheaves behind;
and they the day of Christ who love,
a happy week shall find.
This day I must with God appear;
for, Lord, the day is thine;
help me to spend it in thy fear,
and thus to make it mine." (*14)
The Acclamation and Collect for Purity, or Prayer, followed.
This was started with the local Priest praising God's name in a beautiful oratory he had written himself.
Next, he led in prayer calling for purity, the need to cleanse, and heeding the Holy Spirit, leading the congregation into the right spirit of worship.
The people stood together for prayer and although Protestant, made the sign of the cross with their right hand, thumb, index, and middle finger together, as was their custom.
First, crossing their forehead, then center chest, then left shoulder, then right shoulder; a physical way to mark themselves as belonging to Christ, and a reminder of the Blessed Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Nathan had been raised in a Protestant church which also observed the crossing of self. And it had been a ritual he had missed since coming to Hope Valley.
Next, came a summary of God's Law, challenging all to love God with all your heart and to love your neighbor as yourself.
The Collect of the Day was next, guiding hearts and minds toward the focus or the theme of the morning's worship service, which also coincided beautifully with the scripture given and the prayers made.
Not coincidentally, today's collect was 'Love.'
The Scripture Reading came next with the congregation still standing: First Corinthians Chapter 13 in full.
"13 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity." (*15)
At the end of the scripture, the congregation, still standing made the small sign of the cross with a thumb on the forehead, lips, and heart, signifying Christ filling their mind, being on their lips, as well as being in their hearts.
Next came the Sermon given by the Bishop, Bishop Davidson, a tall man with dark hair, graying at the temples with a joyful, upbeat, and most reassuring presence.
As he rose to stand behind the large Pulpit, everyone, with the utmost respect, directed their faces to his.
He was the man who would soon marry Nathan and Millicent, and Nathan already felt comfortable with him, as it was clear in his manner, he was a devout Man of God, putting God before self, living his life in the joy of Christ.
The sermon was entitled 'The Many Difficulties of Love vs The Glorious Rewards of Love.'
And needless to say, was very appropro for the young couple listening in the front row, particularly on this troubled morning.
The Order of the Service continued routinely…
The Nicene Creed, The Prayers of the People, The Confession of Sin, The Absolution of Sin, Sharing the Peace of Christ, Holy Communion, Offering, Doxology, Words of Institution, Prayer of Consecration, The Lord's Prayer, The Closing Prayer, and lastly The Blessing & Recessional.
But Nathan and Millicent never got to go through the receiving line, nor did the Bradfords, nor the Grants.
The crowds outside had doubled in size and were getting anxious to catch a glimpse of the newly engaged couple.
In fact, they had made their intent known very clearly in the form of very loud and vociferous chants, now reverberating throughout the sanctuary!
The Bishop and other Priests exited to the front vestibule, to greet the parishioners as they left the Church.
Who in turn had to struggle, with the assistance of the Constables, to make their way home through the mass of people outside.
Upon having seen the last group of parishioners out, the Ministers returned to the front of the sanctuary to personally meet the new couple and speak with their families.
As soon as the individual introductions were completed, Bishop Davidson took the lead.
"Seems your engagement has given us record attendance on this wintry Sunday Morning! I feel as though we should thank you for that! However, we do understand this is the last thing you wanted. But I'm afraid the papers have gone a bit overboard and with their lack of better judgment, it's them who have created this frenzy."
He grinned and cheekily added...
"Although with such a beautiful couple as yourselves, I'm not sure I might not have joined them out there too, clamoring for an audience! Seems I'm the lucky one with a private audience of the gorgeous couple all alone in here! And I do, hopefully, get to perform your marriage ceremoney. But on a more pertinant note for this morning, I understand you are a Constable. How do you think we best resolve this and get you all home safely? At the moment, that is our paramount concern!"
"Bishop Davidson, do you know if the crowds are contained in the front, or have they expanded to the back?"
"I'm afraid they're at both entrances, Son!"
Nathan looked at Millicent, knowing she wouldn't like his answer any more than he did, and he did not like it at all, but as a Constable, he knew it was the only way to dissipate the crowd, and sneak them safely out the back.
"We have to make an appearance and at least acknowledge them by waving. No speaking, that will only encourage their behavior. Do you all agree? This way the crowd from the back will hopefully move back to the front, allowing us to race and leave via the back entrance. I believe this is the only way we're going to get out of here with no one out there getting injured, and us staying safe, as well."
"I just hate it! We have no control! And we're losing the last shred of privacy we have!"
"Darling, we're not losing anything. We're getting ourselves out of a very bad situation. We're just thanking them for their concern, and hoping to diffuse all this with an acknowledgement. That's all."
"I suppose you're right, but I still don't like the whole situation" agreed Millicent, although reluctantly. "And why has this even happened with a simple Engagement Photo? Bishop, what did the papers do? We haven't even seen them yet."
"Oh my Dear Child, I had no idea! I assumed you saw them before you set out for Church! Antoine, can you retrieve the papers from my desk for Miss Bradford and Constable Grant? Although, I'm afraid they're going to be quite the shock. But it will explain the crowds!"
They chatted, somewhat nervously, while Antoine did as he was requested.
When he returned with a stack of all the Montreal papers and laid them out on the front pew, everyone collectively gasped!
They were all immediately appalled by what they saw, and they didn't even have to open the papers to be so!
"Nathan, we're all over the front pages!" and Millicent let out a little cry burying her face into his chest.
The parents were pouring through the papers, getting ill, even more so, by the moment.
"Sadly, that's not all!" voiced a very frustrated Edward. "Each paper has created an entire Society Section with picture after picture. I'm calling my Attorneys! This is not what we agreed to at all! And Archie's going to miss his train because of all this mess!"
"I detest this hoopla, but thank goodness the photos are beautiful and at least tasteful," offered Victoria trying to be as positive as possible. "Sadly, that's not always the case with papers!"
"They're very artistic, too," mused Sophia. "Although they have gone way past invasion of privacy with this extravaganza!"
"Exactly, Sophia. That's why we're calling my Lawyers as soon as we get home! We expressly told them we wanted this treated as any other engagement. This is utterly ridiculous. There was less coverage for the Prince's visit! And he's a public figure. Our daughter and son are not! Nor will they be. I simply will not have this, even if it means taking them to court!"
"I don't see how they can do a retraction, Darling," noted Victoria. "It seems the damage is done, but we most certainly will be even more specific next time and put every single detail in writing! Perhaps I wasn't clear enough, but I never imagined anything like this!"
"Darling, you and I both were more than clear enough. You said 'Society Page, Engagement Announcement, select best photo.' You did not say 'Front Page,' and you did not say 'Society Section,' or even 'multiple photos!' This is on them, not you!"
Nathan was feeling physically sick inside, both professionally and personally.
Professionally he could deal with this, although he didn't like it.
But personally, he detested being in front of a crowd, as he knew was also the case for Millicent.
And yes, honestly, deep inside, it did feel like a massive invasion of their privacy.
But the professional in him, knew this mess wasn't going away, without some sort of action on their part.
Right now, he had to think about Millicent, not himself.
If it meant standing in front of a crowd of people to get out of this mess, he would do it, and if it would keep her safe, he would count it a privilege to stand by her.
"Mil, are you ready? Why don't we get this over with?"
"Not till I pray for wisdom and your safety," insisted the Bishop.
"Dear Father, this young couple is in a quandary through no fault of their own, one that could prove dangerous and we ask You to cover them with your arms of protection. Keep them safe. Give them wisdom as to what to do and let them know when to return to your House, we pray. In your most holy name, we ask your blessing upon them as they give of their own privacy and do this difficult thing. Amen!"
"Nathan, This just isn't right. I feel like I'm stripping you of your privacy, and I hate it," muttered a distraught Millicent as she sat back down on the pew as far away as she could get from the newspapers.
Everyone couldn't help but watch, as Nathan walked over to her, and knelt down in front of her, taking her hands.
"Remember, our promise. We're partners now. We're in this together. You didn't cause this Darling! Some over-zealous newspapers did. Your father's going to deal with them and see that we won't have to deal with this ever again. Everything's going to be alright," but deep inside Nathan knew this would mean their security would have to be greatly increased, and that concerned him deeply.
As he glanced at Edward, he knew Edward was thinking the same thing.
"Wait a minute! I want the Mounties front and center, directly in front of you both, before the church doors are even opened. And I want you both back in here within two minutes max. Someone time it!" ordered Edward.
Edward was used to giving orders and he was used to having them obeyed.
"The Mounties' Superintendent has to be on site for something this big. We need to talk to him to make that happen," offered Nathan. "Normally, I'd do this myself, but that's obviously not an option."
"I can do it," volunteered Archie. "No one will recognize me."
Nathan didn't like it, but his father was out the door before he could stop him.
Thankfully, it was only a matter of minutes that he returned with Superintendent Stiles in tow.
"Superintendent Stiles, Constable Grant, Sir. Sorry to be the cause of this crowd."
"No problem, Constable. Not at all your fault. It's what we're here for, and if we can help a comrade, even better. Besides I'm pleased to meet you. I've been hearing a lot of good things about you, directly from the Commissioner."
"Thank you, Sir! How are things looking out there," asked Nathan, knowing the Superintendent would shoot straight with him.
"We cleared everyone out into the streets during the Church Service, then searched each one before we let them back in the front perimeter. So at least we know we're clear shooting range."
Millicent gasped, as did the parents!
"Sorry, Miss Bradford!"
"How bad is the crowd in back?" asked Nathan.
"Growing steadily, but if you'll come out front, we can bait most of them to come back around to the front..."
"Leaving us a few minutes to exit." finished Nathan.
Superintendent Stiles nodded.
"But you'll have to be really fast. They'll soon realize you have to exit one way or another. Some are bound to retreat back, then sadly others will follow."
"Do you have the manpower to stand in front of us, a few steps down?"
"Yes, we had planned to do that anyway, when you came out. How long do you plan to stay?"
"Just a couple minutes, if that. No speaking, just a wave to hopefully send them on their way!"
Nathan glanced at Millicent.
"Frankly, Sir, we'd rather not do this at all," he explained.
"Understood, but I don't see another way. I do need you to literally run to the back, as soon as you come back in. At least the crowd there is not nearly as large or as intense as the one out front. And as I said, we'll bait as many as we can to move back to the front. The real problem is, I can't decide if it's better to escort your vehicle or let you make a run for it!"
"I think we run for it! Albert's an expert driver. Plus, if you escort us, it will just draw attention."
"Can you all fit in the one car?"
"Yes, not a problem, assured Nathan.
"Good, we've already made the Bradford Limo leave the area before they got hemmed in on the other side of the street."
Nathan turned to his Family.
"Everyone, here's the plan. Millicent and I should be safe to go out front to the top of the steps for a minute or two. The Mounties will be in front of us, as you requested, Edward. I need you all to wait here and be ready to race to the back exit with Millicent and me as soon as we re-enter the church. I'd send you now, but if something does happen, it's safer that we're all together. We have to all go in one car and Albert is closest, as they had to remove your car, Edward, for protection. We're going without an escort as that will only draw attention. Everyone okay with all this?"
Both sets of parents nodded.
"Millicent, are you ready?"
"Yes, let's get this over with!"
"That's my Girl!"
As they turned, with Nathan as close as possible to Millicent, ready to throw himself on her, if need be, holding her hand tightly to direct her, they looked quickly at each other for strength, then plastered smiles on both their faces.
But, since they were tense smiles at best, Nathan bent and whispered something lovingly into Millicent's ear, and there was that radiant smile again, the one they so desperately needed!
The Church doors opened and the crowd literally roared as Nathan and Millicent walked out hand in hand.
They both jubilantly smiled and raised their free arms to wave to the crowd.
Some shouted greetings. Some waved back and some took pictures.
But thankfully the chaos was at least controlled.
As Nathan and Millicent gave one last wave and turned to re-enter the Church, everyone exploded with applause shouting, "We love you!" "You're beautiful!" "Congratulations!" "Best wishes!" "He's so handsome!" "She's gorgeous!" "You make a beautiful couple!" and more!
Nathan literally ran to the ground level, practically carrying Millicent, urging their fathers to do the same with their mothers, as Nathan knew they had very little time till the entire crowd would move to the back entrance!
All three couples made it to the back door in record time with two Mounties practically pushing them into the car; the remaining Mounties were doing their best to restrain the ever-increasing crowd within a roped area.
"Go Albert, now!" ordered Nathan. "Be careful, but don't worry about speed. They just want us home safely."
Nathan kept on the edge of his seat so he could help direct Albert, while the others fell back into their own seats with heavy sighs of relief to just be inside the safety of the Limousine!
Sophia held Millicent's shaking hand and kept rubbing her arm, consoling her the best she could.
This had not been something any of them had ever wanted or even ever thought about. And it had been a very close call. But they had made it through the worst.
Now to just get home.
Nathan noticed Albert was taking the back roads and security was having trouble keeping up with him, something he needed to add to his list of concerns to later address with them!
"Albert, you're clear! So far, only a single car from one of the papers is following, that I can tell. But I'm not sure about the blue truck behind them. Where is security?"
"The lead detail is ahead of us, but I don't see the second detail, Sir!"
"Someone may be tailing them. Albert…" and Nathan mouthed the next word. "Armed?"
Albert nodded imperceptibly.
That relieved Nathan, as that made two of them.
Nathan wasn't sure if he was overreacting because this had been an affront on Millicent and his family, or if he really needed to be extra cautious.
Then he remembered what Edward and Victoria had gone through, losing their eldest son, and because of that, he knew he would now always choose to be extra cautious even when not seemingly warranted, where any of the Bradfords were concerned.
As he glanced at Millicent, now fully recovered, talking contentedly with his Mother, a pang seared its way through his body.
He simply couldn't bear to lose her.
She already meant the world to him, and now, he wasn't at all sure, he would ever be able to make it without her next to him.
'I can't even think it - surely I would stop breathing, stop existing. One week and she's already part of me, the biggest part of me, the best part of me! How? How can there possibly be this much love?'
But from somewhere deep inside, the answer came to him.
He had always loved her.
She had been his childhood crush, his teen-aged crush, and even his young adult crush.
And now she would be his wife.
How could one man be so blessed?
He was thankful, more than ever, that as a Mountie, he was always armed, even when his weapon was not visible.
It was the first thing he had been taught in training and he had always adhered to the rule implicitly, never leaving his weapon behind.
But, this was the first time it would come in handy on a personal level, except for his own self-protection.
It would now be for his family as well.
"Albert, is there a back way to the townhouse?"
The ride had started in silence, but now that they were so close to home, everyone was relaxing and chatting so much, that they barely heard Nathan's question.
"Yes, Sir. Just have to cut back a bit!"
"I think it's best!"
Albert did and thankfully so, as the entire street in front of Millicent's townhouse was full of vehicles, and lots of cameramen waiting to capture yet more photos as the couple exited their car.
At the back door, Nathan got out of the car first and rushed the women inside the kitchen, then assisted Edward and Archie.
But he stayed outside for a bit longer, standing hidden behind a column, peaking around to read the names of the newspapers who were there uninvited, so Edward would have more ammunition in reigning them in.
Once that was done, Nathan asked Albert to come in and wait with them, and both men slipped inside the back door.
"Hendrix, can you and Estella please go through the rooms and pull all the drapes closed?"
"Of course, Sir!"
"I'd do it myself, but I shouldn't be seen."
Nathan knew that would only add fuel to the already raging fire.
"We need to stay in the kitchen till all the drapes are closed."
Monsieur Moulin quickly called Victoria, desperately apologizing profusely for the mishap, as he had only submitted one photo as she had requested, leaving the others for the couple's personal use.
But, apparently one of the other photographers had turned over the entire stack of photos to management, with Monsieur Moulin's name on them, and they had run with it.
At least it helped to know he hadn't intentionally betrayed them.
But safeguards were going to have to be established so something like this never happened again.
Everyone was beginning to relax a little when the phone rang again, and Nathan stepped out into the sunroom to take the call there, as all the drapes had been drawn.
Estella moved the parents into the dining room and served them coffee there, while Hendrix prepared to start serving their famous Sunday Brunch!
But the phone's shrill ringing had set them all on edge again!
Millicent followed Nathan as he answered, wrapping her arm around his waist as he spoke.
He carefully drew the mouthpiece up to his mouth and began to listen via the earpiece.
"Bradford Residence…." he spoke in a loud, clear voice.
"Constable Grant is that you? This is Superintendent Stiles. How are things going there?"
"I was just getting ready to call you, Superintendent! We just made it home via the back way. The street in front of the townhouses is full of cars and trucks, mostly the news media. They're all over the front yard with their cameras. I hate to ask, but is there any way they can be removed? They are on private property! And we just want our privacy. We definitely do not want this to become a habit under any circumstance."
"I'm sending a team now, as we speak. We'll clear them out. I know the Bradfords have their own private security, but I'm also sending a team of four Constables to help them watch over the place through the night. You and your family try your best to ignore them and enjoy your time together. I get the feeling, Constable, that very soon your leisure time is going to be at a premium. Enjoy it now while you can!"
"Sir, are you trying to tell me something I should know?"
"Afraid I'm not at liberty to say, Constable, but you know how Headquarters is always piling on our workload. And I will say I'm hearing a lot of rumblings about you. All good! So just don't be surprised if there are some changes in your not-so-distant future. I'll check back in with you later this evening. We'll talk then!"
"Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir!"
Nathan looked pensive as he hung up the phone, not at all sure what Superintendent Stiles was trying to tell him!
"What's wrong, Love?"
"Not sure. It's like Superintendent Stiles is trying to tell me something, but I'm just not sure what! He is however, sending a team of Mounties to clear the street out front, and four more to guard through the night. He's going to check back with us this evening, too. You know, I think we should just ignore outside and enjoy our parents. To say nothing of this Sunday Brunch Extravaganza I've been promised all week! After all this, I'm starved!"
"Me too! And I promise Brunch is going to be worth the wait. You'll see!"
But right now, she was starved for something other than Sunday Brunch!
"Thank you for taking care of all this," she whispered. "I am so very sorry you've been drug into the less enjoyable part of our lives. Although, I suppose it was inevitable!"
He pulled her onto his lap, and kissed her urgently, forgetting about their crazy day for an instant.
"I thought they were selecting one picture, Nathan. I had no idea anything like this would happen! I'm so sorry!"
"You have absolutely nothing to be sorry for. This isn't your fault any more than it's mine. Look at it this way. At least we have beautiful photos commemorating our Engagement!"
"You're much more understanding than I deserve."
"No, just right the right amount of understanding," he grinned. "At least that's my goal!"
"Well, you've more than exceeded your goal!"
"Have I told you today how much I adore you?"
"I can't recall that you've told me today. But you most certainly have shown me over and over!"
"That's good, but even better if I tell you."
"Hmm, I like words. Especially your words!"
His eyes were so blue, sparkling like there was no tomorrow.
'These are happy eyes. Eyes that look totally different than they did just a few weeks ago,' thought Millicent and she marveled at the change.
His contentment and excitement were contagious.
"I adore you so much, more than I ever thought humanly possible. The truth is I can't imagine a time before us, since we've been together. And Mil, we've only been together a week like this. Yet you and I were always meant to be, weren't we?"
"I know so…"
"Happy One-Week Anniversary, Darling!"
"You're making me cry…and I promise I don't normally cry! Although that seems to be all I've done this week!"
"Happy tears are allowed, Darling!"
She kissed him gently…softly…purely.
"You're my everything," she whispered.
"You're my everything, Millicent Bradford! My everything."
They kissed once more, giving of themselves wholly, knowing theirs was an everlasting connection, one that would never be broken.
"Let's get you fed. Your Sunday Brunch is ready, except I usually do the pancakes, but Essie had to fill in today since we were so late getting back."
"As Bill would say, drats!" and he winked, "I'm sure yours are better, but don't tell Essie!"
"Sorry, Love! Afraid she taught me! But mine are pretty wicked!" she laughed.
They walked into the dining room arm in arm with broad smiles on their faces, rejuvenated, ready to forget their morning and the outside world, and instead enjoy time with their families, who were happily sipping their coffee in Millicent's beautiful dining room, with Nathan's beautiful white bouquet center stage.
"Now there are the smiles we were missing!" smiled Victoria, and both she and Sophia got up to hug their adult children.
After hugs with both Nathan and Millicent, Millicent nodded to Hendrix to start serving.
"Come, Mother and Sophia, make yourselves comfortable and we'll start our brunch! Archie, will you please say our blessing?"
"Of course, Dear Child!"
The Families gathered hands and bowed their heads.
"Dear Heavenly Father, we come to You so very grateful for Your protection today. We needed You, our children needed You, and You were there without fail, protecting us, loving us and getting us through. We are so grateful that Nathan and Millicent have found each other and we ask a most special blessing on this their Engagement Brunch. We ask that You be with Allie and help her adjust to the wonderful news she is about to receive. We pray that You open her heart and help her to accept our sweet Millicent as her new Mother. And Dear Father, if You could just somehow let our beautiful Colleen know she is just as cherished as always, and is still very much with us, as we celebrate her brother's and best friend's happiness, it would be most appreciated. We thank You also with grateful hearts for the food we are about to receive. May it nourish our bodies for your Service. In your most precious Name, Amen!"
A chorus of hearty 'Amens' followed and the Bradford and Grant Families were more than ready to partake of the Brunch Feast set before them and spilling over onto the buffet!
"Millicent, why didn't you tell your old Father this is how you celebrate Sundays? Why Victoria, this is much better than at home!"
"Don't dare tell Cook that, Darling. She will take to her bed!" warned Victoria.
"Maybe we'll just stop by here after Church Service every Sunday, and give Cook the day off!"
"Edward, you cannot just invite yourself wherever you want to go, even if it is your own daughter! Especially if it is your own daughter, who's newly engaged!"
They couldn't help but laugh.
"Father, any Sunday, you want, you and Mother have a standing invitation. Now, if we could just figure out a way to move the Ranch here so Sophia and Archie could join us!"
"Wouldn't that be wonderful, Archie?" asked Sophia.
"Wonderful, aye, but afraid the leprechauns would be working deep through the darkest of nights to make that happen my Love!"
"Oh, Archeford! You and your leprechauns!"
Everyone laughed, because Archie had plenty of leprechaun stories, that were more fun than a barrel of laughs!
"Oh, Edward, you have more ammunition against the papers since they're now technically trespassing on the front lawn. And I do have names!"
"Great catch! Those names will come in handy when I call my Attorneys. This really concerns me, Nathan. It's setting a bad precedent unless we nip it in the bud now. And I plan to do just that! But on a brighter note, these might be the best pancakes I've ever had. What is that blueberry and…"
"Blueberry and banana, Father! Your favorite and Archie's favorite combined."
"They're lovely, Lass," agreed Archie. "I suppose you're stuck with me as that train I missed was the last one out today."
"We love that, Archie. We'll just count that as an unexpected blessing from today's fiasco," complimented Victoria and she meant it.
If Victoria had her way, Sophia and Archie would be their permanent next-door neighbors, wherever they happened to be in Canada!
"Millicent, you and Estella have outdone yourselves. Hendrix was right. This is by far the best Brunch I've ever had. Any day with Pancakes and French Toast is a pretty good day," grinned Nathan. "Not counting every other brunch dish known to mankind!"
"I can't get past the selection of meats, Son! But then again, you were always the one with the sweet tooth," teased Archie.
"Sure, Dad, but your sweet tooth leans toward the Irish liqueur!"
"Buail, Son, as we Irish say for Touche! Speaking of which…"
"Archie," chastised Sophia. "Mind your manners!"
"Coming right up, Sir. We have Bellini's and Bloody Mary's. Which would you prefer?" asked Hendrix with a smile.
"Bellinis for our newly engaged couple, as we must toast! But then you can't waste a good Bloody Mary! Aye, what a dilemma!"
Everyone laughed, very tough decisions, indeed!
Nathan quietly perused the dining room, full of the people he loved enjoying each other's company, and suddenly the difficult day didn't seem to matter at all.
Spending time with these people was what mattered.
They were his family.
And they, along with Allie, were truly all that mattered…
(*14) "Blest Day of God, Most Calm, Most Bright," John Mason, Author, 1683, and J. , Composer, 1872, Published in English, 1906, Public Domain
(*15) King James Bible, I Corinthians 13:1-13, Public Domain
